October 9, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 17:19:  And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”  Only one of the ten lepers cleansed returns to give thanks to Jesus.  Why is that?  Surely the rest were indeed thankful to be freed from such a terrible disease.  But only the Samaritan leper had faith: and his faith turned into action, as all true faith does.  Our generosity to God’s work in the Church is likewise our faith in action.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, meeting in the basement at 9:15 a.m. continues a DVD based study: “Jesus – Legend of Lord?”  The class features LC-MS Author and Scholar Dr. Paul Maier discussing History and Archaeology and how it all fits with the Holy Scriptures.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Samson is the subject of this week’s Sunday School lesson. Students learn that Jesus repeats and completes Samson’s deeds of deliverance for us and for our salvation.  When we are weak, He is strong!  Consider asking, “What was the true source of Samson’s strength?  Who is the source of our strength?”

TODAY is our monthly door Offering for our Seminary Student Jeremy Hercamp.  The Hercamps sent a recent letter and it is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

PASTOR APPRECIATION SUNDAY:  Today we will celebrate Pastor Appreciation Sunday.  This year is the 25^th Anniversary of Pastor Lueck’s Ordination.  A potluck dinner is scheduled following the 10:30 worship service.  There are sign-up sheets on the table in the narthex. Please put your name, how many will be attending and what you will be bringing to share.

FOOD COLLECTION:  Beginning today we will begin our Collection of Food for Home Sweet Home Mission.  The last few years we have moved up our Collection because we now serve a meal there.  The meal will be on Saturday, November 5^th.  The time will be from 2-6:00 p.m.  Please have any donations in by Thursday, November 3^rd, so they can be packed and ready to go.  If interested in helping please speak with Pastor or a member of the Evangelism/Stewardship Board.  Thank you.

THE ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS will resume Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room.

OCTOBER’S FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE will be on Friday, October 21^ST at 6:30 p.m.  Catch the movie that flew over the fence and into the hearts of millions of cheering fans!  It’s Disney’s “ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD”, the feel-good film about a young boy praying for a father – and a struggling baseball team praying for a pennant.  Danny Glover plays George Knox, the frustrated coach of the California Angels, a ragtag team of major-league misfits who are down on their luck.  But things begin to look up when 11-year-old Roger, their biggest fan, starts giving Knox some winning tips from a real live angel named Al (Christopher Lloyd).  The team miraculously climbs back into the pennant race…all the while learning to believe in themselves.  Join us for a great family movie, good food and fellowship.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The October – December 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located 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.

FROM THE OFFICE:  There is a young ladies yellow dress with rose colored flowers in a “Banana Republic” shopping bag located on the coat rack in the narthex. If it is yours or you know who it may belong to please pick up and take it home with you.  Thank you.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Know This Word – Your Life Depends On It” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 2 Timothy 3:16.  The Bible provides a strategy for survival in an uncertain world.  It can break hearts of stone and replace them with living hearts open to God’s truth.  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 home # is (309) 661-6522; 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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October 2, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 17:10:  So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.‘  We can never put God in our debt.  Even if we lived in perfect compliance with the Law we would still only be unworthy servants.  Our giving to the Lord’s work in the Church is a sign that we recognize our role as servants, and our need for that work of the Lord in the Church that blesses us with His Word and Sacraments.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, meeting in the basement at 9:15 a.m. continues a DVD based study: “Jesus – Legend of Lord?”  The class features LC-MS Author and Scholar Dr. Paul Maier discussing History and Archaeology and how it all fits with the Holy Scriptures.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Gideon’s amazing victory over the enemies of God’s people recorded in Judges 6–7 is the subject of today’s Sunday School lesson.  Christ, the light of the world, overcomes the darkness of sin, death, and the devil, even as God overcame Israel’s enemy while the light streamed from the lamps of Gideon’s men.  Discuss with your children, “What do you think was the most amazing part of Gideon’s victory?  Why is it important that Jesus won the victory over sin and death?”

