†  Bulletin Announcements  †

May 31, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 3:6:  “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”  In Holy Baptism we receive a new birth: spirit from Spirit.  With that rebirth we receive new desires, new lives, new purposes.  To the (fleshly) world, Christian generosity makes no sense – a total minus a percentage is less than the original total.  But Spirit-reborn Christians now that God’s math works differently (as we might expect from the Trinity!): a blessing received from God becomes more of  blessing when it is used in generosity to bless others.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying a DVD-based topic, “The Great Deceiver”.  The focus is on the work of Satan from the Bible and how Christ has overcome him through His death and resurrection.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  On this last Sunday of the spring quarter of Sunday School, students study “John’s Vision of Heaven.”  Those who believe that salvation has been accomplished by the all-availing sacrifice of Jesus’ blood on the cross will bear the name of Christ, written on their forehead in Holy Baptism, and will have the right to the tree of life.  Consider discussing, “How does John describe heaven?  How is the promise of eternal life in heaven ours?”

TODAY we have a large container in the narthex for you to leave your contribution for our special project which is the Organ Repair and Update.  Our next Collection will be Sunday, July 5^th and Sunday, July, 12^th.  Thank you!     The 20^th Church Anniversary Committee

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  The 20^th Church Anniversary Committee has sent out invitations to former members who have moved away.  We were able to find many of them but there are a few we could not find addresses for.  They are: Barb Parry, Russ & LeAnne Perry and Family, Lloyd and Donna Smith.  If you know their current address or can contact them through social media, please pass on their information to the church office.  Thank you!

TUTION ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE:  Please contact a member of the Board of Christian Education or the church office for more information.  Forms are available in the office.

THE CHURCH FLOWER BED:  I want to replace the yellow Iris in the flower bed with different colors.  If you have any to share please contact Diane Benjamin at (309) 724-8520.  Thank you!

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:  “Life Under God’s Construction” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1.  Do you see a “Road Construction Ahead” sign?  Did God put it there?  The speaker will be Reverend Gregory Seltz.  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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† Bulletin Announcements †

May 24, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Acts 2:1: “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.” Pentecost was the Old Testament harvest festival: a time of thanksgiving, bounty, and the giving of gifts. How appropriate that in the New Testament it takes on the meaning of harvest the ripe fields of the nations, bringing in the elect of every tribe and tongue to sing the Lord’s praise. Every farmer knows that it is God who gives the increase, that harvest calls for thanksgiving.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”. The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL the students study the account “Paul Sails for Rome.” As Christ was with Paul and His companions, so He is with me, holding me up, keeping me with Him in the ship of the Church, and casting all my sins into the depths of the sea. Parents could ask, “Who and what did God use to keep Paul safe? How does God keep us safely with Himself?”

TODAY we have a large container in the narthex for you to leave your contribution for our special project which is the Organ Repair and Update. You may also bring your contribution next Sunday, May 31^st. Thank you!  The 20^th Church Anniversary Committee

TODAY: Thankful for the Lord’s blessings and the part you have played in Karson’s life (especially his spiritual life), Pastor and Toni Lueck in conjunction with the presenter of his High School Diploma, Normal West High School, invite you to a Graduation Party this afternoon from 3-6:00 p.m. at Union Park Clubhouse (GE Park), 1750 G.E. Road in Bloomington.

CAN YOU HELP: Following Laura’s surgery the Kessler family is in need of meals. If you can help, please call or e-mail Curt. His phone# is (309) 826-7171; and his email is: 71fenderbassman@comcast.net. Thank you.

THE CHURCH FLOWER BED: I want to replace the yellow Iris in the flower bed with different colors. If you have any to share please contact Diane Benjamin at (309) 724-8520. Thank you!

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.

JOB OPENING: Shining lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N Hershey Rd., Normal, IL has an opening for the Director position. Qualifications for the director include: (1: An associate’s degree in early childhood education with experience and licenser or certification in Early Childhood Education and Director-qualified according to the Department of Children and Family Services. (2: Leadership experience in administration and staff guiding. (3: Significant experience in preschool/elementary age ministry. (4: Be able to show/share God’s love in the preschool environment. If you are interested and would like an application, please see Rosemary in the church office or call (309) 452-5609, ext. 2. Please return your application by Friday May 29, 2015.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Enough Is Enough” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 2 Peter 3:9-10. God shows grace to sinners but His patience has its limits. The speaker will be Reverend Ken Klaus. 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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† Bulletin Announcements †

May 17, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 John 5:12:  “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”  Jesus is the foundation, the bedrock, the beginning and the end.  To have Him is to have it all. In Him we have life.  And we are called to live in Him, to live this new life He has given us, to grow up into His image.  This is a struggle in this sinful world!  But His grace is sufficient as He refreshes us through Word and Sacrament

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”.  The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  The account of “Paul and Silas in Prison” serves as the focus of Sunday School today.  Just as God freed Paul and Silas from prison, granting them life out of death, so Christ by His crucifixion and resurrection frees me from the prison of my sins and grants me life eternal. Questions for discussion include “How is this event more than just a story about Paul’s escape from prison?” and “How has God rescued us from the prison of sin?”

