GOOD SHEPHERD
NEWS & NOTES
MARCH 27, 2011

“. . . we are all the work of your hand.” Is. 64:8

WELCOME TO GOOD SHEPHERD: Good Shepherd welcomes you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Large-print worship folders and printed liturgy are available from the ushers. Ushers will also help with hearing assist devices for your audio needs. The cry room is located at the northwest corner of the sanctuary for your convenience. If you have other questions or needs, please stop at the information center. We invite you to stay following the 8 am service for coffee and goodies followed by Sunday School and Bible study. May God richly bless our time together and please come again.

A SUMMARY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE: Pastor Berndt is teaching classes in the basics of Lutheran doctrine as it is taken from God’s Word. This class meets between services (about 9:20 am) in room 109 on the main level. If you would like to review the basics or find out more about what Lutherans believe, teach and confess, this class is for you. Today we begin lesson 9 entitled, “The Office of the Keys and Confession”. Completion of this series of 10-12 classes can lead to adult confirmation and communicant membership at Good Shepherd.

GUEST PREACHER: On Sunday, April 3rd we will have Rev. Daniel Preus as guest preacher and Bible study leader at Good Shepherd. Rev. Preus is Executive Director of Luther Academy.

BIBLE STUDY TODAY: Pastor Poppe will be taking a few weeks off from the Genesis Bible Study to focus on the documents from the ACELC (Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations) website. Please join us for a study of proper Lutheran doctrine and practice. A copy of Pastor Poppe’s paper presented at the ACELC conference entitled, “The Church’s Mission and Evangelistic Task” is available at the information center.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY: The Tuesday morning (6 am) Men’s Bible Study has just concluded the study of Jonah. Pastor Poppe will follow up with the “rest of the story” and a study of the book of Nahum. Please join us for a look at this little-known minor prophet.

LIFE MOMENT: Loving the unlovable – a sinful, Samaritan woman – boldly confronting sin – “Go call your husband” – mercifully revealing salvation – “I who speak to you am he” (John 4: 16-26). Jesus demonstrates a pattern worth repeating and repeating and repeating as we deal with sin and sinners as the Body of Christ.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY: Today’s Sunday School lesson is the account of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4: 1-42). In this lesson we learn that Jesus gives the Spirit, who cleanses us from the sin and unrighteousness in the living water of Holy Baptism. Talk with your children about how sin causes us to have guilt and shame before God. Emphasize that through the Water and Word of Holy Baptism all guilt and shame are removed. Talk about Jesus coming for all people, no matter what race or color they are. Point out that ordinary water leaves us thirsting for more, but the living water of Jesus, which flows from His Word and the font of Baptism, quenches our spiritual thirst forever.

THRIVENT CHOICE: Thrivent Choice gives Thrivent members the opportunity to recommend where Thrivent Financial for Lutherans distributes a portion of its charitable funds. If you are eligible for Choice Dollars you can direct designated Choice Dollars to benefit you preferred Lutheran organizations nationwide, including local congregations and Lutheran schools. Please direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars by March 31st by calling 1-800-847-4836 and when prompted, say, “Thrivent Choice”.

SHARING JESUS’ LOVE WITH THE LITTLEST: Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19: 14. Are you willing to say, “Let the little children come to me and I will teach them the Word of God? We are seeking an individual or couple to teach the 2 year old class. If you are interested in sharing the love of Christ with the littlest little ones and their parents, please contact Barbara Trail, Karen Radebaugh or the church office.

GOD’S ANSWER TO PRAYERS: As the sermon stated last week, the Lord always hears our prayers. He graciously answered them this past week as well with volunteers to teach Sunday School in Grades 5 & 6. A heartfelt thank you to everyone that has volunteered to teach Sunday School. What a blessing you are to this church family. May God bless you as you bless the youth of our congregation.

GOOD SHEPHERD
LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Offering a Classical Lutheran Education

Academic Excellence Low Student/Teacher Ratio
High Expectations Christ-Centered
Latin Instruction Grades K - 6

Now Enrolling
Call 423-7639

Coming Events:
* Seward Talent Festival on Saturday, April 2nd.
* Preparing and serving the Lenten meal (5 pm) on April 6th. The students will also sing for the service at 6:30 pm.
* Julie Klinge, a student from Dubuque, IA will be student teaching in Mrs. Burke’s classroom at Good Shepherd from March 7th - April 29th.
* POGO cards are available in the school office for $20 each. Stop by the school office during the morning hours or check with the ladies in the church library on Sunday mornings between services.
* Save $25 on the registration fee if you register your child for school by April 1, 2011.

GROCERY CART: Lutheran Women in Mission is providing a collection spot for non-perishable grocery items to assist families in our community who are in need. Donations for this project can be brought through the end of March.

