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†   Bulletin Announcements   †

February 21, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Philippians 3:19: “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” St. Paul does not want us to set our minds on earthly things, for they are passing away. This is similar to what Jesus says about storing up treasures on earth rather than storing them in heaven. Our heart tends to go where we put our treasure. This is why God commands us to live generously: not to spoil our fun, but to help train us in keeping our priorities straight and our minds off earthly things.

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 the children will study “The Temptation of Jesus.” Like us, Jesus was tempted by Satan to sin. Yet, for us, He overcame all temptation because we cannot. In your family discussions consider asking, “How are we tempted to rely on ourselves and trust in our powers?

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

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICE: The Lenten Journey is upon us this Wednesday with worship at 7:00 p.m. As we work our way through the Book of Job our message is: “Learning To Lament”. The Evangelism/Stewardship Board will lovingly provide the meal. The fellowship begins at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the church and the free-will Offering will go to Lutheran World Relief.

LWML LADIES: We will not be meeting on February 23^rd. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 8^th at 9:00 a.m.

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.

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: “Follow Him” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Matthew 9:9. Is your life headed in the wrong direction? The speaker will be 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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†   Bulletin Announcements   †

February 7, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 9:36: “And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.” Moses and Elijah point to Jesus, speak about Jesus and His sacrifice and then they are happy to fade into the background. They know that what we need is Jesus. With our eyes focused on Him and Him alone the rest of our lives come into focus. He is primary, all else secondary. When that order is right in our lives, things truly fall into place. Or as Jesus Himself said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto 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 IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, we learn more about “John Prepares the Way.” As John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, so our pastors point us to this same Jesus, who grants us forgiveness, life, and salvation. Ask your children, “What did you learn about John, what he ate, and how he dressed?”

LENT IS EARLY THIS YEAR! Yes, it seems like we just got through Advent/Christmas/Epiphany. Ash Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion is this coming Wednesday, February 10^th at 7:00 p.m. Our Lenten Theme this year is based on the Book of Job: Blessed Be The Name of the Lord!  Plan to join your church family during this penitential season.

ACTION IN MINISTRY: A new segment of The Lutheran Hour exploring topics that will Enrich Your Faith and Equip You to Spread His Word! Listen on your local station, online, or download the TLH app TODAY! LEARN MORE at: www.lutheranhour.org. Follow us on Facebook: lutheranhourministries.

TODAY: Pick up your free copy of the Lenten Devotions Booklet. They are available on the table in the narthex.

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, please subscribe to the Newsletter  email at: http://www.goodshepherdblm.org/about-us/contact-us/ 

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.

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE FISH FRY: Pastors Joe Burns of Eureka and Bruce Scarbeary of Roanoke are sponsoring a Lutherans For Life Fish Fry. It is a dinner for up to twenty people with the proceeds going to a local Lutherans For Life Chapter. They are taking “bids” until March 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. If you would like to bid on this group outing, please place your bid and information on the sheet in the narthex. The current high bid is $700.00.

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: “Call On Him” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Romans 10:11-13. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Everyone? Yes! The speaker will be 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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†  Bulletin Announcements  †

January 31, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” Love is the greatest of the three “theological virtues” because God is Love. That is why love is the fulfillment of the Law, because the Law is the reflection of God’s being and God is love. St. Paul urges the Corinthians to grow in love, to grow up into the image of Christ who demonstrates what love looks like with His sacrifice on the cross. For love always seeks the good of the other, always seeks to serve, to give, to bless.

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:  The lesson today is “The Boy Jesus in the Temple.” As a boy, Jesus was found in His Father’s house. In God’s house I hear His Word, see that Jesus is my Savior, and receive His gifts of forgiveness and salvation. Because of sin, we are like Jesus’ parents and do not understand what Gods says to us. We don’t recognize who Jesus truly is—our Savior. Ask your children, “How does the Holy Spirit help identify who Jesus is?”

LENT IS EARLY THIS YEAR! Yes, it seems like we just got through Advent/Christmas/Epiphany. Ash Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion is on Wednesday, February 10^th at 7:00 p.m. Our Lenten Theme this year is based on the Book of Job: Blessed Be The Name of the Lord! Plan to join your church family during this penitential season.

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/

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.

