NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . 1 Samuel 16:1–13; 1 Cor. 13:1–13; Luke 18:31–43

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The Sower sows the seed of His Word (Luke 8:4–15). This Word is living and powerful (Heb. 4:9–13) to conceive new life in those who hear it. But the planting of Christ is attacked by the devil, the world, and the flesh. Satan snatches the Word away from hard hearts. The riches and pleasures of this life choke off faith. Shallow and emotional belief withers in time of temptation and trouble. But see how Christ bears this attack for us! Christ’s cross was planted in the hard and rocky soil of Golgotha. A crown of thorns was placed upon His head. Satan and His demons hellishly hounded and devoured Him. Yet, through His dying and rising again, He destroyed these enemies of ours. Jesus is Himself the Seed which fell to the ground and died in order that it might sprout forth to new life and produce much grain. In Him, the weak are strong (2 Cor. 11:19–12:9). He is the Word of the Father which does not return void (Is. 55:10–13) but yields a harvest hundredfold.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Luke 8:5 “And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot . . .” Know any farmers like this? Who just throws their crop seed wherever? That’s crazy! But God’s ways are not our ways—he is generous beyond compare! He delights in giving. As we are more and more conformed to his image, may we learn the joy of generosity and giving as well!

THE ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Eric & Sarah Andresen to the glory of God on the occasion of their wedding anniversary.

LENTEN MIDWEEK SUPPERS . . . will be served this year before the Midweek services beginning on Ash Wednesday. Serving time will be 5:30 pm–6:45 pm. We are returning to traditional way of providing food where each board provides a meal. Here is the schedule.

• March 5, Ash Wednesday—Church Potluck
• March 12, Midweek Lent 1—Board of Christian Education
• March 19, Midweek Lent 2—Youth Group
• March 26, Midweek Lent 3—Board of Mission & Evangelism
• April 2, Midweek Lent 4—Boards of Stewardship and Church Council (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Financial Secretary)
• April 9, Midweek Lent 5—Boards of Elders and Trustees

LENTEN MIDWEEK SERMON SERIES . . . will be going the Book of Galatians. Each week will focus on one chapter from the book. Galatians, for Luther, emphasizes the central doctrine of justification by faith alone. He saw Galatians as the heart of the gospel, where Paul fiercely defends the freedom of the Christian from the bondage of the Law. Luther stressed that righteousness comes not by works but through faith in Christ, who has redeemed believers from sin and death. In his Preface to Galatians, he wrote that this epistle is “my epistle, to which I have wedded myself,” highlighting its importance in his theology. Luther also warned against the dangers of legalism and works-righteousness, urging Christians to rest solely in God’s grace. Galatians, for Luther, was the cornerstone of Christian liberty and a safeguard against any teaching that compromised the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement.

LENTEN BIBLE CHALLENGE . . . Since we will be meditating on the Book of Galatians through our Lenten midweeks, let us read through the book each week in preparation for the midweek services.

ALTAR GUILD & COFFEE COMMITTEE . . . For February, the Altar Guild is Jaimee & Ava Whitson. Coffee Committee is Laverl Byers. For March, the Altar Guild is Ann Carroll & Willa Braaten. Coffee Committee is Krista Freebairn.

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.

ALTAR GUILD . . . Please sign up for a month to serve on the Altar Guild, caring for our Lord’s body & blood just as the woman who went to be tomb sought to care for the body of Jesus. There are spots available for Junior members to sign up.

FUNERAL CHAIR . . . 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.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN . . . for the 2025 Martin + Katie Conference at University Lutheran Church in Champaign, Illinois, on Saturday, March 29, 2025. At this free conference, grow as Christian mean and women, meet new friends, get to know each other, and have fun. The conference is open to ages 18-30. Married or single are welcome. Registration is required as capacity is limited. Please register no later than Friday, March 21. Info and registration are available at http://martinpluskatie.org.

JOIN THE LINK . . . You’ve heard it said that the family that prays together stays together. Something similar happens in congregations. The congregation that knows each other grows together, and the congregation that grows together stands together. That is what The Link is all about. It’s about getting linked up with someone else in our church in order to know, grow, and stand together. The Link is an opportunity during Lent for members high-school age and up to be partnered with another member of our church 1:1 in order to get to know them better, grow together where God has placed you, and stand together as members of God’s family. You can sign up for The Link by filling out the form on the table in the Narthex and returning it in the box provided.

2025 NOT ASHAMED CONFERENCE . . . It is time to begin planning the 2025 Not Ashamed Conference, and you are invited to join in on the fun as a member of the planning committee for 2025! The first meeting will take place on Monday, March 3 at 6:00 pm in the double classroom.

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.