NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Micah 7:18–20; 1 Timothy 1:12–17; Luke 15:1–10.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . Wisdom has issued an invitation to the divine feast: “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight” (Prov. 9:5–6). This is the call of the Spirit of Christ to believe the Gospel and to receive His saving gifts in the Holy Supper. Many make excuses and reject this invitation, even as the Jews did in the days of Jesus, yet the Master’s house will be filled. The Gospel call therefore goes out to the lowly and despised, into the highways, even to all the Gentiles (Luke 14:15–24). For “you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13–22). In Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles are no longer strangers but fellow members of the household of God. The enmity of class and race is put to death through the cross. Having been reconciled in the one Body of Christ, we are enabled to love one another (1 John 3:13–18) as we await the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom which will have no end.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Luke 14:19 “And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’” The things of this world tempt us to cast aside the things of God. The things of this world demand our attention, time, finances, etc. But Jesus invites us to the feast – what could be more important than this gracious invitation? Today’s parable invites us to examine our own priorities and attempted excuses…and then to come home to the Lord who invites us in humble repentance.

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Dave Slaughter to the glory of God for blessings received.

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.

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.

CONTACT INFO FOR VICAR PARLIER . . . If you’re looking to get a hold of Vicar, he can be reached at (630) 301-9740.

PORK CHOP DRIVE THROUGH . . . is Saturday, July 12, 11:00 am–3:00 pm. Greg Campbell is firing up the grill again. A ticket is $13 for two boneless chops, baked potato, green beans, and a dinner roll. Proceeds go to help with the Not Ashamed Conference. Contact Greg Campbell or Jim Dyer to get yours ordered.

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

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!

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

VACANCY AT IMMANUEL, BROADLANDS . . . Pastor Braaten was enlisted to fill the vacancy at Immanuel, Broadlands. This requires some minimal time changes for our Sunday mornings together. Adult Bible Class will meet at 8:00 am before our normal Divine Service time at 9:00 am. After Divine Service, Pastor will travel to Broadlands to conduct services and Bible Class.