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THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (12/11)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Christmas Program Practice

Wednesday

• 7:00 pm—Midweek Advent Service

Saturday

• 3:30 pm—Individual Confession & Absolution
• 5:30 pm—Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday (12/18)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Christmas Program Practice

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IN OUR PRAYERS

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Deut. 18:15–19; Philippians 4:4–7; John 1:19–28

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The voice of John the Baptist cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . 1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” A steward manages the property of the owner for the owner’s purposes. We are stewards of all that God has given us. So we are called to use all that we are and all that we have for God’s purposes. How do we know what these are? Consider your vocations, your callings from God, in the Home, the Church, and Society: what are the roles God has called you to play? And how should you be using the gifts He’s given you to fulfill those roles?

THE ALTAR FLOWERS . . . given to the glory of God on the occasion of Ava’s birthday by Jamiee and Josh Whitson.

OUR CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM . . . is Sunday, December 18, at 6:00 pm, and each and every one of you are invited to come hear the children speak and sing the story of our Savior’s birth. There will be refreshments in the fellowship hall following the service, so please plan to attend. Parents, please have your children at church by 5:40 pm to assemble in the double classroom. Thank you!

POINSETTIA ORDER FORMS . . . are due today, Sunday, December 11. Order forms are still available in the Narthex. Please complete and return them today, to the office or in the secretary’s box. Poinsettias are $15.00 this year and can be taken and enjoyed at home immediately following the Christmas Day service.

THE VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY BUDGET AND ELECTION MEETING . . . is, Monday, December 19, at 7:30 pm. Just a reminder that any voting member who is absent from the voters’ meetings for a full year without a valid excuse shall have his/her name removed from the roster of voting members. Those who are 65 and older can submit a written request to have their name placed on the senior voting member list and will be automatically excused. If any senior member is unsure whether or not there is a written request on file, please contact the office. If any member has been removed from the roster of voting members, he/she can be reinstated by a request to the elders and attendance at the voters’ meeting approving that request.

CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SEMINARY STUDENTS . . . If you’d like to send Christmas greetings to our seminary students, their addresses are:  Mr. Gunnar Campbell; Mr. Preus Hasselbrook, and Mrs. Elizabeth Dobbelaire, at: 6600 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46825-4996.

THANK YOU . . . to the many volunteers who came out to decorate and beautify the church for Christmas. To those who helped set up and tear down all the pieces of the live nativity, those who participated in the nativity scene, those who brought food and warm drinks, those who gathered together for a couple hours of friendship and fellowship, and to those who came out in support by driving through, thank you all

REMINDER: ANGEL TREE . . . offering envelopes are due today, Sunday, December 11. The envelopes did not make it into mailboxes last week, but they are there now.

THE DECEMBER CALENDAR . . . with birthdays and anniversaries is available on the table across from members’ mailboxes.UPCOMING SPECIAL SERVICES AND EVENTS  . . .     

•      Sunday, December 11, 10:30 am—Sunday School Christmas Service Practice
•      Wednesday, December 14, 7:00 pm—Advent Midweek Service
•      Sunday, December 18, 10:30 am—Sunday School Christmas Service Practice
•      Sunday, December 18, 6:00 pm—Sunday School Christmas Service
•      Saturday, December 24, 7:00 pm—Christmas Eve Divine Service with Communion
•      Sunday, December 25, 9:00 am—Christmas Day Divine Service with Communion
•      Monday, December 26—Immanuel Offices Closed
•      Saturday, December 31, 7:00 pm—New Year’s Eve Divine Service with Communion
•      Sunday, January 1, 9:00 am—Divine Service with Communion
•      Monday, January 2—Immanuel Offices Closed

SERVICES ONLINE . . . This video option will continue to be made available until our usual service times resume. You can access these online services in three places:

1. On Immanuel’s Facebook page
2. On Immanuel’s Website under the Sermons tab
3. On Immanuel’s YouTube channel

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CHURCH MEMBER INFORMATION UPDATE

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PRAYER REQUESTS

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