THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL
Sunday (11/30)
- 8:00 am—Bible Class
- 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
- 11:00 am – Divine Service (Broadlands, IL)
Monday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 3:45 pm – Catechism Class (Broadlands, IL)
Tuesday
- 7:30 am – Matins
Wednesday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 8:00 am – Catechism Class (Tuscola)
- 6:00 pm – Advent Midweek Service
Thursday
- 7:30 am – Matins
Friday
- 6:00 pm – Christmastown Parade (line-up 5:30 pm)
Saturday
- 9:00 am – Immanuel Christmas Decorating
Sunday (12/7)
- 8:00 am – Bible Class
- 9:00 am—Divine Service
- 11:00 am – Divine Service (Broadlands, IL)
- 12:30 pm – Catechism Class (Broadlands, IL)
- 2:30 pm – Tuscola Healthcare Center Service
IN OUR PRAYERS
HEALTH CONCERNS: Jerry & Joyce Alexander; Cheryl Bozarth (friends of Hilgendorfs); Beau Brown (friend of Ann Carroll); Brad Butler (friend of Hilgendorfs); Darla Combs (friend of Dave Holzrichter); Crystal Davis (friend of Dave Slaughter); Tim Flynn (friend of Dave Holzrichter); Nash Foreman (friend of Sofie Reifsteck); Carol Gaddey (friend of Joan Vukelich); Jerry Graham (teacher of Charlotte Cash); Susan Hall (friend of the Alexanders); Rick Hardesty (family of the Hoels); Kim Hausman (friend of Ann Carroll); Julie Holzrichter (sister-in-law of Dave Holzrichter); Nancy Holzrichter (wife of Dave Holzrichter); Mary Houvanagle (friend of Hilgendorfs); Bob Kresin; John Lamkin (friend of Dave Slaughter); Lois Love (sister of Mary Appleby, Ruth Bretz, Steve Hilgendorf); Mike Marana (friend of Josh Whitson); Candace McElhaney (daughter of Corky Fields); Cathy Minear (friend of Josh and Jaimee Whitson); Jo Richner (mother of Leigh Ann Whitson); Emma Silver; Dave Slaughter; Les Sluder; Kim Travis (friend of Jaimee Whitson); Joan Vukelich; Lausanne Walter (mother of Tiffany Cash); Lynn Whitson (father of Mark Whitson).
SEMINARY STUDENT: Ethan Baumbach; Reece Parlier.
MISSIONARIES: The Jastram Family (Japan); The Preus Family (Romania).
HOMEBOUND: Bernita Ashwill; Wanda Long; Janet Pollock; Joan Rahn; Norma Uthe.
MILITARY: Carl Crawford; Josh Dyer; Jeremy Gordon; David W. Holzrichter; Jack Leonard; Jake Lindgren; Raymond Longtin; Scott Walter.
CHURCH NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Malachi 4:1–6; Romans 15:4–13; Luke 21:25–36.
ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The new Church Year begins by focusing on the humble coming of our Lord. “Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey” (Matt. 21:5). Even as He was born in a lowly manger, so Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a beast of burden. For He bears the sin of the world. He is the Son of David riding to His enthronement on the cross, where He shows Himself to be “The LORD is our Righteousness” (Jer. 23:5–6). Our Lord still comes in great humility to deliver His righteousness to us in the Word and Sacraments. Before receiving Christ’s body and blood, we also sing, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9) And as we receive the Sacrament, we set our hearts on His return in glory, for “our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11).
THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Jeremiah 23:6 “And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’” Jesus is our righteousness, our justification, our all. In Jesus we are forgiven and free. This knowledge sets us free to live as children of the Heavenly Father without fear. Freed from the supposed need to justify ourselves, good works can be done by us for the right reason: to thank God and to serve our neighbor.
ALTAR GUILD, COFFEE COMMITTEE, & FUNERAL CHAIR . . . For November, the Altar Guild is Sarah & Savana Andrésen. Coffee Committee is the Reifsteck family. November Funeral Chair is Ruth Bretz. For December, the Altar Guild is Deborah & Sofie Reifsteck. Coffee Committee is the Munson family. December Funeral Chair is Lauren Braaten.
Updates Needed for Funeral Dinner Food Call List . . . Any volunteers willing to bring food for funeral dinners, please check the list at the back of the church to make sure your phone number is up to date. In addition, if you would like your name added or taken off, please also note that on the list. Thank you!
Volunteers Needed for Altar Guild, Coffee Committee, and Funeral Chair . . . We are looking for volunteers to serve in several important areas of congregational life.
- Altar Guild: Help care for the Lord’s body and blood, the altar linens and vessels, and ensure the altar is ready for next week’s worship.
- Coffee Committee: Provide hospitality by setting up and serving refreshments on Sunday mornings.
- Funeral Chair: Assist in coordinating meals and hosting for funeral services, offering comfort and care to grieving families.
