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THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (10/23)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Sunday School

Wednesday

• 7:00 pm—Bible History Class

Saturday

• 9:00 am—Sunday School Teachers Meeting
• 3:30 pm—Individual Confession & Absolution
• 5:30 pm—Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday (10/30)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Sunday School
• 5:30 pm—Reformation Party

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IN OUR PRAYERS

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Rev 14:6–7; Romans 3:19–28; Matthew 11:12–19.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household” (Matt. 13:58). James the Just was once offended at Jesus’ “wisdom and . . .  mighty works” (Matt. 13:54). But he came to faith following His resurrection, when Jesus appeared to him (1 Cor. 15:7). He then became a leader of the Early Church in Jerusalem, present at the council recorded in Acts 15. There James recognized from the prophets that Jesus was the Lord “known from of old” and returned to rebuild David’s fallen tent and restore it,“that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name” (Acts 15:16–18). “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2–3). Josephus and other historians record that James was martyred by stoning in the 60s A.D. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Ephesians 4:24 “Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” The battle between the old self in Adam and the new self in Christ is fought in the heart and mind of every Christian. Paul encourages us to put on the new man which is created in the image of God. Our sanctification, our growth in godliness, is a growth into God’s image. So we do this by keeping our eyes on Christ and imitating Him in everything: in love, in kindness, in self-giving generosity.

NOTES ON THE FEAST OF ST. JAMES . . . On October 23, the Church celebrates the Festival of St. James of Jerusalem, Brother of Jesus and Martyr. St. James of Jerusalem (or James the Just) is referred to by St. Paul as “the Lord’s brother” (Galatians 1:19). Along with the other relatives of our Lord (except his mother), James did not believe in Jesus until after his resurrection (John 7:3-5; 1 Corinthians 15:7). After becoming a Christian, James was elevated to a position of leadership within the earliest Christian community. Especially following St. Peter’s departure from Jerusalem, James was recognized as the bishop of the Church in that holy city (Acts 12:17; 15:12ff.). According to the historian Josephus, James was martyred in AD 62 by being stoned to death by the Sadducees. James authored the Epistle in the New Testament that bears his name. In it, he exhorts his readers to remain steadfast in the one true faith, even in the face of suffering and temptation, and to live by faith the life that is in Christ Jesus. Such a faith, he makes clear, is a busy and active thing, which never ceases to do good, to confess the Gospel by words and actions, and to stake its life, both now and forever, in the cross.

IMMANUEL JUNIOR CHOIR . . . will be singing next week for Reformation Sunday. Parents, please have your children in the large classroom by 8:50 am. Come and hear them make a joyful noise as we celebrate the commemoration of the Reformation!

JOIN US FOR A REFORMATION PARTY . . . on Sunday, October 30 at 5:30 pm as we celebrate the courage of Martin Luther and the early reformers as they sought to keep the Gospel pure. Invite your friends and family who haven’t been to church in awhile! Bratwurst will be provided, but keep an eye out in the narthex in the coming weeks for a sign-up sheet for German food that will be needed. If anyone has any German decorations (think beer steins, German flags, red/yellow/black decor) that they’d be willing to let us borrow for the evening, it would be appreciated. Please contact Lauren Braaten (260.438.0331) with questions or to volunteer to help. Danke!

COME TO BIBLE CLASS . . . it is a perfect opportunity for older members to model ongoing Christian Education for the younger members as St. Paul instructs the older men and older women to do in Titus Chapter 2. We are studying the Wisdom of God found in the Book of Proverbs. Who doesn’t need the Wisdom of God in their lives? Join us.

THANK YOU . . . to the congregation of Immanuel Lutheran for their services and hospitality during the visitation hours and funeral service for Reuben. – Dorothy Hostetler.

PRAYER FOR RIGHT RECEPTION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER . . . O Lord, our God, in Holy Baptism You have called us to be Christians and granted us the remission of sins. Make us ready to receive the most holy body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of all our sins, and grant us grateful hearts that we may give thanks to You, O Father, to Your Son, and to the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

PRAYER FOR THANKSGIVING AFTER RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT . . . Blessed Savior, Jesus Christ, You have given Yourself to us in this holy Sacrament. Keep us in Your faith and favor that we may live in You even as You live in us. May Your body and blood preserve us in the true faith to life everlasting. Hear us for the sake of Your name.

THE NOVEMBER CALENDAR . . . with events, birthdays, and anniversaries is now available on the table across from the church mailboxes.

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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