Bulletin Announcements

January 13, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 3:21 – “Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened …”  We know why the people where baptized, but why was Jesus baptized?  He didn’t need repentance or forgiveness.  The answer is that He did it for us. The reason God sent His Son into the world is to fulfill all righteousness for us, to do what we could not do.  The whole of Jesus’ life, everything He did and said was one great offering to the Father in our stead to fulfill all righteousness for us.  With our righteousness fulfilled in Jesus and given to us in Baptism – our hearts now overflow with thanksgiving and praise.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

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 2nd level (the west side).

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

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available. Please speak with Pastor who has the details. Thank you.

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 2nd level (the west side).

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

TODAY is our 2nd Sunday door Offering for our Seminary Student Joseph Schlie.  We received a Christmas card from the Schlie’s which is posted outside the church office.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS please be reminded that meetings this year are beginning at 6:00 p.m.  We meet this Tuesday, January 15th in the Conference Room at what time? That’s right – 6:00 p.m.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES begins again this coming Friday, January 18th at 6:30 p.m. The movie that will be shown is titled: “SAVING FAITH”.  “In this Gospel-driven drama, poor Faith is ready to give up hope.  Her struggling small-town theater is about to get foreclosed on by the bank when her charming Uncle Donny convinces his famous friends to play live and save the business. But when a local developer decides to sabotage the concert, it’ll take a miracle to make the show go on.”  Join us Friday, January 18th at 6:30pm for another fine movie, good food and great fellowship. See you there!

CAN YOU HELP: John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please be sure all donated items are clean and in good repair.  Please bring your donations to the church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

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

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 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 is by the door by the north stairwell.

CAMP CILCA’S ANNUAL BANQUET IS Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 5-8:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s in Springfield.  The evening includes delicious food, music, conversation, and guest speaker Reverend Jeff Hemmer, author of “Man Up”, speaking on mankind’s connection to God’s creation. Tickets are $40.00 and can be purchased by contacting the camp office (217)487-7497 or at: camp@cilca.org) by Wednesday, January 23rd.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “My Delight Is In Her” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Isaiah 62:1-5.  As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, God rejoices over you.  This week we explore our new name and identity as the bride of Christ. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Anthony Cook.  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.

Sermon for Sunday, December 30, 2018: “What Is Dwelling In You?”

December 30, 2018                                                                  Text:  Colossians 3:16a

Dear Friends in Christ,

            John Huffman tells the classic story of the man who would only feed on God’s Word when he needed an answer to a problem.  The man found himself in a difficult situation, and in desperation he turns to the Bible for help.  He let the book flop open and laid his finger on a verse, which said that Judas “went and hanged himself.”  After a moment’s thought, he decided to turn to a different verse for help; he repeated the process and read, “What thou doest, do quickly.”

            Would we say for that man the Word of Christ was dwelling in him richly?  No, of course not, for him it was all about convenience.  It is there if I need it. 

            Do you ever see the Word of Christ in that vein?  It is there when I need it.  We have so little understanding of God’s Word because we do not give it the serious attention and study that is needed.  Let’s examine this morning . . .

“WHAT IS DWELLING IN YOU?”

            In Lutheran circles one of our weaknesses in the study of what the Bible has for us is Confirmation.  Both in Junior and Adult Confirmation we have an intensive study of God’s Word.  We are looking up verses and taking quizzes and doing homework that the Word of Christ can dwell in us richly.  But then we get that certificate and we treat it like a diploma and . . . you know the sad history.

            Do you need help against the devil, the world, your sinful mind?  Do you want to be more kind and compassionate and forgiving and peaceful?  Then let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.  Ponder it, study it, practice it.  We need our daily spiritual bread to withstand the attacks of the devil, the world, and our sinful mind.

Our Lutheran Confessions state, “Certainly you will not release a stronger incense or other repellant against the devil than to be engaged by God’s commandments and words, and speak, sing, or think them.”

            In the 1880’s French artist Georges Seurat introduced an art form known as pointillism.  As the name suggests, Seurat used small dots of color, rather than brush strokes of blended pigments, to create an artistic image.  Up close, his work looks like groupings of individual dots.  Yet as the observer steps back, the human eye blends the dots into brightly colored portraits or landscapes.

            The big picture of the Bible is similar.  Up close, the complexity can leave us with the impression of dots on a canvas.  As we read it and study it the picture becomes clearer.  When we connect the dots of Scripture and Jesus’ suffering, we see a God who loves us more than we can imagine.

            Let this Word of Christ inhabit you as if you were the house and home of this Word, let it do this in a rich way by filling every nook and corner of your being with its blessed, spiritual wisdom.  Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge in the right and wise way.  This Word of Christ is supreme and not the philosophy of empty deceit.

            It is the work of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us to study the Word of God.  Perhaps you join a Bible Class in the New Year.  Maybe your devotional life will not take a back seat to your other pursuits.  I encourage you to find a portion of Scripture that interests you.  I really like Proverbs.  Solomon’s wisdom is always contemporary.  Study the Book of Romans and see what led Martin Luther down the path of the Reformation.  Read Philemon and understand Christian love.

