TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  The account of “Jacob and Esau” that our children will study in Sunday School today is a story of competition and bad feelings between brothers, parental favoritism, and family squabbling. Amidst this chaos,  God acted with grace toward all of them—and to us.  Parents might ask, “How do these sins afflict every family?  Why is forgiveness important in families?”

 

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 25:44:  “Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’”  With this parable Jesus once again emphasizes that our good works come from who we are, not the other way around.  Sheep do sheep works, and goats do goat works. So first things first: if we want to live more faithfully, let us come to Jesus, receive His gifts, and ask him to increase our faith!

 ADVENT DEVOTIONS:  Pick up a copy of the “Advent Devotions” located on the table in the narthex.

 THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP:  Before Thanksgiving Thursday and Black Friday join us for Worship Wednesday under the theme: “The Good Life” as we praise our Lord and Savior for His many blessings.  This Thanksgiving Eve Communion Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on November 26^th.

 “THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD TO COME”:  The Evangelism/Stewardship Committee invites everyone to be a part of decorating the church for Advent/Christmas.  We will gather in peace and joy to prepare for “the Light of the world to come”.  On Sunday, November 30^th, following the 10:30 worship will be the time for this festive fellowship event.  We will enjoy that time honored Christmas traditional meal – pizza – provided by the congregation.  Do not be “asleep on the hay” but “let every heart prepare Him room” as we look forward to seeing you on the 30^th.

CHRISTMAS 2014 ADOPT A FAMILY:  This year we have adopted a family of 4 for Christmas.  We have placed their requests on the tree in the narthex.  Choose an item or items to purchase and return these purchases, unwrapped, by NEXT SUNDAY, November 30th.  We have put a box next to the tree for those who would like to make a monetary donation.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and put “Adopt a Family” in the memo line.  Katie Kleiboeker and Toni Lueck will purchase items with these funds.  Please take this opportunity to share your blessings with a family in need.

 THE MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES begin on Wednesday, December 3^rd and will also be held on Wednesday, December 10^th and the 17^th.  Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. with a soup and sandwich supper at 5:30 p.m.  We have a sign-up in the narthex for the meal.  Almost every Board in the congregation will not meet in December so that families can worship together and spend time with one another during this busy month.

 THANK YOU notes were sent out to everyone but in case someone got missed, “Thank you” for all the wonderful cards, kind words, and gifts for Pastor Appreciation.  As I complete my 15^th year as your Shepherd, I appreciate all the love and support for my family and I.  The Lord continues to bless us through you.  In Christ’s Love, Pastor

 THE LUTHERAN ANNUAL:  It’s time again to order copies of the “Lutheran Annual”.  The cost is $25.00.  If you are interested in obtaining a copy, please contact Janet or Sandy in the church office by phone (309) 662-8905 or email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.

FROM THE OFFICE:  We have a 2015 Large Print Scripture Text Calendar available for anyone who wants it.  See Pastor Lueck.

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:  If you would like a copy of your 2014 Financial Statement please see or call Joyce Schneider.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL the children will study the efforts Abraham made to ensure that his son Isaac would marry a person who loved God in the account of “Isaac and Rebekah.”  As a family discuss, “Why is it important to marry someone who shares your Christian faith?  What are the blessings of sharing your beliefs with your spouse?”

 THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:    Matthew 25:30:  “And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness.”  Why did the worthless servant act the way he did?  Because of what he believed about the Master.  He didn’t trust or love the Master – and so he did not demonstrate love and trust in his actions, but rather hate and mistrust.  It’s the same with us, but in reverse: since we know our Lord God to be faithful and kind, we desire to serve Him and render faithful service with what He has given us.

 2014 COMMITMENT CARD:  Your 2014 Commitment Card is available for pick-up in the narthex.  Today, November 16^th, the new Commitment Cards will be handed out and Stewardship Sunday will be on November 23^rd.

 TODAY is Good Shepherd’s Annual Voter’s Meeting following the 10:30 Worship Service.  We will have a potluck meal.  The church is providing the meat and drink.  Please bring a side dish or dessert.  The 2015 Budget proposal and the list of candidates for church offices are located in the narthex.

 TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the DECEMBER 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.

 THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP:  Before Thanksgiving Thursday and Black Friday join us for Worship Wednesday under the theme: “The Good Life” as we praise our Lord and Savior for His many blessings.  This Thanksgiving Eve Communion Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on November 26^th.

 “THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD TO COME”:  The Evangelism/Stewardship Committee invites everyone to be a part of decorating the church for Advent/Christmas.  We will gather in peace and joy to prepare for “the Light of the world to come”.  On Sunday, November 30^th, following the 10:30 worship will be the time for this festive fellowship event.  We will enjoy that time honored Christmas traditional meal – pizza – provided by the congregation.  Do not be “asleep on the hay” but “let every heart prepare Him room” as we look forward to seeing you on the 30^th.

CHRISTMAS 2014 ADOPT A FAMILY:  This year we have adopted a family of 4 for Christmas.  We have placed their requests on the tree in the narthex.  Choose an item or items to purchase and return these purchases, unwrapped, by Sunday, November 30th.  We have put a box next to the tree for those who would like to make a monetary donation.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and put “Adopt a Family” in the memo line.  Katie Kleiboeker and Toni Lueck will purchase items with these funds.  Please take this opportunity to share your blessings with a family in need.

 FROM THE OFFICE:  We have a 2015 Large Print Scripture Text Calendar available for anyone who wants it.  See Pastor Lueck.

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:  If you would like a copy of your 2014 Financial Statement please see or call Joyce Schneider.

 ENERGY NEEDS ENVELOPES are still available on the table in the narthex.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Clean And Thankful” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 17:11-19.  Thanksgiving is not just a made-up holiday, it’s an attitude that is the key to life.  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.