Bulletin Announcements – July 19, 2015

†  Bulletin Announcements  †

July 19, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Ephesians 2:13: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” What all of mankind’s efforts, works, and scheming could not do, the blood of Christ did: we have peace with God, we are brought near to the Father. This life-giving sacrifice of Christ for us sets the pattern for the sacrifices we are called to make for others within our vocations in home, church, and society.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. will hear from our District President, Reverend Mark Miller. He will share with us District happenings and take your questions. Please join us to find what is happening in your church.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  This week students probe “The Case of the Old Bed: Jesus Heals at Bethesda.” Jesus is the One who brings healing, not only from sickness but from sin and death. Consider discussing, “How does God heal people today? How can you help someone who needs healing?”

TODAY: We welcome a new couple to Good Shepherd this morning. Jack & Ruth Gooding, longtime members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Chenoa, are transferring in. They reside at 322 Fieldcrest Ct in Normal. Cell phone# is (309) 826-3381 and email: jack_gooding@outlook.com. They have four adult children and many grandchildren. Jack was at one time a professional musician. He retired in 1993 after 45 years with Illinois Power. Ruth retired in 1953 and was a stay-at-home mom. We are blessed to have them and please take a moment to welcome them.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the AUGUST NEWSLETTER. Mandy Kluender is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at mgkluender@hotmail.com or you may call her at (309) 838-9868.

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE: Pastor will be out of the office on Tuesday, July 21st. Pastor and Karson are heading to the Bourbonnais area to meet with the LC-MS churches in the area to find a church home for Karson while away at college. He has to report for football on Friday, August 7th. (No tears yet – but there will be!)

BLOOD DRIVE: Good Shepherd’s Red Cross Blood Drive will be on Monday, September 28th. In order to be eligible (56 days between blood donations) for our drive please give by the end of this month. We look forward to seeing you and your veins in September.

MATERIAL AVAILABLE: There is material available for Quilters or Sewers in the Quilting Room. Please take as much as you would like. Deb & Bill Huber

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The July – September 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today!

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.

CAN YOU HELP?: The International House at Illinois State, where we serve a meal each year, is looking for host families for International Students when they first arrive this August. If you are interested please speak with Pastor Lueck who has the information. Also, Pastor or his family members can tell you about the experience if you have questions.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Rescued” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 2 Peter 2:9-10. God’s love and forgiveness is to be welcomed, savored, enjoyed, and relished. Drink deeply of His grace! The speaker will be 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.

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Bulletin Announcements – July 12, 2015

†  Bulletin Announcements  †

July 12, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Amos 7:8:  “And the LORD said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.”  Then the Lord said, “Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them.”  One of the sins for which the Lord condemned the people through Amos was a disregard for the call of kindness, charity, and generosity toward the weak and lowly.  We can see here how seriously the Lord sees this!  And that’s no surprise when we consider how God’s activity toward us is built on kindness, charity, and generosity.  To act otherwise is to act against the Lord’s own nature.

TODAY in our 10:30 worship service the Sacrament of Holy Baptism will be showered upon Keyyon Lee Pleasant.  Keyyon is the infant son of Kevin Pleasant and Maria Kirchner.  His sponsors are Good Shepherd members Paul & Ruth Gerike and Johanna Kirchner.

TODAY, JULY 12th, is our door Offering for Reverend Michael Kearney and family.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS:  Just to remind you that today is the last day to make your reservations for the Saturday evening Celebration Dinner at 5:30 p.m. on July18th, and also to contribute to the repair and update of the Organ Fund Project for the 20th Church Anniversary of Good Shepherd.

ATTENTION:  There will be cupcakes and prayer shawls available for a donation at the Celebration Dinner on Saturday, July 18th for the Organ Fund.  These items will be donated by Laura Kessler.

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the AUGUST NEWSLETTER.  Mandy Kluender is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at mgkluender@hotmail.com or you may call her at (309) 838-9868.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Please note that new Tracee Martin’s (new member) email was published incorrectly in the bulletin on Sunday, June 21st.  Her correct email is: tracee.martin.g6wh@statefarm.com.

MATERIAL AVAILABLE:  There is material available for Quilters or Sewers in the Quilting Room.  Please take as much as you would like.  Deb & Bill Huber

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The July – September 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today!

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.

CAN YOU HELP?  The International House at Illinois State, where we serve a meal each year, is looking for host families for International Students when they first arrive this August.  If you are interested please speak with Pastor Lueck who has the information.  Also, Pastor or his family members can tell you about the experience if you have questions.

FARM FRESH SOUTHERN ILLINOIS PEACHES:  The Trinity Lutheran Youth of Roanoke, IL are taking orders for the peaches.  The cost is $30.00 for a half bushel; $60.00 for a bushel.  You need to place and pay for your order by Saturday, July 25th.  Make check payable to LYF and mail to Trinity Lutheran Church, 202 W Lincoln St., PO Box 268, Roanoke IL 61561.  Please call (309) 923-7646 or (309) 923-5251 to place your order.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “In Christ, Welcome Home” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Ephesians 2:13-21.  Someone from the inside has to come outside and welcome us home.  The speaker will be 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

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Bulletin Announcements – July 5, 2016

†  Bulletin Announcements  †

July 5, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  2 Corinthians 12:10: “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.” Paul found contentment in Christ. To be content means to accept what the Lord gives us at any given time as somehow being from the hand of the Father who wants to bless us. Sometimes it’s hard to see how things like hardships, calamities, and insults will turn out for a blessing: but that is why Paul found this contentment in Christ and not in his own wisdom.

