Bulletin Announcements

July 1, 2018

TODAY:  We are blessed today to have two members joining our Good Shepherd family.  Lizzie Grace Richards is joining through Baptism/Adult Confirmation in our 8:00 a.m. worship.  Lizzie graduated from Normal Community and will be attending Heartland Community College in the fall.  She lives at 3112 Eagle Creek Drive in Bloomington.  Her phone# is (309) 445-1444 and her email is: lizzie.richards1@yahoo.com.  Michael T. Renken is joining through Adult Confirmation in our 10:30 a.m. worship.  Michael is single and the son of Herb Renken.  Michael lives at 16 Sherman Ct. in Atlanta.  His phone is (217) 671-1527.  Please take a moment to welcome them to our congregation.

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:  Today Mr. Karson Lueck will be conducting the class on the topic of: “The Bible In America”.

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  2 Corinthians 8:3 – “For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will.”  St. Paul lifts up an example of faithful Christian generosity in the Epistle lesson today.  Read those words again this week and ponder them.  How is the Lord calling you to increase your generosity toward His work?

GOOD SHEPHERD’S RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE:  On Saturday, July 14th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is Good Shepherd’s Red Cross Blood Drive.  You may sign-up on the table in the narthex or online at: redcrossblood.org.  Put in our zip code (61704), find our drive and get your arm ready to give the gift of life.  We are serving breakfast that morning as well.  Also, posters and place cards are available if you can put them up at your place of business or work.  It would be appreciated.  Thank you!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!  On Sunday, July 15th, we are having one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  We are having a congregational breakfast before the service from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.  Adult Bible Class and Sunday School will follow the worship service and will be held back inside.  To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!

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.

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) 846-6417.  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.

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

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:  “Sufficiency” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 12:9.  In a world of pain and violence, people ask, “Why doesn’t God do something?”  Pastor Ken Klaus answers, “He Has.” 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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Elder, Usher, and Acolyte Schedules July 2018

Elder and Usher Schedule

Date
8:00
Elder
10:30
July 1Gerald Semelka, Joshua Parry, Nathan KluenderMike FieldHolden Lueck, Mike Huth
July 8Mike Field, Nick HitchBarry HamlinBob Love, Brian Dirks, Theron Noth
July 15 @ 9AMDaryle Schempp, Paul Gerike, Steve ParryCraig Culp
July 22Gene Fuller, Richard RossPaul GerikeBrian Dirks, Mike Huth, Theron Noth
July 29Craig Culp, Jeff Piper, Lucas PiperRandy ReinhardtBob Love, Bud Kessler, Curt Kessler

Acolyte Schedule

Date
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
July 1JT PiperPastor/Elder
July 8Pastor/ElderWill McNeely
July 15One Service @ 9AMMatt Williamson
July 22Pastor/ElderJessica Isaac
July 29Tanner HitchJustin McNeely

Sermon Text for Sunday, June 24, 2018

June 24, 2018 – Nativity of St. John the Baptist                                        Luke 1:57-80

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

Do you ever find it hard to hear good news?  Some of you may be saying, “Never, I always enjoy hearing good news.”  As your Pastor, I beg to differ.  In ministry I see this all the time.  We all live in our little cocoons.  What I mean is that we are most concerned with what is immediate to us.  I may have a day where I talk with let’s say three individuals or families and the focus is almost always on their problems.  The spouse has cancer.  Divorce proceedings are going forward.  Your child has gotten in trouble again.  The job you need is not coming.  How are you going to pay for two kids in college?  The care of the elderly parents is not going away.  I may share some good news about the church or your life or my life but you don’t hear it.  The anxieties of life crowd so closely and speak so loudly that any messenger of joy is easily drowned out in the mind.

For this reason, it is good to give God thanks when he sends someone, anyone to prepare us for hearing good news.  God knows that we are not always ready to listen, and so He comes to prepare our hearts and minds even before He speaks.

This morning in celebrating the Nativity of St. John the Baptist we give thanks for . . .

“GOD’S GRACIOUS VISITATION”

Most of us know a little bit about John because two of the four Sundays in Advent speak of him.  Wilderness dweller.  Animal skin wearer.  Sitting down to locusts and wild honey.  Baptized by Jesus.  Imprisoned by Herod.  His head ended up a party favor on a platter.  John can be remembered for all these things but today the Church calls attention to his birth.  Why?

