THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL
Sunday (11/15)
- 9:00 am—Divine Service
- 10:30 am – Bible Class & Sunday School
- 2:00 pm – Installation of Rev. Oliver LaMie (Broadlands, IL)
Monday
- 7:30 am – Matins
Tuesday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 7:00 pm – Board of Elders (Broadlands)
Wednesday
- 7:30 am – Matins
- 4:30 pm – Individual Confession & Absolution
- 6:00 pm – Divine Service
- 7:00 pm – Bible History Class
Thursday
- 7:30 am – Matins
Saturday
- 9:00 am – Sunday School Lesson Planning
Sunday (11/22)
- 9:00 am—Divine Service
- 10:30 am – Bible Class & Sunday School
- 2:30 pm – Nursing Home Service
- 6:00 pm – Youth Group Event
IN OUR PRAYERS
HEALTH CONCERNS: Jerry & Joyce Alexander; Clancy Appleby (nephew of Jack Appleby); Rogelio Bermunez (friend of Dave Holzrichter); Jami Bowles; Cheryl Bozarth (friend of Hilgendorfs); Ruth Bretz; Jack Britt (grandson of Sharon Allen); Brad Butler (friend of Hilgendorfs); Darla Combs (friend of Dave Holzrichter); Scott Dallas; Crystal Davis (friend of Dave Slaughter); Tim Flynn (friend of Dave Holzrichter); Nash Foreman (friend of Sofie Reifsteck); Randy Frye (friend of Dave Slaughter); Ellen Hall (friend of Ann Carroll); Rick Hardesty (family of the Hoels); Kim Hausman (friend of Ann Carroll); Julie Holzrichter (sister-in-law of Dave Holzrichter); Nancy Holzrichter (wife of Dave Holzrichter); Myra Jade Houk (friend of Dave Holzrichter); Mary Houvanagle (friend of Hilgendorfs); Scott Kibler (friend of Lori Slaughter); Linda King (friend of Dave Holzrichter); Anya Knecht (daughter of Gretchen Krieger); Bob Kresin; John Lamkin (friend of Dave Slaughter); Lois Love (sister of Mary Appleby, Ruth Bretz, Steve Hilgendorf); Kelli Manning (cousin of Joan Vukelich); Mike Marana (friend of Josh Whitson); Candace McElhaney (daughter of Corky Fields); Cathy Minear (friend of Josh and Jaimee Whitson); Rev. Doug Meyer; Jennifer O’Laughlin (friend of Linda Brewer); Noah Luke Owen; Tresa Pollock; Jo Richner (mother of Leigh Ann Whitson); Brent Reifsteck (brother of Bryce Reifsteck); Emma Silver; Kim Travis (friend of Jaimee Whitson); John Waldrop (father of Matthew Waldrop); Lynn Whitson (father of Mark Whitson); Nora Wise (friend of Dave Holzrichter).
SEMINARY STUDENT: Ethan Baumbach; Reece Parlier.
MISSIONARIES: The Jastram Family (Japan); The Preus Family (Romania).
HOMEBOUND: Jerry & Joyce Alexander; Wanda Long; Joan Rahn.
MILITARY: Carl Crawford; Josh Dyer; Jeremy Gordon; Jack Leonard; Jake Lindgren; Raymond Longtin.
CHURCH NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Isaiah 65:17–26; 1 Thess 5:1–11; Matthew 25:1–13.
ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . A shroud of darkness engulfs us. Sin, death, and disease threaten to sever us from life’s fullest measure. Without new life in Christ Jesus, there would be no light to dissipate, dispel, or curb grief and sadness. But Jesus has qualified us “to share in the inheritance of the saints of light” delivering us from the dark domain (Col. 1:9–14). “I have put my words in your mouth and covered you in the shadow of my hand,…You are my people” (Is. 51:9–16). The presence of Christ, in word, wine, bread, and water, confronts our sinful nature with forgiveness. In the sacraments, God claims us to be His very own children, creating, and sustaining our faith. So in Christ, we humbly receive the words, “your faith has made you well” (Matt. 9:18–26). On the last day God will surely awaken us also from slumber in resurrection glory.
THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Col. 1:10: “. . . so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Living a godly life really is its own reward. Does the life St. Paul describes here sound more enjoyable than a life of worry, self-aggrandizement, and self-centeredness? God wants us to walk closely to our Lord and imitate Him for a reason: so that we will be blessed and happy.
ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Jack Appleby and the Reifsteck Family to the glory of God on the occasion of Mary Appleby’s birthday.
ALTAR GUILD, COFFEE COMMITTEE, & FUNERAL CHAIR . . . For November, the Altar Guild is Sarah and Savana Andrésen. Coffee Committee is the Reifstecks. November Funeral Chair is Celeste Nau. For December, the Altar Guild is Krista Freebairn and Willa Braaten. Coffee Committee is the Braatens. December Funeral Chair is Lauren Braaten.
