Bulletin Announcements – August 9, 2015
† Bulletin Announcements †
August 9, 2015
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Ephesians 4:28: “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” God gives us honest work to do so that we can be a blessing to others. That’s how so many of God’s blessings go: He gives to us so that we in turn can be a blessing. He graciously calls us into the midst of His own work in the world.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying a DVD-based topic, “The Great Deceiver”. The focus is on the work of Satan from the Bible and how Christ has overcome him through His death and resurrection.
TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL: The investigation for Sunday School today is “The Case of the Dried Palms: Triumphal Entry.” Jesus is the one true King of heaven and earth, worthy of praise and worship. Parents could ask, “How did the people celebrate the arrival of Jesus? How can you celebrate Jesus your Savior today?”
TODAY: We will have a door Offering for Reverend Michael Kearney and family. Beginning in September, we will be assigned a new student from the Seminary that we will support during the school year.
ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC: Good Shepherd’s Annual Church Picnic will be held on Sunday, August 23rd at 12:00 p.m. at Tipton Trails Park in Bloomington. Please sign-up on the sign-up sheets located on the table in the narthex if you are planning to attend. Thank you.
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS: It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project: Lutheran World Relief School Kits. We need your help on filling the book bags. Each bag needs the following: (4) 70 sheet Notebooks; (1) Ruler; (1) Pencil Sharpener; (1) Scissors; (5) #2 pencils; (5) Black or Blue Ballpoint pens; (1) box of 16 or 24 Crayons and (1) 2½” eraser. Any questions please feel free to call Joann Hart at (309) 310-9205. Thank you for your help!
FROM THE OFFICE: If your son or daughter is going away for college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex. As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter. Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed. We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.
OUR BROCHURE RACK: Have you visited the Brochure Rack in the church narthex lately? Did you know there is a booklet on “Post-Traumatic Syndrome (PTSD)” on the rack? Also, “The Great Deceiver”; currently the Adult Bible Study now in progress. How about booklets about cancer and depression and alzheimers? And how about “The Truth About Angels”. And many more. All these booklets are written from a Christ centered perspective. Take a moment to look through all the various topics and take several with you. Put them in your pocket and read them when you have a break. Don’t forget to share with your family and friends!
BLOOD DRIVE: Good Shepherd’s Red Cross Blood Drive will be on Monday, September 28th. We look forward to seeing you and your veins in September.
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: “The Inevitable Question” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Matthew 27:22. Pontius Pilate asks the question each of us must answer: “What shall I do with Jesus?” 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 – August 2, 2015
† Bulletin Announcements †
August 2, 2015
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Ephesians 4:1: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you were called.” The callings we have from the Lord are our “vocations.” Here Paul talks about our vocation as Christian. We are called to be His people and to reflect His love, generosity, and peace within the Church.
TODAY: We thank and ask the Lord’s blessings be upon Reverend William Jensen, pastor of Wittenberg Lutheran Center on the campus of Illinois State University, for conducting worship and Bible Class for the flock at Good Shepherd this Sabbath.
PASTOR’S SCHEDUE: Pastor, Toni, Karson and Holden will return from their vacation this coming Wednesday, August 5th. Pastor will return to the office on Thursday, August 6th. In pastor’s absence should you need pastoral care please contact your Elder. If unsure of your Elder, please check the Elder Board in the narthex. Thank you.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Good Shepherd’s Annual Church Picnic to be held on Sunday, August 23rd at 12:00 p.m. at Tipton Trails Park in Bloomington. Watch for more details to follow.
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS: It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project: Lutheran World Relief School Kits. We need your help on filling the book bags. Each bag needs the following: (4) 70 sheet Notebooks; (1) Ruler; (1) Pencil Sharpener; (1) Scissors; (5) #2 pencils; (5) Black or Blue Ballpoint pens; (1) box of 16 or 24 Crayons and (1) 2½” eraser. Any questions please feel free to call Joann Hart at (309) 310-9205. Thank you for your help!
