Author: OfficeStaff

March 17, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Philippians 3:19 – “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”  St. Paul does not want us to set our minds on earthly things, for they are passing away.  This is similar to what Jesus says about storing up treasures on earth rather than storing them in heaven.  Our heart tends to go where we put our treasure.  This is why God commands us to live generously; not to spoil our fun but to help train us in keeping our priorities straight and our minds off earthly 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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP under the theme: “Let My People Go”, will continue this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  This week’s sermon: “Stop Trying and Start Trusting”.  Trusting in your Church Council to feed you they have an array of palatable delights that you may digest starting at 5:30 p.m.  The free will Offering for the evening will go to Seminary Student Joseph Schlie and family.

FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT IN MARCH is this coming Friday, March 22^nd at 6:30 p.m.  The title of the movie is “RISEN”.  “RISEN” is the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection as told through the eyes of a non-believer.  Clavius, a powerful Roman military tribune and his aide, Lucius are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks following the crucifixion in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.  Join us for another great movie, good food and wonderful fellowship this coming Friday, March 22^nd at 6:30 p.m. in the church basement.

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the APRIL 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!

“Walk For Life”:  Pastor and Toni make their annual trek in the Living Alternatives – Pregnancy Resource Center’s Annual “Walk For Life”.  The walk will be held at Christ Church, PCA in Normal on Saturday, April 13^th, beginning at 9:00 a.m.  If you would like to walk, please see Pastor who has the forms. Also, please speak with Pastor if you would like to support the Lueck’s.  Thank you.

FROM THE OFFICE:  It’s time for the Annual Renewal of Lutheran Witness.  Emails are going out to those who currently have a subscription.  If anyone who is not currently receiving the Lutheran Witness is interested, please contact either Janet or Sandy in the office before the end of March and we will gladly add your name to the list.  The cost is only $15.96 for the entire year; July 2019 through June 2020.  (The June/July issue is combined so there are 11 issues.)

THE LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS, “People Of The Passion” are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FROM THE OFFICE:  It’s time for the annual update of the Church Directory Listing.  On the table in the narthex there are two lists, one with only phone numbers and email addresses; and also one with home addresses included.  Please check the listings and make any changes necessary.  We hope to have a new Church Directory for you by the first Sunday in April.  Thank you for your help.

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:  “Death Doesn’t End the Story” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 11.  Some accept death as the end, others, as a new beginning.  Jesus turned death into a sign that points us to the Author of Life. The speaker will be Reverend 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.

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.

March 3, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 9:36 – “And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.”  Moses and Elijah point to Jesus, speak about Jesus and His sacrifice, and then they are happy to fade into the background. They know that what we need is Jesus.  With our eyes focused on Him, and Him alone, the rest of our lives come into focus.  He is primary all else is secondary.  When that order is right in our lives, things truly fall into place.  Or as Jesus Himself said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

LENT BEGINS:  Ash Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion begins the season of Lent.  We will gather in the Lord’s House on Wednesday, March 6^th, with the Processional Hymn set for 7:00 p.m.  We do the Imposition of Ashes here at Good Shepherd.  If you are new, have never participated or have any questions, please speak with Pastor.  Our theme for Lent 2019 is: “Let My People Go” based on the Book of Exodus.  This week’s message is: “Big Things With Small Stuff”.  There is no meal this week, Lenten meals will begin on Wednesday, March 13^th.

NEXT SUNDAY:  Our 2^nd Sunday door Offering for Seminarian Joseph Schlie will be a week from today, Sunday, March 10, 2019.  Also, we received a letter from Mr. Schlie and it is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS NEXT WEEKEND:  Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour next Saturday evening before you go to bed.

THE LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS, “People Of The Passion” are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FROM THE OFFICE:  It’s time for the annual update of the Church Directory Listing.  On the table in the narthex there are two lists, one with only phone numbers and email addresses; and also one with home addresses included.  Please check the listings and make any changes necessary.  We hope to have a new Church Directory for you by the first Sunday in April.  Thank you for your help.

FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT IN MARCH will be on March 22^nd at 6:30 p.m.  The title of the movie is “RISEN”.  “RISEN” is the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection as told through the eyes of a non-believer.  Clavius, a powerful Roman military tribune and his aide, Lucius are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks following the crucifixion in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.  Join us for another great movie, good food and wonderful fellowship March 22^nd at 6:30pm in the church basement.

