†  April 3, 2016  †

TODAY:  We welcome to out congregation this morning our adopted Seminary Student Brad Ferch.  Brad will be preaching and conducting Adult Bible Class.  We also welcome Brad’s wife Carole and daughters Madi and Lillie.  Brad is in his 4^th year of study at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN.  We will conduct our monthly Door Offering for the Ferch family following both of our worship services this morning.  Lord’s blessings to all of you!

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 20:19:  “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  Fear is the opposite of faith, that is, the kind of cringing fear we have in the face of something that is hostile to us and more powerful to us.  Jesus spends a lot of His time telling the disciples to not be afraid.  Our fears constantly hem us in and prevent us from following the Lord’s will. But there is no need to fear. Jesus has conquered.  No fear can keep us locked up: we have been set free by Jesus for lives that declare His marvelous deeds.

LWML LADIES:  We will have our monthly meeting this coming Tuesday, April 5^th at 9:00 a.m.

FROM THE OFFICE:  It is once again time to update the Church Directory.  Please check the sheets on the table in the narthex.  Provide any new information by noting directly on these sheets.  There are two listings: 1) Church Directory; 2) Phone Book Listing of Individual Members.  The Phone Book Listing contains your cell phone, home phone, work phone, household e-mail and personal e-mail.  If any of these are missing and you want them to be included in the Directory, please provide that information.  If any are listed and you would prefer not, please note that also.  Contact Janet in the church office with any questions.

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

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.

OUTREACH:  Good Shepherd is blessed once again this year to be providing a meal for International Students at Illinois State University.  The date of the meal is Friday, April 15^th and it begins at 6:15 p.m.  Two sign-ups are available in the narthex.  One is your participation at the meal and the other is for food items that you can bring.  Thank you for your help in this outreach.

THE WALK FOR LIFE for the Pregnancy Resource Center is Saturday, April 23^rd, at 9:00 a.m. at Christ Church in Normal.  If you would like to walk, Pastor has the material in his office.  Also, Pastor and family will once again participate in the Walk.  If you would like to sponsor them with a cash donation, please speak with Pastor.  Thank you.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Good Shepherd will host a Blood Drive on Monday, May 2^nd from 2-6:00 p.m.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Breakfast With Jesus” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 21:1-14.  Jesus shows up and shows us that God is close and God cares.  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.

†  †  †  †  †  †

†   March 27, 2016   †

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 24:6-7:  “He is not here, but has risen.  Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”   So Jesus is risen….but is that Good News?  What if He is mad at us for betraying Him, for running away at Gethsemane, for not believing He would rise?  The Good News is not just that Jesus is risen, but that He is risen to bless us: there is no need to be alarmed.  He still calls us His friends and brothers and means to bring us through death to resurrection as well.  The Lord is risen, He is risen indeed!

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 IN SUNDAY SCHOOL classes learn about “Jesus Feeds Five Thousand”  They learned that in His love, God promises to care for all our physical and spiritual needs and gives us the greatest treasure—His Son and the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.  As a family discuss, “In what ways has God provided for both your physical and spiritual needs?”

NEXT SUNDAY:  We pray you will here next Sunday, April 3^rd, to support our seminary student Brad Ferch, who will be preaching and conducting Adult Bible Class.  Brad will be here with his wife and two daughters.  Brad is in his fourth year of study at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne IN.  We have moved our monthly door Offering up a week because of Brad’s visit.

FROM THE OFFICE:  It is once again time to update the Church Directory.  Please check the sheets on the table in the narthex.  Provide any new information by noting directly on these sheets.  There are two listings: 1) Church Directory; 2) Phone Book Listing of Individual Members.  The Phone Book Listing contains your cell phone, home phone, work phone, household e-mail and personal e-mail.  If any of these are missing and you want them to be included in the Directory, please provide that information.  If any are listed and you would prefer not, please note that also.  Contact Janet in the church office with any questions.

