June 4, 2017

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

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.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Acts 2:1:  “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.” Pentecost is the Old Testament harvest festival – it happens around the time when the wheat and oats are ready to be brought in.  Of course, this was a picture and foreshadowing of the great harvest of humankind that God means to bring in through the preaching of His Word.  God gives the seed, and God brings about the harvest.   From first to last, in things temporal and things eternal, we stand only by His grace.

PRAYER TIME:  We will meet for “Prayer Time” this coming Friday, June 9^th from 7-8:00

NEW CHURCH SIGN:  In celebration of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation and with inspiration from Martin Luther, Good Shepherd will be “posting” a new church sign on the south side near the lower parking lot.  Parts will be interchangeable and be used for Outreach to our community.  Congregation involvement will include creative ideas for the signage and gifts toward the purchase.  Today you have an opportunity to take home a jar and fill it with coinage and bills.  The end of our collection will be Reformation Sunday, October 29, 2017.  We were already blessed with a sizeable gift so we are looking for $5,000.00 to complete the project.  May God bless!

“MARTIN LUTHER – THE IDEA THAT CHANGED THE WORLD”:  We met our quota on tickets and the movie is going to be shown at the Wehrenberg Cinema this coming  Wednesday, June 7^th, beginning at 6:30 p.m.  We still have the link on our website: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com if you want to order tickets.  The ticket website is available up until four hours before the movie is shown.  Once all the tickets are sold; no more will be available.  We will have prayers and a brief Q and A after the movie.

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.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Never Alone” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 28:16-20.  You can be certain about the place to meet God, His plan of salvation, and His presence  Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz is the speaker.  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 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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May 28, 2017

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

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.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Peter 5:7:  “…casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”  We have a Father in heaven – and He really cares for us and loves us.  That is the basis of generosity, because such knowledge spells the end of anxiety and worry, which is where tight-fisted greed comes from.

FROM THE OFFICE:  The church office will be closed tomorrow, May 29^th, in observance of Memorial Day.  Lord’s blessings on your day!

NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 4^TH, IS PENTECOST SUNDAY and we will celebrate Holy Communion in both worship services.

NEW CHURCH SIGN:  In celebration of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation and with inspiration from Martin Luther, Good Shepherd will be “posting” a new church sign on the south side near the lower parking lot.  Parts will be interchangeable and be used for Outreach to our community.  Congregation involvement will include creative ideas for the signage and gifts toward the purchase.  Today you have an opportunity to take home a jar and fill it with coinage and bills.  The end of our collection will be Reformation Sunday, October 29, 2017.  We were already blessed with a sizeable gift so we are looking for $5,000.00 to complete the project.  May God bless!

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.

“MARTIN LUTHER – THE IDEA THAT CHANGED THE WORLD”:  We now have a link on the church’s website: (www.goodshepherdblm.org) to purchase tickets for the movie, “Martin Luther – The Idea That Changed the World”.  It will be shown at the Wehrenberg Cinema on Wednesday, June 7^th beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are $9.00 and can only be purchased online.  The deadline to order is TOMORROW, Monday, May 29^th.

TODAY is the Hog Roast at Camp CILCA!  Come for lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.  The beach will be open in the afternoon for swimming and boating.  Pulled-pork sandwiches, baked beans, coleslaw, and desserts will be served. The cost for adults is $8.00 and children ages 4-12 is $5.00.  See you there!

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Filled, to Overflow!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 7:37-39.  Isolation, distraction, and pride can lead to spiritual numbness, but Jesus fills us with life that overflows to bless others.  Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz is the speaker.  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 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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May 2, 2017

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

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.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 14:15:  “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”  Jesus is clear: our obedience to His Word comes from our love for Him.  But where does that love come from?  Jesus tells us that as well, “She was forgiven much, so she loved much” (Luke 7:47).  Christ shows us His love and gives us the forgiveness of our sins – and this causes love to well up in us, which in turn causes us to keep the commandments of Jesus.  For after all, the summary of the Law is “Love.”

NEW CHURCH SIGN:  In celebration of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation and with inspiration from Martin Luther, Good Shepherd will be “posting” a new church sign on the south side near the lower parking lot.  Parts will be interchangeable and be used for Outreach to our community.  Congregation involvement will include creative ideas for the signage and gifts toward the purchase.  Today you have an opportunity to take home a jar and fill it with coinage and bills.  The end of our collection will be Reformation Sunday, October 29, 2017.  We were already blessed with a sizeable gift so we are looking for $5,000.00 to complete the project.  May God bless!

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

CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY photos are this Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-9:00 p.m.  Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to get checked in.  Sign-up is still occurring this morning and will be open through Monday night.  If you have any questions, please speak with Pastor.

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD:  This coming Thursday, May 25^th at 7:00 p.m. will be our Ascension Worship Service with Holy Communion.

“MARTIN LUTHER – THE IDEA THAT CHANGED THE WORLD”:  We now have a link on the church’s website: (www.goodshepherdblm.org) to purchase tickets for the movie, “Martin Luther – The Idea That Changed the World”.  It will be shown at the Wehrenberg Cinema on Wednesday, June 7^th beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are $9.00 and can only be purchased online.  The deadline to order is Monday, May 29^th.

