NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Isaiah 29:17–24; 2 Corinthians 3:4–11; Mark 7:31–37.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard” (Gen. 4:1–15). For unlike Abel, Cain’s offering did not proceed from a heart that revered and trusted in the Lord. Thus, the lowly tax collector who prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” was the one who went down to his house justified before God, not the respectable, outwardly righteous Pharisee who trusted in himself and his own good living (Luke 18:9–14). “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:1–10). The one who penitently despairs of his own righteousness and relies completely on the atoning mercy of God in Christ is the one who is declared righteous. For Christ died for our sins and rose again the third day (1 Cor. 15:1–10). Therefore, “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Luke 18:11-12 “The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’” The Pharisees got so much right and so much wrong. It’s a good thing for this Pharisee to be faithful to his wife and faithful in his giving to the Lord’s work, but none of it is of any avail if it proceeds from a prideful heart!

THE ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by the Andrésens to the glory of God on the occasion of Savana’s birthday.

ALTAR GUILD, COFFEE COMMITTEE, & FUNERAL CHAIR . . . For August, the Altar Guild is Dorothy Hostetler and Willa Braaten. Coffee Committee is the Braaten family. August Funeral Chair is Ann Carroll. For September, the Altar Guild is Lauren, Maggie, and Willa Braaten. Coffee Committee is the Andrésen family. September Funeral Chair is Lauren Braaten and Jaimee Whitson.

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 LCMS 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!

Sunday School Resumes . . . With summer break coming to a close, it’s time to start planning for Sunday School. Classes will resume on September 7th and will take place at 8:00 am to coincide with the Bible Class. It’s a great opportunity to bring your children (Pre-K to 6th grade) to Sunday School while parents join Bible Class. We are looking forward to another great year!