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE:  Pastor will be out of the office on Monday and Tuesday of this week as he attends the District Pastor’s Conference in East Peoria.  Because of his absence the Adult Instruction Class will not meet this week.  The class will resume on Monday, October 10^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room.

PASTOR APPRECIATION SUNDAY:  Next Sunday, October 9^th, we will celebrate Pastor Appreciation Sunday.  This year is the 25^th Anniversary of Pastor Lueck’s Ordination.  A potluck dinner is scheduled following the 10:30 worship service.  There are sign-up sheets on the table in the narthex. Please put your name, how many will be attending and what you will be bringing to share.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The October – December 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today!

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief Health Kits.  We need your help in filling the Health Kits with the following items:  36 Bars of Soap; 6 Toothbrushes; 36 Fingernail Clippers; and 18 Combs (No picks please).  Any questions please see or call Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

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.

FROM THE OFFICE:  There is a young ladies yellow dress with rose colored flowers in a “Banana Republic” shopping bag located on the coat rack in the narthex. If it is yours or you know who it may belong to please pick up and take it home with you.  Thank you.

YOU ARE INVITED:  On Saturday, October 15^th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church of Normal is hosting Dr. Paul Maier, Lutheran author, theologian and college professor.  Our Sunday Adult Bible Class is currently studying one of Dr. Maier’s presentations.  On the 15^th, he will speak on “Defending the Faith” and “Christianity and The Competition”.  The cost is $15.00 and includes lunch.  Please call (309) 452-5609 or email: clcms@frontier.com to make your reservation.  The deadline to sign-up is Friday, October 7^th.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Lord, Give Me What I Need – Give Me Faith!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 17:11-19.  You don’t have to settle for what the world hands you.  You can live by faith in the Son of God who heals, forgives, and restores.  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 home # is (309) 661-6522; 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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September 25, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Amos 6:1: “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion. . . .”  The Book of Amos is a warning to God’s people who have been given great material wealth.  As Jesus Himself mentions, material blessings can turn into temptations – chiefly the temptation to think of ourselves as self-sufficient and independent.  What does Amos suggest as a way to combat this temptation?  First off: faith in the Lord and dependence upon Him!  And if our faith is right we will want to follow the rest of Amos’s instructions: to bless the poor with our alms and to make sure the Lord’s House is properly cared for. In other words: to align our actions with God’s priorities and put others ahead of ourselves.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, meeting in the basement at 9:15 a.m. continues a DVD based study: “Jesus – Legend of Lord?”  The class features LC-MS Author and Scholar Dr. Paul Maier discussing History and Archaeology and how it all fits with the Holy Scriptures.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL students study Deborah, one of the Old Testament judges.  Through Deborah, Barak, and Jael, God brought about victory for His people and freed them from cruel oppression; through Christ’s death on the cross, God brought about our victory and freed us from sin, death, and the devil.  Parents could ask, “How did God use Deborah to help His people?  How does God help His people today?”

THE ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS for this week is being moved to Tuesday, September 27^th at 7:00 p.m.  The class meets in the Conference Room next to the church office.

PASTOR APPRECIATION SUNDAY:  On Sunday, October 9^th, we will celebrate Pastor Appreciation Sunday.  This year is the 25^th Anniversary of Pastor Lueck’s Ordination.  A potluck dinner is scheduled following the 10:30 worship service.  There are sign-up sheets on the table in the narthex. Please put your name, how many will be attending and what you will be bringing to share.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The October – December 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today!

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief Health Kits.  We need your help in filling the Health Kits with the following items:  36 Bars of Soap; 6 Toothbrushes; 36 Fingernail Clippers; and 18 Combs (No picks please).  Any questions please see or call Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

YOU ARE INVITED:  Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eureka is having their Annual Hog Roast this coming Saturday, October 1^st, from 4-7:00 p.m.  Pastor Lueck has two complimentary tickets to hand out if you are interested.

A WOMEN’S RETREAT, sponsored by LWML CID, will held at the Camp CILCA Christian Growth Center on Friday, October 7^th and Saturday, October 8^th.  More Information and Registration Forms are available on the table in the narthex.  Reservation deadline is this coming Friday, September 30^th.

