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THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:   Luke 22:11 – “Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ ”  Did Jesus really need this man’s Upper Room?  If the man had refused to let Jesus use it would the work of salvation have been derailed?  Of course not.  But what an honor for the man who owned this room!  It is likewise with us.  The Lord needs none of us, but what an honor for God to choose to use our generosity in the work of His Church.

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

HOLY WEEK:  Big, big week in the life of the Church – Holy Week!  May the Holy Spirit move your heart and mind to be part of the worship here at Good Shepherd.  Maundy Thursday Worship with Holy Communion is at 7:00 p.m.  The message: Access!”  Good Friday there is a brief “Tre Ore” Service at noon.  Good Friday Evening, the meaningful and Christ-inspired “Tenebrae Worship Service” marks one of the most important days in Christendom.  (Service of Darkness)  This Service with Holy Communion begins at 7:00 p.m. and is a great beginning to the weekend that is climaxed by Easter Worship next Sunday, April 21^st.  Our Easter Services are at 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  Pastor Lueck concludes our Lenten/Easter Sermon Series from Exodus with: “Against All Odds!”  There is an Easter Breakfast that follows the early service.  Adult Bible Class and Sunday School is at 9:15 a.m.

EASTER LILIES:  If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily for the altar on Easter Sunday, there is sign-up sheet  on the table in the narthex.  Lilies are $10.00 each.   Cash or checks made payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.   Please indicate on the memo line: “Easter Lily”.  You may pick up your Easter Lily following the late service on Easter Sunday.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Jackie Kwasny at (309) 662-4995.  Thank you.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Copies of the updated Church Directory are available on the table in the narthex.  Pickup your copy today!

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the MAY NEWSLETTER.   Any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted via email to goodshepherdblm@frontier.com, via mail, hand-delivered, or you may call (309) 662-8905 or (309) 838-1552.  Thank you!

CAN YOU HELP:  Good Shepherd is once again privileged to minster to International Students at Illinois State University.  We will provide a meal for them and their guests at Wittenberg Lutheran Center on Friday, April 26^th at 6:00 p.m  If you can provide food and/or help serve we have a sign-up on the table in the narthex.  Thank you.

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The April – June 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.  Large pint also available.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Cross In The Garden” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 19:30—20:18.  God is the true Gardener.  He brought the soil of His garden into His being to make a new creation.  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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.

March 24, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 13:3 – “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”  The season of Lent is all about repentance – turning back to the Lord, away from our sins, in faith. We know that it is only in the Lord that we can find salvation.  So we do well in this season of repentance to examine ourselves, asking questions like, “What is trying to keep me away from Jesus?”  “What is a temptation I face?”  “What is a sin I need to repent of and leave behind?”  Then we turn to the Lord for the strength to leave these sins behind, and we pray for the courage to follow Him in faith and faithful living.

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP:  The 6½ week journey to Calvary will continue this Wednesday, March 27^th at 7:00 p.m.  With the Book of Exodus we will “Strike the Rock!” in our Lenten message.  The Evangelism/Stewardship Board will use their God-given talents to tickle and enthrall your taste buds with a meal that begins at 5:30 p.m.  Your free-will Offering that evening will support the mission work of our Central Illinois District.  

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the APRIL NEWSLETTER.   Any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted via email to goodshepherdblm@frontier.com, via mail, hand-delivered, or you may call (309) 662-8905 or (309) 838-1552.  Thank you!

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The April – June 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.  Large pint also available.

“WALK FOR LIFE”:  Pastor and Toni make their annual trek in the Living Alternatives – Pregnancy Resource Center’s Annual “Walk For Life”.  The walk will be held at Christ Church, PCA in Normal on Saturday, April 13^th, beginning at 9:00 a.m.  If you would like to walk, please see Pastor who has the forms. Also, please speak with Pastor if you would like to support the Lueck’s.  Thank you.

FROM THE OFFICE:  It’s time for the Annual Renewal of Lutheran Witness.  Emails are going out to those who currently have a subscription.  If anyone who is not currently receiving the Lutheran Witness is interested, please contact either Janet or Sandy in the office before the end of March and we will gladly add your name to the list.  The cost is only $15.96 for the entire year; July 2019 through June 2020.  (The June/July issue is combined so there are 11 issues.)

THE LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS, “People Of The Passion” are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.

PASSOVER SEDER:  You are invited to a “Passover Seeder” at Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S Main St., Normal on Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 2-4:30 p.m.  Passover is the observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.  A time of family gatherings and lavish meal called “seders”, the story of Passover is re-told.  With its special foods, songs, and customs, the Seder Meal is an important tradition of the Passover.  Through the re-telling of the Passover account, Y’shua (Jesus) communicates His saving grace.  Please R.S.V.P. with how many adults and how many children under the age of 12 who will be attending by Monday, April 1^st.  You may call (309) 452-5971 or email at: wittenbergLCMS@gmail.com.  A free-wil Offering will be taken to aid the ministries of Lutherans in Africa.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Life Worth Living” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 12:12-36.  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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.

