Bulletin Announcements
October 22, 2017
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).
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Matthew 22:21 – Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” So what is Jesus saying? Doesn’t everything belong to God? Yes – and God has a place for everything. Some of what He gives us goes to Caesar. Some must come back to the work of His Church. And some goes to support the families He has given us. All belongs to God – and he has work for us to do with what He has given us in the Home, in the Church, and in Society.
TODAY: We welcome our Guest Preacher this day Reverend Charles Olander. Pastor Olander has been a Pastor for 39 years and currently serves Zion Lutheran in New Holland IL. Pastor Olander has been a Lutheran Chaplain for 35 years at Logan and Lincoln Correctional Centers. During our Bible Class hour beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the basement, Pastor Olander will speak about his work in prison ministry.
TODAY: Please join us after 10:30 worship today for a meal and presentation on the mission of the church and your part in it. We will hear from both Pastor Olander and Mr. Scott Radden who serves the church through the LCMS Foundation.
TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the NOVEMBER 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) 662-8905.
NEXT SUNDAY, October 29th, we will celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation and have Holy Communion in both our worship services. In the afternoon at 3:00 p.m. there is a circuit-wide Reformation Festival Worship Service at Christ Lutheran Church in Normal.
ANNUAL VOTER’S MEETING: November 12th will be our Annual Voter’s Meeting and potluck meal after our 10:30 worship service.
CHURCH SIGN UPDATE: After having our coins counted and other gifts we have $5,316.22 toward this Outreach endeavor. The goal is $7,000.00 We have one more collection on Reformation Sunday, October 29th.
FOOD COLLECTION: The food box collection for Home Sweet Home is in the narthex. We will collect until Saturday, November 18th when we will be serving a meal at the Mission.
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 clean usable clothes for men, women, and children. They also except shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies. Please bring them to 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!
SHARING TREE: We know that it is early in the process, but wanted to let you know we will have a Sharing Tree this year. We are getting a name from the Baby Fold and will have tags on the tree with specific requests. We also will be collecting money to purchase items not received, any additional money collected will be used to purchase gift cards. These gift cards will be given to the Baby Fold to supplement other needs in the system. Last year we were able to give a handful of cards because of the generosity of our church family. The look on the faces of the staff said it all…. It was priceless. Thank you very much for helping to share the love this coming holiday season. Please contact Toni Lueck (309) 530-8666 or Paula Hardy (309) 829-8432 with questions. Thank you!
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “A Reformation Invitation – The Just Live By Faith” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Romans 1:16-17. 500 years ago, Martin Lither rediscovered a truth that turned the world upside down; the just shall live by faith. Can this message transform you today? Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz is the speaker. Hear this Sunday’s 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.
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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Sermon for Sunday, October 15, 2017: “The Wedding Feast Is Ready – Are You?”
October 15, 2017 Text: Matthew 22:1-14
Dear Friends in Christ,
Since we live in such a fast food age it is sometimes hard to appreciate a good meal, a real feast of fine food and drink to be enjoyed. In the 1987 Danish movie Babette’s Feast, two women, Martina and Philippa, named after the reformers Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon, are now elderly, leading simple lives, having foregone romance and adventure in their youth. Babette is a former five-star chef from Paris who has served these women as a cook and housekeeper for fourteen years, submitting to their simple lifestyle and bland food. Babette changes their lives forever when she uses her large prize winnings to prepare a sumptuous French feast for these sisters and their austere religious community. What happens as a result is remarkable. Feasting and generosity actually transform lives as Babette gives thanks for all God’s gracious gifts of creation by sacrificing all she had so that this community could rejoice at this feast of finest food and drink.
In our text for today we will see that the banquet to which God invites us – the best of meats and finest of wines – has that kind of life-changing power for us. This is a banquet seemingly no one would want to miss.
“THE WEDDING FEAST IS READY – ARE YOU?”
Today a man and woman who are getting married send out “Save the date” notices. In the parable the king had alerted the guests that the big event was coming. The date is set, the wedding hall is ready, and the food is prepared. The servants are sent out to invite the invited to the wedding feast. All is ready.
All the work is done, but no one comes. This is rude and we can understand the frustration of the king. Kind of like what happens with RSVP’s today. People either wait to the last minute or don’t send it in at all. This frustrates the man and woman because they need a count for dinner. I work with couples, please send in the RSVP.
In the parable, the servants go out again, but no one pays attention. One goes off to his farm. Another to his business. Still others were indifferent to the point where they seized the servants and killed them. The king gets angry and exacts revenge. Still, the wedding feast is ready, and so the invitation goes out again. Now the hall is filled with guests, as many as the servants could find.
