August 6, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 14:17-18:  “They said to Him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” {18} And He said, “Bring them here to Me.””  When the disciples held on to the five loaves and two fish – that’s exactly what they had.  But when they handed them over to the Lord, the multitudes are fed.  Apart from Jesus all we do and all we have is nothing – but in Jesus all we do and have is blessed to be used by the Lord for His gracious work.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

FROM THE OFFICE:  After taking a break in July, Boards will be meeting in August.  This coming Tuesday, August 8^th, Evangelism/Stewardship meets at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Elders convening at 7:00 p.m.

QUILTING:  We will start meeting again for Quilt Sewing in August.  Due to the McLean County Fair being held the first week in August; we will meet this coming Thursday, August 10^th from 1-4:00 p.m.  Any questions please see or call Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:  “THE MUSIC MAN”, the joyful film of the 1,375-performance Broadway smash, remains an irresistible skyburst of Americana.  Robert Preston recreates his Tony-winning Broadway triumph as con artist, Harold Hill, arriving in River City, Iowa, to form a boys band, much to the disapproval…and later delight of town librarian Marian Paroo (Academy Award winner Shirley Jones).  Buddy Hackett, Hermione Gingold, Paul Ford and 7-year old Ron Howard co-star.  Meredith Willson’s sassy, brassy score, is orchestrated to Oscar-winning effect by Ray Heindorf.  Sheer Entertainment.  Hollywood’s Show Magic at Its Best.  Join us for a fun evening with a great movie, good food and fellowship on Friday, August 18 at 6:30 pm.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC is Sunday, August 27^th at Tipton Trails Park in Bloomington.  Start time at approximately 12:00 p.m.  Please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex and on another sheet to let the Board know what you are bringing.  Thank you.

GOOD SHEPHERD PARTNERING WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS is giving you a chance to “give the gift of life”.  This Blood Drive will take place in the basement of the church on Saturday, September 2^nd from 8:00 a.m. to Noon.  The finest chefs that Good Shepherd has will be serving breakfast.  Please join your church and community in this time of food, fellowship and phlebotomy.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief School Kits.  We need your help filling the School Kits with the following items for each School Bag:  4 Notebooks; 1 Ruler; 1 Pencil Sharpener; 1 Scissor; 5 Pencils; 5 Pens; 1 Box of Crayons; 1 Eraser; 1 Book Bag.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

DID YOU NOTICE SOMETHING NEW IN THE NORTH STAIRWELL?  The Banner hanging in the north stairwell is a gift from the Don Gronert Family.  His daughter Marsha made it while in college.  It previously hung in the Gronert’s home entry.

FROM THE OFFICE:  If your son or daughter is going away to college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex.  As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter.  Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed.  We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.

LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES:  Reminder: Don’t forget to stop by the Lutheran Hour Ministries Tent at the Illinois State Fair.  This also is sponsored by the Central Illinois District Lutheran Laymen’s League.  We give away Bibles, LHM Booklets on all topics, Children’s Bible Story Books; Coloring Books and free ice water.  There is also a free craft to make.  If you would like to volunteer, please call Deloris Blessman at (309) 361-1461 or email her at: delorisblessman@yahoo.com.  The State Fair starts this coming Friday, August 11^th – Sunday, August 20^th.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Looking For a Good Speaker” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 6:9.  “Archives August” – What do the words “Our Father” teach us about our relationship with God and with each other?  Guest speaker is Dr. Dale A. Meyer.  Hear this Sunday’s 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.

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.

