†  Bulletin Announcements  †

July 26, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. . .” We often shortchange God by failing to remember what Paul says here: God can do far more than what we can think or ask. His power, and His love, are without bound and without measure. So why do we fear to follow His word? Isn’t it in fact fear that keeps us back from a life of joyous generosity and open-handedness? But God is able to do far more abundantly! So let us not be afraid to take the Lord at his Word and live according to it.

PASTOR’S SCHEDUE: Pastor, Toni, Karson and Holden leave this Wednesday, (July 29^th), as they vacation in Holden Beach, North Carolina. Provided he suffers no shark bites Pastor will return to the office on Thursday, August 6^th. In Pastor’s absence should you need pastoral care please contact your Elder. If unsure of your Elder, please check the Elder Board in the narthex. Thank you.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Good Shepherd’s Annual Church Picnic to be held on Sunday, August 23^rd at 12:00 p.m. at Tipton Trails Park in Bloomington. Watch for more details to follow.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS: It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project: Lutheran World Relief School Kits. We need your help on filling the book bags. Each bag needs the following: (4) 70 sheet Notebooks; (1) Ruler; (1) Pencil Sharpener; (1) Scissors; (5) #2 pencils; (5) Black or Blue Ballpoint pens; (1) box of 16 or 24 Crayons and (1) 2½” eraser. Any questions please feel free to call Joann Hart at (309) 310-9205. Thank you for your help!

“PRAISE GOD FROM WHO ALL BLESSINGS FLOW”: The Organ Repair and Update Fund for Good Shepherd’s 20^th Anniversary exceeded its goal of $13,325.00. As of July 20^th, our total gifts were $14,166.73. Our congregation has certainly been blessed. Great Is Thy Faithfulness!  The 20^th Church Anniversary Committee

BLOOD DRIVE: Good Shepherd’s Red Cross Blood Drive will be on Monday, September 28^th. In order to be eligible (56 days between blood donations) for our drive please give by the end of this month. We look forward to seeing you and your veins in September.

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.

CAN YOU HELP?: The International House at Illinois State, where we serve a meal each year, is looking for host families for International Students when they first arrive this August. If you are interested please speak with Pastor Lueck who has the information. Also, Pastor or his family members can tell you about the experience if you have questions.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “What Is Truth?” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from John 18:38. Flawed human reason has lost sight of God’s divine truth. 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  †

July 19, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Ephesians 2:13: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” What all of mankind’s efforts, works, and scheming could not do, the blood of Christ did: we have peace with God, we are brought near to the Father. This life-giving sacrifice of Christ for us sets the pattern for the sacrifices we are called to make for others within our vocations in home, church, and society.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. will hear from our District President, Reverend Mark Miller. He will share with us District happenings and take your questions. Please join us to find what is happening in your church.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  This week students probe “The Case of the Old Bed: Jesus Heals at Bethesda.” Jesus is the One who brings healing, not only from sickness but from sin and death. Consider discussing, “How does God heal people today? How can you help someone who needs healing?”

TODAY: We welcome a new couple to Good Shepherd this morning. Jack & Ruth Gooding, longtime members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Chenoa, are transferring in. They reside at 322 Fieldcrest Ct in Normal. Cell phone# is (309) 826-3381 and email: jack_gooding@outlook.com. They have four adult children and many grandchildren. Jack was at one time a professional musician. He retired in 1993 after 45 years with Illinois Power. Ruth retired in 1953 and was a stay-at-home mom. We are blessed to have them and please take a moment to welcome them.

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

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE: Pastor will be out of the office on Tuesday, July 21^st. Pastor and Karson are heading to the Bourbonnais area to meet with the LC-MS churches in the area to find a church home for Karson while away at college. He has to report for football on Friday, August 7^th. (No tears yet – but there will be!)

BLOOD DRIVE: Good Shepherd’s Red Cross Blood Drive will be on Monday, September 28^th. In order to be eligible (56 days between blood donations) for our drive please give by the end of this month. We look forward to seeing you and your veins in September.

MATERIAL AVAILABLE: There is material available for Quilters or Sewers in the Quilting Room. Please take as much as you would like. Deb & Bill Huber

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The July – September 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack 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.

