† Bulletin Announcements †

March 22, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 10:45:  “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Jesus gives everything He has: He gives Himself.  That self-giving is the model for our giving in all aspects of our lives.  In our family, in our church, and in the world at large, Jesus calls us to follow His example in self-giving.  We can only do this if we are connected to His self-giving in faith.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, will be studying during Lent: “Singing With The Exiles”, based on the Book of Isaiah.  This Bible Study corresponds with the Wednesday evening Lenten messages.  The class is at 9:15 a.m. in the church basement.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  “The Widow’s Mite” serves as the focus of the Sunday School lesson for today.  Just as the widow gave all she had to God, trusting Him to provide and care for her, so Jesus gave His all for us, who fail to trust in God for all things. Consider discussing, “How was the widow’s offering different from the others?  How has God given us His greatest treasure?”

COLLECTION FOR ORGAN REPAIR:  Today is the second week for our collection for the 20^th Church Anniversary Special Project for the Organ Repair and Update.  There is a large container located in the narthex for this contribution.  We will have four more times to make additional contributions so save up your pennies, nickels, quarters and dollars.  Those dates are: Sunday, May 24th;  Sunday, May 31^st; Sunday, July 5^th and Sunday, July 12^th.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICE:  Our final Wednesday Lenten Service is this week at 7:00 p.m.  The Sermon: “One Little Word Can Fell Him”.  As this goes to press there are still slots to sign-up to bring food.  The table in the narthex has the information.  The free-will Offering at the meal will go to the Hilbert’s who work for Lutheran Bible Translators.

PASTOR’S ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS begins this Thursday, March 26^th at 7:00 p.m.

PALM SUNDAY:  Next Sunday, March 29^th, is Palm Sunday.  We will celebrate Holy Communion in both worship services.

EASTER LILIES:  If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily for the altar on Easter Sunday there is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex.  The cost of the Lilies is $9.00 each.  You may pick them up after the late service on Easter.  Please contact Jackie Kwasny if you have any questions at (309) 662-4995.

FROM THE OFFICE:  It is once again time to update the Church Directory.  Please check your entry on the sheets located on the table in the narthex.  Provide any new information by noting it 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.  Please contact Janet in the church office with any questions.  Thank you.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The April – June 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

THANK YOU to our Thrivent members who directed their “Choice dollars” to us in 2014, which totaled $4,010.00.  This is very much appreciated to help with our expenditures.

“JOURNEY TO THE CROSS”:  You are invited to join us for a sensory learning event that covers the last days of Jesus’ life on earth.  Meet the witnesses from the Bible; taste, touch, feel, and be a part of the Passion story.  Take a walking Journey with your Passport in hand and be transported back to the time of Christ.  The Journey takes place at Zion Lutheran Church, 117 N Walnut in Wenona, IL this coming Saturday March 28, 2015 from 1-5:00 p.m.  Please schedule your Journey by calling the church at (815) 853-4479.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Show Me” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 19:17-18.  Jesus really did die and three days later He really did conquer death through His resurrection.  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.

CHURCH OFFICE:  The Office Hours for Janet and Sandy are as follows:  Janet:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and others times by request/appointment.  Sandy’s hours are Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Also, if you stop by the church please let the office know that you are in the building.

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† Bulletin Announcements †

March 15, 2015

TODAY:  We are blessed to have with us today Seminarian Chris Suggitt and his family.  Chris is in his fourth and final year of schooling at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  We have supported Chris both this year and in his 2^nd year of school.  Last year he served his vicarage in Palo Alto, California.  Chris will receive his call into the Holy Ministry in April.  Our door offering after both services will be for Chris and his family.  At our 9:15 a.m. Bible Class in the basement, Chris will discuss his time at the seminary, vicarage, upcoming call and we will have time for questions as well.

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Ephesians 2:10:  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  Even the good we do in this world is a gift from God, prepared beforehand for us to do. And this too is a gift!  For isn’t doing good also good for the one who does it?  So from first to last, from the Lord’s free salvation given to us to the good works He’s prepared for us to walk in, it is all a gift of God’s grace.

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.

COLLECTION FOR ORGAN REPAIR:  Today we have a large container in the narthex for you to leave off your contribution for our special project which is the Organ Repair and Update.  You may also bring your contribution next Sunday, March 22^nd.