YOU ARE INVITED:  On Saturday, October 15^th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church of Normal is hosting Dr. Paul Maier, Lutheran author, theologian and college professor.  Our Sunday Adult Bible Class is currently studying one of Dr. Maier’s presentations.  On the 15^th, he will speak on “Defending the Faith” and “Christianity and The Competition”.  The cost is $15.00 and includes lunch.  Please call (309) 452-5609 or email: clcms@frontier.com to make your reservation.  The deadline to sign-up is Friday, October 7^th.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Only Way To Live: By Faith!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4.  God cares about you, listens to you, and answers your difficult questions with grace and compassion.  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 home # is (309) 661-6522; 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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September 18, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 16:8: “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.”  The sons of this world know that they should use their wealth wisely to provide for their future.  Shouldn’t we “sons of light” know that the wealth God has allowed us to manage should be managed for God’s purposes in roles He has given us to play in Church, home, and society?

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, meeting in the basement at 9:15 a.m. continues a DVD based study: “Jesus – Legend of Lord?”  The class features LC-MS Author and Scholar Dr. Paul Maier discussing History and Archaeology and how it all fits with the Holy Scriptures.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL students study “The Fall of Jericho.”  We are reminded that God is our mighty fortress who delivers us from the false walls of our sin and saves us in the true Joshua, (Jesus) that we might become and remain His people.  Ask students,  “What did the people of Jericho think their wall (fortress) would do for them?  What does God our Fortress do for us?”

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

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS begins tomorrow, Monday, September 19^th at 7:00 p.m.  The class runs ten 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.

LUTHERAN WOMEN MISSIONARY LEAGUE ZONE RALLY:  The Fall Rally for the LWML Bloomington Zone will be held here at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at 8:30 a.m.  Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is also assisting us with this Rally.  Our speaker will be Reverend Terry Strom from Trinity Lutheran Church.  There will be an ingathering for the Home Sweet Home Mission of canned goods, boxed food items, etc.  If you have any questions please see or call Luanne Huth (309) 829-6897.

THE LADIES MORNING BIBLE STUDY resumes this coming Tuesday, September 20^th at 9:30 a.m. at  church.  We will begin the morning with Fellowship and light refreshments.  Our study will be on Chapter 1: “The Parable of the Sower” from the new book.  If you would like to know more about our Ladies Morning Bible Study or would like to join the Study, please contact Jeannette Ross at (309) 662-4622.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S BLOOD DRIVE:  Online scheduling is now available for Good Shepherd’s Blood Drive.  The gift of life can be given on Tuesday, September 20^th, from 2-6:00 p.m. in the church basement.  Go to: redcrossblood.org and enter in your zip code, then follow the prompts.        You may also sign-up on the table in the narthex.  Thank you for helping your fellow man/woman who need this God given resource.

PASTOR APPRECIATION SUNDAY:  On Sunday, October 9^th, we will celebrate Pastor Appreciation Sunday.  This year is the 25^th Anniversary of Pastor Lueck’s Ordination.  A potluck dinner is scheduled following the 10:30 worship service.  There are sign-up sheets on the table in the narthex. Please put your name, how many will be attending and what you will be bringing to share.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief Health Kits.  We need your help in filling the Health Kits with the following items:  36 Bars of Soap; 6 Toothbrushes; 36 Fingernail Clippers; and 18 Combs (No picks please).  Any questions please see or call Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

YOU ARE INVITED:  Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eureka is having their Annual Hog Roast on Saturday, October 1^st, from 4-7:00 p.m.  Pastor Lueck has two complimentary tickets to hand out if you are interested.

A WOMEN’S RETREAT, sponsored by LWML CID, will held at the Camp CILCA Christian Growth Center on Friday, October 7^th and Saturday, October 8^th.  More Information and Registration Forms are available on the table in the narthex.  Reservation deadline is Friday, September 30^th.

