April 9, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 21:3:  If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”  Did Jesus really need the donkey?  If the man had refused to give the donkey would the work of salvation have been derailed?  Of course not.  But what an honor for the man who owned this donkey and foal!  Likewise with us – the Lord needs none of us, but what an honor for God to choose to use our generosity in the work of His Church.

TODAY is the second Sunday and we have our monthly door Offering for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp.

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP IS:  Maundy Thursday Worship with Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m.  Good Friday Tre Ore (Brief Service Of the Word) at noon.  Good Friday Tenebrae (Service of Darkness) with Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m.  Easter Worship with Holy Communion at 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with Sunday School and Adult Bible Class at 9:15 a.m.  Easter Breakfast is served after the early worship service.

LWML:  Easter is next Sunday, April 16^th and we will decorate the church basement following the Good Friday noon service this coming Friday April 14^th.  See you there!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The April Good Shepherd Lutheran Friday Night Movie is “WOODLAWN”, the true story.  It will be shown 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.

“WALK FOR LIFE”:  Pastor and family will be walking once again in the Crisis Pregnancy Center’s, “Walk For Life”.  It will be held 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.

FUNDRAISER FOR WITTENBERG LUTHERAN CENTER:  Eat Wings and raise Funds for Wittenberg at “Buffalo Wild Wings”, 603 S. Main St. in Normal on Wednesday, April 12^th from 5-9:00 p.m.  Tickets for the Fundraiser are available in the church office.  You must present the ticket to your server and Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 15% of your total bill to Wittenberg.

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.

FREE TICKETS:  Help yourself to free tickets, available on the table in the narthex, for ISU Baseball against the University of Illinois this coming Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Empty Tomb Hope!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 28:1-10.  The assurance of Christ’s resurrection turns wonder into reality and gives us an eternal hope.  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 2, 2017

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).

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP:  The last of our Wednesday evening Lenten Services is this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The message: “Don’t You Fear God?” in our “Ironies Of the Passion” series.  Wittenberg students are providing a spaghetti meal.  There is a sign-up in the narthex for salad, bread, or dessert.  We are encouraging those who are not on Boards and have not helped serve to sign-up.  The Offering will go to Wittenberg Lutheran Center.

NEXT SUNDAY, April 9^th is Palm Sunday.  We will celebrate Holy Communion in both worship services.  Also, we will have our monthly door Offering for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp.

EASTER LILIES:  If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily for the altar for Easter Sunday, please put your name on the sign-up sheet located on the table in the narthex.  The cost of the Lily is $9.00.  You may pick them up after the late service on Easter Sunday.  You may pay cash or write a check payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  Please indicate on the memo line of your check: Easter Lily.  Contact Jackie Kwasny at 662-4995 if you have any questions.

CHURCH DIRECTORY:  It is once again time to update the Church Directory.  Please check the sheets 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.  Contact Janet in the church office with any questions.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The April Good Shepherd Lutheran Friday Night Movie is “WOODLAWN”, the true story.  It will be shown 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.

“WALK FOR LIFE”:  Pastor and family will be walking once again in the Crisis Pregnancy Center’s, “Walk For Life”.  It will be held 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.

FUNDRAISER FOR WITTENBERG LUTHERAN CENTER:  Eat Wings and raise Funds for Wittenberg at “Buffalo Wild Wings”, 603 S. Main St. in Normal on Wednesday, April 12^th from 5-9:00 p.m.  Tickets for the Fundraiser are available in the church office.  You must present the ticket to your server and Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 15% of your total bill to Wittenberg.

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:  “Humble Strength for Eternal Salvation” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Philippians 2:5-11.  On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, not to set up an earthly kingdom but to overcome sin and death – for us.  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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March 26, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Psalm 142:5:  I cry to You, O LORD; I say, “You are my Refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”  The Lord is our portion, our refuge, our everything.  His mercy preserves through all our days in the land of the living.  This confidence frees us from the fear that so often leads to sins of greed and coveting.  We have the Lord, we have a Father, He is in control – so we can follow His Word in confidence.

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).

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP:  Our Lenten journey under the theme: “Ironies Of the Passion” continues this week on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The ironic message: “We Have No King But Caesar!”  The Lenten meal served at 5:30 p.m. will be co-hosted by the Board of Education (showing what they have learned in the kitchen) and the Board of Trustees (these men showing their hands can be used to prepare meals).  Come witness this cornucopia of culinary delight.  The free-will Offfering will be divided equally between our Seminarian Jacob Hercamp and Inner City Education of Children through LC-MS Mission.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN is this coming Saturday, April 1^st –Sunday, April 2^nd.  Please have all donated items to church by TODAY, Sunday, March 26th and place the donated items in the hall closet area on the 2^nd floor.  We will need to do the packing that week.  Acceptable items are clothing for all sizes, ages and genders; kitchen items of all kinds; some household items would be acceptable.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paula Hardy at (309) 829-8432.  Thank you!

