Bulletin Announcements

†   March 6, 2016   †

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 15:12: “And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.” This prodigal son only sees the father as a source of wealth: give me my inheritance now! Which is to say: you are better off dead in my eyes. This is the sin at the heart of all greed: valuing things over people. This parable calls us to “come to our senses” as well: to see God as the loving Giver of all good, the true Father to be valued above and beyond all the things of this world.

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 IN SUNDAY SCHOOL: “Jesus Preaches on the Mount” is today’s Sunday School lesson. Jesus explains in His Word that He was poor, hungry, sorrowful, hated, and rejected for our sake so that God would grant us His gifts and blessings. Discuss with your children, “How does our sin blinds us? What does Jesus offers us through faith in Him?”

MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICES: The Lenten message this week as we continue our sermon series and worship theme from the Book of Job is: “It Is Enough”. Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. Please come sample the kitchen creations of your Church Council as they serve a meal at 5:30 p.m. in the church basement. The Offering given of your own free will is helping the ministry of Wittenberg Lutheran Center at Illinois State University.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS: Before hitting the pillow next Saturday evening, please “spring forward” with your alarm clock. Along with Pastor we look forward to you being wide-eyed and awake next Sunday (even with the hour of shuteye you lost!).

NEXT SUNDAY, March 13th, will be our monthly door Offering for Seminarian Brad Ferch and family. They will be with us on Sunday, April 3rd. Mark your calendars so you can be here to support Brad as he preaches and leads Bible Class.

LUTHERAN WITNESS: It’s time again to renew our subscriptions to the Lutheran Witness. This year’s cost is $15.96. If you are not receiving this and would like to do so, please contact Janet in the church office at (309) 662-8905; email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.

EASTER LILIES may be purchased for $9.00. They will be placed on the altar on Easter Sunday and may be picked up following the late service on Easter. The sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex. Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and also indicate on the memo line on your check: Easter Lily. Any questions contact Jackie Kwasny (309) 662-4995.

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS for the American Passion Play are available for the following times: this coming Saturday, March 12th; Sunday March 20th and Saturday April 2nd. Please contact Fern and Theron Noth at (309)473-3222; email: tfnoth@gmail.com or Carol Schroeder at (309)452-2872; email: Gordoncarol304@gmail.com. Performances are at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts and begin at 1:00 pm.

THE CID LLL will have their Annual Convention this coming Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway IL. Lunch is at 12:00 p.m. The speakers are Dr. Nash Naam of Effingham, an advocate for his adopted country; and Polly Gregali from Int’l LHM. Everyone may register by Monday, March 7th, by sending your name and $10.00 per person to Lloyd Foster, 8978 E. St., Hwy 33, Shumway, IL 62461. If you have any questions please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

INGATHERING FOR BABIES BORN IN PRISON: Please consider bringing the following items to the LLL Convention. Due to the State Budget Crisis Macon County Social Services does not have the funds to purchase these items for women who are imprisoned at Decatur Correctional Center. These women are pregnant when they are incarcerated and their babies are allowed to stay a short time with their mothers in a special prison wing. Items in need are: disposable diapers (newborn size); crib sheets, and diaper bags. Thank you for your generosity. Cheryl Garlisch. If you have any questions please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

YOU ARE INVITED: Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S. Main St. in Normal will host a traditional Seder (Hebrew for “order”) Meal at the chapel on Tuesday, March 22nd beginning at 7:00 p.m. A representative from Apple of His Eye Ministry will lead this instructional meal. Tickets are $5.00 to reserve a seat. All proceeds going to Apple of His Eye Ministry. A free-will donation will also be taken on the night of the meal. Contact Pastor Bill on his cell phone: (217) 836-9305, or at Wittenberg (309) 452-597 to reserve a seat for this event, and/or if you would like to help with the groceries and preparations for the meal.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Reconciled Reconcilers” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Through forgiveness, God gives us another way to deal with people who have hurt us. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. 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.

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Elder, Usher, and Acolyte Schedules for March 2016

Elder and Usher Schedule

Date
8:00
Elder
10:30
Mar 6Gerald Semelka, Ben Holland Nathan Kluender, Steve ParryNathan KluenderGreg McNeely, Mike Huth
Mar 9Ash Wednesday 7PMNathan Kluender
Mar 13Gene Fuller, Richard RossBarry HamlinMike Huth, Will Dowell,
Ryan Kleiboeker
Mar 16Midweek Lenten Service 7PMMike Field
Mar 20 / Palm SundayJeff Piper, John Hardy,
Joshua Parry, Mike Field
Curt KesslerBryan Reichert, Bud Kessler, Holden Lueck
Mar 24 / Maundy Thursday 7PMMidweek Lenten Service 7PMCurt KesslerBrian Dirks, Daryle Schempp, Paul Gerike
Mar 25
Tre Ore - Noon
Tenebrae with Communion - 7 PM		Noon - as availablePaul Gerike7PM Charles Nottingham, Craig Culp, Theron Noth
Mar 27 / Easter7AM
Ben Holland, Jeff Piper, Joshua Parry, Steve Parry		Craig CulpGreg McNeely, Marvin Huth, Ryan Kleiboeker