YOU ARE INVITED:  On Saturday, October 15^th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church of Normal is hosting Dr. Paul Maier, Lutheran author, theologian and college professor.  Our Sunday Adult Bible Class is currently studying one of Dr. Maier’s presentations.  On the 15^th, he will speak on “Defending the Faith” and “Christianity and The Competition”.  The cost is $15.00 and includes lunch.  Please call (309) 452-5609 or email: clcms@frontier.com to make your reservation.  The deadline to sign-up is Friday, October 7^th.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Unlimited Patience—Almost” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 1 Timothy 1:15-16.  In this life the Lord of perfect patience invites sinners to faith and forgiveness.  But remember, it is an invitation for this life only.  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 home # is (309) 661-6522; 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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September 11, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 15:2: And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”  Thanks be to God: Jesus receives us sinners!  What the Pharisees can’t understand, we praise with all our being: the grace of God.  We live by that grace and the more of it we receive, the more we will want to conform ourselves to the image of our generous and gracious Lord.  Knowing the Lord and trusting Him come first…and the desire to imitate Him can’t help but follow!

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, meeting in the basement at 9:15 a.m. continues a DVD based study: “Jesus – Legend of Lord?”  The class features LC-MS Author and Scholar Dr. Paul Maier discussing History and Archaeology and how it all fits with the Holy Scriptures.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  At the Jordan River, led by Joshua, Israel leaves the desert in this week’s Sunday School lesson “Entering the Promised Land.”  In Baptism, led by Christ, we leave behind the desert of sin, death, and Satan so we may enter into the promised land of heaven.  Parents might ask, “What did the Israelites create to remind them of their crossing into the Promised Land?  What do you have to remind you of your Baptism?”

TODAY we will take our monthly Door Offering for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp.  He is studying at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN.  Jacob is married and has one child.

THE FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE is “DECORATION DAY”. It will be shown this coming Friday, September 16^th, at 6:30 p.m.  A debt of honor becomes a bridge to freedom in this powerful, life-affirming winner of two Golden Globes for Best Drama and Best Actor, James Garner.  As two friends are forced to confront their own personal ghosts from the past, they will learn the true meaning of friendship and find the power of forgiveness in this unforgettable lesson in courage and love.  Join us for a great movie and a good meal in air-conditioned comfort.  There is plenty of room and plenty of food.

LUTHERAN WOMEN MISSIONARY LEAGUE ZONE RALLY:  The Fall Rally for the LWML Bloomington Zone will be held here at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on September 22, 2016, at 8:30 a.m.  Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is also assisting us with this Rally.  Our speaker will be Reverend Terry Strom from Trinity Lutheran Church.  There will be an ingathering for the Home Sweet Home Mission of canned goods, boxed food items, etc.  The cost for the Rally is $12.00.  All women are invited.  Reservations can be made by contacting Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897 by this coming Wednesday, September 14^th.

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

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS will begin on Monday, September 19^th at 7:00 p.m.  The class runs ten 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.

THE LADIES MORNING BIBLE STUDY resumes this month on Tuesday, September 20^th at 9:30 a.m. at  church.  We will begin the morning with Fellowship and light refreshments.  Our study will be on Chapter 1: “The Parable of the Sower” from the new book.  If you would like to know more about our Ladies Morning Bible Study or would like to join the Study, please contact Jeannette Ross at (309) 662-4622.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S BLOOD DRIVE:  Online scheduling is now available for Good Shepherd’s Blood Drive.  The gift of life can be given on Tuesday, September 20^th, from 2-6:00 p.m. in the church basement.  Go to: redcrossblood.org and enter in your zip code, then follow the prompts.        You may also sign-up on the table in the narthex.  Thank you for helping your fellow man/woman who need this God given resource.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief Health Kits.  We need your help in filling the Health Kits with the following items:  36 Bars of Soap; 6 Toothbrushes; 36 Fingernail Clippers; and 18 Combs (No picks please).  Any questions please see or call Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

A WOMEN’S RETREAT, sponsored by LWML CID, will held at the Camp CILCA Christian Growth Center on Friday, October 7^th and Saturday, October 8^th.  More Information and Registration Forms are available on the table in the narthex.  Reservation deadline is Friday, September 30^th.

