† April 24, 2016 †
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Revelation 21:1: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” The things of this world are passing away. We are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth that has been promised to us in Christ. This knowledge is foundational for our stewardship of what God has put into our hands. What is truly important? What is worthy of our support? How has God called us to use “unrighteous mammon” for the good of our neighbor and His kingdom?
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”.
“THE GOOD SHEPHERD” IS OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON TODAY: The children learn how we are all like sheep who have gone astray, in need of Jesus, our Shepherd, who rescues, gathers, and cares for us through His Word and Sacraments. As a family, consider discussing; in what ways has Jesus rescued you? Where can we find our Shepherd?
TODAY: We welcome to our congregation by way of transfer Helen Jensen. Helen comes from Austin, TX where she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Helen retired as a librarian at the University of Texas. Helen was blessed with three children (one who is in eternal glory); and five grandchildren. She enjoys reading, working on her computer and research. Helen lives at Luther Oaks, 601 Lutz Road, Bloomington IL 61704. Her phone# is (512) 636-9928 and her email is: utex@gmail.com. Take a moment to welcome Helen to our body of believers.
NEXT SUNDAY, May 1st, IS CONFIRMATION in the 10:30 a.m. Worship. We will have Holy Communion in both services.
OUR ASCENSION DAY WORSHIP SERVICE will be Thursday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m. We will celebrate Holy Communion with the message: “Christ Is Lord Over Your Frustrations”.
FROM THE OFFICE: Pick up your copy of the Church Directory located on the table in the narthex.
FROM THE OFFICE: The congregation has received a thank-you note from the Ferch family concerning their recent visit. It is posted on the bulletin board outside of the church office.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The April-June 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the bookrack located 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.
GOOD SHEPHERD BLOOD DRIVE: People are eligible to donate whole blood every eight weeks. One unit of blood can help save up to three lives. This is where you and your left or right arm come in. Our Blood Drive for the American Red Cross is Monday, May 2nd, from 2-6:00 p.m. You may sign-up either on the sheets in the narthex or go to: www.redcrossblood.org. Put in the church’s zip code (61704-9103) and then follow the prompts. Also, we have posters available for those who can put them in their workplaces. Thank you for your help and if you have any questions, please speak with Pastor Lueck who is a long-time donor.
2016 REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries 2016 Registration Information is available on the table in the narthex. Camps are available for many different age groups. The Camp is a CID LC-MS and LLL/LHM sponsored Camp. It is located in Cantrall, IL which is northwest of Springfield, IL and west of Sherman, IL. Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends are great for family camping. Enjoy a Camp this summer.
FREE TICKETS: The church has received free tickets for the ISU Men’s Baseball Game against Purdue on Tuesday, April 26th at 6:00 p.m. They are available on the mailbox cabinet in the church office. Enjoy!
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “So, Ask Already!” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from John 16:22-33. God loves you. He wants to hear from you. Ask Him anything and everything. Go ahead, ask! The speaker is 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.