Acolyte Schedule

Date
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
Mar 6Garett SheleyPastor/Elder
Mar 13Pastor/ElderChristian Dowell
Mar 20Chloe HitchWilliam McNeely
Mar 24 / Maundy Thursday7PMJ.T. Piper
Mar 25 / Good Friday7PMSummer Sheley
Mar 27 / Easter Sunday7AM: Lucas PiperJessica Isaac

Stewardship Corner March 2016

Lent is a season of repentance.  Repentance is turning away from sin, while we turn toward God for the forgiveness of sins.  During Lent, we hear the Word of God and consider our lives in light of it.  We confess our failures, and receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, and then commit ourselves to do better.

What does God say about giving to the Church?  The Bible tells us: Our giving should be first fruits giving (Genesis 4:4; Proverbs 3:9).  Our giving should be regular, on the first day of week, which has the Divine Service in mind (1 Corinthians 6:1–2).  Our giving should be proportional: according to our income (1 Corinthians 16:1–2), according to what we have been given (2 Corinthians 8:12; Luke 12:48), our giving should be given with a spirit of eagerness and enthusiasm (2 Corinthians 9:2), generosity and liberality (2 Corinthians 8:20), cheerfully without compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7).  Our giving should be directed to those who teach us (Galatians 6:6–7) because a laborer is worthy of his hire, and we all know the going rate of such laborers in our communities (Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18).

Now consider your own giving in light of the Bible’s teaching.  Are you giving of your first fruits, taking it out of your paycheck first, or does God get what’s left over?  Are you giving voluntarily and cheerfully?  Are you giving proportionally and generously?  Are you giving with eagerness and enthusiasm?  Are you giving to your local congregation, sharing all good things with the one who teaches you?  If your answer to any of these is “No,” then repent.  Turn away from your sin and toward God for forgiveness.  Confess your failure.  Receive absolution. And commit to do better.  We know that the Spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. We believe, and we pray that God, through Word and Sacrament, would help our unbelief, our lack of trust in His ability to provide.

And this is precisely what God promises.  This is what St. Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth: ““The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may about in every good work.  As it is written, ‘He has distributed freely, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.’  He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Cor. 9:6–15).

St. Paul tells us that the Lord of all will both supply and increase what you need to give to the church for its work in and for the world.  He tells us that this work that God is doing in us will enrich and bless us in every way and through this it will produce thanksgiving to God.  Everyone benefits.  We will be blessed in our giving, and it will produce thanksgiving to God in those who receive it.

Giving to the church is not a burden, just like all of God’s teaching (1 John 5:2–4).  They are not a burden because of He who gives it: the God who loves us and gave His only Son to die so that we may live.  He loved us in that He sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons. . . . So we are no longer slaves, but sons, and if a son, then an heir through God (Galatians 4:4–5, 7).  We are heirs.  We receive the full rights of sons, a status that Christ our Lord achieved for us by His death, resurrection, and ascension.

So we strive to do what He asks because we are His children.  And when we don’t, we repent.  We confess our sins.  We receive absolution.  We desire to do better, praying that God would work in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Celebrating March 2016

Birthdays

3/1 Michael Anderson
3/1 John Isaac
3/2 Laura Kessler
3/3 Anita Contois
3/4 Vanessa Biddle
3/4 Steve Parry
3/16 Taylor Dirks
3/18 Ruth Alvis
3/21 Jillian Sompong
3/25 Jennifer Cloyd
3/26 Sherry Parker
3/29 Mary Anne Kirchner
3/31 Robert Bier

Baptismal Birthdays

3/1 Lucas Schempp
3/3 Jennifer Parry
3/4 Betty Bier
3/11 Linda Dirks
3/13 Mollie Hitch
3/13 Ryan Hitch
3/16 Johana Kirchner
3/18 Ruth Alvis
3/20 Luanne Huth
3/24 Carol Schroeder
3/31 Carin Henson

Pastor’s Notes March 2016

Back in June 2002, Orlando Bethel, a preacher from Loxley, Alabama was scheduled to sing at the funeral of his wife’s uncle.  Before he began singing hymns, however, Bethel wanted to say a few words about the departed – that he was a “drunkard” and a “fornicator,” and was now “burning in hell.” Bethel never sang – mourners attacked him, beat him up, and threw him out of the church. Bethel later claimed that “the Holy Ghost” instructed him to speak out, and added that the angry mourners were “whoremongers.”

