Birthdays:
7/4 Joann Nottingham
7/10 Bob Love
7/14 Nick Henson
7/22 Joann Hart
7/24 Katey Parry
7/25 Andrew Benjamin
7/25 Stephanie Schempp
7/27 David McEleney
Baptismal Birthdays:
7/8 Isabella Kessler
7/11 Richard Ross
7/13 Kathy Hitch
7/14 Bryan Reichert
7/16 Jennifer Cloyd
7/20 Ruth Gerike
7/24 Finley Mosier
7/28 Eugene Fuller
7/31 Erin Dirks
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I love irony and how God has a sense of humor about things. This is especially true as we hear the rich and famous say one thing and live another way. People in Hollywood are especially good at this as well as liberal professors on our college campuses.
I have two stories that drive home the point. Paul McCartney is a well-known environmental advocate. Back in 2005 the sponsor of his tour was Lexus because they make “environmentally responsible” cars. The tour was great for both and in 2008 they gave McCartney a $150,000 gas/electric hybrid. One problem: Lexus chartered a cargo plane to send the car from Japan, where it was built, to England where McCartney lived. The carbon emissions from that single flight equal 300 around-the-world trips in the car it carried. McCartney can never drive the car enough to make up for the pollution its delivery created. Ironic, isn’t it?
The other one involves a Princeton psychologist who argued that short, simple words make writers seem smarter than long words do. The ironic name of the study: “Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity.”
Man has never needed much help to look foolish. Oh, how God must laugh at His creation and the funny things we do. God loves irony as well. A King riding on a donkey? A shepherd boy taking down a giant? A family of eight riding out a storm in a large watercraft with a number of animals? A man riding a chariot off to heaven? We love that God does things in ways we would not expect. He has done that in your life, hasn’t He? A Savior from sin? Yes. The just dying for the un-just? It happened. A perfect man giving His life for those far short of perfection? Check.
The irony of it all. The Lord of Life having a good laugh…and we smile.
In Christ,
Pastor
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM: MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD: This summer we will be learning about new countries, cultures and foods from around the world, as we learn about Baptism, the Lord’s Prayer, Confession and Communion. Today’s lesson will focus on “Philip and the Ethiopian”. Please join us in the church basement in the Youth Area at 9:15 a.m.
CAN YOU HELP? We need a Sunday School Teacher for NEXT SUNDAY, July 10th. Please contact Paula Hardy if you can help out. Her cell phone# is (309) 829-8432; work phone# is (309) 821-2671. Thank you.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.
TUITION ASSISTANCE: Anyone that would like to apply for Tuition Assistance may do so by filling out the Application Form which are located on the bookcase in the church office. When completed, please return to the church office. Applications are due by Sunday, August 7, 2016. Thank you. The Board of Christian Education
FELLOWSHIP HOSTS: The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell. We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee. If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled. We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE: Good Shepherd’s next Red Cross Blood Drive is Tuesday, September 20, 2016. To be eligible please give your next donation by Monday, July 25th. Thank you.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The July—September 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the bookrack located in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today.
YOU ARE INVITED to Luther Oaks Healthcare Pavilion Grand Opening on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 4:00 pm. Reception to follow from 5-7:00 p.m. Luther Oaks is located at 601 Lutz Road in Bloomington. Space is limited. To reserve your place, please call (309) 557-8000 by Tuesday, July 5th.
POSITION OPEN: Shining Lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran in Normal is seeking a 3’s teacher for the 2016-2017 school year. Please submit an electronic resume and cover letter to Shannon at ashiningstart@frontier.com. Thank you.
FRESH PEACHES: The Youth of Trinity Lutheran Church in Roanoke are selling Southern Illinois Peaches. The cost is: $30.00 for a half bushel; $60.00 for a bushel. Orders need to be in by Sunday, July 24, 2016. Please call (309) 923-7647 or (309) 923-5251 for more information.
CAMP CILCA is looking for donations to auction off at the 2016 Chicken Fry and Auction on Sunday, September 4, 2016. If you would like to donate an item for auction, please contact the Camp office at (217)487-7497. Thank you in advance for your continued support!