Are these guests ready? Both good and bad are invited; both good and bad arrived. The king does everything he can to see that all of them – good and bad – are ready. In ancient Israel, special attire was commonly required at a wedding. The host often supplied those wedding garments. The king has provided everything his guests need to be ready.
But as he looks over the gathering, he sees that not everyone is ready. Amid the splendor he notices one not dressed for the occasion. He calls him “Friend” but the man has no explanation why he is refusing the clothing the king is offering. “Cast him into the outer darkness…for many are called, but few are chosen.” (vs. 13-14)
So, then, are we ready for the wedding feast? God is the King and He invites everyone to the marriage feast of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus’ death on the cross has earned a seat at the feast for every person who has ever lived.
Some will ignore the invitation. They are too busy. Too busy with a career to build. Too busy with their kids activities. Too busy with outside interests to give the Lord the time to be fed by Word and Sacrament.
Some accept the invitation but on their terms. They clothe themselves in their good deeds and accomplishments. They clothe themselves in their good name and pious lifestyle. They have no excuse when asked why they didn’t clothe themselves in the righteousness offered them in Jesus Christ.
But in his grace and mercy the King extends the invitation. In Baptism, He provided us garments of salvation that we will wear into eternity. Garments won for us by His Son’s death and resurrection. Clothed in Christ’s righteousness, we are ready for the wedding feast.
We live in a casual dress age. Teachers at school. Coaches on the court and sidelines. People in church and at funerals. College kids in pajamas. Corporate casual. But we know there are certain situations when our clothes should match the occasion. When God the Father invites us to the wedding feast at which his Son will be the Bridegroom, he supplies us with the right thing to wear, the righteousness of Jesus given at our Baptism. “Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to the cross I cling. Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die.” You are ready for the wedding feast – clothed in Christ.
Amen.
Bulletin Announcements
October 15, 2017
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. As we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period. We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Matthew 22:5 – ‘But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business.’ The invitation to join God in His feast and in His work is easily ignored. The rest of life seems so much more pressing, and we always think that there will be another time when we can catch back up with God. But what joys are we missing when we set aside God’s invitation to join Him in His plans and purposes? What inheritance are we trading for the world’s bowl of pottage?
CHURCH SIGN UPDATE: After having our coins counted and other gifts we have $5,244.88 toward this Outreach endeavor. The goal is $7,000.00 We have one more collection on Reformation Sunday, October 29th.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Please keep these important dates on your calendar. Next Sunday, October 22nd we will have Mission Festival Sunday. Reverend Charles Olander who does prison ministry work in our district will preach and conduct Bible Class. There will also be a meal after the late service. On Sunday, October 29th we will celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in both worship services. That afternoon at 3:00 p.m. will be a circuit-wide Reformation 500 Festival Service at Christ Lutheran in Normal. There will be a meal served after we “A Mighty Fortress” ourselves all the way to the dinner table. Reservations are needed! Envelopes for this purpose are available on the table in the narthex. Please fill out and return to the church office. Pastor will get them to Christ Lutheran. Danka! Then on November 12th, we will conduct our Annual Voter’s Meeting and have a meal after our 10:30 worship service.
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: The October FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES will be held this coming Friday, October 20th, at 6:30 p.m. The feature movie that will be shown is “HIDDEN FIGURES”. This movie was inspired by a true story. “HIDDEN FIGURES” tells the incredible untold story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – brilliant African-American women working at NASA who served as the brains behind the launch into orbit of astronaut John Glenn, a stunning achievement that turned around the Space Race. The visionary trio crossed all gender and racial lines and inspired generations. Join us for a great movie and good food and fine fellowship! See you at the movies.
FROM THE OFFICE: We received two thank-you letters from recent gifts we sent. First, a note of thanks from President Harrison of our LCMS for our gift of $1,586.20 toward hurricane relief. Second, a note of gratitude for our $100.00 donation to Wittenberg Lutheran Center following our reception of their old stove which now adorns our kitchen. Both letters are on the bulletin board outside the church office.
FROM THE OFFICE: If you do not currently receive “The Gatepost”, the Monthly Newsletter from our Central Illinois District of the LCMS you can sign-up to receive it by e-mail or regular mail at cid@cidlcms.org.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The October—December 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today.