LUTHERAN WITNESS:  It’s time again to renew our subscriptions to the Lutheran Witness.  This year’s cost is $15.96.  If you are not receiving this and would like to do so, please contact Janet in the church office at (309) 662-8905; email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.

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

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.

TO ALL THRIVENT MEMBERS:  Your Choice Dollars for 2015 will expire March 31, 2016. If you haven’t already done so, please contact Thrivent either by e-mail or by phone and direct your choice dollars before the end of March.

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS for the American Passion Play are available for this coming Saturday April 2nd.  Please contact Fern and Theron Noth at (309)473-3222; email: tfnoth@gmail.com or Carol Schroeder at (309)452-2872; email: Gordoncarol304@gmail.com. Performances are at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts and begin at 1:00 pm.

OUTREACH:  Good Shepherd is blessed once again this year to be providing a meal for International Students at Illinois State University.  The date of the meal is Friday, April 15^th and it begins at 6:15 p.m.  Two sign-ups are available in the narthex.  One is your participation at the meal and the other is for food items that you can bring.  Thank you for your help in this outreach.

THE WALK FOR LIFE for the Pregnancy Resource Center is Saturday, April 23^rd, at 9:00 a.m. at Christ Church in Normal.  If you would like to walk, Pastor has the material in his office.  Also, Pastor and family will once again participate in the Walk.  If you would like to sponsor them with a cash donation, please speak with Pastor.  Thank you.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Good Shepherd will host a Blood Drive on Monday, May 2^nd from 2-6:00 p.m.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Blessed Are Believers” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 20:19-31.  By faith in Jesus, you are blessed-even as your struggles continue.  The speaker is Reverend Gregory Seltz.  Hear what they said.  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.

†  †  †  †  †  †

 

†   March 20, 2016  †

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 22: 11: “Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’”  Did Jesus really need this man’s Upper Room?  If the man had refused to let Jesus use it would the work of salvation have been derailed?  Of course not.  But what an honor for the man who owned this room! Likewise with us – the Lord needs none of us, but what an honor for God to choose to use our generosity in the work of His Church.

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”.

IN TODAY’S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON, “Jesus Is Anointed,” the children learn how in faith, a sinful woman lovingly anointed Jesus.  They also learned how in faith we grasp God’s free mercy, receive the forgiveness of sins, and respond with acts of love and praise.  As a family, consider ways that you might respond to God’s mercy.  Ask your children, “What sins will God forgive?”

HOLY WEEK IS UPON US:  Maundy Thursday Worship with Holy Communion begins at 7:00 p.m.  The message from Job: “On Earth Is Not His Equal”.  Good Friday we have a brief “Tre Ore” worship at noon.  That evening is the thought-provoking and spirit inspiring Tenebrae (Service of Darkness) Worship.  As the Lord goes to the cross for you and me.  Our Lenten Messages from Job continue with “Tearing Down The Spite House”.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  Next Sunday, March 27^th, is Easter Sunday.  Worship begins at 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  An Easter Breakfast follows the early service and then Adult Bible Study and Sunday School at their regular time of 9:15 a.m.  The Easter Communion Service culminates in the Blessed Easter Message from the Book of Job: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”.

EASTER LILIES may be purchased for $9.00. They will be placed on the altar on Easter Sunday and may be picked up following the late service on Easter.  The sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and also indicate on the memo line on your check: Easter Lily.  Any questions contact Jackie Kwasny (309) 662-4995.

LUTHERAN WITNESS:  It’s time again to renew our subscriptions to the Lutheran Witness.  This year’s cost is $15.96.  If you are not receiving this and would like to do so, please contact Janet in the church office at (309) 662-8905; email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.

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

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.

TO ALL THRIVENT MEMBERS:  Your Choice Dollars for 2015 will expire March 31, 2016. If you haven’t already done so, please contact Thrivent either by e-mail or by phone and direct your choice dollars before the end of March.

