THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (4/12)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Sunday School
• 11:15 am—Church Council Meeting
• 11:30 am—Catechism Class

Monday–Thursday

• 7:30 am—Matins

Monday

• 5:00 pm—Board of Mission & Evangelism
• 6:00 pm—Board of Education
• 6:30 pm—Board of Trustees
• 7:00 pm—Board of Elders

Tuesday

• 9:00 am—Mattoon Circuit Meeting

Saturday

• 5:30 pm—Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday (4/19)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Sunday School
• 11:30 am—Catechism Class
• 2:30 pm—Nursing Home Service

IN OUR PRAYERS

HEALTH CONCERNS: Mia Anderson (great-granddaughter of Joan Vukelich); Mary Appleby; Brenda Bunting (friend of Ann Carroll); Ellie Crawford (daughter of Laran Crawford); Konnie Crist (father of Teri Pollock); Alberta Dallas; Jim Harbaugh; Marvin Kingery (father of Miranda Czerwonka); Erica Kremitzki; Laurie McMillen; Mike Merna (friend of Joan Vukelich); Sandra Oehmke (sister of Joan Vukelich); Barb Pearson (friend of Joyce Alexander); Fred Rahn (son of Joan Rahn); Roland Spomer; Harold Wattjes.

SEMINARY STUDENT: Dustin Fry.

DEACONESS STUDENT: Allison Gummerus.

HOMEBOUND: Bernita Ashwill; Bessie Benson; Dolores Byers; Joan Mulligan; Corinne Oye; Art Rahn; Ruth Rentschler.

MILITARY: John Bookas; Jeremy Gordon; Jack Leonard; Sam Leonard; Jake Lindgren; Raymond Longtin; Joey Pollock; Chase Reifsteck; Blake Stokes; Paige Stokes; Ruben Wilson.

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Ezekiel 34:11–16; 1 Peter 2:21–25; John 10:11–16.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood” (1 John 5:7). These three point to Christ and flow from Christ. Jesus shows His disciples His hands side, from which blood and water flowed, saying “Peace be with you.” He presents the wounds which turn our fear to gladness and which restore us to the Father. Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:23). His breath, His words are Spirit and life. They raise up our dry, dead bones and give us new and everlasting life (Ezek. 37:1–14). Christ now gives His ministers to speak His forgiving, Spirit-filled words to the penitent in His stead. Our Lord continues to come to His people, presenting His wounds to us in the Sacraments of water and blood. He bids us to touch His side at His table, to receive His risen body and blood in true faith, that believing we may have life in His name.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . John 20:19 “Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” The peace we have in Jesus is what makes a life of good works possible. Since we know that it is Jesus who saved us, and not our works, we are now free to do good works not out of self-interest, but for the right reasons: out of thanksgiving toward God and love for our neighbors.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS . . . were given by Bob & Joan Vukelich to the glory of God on the occasion of their wedding anniversary.

BUNCO THIS SUNDAY . . . April 12, 6:00–8:00 pm, at the parsonage. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. After this month, we will resume the normal schedule of having Bunco on the first Sunday of the month.

BINGO AT TUSCOLA SENIOR CENTER . . . on April 16, after a meal menu of lasagna, tossed salad, peas, French bread, and warm fruit compote at 11:30 am. The meal is for those over 60 with a donation of $3.50. Reservations must be made by 12:00 noon on Wednesday April 15, to (217) 2532278. The people of Peace Meal thank the members of the Country Clovers 4-H Club for the beautiful Easter baskets.

YOUTH GARAGE & BAKE SALE . . . The church will hold a garage & bake sale on Saturday, April 18. The funds raised will defray the costs of the youth group’s attendance at the Higher Things Youth Conference this summer. If you have gently used items to donate, both big and small, please drop them off at the church in the room across from the nursery or in the library. Let a member of the Board of Education know if you will need assistance getting these items to church. We are also looking for baked goods to be sold at a bake sale that day. Thanks for your donations.

THANK YOU . . . to everyone who purchased a lily to beautify the sanctuary during Easter. If you would like your Easter lily, please take it home after today’s service. Thank you also to all who helped with the Easter Breakfast by bringing food, helping serve, and cleaning up afterwards. We had a great turnout. A total of $400.00 was raised, which the Board for Mission & Evangelism will match for the Youth Group’s trip to the Higher Things Youth Conference in July.

GREETERS

THIS WEEK

• Laverl Byers (West)
• Ruth Sims (East)

NEXT WEEK

• Tim & Teri Pollock (West)
• Donna Campbell (East)

COMMUNION HELPERS

THIS WEEK

• Bryce Reifsteck
• Janice Arthur; Cassie Russo

HOLY WEEK

• Bryce Reifsteck
• Ruth Bretz; Mackenzi Bowles

ACOLYTES

THIS WEEK

• Gunnar Campbell (Crucifer)
• Caleb Stumeier (Torches)
• Jake Dyer (Torches)
• Ethan Stumeier (Gospel)

NEXT WEEK

• Gunnar Campbell (Crucifer)
• Ethan Stumeier (Torches)
• Coulson Poffenberger (Torches)
• Caleb Stumeier (Gospel)

COFFEE COMMITTEE

• Greg & Celeste Nau—April
• Janet Stumeier—May