Author: OfficeStaff

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 21:6 – “He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’  So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.”  Won’t the disciples ever learn?  Jesus pulled this same trick before.  When the odds seemed completely against it, the Lord gave them a command to let down the nets, a command that seemed crazy.  But they complied. and He blessed their obedience.  When will we learn this lesson, too?

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY:  If you purchased an Easter Lily you may take it home TODAY following either the early service or late service.  Thank you.

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE:  Pastor will be attending the Central Illinois District Pastor’s Conference in Decatur this Tuesday, May 7^th.

YOU ARE INVITED:  The family of Karson Lueck cordially invites you to a College Graduation Open House next Sunday, May 12^th from 2-4:00 p.m.  The festivities will take place at the Reverend Chad and Toni Lueck abode (house) located at 2707 Essington in Bloomington.  Take Mom out and then have dessert and drinks with the Lueck’s.

SEMINARY STUDENT CALL:  Joseph Schlie received his call to serve as Associate Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville, MO.  Next Sunday, May 12^th, we will have our last door Offering for Joseph.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Copies of the updated Church Directory are available on the table in the narthex.  Pickup your copy today!

GOOD SHEPHERD FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES will be held on May 17^th at 6:30 p.m.  The movie that will be shown is “TORTURED FOR CHRIST”.  Be inspired by love and forgiveness that conquered Communist prisons.  Pastor Richard Wurmbrand suffered 14 years of imprisonment and brutal torture, while his wife, Sabina, was treated as a slave in a labor camp.  Their only “crimes” were their faith and witness for Jesus Christ.  Through it all, they loved their enemies and sought to win their torturers for Christ.  Join us for a powerful, inspiring and historical movie.  There will be plenty of good food and wonderful fellowship.  See you there!

FROM THE OFFICE:  The memorials for Ruth Gooding totaled $560.00.  The Gooding Family has requested that money go into the Stained Glass Window Fund.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Please get these two dates on your summer calendar:  Good Shepherd Blood Drive on Saturday, July 20^th.  Note: in order to be eligiable for our Blood Drive you must give your next donation by Saturday, May 25^th.  The Annual Good Shepherd Picnic will be on Sunday, August 25^th at Tipton Trails Park.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Home” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 14:1-7. With Jesus, we have a home.  That’s the good news for today.  The speaker will be Dr. Dean Nadasdy.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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 cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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 cringing fear we have in the face of something that is hostile to us and more powerful than we are.  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.

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

THIS WEEK:  Pastor will be out of the office this Tuesday, April 30^th.

TODAY:  If you purchased an Easter Lily you may take it home TODAY following either the early service or late service.  Thank you.

YOU ARE INVITED:  The family of Karson Lueck cordially invites you to a College Graduation Open House on Sunday, May 12^th from 2-4:00 p.m.  The festivities will take place at the Reverend Chad and Toni Lueck abode (house) located at 2707 Essington in Bloomington.  Take Mom out and then have dessert and drinks with the Lueck’s.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Copies of the updated Church Directory are available on the table in the narthex.  Pickup your copy today!

GOOD SHEPHERD FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES will be held on May 17^th at 6:30 p.m.  The movie that will be shown is “TORTURED for CHRIST”.  Be inspired by love and forgiveness that conquered Communist prisons.  Pastor Richard Wurmbrand suffered 14 years of imprisonment and brutal torture, while his wife, Sabina, was treated as a slave in a labor camp.  Their only “crimes” were their faith and witness for Jesus Christ.  Through it all, they loved their enemies and sought to win their torturers for Christ.  Join us for a powerful, inspiring and historical movie.  There will be plenty of good food and wonderful fellowship.  See you there!

THANK YOU:  Pastor and Toni would like to thank everyone who supported them in the Living Alternatives – Crisis Pregnancy Center Walk For Life.  The walk raised $49,100.00.  If you would like to be more involved in this Pro-Life work they are sponsoring an Open House on Monday, May 5^th at both 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. or 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Come and check out the ministry and see where you fit in.  They are located at 303 Landmark Drive, Suite 1B in Normal.

FROM THE OFFICE:  The memorials for Ruth Gooding totaled $560.00.  The Gooding Family has requested that money go into the Stained Glass Window Fund.

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The April – June 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Good Fisherman” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 21:1-14. Jesus is not only the Good Shepherd; He’s the Good Fisherman, who draws the fish and fills the nets. The speaker will be Ryan Tonetti.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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 cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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, and 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!

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Copies of the updated Church Directory are available on the table in the narthex.  Pickup your copy today!

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the MAY NEWSLETTER.   Any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted via email to goodshepherdblm@frontier.com, via mail, hand-delivered, or you may call (309) 662-8905 or (309) 838-1552.  Thank you!

CAN YOU HELP: Good Shepherd is once again privileged to minister to International Students at Illinois State University.  We will provide a meal for them and their guests at Wittenberg Lutheran Center this coming Friday, April 26^th at 6:00 p.m.  If you can provide food and/or help serve we have a sign-up on the table in the narthex.  Thank you.