AGING IS THE ONLY WAY TO LIVE: You are invited to a special event with Dr. Richard Bimler as he encourages us to celebrate to the blessing of aging, the gift of life and affirmation of God’s grace – to live an abundant life in the Lord. Having consulted and presented throughout the world, Rich will share his humor and wisdom on aging joyfully. This will be held at Trinity Lutheran School, 1102 West Hamilton Rd., Bloomington NEXT SUNDAY, October 22, 2017 from 2-4:00 p.m. Dessert reception to follow. Please kindly respond to (309) 557-8000 by tomorrow, Monday, October 16th.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “The Enduring Reformation Moment and Message of Grace” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 4:13-18. The Reformation was quite a moment for Martin Luther, but also for people who suddenly heard of a merciful God who really cared for them. Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz is the speaker. Hear this Sunday’s 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.
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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Sermon for October 8 – Text Only
October 8, 2017 Text: Matthew 21:33-46
Dear Friends in Christ,
We live in a society where everyone has to have the last word. Politicians in debates. Blowhards on cable news. Celebrities at award shows. But we know it is true in our backyard as well, isn’t it? In our arguments…I mean, “discussions.”
Having the last word validates our opinion. Having the last word reminds us that we are right and you are wrong. Do you ever regret having the last word? A time you hurt someone with that last minute zinger? A more regrettable scenario is when we try to have the last word with God. That can cut us off from the lifeline that we need. He wants to have a relationship with us, because, finally, when all is said and done . . .
“JESUS IS THE LAST WORD”
God had given his word, which could have been such a blessed last word. God had spoken to Israel, calling them his special people, giving them his unlimited goodness. The master of the parable gives a rich vineyard to tenants. He plants it, puts a nice fence around it, digs a winepress and builds a tower. If he could have done more he would have.
He then leaves the whole operation in the hands of his tenants, expecting them to labor and give a portion of their fruit.
This is a picture of what God had done for Israel. In God’s Word His promise was that He would shower them with blessings to all eternity. He gave His word and He would be delighted for that to be the last word.
The Lord has showered us with blessings like He did with Israel. I like to sit at my desk and write checks. Small checks for the summer natural gas bill and internet service. Large checks for college tuition and our mortgage. I do not do banking on the computer and Lord willing I will never have to. I enjoy this weekly exercise because it reminds me how blessed I am. We as a family have the money to pay all these expenses. I have been blessed and make more money than I ever thought sitting in my room in Argenta looking at my future in front of me. Do you see it the same way? Appreciate the Lord’s gracious hand upon your life?
God’s people rebelled and refused to bear fruit. So He sent His word again through the prophets. One after another to receive the fruit. But they kill and beat and stone. Any one could have been the last word: “All is forgiven! You are still mine?” Finally, God sent His Son. Surely this would be the last word and all will be well.
Like we are prone to do, Israel wanted to have the last word. Time and time again the tenants want the last word. They reject the last gracious invitation. They believe they have the last word by killing the son and claiming the vineyard as their own. This is the tragedy of Israel: killing the Lord’s prophets and finally killing Jesus.
Doesn’t that sinful desire to have the last word show up in our conversation with God? “Yes, Lord, I know what you say in the Sixth Commandment but we are really in love.” “Yes, Lord, I know you promise to provide everything I need, but I am holding back just in case.” “Yes, Lord, I know you love everyone, but you can’t expect me to forgive her!”
Jesus will have the last word with His opponents. Jesus gives His enemies one more chance to speak. He asks – they answer. They have just spoken judgment on themselves. Jesus gets the final word. There is nothing more to say and his enemies know it.
Do we ever try to excuse our sin before a Holy God? There is nothing we can say. We stand condemned.
But Jesus truly is the last word. “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (v. 42) Jesus, the Stone, the Son, was rejected and killed. But in that moment, he spoke the last word: “It is finished.” His resurrection proved that death would not be the last word for us either. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers the kingdom to all who believe in Him.
God sent prophet after prophet to Israel. Christ continues to speak to us. In the preaching of the Last Word – Christ. The Word with water in Holy Baptism. By the Word, the Lord’s Table is the Last Word that delivers to us Christ’s forgiveness of sins.
By faith in Christ, the Last Word, believers do bear fruit, returning the Master his due. Believers will be known by the fruits we bear in the name of Jesus. The fruit of the Spirit will prosper in God’s vineyard.
In a world where no one seems to let anyone have the final say, where all beliefs are given equal weight, where bumper stickers demand we “coexist”, Jesus does have the last word. Jesus finished it all on the cross. All that is left for us to say is “Alleluia” because the death and resurrection of Christ gives Him the last word to silence all opponents once and for all.
Amen.