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
YOUTH GROUP – ASK THE PASTOR! . . . Ever had a question about God, the Bible, Christianity, or life that you’ve always wanted to ask but never had the chance? Now’s your chance! Nothing is off-limits! Faith, friendships, relationships, tough topics, things that don’t make sense—whatever’s on your mind, let’s talk about it!
Join us for “Ask the Pastor!” on Sunday, November 22, 6:00 pm.
How do you submit your questions? Write them down and hand them to Pastor, or send them to him by text or email. Want to stay anonymous? Just write your question on a piece of paper without your name and leave it at the church office for Pastor. Get your questions in at least one week before the event so Pastor has time to prepare!
Bring your questions. Bring a friend. Come hungry! We’ll have snacks, great conversation, and a chance to tackle the questions you’ve been wondering about. Your friends don’t have to go to our church to come. Everyone’s welcome!
BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is Sunday, December 6, and will be going toward the Angel Tree. There will be an Angel Tree envelope in your member mailbox. You can place cash or check payable to Immanuel in this envelope and place it in the offering or return it to the church office on or before December 6. Thank you for your generosity in helping area children receive a few gifts under the Christmas Tree.
CHRISTMAS DECORATING . . . Saturday, December 5, 9:00 am. The Christmas season is near! With it come the sights, the sounds, and the fellowship that unite Christians as we anticipate the birth of our Savior. Come on December 5, to help put up the Christmas trees and decorations that beautify Immanuel. There will be decorating for the kids, too! Come and enjoy Christmas music, coffee, hot chocolate, juice, and doughnuts.
TODAY’S HYMN OF THE DAY . . . forces us to confront living in a sinful world, while also providing assurance that our holy and mighty God is the only one who eternally saves us from it. According to tradition, stanza 1 existed before Martin Luther wrote stanzas 2 and 3. These two additional stanzas clearly confess the Christian’s refuge during gloomy times of life: Jesus and His mercy. In stanza 1, death is described as an enemy; in stanza 2, death is portrayed as a valley through which we currently walk; in stanza 3, death is depicted as utter woe. While each stanza begins by sounding the realistic note of despair, each stanza ends by clearly pointing the singer to the merciful Savior. Yes, we constantly endure the sadness of living in a sinful world. This hymn helps us confront that reality and at the same time helps us look beyond that reality and cling to Jesus. Our holy and righteous God does show His mercy to us and saves, preserves, and keeps us!
A NOTE OF THANKS . . . Lauren and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the congregation for approving the installation of new hardwood flooring in the parsonage. A special word of thanks goes to the Trustees for all their hard work in making this project possible. We are truly grateful! Our hope was to choose flooring that would complement the original wood trim and built-in bookshelves while giving the home a fresh, updated look. We believe the finished result accomplishes both beautifully! Please feel free to stop by and take a look! Thank you again for your generosity and care for the parsonage and our family. – Pastor.
WHAT IS VETERANS’ DAY? . . . Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was first observed on November 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died while in military service, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. The following Scripture passages not only highlight the values of sacrifice and humility but also shed light on the depth of commitment and selflessness that we ask veterans to embody. John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This verse encapsulates the essence of sacrifice. Veterans, in their commitment to their country and its people, often put themselves in harm’s way, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice. Just as Christ laid down His life for us, veterans are prepared to lay down theirs for their fellow countrymen. Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This verse speaks to the camaraderie and brotherhood that is often seen among veterans. Their service is not just about duty to country but also about loyalty to their fellow servicemen and women. They learn to honor and value each other, often placing the needs of their comrades above their own. In reflecting on these scriptures, we are reminded of the profound sacrifices veterans have made. They have laid aside personal dreams, time with family, comforts, and sometimes even their lives, embodying the biblical principles of humility, sacrifice, and love. And our Lord calls upon all of us to embody these for his church.
UPCOMING SPECIAL SERVICES AND EVENTS . . .
- Wednesday, November 25, 6:00 pm – Thanksgiving Eve Service
- Sunday, November 29, 10:20 am – Sunday School Christmas Service practice
- Wednesday, December 2, 6:00 pm – Advent Midweek Service
- Saturday, December 5, 9:00 am – Immanuel Christmas Decorating
- Sunday, December 6, 10:20 am – Sunday School Christmas Service practice
- Wednesday, December 9, 6:00 pm – Advent Midweek Service
- Sunday, December 13, 10:20 am – Sunday School Christmas Service practice
- Sunday, December 13, 6:00 pm – Sunday School Christmas Service
- Wednesday, December 16, 7:00 pm – Advent Midweek Service
- Sunday, December 20, 11:30 am – Voters’ Assembly
- Thursday, December 24, 7:00 pm – Christmas Eve Service with Communion
- Friday, December 25, 9:00 am – Christmas Day Service with Communion
- Thursday, December 31, 7:00 pm – New Year’s Eve Service
0 Comments