Bulletin Notes

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 children will study “An Angel Visits Joseph.”  Just as the angel proclaimed to Joseph that Mary would bear an infant who is the Son of God, the Savior, so God proclaimed to us in His Word that this same Jesus is our Savior from sin and death.  Parents could ask, “What important message did the angel give Joseph?  What important message do we hear in God’s Word?”

 THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”   Christians express their thanks to God in many ways: in prayer, in giving to the Lord word, in acts of service to others, in faithful living in their daily callings.  Everything we do to honor God in our lives is a means of returning thanks for the Lord’s many gifts to us.

 TODAY is our 2^nd Sunday door offering for Reverend Michael Kearney and Seminarian Chris Suggitt.

 POINSETTIAS:  If you would like to contribute toward the purchase of a poinsettia for the altar at Christmas, the cost is $6.00.  There is a sign-up sheet and envelope to put your money or check in available on the table in the narthex.  We need to have your order by TODAY, December 14^th.  You may pick up your poinsettia after the New Year’s Eve Worship Service.  If you have any questions, please contact Luanne Huth.

 THE MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICE:  Our Choir will lead the Midweek Advent Worship this week.  This “Service of Lessons and Carols” will be Wednesday, December 17^th at 7:00 p.m.  We have a meal served at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the church.  The sign-up to prepare and bring food is in the narthex.  The free-will Offering this week will support the Hilbert Family with Lutheran Bible Translators.  They plan to return to Sierra Leone to continue their work once it is safe to do so.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Good Shepherd has received a recent correspondence from both the Suggitt Family (at the Seminary in Ft. Wayne) and the Hilbert Family (LBT Missionaries).  These have been posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January – March 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Please pick up your free copy today.  Large print also available.

 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.

 ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN:  John & Paula Hardy will be making their annual trip to Fort Wayne, IN.  Please bring to the church any slightly used adult and/or children’s clothing and any household items such as small appliances, kitchen items, etc. and place in the box located in the narthex.  The trip date has yet to be finalized but will take place in either January or February.  Please see John or Paula if you have any questions.  Thank you.

 THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Surprised By Grace” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 1:26-38.  God’s grace comes as a surprise and blessing to those who deserve none of it.  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.

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:  As we observe this Second Sunday in Advent, Sunday School students will study the story “An Angel Visits Mary.”  In the womb of Mary, Jesus, the Son of God, became a man so that we sinful people might become adopted children of God and share in the inheritance of heaven.  Parents might ask, “How does God make us His children?  What do we inherit as God’s children?”

 THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Corinthians 1:7:  “…so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  The Lord sees to it that we do not lack any gift – He has given us every spiritual blessing in Christ as well as every earthly need as well.  He is the Provider.  And we can trust Him to always provide for us in every way.

 THE MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES continue this Wednesday, December  10^th, with Worship at 7:00 p.m.  There is a meal served at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the church.  The sign-up to bring food is located in the narthex.  The free-will Offering this week will go to Reverend Michael Kearney and family.  Also, next Sunday, December 14^th, is our 2^nd Sunday door Offering for both Reverend Kearney and Seminarian Chris Suggitt.

POINSETTIAS:  If you would like to contribute toward the purchase of a poinsettia for the altar at Christmas, the cost is $6.00.  There is a sign-up sheet and envelope to put your money or check in available on the table in the narthex.  We need to have your order by NEXT SUNDAY, December 14^th.  You may pick up your poinsettia after the New Year’s Eve Worship Service.  If you have any questions, please contact Luanne Huth.

THANK YOU notes were sent out to everyone but in case someone got missed, “Thank you” for all the wonderful cards, kind words, and gifts for Pastor Appreciation.  As I complete my 15^th year as your Shepherd, I appreciate all the love and support for my family and I.  The Lord continues to bless us through you.  In Christ’s Love, Pastor

 ADVENT DEVOTIONS:  Pick up a copy of the “Advent Devotions” located on the table in the narthex.

 THE LUTHERAN ANNUAL:  It’s time again to order copies of the “Lutheran Annual”.  The cost is $25.00.  If you are interested in obtaining a copy, please contact Janet or Sandy in the church office by phone (309) 662-8905 or email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.

ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN:  John & Paula Hardy will be making their annual trip to Fort Wayne, IN.  Please bring to the church any slightly used adult and/or children’s clothing and any household items such as small appliances, kitchen items, etc. and place in the box located in the narthex.  The trip date has yet to be finalized but will take place in either January or February.  Please see John or Paula if you have any questions.  Thank you.

 FROM THE OFFICE:  We have a 2015 Large Print Scripture Text Calendar available for anyone who wants it.  See Pastor Lueck.

 THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  In Christ, Unbroken“” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11.  God’s grace restores those broken by sin and grief.  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.

