NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Genesis 50:15–21; Romans 8:18–23; Luke 6:36–42.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). The Pharisees’ statement of judgment against Jesus is in fact a proclamation of Gospel truth. For our God is one who delights in mercy, who casts all our sins into the depths of the sea through the cross (Micah 7:18–20). “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). Those who refuse to be counted as sinners also refuse Jesus who came only for sinners. Those like the older son (Luke 15:11–32), who think they are righteous of themselves, will not join in the heavenly celebration over the sinner who repents and so remain outside of the Father’s house. Let us therefore be on guard against self–righteously trusting in our own merits. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6). Rejoice that Jesus receives sinners like us and that He still sits at table with us in the Holy Supper, bestowing His forgiveness and life.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Luke 15:10 “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Jesus eats with sinners not so that they will remain stuck in their sins, but so that they will come to know His love and repent. To repent means to turn, to turn away from sin and toward Jesus in faith. Whether the sin we struggle with is pride, greed, doubt, etc., the Lord calls us to turn to Him again in faith and away from our sin.

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Dorothy Hostetler to the glory of God in thanksgiving for blessings received.

ALTAR GUILD & COFFEE COMMITTEE . . . For July the Altar Guild is Terra Waldrop and Ava Whitson. Coffee Committee is the Waldrop family. For August, the Altar Guild is Dorothy Hostetler and Willa Braaten. Coffee Committee is the Braaten 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 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!

SAVE THE DATE . . . August 23, 2025 for this year’s Not Ashamed Conference to be held at Iron Horse Golf Club. This year’s conference will have Pastor Jason Braaten speaking on Embracing God’s Purpose in Adversity. We don’t get to choose our battles, but we do get to choose how we face them. Our trials aren’t wasted. Our struggles aren’t random. So come and learn the importance of Embracing God’s Purpose in Adversity. Register at https://bit.ly/NotAshamed_2025 or call the church office for help in registering.

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.

PASTOR WILL BE AWAY . . . Monday, July 14–Tuesday, July 15, for the Central Illinois District Convention, in Springfield, Illinois. In case of emergency, please call his mobile phone, or contact one of the Elders.