WEDNESDAYS IN LENT: The schedule for the Wednesdays in Lent is as follows:
12:15 pm Lenten Service/Communion
5:00 pm Lenten meal
5:30 pm Midweek classes
6:30 pm Lenten service/Communion
7:30 pm Adult choir /LifeLight Bible Study (began study of Ephesians on March 23)

ME, A PASTOR? ME, A DEACONESS?: If you have found yourself asking this question or have ever considered studying to be a pastor, now is the time to do something about it! Rev. Tom Zimmerman of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN is going to be at Good Shepherd on Thursday, March 31st from 4-7 pm. Come and explore the possibility of entering the ministry. Men of all ages are invited, as are their wives, children, etc. Women interested in the deaconess program are also invited, along with their families. Conferences are individual and informal. Reservations are NOT needed. If you have any questions please contact Rev. Zimmerman by phone at 800.481.2155,(cell) 260.402.1024 or by e-mail at tom.zimmerman@ctsfw.edu.

THANK YOU: Thank you for all the cards, calls, and personal wishes for our anniversary and birthdays. God bless each of you.
Rollie & Marj Victor

CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR THE CONFESSIONAL LUTHERAN: Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Topics include: Counseling vs. Confession, Parenting, Joseph the Patriarch, The Symbols of the Lutheran Church and more.You can listen to what you want when you want at www.issuesetc.org.

LADIES: You won’t want to miss this! On April 4th (note change of date) at 7 pm in room 109 Linda Preus will be speaking. Linda has had the opportunity to spend months at the Lutheran seminary in South Africa getting to know the men studying to become pastors. Last year she visited Uganda to meet women from the congregations of these men. Come hear about the lives, challenges, hopes and dreams of the people in these churches. The women especially would like to form better relationships with women here in the United States. Samples of the unique crafts they make to support themselves and their pastors will be available. We hope to see you there.

SPRING CLEAN-UP: Getting anxious to enjoy the beautiful weather? Come on Saturday, April 16th at 8 am prepared to do some clean-up of our outdoor property.

SCHOOL AUCTION: Thank you to everyone who helped with this year’s auction, whether with a donation, attending the event, or bidding on items and for your continual prayers. It is your response, that makes the auction a success! Your efforts continue to help support the Christ-centered education offered here at Good Shepherd. We are excited to announce that this event made almost $10,500! We hope to see you at next year’s auction. Thank you once again.

THANK YOU: To the members of Good Shepherd - We wish to say “Thank You” for the cards and greetings we received for our 60th wedding anniversary. A special thanks to C.B., Barb and Anna for the cake served to the Bible Study group. Thanks again for making our 60th anniversary very special.
Vern & Arlene Hadenfeldt

CARD GROUP: The card group will be meeting at 6:30 pm on Friday, April 8th in the fellowship hall. Bring a favorite card game and/or a snack to share.

FORTY DAYS FOR LIFE continues from Ash Wednesday, March 9th through Palm Sunday, April 17th. You are encouraged to commit to praying for an end to abortion during these 40 days of Lent. Your presence is welcomed at the Lincoln Right to Life House, 2126 S. 37th St., on the public sidewalk at the Planned Parenthood facility at 37th & South Streets, or from home, work, or school. Pray specifically to seek God’s help for
* women who are at risk of having an abortion,
* innocent children who are at risk of perishing,
* men and women who carry the pain of a past abortion experience
* workers at Planned Parenthood facilities and abortion centers,
* local, state, and national leaders,
* revival and renewal in our churches,
and * repentance and healing throughout our nation.

ASSISTING WITH THE SERVICES:
Elder: Les Korte
Organist: Benjamin Woodburn
Acolytes: 8 am: Ashlynn Engelhard
10:30 am: Preston Cuddy
Coffeemakers: Jerry & Kathy Knoche
Information Center: Sandy Langemeier
Ushers: 8 am: Vicki Hughes, Jerry Knoche,
Rich & Lorelee Novak
10:30 am: Cory Roth, Willis Legband, Gary Wilhelm,
Nathan Keller
Communion Set-up: Linda Reigle
Communion Clean-up: Carolyn Schwartz
Meals on Wheels Today: The Meyer Family
Meals on Wheels Friday: Doug & Carol Marsh

Hop on over & bring your basket to our
annual Easter Egg Hunt on
Saturday, April 16th
at 10:00 a.m.

We are now collecting plastic eggs, peanut-free candy, and small Easter items such as erasers, tattoos, stickers that can be placed into plastic eggs for our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 16th. Items can be placed in the marked baskets in the narthex. If you do not have time to shop, but would like to help provide items for the hunt, we also accept monetary donations to help assist with purchasing items for the egg hunt. If you have any questions or would like to help with the Easter Egg Hunt, please contact Nancy Stepp, Patty Stradley, or Kim Bock.

