THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (5/24)—Confirmation Day

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Confirmation Reception
• 2:30 pm—Nursing Home Service

Tuesday–Thursday

• 7:30 am—Matins

Thursday

• 11:30 am—Ladies Aid Luncheon (Flesor’s)

Saturday

• 5:30 pm—Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday (5/24)—Confirmation Day

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

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; Joel Hilgendorf; 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; Bob Vukelich (husband of Joan Vukelich); 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 . . . Isaiah 6:1–7; Romans 11:33–36; John 3:1–15.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . Following the flood, Noah’s descendants failed to spread out and fill the earth as God had spoken. Rather, they exalted themselves; with “one language and the same words” (Gen. 11:1) they spoke proudly and arrogantly. The Lord humbled them by confusing “the language of all the earth,” dividing and dispersing the people (Gen. 11:9). That dispersal was reversed on Pentecost Day (the fiftieth day of Easter), when God caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in a multitude of languages. “At this sound the multitude came together” (Acts 2:6), for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance the words of Jesus, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. These words bestow forgiveness and peace to those who keep and hold on to them in love for Jesus. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Acts 2:1 “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.” Pentecost is the Old Testament harvest festival—it happens around the time when the wheat and oats are ready to be brought in. Of course, this was a picture and foreshadowing of the great harvest of humankind that God means to bring in through the preaching of His Word. God gives the seed, and God brings about the harvest. From first to last, in things temporal and things eternal, we stand only by His grace.

PASTOR WILL BE AWAY . . . Thursday, May 28–Monday, June 1 to attend his twin nieces confirmation in Colorado. Rev. James Lee will be filling in for him on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31. If you have an emergency you may contact Pastor Braaten on his mobile phone or call one of the Elders (Steve Hilgendorf, Ronald Legg, Bryce Reifsteck, Mark Whitson).

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CONFIRMANDS . . . Joshua Dyer and Coulson Poffenberger. In lieu of Bible Class, we will be hosting a reception in the Fellowship Hall in honor of their achievement.

THANK YOU . . . to my church family for the prayers and cards that they sent my way during the recovery of my broken leg. Healing and good health is truly a blessing from God as are you. Sincerely, Alberta Dallas and Family.

BINGO . . . at the Tuscola Senior Center Building, Wednesday, May 27, after a meal menu of fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, buttered corn, whole-grain wheat bread, and fruit pie at 11:30 am. The meal is for people over 60 for a donation of $3.50. Reservations must be made by noon on Tuesday, May 26, by calling (217) 2532278.

LADIES AID LUNCHEON . . . If you would like to attend Ladies Aid Luncheon at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen on May, 28, 11:30 am, please call Dolores Ford by May 26 at (217) 5522921.

HELP NEEDED . . . Due to the state budget crisis, BETHS Place is on the verge of closure. In our current situation, we will not be able to continue serving the women and children of domestic violence in Douglas County. We are asking for any monetary contributions to help us remain open and serving in our local communities. Thank you for your consideration and prayers.

GREETERS

THIS WEEK

• Harold Wattjes (West)
• Tim & Teri Pollock (East)

NEXT WEEK

• Joan Vukelich (West)
• Laverl Byers (East)

COMMUNION HELPERS

THIS WEEK

• Ronald Legg
• Wanda Long; Marissa Russo

NEXT WEEK

• Ronald Legg
• Wanda Long; Lexie Russo

ACOLYTES

THIS WEEK

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

NEXT WEEK

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

COFFEE COMMITTEE

• Janet Stumeier—May
• Laverl Byers—June