TODAY:  We welcome by Adult Confirmation this morning Jordan Doddek.  Jordan is graduating from Bradley University with a Civil Engineering Degree and is employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Peoria.  Jordan enjoys basketball and computers.  His cell# is (309) 660-5735 and his email is jtdoddek@gmail.com.  Jordan’s fiancée is Good Shepherd member Heidi Bliese and they will be married here on Saturday, September 12, 2015.  Please welcome him to our church family.

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.

NEXT SUNDAY:  Holy Communion will be celebrated in both worship services the next two Sundays.  May 24^th (Pentecost) and May 31^st (Fifth Sunday).

CAN YOU HELP:  Following Laura’s surgery this past week, the Kessler family is in need of meals. If you can help, please call or e-mail Curt at 309-287-0109; 71fenderbassman@comcast.net.  Thank you.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Sandy will be out of the Office this coming Thursday, May 21^st and Friday, May 22^nd.  Any announcements you would like to be published in the bulletin for Sunday, May 24^th, must be to her by tomorrow, May 18^th, as she will be running the bulletin for the 24^th, on Monday, May 18^th.  Thank you!

REPAIR OF ORGAN FUND AND UPDATE:  As you know our Project for the 20^th Church Anniversary is to repair and update the organ.  The second special collection (2 of 3) for this will be next Sunday, May 24^th and Sunday, May 31^st.  The collection container for your contributions will be in the church narthex.  The final collection will be Sunday, July 5^th and Sunday, July 12^th.  Collection Update:  Thus far we have collected one-third of our goal.

YOU ARE INVITED:  Thankful for the Lord’s blessings and the part you have played in Karson’s life (especially his spiritual life), Pastor and Toni Lueck in conjunction with the presenter of his High School Diploma, Normal West High School, invite you to a Graduation Party next Sunday, May 24^th, from 3-6:00 p.m. at Union Park Clubhouse (GE Park), 1750 G.E. Road in Bloomington.  You are also invited to the Graduation Ceremony which is this coming Saturday, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

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.

JOB OPENING:  Shining lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N Hershey Rd., Normal, IL has an opening for the Director position.  Qualifications for the director include: (1: An associate’s degree in early childhood education with experience and licenser or certification in Early Childhood Education and Director-qualified according to the Department of Children and Family Services.  (2: Leadership experience in administration and staff guiding.  (3: Significant experience in preschool/elementary age ministry.  (4: Be able to show/share God’s love in the preschool environment.  If you are interested and would like an application, please see Rosemary in the church office or call (309) 452-5609, ext. 2. Please return your application by Friday May 29, 2015.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Power Connection” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 15:26-27; 16:14-15.  Pentecost is a day to celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit as Counselor and Comforter, sent by Jesus to bless you!  The speaker will be Reverend Gregory Seltz.  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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† Bulletin Announcements †

May 10, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 John 5:3:  “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.  And His commandments are not burdensome.”  God’s commandments are not burdensome, but that’s only true for Christians precisely because we know that we are not saved by our keeping of the Law.  We are saved by grace.  Therefore we are set free by grace to walk in newness of life, to grow in faithfulness, and rejoice in the Law of the Lord: for the love of God is that we keep His commandments.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”.  The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Our Sunday School students will study the story of “Lydia” today.  Just as God worked His miracle beside the river, clothing Lydia with Christ in Baptism, so God works His miracles in pulpits and fonts around the world today, destroying the work of Satan, ripping believers from the jaws of death, washing away sins in water tinged with Jesus’ blood, and clothing believers with His righteousness.  Parents could ask, “How did God use water to save Lydia and us?  Who does God use to reveal His Word to us today?”

TODAY is our monthly door Offering for Seminarian Chris Suggitt, (please see his note on the church bulletin board announcing his dual Parish call), and for Reverend Michael Kearney.

THIS WEEK:  We have Ascension Worship with Holy Communion this Thursday, May 14^th at 7:00 p.m.  The Ascension message: “Raising Our Focus”.

NEXT SUNDAY 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.

ATTENTION:  The 20^th Church Anniversary Committee needs photos from 2005-2015 to be used in a power point presentation during our Anniversary week-end.  Please let us know if you have any photos to share such as from Sunday School, Bible Class, Church Meetings, worship services, picnics, etc.  Please contact Marvin Huth at (309) 829-6897 if you have any photos to share or questions.  Thank you!      The 20^th Church Anniversary Committee

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.