OUR MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICE will be on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The Sermon that night is: “Get Out”; continuing with our theme from the Book of Isaiah.  We would like to encourage members to sign-up to bring food for the meal at 5:30 p.m.  We especially want to open it up to members who do not serve on a Board and have not served yet.  The Offering at the meal will go to support the important work of “Lutherans For Life”.

EASTER LILIES:  If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily for the alter on Easter Sunday there is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex.  The cost of the Lilies is $9.00 each.  You may pick them up after the late service on Easter.  Please contact Jackie Kwasny if you have any questions at (309) 662-4995.

PASTOR’S ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS:  Because of scheduling conflicts, the Adult Instruction Class will not begin until Thursday, March 26^th at 7:00 p.m.

FROM THE OFFICE:  It is once again time to update the Church Directory.  Pleaes check your entry on the sheets located on the table in the narthex.  Provide any new information by noting it 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.  Please contact Janet in the church office with any questions.  Thank you.

THANK YOU to our Thrivent members who directed their “Choice dollars” to us in 2014, which totaled $4,010.00.  This is very much appreciated to help with our expenditures.

YOU ARE INVITED:  In celebration and thanksgiving to God, you are invited to attend the Installation Service for Reverend Jeremy Latzke next Sunday, March 22^nd, at 3:00 pm at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 800 S. Division St.,  Chenoa, IL 61726.  A reception will follow the service.

“JOURNEY TO THE CROSS”:  You are invited to join us for a sensory learning event that covers the last days of Jesus’ life on earth.  Meet the witnesses from the Bible; taste, touch, feel, and be a part of the Passion story.  Take a walking Journey with your Passport in hand and be transported back to the time of Christ.  The Journey takes place at Zion Lutheran Church, 117 N Walnut in Wenona, IL on Saturday March 28, 2015 from 1-5:00 p.m.  Please schedule your Journey by calling the church at (815) 853-4479.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “No Regrets? Follow Jesus!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 16:21-26.  In the end, sinners will not regret having followed 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.

OFFICE:  The Office Hours for Janet and Sandy are as follows:  Janet:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and others times by request/appointment.  Sandy’s hours are Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Also, if you stop by the church please let the office know that you are in the building.

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† Bulletin Announcements †

March 8, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 2:16:  “And he told those who sold the pigeons, take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”  The Lord’s House is not a place to sell, but a place to receive and a place to give.  It’s not a place for our schemes and plans for the Lord’s gracious giving and our faithful sacrifices in response

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, will be studying during Lent: “Singing With The Exiles”, based on the Book of Isaiah.  This Bible Study corresponds with the Wednesday evening Lenten messages.  The class is at 9:15 a.m. in the church basement.

 TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL students explore the story “Jesus Clears the Temple.” Jesus’ cleansing of the temple carries a twofold message for the Jews and for us: first, that the true Lord of the temple was here in the flesh and, second and more important, that Jesus is the true temple, who houses and perfects us, raising our bodies to be like His. Parents could ask, “Why did Jesus clear the temple? How is Jesus our temple?”

TODAY’S DOOR OFFERING will be given to Reverend Michael Kearney and family.  Please read Reverend Kearney’s letter posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.  Next Sunday, March 15^th, Seminarian Chris Suggitt will be here to preach and lead Adult Bible Class.  Let’s support Chris and his family with both our presence in worship and the door offering we will have for him.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICE:  Lenten worship continues this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The message: “Breaking Down the Gates”.  The combined Board of Trustees/Board of Education will serve the meal at 5:30 p.m.  The free-will offering will go toward Vacation Bible School.

COLLECTION FOR ORGAN REPAIR – GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS:  Starting next Sunday, March 15^th and the following Sunday, March 22^nd you may bring your Anniversary Jar and drop your contribution into the large container located in the narthex.  We will have four more times to bring in your collection: Sunday, May 24^th, Sunday, May 31^st and again on Sunday, July 5^th and Sunday, July 12^th.

PASTOR’S ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS:  Because of scheduling conflicts, the Adult Instruction Class will not begin until Thursday, March 26^th at 7:00 p.m.

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.

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.

CID LLL CONVENTION REGISTRATION:  The Lutheran Hour Ministries update of ongoing projects, such as the State Fair, will be held this coming Saturday, March 14^th at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 Charleston Ave., Mattoon IL.  Registration Forms are available on the table in the narthex and are due no later than Monday, March 9^th.  Come and have fun and great food!  If you have any questions, please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Power of God’s Enduring Forgiveness and Grace” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 16:33.  Jesus offers reconciliation and restoration to those overcome by trouble and regret.  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.

