January 8, 2017
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Matthew 3:15: But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” The reason God sent His Son into the world is to fulfill all righteousness for us, to do what we could not do. So here Jesus plunges Himself into our sins and soaks them up in His baptism, so that in our baptism we might be cleansed and renewed. The whole of Jesus’ life, everything He did and said, was one great offering to the Father in our stead to fulfill all righteousness for us.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meeting at 9:15 a.m. this morning will study “The First Rosa – Teacher, Confessor, Church Planter”. It tells the story of LCMS member Rosa Young and her work to bring the Gospel to different parts of the church in the southern part of the United States.
TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, the lesson is, “Jesus Calls Disciples.” Jesus preached, taught, and healed, and He called His first disciples to do the same. The children learn that Jesus chose ordinary, sinful men to follow Him and be His disciples. In Baptism, Jesus chooses us to be His children. Underscore that in Jesus’ forgiveness we find peace and favor with God, whose Word testifies repeatedly and consistently that Jesus is His Son and our Savior. Ask your children, “Through whom does Jesus continue His saving work where His Word is preached and His Sacraments are administered today?”
TODAY is our monthly door Offering for our Seminary Student Jeremy Hercamp. Jeremy is a student at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN and is completing his studies this winter/spring and will receive a call into the pastoral ministry in April. We will also have Jeremy preach and conduct Adult Bible Class sometime in spring. A Christmas letter from the Hercamp’s is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.
POINSETTIA PICK UP: You may pick up your poinsettias TODAY following the 8:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. worship services. There are plastic covers on the coat rack at the north end of the narthex which you may use to protect them. Thank you for your participation in decorating our Church for the Christmas season.
THIRD FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT IS BACK! On Friday, January 20th at 6:30 p.m. we will show the movie “THE FINAL SEASON”. It is a true story of an underdog coach and the team that must defend their legacy against insurmountable odds. The high school baseball team in Norway, Iowa is led by legendary Coach Jim Van Scoyoc. When talk of a school merger gets serious it threatens to rob them of their 20th State Championship. “The Final Season” will inspire and entertain everyone. Join us for a great movie, good food and great fellowship.
LIFE SUNDAY: Two weeks from today, January 22nd, will be Life Sunday. We will have a special Order of Worship that day and also take a door Offering for “Lutherans For Life”.
2017 OFFERING ENVELOPES: Your 2017 Offering Envelopes are available on the cart that is located in the narthex. We encourage everyone to pick up your envelopes!
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The January—March 2017 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.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Looking for God? Look to the Lamb” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from John 1:29-42. Jesus’ love, suffering, sacrifice, and triumph are all expressed in that most precious of titles: The Lamb of God. Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz is the speaker. 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 cell phone# is (309) 532-2582. The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.