Bulletin Announcements December 15, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Isaiah 35:4 – “Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’ ”  The return of our Lord at the Last Day is a cause of joy and anticipation for us believers.  We know our Lord and His love, and we look forward to His Second Advent.  Indeed, how we live our lives here and now flows from our certain hope of resurrection and eternal life.

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.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. and is studying a DVD-based Study entitled: “Joseph: Carpenter of Steel!”  Come learn about this important person in the Christmas Story.

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

THIRD WEEK ADVENT SERVICES:  Our 3rd and final Advent Worship will be this Wednesday, December 18th at 7:00 p.m.  The theme this week: “Advent Calendars: ‘Living’”.  A cornucopia of appetite relievers will be available at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the church.  The sign-up to bring food is in the narthex.  This week’s free-will Offering will help the ministry of “Lutherans For Life”.

OFFERING ENVELOPES:  The 2020 Offering Envelopes are now available for you to pick-up.  They are located in the narthex with your name on them.  If you are not sure of your name, please check with the church office.  Thank you.

THE ADVENT DEVOTIONS titled “Call His Name Jesus” are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

POINSETTIAS SIGN-UP:  There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex for poinsettias that will be on the altar for Christmas.  The cost is $10.00 each and you will need to sign-up by THIS COMING WEDNESDAY, December 18th.   There is an envelope on the table in the narthex for your check or cash.  Please make your check payable to: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and write “Poinsettia” on the memo line.  If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Kwasny at (309) 662-4995 or Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897.

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-February. 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!

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.

WELCOMING NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:  You can make a big impact on the lives of International Students and they will make a big impact on your life.  We are looking for Christian individuals and families to welcome newly arriving International Students.  Most will be arriving between January 3rd and 5th.  New student orientation will begin on January 6th.  You could help in any of the following ways: 1) Hosting a student in your home for a few days; 2) Providing transportation from the bus, plane or train; 3) Hosting a student for a meal or taking them to the store.  If you are interested and would like more information, please contact John and Linda Berger, serving with International Students, Inc., at 309.664.0377 or jwberger@ilstu.edu.  Training is required for 1st time participants.  Training and resource information will be provided on several different dates (you only need attend one).

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Here To Stay” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 1:18-25.  So long as there is time, God won’t leave us alone—even if we say that’s what we want.  The message of Christmas is that God has come to be with us and He’s here to stay.  How do we know?  God has given us both direct and indirect signs that point us toward this truth.  The speaker will be, 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.

INFORMATION REQUESTED:  Please notify the church office if someone in the congregation or any family or friends are ill or hospitalized.

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.

Bulletin Announcements December 8, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 3:1-2 – “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ”  John prepared the way for Jesus by preaching repentance. Then, when Jesus’ ministry was complete and He was raised from the dead, He sent out His disciples to preach “repentance and the forgiveness of sins.”  We never outgrow the need for repentance – examining our lives, turning away from our sins, and turning toward Jesus in faith to receive  His forgiveness and strength for a renewed life of godliness.

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.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.; is studying a DVD-based Study entitled: “Joseph: Carpenter of Steel!”  Come learn about this important person in the Christmas Story.

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

MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES:  Our 2nd Midweek Advent Service will commence at 7:00 p.m. this Wednesday, December 11th.  Our Scripture messages for Advent center around the theme: “Advent Calendars”.  This week you will hear: “Advent Calendars: ‘Theme’”  A meal of fellowship and frivolity will begin in the basement of the church at 5:30 p.m.  To sign-up to bring your delicious creations you may do so in the narthex.  The free-will Offering this week will go to our Seminary Student, Aaron Wendorff.  Today is also our door Offering for Aaron and his family.

 OFFERING ENVELOPES:  The 2020 Offering Envelopes are now available for you to pick-up.  They are located in the narthex with your name on them.  If you are not sure of your name, please check with the church office.  Thank you.

THE ADVENT DEVOTIONS titled “Call His Name Jesus” are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

POINSETTIAS SIGN-UP:  There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex for poinsettias that will be on the altar for Christmas.  The cost is $10.00 each and you will need to sign-up by Wednesday, December 18th.   There is an envelope on the table in the narthex for your check or cash.  Please make your check payable to: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and write “Poinsettia” on the memo line.  If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Kwasny at (309) 662-4995 ot Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897.

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 to “Journey To The Manger” at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N. Hershey Rd. in Normal today from 5-7:00 p.m.  Free “Tours” include: Live drama and animals; singing and music; indoor and outdoor scenes and hot chocolate and cookies.  Meals are available for purchases from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.  If you have any questions please call the church at (309) 452-5609.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Love Is Enough” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 22:35-40.  Loved and Sent Series – God shows us a different kind of love.  It’s love for the world that is not of this world.  Love that is focused outward, love that gives without requiring anything in return.  The speaker will be, 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.

INFORMATION REQUESTED:  Please notify the church office if someone in the congregation or any family or friends are ill or hospitalized.

