July 29, 2018
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. . .” We often shortchange God by failing to remember what Paul says here: God can do far more than what we can think or ask. His power, and His love, are without bound and without measure. So why do we fear to follow His Word? Isn’t it in fact fear that keeps us back from a life of joyous generosity and open-handedness? But God is able to do far more abundantly! So let us not be afraid to take the Lord at his Word and live according to it.
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.
TODAY: Good Shepherd’s Group Outing to the Normal Cornbelters Baseball Game is this afternoon. Game time is 6:05 p.m. Details are available on the table in the narthex. Please contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1@gmail.com if you did not previously buy tickets and would like to go.
CORNBELTERS TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE: Linda Lange has three CornBelters Tickets available for July 29th, when our church group is going. We can’t use the tickets due to a prior engagement. If interested please contact Linda at (309) 339-9930.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES will be held FRIDAY, AUGUST 17th at 6:30 p.m. “GOD’S NOT DEAD 2” is the movie that will be shown. “When high school history teacher, Grace Wesley (Melissa Joan Hart) is asked a question about Jesus in class, her reasoned response lands her in deep trouble. The ensuing epic court case could expel God from the classroom – and the public square – once and for all! “GOD’S NOT DEAD 2″ is a powerful call to action: “WHERE WILL YOU STAND? Join us for a great entertaining movie, good food and wonderful fellowship. See you Friday August 17th!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set! It will be held on Sunday, August 19th. More information to follow.
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.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The July – September 2018 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.
YOU ARE INVITED: Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N Hershey in Normal is having a “Garage Sale/Bake Sale” on Friday, August 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and August 11th from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It will be held in the Activity Building. Proceeds to benefit Seminary Students, Missions and Projects of the LWML (Ladies Guild) of Christ Lutheran Church.
WELCOMING NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: You can make a big impact in the lives of International Students and they will make a big impact in your life. We are looking for Christian individuals and families to welcome new International Students. Students will begin arriving during the week of August 6th. New Student Orientation will begin August 14th. You could help in any of the following ways: 1) Hosting a student in your home for a few days when they first arrive. 2) Providing transportation upon arrival in Bloomington/Normal to their residence hall or apartment. 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 jberger@isionline.org. 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: “And the Pursuit of Happiness” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Exodus 16:2-15; John 6:22-35. When the main goal in life is your happiness, you’ve turned in on yourself and away from others, especially God. Turn from yourself to Jesus and you’ll know a peace that surpasses all understanding and that is the basis for true lasting happiness. The speaker will be Reverend Dale A. Meyer. 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.