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS for the American Passion Play are available for the following times: Today, March 20^th and Saturday April 2nd.  Please contact Fern and Theron Noth at (309)473-3222; email: tfnoth@gmail.com or Carol Schroeder at (309)452-2872; email: Gordoncarol304@gmail.com. Performances are at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts and begin at 1:00 pm.

YOU ARE INVITED:  Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S. Main St. in Normal will host a traditional Seder (Hebrew for “order”) Meal at the chapel this coming Tuesday, March 22^nd beginning at 7:00 p.m.  A representative from Apple of His Eye Ministry will lead this instructional meal.  Tickets are $5.00 to reserve a seat.  All proceeds going to Apple of His Eye Ministry.  A free-will donation will also be taken on the night of the meal.  Contact Pastor Bill on his cell phone: (217) 836-9305, or at Wittenberg (309) 452-597 to reserve a seat for this event, and/or if you would like to help with the groceries and preparations for the meal.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “An Unbeliever’s Sermon” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 24:5-6.  Reverend Ken Klaus asked several non-believing friends to help him write his Easter Sermon.  Hear what they said.  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. 

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the APRIL 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.

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.

†  †  †  †  †  †

†   March 13, 2016   †

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 20:16: “He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”  When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!”  The crowds were shocked at Jesus’ parable because they took the grace of God for granted.  They never thought that God would actually take “the vineyard” away from them.  But we only have access to God by faith.  And we can drive faith and the Holy Spirit away.  That is the warning of the parable. The Lord has graciously given us His Kingdom – let us not take it for granted, but instead respond with humble thanksgiving!

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”.

IN TODAY’S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON, “Jesus Teaches Us to Trust,” we hear another portion of Jesus Sermon on the Mount. The theme?  Do not worry!  Talk with your children about how God has provided for them. List the blessings God gives your family in this life. Then talk about the eternal and spiritual blessings that God gives through His Son, Jesus.  Ask your children, “What do you worry about?  How has God answered that worry?”

MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICES:  Your Evangelism/Stewardship Board, having been postponed a few weeks ago, are ready to reveal their culinary creations this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the church.  The free-will Offering will be split between Lutherans For Life and Lutheran World Relief.  Our Lenten Worship will then begin at 7:00 p.m. with the message: “God Speaks In The Storm”.

TODAY will be our monthly door Offering for Seminarian Brad Ferch and family.  They will be with us on Sunday, April 3^rd.  Mark your calendars so you can be here to support Brad as he preaches and leads Bible Class.

NEXT SUNDAY, March 20^th, begins Holy Week as we celebrate Palm Sunday.  The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be part of both Worship Services.

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the APRIL 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.

EASTER LILIES may be purchased for $9.00. They will be placed on the altar on Easter Sunday and may be picked up following the late service on Easter.  The sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and also indicate on the memo line on your check: Easter Lily.  Any questions contact Jackie Kwasny (309) 662-4995.

LUTHERAN WITNESS:  It’s time again to renew our subscriptions to the Lutheran Witness.  This year’s cost is $15.96.  If you are not receiving this and would like to do so, please contact Janet in the church office at (309) 662-8905; email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.

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.

TO ALL THRIVENT MEMBERS:  Your Choice Dollars for 2015 will expire March 31, 2016. If you haven’t already done so, please contact Thrivent either by e-mail or by phone and direct your choice dollars before the end of March.

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS for the American Passion Play are available for the following times: Sunday March 20^th and Saturday April 2nd.  Please contact Fern and Theron Noth at (309)473-3222; email: tfnoth@gmail.com or Carol Schroeder at (309)452-2872; email: Gordoncarol304@gmail.com. Performances are at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts and begin at 1:00 pm.