JOB OPENING:  Shining lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N. Hershey Rd., Normal, IL has an opening for the Director position.  Qualifications for the director include: (1: An associate’s degree in early childhood education with experience and licenser or certification in Early Childhood Education and Director-qualified according to the Department of Children and Family Services.  (2: Leadership experience in administration and staff guiding.  (3: Significant experience in preschool/elementary age ministry.  (4: Be able to show/share God’s love in the preschool environment.  If you are interested and would like an application, please see Rosemary in the church office or call (309) 452-5609, ext. 2. Please return your application by Friday May 29, 2015.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Without a Fight or a Prayer” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 17:11-19.  Jesus prays for us because He knows we are vulnerable and need protection from a world that seeks to steal us away from God.  The speaker will be Reverend Gregory Seltz.  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.

Happy Mother’s Day

 

 

†   Bulletin Announcements   †

May 3, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 15:2 : “Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”  God is interested in the fruit that we bear in good works, and He even prunes us so that we may bring forth more fruit. Trusting in our Lord’s work for us, being grafted by grace into His vine, we desire to be more like Him, to grow into His image.  That’s growth in fruit bearing…and it always comes with some pruning.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”.  The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  The story of “Paul and Timothy” serves as the focus of Sunday School today.  Just as many in Paul’s day thought, we think we must do something to be saved.  Yet the answer is always Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus, whose resurrection from the dead sealed our salvation and absolved the world.  Questions for discussion include “How are you like Timothy?” and “How are we saved from our sin?”

TODAY:  The Holy Baptism of Cooper Rex Mosier takes place in our 10:30 worship service.  Cooper is the son of Randy and Beth Mosier.  The witnesses for Cooper’s baptism will be Jake and Barbie Langhoff.

THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the “Walk For Life” for Pastor and his family.  Over $50,000.00 was raised for the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

ATTENTION:  The 20^th Church Anniversary Committee needs photos from 2005-2015 to be used in a power point presentation during our Anniversary week-end.  Please let us know if you have any photos to share such as from Sunday School, Bible Class, Church Meetings, worship services, picnics, etc.  Please contact Marvin Huth at (309) 829-6897 if you have any photos to share or questions.  Thank you!      The 20^th Church Anniversary Committee

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.

YOU ARE INVITED:  The members of Good Shepherd are invited to our sister congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, this afternoon as they install their new Pastor.  Reverend Billy Newell will become their new Assistant Pastor in the 2:30 p.m. worship service.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Relentless Compassion” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Acts 10:34-38.  God’s love excludes no one.  The speaker will be Reverend Gregory Seltz.  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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† Bulletin Announcements†

April 26, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 10:14:  “I am the good Shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me.”  What does it mean to know the Lord?  It starts with being known by the Lord: He claims us as His own and calls us by name.  Then, once we are His, we learn to know Him…and in knowing Him we learn to imitate Him.  And that is how the Christian life of good works and generosity grows from the Lord’s grace

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”.  The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL students learn the story of “Paul’s First Missionary Journey.”  Just as God sent Paul and Barnabas to spread the Gospel, so today He sends pastors to preach the Gospel, baptize, and feed Jesus’ body and blood to His children, against whom the gates of hell cannot prevail.  Consider discussing, “Who gave Paul directions on where to travel?  What was Paul’s message?”

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The April – June 2015 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.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S 20^TH ANNIVERSARY:  Have you noticed the banner in the narthex for Good Shepherd’s 20^th Anniversary: (Great Is Thy Faithfulness)?  A great big Thank you goes out to Joyce Schneider and Paula Hardy for making the banner.  We also want to report we have collected a little over $3,800.00 since we had our first collection in March.  Our next dates for collection for the Organ Repair are: Sunday, May 24^th and Sunday, May 31^st.  Thank you to all for your participation.  The 20^th Church Anniversary Committee

THE LUTHERANS FOR LIFE OF ILLINOIS 2015 STATE CONFERENCE will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln, IL this coming Saturday, May 2^nd from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  The Conference theme is “Because Life Matters” taken from Job 33:4.  Our keynote speaker will be Reverend Dr. Jim Lamb, Executive Director of Lutherans For Life.  Other speakers include Sara Hintz and Lori Trinche.  No pre-registration or fee required.  Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and rolls.  Please bring donations of diapers, diaper wipes, and newborn baby items which will be given to the Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center of Lincoln, IL.  A continental breakfast, mid-morning snack, and lunch will be prepared and served by the Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid (a free-will Offering would be appreciated).  The Conference Offering will be going to “Owen’s Mission” (a Special Project providing a set of “Touch of Life” fetal models to Lutheran schools).  Please e-mail: lakamps@gmail.com with questions.  Everyone is welcome to come and be educated on life issues and enjoy fellowship with other life-affirming folks.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “You Can Live a Meaningful Life” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 15:1-8.  A life that is meaningful is one that is connected to Jesus.  The speaker will be Reverend Gregory Seltz.  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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