Bulletin Announcements – June 7, 2015

† Bulletin Announcements  †

June 7, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 3:35:  “Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”  Doing the will of God starts with trusting in His Son Jesus Christ.  Once we have faith in Him and have been reborn as new creatures through Holy Baptism, we strive to grow in this faith and in a life that agrees with our faith.  Growing in generosity, in kindness, and in love across our callings in the home, in church, and in society is growing into the family of God: for all who do His will are his brothers, and sisters, and mothers.

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 students investigate “The Case of the Broken Debris: Tower of Babel.”  They will learn that God calls us to repent of the sinful desire to make a name for ourselves, seeking glory apart from God. Instead, God makes a name for us and blesses us through His Spirit. Parents might ask, “How does God bless us today?”

NEXT SUNDAY, June 14th, and the 2nd Sunday of July and August, we will have a door Offering for Reverend Michael Kearney and family as they continue to pay down debt from Michael’s Seminary years.  Beginning in September, we will be assigned a new student from the Seminary that we will support during the school year.

TUTION ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE:  Please contact a member of the Board of Christian Education or the church office for more information.  Forms are available in the office.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  The 20th Church Anniversary Committee has sent out invitations to former members who have moved away.  We were able to find many of them but there are a few we could not find addresses for.  They are: Barb Parry, Russ & LeAnne Perry and Family, Lloyd and Donna Smith.  If you know their current address or can contact them through social media, please pass on their information to the church office.  Thank you!

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 VBS at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N. Hershey, in Normal.  Children ages 3 through those who will start 6th grade this Fall are welcome!  Registration is quick and easy at: bit.ly/clcvbs2015 or go to christlutherannormal.org and click on the “Registration” link at the bottom of the page. We look forward to seeing your children June 7-11 from 6:00-8:15 p.m. and helping them discover how Jesus works in us and through us.

TEACHING ASSOCIATE NEEDED:  Trinity Lutheran School is in need of an Afternoon Teaching Associate in our All Day 4 year old program. The hours are Noon until 3:30 p.m. on regular school days.  Please contact Laura Busse at: laurabusse@trinluth.org or Cindy Guetschow at (309)829-7513 for more information or to submit a cover letter and resume.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “God’s Great Work of Faith” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 4.  Faith if God’s work, not ours.  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 June 2015

Elder and Usher Schedule

Date
8:00
Elder
10:30
June 7Gene Fuller, Matthew Holland, Mike Field, Richard RossPaul GerikeBrian Dirks, Karson Lueck
June 14Joshua Parry, Steve ParryMike FieldGreg McNeely, Mike Huth, Ryan Kleiboeker
June 21Charles Nottingham, Craig Culp, Jeff Piper, Paul GerikeNathan KluenderBryan Reichert, Marvin Huth
June 28Daryle Schempp,
Nathan Kluender
John HardyBud Kessler, Holden Lueck, Nick Henson

Acolyte Schedule

Date
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
June 7Katey ParryPastor/Elder
June 14Pastor/ElderChristian Dowell
June 21Lucas PiperPastor/Elder
June 28Pastor/ElderJustin McNeely

Celebrating June 2015

Birthdays

6/2 Paula Hardy
6/6 Brad Gerike
6/7 Diane Benjamin
6/7 Deborah Huber
6/7 Eric Orr
6/8 Mike Field
6/11 Kent Warren
6/13 Penny Culp
6/13 Chris Parker
6/14 William McNeely
6/14 Richard Ross
6/15 Ruth Gerike
6/16 Marlene Hitch
6/17 Kathy Vize
6/18 Isabella Kessler
6/20 Katie Nord
6/21 Erin Dirks
6/23 Eugene Fuller
6/24 Kathy Hitch
6/26 Tammy Brewer
6/29 Steve Davis
6/29 Martha Prescher
6/30 Bryan Reichert

Baptismal Birthdays

6/1 Craig Culp
6/1 Christian Dowell
6/1 Dorothy Herberts
6/2 Harriet Campbell
6/3 William Dowell
6/7 Brad Gerike
6/17 Casey Scott
6/19 Diane Benjamin
6/20 Gerald Semelka
6/21 Erica Kearney
6/24 Jillian Sompong

Pastor’s Notes June 2015

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

One of the joys of our congregation is the conversation that we have in Adult Bible Class.  We have been known to get through only one question in a study!  Here in the gathering of our fellow Christians we have junior high through senior citizens sharing experiences and gaining strength from their brothers and sisters in Christ.  We talk about the struggle of living in these times and the challenges that face us.

Frustrations can occur when we want others to have our same worldview.  We may have friends, family, or co-workers that see things differently than us.  I get dragged into many of these situations because I am a Pastor.  What I try to remind all of us is this: “We cannot change hearts; only God can.”  This does not mean we sit on the sidelines though.  We need to be in the arena, participating in the dialogue game.