YOU ARE INVITED:  Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S. Main St. in Normal will host a traditional Seder (Hebrew for “order”) Meal at the chapel on Tuesday, March 22^nd beginning at 7:00 p.m.  A representative from Apple of His Eye Ministry will lead this instructional meal.  Tickets are $5.00 to reserve a seat.  All proceeds going to Apple of His Eye Ministry.  A free-will donation will also be taken on the night of the meal.  Contact Pastor Bill on his cell phone: (217) 836-9305, or at Wittenberg (309) 452-597 to reserve a seat for this event, and/or if you would like to help with the groceries and preparations for the meal.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Strive For What You Already Have” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Philippians 2:5-11.  Christianity is about putting to work what God has already given us, in Christ.  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. 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.

†  †  †  †  †  †

†   March 6, 2016   †

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 15:12: “And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.” This prodigal son only sees the father as a source of wealth: give me my inheritance now! Which is to say: you are better off dead in my eyes. This is the sin at the heart of all greed: valuing things over people. This parable calls us to “come to our senses” as well: to see God as the loving Giver of all good, the true Father to be valued above and beyond all the things of this world.

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 IN SUNDAY SCHOOL: “Jesus Preaches on the Mount” is today’s Sunday School lesson. Jesus explains in His Word that He was poor, hungry, sorrowful, hated, and rejected for our sake so that God would grant us His gifts and blessings. Discuss with your children, “How does our sin blinds us? What does Jesus offers us through faith in Him?”

MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICES: The Lenten message this week as we continue our sermon series and worship theme from the Book of Job is: “It Is Enough”. Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. Please come sample the kitchen creations of your Church Council as they serve a meal at 5:30 p.m. in the church basement. The Offering given of your own free will is helping the ministry of Wittenberg Lutheran Center at Illinois State University.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS: Before hitting the pillow next Saturday evening, please “spring forward” with your alarm clock. Along with Pastor we look forward to you being wide-eyed and awake next Sunday (even with the hour of shuteye you lost!).

NEXT SUNDAY, March 13^th, will be our monthly door Offering for Seminarian Brad Ferch and family. They will be with us on Sunday, April 3^rd. Mark your calendars so you can be here to support Brad as he preaches and leads Bible Class.

LUTHERAN WITNESS: It’s time again to renew our subscriptions to the Lutheran Witness. This year’s cost is $15.96. If you are not receiving this and would like to do so, please contact Janet in the church office at (309) 662-8905; email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.

EASTER LILIES may be purchased for $9.00. They will be placed on the altar on Easter Sunday and may be picked up following the late service on Easter. The sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex. Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and also indicate on the memo line on your check: Easter Lily. Any questions contact Jackie Kwasny (309) 662-4995.

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS for the American Passion Play are available for the following times: this coming Saturday, March 12^th; Sunday March 20^th and Saturday April 2nd. Please contact Fern and Theron Noth at (309)473-3222; email: tfnoth@gmail.com or Carol Schroeder at (309)452-2872; email: Gordoncarol304@gmail.com. Performances are at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts and begin at 1:00 pm.

THE CID LLL will have their Annual Convention this coming Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway IL. Lunch is at 12:00 p.m. The speakers are Dr. Nash Naam of Effingham, an advocate for his adopted country; and Polly Gregali from Int’l LHM. Everyone may register by Monday, March 7th, by sending your name and $10.00 per person to Lloyd Foster, 8978 E. St., Hwy 33, Shumway, IL 62461. If you have any questions please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

INGATHERING FOR BABIES BORN IN PRISON: Please consider bringing the following items to the LLL Convention. Due to the State Budget Crisis Macon County Social Services does not have the funds to purchase these items for women who are imprisoned at Decatur Correctional Center. These women are pregnant when they are incarcerated and their babies are allowed to stay a short time with their mothers in a special prison wing. Items in need are: disposable diapers (newborn size); crib sheets, and diaper bags. Thank you for your generosity. Cheryl Garlisch. If you have any questions please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

