Elder, Usher, and Acolyte Schedules August 2018

Elder and Usher Schedule

Date
8:00
Elder
10:30
Aug 5Jeff Piper, Lucas Piper, Nick HitchNathan KluenderBud Kessler, Curt Kessler, Mike Huth
Aug 12Daryle Schempp, Joshua ParryMike FieldBob Love, Brian Dirks, Randy Reinhardt
Aug 19Craig Culp, Nathan Kluender, Steve ParryPaul GerikeHolden Lueck, Theron Noth
Aug 26Gene Fuller, Richard RossCraig CulpBob Love, Greg McNeely, Mike Huth

Acolyte Schedule

Date
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
Aug 5Lucas PiperPastor/Elder
Aug 12Pastor/ElderWill McNeely
Aug 19Chloe HitchPastor/Elder
Aug 26Pastor/ElderMatt Williamson

Stewardship Corner August 2018

When it comes to stewardship, a favorite Bible verse is the account of the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1–4).  It’s a moving account.  Our Lord praises the seemingly small gift of two copper coins given by a poor widow above the abundance of gifts given by the rich, saying, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them” (Luke 21:3).

And that is usually where we stop.  But the text goes on. “For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:4).

“She … put in all she had to live on.”  She gave everything.  She held nothing back.  She trusted that the Lord who made her and all creatures, who gave her everything she had, who redeemed her from her own sin, from death, and the power of the devil, who called her by the Gospel and enlightened her with His gifts of Word and Sacrament, would continue to do this.  He would provide her with all that she needed for this body and life because that is the character of the God she had.

But this is not why we give small gifts.  Her gift, though it appeared small, was actually large.  When we are tempted to give small gifts it is precisely because we want them to be small!  We don’t trust the Lord to provide for us.

We give small gifts because we lack faith in the One who created us, redeemed us, sanctifies and keeps us in the one true faith.  We give small gifts because we doubt that God will really give us what we need and desire. We give small gifts because we are not content with what God has already given.

We are not slaves, children of the slave woman, under the Old Covenant (Gal. 4).  We are adopted sons of the free woman.  And since we are sons, we are also heirs.  And heirs receive the inheritance.  For everything is already ours in Christ.  And thus, moved by the willing spirit of adoption, we do the will of God in financial matters far beyond all that done by those under the Old Covenant who were forced by legal demands.

So what have you decided to give?  How do I decide what to give?  Let the Scriptures be your guide.

We are to give proportionally to what we have received from God’s giving to us (Luke 12:48; 1 Cor. 16:1-2, 2 Cor. 8:12).  But you have not been set free to give nothing.  See that you excel in the grace of giving (2 Cor. 8:7).

We are not free to live selfishly outside the Gospel, without regard for God who gives us all good gifts, without generosity for our neighbor who needs us and our gifts, without supporting the community of faith in which we live, without care for our spiritual fathers and those who teach and help raise our children in the faith, without resources for the poor and needy – in short, we are not free to live unto ourselves, hoarding what God has given us only for us.

For love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10).  And the sum of the law is this:  Love God and love your neighbor (Matt. 22:34-.40).  We love because He first loved us.  We give because He has given to us.

Luther once said, “Possessions belong in your hands, not in your heart” (LW 14:240).  There is a reason your 10 fingers spread apart.  With your hands you catch God’s gifts for what you need and let the rest fall through your fingers to your neighbors – your family, your friends, your community, your church.

Celebrating August 2018

Birthdays

Georgia Boriack                    Aug  1

Vicki Miller                              Aug  3

Paul Gerike                            Aug  5

Eric Schneider                       Aug  5

Benjamin King Jr                            Aug  8

Jeannette Ross                     Aug  9

Benjamin Bryan                     Aug 10

Clayton Piper                         Aug 11

Emilia Schempp                    Aug 11

Brian Dirks                             Aug 12

Jackie Kwasny                      Aug 15

Kristian Warren                      Aug 16

Becky Love                            Aug 18

Kitti Miller                                Aug 22

John Campbell                      Aug 24

Mike Huth                               Aug 24

Baptismal Birthdays

Deborah Huber                Aug  7

Andy Benjamin                        Aug 11

Phoenix Kleiboeker         Aug 15

Benjamin King Jr             Aug 19

Stephanie Schempp        Aug 23

Paul Gerike                     Aug 24

Eric Schneider                 Aug 25

Jerzey Kleiboeker            Aug 28

Pastor’s Notes August 2018

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Adult Bible Class recently concluded a study entitled, “A Matter of the Heart:  Comfort From God’s Word in Hard Times.”  I began the class by asking everyone what they equate with “hard times.”  Some of the answers were:  financial challenges or loss, marital problems, the misbehavior of children, job loss or job unhappiness, a faith crisis, physical ailments that don’t seem to get better, death of a loved one, and a family relationship that has gone sour.  What would you add to the list?  How would you define a “hard time” in your life?

Did Jesus have hard times?  Many people would say no because after all He is God and He knows and controls everything.  That misses who Jesus was.  Yes, he was divine, but he was also human.  He had friends die.  He was dismissed by his hometown.  His closest allies ran as fast as they could away from him when it looked like they would be associated with him.  His teachings were always being disputed.  He stated, “the Son of Man had nowhere to lay his head.”  Yes, Jesus had times when things did not go his way.  He can relate to you and I.