THE CHURCH OFFICE HOURS:  The Office Hours for Janet and Sandy are as follows:  Janet:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and others times by request/appointment.  Sandy’s hours are Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Also, if you stop by the church please let the office know that you are in the building.

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† Bulletin Announcements †

March 1, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 8:32:  “And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.”  Anytime we sin we are acting like Peter: thinking we know better than the Lord.  But as Jesus says, such acts stem from Satan.  So let us repent: let us trust our Lord Jesus and follow Him.  For certainly He has earned our trust with His gracious sacrifice for us.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, will be studying during Lent: “Singing With The Exiles”, based on the Book of Isaiah.  This Bible Study corresponds with the Wednesday evening Lenten messages.  The class is at 9:15 a.m. in the church basement.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL students study the account “Jesus Calms a Storm.”  Just as Jesus calmed the storm with His Word for the frightened disciples, so He calms and ends the storm of sin and death by taking our sin upon Himself and dying in our place so we may live eternally.  Consider discussing, “What did Jesus do to calm the storm?  How does Jesus calm the storms in our life?”

THIS WEEK:  Pastor hosts the Bloomington South Circuit Pastors and Delegates this Tuesday, March 3^rd, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.  Please be aware if you need to be at church that day.  Thank you.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICE:  We gather for Lenten Worship this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The Sermon: “Marked”.  The Evangelism/Stewardship Board with smiles on their faces will be serving the soup/sandwich meal at 5:30 p.m.  The free-will Offering will support the mission of Wittenberg Lutheran Center on the campus of Illinois State University.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8^TH & Sunday, March 15^th:  This month we will have two door Offerings.  Next Sunday, March 8^th, will be our regular one, which will go to Reverend Michael Kearney.  On Sunday, March 15^th, we will have a door Offering for Seminarian Chris Suggitt who will preach and lead Adult Bible Study that day.  Both men have sent a card or letter recently.  Please read their correspondence posted on bulletin board outside the church office.

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS TO BEGIN:  Pastor will be conducting another Adult Instruction Class.  It will begin on Thursday, March 5^th, at 7:00 p.m.  It will last for ten weeks.  This class is for those wanting to learn more about the teachings of the Lutheran Church, both member and non-member.  Those wanting to join Good Shepherd at the conclusion of the class are welcomed and encouraged.  Please invite those you might know.  If you have someone you would like Pastor to invite, please let him know.

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.

CID LLL CONVENTION REGISTRATION:  Lutheran Hour Ministries update of ongoing projects, such as the State Fair, will be held on Saturday, March 14^th at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 Charleston Ave., Mattoon IL.  Registration Forms are available on the table in the narthex and are due no later than Monday, March 9^th.  Come and have fun and great food!  If you have any questions, please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Lifted Up” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Psalm 103:8-12.  When sinful pride lays us low, God’s grace in Christ lifts us up again.  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.

CHURCH OFFICE: The Office Hours for Janet and Sandy are as follows:  Janet:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and others times by request/appointment. Sandy’s hours are Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Also, if you stop by the church please let the office know that you are in the building.

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† Bulletin Announcements †

February 22, 2015

 

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 1:13:  “And He was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to Him.”  God the Father cares for Jesus even in the midst of His temptation in the wilds.  God cares for us in every situation as well.  Jesus realized this and always acted from the basis of trust in God the Father’s provision.  This is likewise the basis for our life lived in Christ: God cares for us, so we need not act out of fear or greed.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, will be studying during Lent: “Singing With The Exiles”, based on the Book of Isaiah.  This Bible Study corresponds with the Wednesday evening Lenten messages.  The class is at 9:15 a.m. in the church basement.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  The story, “Jesus Heals Jairus’s Daughter”, serves as the focus of Sunday School today.  Just as Jesus by Word and touch raised the dead girl to life, so by His Word and Sacraments, He kills and buries death and raises us to eternal life.  Questions for discussion include, “How did Jesus heal this little girl?  How does Jesus heal us from the sickness of sin?”

TODAY:  There is a Special Voter’s Meeting following the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service today.  The purpose of the meeting is to select a candidate for the District Presidency and any candidates for Synodical Office?  The meeting should not last very long, and if anyone has any names for either the District President or a Synodical Office, they should send them to Steve Parry prior to the meeting at: separry51@mac.com or you can give the names to Pastor.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICE:  Lenten Worship continues this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  This week’s message: “He Only Has Eyes For You”.  The Board of Elders and the Church Council will serve a soup/sandwich meal at 5:30 p.m.  The free-will Offering will be split between Reverend Michael Kearney and Seminarian Chris Suggitt.