I recently read in one of my theological journals an essay by a Lutheran clergyman in Norway.  It doesn’t paint a very good picture of what has happened to the church.  He writes, “The sad story of the downfall of the Lutheran churches in Scandinavia…is the story of what happens when false doctrine, un-Biblical teaching, is not refuted.  It is like gangrene:  if it is not cut off, it will spread and in the end lead to death.  The guarding of Biblical doctrine to the Christian Church is the same as the immune system is to our bodies.  It safeguards us from dangerous infections that might threaten life itself.  We all know what happens if the immune system fails.”

Lutherans in these countries are an endangered species.  He says that Lutherans are represented in name only, not in reality.

This Pastor’s message though is to be of good courage.  He says to build on God’s Word because through this foundation we have the strength no matter what the world throws our way.  He reminds us as I have heard over and over that “during times of adversity and trouble…the church of Christ has gained health and found her way back to her true identity.”

We “Stand Up, Stand Up, For Jesus” because Christ died and rose for us.  Be of good courage and we will see you in worship and Bible Class where we gain the Lord’s strength for battle through His Word and Sacraments.

In Christ,

Pastor

Bulletin Announcements – May 31, 2015

†  Bulletin Announcements  †

May 31, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 3:6:  “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”  In Holy Baptism we receive a new birth: spirit from Spirit.  With that rebirth we receive new desires, new lives, new purposes.  To the (fleshly) world, Christian generosity makes no sense – a total minus a percentage is less than the original total.  But Spirit-reborn Christians now that God’s math works differently (as we might expect from the Trinity!): a blessing received from God becomes more of  blessing when it is used in generosity to bless others.

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:  On this last Sunday of the spring quarter of Sunday School, students study “John’s Vision of Heaven.”  Those who believe that salvation has been accomplished by the all-availing sacrifice of Jesus’ blood on the cross will bear the name of Christ, written on their forehead in Holy Baptism, and will have the right to the tree of life.  Consider discussing, “How does John describe heaven?  How is the promise of eternal life in heaven ours?”

TODAY we have a large container in the narthex for you to leave your contribution for our special project which is the Organ Repair and Update.  Our next Collection will be Sunday, July 5th and Sunday, July, 12th.  Thank you!     The 20th Church Anniversary Committee

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  The 20th Church Anniversary Committee has sent out invitations to former members who have moved away.  We were able to find many of them but there are a few we could not find addresses for.  They are: Barb Parry, Russ & LeAnne Perry and Family, Lloyd and Donna Smith.  If you know their current address or can contact them through social media, please pass on their information to the church office.  Thank you!

TUTION ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE:  Please contact a member of the Board of Christian Education or the church office for more information.  Forms are available in the office.

THE CHURCH FLOWER BED:  I want to replace the yellow Iris in the flower bed with different colors.  If you have any to share please contact Diane Benjamin at (309) 724-8520.  Thank you!

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:  “Life Under God’s Construction” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1.  Do you see a “Road Construction Ahead” sign?  Did God put it there?  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 – May 24, 2015

† Bulletin Announcements †

May 24, 2015

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Acts 2:1: “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.” Pentecost was the Old Testament harvest festival: a time of thanksgiving, bounty, and the giving of gifts. How appropriate that in the New Testament it takes on the meaning of harvest the ripe fields of the nations, bringing in the elect of every tribe and tongue to sing the Lord’s praise. Every farmer knows that it is God who gives the increase, that harvest calls for thanksgiving.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”. The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL the students study the account “Paul Sails for Rome.” As Christ was with Paul and His companions, so He is with me, holding me up, keeping me with Him in the ship of the Church, and casting all my sins into the depths of the sea. Parents could ask, “Who and what did God use to keep Paul safe? How does God keep us safely with Himself?”

TODAY we have a large container in the narthex for you to leave your contribution for our special project which is the Organ Repair and Update. You may also bring your contribution next Sunday, May 31st. Thank you!  The 20th Church Anniversary Committee

TODAY: Thankful for the Lord’s blessings and the part you have played in Karson’s life (especially his spiritual life), Pastor and Toni Lueck in conjunction with the presenter of his High School Diploma, Normal West High School, invite you to a Graduation Party this afternoon from 3-6:00 p.m. at Union Park Clubhouse (GE Park), 1750 G.E. Road in Bloomington.

CAN YOU HELP: Following Laura’s surgery the Kessler family is in need of meals. If you can help, please call or e-mail Curt. His phone# is (309) 826-7171; and his email is: 71fenderbassman@comcast.net. Thank you.

THE CHURCH FLOWER BED: I want to replace the yellow Iris in the flower bed with different colors. If you have any to share please contact Diane Benjamin at (309) 724-8520. Thank you!

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.

JOB OPENING: Shining lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N Hershey Rd., Normal, IL has an opening for the Director position. Qualifications for the director include: (1: An associate’s degree in early childhood education with experience and licenser or certification in Early Childhood Education and Director-qualified according to the Department of Children and Family Services. (2: Leadership experience in administration and staff guiding. (3: Significant experience in preschool/elementary age ministry. (4: Be able to show/share God’s love in the preschool environment. If you are interested and would like an application, please see Rosemary in the church office or call (309) 452-5609, ext. 2. Please return your application by Friday May 29, 2015.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Enough Is Enough” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 2 Peter 3:9-10. God shows grace to sinners but His patience has its limits. 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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