NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Genesis 11:1–9; Acts 2:1–21, 36–41; John 14:23–31.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The Spirit of Truth bears witness to Jesus, who is the truth. But the world does not receive the truth. It loves its own and hates those who are of the truth. Just as Jesus was scorned, so is His Church. “The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God” (John 16:2). Yet it is by Jesus’ suffering and death that we are saved. Therefore we rejoice to share in His sufferings, that we may also share in His resurrection glory (1 Pet. 4:7–14). Through the ministry of the Spirit of Truth, we are cleansed from the deceit of our idols and given a new heart and a new spirit, the heart and Spirit of Christ (Ezek. 36:22–28). He now works in us fervent, self-giving love for one another, love which covers a multitude of sins, “that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:11).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . 1 Peter 4:10—“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” God’s grace is His undeserved mercy toward us. And what do we have that is not a gift flowing from God’s grace? He means for us to use all these gifts in service toward one another. And chief among the ways we serve one another is to support the Church’s work of bringing more of God’s grace to more of God’s people. And that’s what it means to be a steward!

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Mark & Leigh Ann Whitson to the glory of God for blessings received.

TODAY IS ROGATE SUNDAY . . . a special time before Ascension to implore the mercy of God that He keep us from all evils and bless the planted crops. It is a humble reminder that it is not us, but God, who provides for us. Pastor Braaten will be happy to come to bless your field(s) and equipment. Please feel free to contact Pastor directly or call the church office to schedule a time.

CAMP CILCA SCHOLARSHIP . . . The Board of Missions and Evangelism is offering a scholarship for anyone who wants to attend Camp CILCA. Camp CILCA Summer 2025 brochures can be found on the table across from member mailboxes. Please notify Pastor Braaten or Deborah Reifsteck of your interest.

SAVE THE DATE . . . August 23, 2025 for this year’s Not Ashamed Conference to be held at Iron Horse Golf Club.

ALTAR GUILD & COFFEE COMMITTEE . . . For June the Altar Guild is Celeste Nau and Maggie Braaten. Coffee Committee is the Cash family. For July the Altar Guild is Terra Waldrop and Ava Whitson. Coffee Committee is the Waldrop 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.

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.

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!

FREE MOVIE NIGHTS – JUNE 20–22 . . . at the Tuscola Community Building. Join us for a three-night event exploring the scientific and archaeological evidence for the Genesis creation and flood accounts! Two powerful films will be shown, engaging both faith and reason in defense of the truth of God’s Word. Bring a friend—and come ready to be encouraged and informed! Volunteers Needed: We’re looking for helpers to assist with set-up and take-down of chairs, pick up and return the popcorn machine, run the popcorn machine during the films, and serve bottled water. If you can lend a hand any of the evenings, please sign up in the narthex or contact the church office. Mark your calendars and come be part of this exciting outreach event!