Pastor’s Notes September 2018

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As human beings we are a funny and confusing people.  When we are kids we want to mature to be able to do things that adults can do.  When we reach a certain age as adults we want to be kids again.

When I was a young man I was always striving to “play with the big boys.”  One of my uncles is 12 years older than I am.  When we would be at my grandma’s he had a group of friends that would play basketball at the local LCMS School.  I remember this from a young age and still recall when my uncle asked if I wanted to play.  I thought I had made the “big time.”  I had matured to the point where I could compete with fellas older than I was.

The other instance was on the other side of my family.  When we got together on Christmas Eve it was eating, gift opening and then the adults played cards.  Being the oldest cousin I was put in charge of the other cousins.  A nice, mature responsibility to be sure, but I wanted at that card table.  I finally made it and all of this played into my maturity, responsibility, and independence.

Paul writes this to the Colossians, “Him (Jesus) we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”  This is what we strive for.  To have a faith that trusts in our Savior.  We don’t want to be that infant crying when things don’t go our way.  We want a faith that stands tall, that doesn’t break down when the valleys come.  A certain maturity that comes with experience.

At the same time we don’t want to lose the “child-like” faith that Scripture talks about.  This is the danger because as adults we see so much, we deal with so much, we can become cynical and jaded and our trust can erode.  The beauty is that the Holy Spirit can lead us down a path of a child-like faith with maturity.  Our faith plays with “the big boys” and we have a seat at the table.

Prayerfully we are always growing which lasts a lifetime.  Just look at what the Lord has taught you in just the last year.  By virtue of our Baptism into Christ we can be what the Lord wants us to be – mature Christians with wisdom proclaiming Christ and Him crucified.

In Christ,

Pastor Lueck

Sermon Text for Sunday, August 12, 2018.

August 12, 2018                                                                            Text:  1 Kings 19:1-8

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

Have you ever heard of these two women – Elisabeth Lammerhirt and Margarethe Lindemann?  They married, bore children and kept house.  They lived hard-working and rather ordinary lives.  Like women of their day they didn’t write books or poetry or build cathedrals.  You probably don’t know who they are.  Yet, without them, you wouldn’t be a Lutheran, and you wouldn’t sing many of the hymns that you love.

You see, Elisabeth was the mother of Johann Sebastian Bach; Margarethe, the mother of Martin Luther.  They didn’t know their sons would change the world.  Elisabeth died when Bach was nine years old.  Margarethe didn’t know what would become of her son until late in life.  They thought all their hard work, sacrifice and love wouldn’t amount to much.  They were wrong.

Elijah in our text for this morning thought he was a failure.  He didn’t see that the Lord would bless his hard work and sacrifice.  Like the prophet we can become discouraged with our lives.  The Lord of life helps us to see this day that we too are blessed.

“DISCOURAGED?  BE ENCOURAGED THROUGH CHRIST”

Elijah thought his work had been rewarded.  The 450 prophets of Baal had been slaughtered and the three-year drought was over.  It was going to rain.  But it didn’t work out that way.  Jezebel was not repentant, but angry.  She threatened to kill Elijah.  The people had forsaken God’s covenant, broken down his altars.  Elijah thought he was alone.  He crawled under a tree, and asked God to take his life.

Do you ever want to crawl under a tree because of your discouragement?  We pray.  We attend worship regularly.  We volunteer.  We give a portion of our income.  But the congregation may not grow at a pace we think it should.  Sometimes the finances can be tight and there is always something that needs to be fixed.  It can leave us frustrated.  And we ask, “why bother?”

What we forget is that we can’t make the congregation grow by our own efforts.  Our energy is not endless.  Both people inside and outside the church are sinners.  God does not call us to be successful, but to be faithful.  It is Jesus who saves.  It is the Holy Spirit who calls us by the Gospel and enlightens us with his gifts.  He calls us to hear God’s Word, to love our neighbors, to witness about Jesus and to cherish the Sacraments He gives us.

Think of how discouraged you can get when you try to change a person.  A spouse, a child, a grandchild, a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor.  Your efforts may help but the person needs to make the changes needed.  And more than that they and us always need the leading of Christ in our discouragement.