If you are willing to serve in any of these areas—or would like to learn more—please sign up in the narthex or contact the church office. Your service is a blessing to our congregation and to all who gather here in Christ’s name.
2026 Budgets Due — Sunday, December 14 . . . Board Chairs: Please submit your Board’s proposed 2026 budget to Matthew Waldrop by Sunday, December 14, so we can prepare the congregational budget for the new year. Include line items and brief notes on any new or one-time expenses. Questions or submissions: please contact Matthew Waldrop, Treasurer. Thank you for your timely help!
IMMANUEL JUNIOR CHOIR . . . will be singing today, Sunday, November 30. Choir members, please come up to the organ loft at the beginning of the service. Thank you!
THIS YEAR’S ADVENT MIDWEEK SERIES . . . is Steadfast While We Wait – A Study of 2 Thessalonians. This Advent we turn to St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians for strength and clarity in our waiting. In a world that grows impatient, confused, and weary, Paul teaches us how to stand firm in the faith until the Lord Jesus returns. Each week we hear the apostle’s encouragement to wait with faith, watch with discernment, and live with readiness.
- December 3 – Waiting with Faith (2 Thessalonians 1:1–12)
- December 10 – Watching with Discernment (2 Thessalonians 2:1–17)
- December 17 – Living with Readiness (2 Thessalonians 3:1–18)
Before each Wednesday service, take a few moments to read through that week’s chapter of 2 Thessalonians. Let the Word prepare your heart for worship and shape your Advent prayers. As Paul reminds us, “The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thess. 3:3) Come and be renewed in faith and hope on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm as we wait together for the appearing of our Savior. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
DECEMBER’S BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is a gift drive for our local schools. On December 7, the Board of Mission & Evangelism would like to raise $750 total for helping local children in need at our schools. If we pool together, we can give each school $250 to help and be a blessing to those around us. We have been richly blessed by our Lord so that we can be a blessing to those around us. Join us in that endeavor by using the envelope provided.
CHRISTMASTOWN PARADE . . . The Board of Mission & Evangelism invites you to join us on December 5 for our community’s Christmas parade. We will have a lighted float for you to sit on, lanterns for you to hold, and candy canes to pass out. Kids, we have some cool things for you too! Line-up at the park is at 5:30 pm but parade starts at 6:00. (Even if you can’t make it until just before it starts, please come on out — we’ll save you a spot!) Refreshments will be served afterward at the church. So don’t be a Scrooge — join us in reminding people of the love God has for us in sending his son into the flesh as a baby. We’ll see you there!
POINSETTIA ORDER FORMS . . . are located on the table by this weekend’s bulletins. Please complete and return them by Sunday, December 14. Poinsettias are $15.00 this year and can be taken and enjoyed at home immediately following the Christmas Day service.
CHRISTMAS DECORATING . . . Saturday, December 6, 9:00 am. The Christmas season is near! With it come the sights, the sounds, and the fellowship that unite Christians as we anticipate the birth of our Savior. Come on December 6 to help put up the Christmas trees and decorations that beautify Immanuel.
BIBLE HISTORY CLASS . . . There will be no Wednesday evening Bible History class November 26 through January 7. Bible History class will resume on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
THE 2026 FLOWER CHART IS NOW AVAILABLE . . . Please sign up on the bulletin board across from member mailboxes. 2026 flowers are $35.00 and can be special ordered. Flowers can be taken home after Sunday’s service.
GOODIES AND COOKIES FOR CHRISTMAS . . . Are you looking for delicious homemade treats to take and give to your family and friends during the holidays? Willa will be baking and selling her treats on Sunday, December 7, immediately following church. You can fill a tin of cookies and candies for $10! Make sure to stop by if you are looking for some delectable treats to have during this Christmas season!
UPCOMING SERVICES AND EVENTS
- Sunday, November 30, 8:00 am Sunday School Christmas Service practice
- Wednesday, December 3 6:00 pm Advent Midweek Service
- Friday, December 5 5:30 pm Christmastown Parade (Line up at 5:30 pm)
- Saturday, December 6 9:00 am Immanuel Christmas Decorating
- Sunday, December 7 8:00 am Sunday School Christmas Service practice
- Wednesday, December 10 6:00 pm Advent Midweek Service
- Sunday, December 14 8:00 am Sunday School Christmas Service practice
- Sunday, December 14 6:00 pm Sunday School Christmas Service
- Wednesday, December 17 6:00 pm Advent Midweek Service
- Sunday, December 21 10:30 am Voters’ Assembly Meeting
- Wednesday, December 24 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Service with Communion
- Wednesday, December 24 11:00 pm Christmas Eve Service (Broadlands)
- Thursday, December 25 9:00 am Christmas Day Service with Communion
- Thursday, December 25 11:00 am Christmas Day Service (Broadlands)
- Friday, December 26 Immanuel Offices Closed
- Wednesday, December 31 6:00 pm New Year’s Eve Service
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