March 4, 2018
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: John 2:16 – “And he told those who sold the pigeons, ‘Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.’ ” The Lord’s House is not a place to sell, but a place to receive and a place to give. It’s not a place for our schemes and plans. Instead the Church is a place for the Lord’s gracious giving and our faithful sacrifices in response.
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.
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. As we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period. We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.
OUR MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP This week’s Lenten message “Death and Life.” Our Lenten Worship is “The Gospel In Seven Words”. Service begins at 7:00 p.m. this Wednesday. Before being filled with the Word of the Lord, we invite you to dine in the comfortable surroundings of the church basement. The Evangelism/Stewardship will serve the 5 star meal beginning at 5:30 p.m. The freewill Offering will help our District Missions.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES will be on a SPECIAL FRIDAY NIGHT. It will be this coming Friday, March 9th, at 6:30 p.m. “ALL SAINTS” is a movie based on the inspiring true story of a salesman-turned-pastor, the tiny church he was ordered to shut down, and a group of refugees from Southeast Asia. Together, they risked everything to plant seeds for a future that might just save them all. Join us for another fine movie, good food and wonderful fellowship. Mark your calendars for the MARCH 9th; MOVIE NIGHT.
NEXT SUNDAY, March 11th, will be our monthly door Offering for Seminarian Michael Keller.
“CLARK, IT’S TIME TO COME TO BED”. Can you name the movie? As you ponder that, ponder this, encouragement is made to set your clocks ahead one hour next Saturday evening before enjoying the Lord’s rest.
NEXT SUNDAY: The Sunday Evening Small Group Bible Study is beginning a new study next Sunday, March 11th, at 5:00 p.m. “Lutheranism 101: Worship” will be our learning experience. We invite everyone to this class as we expand our knowledge together.
THE LADIES MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet on Tuesday, March 13th at 9:30 a.m.
CAMP CILCA: Brochures for Camp CILCA Summer 2018 are on the table in the narthex.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU to Pastor Lueck for the shut-in visits, the questions to Charlie regarding my condition and progress, the wonderful get well cards we received, the beautiful shawl Shirley Potter made for me during my recovery, the flowers and gifts from family and six grandchildren, the important documents and other things Craig and Penny have taken care of in my absence, and my loving husband who is with me every day helping me get through this critical time. Thanks to all of you and God bless you! Joann Nottingham
THE MOVIE: “TORTURED FOR CHRIST”: The congregation has another opportunity to attend a film like last summer’s Martin Luther movie. This one is entitled “Tortured For Christ” and is the story of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand from Romania and his story under Communist rule following World War II. (Pastor has read two books about both Pastor Wurrmbrand and his wife if you have any questions.) The showing is Monday, March 19th at 7:30 p.m. at the AMC Starplex in Normal. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.torturedforchrist.com.
LENTEN DEVOTIONS: The Lenten Devotional, “Silent Witness,” is available on the table in the narthex.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Condemned Already” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from John 3:19-21. Some things just work better in the dark. You know, things like watching for shooting stars and getting a good night’s sleep or dreaming about the future. People love the darkness for a lot of reasons, and not all of them are good. Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus 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 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 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.