June 26, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Kings 19:18:  “Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”  Elijah was so sure that he was right: that he was the only one left who had not gone after Baal.  But he was too pessimistic; his faith in God was off-center.  We can’t go by our own wisdom.  We must trust the Lord and what He has revealed to us in His Word.  Think about how this applies to our support of God’s work in the Church with our Offering (take at look in the Small Catechism’s Table of Duties to see what the Bible has to say about our giving….).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM: MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD:  This summer we will be learning about new countries, cultures and foods from around the world, as we learn about Baptism, the Lord’s Prayer, Confession and Communion.  Today’s lesson will focus on “Coming Out of Egypt”.  Please join us in the church basement in the Youth Area at 9:15 a.m.

CAN YOU HELP?  We need a Sunday School Teacher for Sunday, July 10^th.  Please contact Paula Hardy if you can help out.  Her cell phone# is (309) 829-8432; work phone# is (309) 821-2671.  Thank you.

IN OUR PRAYERS:  Chris Crider and Erin Dirks who will be united in Holy Matrimony next Saturday afternoon here at Good Shepherd.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The July—September 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the bookrack located in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

TUITION ASSISTANCE:  Anyone that would like to apply for Tuition Assistance may do so by filling out the Application Form which are located on the bookcase in the church office.  When completed, please return to the church office.  Applications are due by Sunday, August 7, 2016.  Thank you.  The Board of Christian Education

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell.  We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee.  If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled.  We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.

YOU ARE INVITED to Luther Oaks Healthcare Pavilion Grand Opening on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.  Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 4:00 pm.  Reception to follow from 5-7:00 p.m.  Luther Oaks is located at 601 Lutz Road in Bloomington.  Space is limited.  To reserve your place, please call (309) 557-8000 by Tuesday, July 5^th.

FRESH PEACHES:  The Youth of Trinity Lutheran Church in Roanoke are selling Southern Illinois Peaches.  The cost is: $30.00 for a half bushel; $60.00 for a bushel.  Orders need to be in by Sunday, July 24, 2016.  Please call (309) 923-7647 of (309) 923-5251 for more information.

CAMP CILCA is looking for donations to auction off at the 2016 Chicken Fry and Auction on Sunday, September 4, 2016.  If you would like to donate an item for auction, please contact the Camp office at (217)487-7497.  Thank you in advance for your continued support!

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Freedom In Action” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Galatians 6:1-18.  In Christ, you are free from being ruled by your burdens, free to serve others for the glory of God.  The speaker is Reverend Gregory Seltz.  Hear this Sunday’s message on the Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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June 19, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 8:37: “Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.”  The Gerasenes are upset with Jesus because His ministry led to the loss of their pig herd, their wealth.  They want Jesus to go away before He does any more damage to their bottom line.  Their priorities are clear.  What about our priorities?  Is the work and ministry of Jesus worthy of our support and the sacrifice of some of our wealth?

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM: MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD:  This summer we will be learning about new countries, cultures and foods from around the world, as we learn about Baptism, the Lord’s Prayer, Confession and Communion.  Today’s lesson will focus on “Disciples Preaching and Healing”.  Please join us in the church basement in the Youth Area at 9:15 a.m.

CAN YOU HELP?  We need a Sunday School Teacher for Sunday, July 10^th.  Please contact Paula Hardy if you can help out.  Her cell phone# is (309) 829-8432; work phone# is (309) 821-2671.  Thank you.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.

TODAY:  Our Prayer Shawl Ministry, “Threads of Grace,” has received a service grant from Thrivent!  This morning Ann Hammond and Kyryth Kessler will be holding a “Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday.”  Following both worship services, Ann will speak to the congregation about the mission of the Ministry.  A table will be set up in the narthex where Kyryth will be seated with the totes they were able to purchase from the grant.   Knitting and crochet lessons will be offered!  Ann will teach basic knitting and Kyryth will teach basic crochet.  A sign-up sheet will be available to sign-up for lessons. If you have any questions please see or call Ann at (309)846-0742 or Kyryth at (309)310-5607.

