Month: May 2015

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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“Chosen By God” Acts 1: 12-26 (5-17-2015, 10:30am Service)

 

May 17, 2015 Text: Acts 1:12-26

Dear Friends in Christ,

Have you ever experienced not being chosen? Maybe it was a team, a job, a part in a play, a college you wanted to go to, a girl you loved. Feelings of rejection can creep into our minds. We start to question why? In the First Reading today, we hear both Justus and Matthias were considered as the one to replace Judas as the twelfth disciple. Matthias was chosen, and Justus was not. Justus knew the embarrassment of not being chosen for this position. Yet we know that Justus and every Christian are chosen by God to be witnesses for Him.
“CHOSEN BY GOD”
Someone needed to replace Judas. The apostles were together between Jesus ascension, which we celebrated on Thursday, and Pentecost, which is next Sunday. The apostles didn’t know the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was coming, but they did know they were to spread the good news about Jesus that the Lord himself delivered to them before He ascended. They needed to be at full strength. So they considered two men for the job – Justus and Matthias. Both were qualified and had experience. Both had served faithfully and would make a wonderful apostle. Both were loved by God, they were both good men, but only one could be chosen.
They cast lots, similar to our drawing straws, and Matthias was chosen. Today he is remembered as a saint and even has a day Feb. 24 – St. Matthias Day.
But what about Justus? He is the forgotten man, at least Scripturally. He is not heard from again. That is what sometimes happens when you are not chosen.
Justus probably hurt that day. He was qualified and experienced. One hundred and twenty of his fellow Christians said he was eligible, but Matthias got the job. Justus even knew that God had caused the lot to fall where it did. God chose Matthias rather than him. Oh, the sting.
We can feel for Justus. We want to be the chosen one. We want to be the favored one, best dressed, most likely to succeed, captain of the team. We want to be loved, admired, appreciated, and complimented. We want the honors, the awards, the promotions. Look, numero uno is I. Oh, and it feels good!
But in our world, we can’t all make it to the top. If we did the structure would all crumble. My mom always said, “Not everyone can be a chief, you need a few Indians.” No matter how the world of today tries to not let it happen, not everybody can be first. The reality is that there is no consolation prize. You either make the team or you don’t, get the job or told we can’t use you, achieve the college scholarship or receive the rejection letter. No matter how blessed we are, we have all had an experience where we were not the chosen one. It hurts, it stings, and it can cause tears of pain.
However, whether or not the world has chosen us for any special honors or awards, God by His grace has chosen us. To be chosen by God is the greatest recognition in life.
Time after time, Scripture reminds us of our chosen status. Isaiah wrote, “’You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off’; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:9-10) Jesus told his disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” (Jn. 15:16)
By Jesus’ death on the cross, He shows us that despite our sin we are special to God. We are the chosen ones who are loved, forgiven, and saved by His grace. The Holy Spirit places us on God’s spiritual team, the Church. Here, He invites us to come to His Holy Table, where we receive body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins.
We are God’s chosen ones, and that is a blessing for us. Words spoken to us can make a big difference in our lives. A coach says, “You made the team.” A teacher tells us, “You are an outstanding student.” A beloved whispers, “I do” when they are asked if they will marry you. A boss announces, “You are getting the promotion.” The hostess at a busy restaurant summons you by name and you feel pretty good as you walk by the others who are waiting. In words spoken to us at our Baptism, God lovingly says to you and I, “You are my child. I forgive your sins. You are now part of my family of faith.” The power of God’s word to us.
Our value to God is not measured by how many teams we have been on, how many awards we have won, the top of the mountain we think we’ve achieved or how others view us. Rather, God, who made us in His image and saves us by His grace, gives our worth to us. Never forget or doubt that in Christ, we are chosen by God.
Amen.