Author: OfficeStaff

February 10, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 5:5 – “And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’ ”  Peter’s words show both exasperation and trust.  He’s tired. He tried his best and failed.  But he is still ready to trust the Lord’s word – and act on it.  Our stewardship is also a matter of trusting the Lord’s word … and acting on it.

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY will be our regularly scheduled door Offering for our Seminarian.

TODAY is Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday.  “Bringing Christ To The Nations and The Nations To The Church”.  Support the Ministry with your gifts and your prayers.

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE:  Pastor will be out of the office on Thursday of this week as he attends the Circuit Visitors Meeting at the District Office in Springfield.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES for February will show a very interesting movie, “THE PERFECT STRANGER”.  Nikki Cominsky is a successful attorney – troubled by the fact that her life isn’t perfect.  One day, a mysterious invitation shows up on her desk that reads, “You are Invited to Dinner with Jesus Christ.”  Thinking it’s a prank, she shows up…only to find herself in the middle of a whirlwind evening of debate and revelation – with the most unforgettable man she would ever meet.  Join us this coming Friday, February 15^th, at 6:30 p.m. for a very interesting movie, good food and wonderful fellowship.  See you there!

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the March Newsletter.   Any announcements you want to be published should be submitted via email to goodshepherdblm@frontier.com, via mail, hand-delivered, or you may call (309) 662-8905 or (309) 838-1552.  Thank you!

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.

YOU ARE INVITED:  Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S Main St., Normal, will open their doors to the public and our neighboring circuit congregations with a potluck dinner following our Sunday Worship Service on February 24, 2019.  Our ministry co-op with Christ Lutheran Church is helping to supply the tasty casseroles, side dishes and desserts.  The event will also serve as an Open House so that our visitors can tour the facility and get a sense of our place in the kingdom of God.  Luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. after the morning services.  Please provide a courtesy phone call or message to Pastor Jensen as to let him know that you plan to attend.  Phone#  (309) 452-5971.

WORKSHOP ON DEMOGRAPHICS AND CHURCH PLANNING:  The facts are stark – Christians make up a smaller and smaller proportion of the American population every year.  Every District of the LC-MS has experienced numerical decline in the past decade.  But every city or county is different and experiencing different challenges and opportunities.  What’s going on?  What does the future hold?  What should churches be doing to respond?  Join the Synod’s Coordinator for Stewardship, Reverend Heath Curtis, at Trinity in El Paso, IL on Monday, February 18, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for a workshop exploring these issues and how our congregation should be planning for the future.  Refreshments will be served.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Arise” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Anthony Cook.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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.

January 27, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Cor. 12:16 – “And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body.”  The Lord has called each of us individually andgiven each of us unique gifts. He has made our whole lives holy in our Baptism and has called us to a life together in the Church, His body.  You are a part of that body, and that body needs you and the gifts the Lord has given you.  This is your holy calling from the Lord.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY, January 27^th, we will have a Voter’s Meeting following the early Worship Service at 9:00 a.m.  We need to approve our voting delegate for the Synodical Presidency and you can nominate candidates for Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod President, Synod Vice-Presidents, and Synod Regional Vice-Presidents.

TODAY:  The Sunday Night Small Group Bible Study “Lutheranism 101 – Worship” will convene this evening at 5:00 p.m. in the Church Conference Room.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January – March 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Large print also available.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

CAMP CILCA’S ANNUAL BANQUET IS TODAY, January 27, 2019 from 5-8:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s in Springfield.  The evening includes delicious food, music, conversation, and guest speaker Reverend Jeff Hemmer, author of “Man Up”, speaking on mankind’s connection to God’s creation. Tickets are $40.00 and can be purchased by contacting the camp office (217)487-7497 or at: camp@cilca.org).

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Slow Solution” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 20:21.  Some problems can be quickly solved.  Others require us to interact with people, take time to know them, get involved with them.  The Gospel is the answer to the hidden problem that separates us from God and from each other. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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.

January 20, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 2:3 – “When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ ”  Behold the faith of Mary: she sees a problem and simply lays it before her Son and Lord, “They have no wine.”  She does not offer a proposed solution, she does not demand, she simply states her need and waits for the Lord’s response.  She trusts that the Lord is a giver, and she knows that He always provides. May such a faith be ours.

TODAY:  Because of the weather last Sunday, we will have the door Offering for out Seminary student today.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the February Newsletter.   Any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted via email to goodshepherdblm @frontier.com, via mail, hand-delivered, or you may call (309) 662-8905 or (309) 838-1552.  Thank you!

GOOD SHEPHERD’S FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES has been re-scheduled to this coming Friday, January 25^th, at 6:30 p.m. The movie that will be shown is titled: “SAVING FAITH”.  “In this Gospel-driven drama, poor Faith is ready to give up hope.  Her struggling small-town theater is about to get foreclosed on by the bank when her charming Uncle Donny convinces his famous friends to play live and save the business. But when a local developer decides to sabotage the concert, it’ll take a miracle to make the show go on.”  Join us this coming Friday at 6:30 p.m. for another fine movie, good food and great fellowship. See you there!