This is what the Lord did with Elijah.  God had fed the people in the desert with the manna and God the Son would feed 5,000 in the wilderness.  So now God feeds his prophet.  God did not grant his prayer to die.  Instead, the angel of the Lord, the Son of God came to him and brought him bread and water.  This meal and subsequent meals gave the prophet the strength to go on.  God would later tell Elijah that he was not alone and his work was not in vain.

Jesus comes to you and I in the same way.  Our discouragements are many but we cast our cares upon Him.  He took our sins upon himself and bore them all to the cross, where he died the death we deserved and paid all the debts we owed for them.  He won for us there forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.

And I think you also know the other way we are encouraged like Elijah.  God feeds us not just bread and water, but his own body and blood in the bread and wine of his Supper.  This assures us that Jesus is with us personally.  We are refreshed and can move forward in the strength of the Lord.

Elijah did that for forty days and forty nights.  The number forty is often used in Scripture for a period of testing, judgment, preparation and discipline.  The great flood lasted forty days and nights.  Moses spent forty days on Horeb, while God gave him the Ten Commandments.  The people of Israel spent forty years in the wilderness.  God gave Nineveh forty days to repent.  Jesus wandered in the desert and fasted for forty days prior to his temptation by the devil.

Where have you had your forty days and nights?  Are you living through them now?  The testing, the discipline, the discouragement.  Be encouraged through Christ Jesus your Lord and Savior.  In all of the situations listed above, the people came out on the other end of it better off and blessed.  The Lord rose spent forty days and nights among his people and ascended to heaven.  Because of this we are not alone as the Lord looks after us.

God has called you to labor for His Kingdom.  He encourages your sacrifice and your gifts.  Come out from under the tree, there is work to do.

Amen.

Bulletin Announcements

September 2, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Deuteronomy 4:6 – “Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ ”  There is no wiser, more fulfilling life than a life lived according to the Word of God.  We should be encouraged by this when the world tempts us to think that the Word of God is harmful to us.  Our Father loves us; so all His Word is meant to bless us.

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.

THE SEPTEMBER FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES  will be held Friday, September 14th at 6:30 p.m.  The movie that will be shown is “GOD’S NOT DEAD – A LIGHT IN DARKNESS”.  Join us for another great movie, good food and wonderful fellowship.  See you September 14th at 6:30 p.m.

YOU ARE INVITED:  The members of Good Shepherd are invited to the Installation Worship Service of Reverend David Ehlers at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lexington TODAY at 3:00 p.m.  Pastor Lueck as Circuit Visitor will preach and conduct the Installation.

LWML LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF:  It’s that time again to think about purchasing items for Health Kits.  Items needed for each kit: 1) One Bath Towel (dark color); 2) Two Bath Size Bars of Soap; 3) One Comb (Sturdy; No fine tooth comb); 4) One Metal Nail Clipper; 5) One Toothbrush.  There also is a list of items needed on the table in the narthex for you to take with you if you need.  If you have any questions please see or call Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you!

FROM THE OFFICE:  If your son or daughter is going away to college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex.  As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter.  Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed.  We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.

FROM THE OFFICE:  We received a letter (posted outside the church office) and an email from our adopted Seminary Student Joseph Schlie and his wife Kristen.  He has asked for our prayers since “they are with child” and due in March.  Joseph is in his 4th year at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN.  Next Sunday, September 9th, begins our 2nd Sunday of the month door Offering for the Schlie’s.

RETREAT SPONSORED BY THE CID LLL AT CAMP CILCA:  Hear again Dr. Joel Biermann, Professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, who will share on the topic of “What Lutherans Really Believe About the Two Kingdoms.”  This is the topic for a retreat sponsored by the CID LLL at Camp CILCA NEXT SATURDAY, September 8, 2018.  The day will begin with Registration at 8:30 a.m.; the day will conclude around 3:00 p.m.  The cost is $10.00 per person which includes the noon meal.  Hear what Luther himself taught about these realms and their relationship.  Dr Biermann will present four sessions considering Luther’s teachings.  1) The Enduring Problem; 2) Luther’s Lively Dynamic; 3) Applying Luther to the church today; 4) Applying Luther to the Christian life, today.  Please contact Deloris Blessman by Sunday, September 2nd,at 24204 ECR 1850N, Topeka, IL 61567; her email is: delorisblessman@yahoo.com to register or contact Herb Renken at 454-2986.