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE: Pastor will be out of the office tomorrow, Monday, July 6th, as he and Lay Delegate Steve Parry attend the District Convention for our Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The Convention is at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, IL. The congregation is invited to the opening worship service tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield.

 NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 12th, will be our door Offering for Reverend Michael Kearney and family.

20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION UPDATE: You have through NEXT SUNDAY, July 12th, to make your reservations for the 20th Church Anniversary Celebration Dinner on Saturday, July 18th. The menu includes chicken breast, lasagna, cheddar cheese potatoes, green beans, fresh garden salad, rolls and butter, cake and beverages. Entertainment will be the music group, The Schueler’s, from Christ Lutheran Church. While our program is being presented, the young children will be entertained with crafts in the Day Care area. Also, as you know, the Special Project for this 20th Anniversary is the repair and update of the organ. Today and next Sunday, July 12th, will be the final collection for this project. The container for your contribution will be in the narthex of the church. Collection update: As of June 29, 2015, we have collected $9,100.00. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Marvin Huth at (309) 829-6897.

FROM THE OFFICE: Please note that new Tracee Martin’s (new member) email was published incorrectly in the bulletin on Sunday, June 21st. Her correct email is: tracee.martin.g6wh@statefarm.com.

MATERIAL AVAILABLE: There is material available for Quilters or Sewers in the Quilting Room. Please take as much as you would like.  Deb & Bill Huber

PORTALS OF PRAYER: The July – September 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today!

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.

CAN YOU HELP? The International House at Illinois State, where we serve a meal each year, is looking for host families for International Students when they first arrive this August. If you are interested please speak with Pastor Lueck who has the information. Also, Pastor or his family members can tell you about the experience if you have questions.

FARM FRESH SOUTHERN ILLINOIS PEACHES: The Trinity Lutheran Youth of Roanoke, IL are taking orders for the peaches. The cost is $30.00 for a half bushel; $60.00 for a bushel. You need to place and pay for your order by Saturday, July 25th. Make check payable to LYF and mail to Trinity Lutheran Church, 202 W Lincoln St., PO Box 268, Roanoke IL 61561. Please call (309) 923-7646 or (309) 923-5251 to place your order.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “In Him!” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Ephesians 1:3-14. In Christ, we find rescue, forgiveness, and new life. Outside of Christ, all is still broken, dying, or dead. The speaker will be 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.

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Celebrating July 2015

Birthdays

7/4 Joann Nottingham
7/10 Bob Love
7/13 Cortney Brewer
7/13 Connie Nord
7/14 Nick Henson
7/22 Joann Hart
7/24 Katey Parry
7/25 Andrew Benjamin
7/25 Stephanie Schempp
7/27 David McEleney
7/29 Mary Hall

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

Pastor’s Notes July 2015

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A new document sat awaiting some of the most prominent men in North America.  All it needed was John Hancock’s “John Hancock” and the signatures of the other delegates.  Imagine yourself in line, ready to grasp the quill pen and make your mark.  What are your thoughts?  The fighting that started over a year ago?  Are you worried about pledging your life and possessions plus your sacred honor to the cause of independence from Great Britain?  Are you excited?  Afraid?  Hold that thought as you consider this Bible verse:

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)

Let’s be honest; there are times when government decisions seem ludicrous, even sinful.  Strange projects are funded with taxes you paid.  Wars against people who never bothered you drain tax coffers that you filled.  Laws authorize or allow behavior we know is sinful.  Federal court decisions can even end the lives of unborn children in every state of the union.

If we all did as we pleased, the chaos would be unimaginable.  Either we would cower in our homes afraid to go out or we would be speeding past, cutting off, or crashing through others.  God’s servants for your good don’t want this to happen any more than you do.

Satan gave Jesus ample opportunity to rebel against authorities.  Jesus showed who ruled and it was His Father.  This loyalty of Jesus He displayed as a man, honoring earthly authority and obeying its laws.  This perfect citizen of heaven and earth now confers citizenship rights on us.  In Baptism, we have immigrated from the principality of Satan to the kingdom of Christ.  As Christ taught His followers so He teaches us: The Father reigns supreme through His beloved Son.

The line has shortened, and it’s almost your turn.  Weighing the Word of God, carefully considering His commands and His promises, you make a decision not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.  What is that decision?  No one can tell you.  You have been freed by Christ to be a responsible citizen of His earthly and heavenly kingdoms.  For whatever government you have, no matter how free or oppressed you seem to be, you know that in Christ you are free indeed.  Free to live, to love, to serve God, neighbor, and government.

In Christ,

Pastor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Usher, Elder, and Acolyte Schedules for July 2015

Elder and Usher Schedule

Date
8:00
Elder
10:30
July 5Gerald Semelka, John Hardy, Matthew Holland, Mike FieldBarry HamlinBrian Dirks, Theron Noth
July 12Gene Fuller, Richard RossCraig CulpGreg McNeely, Karson Lueck, Ryan Kleiboeker
July 19Jeff Piper, Paul Gerike, Joshua Parry, Steve Parry
Curt KesslerBryan Reichert, Mike Huth
July 26Charles Nottingham, Craig CulpPaul GerikeBud Kessler, Holden Lueck, Marvin Huth

Acolyte Schedule

Date
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
July 5Katey ParryPastor/Elder
July 12Pastor/ElderWilliam McNeely
July 19Lucas PiperJessica Isaac
July 26Pastor/ElderWill Dowell