Bulletin Announcements Dec 28 2014
WELCOME TO ALL OUR VISITORS: We are glad you could join us for worship today. If you are a first-time visitor, please sign our guestbook and pick up a Church Handbook. If you desire more information about Good Shepherd, please note it on the pew sheet. May the Lord bless you this day and in Christ’s name we invite you to return.
WE BELIEVE CHILDREN BELONG IN WORSHIP: However, if you or your child needs a break, we have a staffed Nursery at all our services. Please see an Usher who can direct you to it.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”. The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.
TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL: On this First Sunday after Christmas, the Sunday School lesson focuses on “The Presentation of Jesus.” In the Divine Service, we join with Simeon and Anna, the angels and archangels, and the great cloud of witnesses in heaven and on earth hailing Christ as the fulfiller of the Law. Parents might ask, “Where do we sing our praises to God? How has Christ fulfilled the Law for us?”
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Luke 2:39: “And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord. . .” The Law of God is good. Of course, it always shows us our sins: but that is good, too! We need to be driven back to the forgiveness of Christ. But the Law also shows us the truly blessed way to live – as Mary and Joseph found their joy in a godly life, so should we see the Law as a guide for Christian living, as the roadmap for saying thank you to the Lord for all His grace and mercy to us.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE: Join us this Wednesday, December 31st at 7:00 p.m. for our New Year’s Eve Worship Service with Holy Communion celebrated.
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD: One week from today (January 4, 2015) we will celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord. On that date we will have the Installation of Officers, those duly elected to serve in 2015, in both worship services. Come be installed, we promise it is painless!
IN OUR PRAYERS: Dave Orr continues his rehabilitation in Chicago. His liver transplant has been pushed back to the end of January if he recovers and is ready. If you would like to send a card to Dave and Pat here is the address: Dave & Pat Orr, c/o Lindsey Orr, 940 N Damen #2F, Chicago IL 60622. We continue our prayers for all of them.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The January – March 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex. Please pick up your free copy today. Large print also available.
THANK YOU: We appreciate the kind words and cards regarding the passing of our Dad & Grandpa, Bob McNeely. Your kindness and sympathy during this time has been appreciated as we are reminded of the great people here at Good Shepherd. God’s blessings to you all. Greg, Jeanette, Eli, Will and Justin McNeely
THE LWML would like to thank everyone in the church who either purchased supplies or helped put together the quilts and health kits this year. We sent 37 quilts and 65 health kits. Thanks again!
FROM THE OFFICE: Good Shepherd has received a recent correspondence from both the Suggitt Family (at the Seminary in Ft. Wayne) and the Hilbert Family (LBT Missionaries). These have been posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.
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.
ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN: John & Paula Hardy will be making their annual trip to Fort Wayne, IN. Please bring to the church any slightly used adult and/or children’s clothing and any household items such as small appliances, kitchen items, etc. and place in the box located in the narthex. The trip date has yet to be finalized but will take place in either January or February. Please see or call (309) 310-7917 John or Paula if you have any questions. Thank you.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Gospel Power for Personal Patience” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Luke 2:40-52. Jesus teaches us to be patient and wait with hope in God’s promises. 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.