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 children will study “Jacob’s Dream”, a story that shows God renewing His promise to bless all people through Jacob’s family.  God kept His promise by giving Jesus to be our Savior.  Your family could discuss, “What reminders does God give us of His promises to us?”

 THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Corinthians 1:9:  “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”  The faithfulness of God is our great comfort. He has made promises to us and He will keep them.  He is kind and loving toward us and will not break faith with us. This gives us the confidence to step out in faith, not fear, when it comes to following the Lord’s commandments for our daily lives: we know His will is best; God is faithful.

 ADVENT DEVOTIONS:  Pick up a copy of the “Advent Devotions” located on the table in the narthex.

 TODAY:  The Evangelism/Stewardship Committee invites everyone to be a part of decorating the church for Advent/Christmas.  We will gather in peace and joy to prepare for “the Light of the world to come”.  TODAY following the 10:30 worship will be the time for this festive fellowship event.  We will enjoy that time honored Christmas traditional meal – pizza – provided by the congregation.  Do not be “asleep on the hay” but “let every heart prepare Him room” as we look forward to seeing you today.

CHRISTMAS 2014 ADOPT A FAMILY:  This year we have adopted a family of 4 for Christmas.  We have placed their requests on the tree in the narthex.  Choose an item or items to purchase and return these purchases, unwrapped, by TODAY, November 30th.  We have put a box next to the tree for those who would like to make a monetary donation.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and put “Adopt a Family” in the memo line.  Katie Kleiboeker and Toni Lueck will purchase items with these funds.  Please take this opportunity to share your blessings with a family in need.

THE MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES begin this Wednesday, December 3^rd and will also be held on Wednesday, December 10^th and the 17^th.  Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. with a soup and sandwich supper at 5:30 p.m.  We have a sign-up in the narthex for the meal.  There will be a free-will offering for Seminarian Chris Suggitt.  Almost every Board in the congregation will not meet in December so that families can worship together and spend time with one another during this busy month.

 POINSETTIAS:  If you would like to contribute toward the purchase of a poinsettia for the altar at Christmas, the cost is $6.00.  There is a sign-up sheet and envelope to put your money or check in available on the table in the narthex.  We need to have your order by Sunday, December 14^th.  You may pick up your poinsettia after the New Year’s Eve Worship Service.  If you have any questions, please contact Luanne Huth.

 THANK YOU notes were sent out to everyone but in case someone got missed, “Thank you” for all the wonderful cards, kind words, and gifts for Pastor Appreciation.  As I complete my 15^th year as your Shepherd, I appreciate all the love and support for my family and I.  The Lord continues to bless us through you.  In Christ’s Love, Pastor

 THE LUTHERAN ANNUAL:  It’s time again to order copies of the “Lutheran Annual”.  The cost is $25.00.  If you are interested in obtaining a copy, please contact Janet or Sandy in the church office by phone (309) 662-8905 or email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.

FROM THE OFFICE:  We have a 2015 Large Print Scripture Text Calendar available for anyone who wants it.  See Pastor Lueck.

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:  If you would like a copy of your 2014 Financial Statement please see or call Joyce Schneider.

 THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “We Need Something Stronger” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 1:1-8.  Jesus exchanges our weakness for His strength.  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.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  The account of “Jacob and Esau” that our children will study in Sunday School today is a story of competition and bad feelings between brothers, parental favoritism, and family squabbling. Amidst this chaos,  God acted with grace toward all of them—and to us.  Parents might ask, “How do these sins afflict every family?  Why is forgiveness important in families?”

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 25:44:  “Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’”  With this parable Jesus once again emphasizes that our good works come from who we are, not the other way around.  Sheep do sheep works, and goats do goat works. So first things first: if we want to live more faithfully, let us come to Jesus, receive His gifts, and ask him to increase our faith!

 ADVENT DEVOTIONS:  Pick up a copy of the “Advent Devotions” located on the table in the narthex.

 THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP:  Before Thanksgiving Thursday and Black Friday join us for Worship Wednesday under the theme: “The Good Life” as we praise our Lord and Savior for His many blessings.  This Thanksgiving Eve Communion Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on November 26^th.

 “THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD TO COME”:  The Evangelism/Stewardship Committee invites everyone to be a part of decorating the church for Advent/Christmas.  We will gather in peace and joy to prepare for “the Light of the world to come”.  On Sunday, November 30^th, following the 10:30 worship will be the time for this festive fellowship event.  We will enjoy that time honored Christmas traditional meal – pizza – provided by the congregation.  Do not be “asleep on the hay” but “let every heart prepare Him room” as we look forward to seeing you on the 30^th.