At John’s birth, we see how God would like him to be remembered.  “You, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” (v. 76)  John was sent ahead of Jesus to prepare the people for God’s gracious visitation.

His birth caused quite a stir.  His father Zechariah gives a grand overview of God’s work of salvation and then he speaks of John’s birth.  He tied the two events together into a much larger story.  Do you think he was passing out cigars as he told the people about his son just born?

We could remember John the Baptist for his travelogue in the wilderness or his many ways to fix bugs and bee nectar but then we miss who God sent him to be.  He came to announce to the people that the Savior of the world was coming.  John awakens people to their sin.  Those who listen end up entering the River Jordan and come out standing on the other side.  Wet with the waters of repentance, they wait.  Then, and only then, are they ready to see Jesus.

When you come to Jesus as a lost and forsaken sinner, only then will you see who he truly is:  your Savior.  Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (Jn. 1:29)  He dies on the cross to forgive your sin and rises from the dead to bring eternal life to you.

The world is so blind to the working of God.  John had to be sent.  God is so gracious to people that He gives them chance after chance to repent of their wrongdoing and come to a knowledge of the truth so that all mankind might experience His work of salvation.  We give thanks this day that John was the instrument the Lord used for this purpose before the coming of the Son of God.

God’s ministry through John is not over.  Someone is still standing on the edge of where Jesus is present, letting you know of God’s gracious invitation.

The child brought to the saving waters of baptism at two weeks old.  The parents are messengers, preparing him or her for God’s gracious visitation.  The parents have chosen sponsors who will be messengers throughout this child’s life.  Around the font we see the circle of God’s people sent to prepare one child for God’s gracious visitation.

Consider our congregation this day hearing God’s Word, singing his praises, praying for one another, strengthened by the sacrament.  We are awakened to God’s gracious visitation as we leave here in the cocoon of our situations knowing that they will not overwhelm us.  We have forgiveness.  We have mercy.  We have God-given strength to face the days ahead.  Isn’t it nice to know you have the support and prayers of this body of Christ?  Thanks be to God!

In many ways God has prepared us for his gracious visitation.  Zechariah’s song becomes our own, a faithful way for us still today to offer praise.  “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for has visited and redeemed his people.” (v. 68)

Amen.

Bulletin Announcements

June 24, 2018

GOOD SHEPHERD’S RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE:  On Saturday, July 14th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is Good Shepherd’s Red Cross Blood Drive.  You may sign-up on the table in the narthex or online at: redcrossblood.org.  Put in our zip code (61704), find our drive and get your arm ready to give the gift of life.  We are serving breakfast that morning as well.  Also, posters and place cards are available if you can put them up at your place of business or work.  It would be appreciated.  Thank you!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!  On Sunday, July 15th, we are having one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  We are having a congregational breakfast before the service from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.  Adult Bible Class and Sunday School will follow the worship service and will be held back inside.  To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!

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.

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) 846-6417.  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.

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:  This morning the Adult Bible Class will be watching a video and discussing the missions of our Central Illinois District.  Next Sunday, July 1st, Mr. Karson Lueck will be conducting the class on the topic of: “The Bible In America”.

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 4:40 – “He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid?  Have you still no faith?’ ”  Faith means trust. If we trust the Lord, what do we have to be afraid of?  Isn’t it fear that holds us back in our stewardship?  Isn’t it fear that stops us from following the Lord’s Word to give generously toward His work in the Church?  Well … “Why are you so afraid?  Have you still no faith?”  The Lord has proved His trustworthiness by His cross.  You can trust Him.

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

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.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  Shining Lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, is accepting applications for our Lead Teacher in the 3’s classroom for the 2018-2019 school year.  The 3’s class meets 3 days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The teacher will also be required to attend any extra events, for example the Ice Cream Social and Christmas Program.  For more information, please contact Dona Weddle at (309) 452-5609 ext. 3, or e-mail her at: ashiningstart@frontier.com.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Truly the Worship of God” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Acts 10:34-48.  When you get out of your religious comfort zone and meet people who don’t know Jesus, you have opportunity to grow in faith and witness. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. 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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