When we were all little, we were instructed by parents, teachers, pastors, and coaches to “tell the truth.” Mr.  Bethel may have taken that to the extreme. Jesus’ accusers thought they were telling the truth as they brought Him before the officials and read the criminal charges against Him.  They said He was stirring up the people, claiming to be the Messiah, and inciting a rebellion against the government.

When Jesus spoke the truth, He was attacked, beat up, and thrown on a cross to pay for the lies that were being spoken against Him.  He was suffering for all the times we have lied about our past, our present, and our future.  At His burial, there would be no hymns sung, just a stone rolled before a tomb.

But thanks be to God, there was joy as “The Truth” emerged from His three-day prison.  “The Truth” won out over the lies and schemes that had put Him there.  He is Risen!  He lives!

We live with the truth of that glorious moment each day of our life.  We can speak about “The Truth” – the Lord our Savior, to a world and society that needs something solid to hang on to. “The Truth” cannot be denied.  See you in worship!

In Christ,

Pastor

Bulletin Announcements

†   Sunday, February 28, 2016   †

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 13:3: “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” The season of Lent is all about repentance: turning back to the Lord, away from our sins, in faith. We know that it is only in the Lord that we can find salvation. So we do well in this season of repentance to examine ourselves, asking questions like, “What is trying to keep me away from Jesus? What is a temptation I face? What is a sin I need to repent of and leave behind?” Then we turn to the Lord for the strength to leave these sins behind, and for the courage to follow Him in faith and faithful living.

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 IN SUNDAY SCHOOL we study the calling of Jesus’ first disciples with “Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael.” In Jesus, access to heaven is given to all who believe. You might discuss, “How did Philip and Nathanael know that Jesus was the Christ? How do we learn that Jesus is the Christ?

THE MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICES under the theme from the Book of Job, “Learning To Lament” will begin Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The Boards of Trustees and Education will serve a spaghetti meal at 5:30 p.m. in the church basement. The meal Offering will be split between Summer Sunday School and Wittenberg Lutheran Center.

LENTEN DEVOTIONS are available on the table in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today

TO ALL THRIVENT MEMBERS: Your Choice Dollars for 2015 will expire March 31, 2016. If you haven’t already done so, please contact Thrivent either by e-mail or by phone and direct your choice dollars before the end of March.

WINTER WEATHER PLAN: If bad weather is likely, the Elders will send an email reminder to the Newsletter email list the night before services reminding you to check WJBC or email to see if church is cancelled. If you do not receive the Newsletter email and want to receive cancellation emails, subscribe to the Newsletter email at: http://www.goodshepherdblm.org/about-us/contact-us/

GOOD SHEPHERD BLOOD DRIVE: Good Shepherd has been blessed to have another Blood Drive through the Red Cross. Our Spring Drive will be on Monday, May 2nd in the afternoon. You need 56 days between donations so in order to be eligible for our Drive please give by the end of February.

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 CID LLL will have their Annual Convention on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway IL. Lunch is at 12:00 p.m. The speakers are Dr. Nash Naam of Effingham, an advocate for his adopted country; and Polly Gregali from Int’l LHM. Everyone may register by Monday, March 7th, by sending your name and $10.00 per person to Lloyd Foster, 8978 E. St., Hwy 33, Shumway, IL 62461. If you have any questions please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

INGATHERING FOR BABIES BORN IN PRISON: Please consider bringing the following items to the LLL Convention. Due to the State Budget Crisis Macon County Social Services does not have the funds to purchase these items for women who are imprisoned at Decatur Correctional Center. These women are pregnant when they are incarcerated and their babies are allowed to stay a short time with their mothers in a special prison wing. Items in need are: disposable diapers (newborn size); crib sheets, and diaper bags. Thank you for your generosity. Cheryl Garlisch. If you have any questions please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.

LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Marriage is for a lifetime. Want to get out of the rut and focus on the Biblical principles of fidelity, commitment, physical enjoyment and marriage as the Bride of Christ? Lutheran Marriage Encounter is here for you. The next weekend is scheduled for April 1-3, 2016 in Peoria IL. For more information and/or to register visit: www.GodLovesMarriage.org.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Reconciled Reconcilers” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Through forgiveness, God gives us another way to deal with people who have hurt us. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. 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.

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