Bulletin Announcements

February 17, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 6:20-21 – “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.”  The Beatitudes are largely about emptiness. If you are poor, your pockets are empty.  If you are hungry, your stomach is empty.  If you are mourning, there’s an emptiness in your heart that used to be filled with the presence of a loved one.  Jesus assures us in each case that the Lord will fill our emptiness.  That assurance gives us peace and courage to follow the Lord faithfully.

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 welcome to our church family this morning, Mr. Dale Dunavan.  Dale is joining by Profession Of Faith having grown up in the LC-MS in Springfield.  Dale works for Small System Solutions.  He lives at 1219 Longford Lane in Bloomington.  Phone is (630) 878-9856 and his e-mail is: info@smallsyssolutions.com.  Dale enjoys computers, indoor gardening, coffee and pizza.  Please take a moment to say hello.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the March 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!

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.

YOU ARE INVITED:  Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S Main St., Normal, will open their doors to the public and our neighboring circuit congregations with a potluck dinner following our Sunday morning worship service NEXT SUNDAY, February 24, 2019.  Our ministry co-op with Christ Lutheran Church is helping to supply the tasty casseroles, side dishes and desserts.  The event will also serve as an Open House so that our visitors can tour the facility and get a sense of our place in the kingdom of God.  Luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. after the morning services.  Please provide a courtesy phone call or message to Pastor Jensen as to let him know that you plan to attend.  Phone#  (309) 452-5971.

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 TOMORROW, 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:  “Not By Bread Alone” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 6:1-20. +There is a spiritual hunger beyond food that is expressed in food.  Jesus provides for both.  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.

Sermon Feb 10, 2019 – 5th Sunday after Epiphany

February 10, 2019 Text: Luke 5:1-11

Dear Friends in Christ,

What are things that you find hard to do, especially on a daily basis? For me I have two and they occur within the first few moments of my day. I find it hard to get out of bed, I like my sleep and I find it hard to get out of the shower. If it were socially acceptable a half hour shower would be the norm. What do you find hard to do?

For the Apostle Peter what he found hard to do on daily basis was to not be so reactionary. He reacted to Jesus saying he was going to be betrayed by telling him it would never happen. The Lord had to tell him “he had in mind the things of men not of God.” Peter reacted to Jesus’ betrayal by cutting off the servant’s ear. Peter reacted to Jesus’ trial by denying him three times. Poor Peter. But Jesus also used this wonderful evangelist in many and various ways. He built his church upon Peter – the rock. Peter is the first called disciple. Peter gave the great sermon in Acts. Like us Peter is a dichotomy. He’s human with all the twists and turns, ups and down, sinner and saint.

Like Isaiah being called in our Old Testament Reading this morning is about the calling of the first disciples. We will weave the story through the title . . .

“PETER OUT”

Where do we derive the etymology for the phrase “Peter Out?” Most dictionaries relate it to the mining profession and its association with saltpeter – potassium nitrate. As the miners would get tired they would “peter out.”

The disciple Peter could “peter out” on Jesus at times. Remember when he tried to walk on water? As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he was fine, once he took his eyes away from the Savior – he sank. Sometimes following Jesus was hard for Peter and the other disciples so they would “peter out,” lose their trust and lose their confidence. Is he really the Lord?

Do we ever “peter out?” Do we lose trust and confidence in Jesus our Savior? Once the waves and storms come at us do we become distracted? Do we begin to doubt God’s guidance and wisdom in our lives? During pain and loss, do we doubt whether He really cares? Our confidence wanes, we peter out.

We need a rescue. This is where the phrase “peter out” takes a turn. While Peter had his faults, he also possessed a wonderful faith. When Jesus called it was Peter, out, as he immediately joined the army of the King of Kings. He left behind his livelihood in order to follow the Messiah. Out of the boat, into the mission. But how did it happen?

Peter is in his boat fishing. Along comes Jesus and he starts giving fishing instructions. Ever do this with someone who is an expert on something? For us, it usually does not go well. But Peter knows a little bit about this guy giving the advice. This fella had changed water into wine. This interloper in the boat had healed Peter’s mother-in-law. This was no stranger. The men will listen. Jesus speaks – they obey. The catch is so great that Red Lobster and the Filet-O-Fish will be in abundance for days. There is joy, but also fear. Peter realizes whom he is in the presence of and he says, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” It could be Peter out, Peter away, but it is not. Jesus says, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” Peter is out of the boat and following Him.

In our sin, in the presence of God, which is always, we want to find a way out. We fear the wrath of our past and our future. But the Lord tells us not to fear. I am not angry. I did not come to condemn you. I’ll take care of your sin. I’ll make a way for you to be alive and live with me forever. The Lord allows us to have a healthy fear of Him. He tells you and I that He is nothing to be afraid of. Look, here is my Son, crucified for you. We leap out of our boat in joy.

Just like Peter and Isaiah the prophet, the Lord calls us out. He sends us to proclaim His Gospel message and to be of service to others. In the midst of our uncertainty and doubt and those times we “peter out,” we only need to remember that we are not alone in our journey. We have the Trinity the Three-In-One walking with us. The Father of all grace and mercy, The Son who redeemed us from our sins, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies and keeps us in the faith. So keep walking in His strength. Keep proclaiming with His voice. Keep trusting that God is with you every step of the way. Peter Out? I don’t think so. Even the Apostle knew that. He kept the faith until the end. May we do the same as the Lord leads.

Amen.

Bulletin Announcements

February 10, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 5:5 – “And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’ ”  Peter’s words show both exasperation and trust.  He’s tired. He tried his best and failed.  But he is still ready to trust the Lord’s word – and act on it.  Our stewardship is also a matter of trusting the Lord’s word … and acting on it.

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 will be our regularly scheduled door Offering for our Seminarian.

TODAY 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.

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE:  Pastor will be out of the office on Thursday of this week as he attends the Circuit Visitors Meeting at the District Office in Springfield.

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 that 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 this coming Friday, February 15th, at 6:30 p.m. for a very interesting movie, good food and wonderful fellowship.  See you there!

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the March Newsletter.   Any announcements you want to be published 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!

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.

YOU ARE INVITED:  Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S Main St., Normal, will open their doors to the public and our neighboring circuit congregations with a potluck dinner following our Sunday Worship Service on February 24, 2019.  Our ministry co-op with Christ Lutheran Church is helping to supply the tasty casseroles, side dishes and desserts.  The event will also serve as an Open House so that our visitors can tour the facility and get a sense of our place in the kingdom of God.  Luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. after the morning services.  Please provide a courtesy phone call or message to Pastor Jensen as to let him know that you plan to attend.  Phone#  (309) 452-5971.

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:  “Arise” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. 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.