NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Malachi 4:1–6; Romans 15:4–13; Luke 21:25–36.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The new Church Year begins by focusing on the humble coming of our Lord. “Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey” (Matt. 21:5). Even as He was born in a lowly manger, so Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a beast of burden. For He bears the sin of the world. He is the Son of David riding to His enthronement on the cross, where He shows Himself to be “The LORD is our Righteousness” (Jer. 23:5–6). Our Lord still comes in great humility to deliver His righteousness to us in the Word and Sacraments. Before receiving Christ’s body and blood, we also sing, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9) And as we receive the Sacrament, we set our hearts on His return in glory, for “our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Jeremiah 23:6 “And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’” Jesus is our righteousness, our justification, our all. In Jesus we are forgiven and free. This knowledge sets us free to live as children of the Heavenly Father without fear. Freed from the supposed need to justify ourselves, good works can be done by us for the right reason: to thank God and to serve our neighbor.

DECEMBER ALTAR GUILD & COFFEE COMMITTEE . . . Altar Guild is Terra Waldrop and Willa Braaten. Coffee Committee is the Waldrops.

REMINDER: IMMANUEL BOARDS MEET . . . on Monday, December 9. If you have not done so already, please submit your 2025 budget request to the church office as soon as possible following your board meeting.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS SERVICE . . . will be Sunday, December 15. The service is at 6:00 pm, followed by refreshments hosted by the Board of Education. Join us for a Christmas Service where our children will remind us of the real reason for the season with all your favorite Christmas hymns and then food and fellowship.

THE 2025 FLOWER CHART IS NOW AVAILABLE . . . Please sign up on the bulletin board across from member mailboxes. 2025 flowers are $35.00 and can be special ordered. Flowers can be taken home after the Sunday’s service.

BIBLE HISTORY CLASS . . . Due to Advent services, there will be no Wednesday evening Bible History class November 27 through January 8. Bible History class will resume on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

YOUTH GROUP EVENT . . . is Sunday, December 8, 3:00 pm—7:00 pm (leaving the church by 12:45 pm). We are going to Trinity Lutheran Church, Worden, Illinois, to participate in an English Country Dance they are hosting. Youth grades 7th—12th are invited for fellowship, English Country dancing, and food. No experience necessary. A skilled caller will lead all dances and teach those just learning. Dress in comfortable shoes, ugly Christmas sweater optional, and modest slacks or skirts. Cost is $5 per attendee. Please RSVP to Pastor Braaten by November 28th to reserve your spot.

CHRISTMASTOWN PARADE . . . Mark your calendar for Friday, December 6, to walk in the lighted Christmastown parade. We will gather at the park at 5:30 pm, where the mission board will hand out lanterns for people to use. Feel free to bring your own flashlights or light yourself up in a fun and festive way as well. We hope to have as many members as possible attend, so please do join us.

POINSETTIA ORDER FORMS . . . are located on the table by this weekend’s bulletins. Please complete and return them by Sunday, December 15. Poinsettias are $13.00 this year and can be taken and enjoyed at home immediately following the Christmas Day service.

THE DECEMBER CALENDAR . . . with birthdays and anniversaries is available on the table across from members’ mailboxes.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING . . . Saturday, December 7, 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 7 to help put up the Christmas trees and decorations that beautify Immanuel.

BOARD OF MISSIONS & EVANGELISM . . . will be selling our church cookbooks again this Holiday season.  They are $15 each.  See one of the Board members:  Terra Waldrop, Lauren Braaten, Ann Carroll, or Deborah Reifsteck.

UPCOMING SERVICES AND EVENTS

•      Sunday, December 1 — 10:20 am, Sunday School Christmas Service practice
•      Wednesday, December 4 — 7:00 pm, Advent Midweek Service
•      Friday, December 6 — 5:30 pm, Christmastown Parade (Line up at 5:30 pm)
•      Saturday, December 7 — 9:00 am, Immanuel Christmas Decorating
•      Sunday, December 8 — 10:20 am, Sunday School Christmas Service practice
•      Sunday, December 8 —  12:45 pm, Youth Group leaves for Dance
•      Wednesday, December 11 — 7:00 pm, Advent Midweek Service
•      Sunday, December 15 — 10:20 am, Sunday School Christmas Service practice
•     Sunday, December 15 — 11:30 am, Voters’ Assembly
•     Sunday, December 15 — 6:00 pm, Sunday School Christmas Service
•      Wednesday, December 18 — 7:00 pm, Advent Midweek Service
•      Tuesday, December 24 — 7:00 pm, Christmas Eve Service with Communion
•      Wednesday, December 25 — 9:00 am, Christmas Day Service with Communion
•      Thursday, December 26 — Immanuel Offices Closed
•      Tuesday, December 31 — 7:00 pm, New Year’s Eve Service