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS TO BEGIN:  Pastor will be conducting another Adult Instruction Class.  It will begin on Thursday, March 5^th, at 7:00 p.m.  It will last for ten weeks.  This class is for those wanting to learn more about the teachings of the Lutheran Church, both member and non-member.  Those wanting to join Good Shepherd at the conclusion of the class are welcomed and encouraged.  Please invite those you might know.  If you have someone you would like Pastor to invite, please let him know.

THANK YOU to those members who have contributed to the Energy Needs of the congregation these last few months.  We have been very blessed and it helped with last year’s Budget and the beginning of this year as well.

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 the Concordia University Chicago Kapelle Spring Tour Concert this coming Friday, February 27^th, at 7:30 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield, IL.  Dr. Charles P. Brown directs the 32-voice choir in a concert including works by Persichetti, Thompson, Hogan, and Manz.  Free will Offering; cookie reception following the concert.  Any questions please call the church at (217) 465-4531.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The True Author of Your Life Story” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 7:10.  When Christ’s story becomes yours by faith, life changes. 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.

THE CHURCH OFFICE HOURS:  The Office Hours for Janet and Sandy are as follows:  Janet:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and others times by request/appointment.  Sandy’s hours are Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Also, if you stop by the church please let the office know that you are in the building.

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 15, 2015

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS each week is led by Pastor Lueck and is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”.  The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  On this Transfiguration Sunday, the Sunday School students will study the story of “The Transfiguration.”  In the Transfiguration, we see Jesus as the pure and holy Son of God, whose perfect righteousness is given to us through God’s Word and Sacraments.  Parents could ask, “What did Jesus reveal to His disciples about Himself in the Transfiguration?  What does God’s Word reveal to us about Jesus?”

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 9:6:  “For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.”  Soon enough, the disciples’ terror turned into joy for when Jesus is with us, there is no need to fear.  He loves us and cares for us and will never abandon us.  That assurance is the basis of all generosity – for only those who are set free from worry can learn the joy of giving.

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.

LENT BEGINS:  The beginning of Lent is upon us.  Ash Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion is February 18^th at 7:00 p.m.  There is no meal this week.  The meals begin on February 25^th and continue each Wednesday through March.  Boards of the congregation will serve the first three meals.  The last two (March 18^th and March 25^th) are for congregation members not on these Boards to sign-up and serve.  Check the display in the narthex for further information.

NEXT SUNDAY: There will be a Special Voter’s Meeting next Sunday, February 22^nd, following the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service.  The purpose of the meeting is to select a candidate for the District Presidency and any candidates for Synodical Office?  The meeting should not last very long, and if anyone has any names for either the District President or a Synodical Office, they should send them to Steve Parry prior to the meeting at: separry51@mac.com or you can give the names to Pastor.

THANK YOU to those members who have contributed to the Energy Needs of the congregation these last few months.  We have been very blessed and it helped with last year’s Budget and the beginning of this year as well.

20^th CHURCH ANNIVERSARY CONTAINERS:  If you have not yet picked up your 20^th Church Anniversary Container, please do so following the worship services today.  They are located in the narthex.  As you know, the money is going for updates and repairs of the church organ.  The new estimate is $13,325.00.  We are collecting these funds until July, 2015.  Any questions please feel free to see or call Marvin Huth (309) 829-6897.

COLLECTION SCHEDULE FOR ORGAN REPAIR AND UPDATE:  The committee for the 20th Church Anniversary has set up a schedule for the collection of contributions.  We will be placing the container in the narthex in both services starting Sunday, March 15^th and March 22^nd.  But if you would like to contribute earlier, please feel free to give it to Herb Renken or Steve Davis.  If you have any questions, please contact Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

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 the Concordia University Chicago Kapelle Spring Tour Concert on Friday, February 27^th, at 7:30 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield, IL.  Dr. Charles P. Brown directs the 32-voice choir in a concert including works by Persichetti, Thompson, Hogan, and Manz.  Free will Offering; cookie reception following the concert.  Any questions please call the church at (217) 465-4531.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Reality, and Grace-filled Restoration” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 15.  Through Christ’s forgiveness, regrets give way to restoration. 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.

The Office Hours for Janet and Sandy are as follows:  Janet:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and others times by request/appointment.  Sandy’s hours are Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Also, if you stop by the church please let the office know that you are in the building.

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