FROM THE OFFICE:  The church has received a postcard from the Hilbert Family.  It is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The July—September 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the bookrack located in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

TUITION ASSISTANCE:  Anyone that would like to apply for Tuition Assistance may do so by filling out the Application Form which are located on the bookcase in the church office.  When completed, please return to the church office.  Applications are due by Sunday, August 7, 2016.  Thank you.    The Board of Christian Education

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell.  We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee.  If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled.  We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.

FRESH PEACHES:  The Youth of Trinity Lutheran Church in Roanoke are selling Southern Illinois Peaches.  The cost is: $30.00 for a half bushel; $60.00 for a bushel.  Orders need to be in by Sunday, July 24, 2016.  Please call (309) 923-7647 of (309) 923-5251 for more information.

CAMP CILCA is looking for donations to auction off at the 2016 Chicken Fry and Auction on Sunday, September 4, 2016.  If you would like to donate an item for auction, please contact the Camp office at (217)487-7497.  Thank you in advance for your continued support!

POSITION AVAILABLE: Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington is seeing a Marketing and Communications Coordinator—29 hours/week.  Ideal candidate is comfortable leading others, possessing skills in graphic design, web design and management, social media, print production, and office support.  Contact becky@trinluth.org or 309-834-3208.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Don’t Touch That Dial!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Galatians 5:1.  In Christ, e find freedom from sin, but not freedom to sin.  The speaker is Reverend Ken Klaus.  Hear this Sunday’s message on the Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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June 12, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 7:41: “A certain moneylender had two debtors.  One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. . .”  Our debt of sin and death has been paid by the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have been forgiven much, so we love the Lord much!  How could we not therefore gladly and generously support the work of the Church in bringing this saving Gospel message to all nations, starting right at home in our own congregations?  

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.

TODAY’S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON IS “Jesus Preaching and Healing”.

CAN YOU HELP?  We need a Sunday School Teacher for Sunday, July 10^th.  Please contact Paula Hardy if you can help out.  Her cell phone# is (309) 829-8432; work phone# is (309) 821-2671.  Thank you.

TODAY we will have door Offering for the Hilbert Family.  The Hilbert’s are missionaries with Lutheran Bible Translators in Botswana.  When they arrived there recently the house they are staying in was not furnished and even the kitchen cabinets had been taken.  The gifts will go toward helping them acquire the things that they need for their home as they do their mission work in Africa.  The church received a postcard from the Hilbert Family.  It is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

ELECTION OF SYNOD PRESIDENT:  Yesterday, June 11^th, through Tuesday, June 14^th, the election of the President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) is taking place electronically.  Representing Good Shepherd in the vote are Pastor Lueck and Mr. Steve Parry; delegates to last summer’s District Convention.  Pastor Lueck will give a brief outline of the candidates at the beginning of today’s Bible Class.  We include this in our prayers this morning and humbly ask for the congregation’s prayers as we elect the Synod’s spiritual leader.

OUR PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY, “Threads of Grace,” has received a service grant from Thrivent!  Next Sunday, June 19^TH, Ann Hammond and Kyryth Kessler will be holding a “Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday.”  Following both worship services, Ann will speak to the congregation about the mission of the Ministry.  A table will be set up in the narthex where Kyryth will be seated with the totes they were able to purchase from the grant.   Knitting and crochet lessons will be offered!  Ann will teach basic knitting and Kyryth will teach basic crochet.  A sign-up sheet will be available to sign-up for lessons. Questions?  Give Ann a call at (309)846-0742 or Kyryth at (309)310-5607.  See you on Sunday June 19^th.