THE CAMP CILCA HOG ROAST IS NEXT WEEKEND:  Come for a whole weekend of camping, games, swimming, and campfire devotions.  Sunday, May 28^th will feature Reverend Dr. David Peter preaching at the 10:30 a.m. worship service and pulled-pork lunch served from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  The cost for adults is $8.00; children (4-12) are $5.00.  Visit: cilca.org or call (217) 487-7497 for more information.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Best of Things in the Worst of Times” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Philippians 1:27.  As another generation comes along that knows not the Lord or what He has done, God enables His people to do the best of things in the worst of times.  Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz is the speaker.  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 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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April 30, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Peter 1:18-19:  “You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”  We have been ransomed – bought back from the slavery into which we were born. We do not belong to ourselves, or to the devil, or to the world: we belong to Jesus. Therefore, we live our lives not in accordance with our own wisdom, but in line with God’s Word.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

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

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE:  Pastor will be attending the District Pastor’s Conference in Champaign, tomorrow, May 1^st.

NEXT SUNDAY, May 7^th, Pastor and family will be worshipping at Hope Lutheran Church in Shawnee, Kansas, which is the congregation Pastor served before coming to Good Shepherd.  A Godchild of Pastor and Toni is being confirmed.  Reverend Joshua Theilen from Camp CILCA will be here to conduct worship and Bible Class.  He will share the work of Camp CILCA in Bible Class.  In conjunction with his visit, we will have a door offering after each service for the work of Camp CILCA.

CHURCH DIRECTORY:  There are updated copies of the Church Directory on the table in the narthex.  Please help yourself.

EASTER LILIES:  If you purchased an Easter Lily you may take it home with you today.

CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY:  “That rouge goes so well with your dress.”  “What a spectacular tie, it really brings out your eye color.”  The Church Pictorial Directory is Tuesday, May 23^rd from 2-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24^th, 2-9:00 p.m.  You can get your appointment online at: www.goodshepherdblm.org and follow the Lifetouch Directory link.  You may also sign-up here at church on Sunday mornings on the table in the narthex.  Please note: the computer sign-up will be disabled on Sunday mornings so we don’t cross-pollinate and schedule your pretty faces at the same time.

SEMINARIAN JACOB HERCAMP has received his call into the ministry at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Grange, MO.

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.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Abundant Life of Grace” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 10:1-10.  Don’t leave God’s grace behind!  We are still sheep who need the Good Shepherd.  Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz is the speaker.  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 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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April 23, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Peter 1:3-4:  “He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”  We have an inheritance waiting for us – a treasure gathered where moth and rust do not destroy.  That should change our perspective on the treasures of this earth.  They are fleeting, they come and go.  But we can use the treasures of this earth for the work of the Kingdom that will not fade away.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

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

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

NEXT SUNDAY, April 30^th, is the 5^th Sunday of the month so Holy Communion will be celebrated in both worship services.

EASTER LILIES:  If you purchased an Easter Lily you may take it home with you today.

THE INTERNATIONAL HOUSE DINNER AND TALK TIME is this Friday, April 28^th, at 6:00 p.m.  We will be serving the meal at Wittenberg Lutheran Center.  We still need volunteers to sign-up to bring food.  The sign-up is on the table in the narthex.  If you cannot be there that evening but can still prepare a food item, please speak with Pastor or a member of the Evangelism/Stewardship group and we can make arrangements with you.

CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY:  “That rouge goes so well with your dress.”  “What a spectacular tie, it really brings out your eye color.”  The Church Pictorial Directory is Tuesday, May 23^rd from 2-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24^th, 2-9:00 p.m.  You can get your appointment online at: www.goodshepherdblm.org and follow the Lifetouch Directory link.  You may also sign-up here at church on Sunday mornings on the table in the narthex.  Please note: the computer sign-up will be disabled on Sunday mornings so we don’t cross-pollinate and schedule your pretty faces at the same time.

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.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Unadulterated Fact” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Acts 2:22-25.  The early believers knew two things to be true: Jesus performed miraculous works and He rose from the dead.  Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus is the speaker.  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 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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April 16, 2017

HE IS RISEN!  HE IS RISEN INDEED!

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:   John 20:16:  Jesus said to her, “Mary.”  Jesus is not only risen from the dead and the Victor over sin: He even calls us by name.  He still calls us His friends and brothers and means to bring us through death to join Him in His resurrection.  Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

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

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

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:  The April Good Shepherd Lutheran Friday Night Movie is “WOODLAWN”, the true story.  It will be shown this coming Friday, April 21^st at 6:30 p.m.  “Woodlawn” is a powerful faith-based film.  In 1973, a spiritual awakening captured the heart of nearly every player on the Woodlawn High School football team.  Their dedication to love and unity, in a newly desegregated school filled with racism and hate, leads to the largest high school football game ever played in the torn city of Birmingham, Alabama, and the rise of superstar Tony Nathan.  Join us for a great movie and a good meal in the warmth of the church basement.  There is plenty of room and plenty of food.

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.

“WALK FOR LIFE”:  Pastor and family will be walking once again in the Crisis Pregnancy Center’s, “Walk For Life”.  It will be held this coming Saturday, April 22^nd at Christ Church in Normal from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  If you would like to walk or pledge a donation to Pastor, please speak with him.  Thank you.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The International House Dinner and Talk Time is Friday, April 28^th at 6:00 p.m.  There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Please get these dates on your calendar: Tuesday, May 23^rd, 2-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24^th, 2-9:00 p.m.  This is when we will be doing our Picture Directory through Lifetouch.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “A Living Hope For a ‘Dead As Doornails’ World” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 1 Peter 1:3-9.  No matter how hard the world tries to shake our joy and faith, we have an inheritance in Christ that can never be taken away.  Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz is the speaker.  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 cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

Have a Blessed and Joyous Easter!