THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL
Sunday (12/7)
- 8:00 am—Bible Class
- 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
- 11:00 am – Divine Service (Broadlands, IL)
- 12:30 pm – Catechism Class (Broadlands, IL)
- 2:30 pm – Tuscola Healthcare Center Service
Monday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 3:45 pm – Catechism Class (Broadlands, IL)
- 5:00 pm – Board of Mission & Evangelism
- 6:00 pm – Board of Christian Education
- 6:30 pm – Board of Trustees
- 7:00 pm – Board of Elders
Tuesday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 9:00 am – Mattoon Circuit Meeting (Charleston, IL)
Wednesday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 8:00 am – Catechism Class (Tuscola)
- 6:00 pm – Advent Midweek Service
Thursday
- 7:30 am – Matins
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)
- 6:00 pm – Sunday School Christmas Program
IN OUR PRAYERS
HEALTH CONCERNS: Jerry & Joyce Alexander; Cheryl Bozarth (friends of Hilgendorfs); 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 . . . Isaiah 40:1–8; 1 Corinthians 4:1–5; Matthew 11:2–10.
ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The day on which our Lord returns will be a “great and awesome day” (Mal. 4:5). For He will come in a cloud with great power and glory. To the wicked and the proud, it will be a Day of judgment that will “set them ablaze” (Mal. 4:1). The signs preceding this Day will bring them fear and fainting. But to those who believe, who fear the name of the Lord, this Day is one to look forward to and rejoice in: “. . . straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). Christ our Redeemer is coming; the Sun of Righteousness will bring healing in His wings. Let us, then, give attention to the words of the Lord, which do not pass away. Let us “through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures” (Rom. 15:4) be strengthened in our hope by the Holy Spirit and watch diligently for Jesus’ coming. Then, by God’s grace, we shall escape all these things that will come to pass and stand before the Son of Man.
THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Romans 15:4 “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.” God’s Word was given to us to bless us. The Bible warns us of our sin and points us to Christ for our salvation. The Bible also instructs us as to how to live out our Christians lives—this is the “third use of the Law.” As Christians we should welcome this instruction in humble faith.
ALTAR GUILD, COFFEE COMMITTEE, & FUNERAL CHAIR . . . For December, the Altar Guild is Deborah & Sofie Reifsteck. Coffee Committee is the Munson family. December Funeral Chair is Lauren Braaten. For January, the Altar Guild is Jaimee & Ava Whitson. Coffee Committee is the Campbell family. December Funeral Chair is Krista Freebairn.
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!
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.
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.
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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