NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Deut. 18:15–19; Philippians 4:4–7; John 1:19–28

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The voice of John the Baptist cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . 1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” A steward manages the property of the owner for the owner’s purposes. We are stewards of all that God has given us. So we are called to use all that we are and all that we have for God’s purposes. How do we know what these are? Consider your vocations, your callings from God, in the Home, the Church, and Society: what are the roles God has called you to play? And how should you be using the gifts He’s given you to fulfill those roles?

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Josh & Jaimee Whitson to the glory of God on the occasion of Ava’s birthday.

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

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.

OUR CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM . . . is today Sunday, December 15, at 6:00 pm, and each and every one of you are invited to come hear the children speak and sing the story of our Savior’s birth. There will be refreshments in the fellowship hall following the service, so please plan to attend. Parents, please have your children at church by 5:40 pm to assemble in the double classroom. Thank you!

THE VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY BUDGET AND ELECTION MEETING . . . is, today Sunday, December 15, at 11:30 am. Just a reminder that any voting member who is absent from the voters’ meetings for a full year without a valid excuse shall have his/her name removed from the roster of voting members. Those who are 65 and older can submit a written request to have their name placed on the senior voting member list and will be automatically excused. If any senior member is unsure whether or not there is a written request on file, please contact the office. If any member has been removed from the roster of voting members, he/she can be reinstated by a request to the elders and attendance at the voters’ meeting approving that request.

CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SEMINARY STUDENTS . . . If you’d like to send Christmas greetings to our seminary students, their addresses are: Mr. Jacob Garrison and Mr. Nicholas Sinatra, at: 6600 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46825-4996.

THANK YOU . . . to the many volunteers who came out to decorate and beautify the church for Christmas. To those who helped set up and tear down all the pieces of the live nativity, those who participated in the nativity scene, those who brought food and warm drinks, those who gathered together for a couple hours of friendship and fellowship, and to those who came out in support by driving through, thank you all

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.

PASTOR WILL BE OUT OF OFFICE . . . Pastor will be out of the office Monday, December 30 and returning on Tuesday, December 31. For immediate assistance or emergencies please contact his mobile phone (217) 460-2077, or one of the elders.

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.

ALTAR GUILD. . . Please sign up for a month to serve on the Altar Guild, caring for our Lord’s body & blood just as the woman who went to be tomb sought to care for the body of Jesus. There are spots for both Senior and Junior members to sign up.

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.

THANK YOU . . . Your visits, cards, and phone calls were appreciated so much during Jerry’s recent hospital and nursing home stays! Jerry and Joyce.

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