September 23, 2018
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Mark 9:32 – “But they did not understand the saying and were afraid to ask him.” The disciples really do hold up a mirror to our faces and force us to see ourselves: misunderstanding, afraid, confused. But the Word of God is clear if only we will listen with open ears. What was blocking the disciples’ ears? The Gospels tell us time and again: they did not expect a suffering Christ, and so when Jesus spoke of suffering they plugged their ears and didn’t listen, and so they ended up confused and scared. What about us? What’s in the Word of God that we find hard to hear and contrary to our desires and expectations? That might just be exactly what we need to hear.
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 is the deadline for items to be submitted for the OCTOBER 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!
LWML LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF: It’s that time again to think about purchasing items for Health Kits. Items needed for each kit: 1) One Bath Towel (dark color); 2) Two Bath Size Bars of Soap; 3) One Comb (Sturdy; No fine tooth comb); 4) One Metal Nail Clipper; 5) One Toothbrush. There also is a list of items needed on the table in the narthex for you to take with you if you need. If you have any questions please see or call Joann Hart (309) 310-9205. Thank you!
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 October—December 2018 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today.
LOOKING FOR A GOOD CHRISTIAN MOVIE TO SEE? “Unbroken: Path To Redemption” is the story of WWII Veteran and Olympic Athlete Louis Zamperini’s struggles with alcoholism and PTSD after his return from a Japanese prison camp and his hearing of the Word of God. An inspiring movie based on a true story.
YOU ARE INVITED: The Adult and Aging Group at Trinity Lutheran in Bloomington is sponsoring a seminar entitled, “De-Cluttering”. Learn where to recycle, avoid the trash, and get your home back. It will be from 2-4:00 p.m. NEXT SUNDAY, September 30th.
YOU ARE INVITED: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eureka is having a Hog Roast on Saturday, October 6th, from 4-7:00 p.m. Pastor has two tickets for anyone interested in going.
YOU ARE INVITED: Reverend William Weedon who served as Director of Worship for the LCMS is doing a workshop on “Thank, Praise, Serve, and Obey – Recover the Joys of Piety”. It will be held at Christ Lutheran in Normal from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 13th. The cost is $10.00 and reservations can be made by calling the church at (309) 452-5609 or by email at: clcms@frontier.com.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Cut Off—For Us” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Mark 9:38-50. Sin is serious because it cuts us off from God. Guest speaker Dr. Lawrence Rast says Jesus was cut off from God, in our place. 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.