This Son of Man came “to seek and save the lost.”  This Son of Man came “to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Jesus is there in all of our times not just our “hard times.”  He hears our prayers and answers according to His Will.  He is always there as a caring, loving Savior.

I pray that your “hard times” strengthen your faith and draw you closer to your Savior.

In Christ,

Pastor

Bulletin Announcements

July 29, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. . .”  We often shortchange God by failing to remember what Paul says here: God can do far more than what we can think or ask.  His power, and His love, are without bound and without measure.  So why do we fear to follow His Word?  Isn’t it in fact fear that keeps us back from a life of joyous generosity and open-handedness?  But God is able to do far more abundantly!  So let us not be afraid to take the Lord at his Word and live according to it.

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.

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:  Good Shepherd’s Group Outing to the Normal Cornbelters Baseball Game is this afternoon.  Game time is 6:05 p.m.  Details are available on the table in the narthex.  Please contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1@gmail.com if you did not previously buy tickets and would like to go.

CORNBELTERS TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE:  Linda Lange has three CornBelters Tickets available for July 29th, when our church group is going.  We can’t use the tickets due to a prior engagement.  If interested please contact Linda at (309) 339-9930.

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES will be held FRIDAY, AUGUST 17th at 6:30 p.m.  “GOD’S NOT DEAD 2” is the movie that will be shown.  “When high school history teacher, Grace Wesley (Melissa Joan Hart) is asked a question about Jesus in class, her reasoned response lands her in deep trouble.  The ensuing epic court case could expel God from the classroom – and the public square – once and for all!  “GOD’S NOT DEAD 2″ is a powerful call to action: “WHERE WILL YOU STAND? Join us for a great entertaining movie, good food and wonderful fellowship.  See you Friday August 17th!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19th.  More information to follow.

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.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:   The July – September 2018 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.

YOU ARE INVITED:  Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N Hershey in Normal is having a “Garage Sale/Bake Sale” on Friday, August 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and August 11th from 8:00 a.m. to noon.  It will be held in the Activity Building.  Proceeds to benefit Seminary Students, Missions and Projects of the LWML (Ladies Guild) of Christ Lutheran Church.

WELCOMING NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:  You can make a big impact in the lives of International Students and they will make a big impact in your life.  We are looking for Christian individuals and families to welcome new International Students.  Students will begin arriving during the week of August 6th.  New Student Orientation will begin August 14th.  You could help in any of the following ways:  1) Hosting a student in your home for a few days when they first arrive.  2) Providing  transportation upon arrival in Bloomington/Normal to their residence hall or apartment.  If you are interested and would like more information, please contact John and Linda Berger, serving with International Students, Inc., at (309) 664-0377 or jberger@isionline.org.  Training is required for 1st time participants.  Training and resource information will be provided on several different dates (you only need attend one).

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “And the Pursuit of Happiness” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Exodus 16:2-15; John 6:22-35.  When the main goal in life is your happiness, you’ve turned in on yourself and away from others, especially God.  Turn from yourself to Jesus and you’ll know a peace that surpasses all understanding and that is the basis for true lasting happiness. The speaker will be Reverend Dale A. Meyer.  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 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 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

July 15, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Amos 7:8 – “And the LORD said to me, “Amos, what do you see?”  And I said, “A plumb line.”  Then the Lord said, “Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them.”  One of the sins for which the Lord condemned the people through Amos was a disregard for the call of kindness, charity, and generosity toward the weak and lowly.  We can see here how seriously the Lord sees this!  And that’s no surprise when we consider how God’s activity toward us is built on kindness, charity, and generosity.  To act otherwise is to act against the Lord’s own nature.

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.

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 10:15 a.m.

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE:  Pastor will be out of the office tomorrow (Monday).

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the AUGUST NEWSLETTER.  Janet Evans is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or you may call her at (309) 838-1552.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S GROUP OUTING:  The Group Outing for the Normal Cornbelters Baseball Game has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 29th.  Details are available on the table in the narthex.  Please contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1@gmail.com if you did not previously buy tickets and would like to go.

CORNBELTERS TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE:  Linda Lange has three CornBelters Tickets available for July 29th, when our church group is going.  We can’t use the tickets due to a prior engagement.  If interested please contact Linda at (309)339-9930.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES is in need of a new member.  If you are interested please speak with Mo Dale (309)830-6552 or Bob Love (309) 664-2716.  Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19th.  More information to follow.

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.

FROM THE OFFICE:  The congregation received a letter from Reverend Jacob Hercamp and family.  Jacob was one of the seminarians that we have supported over the years.  The letter is on the bulletin board outside the church office.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:   The July – September 2018 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “You Feed Them” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 6:37.  Every job looks like it’s easy if you don’t have to do it.  That was certainly the case when Jesus told His disciples to feed the crowd.  With no McDonald’s in the area, they came back and asked Jesus to do what they couldn’t.  We would be wise if we did the same. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus.  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 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 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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