THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL
Sunday (1/4)
- 8:00 am – Bible Class & Sunday School
- 9:00 am—Divine Service
- 11:00 am – Divine Service (Broadlands, IL)
Monday
- 7:30 am – Matins
Tuesday
- 7:30 am – Matins
Wednesday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 8:00 am – Catechism Class
- 4:30 pm – Individual Confession & Absolution
- 6:00 pm – Divine Service
Thursday
- 7:30 am – Matins
Sunday (1/11)
- 8:00 am – Bible Class & Sunday School
- 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: 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 . . . 1 Kings 8:6–13; Romans 12:1–5; Luke 2:41–52.
ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . Israel and all his family went and dwelt in Egypt (Gen. 46:1–7). God made a great nation of him there, but that nation would prove unfaithful to the Lord. Therefore, the New Israel came. In fleeing the murderous Herod, our young Lord goes to Egypt (Matt. 2:13–23), that the prophecy might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my Son” (Hos. 11:1). Jesus brings to perfection what old Israel could not. He is the faithful Israel, the embodiment of the people of God. He offers His perfect and holy life in place of our own. He submits Himself to persecution and suffering in order to save us. Therefore, we should not think it strange when we who are in Christ experience trials because of the faith (1 Pet. 4:12–19). Rather, we rejoice to share in Christ’s sufferings, knowing that we will also share in His glory.
THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Genesis 46:6 “They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan . . .” Look at all the temporal blessings that God gave to Jacob! We have also been greatly blessed to live in a land of freedom and prosperity. Shouldn’t that make us thankful and generous?
ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by the Lane and Michelle Simpson to the glory of God for blessings received.
NEW OFFICER INSTALLATION . . . will be Sunday, January 4, during the Divine Service immediately following the offering. If you are a newly-elected officer, please plan to attend.
ALTAR GUILD, COFFEE COMMITTEE, & FUNERAL CHAIR . . . For January, the Altar Guild is Jaimee & Ava Whitson. Coffee Committee is the Campbell family. January Funeral Chair is Krista Freebairn. For February, the Altar Guild is Jaimee & Ava Whitson. Coffee Committee is the Laverl Byers. February Funeral Chair is Krista Freebairn.
POINSETTIAS . . . If you did not get your poinsettia after the Christmas Day Divine Service, you will find it in the kitchen on the counter.
THE JANUARY CALENDAR . . . with birthdays and anniversaries is available on the table across from members’ mailboxes.
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.
MATINS WILL RESUME . . . on Monday, January 5, 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.
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.
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!
THANK YOU . . . My family and I wish to express our sincere thanks to the congregation for your generous Christmas gift. We are deeply grateful not only for your kindness, but also for your continued prayers, encouragement, and care. It is a great joy to share this life together as members of Christ’s family and to serve you the gifts of Christ—His Word, His Sacraments, and His mercy. We give thanks to God for you, and I count it a true privilege to be your pastor. Pastor & Lauren.
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