THE PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER’S ANNUAL LIFE BANQUET is Thursday, September 27th from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.  it will be held at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington.  Guest is nationally known speaker Janet Parshall.  Call 454-5433, or email at: eorns@hopeforafuture.com to make a reservation.

GOLF OUTING:  The Camp CILCA Whippoorwill Golf Challenge will be Friday, September 28th at 1:00 p.m. at Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth.  The cost of $60.00 covers green fees, cart, prizes, and supper.  If interested, please talk with Pastor by Sunday, September 16th.

LUTHERAN EARLY RESPONSE TEAM (L.E.R.T.) VOLUNTEER TRAINING EVENT:  The training will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 509 South Matis Ave., Champaign, IL 61821, on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m., Sessions begin at 9:00 a.m.  The Registration Fee is $35.00 and includes your Disaster Response Training Manual;, Disaster Response Vest; Certificate of Completion; I.D. Badge; and also includes breakfast and lunch.  Registration Forms are available on the table in the narthex.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Changeless Christ For a Changing World” is the topic for next Sunday.  The Guest speaker will be Dr. Walter A. Maier.  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

August 26, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 7:11 – “But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban’ (that is, given to God).”  Each one of our vocations, in the home, in the church, and in society have a claim on our resources.  The Pharisees thought that they could use the Kingdom of God as an excuse to shirk their duty to their parents. But they were wrong.  Of course, doing it the other way around would also be wrong. God has called us to be supportive of our families, our churches, and our communities each in the proper proportion.

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.

LWML LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF:  It’s that time again to think about purchasing items for Health Kits.  Items needed for each kit: 1) One Bath Towel (dark color); 2) Two Bath Size Bars of Soap; 3) One Comb (Sturdy; No fine tooth comb); 4) One Metal Nail Clipper; 5) One Toothbrush.  There also is a list of items needed on the table in the narthex for you to take with you if you need.  If you have any questions please see or call Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you!

FROM THE OFFICE:  If your son or daughter is going away to college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex.  As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter.  Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed.  We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.

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.

RETREAT SPONSORED BY THE CID LLL AT CAMP CILCA:  Hear again Dr. Joel Biermann, Professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, who will share on the topic of “What Lutherans Really Believe About the Two Kingdoms.”  This is the topic for a retreat sponsored by the CID LLL at Camp CILCA on Saturday, September 8, 2018.  The day will begin with Registration at 8:30 a.m.; the day will conclude around 3:00 p.m.  The cost is $10.00 per person which includes the noon meal.  Hear what Luther himself taught about these realms and their relationship.  Dr Biermann will present four sessions considering Luther’s teachings.  1) The Enduring Problem; 2) Luther’s Lively Dynamic; 3) Applying Luther to the church today; 4) Applying Luther to the Christian life, today.  Please contact Deloris Blessman by Sunday, September 2nd,at 24204 ECR 1850N, Topeka, IL 61567; her email is: delorisblessman@yahoo.com to register or contact Herb Renken at 454-2986.

THE PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER’S ANNUAL LIFE BANQUET is Thursday, September 27th from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.  it will be held at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington.  Guest is nationally known speaker Janet Parshall.  Call 454-5433, or email at: eorns@hopeforafuture.com to make a reservation.

GOLF OUTING:  The Camp CILCA Whippoorwill Golf Challenge will be Friday, September 28th at 1:00 p.m. at Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth.  The cost of $60.00 covers green fees, cart, prizes, and supper.  If interested, please talk with Pastor by Sunday, September 16th.

LUTHERAN EARLY RESPONSE TEAM (L.E.R.T.) VOLUNTEER TRAINING EVENT:  The training will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 509 South Mattis Ave., Champaign, IL 61821, on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m., Sessions begin at 9:00 a.m.  The Registration Fee is $35.00 and includes your Disaster Response Training Manual;, Disaster Response Vest; Certificate of Completion; I.D. Badge; and also includes breakfast and lunch.  Registration Forms are available on the table in the narthex.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Eager to Preach the Good News” is the topic for next Sunday.  The Guest speaker will be Dr. Oswald Hoffmann.  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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