CAN YOU HELP?: The International House at Illinois State, where we serve a meal each year, is looking for host families for International Students when they first arrive this August. If you are interested please speak with Pastor Lueck who has the information. Also, Pastor or his family members can tell you about the experience if you have questions.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Rescued” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 2 Peter 2:9-10. God’s love and forgiveness is to be welcomed, savored, enjoyed, and relished. Drink deeply of His grace! 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  †

July 12, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Amos 7:8:  “And the LORD said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.”  Then the Lord said, “Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them.”  One of the sins for which the Lord condemned the people through Amos was a disregard for the call of kindness, charity, and generosity toward the weak and lowly.  We can see here how seriously the Lord sees this!  And that’s no surprise when we consider how God’s activity toward us is built on kindness, charity, and generosity.  To act otherwise is to act against the Lord’s own nature.

TODAY in our 10:30 worship service the Sacrament of Holy Baptism will be showered upon Keyyon Lee Pleasant.  Keyyon is the infant son of Kevin Pleasant and Maria Kirchner.  His sponsors are Good Shepherd members Paul & Ruth Gerike and Johanna Kirchner.

TODAY, JULY 12^th, is our door Offering for Reverend Michael Kearney and family.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS:  Just to remind you that today is the last day to make your reservations for the Saturday evening Celebration Dinner at 5:30 p.m. on July18th, and also to contribute to the repair and update of the Organ Fund Project for the 20^th Church Anniversary of Good Shepherd.

ATTENTION:  There will be cupcakes and prayer shawls available for a donation at the Celebration Dinner on Saturday, July 18^th for the Organ Fund.  These items will be donated by Laura Kessler.

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

FROM THE OFFICE:  Please note that new Tracee Martin’s (new member) email was published incorrectly in the bulletin on Sunday, June 21^st.  Her correct email is: tracee.martin.g6wh@statefarm.com.

MATERIAL AVAILABLE:  There is material available for Quilters or Sewers in the Quilting Room.  Please take as much as you would like.  Deb & Bill Huber

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The July – September 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack 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.

CAN YOU HELP?  The International House at Illinois State, where we serve a meal each year, is looking for host families for International Students when they first arrive this August.  If you are interested please speak with Pastor Lueck who has the information.  Also, Pastor or his family members can tell you about the experience if you have questions.

FARM FRESH SOUTHERN ILLINOIS PEACHES:  The Trinity Lutheran Youth of Roanoke, IL are taking orders for the peaches.  The cost is $30.00 for a half bushel; $60.00 for a bushel.  You need to place and pay for your order by Saturday, July 25th.  Make check payable to LYF and mail to Trinity Lutheran Church, 202 W Lincoln St., PO Box 268, Roanoke IL 61561.  Please call (309) 923-7646 or (309) 923-5251 to place your order.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “In Christ, Welcome Home” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Ephesians 2:13-21.  Someone from the inside has to come outside and welcome us home.  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  †

June 28, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  2 Corinthians 8:3:  “For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will.”  St. Paul lifts up an example of faithful Christian generosity in the Epistle lesson today.  Read those words again this week and ponder them. How is the Lord calling you to increase your generosity toward His work?

20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION UPDATE: You have through Sunday, July 12^th to make your reservations for the 20^th Church Anniversary Celebration Dinner on Saturday, July 18^th.  The menu includes chicken breast, lasagna, cheddar cheese potatoes, green beans, fresh garden salad, rolls and butter, cake and beverages.  Entertainment will be the music group, The Schueler’s, from Christ Lutheran Church.  While our program is being presented, the young children will be entertained with crafts in the Day Care area.  Also, as you know, the Special Project for this 20th Anniversary is the repair and update of the organ.  July 5^th and July 12^th will be the final collection for this project.  The container for your contribution will be in the narthex of the church. Collection update: As of June 21, 2015, we have collected $7500.00.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Marvin Huth at (309) 829-6897.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying a DVD-based topic, “The Great Deceiver”.  The focus is on the work of Satan from the Bible and how Christ has overcome him through His death and resurrection.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  The investigation for this week is “The Case of the Little Coat: Hannah’s Prayer.”  God cares and provides for the humble and lowly.  Parent might ask, “How does God respond to your prayers?  Who could you pray for?”