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.

Bulletin Announcements December 1, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:   Matthew 21:3 – “If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’and he will send them at once.”  Just a colt and her foal.  How significant could they be?  Could they really be used by the Lord for some great, heavenly purpose?  This is one facet of stewardship we often forget: it is a blessing to us to be of service in the Lord’s kingdom. What honor the Lord bestows upon us by using our gifts for His goals.

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 following the 10:30 Worship Service we will decorate the church for Advent/Christmas.  We will enjoy lunch, deck the church and be jolly!

MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES:  Our Midweek Advent Services begin this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The theme is: “Advent Calendars” and this week’s message: “Advent Calendars: Time”.  The fellowship begins with a meal in the church basement at 5:30 p.m.  You may sign-up for food in the narthex.  Each week there will be a free-will Offering and this week it goes to Wittenberg Lutheran Center at Illinois State University.

THE ADVENT DEVOTIONS titled “Call His Name Jesus” are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

THE “SHARING TREE” is up and ready.  Please consider helping The Baby Fold’s foster children.  Choose an item from the tree and return to Church by this coming Wednesday, December 4th (Midweek Advent Service).  If you are buying clothing please include a Gift Receipt.  Any questions can be directed to Toni Lueck or Paula Hardy.  Thank you.

POINSETTIAS SIGN-UP:  There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex for poinsettias that will be on the altar for Christmas.  The cost is $10.00 each and you will need to sign-up by Wednesday, December 18th.   There is an envelope on the table in the narthex for your check or cash.  Please make your check payable to: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and write Poinsettia on the memo line.  If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Kwasny at (309) 662-4995 ot Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897.

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 to “Journey To The Manger” at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N. Hershey Rd. in Normal next Sunday, December 8th from 5-7:00 p.m.  Free “Tours” include: Live drama and animals; singing and music; indoor and outdoor scenes and hot chocolate and cookies.  Meals are available for purchases from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.  If you have any questions please call the church at (309) 452-5609.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “God’s Yes” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Romans 8:18-39.  (Loved and Sent Series.)  If we say that God’s purpose is simply to take our souls to heaven when we die, we might miss God’s bigger ‘yes’ . . .God’s ‘yes’ to putting bodies and souls back together again in the resurrection, God’s ‘yes’ to creation as He intended it to be.  The speaker will be, 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 OFFICE:  The church now has a new email address.  Our new email address is: office@goodshepherdblm.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.

INFORMATION REQUESTED:  Please notify the church office if someone in the congregation or any family or friends are ill or hospitalized.

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.

Bulletin Announcements November 24, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Colossians 1:18 – “And He is the head of the body, the church.”  We are part of the Body of Christ; He is our Head.  Where He goes, we follow.  His thoughts direct our actions.  This is how the people of God learn how to give and why they give: Because Jesus gives, indeed He gives all He has.

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.

THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP SERVICE:  This Wednesday, November 27th, will be our Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service with Holy Communion.  The Thanksgiving Message: “In The Midst of Sin – Give Thanks”.

NEXT SUNDAY, December 1st, following the 10:30 Worship Service we will decorate the church for Advent/Christmas.  We will enjoy lunch, deck the church and be jolly!

MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES:  The first of our three Midweek Advent Services will be on Wednesday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m.  The theme of the sermons will be: “Advent Calendars”.  Preceding the Worship Service we will serve supper in the basement of the church at 5:30 p.m.  Please sign-up to bring food on one of the evenings, December 4th, 11th, or the 18th.  The sign-up is in the narthex.

THE “SHARING TREE” is up and ready.  Please consider helping The Baby Fold’s foster children.  Choose an item from the tree and return to Church by Wednesday, December 4th (Midweek Advent Service).  If you are buying clothing please include a Gift Receipt.  Any questions can be directed to Toni Lueck or Paula Hardy.  Thank you.

THANK YOU to everyone who brought food for Home Sweet Home Mission.  Pastor and Karson delivered it this past Wednesday.

THE ADVENT DEVOTIONS titled “Call His Name Jesus” are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

YOU ARE INVITED to “Journey To The Manger” at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N. Hershey Rd. in Normal on Sunday, December 8th from 5-7:00 p.m.  Free “Tours” include: Live drama and animals; singing and music; indoor and outdoor scenes and hot chocolate and cookies.  Meals are available for purchases from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.  If you have any questions please call the church at (309) 452-5609.

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.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Enough With The Self-Talk” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 18:9-14.  We are not always who we say we are.  What you say to yourself about yourself may or may not be what’s true.  Dr. Michael Zeigler says, “Enough with the self-talk!”  Who does God say you are?  You’ll find that you are worse than you thought, and yet, more loved than you could ever imagine. 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 OFFICE:  The church now has a new email address.  Our new email address is: office@goodshepherdblm.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.

INFORMATION REQUESTED:  Please notify the church office if someone in the congregation or any family or friends are ill or hospitalized.