TUITION ASSISTANCE:  Anyone that would like to apply for Tuition Assistance may do so by filling out the Application Form which are located on the bookcase in the church office.  When completed, please return to the church office.  Applications are due by Sunday, August 7, 2016.  Thank you.    The Board of Christian Education

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell.  We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee.  If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled.  We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “No Longer Slaves, But Free” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Galatians 3:23—4:7.  The Bible doesn’t speak of Utopian dreams or dystopian fears; it delivers the reality of freedom from sin and death.  The speaker is Reverend Gregory Seltz.  Hear this Sunday’s message on the Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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June 5, 2016

ATTENTION YOUTH:  You are invited to join us for a new Bible Study beginning TODAY at 9:15 a.m. in the Conference Room.  The title is: “Real Deal – It’s A Big Deal”.  Faith Related Issues such as Faith Challenges, Worship, Other Religions, and Religious Rights, etc.  If you have any questions please see or call Mary Anne Kirchner at (309) 532-2582.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.

TODAY’S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON IS “Daniel in the Lions’ Den”.  Daniel called upon the one true God, who heard Daniel’s prayer and protected him in the lions’ den.  God hears our prayers and protects us from sin, death, and the devil.  Discuss with your children, “When are you tempted to not trust God?” “How does God answer our prayers today?”

NEXT SUNDAY, June 12^th, we will have door Offering for the Hilbert Family.  The Hilbert’s are missionaries with Lutheran Bible Translators in Botswana.  When they arrived there recently the house they are staying in was not furnished and even the kitchen cabinets had been taken.  The gifts will go toward helping them acquire the things that they need for their home as they do their mission work in Africa.

TUITION ASSISTANCE:  Anyone that would like to apply for Tuition Assistance may do so by filling out the Application Form which are located on the bookcase in the church office.  When completed, please return to the church office.  Applications are due by Sunday, August 7, 2016.  Thank you.                        The Board of Christian Education

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell.  We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee.  If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled.  We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:  The Living Alternatives Pregnancy Center is having a Volunteer Opportunity Open House on Thursday, June 9^th.  The times are: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Center is located at 303 Landmark Drive, Suite 1B in Normal.  Last month’s Walk For Life had 149 walkers (including Pastor & Toni) and raised $46,000.00.  God bless you all.

FROM THE OFFICE:  As of Tuesday, May 31^st at 11:30 a.m., Laura Kessler will no longer be known as Laura.  Laura will appear in court that day to have her name legally changed to Kyryth.  Please pronounce it “Kir-ith.”   If you would like to know why she made this decision, please feel free to ask her.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Not By Your Works” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Galatians 2:15-21; 3:10-14.  God’s grace is real and it can change everything, even in our world today  The speaker is Reverend Gregory Seltz.  Hear this Sunday’s message on the Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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May 29, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Galatians 1:6: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.”  The Bible uses the image of “turning” to another gospel, or to another god, to show us the seriousness of sin.  When we are tempted to follow some sinful course of action, we are being told to turn our backs on God.  But the Lord calls upon us to turn away from sin and turn toward Him – where we will find a Father’s smiling face and loving embrace.  In our stewardship, let us not turn toward greed in fear, but toward our Lord in humility and faith.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR TODAY focuses on the story of “Jesus and the Little Children.”  In our sin, we are like small children: helpless, dependent, and needy.  So Jesus came to bestow His love and eternal gifts upon us.  Parents could discuss, “How did Jesus show His compassion on these little children?  How does Jesus shower His compassion on us?”

FROM THE OFFICE:  Tomorrow, May 30^th, is Memorial Day and the church office will be closed.  Thank you.

ATTENTION YOUTH:  You are invited to join us for a new Bible Study beginning next Sunday, June 5^th, at 9:15 a.m. in the Conference Room.  The title is: “Real Deal – It’s A Big Deal”.  Faith Related Issues such as Faith Challenges, Worship, Other Religions, and Religious Rights, etc.  If you have any questions please see or call Mary Anne Kirchner at (309) 532-2582.  