SPECIAL SEMINAR: Dr. Paul L. Maier will present a special seminar on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, IL. The seminar will cover two topics, “Defending the Faith” and “Christianity and the Competition”. Save the date. More information to follow.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Extreme Neighborliness” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Luke 10:25-37. Through His love and sacrifice, Jesus is the extreme neighbor to you and all people. The speaker is Reverend Gregory Seltz. 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 home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582. The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: 1 Kings 19:18: “Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” Elijah was so sure that he was right: that he was the only one left who had not gone after Baal. But he was too pessimistic; his faith in God was off-center. We can’t go by our own wisdom. We must trust the Lord and what He has revealed to us in His Word. Think about how this applies to our support of God’s work in the Church with our Offering (take at look in the Small Catechism’s Table of Duties to see what the Bible has to say about our giving….).
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM: MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD: This summer we will be learning about new countries, cultures and foods from around the world, as we learn about Baptism, the Lord’s Prayer, Confession and Communion. Today’s lesson will focus on “Coming Out of Egypt”. Please join us in the church basement in the Youth Area at 9:15 a.m.
CAN YOU HELP? We need a Sunday School Teacher for Sunday, July 10th. Please contact Paula Hardy if you can help out. Her cell phone# is (309) 829-8432; work phone# is (309) 821-2671. Thank you.
IN OUR PRAYERS: Chris Crider and Erin Dirks who will be united in Holy Matrimony next Saturday afternoon here at Good Shepherd.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The July—September 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the bookrack located in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today.
TUITION ASSISTANCE: Anyone that would like to apply for Tuition Assistance may do so by filling out the Application Form which are located on the bookcase in the church office. When completed, please return to the church office. Applications are due by Sunday, August 7, 2016. Thank you. The Board of Christian Education
FELLOWSHIP HOSTS: The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell. We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee. If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled. We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.
YOU ARE INVITED to Luther Oaks Healthcare Pavilion Grand Opening on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 4:00 pm. Reception to follow from 5-7:00 p.m. Luther Oaks is located at 601 Lutz Road in Bloomington. Space is limited. To reserve your place, please call (309) 557-8000 by Tuesday, July 5th.
FRESH PEACHES: The Youth of Trinity Lutheran Church in Roanoke are selling Southern Illinois Peaches. The cost is: $30.00 for a half bushel; $60.00 for a bushel. Orders need to be in by Sunday, July 24, 2016. Please call (309) 923-7647 of (309) 923-5251 for more information.
CAMP CILCA is looking for donations to auction off at the 2016 Chicken Fry and Auction on Sunday, September 4, 2016. If you would like to donate an item for auction, please contact the Camp office at (217)487-7497. Thank you in advance for your continued support!
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Freedom In Action” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Galatians 6:1-18. In Christ, you are free from being ruled by your burdens, free to serve others for the glory of God. The speaker is Reverend Gregory Seltz. 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 home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582. The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Luke 8:37: “Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.” The Gerasenes are upset with Jesus because His ministry led to the loss of their pig herd, their wealth. They want Jesus to go away before He does any more damage to their bottom line. Their priorities are clear. What about our priorities? Is the work and ministry of Jesus worthy of our support and the sacrifice of some of our wealth?
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM: MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD: This summer we will be learning about new countries, cultures and foods from around the world, as we learn about Baptism, the Lord’s Prayer, Confession and Communion. Today’s lesson will focus on “Disciples Preaching and Healing”. Please join us in the church basement in the Youth Area at 9:15 a.m.
CAN YOU HELP? We need a Sunday School Teacher for Sunday, July 10th. Please contact Paula Hardy if you can help out. Her cell phone# is (309) 829-8432; work phone# is (309) 821-2671. Thank you.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.
TODAY: Our Prayer Shawl Ministry, “Threads of Grace,” has received a service grant from Thrivent! This morning Ann Hammond and Kyryth Kessler will be holding a “Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday.” Following both worship services, Ann will speak to the congregation about the mission of the Ministry. A table will be set up in the narthex where Kyryth will be seated with the totes they were able to purchase from the grant. Knitting and crochet lessons will be offered! Ann will teach basic knitting and Kyryth will teach basic crochet. A sign-up sheet will be available to sign-up for lessons. If you have any questions please see or call Ann at (309)846-0742 or Kyryth at (309)310-5607.