EASTER LILIES:  If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily for the altar for Easter Sunday, please put your name on the sign-up sheet located on the table in the narthex.  The cost of the Lily is $9.00.  You may pick them up after the late service on Easter Sunday.  You may pay cash or write a check payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  Please indicate on the memo line of your check: Easter Lily.  Contact Jackie Kwasny at 662-4995 if you have any questions.

CHURCH DIRECTORY:  It is once again time to update the Church Directory.  Please check the sheets 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.  Contact Janet in the church office with any questions.

THE LENTEN MEAL on Wednesday, April 5^th will be provided by students at Wittenberg Lutheran Center and Good Shepherd members.  We would like those members who are not on a Church Board to sign-up to help.  The sign-up sheet is located on the table in the narthex.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The April-June 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today!

CAMP CILCA SUMMER CAMP:  It is time to register for Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries Summer Camp.  On the table in the narthex are brochures that detail the schedule; the ages for the different camps and the fee for that camp.  There is a discount if Registration is done by this coming Friday, March 31^st.  (The discount is $25.00 for a full week camp and $10.00 for a partial week.)  Some of you may want to consider sending a granddaughter or grandson to this week of fun, fellowship and worship!

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.

YOU ARE INVITED:  The internationally renowned Christus Chorus of Concordia University of St. Paul, Minnesota, will be performing at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1822 E. Lincoln, Bloomington on Saturday, April 8^th at 7:00 p.m.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Freedom In the Spirit” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Romans 8:1-11.  Jesus frees you to be the person you were created, redeemed, and called to be. 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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March 19, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Exodus 17:3:  But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?”  Even the Israelites who saw miracles with their own eyes fall into unbelief and fear.  From this distance we can see how foolish their worry is.  How foolish will our worries appear from the distance of eternity?  The Lord cared for them, and He will care for us.

TODAY:  We welcome to our congregation this morning Jacob, Emily, Jacob Ryan and baby Hercamp.  Jacob is a Master of Divinity graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN.  He is currently studying for his S.T.M. (which he can explain in Bible Class).  Jacob will receive his call into the pastoral ministry of the LC-MS in April.  We will have our monthly door Offering for the Hercamp’s this morning and pray the Lord’s Blessings on their future in Christ’s church.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  Seminarian Jacob Hercamp will speak.

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 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.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP:  Lenten worship this week is on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  We will gather under the theme: “He Had Been Wanting To See Jesus”, from Luke 23:6-12.  This is part of the “Ironies Of the Passion” Lenten Services.  Your duly elected Church Council members known for their leadership and culinary skills will dazzle you with their meal preparation set to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the well lit and cheery church basement.  The free-will Offering will be sent to the Hilbert’s and their work in Botswana for Lutheran Bible Translators.

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS AVAILABLE: “From The Cradle To The Empty Grave” is the title of the Lenten Devotional Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries is now available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your copy today!

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The April-June 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today!

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN will be Saturday, April 1^st –Sunday, April 2^nd.  Please have all donated items to church by Sunday, March 26th an place the donated items in the hall closet area on the 2^nd floor.  We will need to do the packing that week.  Acceptable items are clothing for all sizes, ages and genders; kitchen items of all kinds; some household items would be acceptable.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paula Hardy at (309) 829-8432.  Thank you!

CAMP CILCA SUMMER CAMP:  It is time to register for Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries Summer Camp.  On the table in the narthex are brochures that detail the schedule; the ages for the different camps and the fee for that camp.  There is a discount if Registration is done by Friday, March 31^st.  (The discount is $25.00 for a full week camp and $10.00 for a partial week.)  Some of you may want to consider sending a granddaughter or grandson to this week of fun, fellowship and worship!  Volunteers are needed.  The brochure details the needs and requirements.  Camp CILCA is near Springfield IL, northwest of the city, west of Sherman, IL, about 5 to 6 miles.  Camps start Sunday, June 4^th.

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.

YOU ARE INVITED:  The internationally renowned Christus Chorus of Concordia University of St. Paul, Minnesota, will be performing at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1822 E. Lincoln, Bloomington on Saturday, April 8^th at 7:00 p.m.   The choir’s concert: “A More Excellent Way”, proclaims the richness of God’s love through a wide variety of musical styles, from classical to spirituals, gospel to contemporary, hymns to film scores.  This concert is a unique opportunity to enjoy a time of uplifting music.  The performance is open to the public.  Feel free to invite friends!  A freewill Offering will be gathered to support the choir’s music ministry.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “God’s Got It In For Me” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 9:1-41.  God can use our troubles and crosses for a higher purpose that we may not understand until we reach heaven  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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March 12, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”  This is perhaps the most well-known and well-beloved verse in the New Testament – and for good reason.  This simple Gospel message is the foundation for our whole life – our new life in Christ.  This new life is characterized by thankfulness and devotion to our Father who has provided for us so lavishly in Christ.

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).

