THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (8/16)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class
• 11:30 am—Pastor-Parent Catechism Meeting

Monday–Thursday

• 7:30 am—Matins

Wednesday

• 6:30 pm—Summer Confessions Study

Saturday

• 5:30 pm—Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday (8/23)

• 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); Brenda Bunting (friend of Ann Carroll); Ellie Crawford (daughter of Laran Crawford); Steve Cuppy (brother-in-law of Roland Spomer); Don Czerwonka; Jim Harbaugh; Joel Hilgendorf; Jim Kilburn (friend of Bob Kresin); Marvin Kingery (father of Miranda Czerwonka); Nancy Kingery (niece of Dolores Ford); Erica Kremitzki; Dennis Lee (nephew of Dolores Ford); Laurie McMillen; Mike Merna (friend of Joan Vukelich); Sandra Oehmke (sister of Joan Vukelich); Fred Rahn (son of Joan Rahn); Joan Rahn; Roland Spomer; Madison VanSickle (daughter of Shawn Watkins); Bob Vukelich (husband of Joan Vukelich); Harold Wattjes; Troy Wolte (son-in-law of Roland Spomer).

DEATHS: The Family of Dwain Ford (nephew of Darrell Ford)

SEMINARY STUDENT: Hayden Folks.

DEACONESS STUDENT: Katelyn Lower.

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 29:17–24; 2 Corinthians 3:4–11; Mark 7:31–37.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard” (Gen. 4:1–15). For unlike Abel, Cain’s offering did not proceed from a heart that revered and trusted in the Lord. Thus, the lowly tax collector who prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” was the one who went down to his house justified before God, not the respectable, outwardly righteous Pharisee who trusted in himself and his own good living (Luke 18:9–14). “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:1–10). The one who penitently despairs of his own righteousness and relies completely on the atoning mercy of God in Christ is the one who is declared righteous. For Christ died for our sins and rose again the third day (1 Cor. 15:1–10). Therefore, “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Luke 18:11-12 “The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’” The Pharisees got so much right and so much wrong. It’s a good thing for this Pharisee to be faithful to his wife and faithful in his giving to the Lord’s work, but none of it is of any avail if it proceeds from a prideful heart!

THE ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Joan Rahn to the glory of God in memory of Duane Rahn, her husband.

THANK YOU . . . for your generosity, your unwavering prayers, and support during Joel’s most recent fight with cancer. We remain hopeful because our trust is in the Lord, who neither slumbers nor sleeps. Thank you again.The Hilgendorfs

PASTOR IS AWAY . . . on vacation August 23–August 31. If you have an emergency, you may contact him on his mobile phone (217) 460-2077, or contact one of the Elders.

MILK MONEY . . . to help those students atNorth Ward Elementary School who struggle to financially will be collected in the milk jug in the Narthex.

PEACE MEALS . . . August is Immanuel’s month to deliver Peace Meals. Peace Meals delivers Monday–Thursday, beginning at 11:00 am. Team up with someone from church to help get these low-cost, nutritious meals to those in need. Please contact Roger & Wanda Long to volunteer.

THERE ARE STILL . . . openings to put flowers on the Altar. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the hallway by the sanctuary or call the church office. Flowers are $30.00 and can be special ordered. Flowers can be taken home after the Sunday’s service.

GREETERS

THIS WEEK

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

NEXT WEEK

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

COMMUNION HELPERS

THIS WEEK

• Bryce Reifsteck
• Janet Stumeier; Marissa Russo

NEXT WEEK

• Bryce Reifsteck
• Janet Stumeier; Lexie Russo

ACOLYTES

THIS WEEK

• Ethan Stumeier (Crucifer)
• Caleb Stumeier (Torches)
• Josh Dyer (Torches)
• Oliver Braaten (Gospel

NEXT WEEK

• Caleb Stumeier (Crucifer)
• Ethan Stumeier (Torches)
• Jake Dyer (Torches)
• Oliver Braaten (Gospel)

COFFEE COMMITTEE

• Pastor & Lauren Braaten—August
• Ann Carroll—September