THE SHEPHERD’S FLOCK THIS WEEK:
Attendance Gifts for Our Savior
Wed., March 16 202
Sun., March 20 347 $ 8,461.86
Growing in the Gospel $ 460.00

Totals for the Week 549 $ 8,921.86
Needed Weekly* $ 12,229.00

“20 Not 40" This Week $ 640.00

* based on the fiscal budget for the year ending 6/30/11.
(Please contact the church office if the following prayer requests become outdated. If you have prayer requests for either the News & Notes or the prayer chain, please contact the church office.)

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4: 2

*McKenna, friend of Lora Wilkens, who has been diagnosed with Juvenile Huntington Disease.
*Matt, relative of Wayne Gudgel, experiencing a recurrence of cancer.
*Ed, brother of Joe Velasquez, for successful treatment.
*Cindy Fox, mother of Nancy Stepp, suffering from macular degeneration. The disease has progressed recently and she will need to resume injections in her eye to treat it. Pray that she will regain the vision lost recently.
*Sean Sedlacek, friend of the Stepps, for success in finding a compatible kidney donor.
*Lynn Poppe, brother of Pastor Poppe, in chemotherapy.
*Anne Nelson, that her body can be stopped from rejecting the transplanted kidney.
*Herbie Ray Heckman, nephew of Gary Heckman, suffering from stage IV throat cancer.
*Denny Drummond, friend of the Stepps, recovering from lung surgery.
*Ron Kahle, friend of Rich & Barb Ollenburg, fighting a staph infection and pulmonary problems.
*Don Nelson, uncle of Sharon Burke, undergoing chemotherapy.
*Janet Schmeling, recovering from a fall.
*Jayne Snyder, friend of Bob & Elaine Van Valkenburg, being treated for cancer.
*Charlie New, friend of Bob & Elaine Van Valkenburg, struggling with medical problems.
*Suzanne Klein, recovering from surgery.
*Mike Wiseman, grandfather of McKenzie (friend of Anya Clutter), for healing.
*Bob White, recovering at home.
* Viola Mueller, recovering from pneumonia.
* Rev. Wade Mattsfield, considering a call to Immanuel, West Plains, MO to be their pastor.

FOR PEACE AND COMFORT: “But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.” Psalm 94: 22* the family of Kenneth Shafer, brother of Marlene McClellan, who was taken to his eternal home this week.
* the family of Charles, grandfather of Aaron Wagner, who passed away this week.
* the family of Tom Spitsnogle, who was taken to his eternal home.

FOR THANKSGIVING: “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1

FOR OUR SHUT-IN MEMBERS:
Gene & Delaine Denner Cal Tvrz Milton Launer
Jerry & Bonnie Gass Fern Poppe Marylou Smith
Jack & Alberta Carskaddon Edna Gade Marilee Miller
Marian Schmieding JoAnn Ernst Arvona Jaeger
Lois Herpolsheimer Viola Mueller Lynda Mahloch
Thelma Petersen Lois Goeres Janet Schmeling
Esther Schroeder Clara Deines Marilyn Gadeken

FOR THOSE IN LONG-TERM CARE:
Robert Jensen Sheryl Chism Maria Schwarz
Linda Alderson Samuel Schwarz Greg Kasl
Darlene Holle Carl Fosler Joanne Scdoris
Jacob McClellan Sam Malone Henry Tamasi
Sandra Smith Josalyn Kennell Tony Schkade
Don Grover Randy Groteleuschen Eldon Strasheim
Cindy Bottger Linda Swyers-Riehl Jan Heins
Cole Christenson

FOR THOSE IN THE MILITARY:
Kelli Kitchens Melissa & Bret Gash Michael Swyers
B.J. Rohde Brock Ernst Jordan Ernst
Lane Jackson Ron Van Valkenburg Andrew Wolcott
Jake Whitaker Brent Flachsbart Robert Humphrey
Rob Foxworthy Zach Fitzsimmons Beth Eisenmann
Casey Hughes Kimberly & Kyle Kunkee

BIRTHDAY BLESSING TO:
Mar. 27 Dustin Beachler, Elijah Gutz, Brandon Lester, Sophia Yelkin
Mar. 28 Lynn Bergen, Norma Constien, Jon Nordhausen, Kaitlyn Schmeling, Cal Tvrz
Mar. 29 Jeremy Dawson
Mar. 30 Brayden Genthe, Emily Gutz
Mar. 31 Janet DeVore, Clyde Naber, Rev. Mark Schlamann, Kayla Simnitt
April 1 Larry Eisenmann, Matthew Humphrey, Clint Kirkland
April 2 Darla Posner, Jacob Schlatter

ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS TO:
Mar. 27 Clint & Amy Kirkland
Cal & Sandie Tvrz
Mar. 29 Lyle & Anne Nelson
Mar. 31 Doug & Kathy Everman
Jim & Nancy Stepp