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP:  Our Lenten Worship this week under the theme: “Ironies Of the Passion” begins at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  The sermon: “Not During The Feast”.  Your brothers and sisters on the Evangelism/Stewardship Boards will present a gourmet meal (soup, sandwich, sides, dessert and stimulating conversation!) beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the ambience of your church basement.  The free-will Offering will go towards a new sign we are planning for our lower parking lot.  This will be an outreach as the Lord blesses.  Watch for more details coming soon.

OUR MARCH DOOR OFFERING for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp will be pushed back a week.  He will be here with his family next Sunday, March 19^th.

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.

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS AVAILABLE: “From The Cradle To The Empty Grave” is the title of the Lenten Devotional Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries is now available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your copy today!

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:  Join us for another great movie this coming Friday, March 17^th at 6:30 p.m. in the church basement.  The movie is “MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN”; based on a true story.  “When Christy discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution.  After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.”  There are plenty of comfortable seats and plenty of food.  See you Friday night!

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN will be Saturday, April 1^st –Sunday, April 2^nd.  Please have all donated items to church by Sunday, March 26th and place the donated items in the hall closet area on the 2^nd floor.  We will need to do the packing that week.  Acceptable items are clothing for all sizes, ages and genders; kitchen items of all kinds; some household items would be acceptable.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paula Hardy at (309) 829-8432.  Thank you!

CAMP CILCA SUMMER CAMP:  It is time to register for Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries Summer Camp.  On the table in the narthex are brochures that detail the schedule; the ages for the different camps and the fee for that camp.  There is a discount if Registration is done by Friday, March 31^st.  (The discount is $25.00 for a full week camp and $10.00 for a partial week.)  Some of you may want to consider sending a granddaughter or grandson to this week of fun, fellowship and worship!  Volunteers are needed.  The brochure details the needs and requirements.  Camp CILCA is near Springfield IL, northwest of the city, west of Sherman, IL, about 5 to 6 miles.  Camps start Sunday, June 4^th.

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.

YOU ARE INVTED:  Kammerchor, Concordia University Wisconsin’s select touring choir, will be singing during the worship services at Christ Lutheran Church of Normal, this coming Saturday, March 18^th, at 5:30 p.m., and on Sunday, March 19^th, at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m., as part of their 2017 spring tour.  Admission is free, but a freewill Offering will be collected.  The choir will be singing a program consisting of both accompanied and unaccompanied choral pieces in a variety of musical styles from the 1500s to the present.  For more information please call Patty Downey at (309) 452-5609.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “A Well That Runs Deep Because You Need It” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 4:5-26.  Jesus is determined to meet you today with the water of grace only He can give.  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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March 5, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 4:7:  Jesus said to him, “Again it is written. . .”  Jesus defeats Satan in our place – not by using His power as God, but by His perfect obedience in His perfect humanity.  Jesus defeats Satan not by miracles, but by quoting the Scriptures and living according to it.  This should cause us great joy for two reasons. First, because we see Jesus win the victory for us.  Second, because here Jesus shows us how to stand in that victory: on the Word of God alone.

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).

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS AVAILABLE: “From The Cradle To The Empty Grave” is the title of the Lenten Devotional Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries is now available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your copy today!

LENT CONTINUES THIS WEEK with worship on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  “The Ironies of the Passion” message this week is: “It Is Better That One Man Die for the People”.  The restaurant style cuisine will be served by your Board of Elders beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the intimate surroundings of the church basement.  The free-will Offering will be sent to “Lutherans For Life”.

LWML LADIES:  Our next LWML Meeting is this coming Tuesday, March 7^th at 9:00 a.m.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS:  Next Saturday before those pleasant dreams begin, be dreaming that you have to get up an hour earlier.  That’s right, it is time to “spring forward” with your clocks so that your on-time performance on Sunday mornings continues.

OUR MARCH DOOR OFFERING for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp will be pushed back a week.  He will be here with his family on Sunday, March 19^th.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN will be Saturday, April 1^st –Sunday, April 2^nd.  Please have all donated items to church by Sunday, March 26th an place the donated items in the hall closet area on the 2^nd floor.  We will need to do the packing that week.  Acceptable items are clothing for all sizes, ages and genders; kitchen items of all kinds; some household items would be acceptable.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paula Hardy at (309) 829-8432.  Thank you!

CAMP CILCA SUMMER CAMP:  It is time to register for Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries Summer Camp.  On the table in the narthex are brochures that detail the schedule; the ages for the different camps and the fee for that camp.  There is a discount if Registration is done by Friday, March 31^st.  (The discount is $25.00 for a full week camp and $10.00 for a partial week.)  Some of you may want to consider sending a granddaughter or grandson to this week of fun, fellowship and worship!  Volunteers are needed.  The brochure details the needs and requirements.  Camp CILCA is near Springfield IL, northwest of the city, west of Sherman, IL, about 5 to 6 miles.  Camps start Sunday, June 4^th.

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.

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 Power of a New Beginning” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 3:1-17.  Real help comes to us from the outside.  In Christ, new beginnings and greater endings are still possible  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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