February 26, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 17:8:  “And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.”  Jesus is enough.  Moses and Elijah point to Jesus and are happy to fade into the background.  With our eyes focused on Him and Him alone the rest of our lives come into focus.  He is primary, all else secondary.  When that order is right in our lives, things truly fall into place.

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 BEGINS THIS WEEK with our Ash Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Good Shepherd will do for the first time in her short history “The Imposition of Ashes”.  This is voluntary and if you have questions about this please speak with Pastor.  The theme for our Lenten messages is “Ironies of the Passion”.  This week’s sermon: “This Man Went Home Justified”.

IN 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 wil 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!

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:  “A Savior Who Fights for You!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 4:1-11.  Satan is a bully, but Jesus is the Savior who fights for you.  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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February 19, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Leviticus 19:2:  “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.”  By God’s grace we are His children – and we are called to be spitting images of our Father who is in heaven.  Growing in holiness is not some abstract concept – it is growing into the image of God: in love, in generosity, in kindness, in humility.  Where Jesus goes, we follow. How Jesus is, thus are we called to be.

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”.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, we study the account “Jesus Walks on Water.”  Jesus was gracious to Peter when he feared drowning. Jesus is gracious to us and is ready to catch us as we sink in sin and unbelief; His hand is always strong to save us.  Consider asking, “How did Jesus rescue Peter?  How does Jesus rescue us?”

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 start of Lent will soon be upon us.  March 1^st is Ash Wednesday.  We will have worship with Holy Communion that night beginning at 7:00 p.m.  The theme for Lent 2017 is “Ironies of the Passion”.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN wil be Saturday, April 1^st –Sunday, April 2^nd.  Please have all donated items to the 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!

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.

LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND:  “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.  For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.  Likewise the husband, does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does”. (1 Corinthians 7:3-4)  Come learn more about the Biblical lessons for your marriage by attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend.  The next weekend is scheduled in Peoria, IL on March 31, 2017 – April 2, 2017.  Apply now at: www.GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Norm and Deb Lopez at peorialmereg@gmail.com for more information.

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:  “Guilt’s Gone” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.  A guilty conscience accuses; a forgiving Savior brings peace to troubled hearts.  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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February 12, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Corinthians 3:7:  “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”  Isn’t that the truth!  And it’s not just true about preachers like Paul, but about all of us in all of the Christian life.  God can do such wonderful things with our feeble efforts.  This is so very true of our gifts to the Lord’s work in the Church.  From His generous giving to us, we learn to give generously; and then the Lord blesses this response to His grace in turn and uses our very giving to continue to bless us in the Church where we hear of His gracious generosity to us. And the cycle repeats, and the Lord gives growth!

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets this morning in the basement of the church at 9:15 a.m.

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 is our monthly door Offering for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp who is a student at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN.  We look forward to having Jacob and his family with us in March as he will preach and lead the Adult Bible Class.

TODAY:  The Church Council will meet after the 8:00 worship this morning in the church office to discuss the revised bid on the work that was recently approved by the voters.

NEXT SUNDAY 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.

FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT:  The February Good Shepherd Lutheran Friday Night Movie is “War Room”.  It will be shown this coming Friday, February 17^th, at 6:30 p.m.  “War Room” is a compelling faith drama filled with humor and heart.  Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all – great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house.  But appearances can be deceiving.  Their world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage.  While Tony basks in his professional success, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client,  Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a “war room” and a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth tries to fight for her family, Tony’s hidden struggles come to light.  Tony must decide if he will make amends with his family and prove Miss Clara’s wisdom that victories don’t come by accident.   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.

LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND:  “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.  For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.  Likewise the husband, does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does”. (1 Corinthians 7:3-4)  Come learn more about the Biblical lessons for your marriage by attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend.  The next weekend is scheduled in Peoria, IL on March 31, 2017 – April 2, 2017.  Apply now at: www.GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Norm and Deb Lopez at peorialmereg@gmail.com for more information.

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:  “Love Your Enemies—Jesus Does!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 5:38-48.  God calls us to love and forgive our enemies the way He loves and forgives 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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February 5 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”  We cannot keep the Law of God perfectly.  We are sinners.  For us to be saved, Jesus had to fill up the Law in our place.  Now the threat of the Law is abolished – and the Law itself is upheld.  For in Christ now we do desire to fulfill the Law, to live out a godly Christian life – precisely because we are so full of thanksgiving toward God for His salvation in Christ.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS will be studying “Here We Stand: A Lutherans For Life Bible Study” this morning in the basement of the church at 9:15 a.m.

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?”

TODAY:  Please visit the Lutheran Hour Ministries Display in the narthex.  Pick up any and all material.  Featured are the new booklets: “Hope and Healing–Surviving Breast Cancer”; and also, “Grief: Where Sadness and Hope Meet”.  There also are packets of Prayer Outreach Cards.  Pick up a packet and pass them around.

