NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Numbers 21:4–9; James 1:22–27; John 16:23–30.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . Though Jesus has departed from us visibly to the right hand of the Father who sent Him, yet this is to our advantage. For Jesus—who is Lord over all creation, who intercedes for us before the Father, who is preparing a place for us in heaven—has sent the Helper, the Spirit of Truth (John 16:5–15). “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” through Jesus Christ (James 1:17). The Holy Spirit helps us by taking what is Christ’s and declaring it to us. In the Word of truth, the Spirit works repentance and delivers to us the forgiveness of sins, the righteousness of Christ, and victory over the devil. For the ruler of this world is judged and defeated by the cross. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we have been brought forth to new life in Him who is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Confident of our resurrection with Christ we confess, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid” (Is. 12:2).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . James 1:17—“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” How often this thought is repeated in the Scriptures! Everything good we have is from God. He loves to give. He loves to bless. He loves to show us generosity time and again – and He desires that we grow into His image, and reflect His love.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by the Braatens to the glory of God on the occasion of their wedding anniversary.

IMMANUEL JUNIOR CHOIR . . . are singing, today, Sunday, May 18. Choir members, please come up to the choir loft prior to the start of the service. Thank you!

ALTAR GUILD & COFFEE COMMITTEE . . . For May, the Altar Guild is Dorothy Hostetler and Willa Braaten. Coffee Committee is Ann Carroll. For June the Altar Guild is Celeste Nau and Maggie Braaten. Coffee Committee is the Cash family.

THE 2025 FLOWER CHART IS AVAILABLE . . . Please sign up on the bulletin board across from the member mailboxes. 2025 flowers are $35.00 and can be special ordered. Flowers can be taken home after the Sunday service.

FUNERAL CHAIR . . . The months August, September, and October are still open. Please sign up for a month to serve as funeral chair; the chair is responsible for placing calls requesting food donations and volunteers to help with serving and cleaning up after the funeral dinner. The current call list is included with the chair sign-up list on the clipboard located in the Narthex.

RATE & REVIEW IMMANUEL ON GOOGLE . . . Did you know that throughout the United States each month over 2 million people search on Google for “Churches Near Me.”? That’s how a majority of people find churches to visit. Therefore, being visible on Google as one of the top results for searches is important to get found. One way to increase your visibility on Google is through their Rate & Review feature. Please consider rating and review Immanuel on Google by going to: https://g.page/r/CdbSahe0h2B0EAI/review

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR VBS . . . This year’s VBS is June 9–13. The theme for this year is UNSHAKEABLE: A Journey through God’s Promises. Registration will begin in May.

CHANGE TO SATURDAY NIGHT SERVICE . . . begins this coming week. There will be no Saturday night service at least throughout the summer beginning May 24. Instead there will be a spoken Divine Service on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm.

UPDATE FROM SEMINARY STUDENTS . . . Tuesday, April 29, was Call Night for the seminary students we have supported the last couple of years. That means they received their placements in the LCMS to be pastors of particular congregations. Nicholas Sinatra was called to St. John Lutheran Church, Sandborn, IA. Jacob Garrison was called to Centennial Lutheran Church, Superior, NE, and St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, NE. Jackson Scofield was called to River of Life Lutheran Church, Channahon, IL, and Friends in Christ Lutheran Church, Morris, IL.

GRADUATION OPEN HOUSE . . . You are all invited to a graduation open house for Oliver at the parsonage on Saturday, May 31, from 1–4 pm. – Pastor and Lauren.

Vicar Parlier will be arriving . . . in Tuscola on Thursday, May 29. If anyone is interested in blessing him with some staples for his pantry, a gift card, or providing a meal, you can drop those off at church and we will get them to him. (He is allergic to tree nuts and is a tea drinker, not a coffee person.) Or, you can also deliver them in person to his rental at 702 East Daggy. He’s very excited to be coming to Immanuel. He will be installed on Sunday, June 1, and following the service there will be a cake and punch reception in lieu of Bible Class. During this time, he will introduce himself, so please come down to the Fellowship Hall and greet our summer vicar.

A PRAYER FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT . . . Almighty God, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts that He may rule and direct us according to Your will, comfort us in all our temptations and afflictions, defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth that we, being steadfast in faith, may increase in all good works and in the end obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Sunday School Art Project . . . We’re excited to share that Lutheran artist Ed Riojas has begun work on a special series of drawings and paintings depicting the 12 Apostles. These beautiful works will be displayed over the rock panels on the face of the choir loft balcony, adding a rich visual confession to our sanctuary. The Sunday School has already raised with the help of some other donations, around $10,000. This is two-thirds of the needed $15,000 in just a few months. If you are interested in supporting this Sunday School art project alongside of our Sunday School students, please contact pastor or speak with one of the members of the Board of Christian Education. Thank you for helping make this vision a reality for our congregation!