“PRAISE GOD FROM WHO ALL BLESSINGS FLOW”: The Organ Repair and Update Fund for Good Shepherd’s 20th Anniversary exceeded its goal of $13,325.00. As of July 20th, our total gifts were $14,166.73. Our congregation has certainly been blessed. Great Is Thy Faithfulness! The 20th Church Anniversary Committee
FROM THE OFFICE: If your son or daughter is going away for college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex. As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter. Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed. We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.
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.
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: “What Do You Think of Christ?” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Matthew 22:41-43. Everyone seems to have an opinion about Jesus; however, faith is what counts. 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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Elder, Usher, and Acolyte Schedules for August 2015
Elder and Usher Schedule
| Aug 2 | Daryle Schempp, Gerald Semelka, John Hardy, Mike Field | Paul Gerike | Brian Dirks, Nick Henson |
| Aug 9 | Ben Holland, Jeff Piper | Nathan Kluender | Greg McNeely, Ryan Kleiboeker, Theron Noth |
| Aug 16 | Gene Fuller, Joshua Parry, Nathan Kluender, Richard Ross | John Hardy | Bryan Reichert, Mike Huth |
| Aug 23 | Paul Gerike, Steve Parry | Barry Hamlin | Bud Kessler, Holden Lueck, Marvin Huth |
| Aug 30 | Charles Nottingham, Daryle Schempp, Gerald Semelka, John Hardy | Craig Culp | Brian Dirks, Nick Henson, Ryan Kleiboeker |
Acolyte Schedule
| Aug 2 | Anna Holland | Pastor/Elder |
| Aug 9 | Pastor/Elder | Justin McNeely |
| Aug 16 | Garett Sheley | Pastor/Elder |
| Aug 23 | Pastor/Elder | Christian Dowell |
| Aug 30 | J.T. Piper | Cruz Kleiboeker |
Stewardship Corner August 2015
Busyness is the new black. It’s stylish. We spend an inordinate amount of time comparing how busy we are with everyone else. We compare our schedules, our kid’s schedules, how productive we are and how much we have because of it to everyone around us. And if we don’t do or have what the next guy does or has, we just get busier and produce more so that we can.
This consumes our conversations and thoughts. And this should give us pause: Who is consuming whom, here? Are we the consumer or are we those consumed? It’s no accident that our adversary the devil is described as a lion prowling around seeking to devour us, to consume us. He gives us the liturgy of this world, the liturgy of productivity and consumption. For if he can keep us busy in “muchness” and “manyness,” he can be satisfied.
And this is why the Lord, after finishing all His work of creation, rested on the seventh day. This is why He established the Sabbath day—to give His people rest from all their work. As they rested, He continued to work for them, to satisfy them, to fill them with His gifts—food from heaven by His Word and Promise.
That day came when from our Lord’s cross and in His death, He proclaimed, “It is finished” (John 19:30). And so His work of redemption was complete. And so His body rested in the tomb, the belly of the earth. Though He is the Lord God who always works, yet as the Lord rested on the original Sabbath, now Jesus kept the Sabbath by resting in the tomb and rising from the dead to live forever. For this is why He came. This is why He became man: to draw all to Himself so that He could give rest and refreshment to the weary and the heavy laden.
The Sabbath is a gift, not a burden. It is a gift of time free from the liturgy of this world, the liturgy of productivity and consumption. Sabbath is time for rest and refreshment, a time free from anxiety to enjoy the gifts God gives, all of them—His Word, His Promises, His Sacraments, His creation, everything. It is a foretaste of the rest we shall enjoy in heaven.
Sadly for many of us rest has become work. It’s become drudgery. We long for it but we aren’t able to do it because there’s so much to be done and so little time to do it. But really what’s the rush? Why are we so hurried and harried? Have we forgotten that Jesus is raised from the dead and lives forever?
Sabbath is God’s gift of time free from all of the anxiety and hurry of this world so that we can rest, be refreshed by the gifts God gives. Society won’t do it for us. They are addicted to the liturgy of productivity and consumption. Though we are in the world, we are not of it. We are the people of God, His own children by water and Word, joined to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus lives. And so shall we. So rest in the promise of our Savior that sin, death, and time have not hold on you because Jesus is raised from the dead. Jesus lives. And so shall we, forever.