March 10, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 4:8 – “And Jesus answered him, “It is written …’ ”  Isn’t it interesting that Jesus does not defeat Satan with His power as God but rather by His perfect obedience in His perfect humanity?  Jesus defeats Satan not by miracles but by quoting the Scriptures and living according to it.  This should cause us great joy for two reasons.  First, because we see Jesus win the victory for us.  Second, because here Jesus shows us how to stand in that victory – on the Word of God alone.  Let us build our lives on the sure rock of this Word!

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY Is our 2^nd Sunday door Offering for Seminarian Joseph Schlie will be a week from today, Sunday, March 10, 2019.  Also, we received a letter from Mr. Schlie and it is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.  The Schlie’s had a girl, Fern Joahna Schlie, born on Wednesday, February 27^th.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP:  Your Board of Elders care both about your belly but more importantly your soul.  They will feed your innards with their culinary creations at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the church.  The free-will Offering will go to the Hilbert Family and their work with Lutheran Bible Translators.  They will allow Pastor to feed your soul during our Lenten Worship beginning at 7:00 p.m. this Wednesday, March 13^th.  This week’s message under the theme: “Let My People Go’ is: “How God Changes Us.”

FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT IN MARCH will be on March 22^nd at 6:30 p.m.  The title of the movie is “RISEN”.  “RISEN” is the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection as told through the eyes of a non-believer.  Clavius, a powerful Roman military tribune and his aide, Lucius are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks following the crucifixion in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.  Join us for another great movie, good food and wonderful fellowship March 22^nd at 6:30pm in the church basement.

FROM THE OFFICE:  It’s time for the Annual Renewal of Lutheran Witness.  Emails are going out to those who currently have a subscription.  If anyone who is not currently receiving the Lutheran Witness is interested, please contact either Janet or Sandy in the office before the end of March and we will gladly add your name to the list.  The cost is only $15.96 for the entire year; July 2019 through June 2020.  (The June/July issue is combined so there are 11 issues.)

THE LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS, “People Of The Passion” are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FROM THE OFFICE:  It’s time for the annual update of the Church Directory Listing.  On the table in the narthex there are two lists, one with only phone numbers and email addresses; and also one with home addresses included.  Please check the listings and make any changes necessary.  We hope to have a new Church Directory for you by the first Sunday in April.  Thank you for your help.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Ba-a-ah” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 10.  Strikingly, Jesus refers to His people both as “sheep” and as “gods” (Psalm 82).  How does that work? The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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.

February 3, 2019

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.”  Love is the greatest of the three “theological virtues” because God is Love.  That is why love is the fulfillment of the Law, because the Law is the reflection of God’s being and God is love.  St. Paul urges the Corinthians to grow in love, to grow up into the image of Christ who demonstrates what love looks like with His sacrifice on the cross.  For love always seeks the good of the other, always seeks to serve, to give, to bless.

NEXT SUNDAY, February 10^th, will be the regularly scheduled door Offering for our Seminarian.

NEXT SUNDAY is Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday.  “Bringing Christ To The Nations and The Nations To The Church”.  Support the Ministry with your gifts and your prayers.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES for February will show a very interesting movie, “THE PERFECT STRANGER”.  Nikki Cominsky is a successful attorney – troubled by the fact her life isn’t perfect.  One day, a mysterious invitation shows up on her desk that reads,“You are Invited to Dinner with Jesus Christ.”  Thinking it’s a prank, she shows up…only to find herself in the middle of a whirlwind evening of debate and revelation – with the most unforgettable man she would ever meet.  Join us on Friday, February 15^th, at 6:30 p.m. for a very interesting movie, good food and wonderful fellowship.  See you there!

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.

IN OUR PRAYERS:  Please keep Trinity Lutheran Church of Bloomington in your prayers.  They have called Reverend David McBurney of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in St. Louis as their Senior Pastor.

WORKSHOP ON DEMOGRAPHICS AND CHURCH PLANNING:  The facts are stark – Christians make up a smaller and smaller proportion of the American population every year.  Every District of the LC-MS has experienced numerical decline in the past decade.  But every city or county is different and experiencing different challenges and opportunities.  What’s going on?  What does the future hold?  What should churches be doing to respond?  Join the Synod’s Coordinator for Stewardship, Reverend Heath Curtis, at Trinity in El Paso, IL on Monday, February 18, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for a workshop exploring these issues and how our congregation should be planning for the future.  Refreshments will be served.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Where Heaven Meets Earth” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 3:1-21.  Jesus is the place where heaven and earth overlap and intersect.  So what does this mean for us?  It means that the night is over and it’s time to stop snoozing and wake up! The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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.