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July 30, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 13:45-46: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”  Indeed, Jesus redeemed us, purchased us back from sin and death, with all that He had.  We belong to Him now. And this is foundation for our own generosity: imitating the outsized generosity of Jesus.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

NEW CHURCH SIGN:  In celebration of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation and with inspiration from Martin Luther, Good Shepherd will be “posting” a new church sign on the south side near the lower parking lot.  Parts will be interchangeable and can be used for Outreach to our community.  Congregation involvement will include creative ideas for the signage and gifts toward the purchase.  The second collection of monies is TODAY, Sunday, July 30, 2017.  We will then collect on the last Sunday of each month through September with a final collection scheduled for some time in October.  If you do not have a jar and want to participate you may pick one up in the narthex.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief School Kits.  We need your help filling the School Kits with the following items for each School Bag:  4 Notebooks; 1 Ruler; 1 Pencil Sharpener; 1 Scissor; 5 Pencils; 5 Pens; 1 Box of Crayons; 1 Eraser; 1 Book Bag.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

QUILTING:  We will start meeting again for Quilt Sewing in August.  Due to the McLean County Fair being held the first week in August; we will meet on Thursday, August 10^th from 1-4:00 p.m.  Any questions please see or call Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897.

CAN YOU HELP?  We have a sign-up on the table in the narthex for Summer Sunday School.  The dates and lessons are listed.  We would like to have someone covering and to give Sarah Lange a break for the summer.  Once you sign-up, please speak with Sarah who will have the lesson for you.  Thank you for helping in this way.

FROM THE OFFICE:  If your son or daughter is going away to college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex.  As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter.  Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed.  We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell.  We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee.  If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled.  We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.

LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES:  Reminder: Don’t forget to stop by the Lutheran Hour Ministries Tent at the Illinois State Fair.  This also is sponsored by the Central Illinois District Lutheran Laymen’s League.  We give away Bibles, LHM Booklets on all topics, Children’s Bible Story Books; Coloring Books and free ice water.  There is also a free craft to make.  If you would like to volunteer, please call Deloris Blessman at (309) 361-1461 or email her at: delorisblessman@yahoo.com.  The State Fair starts Friday, August 11^th – Sunday, August 20^th.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “On Thee the High and Lowly” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Exodus 20:10.  It’s “Archives August” and we present a classic message from former speaker, Dr. Dale Meyer.  Hear this Sunday’s 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.

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.

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July 23, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Romans 8:18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”  It is very easy to get caught up in the present and lose track of our ultimate destiny in the Kingdom of God.  St. Paul encourages us to keep eternity in mind.  This certainly has an application to our support for the Gospel – if we keep our focus on “the glory to be revealed” we will see our tithes and offerings in a new light.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

TODAY in our 10:30 worship the Sacrament of Holy Baptism will be showered upon Rylynn Jayne Doddek, infant daughter of Jordan and Heidi Doddek.  Rylynn’s sponsors are Nate and Beth Hornig.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the AUGUST NEWSLETTER.  Mandy Kluender is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at mgkluender@hotmail.com or you may call her at (309) 838-9868.

NEW CHURCH SIGN:  In celebration of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation and with inspiration from Martin Luther, Good Shepherd will be “posting” a new church sign on the south side near the lower parking lot.  Parts will be interchangeable and can be used for Outreach to our community.  Congregation involvement will include creative ideas for the signage and gifts toward the purchase.  The second collection of monies will be next Sunday, July 30, 2017..  We will then collect on the last Sunday of each month through September with a final collection scheduled for some time in October.  If you do not have a jar and want to participate you may pick one up in the narthex.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief School Kits.  We need your help filling the School Kits with the following items for each School Bag:  4 Notebooks; 1 Ruler; 1 Pencil Sharpener; 1 Scissor; 5 Pencils; 5 Pens; 1 Box of Crayons; 1 Eraser; 1 Book Bag.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

CAN YOU HELP?  We have a sign-up on the table in the narthex for Summer Sunday School.  The dates and lessons are listed.  We would like to have someone covering and to give Sarah Lange a break for the summer.  Once you sign-up, please speak with Sarah who will have the lesson for you.  Thank you for helping in this way.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell.  We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee.  If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled.  We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Confidence To Face Whatever Comes Our Way” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Romans 8:28-39.  No Matter what life throws our way, God promises that His eternal purposes can never be thwarted. Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz will be the speaker.  Hear this Sunday’s 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.