THANK YOU:  Pastor and Toni would like to thank everyone who supported them in the Living Alternatives – Crisis Pregnancy Center Walk For Life.  The walk raised $49,100.00.  If you would like to be more involved in this Pro-Life work they are sponsoring an Open House on Monday, May 5^th at both 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. or 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Come and check out the ministry and see where you fit in.  They are located at 303 Landmark Drive, Suite 1B in Normal.

FROM THE OFFICE: The memorials for Ruth Gooding totaled $560.00.  The Gooding Family has requested that this money go into the Stained Glass Window Fund.

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The April – June 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.  Large print also available.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “World Turned Upside Down” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 20:19-31. Doubt is a normal part of our present human experience.  Only the presence of the risen Jesus will overcome it.  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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 cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

April 7, 2019

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 let us respond with humble thanksgiving!

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY:  We welcome to Good Shepherd and Central Illinois Seminarian Joseph Schlie, wife Kristen, and newborn daughter Fern.  We pray the Lord’s blessings on their last months at Seminary and the call into the ministry at the end of April

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP 5 will be this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The message is “Struck!” from our Exodus Lenten Sermon Series “Let My People Go”.  An evening supper provided by the hands and minds of your fellow church members (or you) will commence serving at 5:30 p.m.  The free-will Offering will be given to the Campus Ministry of Wittenberg Lutheran Center.    

EASTER LILIES:  If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily for the altar on Easter Sunday, there is sign-up sheet  on the table in the narthex.  Lilies are $10.00 each.   Cash or checks made payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.   Please indicate on the memo line: “Easter Lily”.  You may pick up your Easter Lily following the late service on Easter Sunday.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Jackie Kwasny at (309) 662-4995.  Thank you.

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The April – June 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.  Large pint also available.

“WALK FOR LIFE”:  Pastor and Toni make their annual trek in the Living Alternatives – Pregnancy Resource Center’s Annual “Walk For Life”.  The walk will be held at Christ Church, PCA in Normal this coming Saturday, April 13^th, beginning at 9:00 a.m.  If you would like to walk, please see Pastor who has the forms. Also, please speak with Pastor if you would like to support the Lueck’s.  Thank you.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “He Love Them to the End” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 13:18-19.  We are people of diverse backgrounds drawn together by Jesus.  We want to share His life with you.  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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 cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

March 31, 2019

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 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.

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

GOOD SHEPHERD is a Polling Place this coming Tuesday, April 2^nd.  We are also hosting the Pastors of the South Circuit that day.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP:   We progress in Lent this week on Wednesday, April 3^rd, at 7:00 p.m. with the sermon: “Mine!” from the Book of Exodus.  The Boards of Education and Trustees will be mining their skills together to present an Italiano Feast – Si! Si! at 5:30 p.m. in the church basement.  Bethesda Lutheran will be the recipients of your free-will Offering.

NEXT SUNDAY, April 7^th, our Seminary Student and family will be here.  Joseph, Kristen, and Fern Schlie are coming to Good Shepherd.  Joseph will preach and conduct Adult Bible Class.  We will have our monthly door Offering that day for the Schlie’s.

EASTER LILIES:  If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily for the altar on Easter Sunday, there is sign-up sheet  on the table in the narthex.  Lilies are $10.00 each.   Cash or checks made payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.   Please indicate on the memo line: “Easter Lily”.  You may pick up your Easter Lily following the late service on Easter Sunday.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Jackie Kwasny at (309) 662-4995.  Thank you.

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The April – June 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.  Large pint also available.

“WALK FOR LIFE”:  Pastor and Toni make their annual trek in the Living Alternatives – Pregnancy Resource Center’s Annual “Walk For Life”.  The walk will be held at Christ Church, PCA in Normal on Saturday, April 13^th, beginning at 9:00 a.m.  If you would like to walk, please see Pastor who has the forms. Also, please speak with Pastor if you would like to support the Lueck’s.  Thank you.

THE LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS, “People Of The Passion” are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.

PASSOVER SEDER:  You are invited to a “Passover Seeder” at Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S Main St., Normal this coming Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 2-4:30 p.m.  Passover is the observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.  A time of family gatherings and lavish meal called “seders”, the story of Passover is re-told.  With its special foods, songs, and customs, the Seder Meal is an important tradition of the Passover.  Through the re-telling of the Passover account, Y’shua (Jesus) communicates His saving grace.  Please R.S.V.P. with how many adults and how many children under the age of 12 who will be attending by TOMORROW, Monday, April 1^st.  You may call (309) 452-5971 or email at: wittenbergLCMS@gmail.com.  A free-will Offering will be taken to aid the ministries of Lutherans in Africa.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Darkness Has Not Overcome It” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 12:37-50.  Jesus calls us to hate life in this world, not because He wants hateful people.  Rather, He wants us to more deeply love true life.  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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 cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.