YOU ARE INVITED: Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S. Main St. in Normal will host a traditional Seder (Hebrew for “order”) Meal at the chapel on Tuesday, March 22^nd beginning at 7:00 p.m. A representative from Apple of His Eye Ministry will lead this instructional meal. Tickets are $5.00 to reserve a seat. All proceeds going to Apple of His Eye Ministry. A free-will donation will also be taken on the night of the meal. Contact Pastor Bill on his cell phone: (217) 836-9305, or at Wittenberg (309) 452-597 to reserve a seat for this event, and/or if you would like to help with the groceries and preparations for the meal.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Reconciled Reconcilers” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Through forgiveness, God gives us another way to deal with people who have hurt us. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. 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.

†  †  †  †  †  †

†   Sunday, February 28, 2016   †

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 13:3: “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” The season of Lent is all about repentance: turning back to the Lord, away from our sins, in faith. We know that it is only in the Lord that we can find salvation. So we do well in this season of repentance to examine ourselves, asking questions like, “What is trying to keep me away from Jesus? What is a temptation I face? What is a sin I need to repent of and leave behind?” Then we turn to the Lord for the strength to leave these sins behind, and for the courage to follow Him in faith and faithful living.

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 IN SUNDAY SCHOOL we study the calling of Jesus’ first disciples with “Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael.” In Jesus, access to heaven is given to all who believe. You might discuss, “How did Philip and Nathanael know that Jesus was the Christ? How do we learn that Jesus is the Christ?

THE MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICES under the theme from the Book of Job, “Learning To Lament” will begin Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The Boards of Trustees and Education will serve a spaghetti meal at 5:30 p.m. in the church basement. The meal Offering will be split between Summer Sunday School and Wittenberg Lutheran Center.

LENTEN DEVOTIONS are available on the table in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today

TO ALL THRIVENT MEMBERS: Your Choice Dollars for 2015 will expire March 31, 2016. If you haven’t already done so, please contact Thrivent either by e-mail or by phone and direct your choice dollars before the end of March.

WINTER WEATHER PLAN: If bad weather is likely, the Elders will send an email reminder to the Newsletter email list the night before services reminding you to check WJBC or email to see if church is cancelled. If you do not receive the Newsletter email and want to receive cancellation emails, subscribe to the Newsletter email at: http://www.goodshepherdblm.org/about-us/contact-us/

GOOD SHEPHERD BLOOD DRIVE: Good Shepherd has been blessed to have another Blood Drive through the Red Cross. Our Spring Drive will be on Monday, May 2^nd in the afternoon. You need 56 days between donations so in order to be eligible for our Drive please give by the end of February.

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 CID LLL will have their Annual Convention on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway IL. Lunch is at 12:00 p.m. The speakers are Dr. Nash Naam of Effingham, an advocate for his adopted country; and Polly Gregali from Int’l LHM. Everyone may register by Monday, March 7th, by sending your name and $10.00 per person to Lloyd Foster, 8978 E. St., Hwy 33, Shumway, IL 62461. If you have any questions please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

INGATHERING FOR BABIES BORN IN PRISON: Please consider bringing the following items to the LLL Convention. Due to the State Budget Crisis Macon County Social Services does not have the funds to purchase these items for women who are imprisoned at Decatur Correctional Center. These women are pregnant when they are incarcerated and their babies are allowed to stay a short time with their mothers in a special prison wing. Items in need are: disposable diapers (newborn size); crib sheets, and diaper bags. Thank you for your generosity. Cheryl Garlisch. If you have any questions please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Marriage is for a lifetime. Want to get out of the rut and focus on the Biblical principles of fidelity, commitment, physical enjoyment and marriage as the Bride of Christ? Lutheran Marriage Encounter is here for you. The next weekend is scheduled for April 1-3, 2016 in Peoria IL. For more information and/or to register visit: www.GodLovesMarriage.org.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Reconciled Reconcilers” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Through forgiveness, God gives us another way to deal with people who have hurt us. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. 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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