NEXT SUNDAY, January 27^th, we will have a Voter’s Meeting following the early Worship Service at 9:00 a.m.  We need to approve our voting delegate for the Synodical Presidency and you can nominate candidates for Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod President, Synod Vice-Presidents, and Synod Regional Vice-Presidents.

CAN YOU HELP: John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please be sure all donated items are clean and in good repair.  Please bring your donations to the church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January – March 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Large print also available.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

CAMP CILCA’S ANNUAL BANQUET IS NEXT SUNDAY, January 27, 2019 from 5-8:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s in Springfield.  The evening includes delicious food, music, conversation, and guest speaker Reverend Jeff Hemmer, author of “Man Up”, speaking on mankind’s connection to God’s creation. Tickets are $40.00 and can be purchased by contacting the camp office (217)487-7497 or at: camp@cilca.org) by this coming Wednesday, January 23^rd.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “My Delight Is In Her” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Isaiah 62:1-5.  As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, God rejoices over you.  This week we explore our new name and identity as the bride of Christ. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Anthony Cook.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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.

January 13, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 3:21 – “Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened …”  We know why the people where baptized, but why was Jesus baptized?  He didn’t need repentance or forgiveness.  The answer is that He did it for us. The reason God sent His Son into the world is to fulfill all righteousness for us, to do what we could not do.  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.  With our righteousness fulfilled in Jesus and given to us in Baptism – our hearts now overflow with thanksgiving and praise.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available. Please speak with Pastor who has the details. Thank you.

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL: One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time. Need a ride? Want to volunteer? Need more information? Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY is our 2^nd Sunday door Offering for our Seminary Student Joseph Schlie.  We received a Christmas card from the Schlie’s which is posted outside the church office.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS please be reminded that meetings this year are beginning at 6:00 p.m.  We meet this Tuesday, January 15^th in the Conference Room at what time? That’s right – 6:00 p.m.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES begins again this coming Friday, January 18^th at 6:30 p.m. The movie that will be shown is titled: “SAVING FAITH”.  “In this Gospel-driven drama, poor Faith is ready to give up hope.  Her struggling small-town theater is about to get foreclosed on by the bank when her charming Uncle Donny convinces his famous friends to play live and save the business. But when a local developer decides to sabotage the concert, it’ll take a miracle to make the show go on.”  Join us Friday, January 18^th at 6:30pm for another fine movie, good food and great fellowship. See you there!

CAN YOU HELP: John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please be sure all donated items are clean and in good repair.  Please bring your donations to the church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January – March 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Large pint also available.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

CAMP CILCA’S ANNUAL BANQUET IS Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 5-8:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s in Springfield.  The evening includes delicious food, music, conversation, and guest speaker Reverend Jeff Hemmer, author of “Man Up”, speaking on mankind’s connection to God’s creation. Tickets are $40.00 and can be purchased by contacting the camp office (217)487-7497 or at: camp@cilca.org) by Wednesday, January 23^rd.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “My Delight Is In Her” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Isaiah 62:1-5.  As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, God rejoices over you.  This week we explore our new name and identity as the bride of Christ. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Anthony Cook.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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.

January 6, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 2:11 – “And going into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him.  Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”   Worship and the giving of gifts go together.  This makes sense because God is the great Giver of every good gift and we worship Him and desire to grow into His image.  We receive His gifts in worship and then, being conformed to the likeness of His image, we imitate His generosity.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:   One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time.  Need a ride?  Want to volunteer?  Need more information?  Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY:    We will have the Installation of 2019 Officers and Board Members and Holy Communion will also be in both worship services today.

IF YOU ORDERED A POINSETTIA you may take your poinsettia home TODAY following the 10:30 a.m. worship service.  Thank you!

NEXT SUNDAY, January 13th, will be our 2^nd Sunday door Offering for our Seminary Student.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES begins again on January 18^th at 6:30 p.m. The movie that will be shown is titled: “SAVING FAITH”.  “In this Gospel-driven drama, poor Faith is ready to give up hope.  Her struggling small-town theater is about to get foreclosed on by the bank when her charming Uncle Donny convinces his famous friends to play live and save the business. But when a local developer decides to sabotage the concert, it’ll take a miracle to make the show go on.”  Join us Friday, January 18^th at 6:30pm for another fine movie, good food and great fellowship. See you there!

CAN YOU HELP: John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please be sure all donated items are clean and in good repair.  Please bring your donations to the church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

FROM THE OFFICE:  The congregation received a Christmas letter from the Reverend Jacob Hercamp family.  Jacob was the seminarian we supported last school year.  It is posted outside the church office.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January – March 2019 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Reason To Believe” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 1:19-51.  Do you have a reason to believe that everyone should believe what you believe?  John did. Coe and see. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler.  Hear his 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.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CIRCLE:  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.