TUTION ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE:  Please contact a member of the Board of Christian Education or the church office for more information.  Forms are available in the office.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The July – September 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack 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.

TEACHING ASSOCIATE NEEDED:  Trinity Lutheran School is in need of an Afternoon Teaching Associate in our All Day 4 year old program. The hours are Noon until 3:30 p.m. on regular school days.  Please contact Laura Busse at: laurabusse@trinluth.org or Cindy Guetschow at (309)829-7513 for more information or to submit a cover letter and resume.

FARM FRESH SOUTHERN ILLINOIS PEACHES:  The Trinity Lutheran Youth of Roanoke, IL are taking orders for the peaches.  The cost is $30.00 for a half bushel; $60.00 for a bushel.  You need to place and pay for your order by Saturday, July 25th.  Make check payable to LYF and mail to Trinity Lutheran Church, 202 W Lincoln St., PO Box 268, Roanoke IL 61561.  Please call (309) 923-7646 or (309) 923-5251 to place your order.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “God’s Recipe For a Successful Life” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.  The recipe for a successful life calls for more of Jesus and less of ourselves.  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  †

June 21, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 4:40:  He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”  Faith means trust.  If we trust the Lord, what do we have to be afraid of?  Isn’t it fear that holds us back in our stewardship?  Isn’t it fear that stops us from following the Lord’s Word to give generously toward His work in the Church?  Well…”Why are you so afraid?  Have you still no faith?”  The Lord has proved His trustworthiness by His cross.  You can trust Him.

TODAY:  Good Shepherd welcomes these new members to our congregation this morning in the 8:00 worship service:  Tracee Martin is transferring from Gloria Christi Lutheran Church in Greeley, Colorado.  Tracee is married to Tony and they have two grown children.  She works at State Farm.  She lives at 1049 N 2000 East Road in Heyworth.  Phone is (970) 301-2905 and email is: trace.martin.g6wh@statefarm.com.  Greg and Cindy Sheley and their children, Halle, Garett, and Summer are transferring from Christ Lutheran in Normal.  The children go to Tri-Valley schools and are involved in basketball, golf, volleyball, softball, bowling and track.  Greg is employed by State Farm as a business analyst and Cindy is a homemaker.  They make their home at 19210 Brentwood in Bloomington.  Their email is: sheley5@frontier.com and their phone is (309) 378-4300.  One interesting fact: Good Shepherd member Vicki Miller was Greg’s VBS teacher at Zion Lutheran in Lincoln and they grew up together at that congregation.  We are blessed to have these new brothers and sisters and please take a moment to welcome them.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying a DVD-based topic, “The Great Deceiver”.  The focus is on the work of Satan from the Bible and how Christ has overcome him through His death and resurrection.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL students look into “The Case of the Scarlet Cord: Rahab Believes.” No matter what sins we may have committed, God delivers us, through repentance and faith, from destruction and eternal death. Consider discussing, “How did God rescue the spies?  How has He rescued us?”

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

TUTION ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE:  Please contact a member of the Board of Christian Education or the church office for more information.  Forms are available in the office.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The July – September 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack 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.

TEACHING ASSOCIATE NEEDED:  Trinity Lutheran School is in need of an Afternoon Teaching Associate in our All Day 4 year old program. The hours are Noon until 3:30 p.m. on regular school days.  Please contact Laura Busse at: laurabusse@trinluth.org or Cindy Guetschow at (309)829-7513 for more information or to submit a cover letter and resume.

FARM FRESH SOUTHERN ILLINOIS PEACHES:  The Trinity Lutheran Youth of Roanoke, IL are taking orders for the peaches.  The cost is $30.00 for a half bushel; $60.00 for a bushel.  You need to place and pay for your order by Saturday, July 25th.  Make check payable to LYF and mail to Trinity Lutheran Church, 202 W Lincoln St., PO Box 268, Roanoke IL 61561.  Please call (309) 923-7646 or (309) 923-5251 to place your order.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “You Aren’t Perfect” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 5:43-48.  We aren’t perfect and we can’t change, but we can receive the benefits of Christ’s perfection and sacrifice.  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.

Happy Father’s Day!

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