CHRISTMAS 2014 ADOPT A FAMILY:  This year we have adopted a family of 4 for Christmas.  We have placed their requests on the tree in the narthex.  Choose an item or items to purchase and return these purchases, unwrapped, by NEXT SUNDAY, November 30th.  We have put a box next to the tree for those who would like to make a monetary donation.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and put “Adopt a Family” in the memo line.  Katie Kleiboeker and Toni Lueck will purchase items with these funds.  Please take this opportunity to share your blessings with a family in need.

 THE MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES begin on Wednesday, December 3^rd and will also be held on Wednesday, December 10^th and the 17^th.  Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. with a soup and sandwich supper at 5:30 p.m.  We have a sign-up in the narthex for the meal.  Almost every Board in the congregation will not meet in December so that families can worship together and spend time with one another during this busy month.

 THANK YOU notes were sent out to everyone but in case someone got missed, “Thank you” for all the wonderful cards, kind words, and gifts for Pastor Appreciation.  As I complete my 15^th year as your Shepherd, I appreciate all the love and support for my family and I.  The Lord continues to bless us through you.  In Christ’s Love, Pastor

 THE LUTHERAN ANNUAL:  It’s time again to order copies of the “Lutheran Annual”.  The cost is $25.00.  If you are interested in obtaining a copy, please contact Janet or Sandy in the church office by phone (309) 662-8905 or email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.

FROM THE OFFICE:  We have a 2015 Large Print Scripture Text Calendar available for anyone who wants it.  See Pastor Lueck.

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:  If you would like a copy of your 2014 Financial Statement please see or call Joyce Schneider.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL the children will study the efforts Abraham made to ensure that his son Isaac would marry a person who loved God in the account of “Isaac and Rebekah.”  As a family discuss, “Why is it important to marry someone who shares your Christian faith?  What are the blessings of sharing your beliefs with your spouse?”

 THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:    Matthew 25:30:  “And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness.”  Why did the worthless servant act the way he did?  Because of what he believed about the Master.  He didn’t trust or love the Master – and so he did not demonstrate love and trust in his actions, but rather hate and mistrust.  It’s the same with us, but in reverse: since we know our Lord God to be faithful and kind, we desire to serve Him and render faithful service with what He has given us.

 2014 COMMITMENT CARD:  Your 2014 Commitment Card is available for pick-up in the narthex.  Today, November 16^th, the new Commitment Cards will be handed out and Stewardship Sunday will be on November 23^rd.

 TODAY is Good Shepherd’s Annual Voter’s Meeting following the 10:30 Worship Service.  We will have a potluck meal.  The church is providing the meat and drink.  Please bring a side dish or dessert.  The 2015 Budget proposal and the list of candidates for church offices are located in the narthex.

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

 THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP:  Before Thanksgiving Thursday and Black Friday join us for Worship Wednesday under the theme: “The Good Life” as we praise our Lord and Savior for His many blessings.  This Thanksgiving Eve Communion Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on November 26^th.

 “THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD TO COME”:  The Evangelism/Stewardship Committee invites everyone to be a part of decorating the church for Advent/Christmas.  We will gather in peace and joy to prepare for “the Light of the world to come”.  On Sunday, November 30^th, following the 10:30 worship will be the time for this festive fellowship event.  We will enjoy that time honored Christmas traditional meal – pizza – provided by the congregation.  Do not be “asleep on the hay” but “let every heart prepare Him room” as we look forward to seeing you on the 30^th.

CHRISTMAS 2014 ADOPT A FAMILY:  This year we have adopted a family of 4 for Christmas.  We have placed their requests on the tree in the narthex.  Choose an item or items to purchase and return these purchases, unwrapped, by Sunday, November 30th.  We have put a box next to the tree for those who would like to make a monetary donation.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and put “Adopt a Family” in the memo line.  Katie Kleiboeker and Toni Lueck will purchase items with these funds.  Please take this opportunity to share your blessings with a family in need.

 FROM THE OFFICE:  We have a 2015 Large Print Scripture Text Calendar available for anyone who wants it.  See Pastor Lueck.

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:  If you would like a copy of your 2014 Financial Statement please see or call Joyce Schneider.

 ENERGY NEEDS ENVELOPES are still available on the table in the narthex.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Clean And Thankful” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 17:11-19.  Thanksgiving is not just a made-up holiday, it’s an attitude that is the key to life.  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.

 This year we have adopted a family of 4 for Christmas. We have placed their requests on the tree in the narthex. Choose an item or items to purchase and return these purchases, unwrapped, by Sunday, November 30th. We have put a box next to the tree for those who would like to make a monetary donation. Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and put “Adopt a Family” in the memo line. Katie Kleiboeker and Toni Lueck will purchase items with these funds. Please take this opportunity to share your blessings with a family in need.