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS will begin tomorrow, Monday, February 6^th, at 7:00 p.m.  The class runs eight weeks and lasts about an hour.  This class is designed for non-members who would like to learn more about the Lutheran Church and its teachings.  It is also a good refresher course for members.  If you know of someone you would like Pastor to invite please call him at (309) 838-0306 or email him at revbci@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT:  The February Good Shepherd Lutheran Friday Night Movie is “War Room”.  It will be shown on Friday, February 17^th, at 6:30 p.m.  “War Room” is a compelling faith drama filled with humor and heart.  Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all – great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house.  But appearances can be deceiving.  Their world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage.  While Tony basks in his professional success, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client,  Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a “war room” and a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth tries to fight for her family, Tony’s hidden struggles come to light.  Tony must decide if he will make amends with his family and prove Miss Clara’s wisdom that victories don’t come by accident.   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.

LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND:  “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.  For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.  Likewise the husband, does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does”. (1 Corinthians 7:3-4)  Come learn more about the Biblical lessons for your marriage by attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend.  The next weekend is scheduled in Peoria, IL on March 31, 2017 – April 2, 2017.  Apply now at: www.GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Norm and Deb Lopez at peorialmereg@gmail.com for more information.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January—March 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

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:  “Here’s To Life!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Deuteronomy 30:15-20.  Even as the world becomes a meaner, angrier place, God calls us to share His life with 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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January 29, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Corinthians 1:18:  “Where is the one who is wise?  Where is the scribe?  Where is the debater of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”  God’s ways are certainly not the world’s ways – including the way God tells us to manage the resources He’s given to us.  The world says “hold on, hold back, and gather up.”  Jesus says to store up treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where no thief breaks in to steal.  Whose way do you think is best?  What is wiser: the wisdom of the financial gurus or the foolishness of God?

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS will be studying “Here We Stand: A Lutherans For Life Bible Study” this morning in the basement of the church at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, students learn the story “Jesus Calls Matthew.”  We sinners rejoice, for we, too, have been called from our own pigsty of sin to dine with Jesus around His table and to be a friend of the friend of sinners.  Consider discussing, “How did Jesus call Matthew to be one of His followers?  How and why does Jesus call us to follow Him?”

TODAY:  The Church Council has scheduled a Voter’s Meeting to follow the 10:30 worship service today.  We will meet in the sanctuary to discuss and decide on options for our roof/brick and the leaking problem that comes with a heavy rain.

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS will begin on Monday, February 6^th at 7:00 p.m.  The class runs eight weeks and lasts about an hour.  This class is designed for non-members who would like to learn more about the Lutheran Church and its teachings.  It is also a good refresher course for members.  If you know of someone you would like Pastor to invite please call him at (309) 838-0306 or email him at revbci@yahoo.com.

2017 OFFERING ENVELOPES:  Your 2017 Offering Envelopes are available on the cart that is located in the narthex.  We encourage everyone to pick up your envelopes!

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January—March 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

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:  “Nothing But Jesus!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 1 Corinthians 2:1-16.  Amid life’s commotion and clamor, what will give us peace?  Nothing but Jesus!  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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January 22, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 4:20:  “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”  Discipleship cost Peter and Andrew everything they had: they left their trade, their hometown, their families and they followed Jesus.  God has called us to the same discipleship – the same devotion, though the exact details of how that is lived out will vary.  The important thing is this: that we know that all we have is the Lord’s, to be used for His purpose, that we are His disciples, ready to follow where He leads.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS will be studying “Here We Stand: A Lutherans For Life Bible Study” this morning in the basement of the church at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  “Jesus Heals a Man Who Is Paralyzed” is the lesson for today. The miracle of healing the paralytic confirms that Jesus, the Son of Man, has authority on earth to forgive sins, and it confirms what the Son of Man chiefly came to do: deliver us and all believers from sin, death, and the power of the devil.  Consider discussing, “In addition to healing the paralyzed man, what else does Jesus tell him?  How has Jesus healed us from our sickness of sin?”

TODAY in conjunction with Sanctity of Human Life we will have a door Offering for Lutherans For Life.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the FEBRUARY 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, January 29^th, is a fifth Sunday so Holy Communion will be celebrated in both worship services.

VOTER’S MEETING:  Next Sunday, January 29^th, the Church Council has scheduled a Voter’s Meeting to follow the 10:30 worship service.  We will meet in the sanctuary to discuss and decide on options for our roof/brick and the leaking problem that comes with a heavy rain.

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS will begin on Monday, February 6^th at 7:00 p.m.  The class runs eight weeks and lasts about an hour.  This class is designed for non-members who would like to learn more about the Lutheran Church and its teachings.  It is also a good refresher course for members.  If you know of someone you would like Pastor to invite please call him at (309) 838-0306 or email him at revbci@yahoo.com.

2017 OFFERING ENVELOPES:  Your 2017 Offering Envelopes are available on the cart that is located in the narthex.  We encourage everyone to pick up your envelopes!

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January—March 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

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:  “Our Foolishness, His Faithfulness” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.  Many consider Christ’s cross to be just so much foolishness.  That is the worst foolishness of all.  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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