NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Exodus 20:1–17; Romans 6:3–11; Matthew 5:17–26.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The Lord called fishermen to be fishers of men (Luke 5:1–11). The net they would use is the message of the cross, which is foolishness and a stumbling block to the world (1 Cor. 1:18–25). The power of God to save is not in spectacular signs like wind and fire and earthquakes (1 Kings 19:11–21), nor is it to be found in human intelligence and wisdom. The power of God to save comes in the still, small voice of the preaching of Christ crucified. In worldly darkness the disciples could catch nothing. But in the light of Christ, whose Word was attached to the water, the boats were filled with fish. So it is that in Baptism you have been drawn in to the ship of the Church. Though the nets are breaking and some who hear the Word do not believe, pastors continue to cast the net of the Gospel and the Sacraments, that Christians may abide in the boat of the Church and that we may be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:8–15).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Luke 5:5 “And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’” All our toil, all our work, all our efforts mean nothing without the Lord’s guidance. But if we walk in the Word of Jesus . . . well, look what happened to Simon Peter!

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Corky Fields to the glory of God in memory of Theresa Fields.

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.

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 . . . Thursday afternoon and Friday, July 24–25, for a LCEF Board of Directors meeting in St. Louis. He will also be out of town on Monday, July 28–August 8, for vacation. In case of emergency, please call his mobile phone, or contact one of the Elders.