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.

Bulletin Announcements November 17, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 21:6 – “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”  Everything in this world is headed for the graveyard, but some things are also destined to rise from the grave.  On that Day of Resurrection, as we look back on our earthly life, what will we see?  What will have really mattered?  This is a good question to ask ourselves in this season of the Church Year that focuses on the Last Things.

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.  In Pastor’s absence, Steve Parry will be conducting the class.

TODAY:  We would like to thank Reverend John Hafermann of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington for preaching and leading our worship service this morning.

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE:  Pastor, Toni, and Karson are spending the weekend and worshiping with Holden this morning.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the DECEMBER NEWSLETTER.   Any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted via email to: office@goodshepherdblm.org, via mail, hand-delivered, or you may call (309) 662-8905.  Thank you!

FOOD COLLECTION:  We will be collecting food for the Home Sweet Home Mission through today.  You may leave it in the box in the narthex.

THE “SHARING TREE” is up and ready.  Please consider helping The Baby Fold’s foster children.  Choose an item from the tree and return to Church by Wednesday, December 4th (Midweek Advent Service).  If you are buying clothing please include a Gift Receipt.  Any questions can be directed to Toni Lueck or Paula Hardy.  Thank you.

THANK YOU:  The LWML would like to thank everyone for their donations for the School Kits and Quilts.  We delivered 75 School Kits and 36 Quilts to Lutheran World Relief on Saturday, October 26, 2019.

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:  Hymn Festival entitled “Praise and Thanksgiving” will be held TODAY at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, IL.  As a part of the festival, there will be Devotional Readings on ten Lutheran hymns from the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) followed by singing each hymn along with special accompaniments.  Following the Hymn Festival there will be fellowship and dessert in the Parish Hall.  Please come and join in learning more about our Lutheran Hymnody in word and song.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Loved and Sent: God Is Love” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 1 John 4:7-12.  Love can be a frustrating and confusing word.  We use it to describe so many different things, many of which aren’t really love, at all.  Jeff had grown tired of hearing the word-until he learned that real love is not that we had loved God, but that God loved us and sent His Son.  Reverend Jeff Cloeter is the speaker.  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 OFFICE:  The church now has a new email address.  Our new email address is: office@goodshepherdblm.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.

INFORMATION REQUESTED:  Please notify the church office if someone in the congregation or any family or friends are ill or hospitalized.

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.

Bulletin Announcements November 10, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 20:38 – “Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.”  We are people of the Resurrection.  We know our future.  And this knowledge colors all our actions in this world.  Since we know we are destined to live in God’s kingdom forever, what kind of lives ought we to live?  Where should our priorities be?

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:  We have three things happening today:  1) Annual Voter’s Meeting.  This will take place in the church basement after the 10:30 Worship Service.  We are having a Potluck Meal with the congregation providing the chicken.  (If you want another meat bring it along.)  You may pick up the Slate of Candidates and Budget on the table in the narthex.  2) Stewardship Sunday.  If you did not get your Stewardship Envelope, please pick it up today.  3)  Door Offering for our Seminary Student.

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the DECEMBER NEWSLETTER.   Any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted via email to: office@goodshepherdblm.org, mail, hand-delivered, or you may call (309) 662-8905.  Thank you!

FOOD COLLECTION:  We will be collecting food for Home Sweet Home Mission for the next two Sundays, November 10th, and 17th.  You may leave it in the box in the narthex.

GOOD SHEPHERD will be serving a meal at Wittenberg Lutheran Center for the International Students this coming Saturday, November 16th, at 6:30 p.m.  Food sign-up is on the table in the narthex.

THE “SHARING TREE” is up and ready.  Please consider helping The Baby Fold’s foster children.  Choose an item from the tree and return to Church by Wednesday, December 4th (Midweek Advent Service).  If you are buying clothing please include a Gift Receipt.  Any questions can be directed to Toni Lueck or Paula Hardy.  Thank you.

THANK YOU:  The LWML would like to thank everyone for their donations for the School Kits and Quilts.  We delivered 75 School Kits and 36 Quilts to Lutheran World Relief on Saturday, October 26, 2019.

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:  Hymn Festival entitled “Praise and Thanksgiving” will be held next Sunday, November 17th, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, IL.  As a part of the festival, there will be Devotional Readings on ten Lutheran hymns from the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) followed by singing each hymn along with special accompaniments.  Following the Hymn Festival there will be fellowship and dessert in the Parish Hall.  Please come and join in learning more about our Lutheran Hymnody in word and song.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Dawn Wall” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Genesis 22.  Genesis Series – Sacrifice is acting on the hope of a better future by offering up something valuable in the present.  Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler is the speaker.  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 OFFICE:  The church now has a new email address.  Our new email address is: office@goodshepherdblm.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.

INFORMATION REQUESTED:  Please notify the church office if someone in the congregation or any family or friends are ill or hospitalized.

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.