FROM THE OFFICE: The church has received a postcard from the Hilbert Family. It is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The July—September 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the bookrack located in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today.
TUITION ASSISTANCE: Anyone that would like to apply for Tuition Assistance may do so by filling out the Application Form which are located on the bookcase in the church office. When completed, please return to the church office. Applications are due by Sunday, August 7, 2016. Thank you. The Board of Christian Education
FELLOWSHIP HOSTS: The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell. We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee. If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled. We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.
FRESH PEACHES: The Youth of Trinity Lutheran Church in Roanoke are selling Southern Illinois Peaches. The cost is: $30.00 for a half bushel; $60.00 for a bushel. Orders need to be in by Sunday, July 24, 2016. Please call (309) 923-7647 of (309) 923-5251 for more information.
CAMP CILCA is looking for donations to auction off at the 2016 Chicken Fry and Auction on Sunday, September 4, 2016. If you would like to donate an item for auction, please contact the Camp office at (217)487-7497. Thank you in advance for your continued support!
POSITION AVAILABLE: Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington is seeing a Marketing and Communications Coordinator—29 hours/week. Ideal candidate is comfortable leading others, possessing skills in graphic design, web design and management, social media, print production, and office support. Contact becky@trinluth.org or 309-834-3208.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Don’t Touch That Dial!” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Galatians 5:1. In Christ, e find freedom from sin, but not freedom to sin. The speaker is Reverend Ken Klaus. 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 home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582. The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Luke 7:41: “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. . .” Our debt of sin and death has been paid by the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have been forgiven much, so we love the Lord much! How could we not therefore gladly and generously support the work of the Church in bringing this saving Gospel message to all nations, starting right at home in our own congregations?
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.
TODAY’S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON IS “Jesus Preaching and Healing”.
CAN YOU HELP? We need a Sunday School Teacher for Sunday, July 10th. Please contact Paula Hardy if you can help out. Her cell phone# is (309) 829-8432; work phone# is (309) 821-2671. Thank you.
TODAY we will have door Offering for the Hilbert Family. The Hilbert’s are missionaries with Lutheran Bible Translators in Botswana. When they arrived there recently the house they are staying in was not furnished and even the kitchen cabinets had been taken. The gifts will go toward helping them acquire the things that they need for their home as they do their mission work in Africa. The church received a postcard from the Hilbert Family. It is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.
ELECTION OF SYNOD PRESIDENT: Yesterday, June 11th, through Tuesday, June 14th, the election of the President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) is taking place electronically. Representing Good Shepherd in the vote are Pastor Lueck and Mr. Steve Parry; delegates to last summer’s District Convention. Pastor Lueck will give a brief outline of the candidates at the beginning of today’s Bible Class. We include this in our prayers this morning and humbly ask for the congregation’s prayers as we elect the Synod’s spiritual leader.
OUR PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY, “Threads of Grace,” has received a service grant from Thrivent! Next Sunday, June 19TH, Ann Hammond and Kyryth Kessler will be holding a “Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday.” Following both worship services, Ann will speak to the congregation about the mission of the Ministry. A table will be set up in the narthex where Kyryth will be seated with the totes they were able to purchase from the grant. Knitting and crochet lessons will be offered! Ann will teach basic knitting and Kyryth will teach basic crochet. A sign-up sheet will be available to sign-up for lessons. Questions? Give Ann a call at (309)846-0742 or Kyryth at (309)310-5607. See you on Sunday June 19th.
TUITION ASSISTANCE: Anyone that would like to apply for Tuition Assistance may do so by filling out the Application Form which are located on the bookcase in the church office. When completed, please return to the church office. Applications are due by Sunday, August 7, 2016. Thank you. The Board of Christian Education
FELLOWSHIP HOSTS: The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell. We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee. If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled. We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “No Longer Slaves, But Free” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Galatians 3:23—4:7. The Bible doesn’t speak of Utopian dreams or dystopian fears; it delivers the reality of freedom from sin and death. The speaker is Reverend Gregory Seltz. 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 home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582. The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.