ON SUNDAY, June 12^th, we will have door Offering for the Hilbert Family.  The Hilbert’s are missionaries with Lutheran Bible Translators in Botswana.  When they arrived there recently the house they are staying in was not furnished and even the kitchen cabinets had been taken.  The gifts will go toward helping them acquire the things that they need for their home as they do their mission work in Africa.

TUITION ASSISTANCE:  Anyone that would like to apply for Tuition Assistance may do so by filling out the Application Form which are located on the bookcase in the church office.  When completed, please return to the church office.  Applications are due by Sunday, August 7, 2016.  Thank you.                        The Board of Christian Education

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:  The Living Alternatives Pregnancy Center is having a Volunteer Opportunity Open House on Thursday, June 9^th.  The times are: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Center is located at 303 Landmark Drive, Suite 1B in Normal.  Last month’s Walk For Life had 149 walkers (including Pastor & Toni) and raised $46,000.00.  God bless you all.

FROM THE OFFICE:  As of Tuesday, May 31^st at 11:30 a.m., Laura Kessler will no longer be known as Laura.  Laura will appear in court that day to have her name legally changed to Kyryth.  Please pronounce it “Kir-ith.”   If you would like to know why she made this decision, please feel free to ask her.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Christ’s Good News” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Galatians 1:11-24.  What is the Gospel?  It’s Good News of God’s forgiving love for us, in Jesus Christ.  The speaker is Reverend Gregory Seltz.  Hear this Sunday’s message on the Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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May 22, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  From the Service of the Sacrament: “Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of Sabaoth adored.”  Three times the angels in Isaiah 6 cry out: “Holy, Holy, Holy!” which is an indication of the threeness in the one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  This is the Name we are baptized into.  We have been made a part of God’s family.  And so we are now called to live lives that are in harmony with our new family: we are to be godly, to live in God’s image.  As God is loving, and kind, and generous – so are we called to be.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS:  Today we will have a special Adult/High School Bible Class.  Karson Lueck will be talking about the Christian faith from his generation’s perspective.  He will talk about what he has observed from college, friends, and young people.  Join us at 9:15 a.m. in the basement of the church.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, the children learn, “Jesus Heals Ten Lepers.”  Jesus forgives and heals us from the sickness of sin and death.  Discuss, “What does it mean to be healed of our sin-sickness?  How do we thank God for His grace?”

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the JUNE NEWSLETTER.  Mandy Kluender is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at mgkluender@hotmail.com or you may call her at (309) 838-9868.

NEXT SUNDAY, May 29^th, is a fifth Sunday so Holy Communion will be celebrated in both worship services.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Sandy will be out of the church office this coming Thursday, May 26^th, and Friday, May 27^th.  Please have any announcements you would like published in the bulletin for Sunday, May 29^th to her by Monday morning, May 23^rd as that is the day she will be copying the bulletin for Sunday, May 29^th.  Thank you!

ATTENTION YOUTH AND POST-CONFIRMATION YOUTH:  You are invited to join us for a new Bible Study beginning on Sunday, June 5^th, at 9:15 a.m. in the Conference Room.  The title is: “Real Deal – It’s A Big Deal”.  Faith Related Issues such as Faith Challenges, Worship, Other Religions, and Religious Rights, etc.  If you have any questions please see or call Mary Anne Kirchner at (309) 532-2582.  

TUITION ASSISTANCE:  Anyone that would like to apply for Tuition Assistance may do so by filling out the Application Form which are located on the bookcase in the church office.  When completed, please return to the church office.  Applications are due by Sunday, August 7, 2016.  Thank you.   The Board of Christian Education

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell.  We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee.  If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled.  We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Identity Theft” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Galatians 1:5-8.  Nobody likes to have their identity stolen, and that includes the Lord who said, “You shall have no other gods before Me.”  The speaker is Reverend Ken Klaus.  Hear this Sunday’s message on the Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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