“Rejoice Always” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (12-24-2014, 6pm)

 

Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Dear Friends in Christ,
Charles Dickens’s novel A Christmas Carol is about Ebenezer Scrooge and how his heart was changed one Christmas. It’s a feel good story because they all lived happily ever after. But lines from another Dickens novel more accurately describes the way Christmas feels for most. He begins A Tale Of Two Cities with these words:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the age of wisdom; it was the age of foolishness. It was the epoch of belief; it was the epoch of incredulity. It was the season of Light; it was the season of Darkness. It was the spring of hope; it was the winter of despair. We had everything before us, we had nothing before us.”
Christmas is a time of contrasts. Prosperity and poverty. Good will and ugly greed. Family togetherness and excruciating loneliness. Light and darkness. Spring of hope and winter of acute despair.
We all want Christmas to be the best of times. It is the reason we do all the things we do – decorate, send cards, shop, bake, attend parties. Sometimes though it can be the worst of times because of the expectation of a holly, jolly Christmas.
Some of you may have spent too much again this year. Maybe it is your health or the health of loved one on your mind tonight. Do you have old hurts that won’t heal? New wounds that won’t go away?
That is why our text from 1 Thessalonians seems so strange, so out of place, so artificial.
“REJOICE ALWAYS”
Really now Paul, what is there to rejoice about? Isn’t Christmas just a fantasy season of sugar plum fairies and old St. Nick?
And if Christmas is real, it is real for other people. I’ve got problems no one can relate to. My parents passed all there hang-ups to me. My siblings? We don’t get along. My job is a hassle. The marriage has lost its excitement. It’s too late to do anything with this mess I call my life. How dare Paul say, “Rejoice always.” How could he write this candy cane coated concoction?
I’ll tell you why. Paul knew the angelic announcement, “I bring you good news of great joy.” (Luke 2:10) Not for some people. Not for good people. Not for religious people. This is good news for everyone. Joy is the gift Christ gives to everyone. He gives it especially to you.
Please hear this. There is a difference between happiness and joy. External gifts like health and wealth and children are great blessings from God. They make us happy. But they are not essential for joy. Why? Because happiness is determined by what is going on around me. I can’t control that. Joy is determined by what is going on inside of me. And God has taken control of that. He sent Jesus.
Jesus didn’t have a lot of reasons for earthly happiness. Born in a trough to a blue-collar father and teenage mother. As an adult he had no home. Jesus was an itinerant preacher and washed feet. Not the path to making it big.
And then this, “Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:8) Death on a cross was reserved for the lowest of the low. They ripped his skin, burst his arteries and severed his nerves. It brought unimaginable pain.
In spite of it all, though, Jesus, exuded joy. Poverty and disappointment and rejection couldn’t take it away. Even death on a cross couldn’t take away the joy. Hebrews 12:2 says as much, “…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame.”
What does it all mean? No matter where your life is right now, this truth makes it worthwhile: Jesus Christ was born to die for you. From his cross He gives unlimited joy. It is for you. “I bring good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
Jesus once said, “No one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:22) Why is that? Remember? Happiness is determined by what is going on around me. I can’t control that. Joy is determined by what is going on inside of me. And God has taken control of that by sending Jesus who is the doorway to deliverance, the pathway to peace, and the gateway to glory. His goodness is limitless. His loves never changes. His grace is sufficient. His Word is enough. No one will take this joy from you.
Joy stems the tide of gloom and despair. It brings confidence in the midst of confusion. Hope when there is uncertainty. Calm in the midst of life’s storms.
Please don’t confuse happiness and joy. They are not the same thing. There are happy Christmases and there are sad Christmases. It all depends on what is happening around us.
Joy, on the other hand, is dependent upon what is happening in us. And the birth of Jesus is God’s commitment to send the Holy Spirit who comes inside to heal our hurts, forgive our filth and redeem our wretchedness.
Whether tonight is for you the best of times or the worst of times, the birth of Jesus – announced by the angels, witnessed by the shepherds and marveled at by the magi – leaves us finally with only one response. And what would that be? Paul wrote it. They are the words of our text. 1 Thessalonians 5:16. “Rejoice always!”
Amen.

Bulletin Announcements Dec 21, 2014

WELCOME TO ALL OUR VISITORS:  We are glad you could join us for worship today.  If you are a first-time visitor, please sign our guestbook and pick up a Church Handbook.  If you desire more information about Good Shepherd, please note it on the pew sheet.  May the Lord bless you this day and in Christ’s name we invite you to return.

WE BELIEVE CHILDREN BELONG IN WORSHIP:  However, if you or your child needs a break, we have a staffed Nursery at all our services.  Please see an Usher who can direct you to it.

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 birth of Jesus serves as the focus of the Sunday School lesson for today.  The Son of God became what we are, human, to make us what He is, a Child of the heavenly Father.  Consider discussing, “Why is it important that Jesus became a human like you and I?  Why is it important that Jesus was both God and man?”

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  2 Samuel 7:4:  “But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan. . .”  Nathan thought David’s idea was great, so he blessed it with the Lord’s name.  But later that night, the Word of the Lord set him straight.  The Word of the Lord must be the basis for what we think, say, and do in God’s Kingdom: not our own desires or whims.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE:  With this being the week of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we thought it a good idea to have worship.  Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion will commence at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24th.  The day of our dear Savior’s birth, the worship service will begin at 9:00 a.m. with Holy Communion celebrated.  O Come, All Ye Faithful!

THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD:  Two weeks from today (January 4, 2015) we will celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord.  On that date we will have the Installation of Officers, those duly elected to serve in 2015, in both worship services.  Come be installed, we promise it is painless!

IN OUR PRAYERS:  Dave Orr continues his rehabilitation in Chicago.  His liver transplant has been pushed back to the end of January if he recovers and is ready.  If you would like to send a card to Dave and Pat here is the address:  Dave & Pat Orr, c/o Lindsey Orr, 940 N Damen #2F, Chicago IL 60622.  We continue our prayers for all of them.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January – March 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Please pick up your free copy today.  Large print also available.

THE LWML would like to thank everyone in the church who either purchased supplies or helped put together the quilts and health kits this year.  We sent 37 quilts and 65 health kits.  Thanks again!

FROM THE OFFICE:  Good Shepherd has received a recent correspondence from both the Suggitt Family (at the Seminary in Ft. Wayne) and the Hilbert Family (LBT Missionaries).  These have been posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

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.

ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN:  John & Paula Hardy will be making their annual trip to Fort Wayne, IN.  Please bring to the church any slightly used adult and/or children’s clothing and any household items such as small appliances, kitchen items, etc. and place in the box located in the narthex.  The trip date has yet to be finalized but will take place in either January or February.  Please see or call (309) 310-7917 John or Paula if you have any questions.  Thank you.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Monsters In Our Tomorrows” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Romans 8:37-39.  Unknown monsters lurk in the shadows of the New Year but Christ will carry us through.  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.

INFORMATION REQUESTED:  Please notify the church office if someone in the congregation or any family or friends are ill or hospitalized.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

 + GOOD SHEPHERD SCHEDULE AND FUTURE DATES +

 Today:       Dec. 21              8:00 a.m.      Worship with Holy Communion

9:15 a.m.      Adult Bible Study and Sunday School

10:30 a.m.      Worship, non-Communion

5:00 p.m.      Small Group Bible Study Christmas Party @ the Lueck’s

Tues:         Dec. 23               LWML – No Meeting

Wed:          Dec. 24              6:00 p.m.      Christmas Eve Worship Service w/HC  (Office Closed)

Thurs:        Dec. 25              9:00 a.m.      Christmas Day Worship Service w/HC  (Office Closed)

Sun:           Dec. 28              8:00 a.m.      Worship, non-Communion

9:15 a.m.      Adult Bible Study and Sunday School

10:30 a.m.      Worship with Holy Communion

Wed:          Dec. 31              7:00 p.m.      New Year’s Eve Worship Service w/HC

Thurs:        Jan. 1               Happy New Year!  (Office Closed)

Fri:             Jan. 2                7-8:00 p.m.      Prayer Time

Sun:           Jan. 4                8:00 a.m.      Worship with Holy Communion  Epiphany of Our Lord

9:15 a.m.      Adult Bible Study and Sunday School

10:30 a.m.      Worship, non-Communion

Installation of Officers; both worship services

Tues:         Jan. 6                 7:00 p.m.      20th Church Anniversary Committee Meeting

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

+  ASSISTING TODAY +

Preacher:……………………………………………………………..Reverend Chad D. Lueck

Elder:………………………………………………………………………………….Paul Gerike

Ushers:…………………….8:00 a.m., Steve Davis, Mike Field, John Hardy, Joshua Parry

10:30 a.m., Holden Lueck, Bryan Reichert

Organist:…………………………………………………………………….Mary Anne Kirchner

Soloist:……………………………………………………………………………….Curt Kessler

Acolytes:………………………………………8:00 a.m., J.T. Piper; 10:30 a.m., Pastor/Elder

Nursery Staff:……………………………….8:00 a.m., Toni Lueck; 10:30 a.m., Ruth Gerike

Fellowship Hosts:……………………………………………………….John & Angelina Isaac

 

THE CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

The Office Hours for Janet and Sandy are as follows:  Janet:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and others times by request/appointment.  Sandy’s hours are Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

VISITORS

We are happy to have you worship with us.  Please sign the Guest Register on the table in the back of the church.  Also, please list your name and other information on the Friendship Form in the WELCOME binder, found on each row.  If you have a young child we have available “Busy Bags” on the table in the church entryway for them to use during worship.  We hope you enjoyed your visit and welcome you to return.

FOR OUR GUESTS AND VISITORS:

By way of explanation, here at Good Shepherd, our Offerings are not collected during the worship service. Instead, upon entering or leaving, we place them in the Offering boxes found hanging on the last pews in the Sanctuary.

CONVENIENCE ENVELOPES:

Did you accidentally leave your offering envelope at home?  Do you need a back up?  If so, these envelopes are for you.  Located in the pews and on the table in the narthex, these envelopes are here for the convenience of all our members.  We hope you will feel free to use them whenever a need arises. Thank you.

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.

 

Finding GOOD SHEPHERD ONLINE

Good Shepherd Home Page:…………………………………………………………….www.goodshepherdblm.org

Good Shepherd e-mail:……………………………………………………………goodshepherdblm@frontier.com

Good Shepherd Facebook Page:……………………………………………………..www.facebook.com/gslcblmil

Pastor Chad Lueck:…………………………………………………………………………..….revbci@yahoo.com