YOU ARE INVITED:  On Saturday, October 15^th, Christ Lutheran Church of Normal is hosting Dr. Paul Maier, Lutheran author, theologian and college professor.  Our Sunday Adult Bible Class is currently studying one of Dr. Maier’s presentations.  On the 15^th, he will speak on “Defending the Faith” and “Christianity and The Competition”.  The cost is $15.00 and includes lunch.  Please call (309) 452-5609 or email: clcms@frontier.com to make your reservation.  The deadline to sign-up is Friday, October 7^th.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Be Careful Who Sings Your Praises” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 16:1-15.  God invites us to take all that He gives us and then put it to work for 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 home # is (309) 661-6522; 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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September 4, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 14:33: “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”  None of what we have is ours – it all belongs to God.  That is the foundation of Christian stewardship.  What we have been given is to be used for God’s purposes according to our callings in home, Church, and society.  As we learn to leave generously in these callings, we renounce our ownership of our wealth.  It’s not “ours,” it’s His; God owns, we manage for the furtherance of His goals.

NEXT SUNDAY, September 11^th, will be our Christian Education Rally Sunday with a special order of Worship.  We will also install Sunday School Teachers and Officers.  May God Bless our involvement in the Christian Education programs offered at Good Shepherd.  Also, next Sunday, will be the beginning of our monthly Door Offering for our seminary student.  This year it will be Mr. Jacob Hercamp.  Jacob is married and they recently had their first child.  He is studying at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN.

THE LWML will meet this coming Tuesday, September 6^th at 9:00 a.m.

FROM THE OFFICE:  As of this past Tuesday, August 30^th, Pastor, Toni, Karson, and Holden will no longer have their land line phone (309) 821-0512.  Pastor can be reached on his cell phone (309) 838-0306 or at church (309) 662-8905.  If he is unavailable, please be sure to leave a message and he will get back to you.  You can also text Pastor if you have something that doesn’t need a response (he’s trying to go to his grave having not texted!)  For an emergency contact or text response you can reach Toni (309) 530-8666. Pastor’s e-mail: revbci@yahoo.com is another point of contact and he does respond to those!  A moment of silence as we leave this piece of Americana behind – “Sarah, get me Sheriff Taylor.”

GOOD SHEPHERD’S BLOOD DRIVE:  Online scheduling is now available for Good Shepherd’s Blood Drive.  The gift of life can be given on Tuesday, September 20^th, from 2-6:00 p.m. in the church basement.  Go to: redcrossblood.org and enter in your zip code, then follow the prompts.        You may also sign-up on the table in the narthex.  Thank you for helping your fellow man/woman who need this God given resource.

FROM THE OFFICE:  If your son or daughter is going away to college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex.  As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter.  Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed.  We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief Health Kits.  We need your help in filling the Health Kits with the following items:  36 Bars of Soap; 6 Toothbrushes; 36 Fingernail Clippers; and 18 Combs (No picks please).  Any questions please see or call Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

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.

TODAY is the annual Camp CILCA Chicken Fry and Auction!   The day begins with worship at 10:30 a.m.  Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the live Auction beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Auction items include quilts, gift baskets, homemade fudge, gift cards, and a picnic table hand-decorated by the 2016 High School Week campers and counselors.  Thirty plus campsites are available for tents, trailers, and RV’s.  Join other Camp CILCA supporters for a weekend of camping and fellowship.  If you would like to donate an item for auction, please contact the Camp office at (217) 487-7497.

A WOMEN’S RETREAT, sponsored by LWML CID, will held at the Camp CILCA Christian Growth Center on Friday, October 7^th and Saturday, October 8^th.  More Information and Registration Forms are available on the table in the narthex.  Reservation deadline is Friday, September 30^th.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “There’s No Other Friend Like Jesus” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 15:1-10.  We befriend, love, and show care for other people because Jesus loved, befriended, and saved 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 home # is (309) 661-6522; 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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