Month: December 2015
Bulletin Announcements – December 20, 2015
† Bulletin Announcements †
December 20, 2015
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45 ESV) The Lord always fulfills what He promises. We can be certain of that, and He has proven it over and over again. This faith in the Lord’s own faithfulness is what gives us the courage to follow the Lord’s commands in the face of the world’s anger and resistance: just as it gave Mary the courage to carry on in her seemingly embarrassed circumstances.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.
TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, the children learn the account “Mary Visits Elizabeth.” In the presence of the Son of God growing within Mary’s womb, John the Baptist leapt inside Elizabeth’s womb. God fills us with Himself in Word and Sacrament and we, like Mary, offer our praise and worship. Consider asking, “How or when does God fill us with His presence today?”
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The January – March 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today.
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.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Christ Lutheran Church at 311 N. Hershey Road in Normal is seeking to hire an Office Manager. The list of Qualifications is posted on the bulletin board. You may submit a letter of interest and resume to Christ Lutheran Church, Attention: Employment Committee; or email to: clcms@frontier.com. For additional details see http://christlutherannormal.org.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “No Regrets” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 1 Timothy 1:16. Jesus invites you to leave your burden of regret at the foot of His cross. 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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Bulletin Announcements – December 13, 2015
† Bulletin Announcements †
December 13, 2015
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:5-6 ESV). Wouldn’t you like to be free from worry and anxiety? Isn’t it worry and anxiety that often keep us from living the generous life God has called us to? St. Paul contrasts anxiety with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving in making our requests known to God. In other words; when you are tempted to anxiety and worry: pray to the Lord with a thankful heart and pour out your supplications before Him.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.
TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL the children will hear the message “The Birth of Jesus Foretold.” God favored Mary, choosing her to be the mother of Jesus. God favors us because of Jesus Christ, choosing us to be His children! Ask your children, “How did God show Mary, and us, His unmerited grace and favor?”
MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICE: Our Choir – “A Service of Lessons and Carols”, will lead our third and final Advent Service. Please come and support these men and women who have given of their time and God-given talent to praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Service begins at 7:00 p.m. Our Advent meal will start at 5:30 p.m. You may sign-up to bring food in the narthex. This week the free-will Offering will go to Wittenberg Lutheran Student Center at Illinois State.
POINSETTIAS: If you would like to contribute toward the purchase of a poinsettia for the church altar at Christmas, the cost is $8.00. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex and also an envelope to put your money or check in. Please indicate on the memo line of your check: Poinsettia. We will need to have your order by this coming Wednesday, December 16th. You may pick up your poinsettia on Sunday, January 3, 2016. Thank you.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The January – March 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today.
HELP US CELEBRATE: In honor of her 100th birthday this coming Thursday, December 17th, Pauline Hanner and her family would appreciate a card or note be sent to her. She is a charter member of Good Shepherd and has gladly served her church and community all her life. You may send your card to: Pauline Hanner, Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka, 610 W Cruger, PO Box 128, Eureka IL 61530.
CHOIR PRACTICE: Choir is meeting every Wednesday from 7-8:00 p.m. and we always need more voices. If you would like to learn more about choir, contact Steve Parry at drparry68@outlook.com or (309) 533-5200. Come make a joyful noise until the Lord!
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 take a free 20-minute walking tour and experience “The Journey” that Mary and Joseph took so many years ago. This tour features indoor and outdoor scenes with live drama, live animals and singing. The “Journeys” begin inside every 10 minutes from 5-7:00 p.m. TODAY at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N. Hershey Rd., in Normal. Free cookies and hot chocolate will be available. Meals are also available for purchase between 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. If you would like more information, please call Christ Lutheran Church at (309) 452-5609.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Christ Lutheran Church at 311 N. Hershey Road in Normal is seeking to hire an Office Manager. The list of Qualifications is posted on the bulletin board. You may submit a letter of interest and resume to Christ Lutheran Church, Attention: Employment Committee; or email to: clcms@frontier.com. For additional details see http://christlutherannormal.org.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “The Gift In the Manger” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Luke 2:8-12. From the manger to the cross to resurrection life, God is in the giving business for all of us to receive and believe. 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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“TWO CONGREGATIONS – TWO REPORTS” (Nov. 29, 2015, Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13)
Nov. 29, 2015 Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Dear Friends in Christ,
Let’s go back. Before cell phones and text messaging, before landlines and mail in a few days. Back before telegrams and the Pony Express. Back to the time of the Apostle Paul. If you wanted to find something out in a different town you either had to travel there yourself or send someone to find out for you. It could be days, weeks, or even months before you heard back. You had to wait and wait and wait – and go on with life while you waited. Today we report back.
