THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (3/15)

• 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
• 4:00 pm—Answers New Members Class

Monday–Thursday

• 7:30 am—Matins

Monday

• 9:00 am—Classical Conversations Home School Coop

Wednesday

• 5:30 pm—Lenten Soup & Sandwich Supper
• 7:00 pm—Lenten Midweek Service

Saturday

• 5:30 pm—Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday (3/22)

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

IN OUR PRAYERS

HEALTH CONCERNS: Mia Anderson (great-granddaughter of Joan Vukelich); Jack Appleby; Brenda Bunting (friend of Ann Carroll); Ellie Crawford (daughter of Laran Crawford); Alberta Dallas; Jim Harbaugh; Marvin Kingery (father of Miranda Czerwonka); Erica Kremitzki; Beverly McDade (friend of Mary Appleby and Joan Vukelich); 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); Harold Wattjes; Shane Yardley (brother of Jaimee Whitson).

DEATHS: Family of Garry Massey (friend of Jerry & Joyce Alexander)

SEMINARY STUDENT: Dustin Fry.

DEACONESS STUDENT: Allison Gummerus.

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

MILITARY: 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 . . . Zechariah 9:9–12; Philippians 2:5–11; Matthew 21:1–9.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . In the temple Jesus said, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51). For Jesus came to taste death for us—to drink the cup of suffering to the dregs in order that we might be released from its power. Clinging to His life-giving words, we are delivered from death’s sting and its eternal judgment. Christ is our High Priest, who entered the Most Holy Place and with His own blood obtained everlasting redemption for His people (Heb. 9:11–15). He is the One who was before Abraham was, and yet is his descendant. He is the promised Son who carries the wood up the mountain for the sacrifice, who is bound and laid upon the altar of the cross. He is the ram who is offered in our place, who is willingly caught in the thicket of our sin, and who wears the crown of thorns upon His head (Gen. 22:1–14). Though Jesus is dishonored by the sons of the devil, He is vindicated by the Father through the cross.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Genesis 22:2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” It’s hard for us to even fathom a faith as strong as Abraham’s: he follows the Lord’s Word even when it seems impossibly hard. But he does so because he knows that the Lord only means to bless. What happened here to Abraham should be an encouragement for us: trust the Lord and keep His Word.

MONICAL’S COMMUNITY DAY . . . is Tuesday, March 24, for Immanuel’s Youth Group. The funds raised will go toward their trip to the annual Higher Things Youth Conference this summer on the campus of Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska. Be sure to take the orange bulletin insert with you.

EASTER BREAKFAST . . . Alexis, Caleb, Ethan, and Gunnar can’t wait to serve you breakfast. That means it’s time to sign up for the Easter Breakfast! We’re asking for donations of an egg dish/breakfast casserole, muffins (or cinnamon rolls if you’re Mary Appleby—hint, hint, wink, wink), fresh fruit or juice. Or all of the above! These four youth who serve our congregation each week in the Divine Service are making the trek West to Seward, Nebraska, this summer for the annual Higher Things Youth Conference. Come have a tasty breakfast from 7:00 am to 8:30 am on Easter morning and give generously to help support their trip. All proceeds will be matched by the Board of Mission and Evangelism. Thanks!

FUNERAL LUNCHEON PHONE CALLS . . . If you’re interested in having the funeral chairperson call and ask for a food donation for funeral luncheons, please sign up on the sheet in the back of the church. We’re updating our list and want to make sure the names and phone numbers are up to date. Thank you!

SPRING CLEANING TIME . . . The church will hold a garage 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. Thanks for your donations.

APRIL BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is Sunday, April 12, for the Tuscola Christmas Bureau.

PASTOR WILL BE AWAY . . . this week, Monday, March 23, to Thursday, March 26. If you have an emergency, you may contact me on my mobile phone or contact one of the Elders. Rev. Troy Countryman, St. John’s, Mattoon, will be preaching at the final Wednesday night Lenten service.

EASTER LILY ORDER FORMS DUE . . . next Sunday, March 29. If you would like to order an Easter Lily as a memorial or thank offering, please fill out the order form and return it to the church office by next Sunday. Lilies are $13.00 each

MIDWEEK LENTEN SOUP & SANDWICH SUPPERS . . . We are trying something slightly different this year during Lent. Instead of having refreshments after our midweek Lenten services, we will be having a light soup and sandwich supper before the service, 5:30 PM—6:45 PM. The schedule is as follows.

• Wed, Mar 25—Board of Stewardship

GREETERS

THIS WEEK

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

NEXT WEEK

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

COMMUNION HELPERS

THIS WEEK

• Ronald Legg
• Ann Hilgendorf; Mackenzi Bowles

NEXT WEEK

• Ronald Legg
• Ann Hilgendorf; Marissa Russo

ACOLYTES

THIS WEEK

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

NEXT WEEK

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

COFFEE COMMITTEE

• Arleigh & Mary Jane Jones—March
• Greg & Celeste Nau—April