            When you better understand this Word – Christ in the flesh – you will know what Simeon knew in our Gospel.  He was able to depart in peace according to the word for his eyes have seen your salvation.

            Is that what you see this morning?  Is this what is dwelling in you?  I pray that it is.  Jesus Christ and His Word dwelling in you richly.  Feels pretty good, doesn’t it?

                        Amen.       

Bulletin Announcements

January 6, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 2:11 – “And going into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him.  Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”   Worship and the giving of gifts go together.  This makes sense because God is the great Giver of every good gift and we worship Him and desire to grow into His image.  We receive His gifts in worship and then, being conformed to the likeness of His image, we imitate His generosity.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

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 2nd level (the west side).

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

TODAY:    We will have the Installation of 2019 Officers and Board Members and Holy Communion will also be in both worship services today.

IF YOU ORDERED A POINSETTIA you may take your poinsettia home TODAY following the 10:30 a.m. worship service.  Thank you!

NEXT SUNDAY, January 13th, will be our 2nd Sunday door Offering for our Seminary Student.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES begins again on January 18th at 6:30 p.m. The movie that will be shown is titled: “SAVING FAITH”.  “In this Gospel-driven drama, poor Faith is ready to give up hope.  Her struggling small-town theater is about to get foreclosed on by the bank when her charming Uncle Donny convinces his famous friends to play live and save the business. But when a local developer decides to sabotage the concert, it’ll take a miracle to make the show go on.”  Join us Friday, January 18th at 6:30pm for another fine movie, good food and great fellowship. See you there!

CAN YOU HELP: John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please be sure all donated items are clean and in good repair.  Please bring your donations to the church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

FROM THE OFFICE:  The congregation received a Christmas letter from the Reverend Jacob Hercamp family.  Jacob was the seminarian we supported last school year.  It is posted outside the church office.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January – March 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 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 is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Reason To Believe” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 1:19-51.  Do you have a reason to believe that everyone should believe what you believe?  John did. Coe and see. 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.

Elder, Usher, and Acolyte Schedules for January 2019

Elder and Usher Schedule

Date
8:00
Elder
10:30
Jan 6
Epiphany		Mike Field, Nick Hitch, Paul GerikeNathan KluenderBob Love, Brian Dirks, Mike Huth
Jan 13Craig Culp, Daryle SchemppMike FieldCurt Kessler, Greg McNeely, Theron Noth
Jan 20Jeff Piper, Lucas Piper, Steve ParryPaul GerikeBrian Dirks, Randy Reinhardt
Jan 27Barry Hamlin, Nathan KluenderCraig CulpBob Love, Mike Huth, Theron Noth

Acolyte Schedule

Date
8:00
10:30
Jan 6
Epiphany		Lucas PiperPastor/Elder
Jan 13Pastor/ElderMatt Williamson
Jan 20Chloe HitchPastor/Elder
Jan 27Pastor/ElderJustin McNeely

Stewardship Corner January 2019

It is no secret that God calls us to be generous with the gifts He has given us. Throughout the Bible, we read that just as God has generously given to us, so are we to give generously one to another. As Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35) and “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

But God also calls us to give to Him. And He, who does all things well, presses it into service for the benefit of all the people of God. See for example what God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, after he and the people were safely brought out of Egypt across the Red Sea on dry land:

The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats’ hair, tanned rams’ skins, goatskins,[a] acacia wood, oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. (Ex. 25: 1-9)

Notice in verse two that the Lord instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to “take for me a contribution” and that from everyone motivated from gratitude for what God has just accomplished and given to them, Moses is to gather up “the contribution for me.”

Pay attention, though, why the Lord wants the people of Israel to gather up these contributions for Him. God tells Moses precisely why: “let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” The purpose for the contribution of the Israelites was so that He may dwell with them, that He would live among them. Through the tabernacle and the priesthood, through their rites and ceremonies, through their feasts and festivals, as through means, the Lord God, who brought them out of the bondage of Egypt would live and dwell among them and be their God, and lead them into the promised land, which flowed with milk and honey.

God dwells among us still. In the fullness of time, God’s son was born of woman, born under the law to redeem those under the law. He brought us out of bondage to sin, death, the devil, and Hell, and He did this by His obedient suffering and death, his resurrection and ascension. But He is not gone. He dwells with us through the means of His Word and His sacraments, through the preaching and the teaching of our pastors, through the rites and ceremonies of our liturgy. He dwells with us in the Church through those means. And He is leading us to the true promised land, to the new heavens and the new earth in the new creation.

In the meantime, as God, even now, continues to call us to give to Him, let us, who have been saved from slavery to sin and death, the devil and hell, be so moved in our hearts as to give generously to Him so that the means of grace, the means of His gracious dwelling among us, would continue now and into the future. For just as He did then so does He do now. He presses the gifts given to Him into service for the benefit of all His people. He puts it to use so that we may have Him with us always, even unto the end of the age.