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.

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July 16, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Romans 8:12 –  “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.”  We owe the flesh, the world, and the devil nothing at all.  We are not debtors to these enemies: we are freed by the blood of Christ.  We are joyful servants in Christ’s kingdom – servants that He calls friends.  We share our Lord’s plans and purposes – and this gives direction and purpose to our lives.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the AUGUST NEWSLETTER.  Mandy Kluender is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at mgkluender@hotmail.com or you may call her at (309) 838-9868.

CAN YOU HELP?  We have a sign-up on the table in the narthex for Summer Sunday School.  The dates and lessons are listed.  We would like to have someone covering and to give Sarah Lange a break for the summer.  Once you sign-up, please speak with Sarah who will have the lesson for you.  Thank you for helping in this way.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell.  We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee.  If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled.  We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Overcoming This World’s Obstacles” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Romans 8:18-25.  Despite all the world’s brokenness, God has something better in store for us, through Christ. Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz will be the speaker.  Hear this Sunday’s 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.

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.

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July 9, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 10:42 – “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”  The tithes and offerings you give to the Lord’s work in His church go to supporting all manner of discipleship: they provide for a minister of the Gospel to preach, teach, and conduct the Sacraments; they provide for our missionaries and ministries of mercy here and abroad; and they make sure that the folks in your area have a place to go to worship the Lord.  The Lord is pleased with this work – and He wants to bless you through supporting 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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

TODAY:  In Pastor’s absence this morning we thank the men from our Board of Elders for conducting worship.  Pastor will return to the office tomorrow afternoon.

CAN YOU HELP?  We have a sign-up on the table in the narthex for Summer Sunday School.  The dates and lessons are listed.  We would like to have someone covering and to give Sarah Lange a break for the summer.  Once you sign-up, please speak with Sarah who will have the lesson for you.  Thank you for helping in this way.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The July-September 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today!

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell.  We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee.  If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled.  We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.

YOU ARE INVITED:  In celebration and thanksgiving to God, you are invited to attend the Ordination & Installation Service for Charles A. Bahn TODAY, July 9^th at 2:00 p.m.  at Trinity Lutheran Church, 801 S Madison St., Bloomington IL.  A reception at the church will follow the service.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Power Of a Spirit-Given Adoption!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Romans 8:18-25.  God provides for your adoption into His family, by grace through faith in Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz will be the speaker.  Hear this Sunday’s 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.

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.

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July 2, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 10:42 – “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”  The tithes and offerings you give to the Lord’s work in His church go to supporting all manner of discipleship: they provide for a minister of the Gospel to preach, teach, and conduct the Sacraments; they provide for our missionaries and ministries of mercy here and abroad; and they make sure that the folks in your area have a place to go to worship the Lord.  The Lord is pleased with this work – and He wants to bless you through supporting 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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

FROM THE OFFICE:  The Church Office will be closed on Tuesday, July 4^th as we celebrate Independence Day.  Careful with those fireworks!

PASTOR’S SCHEDULE:  Pastor will be on vacation this coming week.

CAN YOU HELP?  We have a sign-up on the table in the narthex for Summer Sunday School.  The dates and lessons are listed.  We would like to have someone covering and to give Sarah Lange a break for the summer.  Once you sign-up, please speak with Sarah who will have the lesson for you.  Thank you for helping in this way.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The July-September 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today!

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell.  We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee.  If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled.  We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.

YOU ARE INVITED:  In celebration and thanksgiving to God, you are invited to attend the Ordination & Installation Service for Charles A. Bahn next Sunday, July 9^th at 2:00 p.m.  at Trinity Lutheran Church, 801 S Madison St., Bloomington IL.  A reception at the church will follow the service.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Living as Christ’s Person in Repentance and Faith” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Romans 7:14-25.  Life out of control?  Turn to God in repentance and faith.  Let Him act before you do. Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz will be the speaker.  Hear this Sunday’s 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. 

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.

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