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE FISH FRY: Pastors Joe Burns of Eureka and Bruce Scarbeary of Roanoke are sponsoring a Lutherans For Life Fish Fry. It is a dinner for up to twenty people with the proceeds going to a local Lutherans For Life Chapter. They are taking “bids” until March 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. If you would like to bid on this group outing, please place your bid and information on the sheet in the narthex. The current high bid is $500.00.

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: “It’s Best To Be With Jesus” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Luke 9:28-36. Life is not a do-it-yourself project. To live life to its fullest, we need Jesus. The speaker will be 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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†  Bulletin Announcements  †

January 24, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  I Cor. 12:16: “And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.” The Lord has called each of us individually and given each of us unique gifts. He has made our whole lives holy in our Baptism and has called us to a life together in the Church, His body. You are a part of that body, and that body needs you and the gifts the Lord has given you. This is your holy calling from the Lord.

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: “The Visit of the Wise Men,” as told in Matthew 2, is the Bible story in Sunday School today. This Bible story teaches us that the Savior came into the world for the salvation of all people. Just as the Wise Men came to Bethlehem to see the Savior and honor Him, so we come to church to see the Savior in His Word and Sacraments. With these gifts, He both honors and blesses us. Consider discussing, “How are we sometimes like Herod? How are we like the Wise Men?”

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

FORT WAYNE SEMINARY COOP COLLECTION: John & Paula Hardy will be traveling to Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana again this year. Please bring in any lightly used clothing or household items that you wish to donate for the seminarians and their families. The CoOp provides these items to the seminarians and their family free of charge and really helps in making their time at the seminary more affordable. Please have your donations to the church on or before this coming Thursday, January 28^th. We will be packing up, and depending on weather, leaving on Friday, January 29th.

FROM THE OFFICE: If you do not receive the Church Newsletter by email, please pick up your copy of the January Newsletter on the table in the narthex. This is only for the month of January. Thank you!

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/

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The January – March 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack 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.

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE FISH FRY: Pastors Joe Burns of Eureka and Bruce Scarbeary of Roanoke are sponsoring a Lutherans For Life Fish Fry. It is a dinner for up to twenty people with the proceeds going to a local Lutherans For Life Chapter. They are taking “bids” until March 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. If you would like to bid on this group outing, please place your bid and information on the sheet in the narthex. The current high bid is $500.00

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “If Jesus Had Stayed” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Luke 4:42b-43. God wants us to love Him in response to His love for us. The speaker will be 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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†   Bulletin Announcements   †

January 17, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 2:3: “When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”” Behold the faith of Mary: she sees a problem and simply lays it before her Son and Lord, “They have no wine.” She does not offer a proposed solution, she does not demand, she simply states her need and waits for the Lord’s response. She trusts that the Lord is a giver and she knows that He always provides. May such a faith be ours!

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Created – Redeemed – Called: A Foundational For Life Bible Study”.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL the lesson is “The “Presentation of Jesus” in the temple. Already in His infancy, Jesus was fulfilling the Law for us and for our salvation. Ask your children, “What happened and who was in the temple waiting to see the promised Savior? What does this text tell us about who we find in God’s house?

FROM THE OFFICE: If you do not receive the Church Newsletter by email, please pick up your copy of the January Newsletter on the table in the narthex. This is only for the month of January. Thank you!

FORT WAYNE SEMINARY COOP COLLECTION: John & Paula Hardy will be traveling to Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana again this year. Please bring in any lightly used clothing or household items that you wish to donate for the seminarians and their families. The CoOp provides these items to the seminarians and their family free of charge and really helps in making their time at the seminary more affordable. Please have your donations to the church on or before Thursday, January 28^th. We will be packing up, and depending on weather, leaving on Friday, January 29th.

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/

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The January – March 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack 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.

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE FISH FRY: Pastors Joe Burns of Eureka and Bruce Scarbeary of Roanoke are sponsoring a Lutherans For Life Fish Fry. It is a dinner for up to twenty people with the proceeds going to a local Lutherans For Life Chapter. They are taking “bids” until March 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. If you would like to bid on this group outing, please place your bid and information on the sheet in the narthex. The current high bid is $500.00

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Not What You’d Expect” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from John 2:1-11. Jesus turns water into wine and challenges our notions of what God should or shouldn’t do. The speaker will be 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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