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:  “Through Another’s Eyes” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 9:1-41.  Art helps us to better see the world.  John’s Gospel which is both history and art, puts the world in proper focus. The speaker will be Reverend 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.

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.

February 24, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 6:30-31 – “Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”  Is it really possible to live like this?  Would it really work to be so open-handed and generous?  Our conscience often reminds us of our failures, and the Lord knows our frailty, that’s for sure!  But a life of faith is a life lived in imitation of Jesus.  And every follower of Jesus knows that yes, indeed, it is better to give than to receive.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

LWML: We will not have our February meeting this coming Tuesday, February 26^th,  but we definitely will have our regular meeting on Tuesday, March 26^th.

LENT BEGINS:  Lent is starting later this year.  Ash Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion will be on March 6^th, beginning at 7:00 p.m.  We we will continue our tradition of the Imposition of Ashes.  This is voluntary and if you have any questions, please speak with Pastor.

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.

TODAY:  You are invited to Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S Main St., Normal, who will open their doors to the public and our neighboring circuit congregations with a potluck dinner following our Sunday morning worship service TODAY, February 24, 2019.  Our ministry co-op with Christ Lutheran Church is helping to supply the tasty casseroles, side dishes and desserts.  The event will also serve as an Open House so that our visitors can tour the facility and get a sense of our place in the kingdom of God.  Luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. after the morning services.  Please provide a courtesy phone call or message to Pastor Jensen as to let him know that you plan to attend.  Phone#  (309) 452-5971.

TODAY:  You are invited to an Open House Reception honoring Pastor Tom Wirsing.  Pastor Wirsing is retiring after 40 years in ministry, with 25 of those years serving at Trinity Lutheran, Bloomington.  The Open House will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 801 S Madison St, Bloomington, IL TODAY Sunday, February 24, from 2-4:00 pm.   There is also an opportunity to share memories or well wishes electronically.  Please visit the Celebrate PW website by going to: trinluth.org and click on the Celebrate PW photo.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 6:1-20. +There is a spiritual hunger beyond food that is expressed in food.  Jesus provides for both.  The speaker will be Reverend 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.

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.

February 17, 2019

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Luke 6:20-21 – “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.”  The Beatitudes are largely about emptiness. If you are poor, your pockets are empty.  If you are hungry, your stomach is empty.  If you are mourning, there’s an emptiness in your heart that used to be filled with the presence of a loved one.  Jesus assures us in each case that the Lord will fill our emptiness.  That assurance gives us peace and courage to follow the Lord faithfully.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY: We welcome to our church family this morning, Mr. Dale Dunavan.  Dale is joining by Profession Of Faith having grown up in the LC-MS in Springfield.  Dale works for Small System Solutions.  He lives at 1219 Longford Lane in Bloomington.  Phone is (630) 878-9856 and his e-mail is: info@smallsyssolutions.com.  Dale enjoys computers, indoor gardening, coffee and pizza.  Please take a moment to say hello.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the March 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!

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:  Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S Main St., Normal, will open their doors to the public and our neighboring circuit congregations with a potluck dinner following our Sunday morning worship service NEXT SUNDAY, February 24, 2019.  Our ministry co-op with Christ Lutheran Church is helping to supply the tasty casseroles, side dishes and desserts.  The event will also serve as an Open House so that our visitors can tour the facility and get a sense of our place in the kingdom of God.  Luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. after the morning services.  Please provide a courtesy phone call or message to Pastor Jensen as to let him know that you plan to attend.  Phone#  (309) 452-5971.

WORKSHOP ON DEMOGRAPHICS AND CHURCH PLANNING:  The facts are stark – Christians make up a smaller and smaller proportion of the American population every year.  Every District of the LC-MS has experienced numerical decline in the past decade.  But every city or county is different and experiencing different challenges and opportunities.  What’s going on?  What does the future hold?  What should churches be doing to respond?  Join the Synod’s Coordinator for Stewardship, Reverend Heath Curtis, at Trinity in El Paso, IL TOMORROW, Monday, February 18, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for a workshop exploring these issues and how our congregation should be planning for the future.  Refreshments will be served.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Not By Bread Alone” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 6:1-20. +There is a spiritual hunger beyond food that is expressed in food.  Jesus provides for both.  The speaker will be Reverend 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.

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.