THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL
Sunday (12/14)
- 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
Monday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 3:45 pm – Catechism Class (Broadlands, IL)
Tuesday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 7:00 pm – Elders’ Meeting (Broadlands, IL)
Wednesday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 8:00 am – Catechism Class (Tuscola)
- 6:00 pm – Advent Midweek Service
Thursday
- 7:30 am – Matins
Sunday (12/21)
- 8:00 am – Bible Class
- 9:00 am—Divine Service
- 10:30 am – Voters’ Assembly Meeting
- 11:00 am – Divine Service (Broadlands, IL)
- 6:00 pm – Sunday School Christmas Program (Broadlands, IL)
IN OUR PRAYERS
HEALTH CONCERNS: Glenda Abercrombie (friend of Linda Brewer); 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.
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 . . . Deut. 18:15–19; Philippians 4:4–7; John 1:19–28
ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The voice of John the Baptist cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe.
THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . 1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” A steward manages the property of the owner for the owner’s purposes. We are stewards of all that God has given us. So we are called to use all that we are and all that we have for God’s purposes. How do we know what these are? Consider your vocations, your callings from God, in the Home, the Church, and Society: what are the roles God has called you to play? And how should you be using the gifts He’s given you to fulfill those roles?
ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Josh & Jaimee Whitson to the glory of God on the occasion of Ava’s birthday.
OUR CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM . . . is today Sunday, December 14, at 6:00 pm, and each and every one of you are invited to come hear the children speak and sing the story of our Savior’s birth. There will be refreshments in the fellowship hall following the service, so please plan to attend. Parents, please have your children at church by 5:40 pm to assemble in the double classroom. Thank you!
THE VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY BUDGET AND ELECTION MEETING . . . is Sunday, December 21, at 10:30 am. Just a reminder that any voting member who is absent from the voters’ meetings for a full year without a valid excuse shall have his/her name removed from the roster of voting members. Those who are 65 and older can submit a written request to have their name placed on the senior voting member list and will be automatically excused. If any senior member is unsure whether or not there is a written request on file, please contact the office. If any member has been removed from the roster of voting members, he/she can be reinstated by a request to the elders and attendance at the voters’ meeting approving that request.
CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SEMINARY STUDENTS . . . If you’d like to send Christmas greetings to our seminary students, their addresses are: Mr. Ethan Baumbach and Mr. Reece Parlier, at: 6600 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46825-4996.
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 today.
POINSETTIA ORDER FORMS . . . are located on the table by this weekend’s bulletins. Please complete and return them by today, Sunday, December 14. Poinsettias are $15.00 this year and can be taken and enjoyed at home immediately following the Christmas Day service.
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.
CHRISTMAS CARDS TO THE HOMEBOUND . . . If you would like to send Christmas greetings to our members who are homebound and can no longer be with us in person, you may mail cards to: Bernita Ashwill, 1231 N CR 1050 E, Tuscola, IL 61953; Wanda Long, Carriage Crossing, 909 Green Mill Road, Room 130, Arcola, IL 61910; Janet Pollock, Newman Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, 418 S Memorial Dr, Newman, IL 61942; Joan Rahn, Odd Fellows Rebekah Home, 201 Lafayette Ave E, Mattoon, IL 61938.
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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