“TWO CONGREGATIONS – TWO REPORTS”
Timothy files our first report. Paul sent him to the church in Thessalonica. They were suffering some persecution and were being pressured to give up their faith. Paul wanted to know what was happening so off Timothy went. Paul went back to work and waited.
Then the day came and Paul caught sight of Timothy. What would be the report? How were the believers? Were they still together? Timothy with a big smile would say, “Yes, they are standing strong in the faith. They haven’t given up on Jesus. They long to see you and there is lots of good news there Paul.” And Paul is so thankful. He offers a prayer of thanksgiving.
Then Timothy’s mood changes a bit. Not all is good. Something is lacking in the way they live out their faith. Paul gets busy writing another letter. He prays these believers will increase in love. He prays they will be found holy and blameless on the Last Day when Jesus comes back.
God did answer that part of the prayer. Paul did get to visit them again. What was lacking in this congregation? We can’t say in detail, but right after this prayer He encourages this congregation to keep the gift of sexuality honorable and pure. He also urges them to love more and more by the way they do their work so that others will respect them. Finally, He also teaches about what will happen to those who die before Jesus returns.
Now let’s imagine Timothy was going to file a second report. What would he bring back to Paul concerning Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Bloomington, IL?
Time passes. Timothy visits. He comes back to Paul. The greeting is warm. “What did you find out?”
“Paul, there is much to be thankful for. Jesus is at work in this congregation. I heard them confess they believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Everyone there heard the wonderful things that Jesus has done in their lives. They know their sins are forgiven through His sacrifice on the cross. They know they have eternal life because Christ rose on the third day. They heard the Word and sang the Lord’s praises. So much to be thankful for Paul. Jesus is present in this congregation and people believe.
“They have crosses and banners and symbols of their faith throughout their building. They greet visitors and many of them get tours of their building. They live out their faith by giving blood, and giving to a local shelter and by quilting and supporting seminary students and missionaries. They enjoy fellowship and show it in many ways. It’s good, Paul, at Good Shepherd Lutheran.” And Paul offers a prayer of thanksgiving for these faithful Christians in Illinois.
But again the mood of Timothy changes. All is not good at Good Shepherd Lutheran. “People still struggle to live out their faith. There were empty pews. People are missing out on worshipping Jesus. There are empty chairs in Sunday School and so the children don’t hear about the saving love of Jesus. People get sick, and they are afraid of pain and death. Families are struggling with relationships and balancing priorities. The culture of the city is pulling people in different directions and away from the church. God’s gift of sexuality is not always being used in God’s intended way. People are afraid of the future.
“Many are struggling to keep Jesus in their everyday lives. They are getting ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth in a season they call Advent. It is supposed to be a time to reflect on what our Lord came to do when he was born in Bethlehem. They have extra worship services on Wednesday and meals together. But people get busy with shopping, traveling, work, sports, smart-phone activities – that they lose sight of Jesus. They cannot catch their breath and spend time with Jesus. Paul, all is not good.”
And Paul would sit down and write us a letter. He would pray for us and that our love would increase more and more.
And how would that prayer be answered? Just like it was with the Thessalonians. It’s answered when we keep the gift of sexuality within the marriage relationship of one man and one woman. It’s answered when we work honestly so that people respect our vocation that God has given us to do. And the prayer is answered as we hold to the one true faith until Jesus returns. We are holy in Jesus. We are blameless in his forgiveness. The prayer is answered when we look forward to joining all the saints, from Thessalonica and other parts of the world in the new creation He has prepared for us.
Then Paul would put down his pen and offer a prayer for Good Shepherd Lutheran. Paul would then go back to work and so do we. We go back to our lives asking the Holy Spirit to have our love spread throughout this church and community. For the day is coming when we will appear holy and blameless before God because of Jesus and His dying love for us.
Amen.