NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Isaiah 40:25–31; 1 Peter 2:11–20; John 16:16–22.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . Our Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11–16). He is not like the hireling, who cares nothing for the sheep and only for himself, who flees when he sees the wolf coming. Rather, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks out His scattered sheep to deliver them (Ezek. 34:11–16). He gathers them and feeds them in rich pasture. He binds up the broken and strengthens the sick. He lays down His life for wandering and wayward sheep. On the cross, Christ bore in His body the attacks of the predators of sin and death and the devil for you that you might be saved. He now lives to restore your soul in the still waters of baptism, to lead you in the paths of righteousness by the voice of His Gospel, to prepare the table of His holy supper before you, that you may dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23). “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . John 10:16 “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.” The sheep know the Shepherd’s voice—and we delight to go where He leads. Of course, the world, the devil, and our own sinful flesh want to pull us in another direction. But following the Shepherd means life, and everything is of death. So no matter how difficult the path is that the Shepherd points out: let us follow Him!

PASTOR’S OFFICE HOURS & CONTACT INFO . . . Pastor Braaten will be in his office Monday–Thursday, 9:00 am –12:00 pm, unless stated otherwise. You may contact him for other appointments and visits by phone (O) 217.253.4341, (H) 217.253.4539, or (M) 217.460.2077, or by e-mail pastor.braaten@gmail.com.

THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR . . . are given by Greg & Celeste Nau to the glory of God for blessings received.

THANK YOU . . . to everyone who purchased a lily to beautify the sanctuary during Easter. If you would like your Easter lily, you can find it in the kitchen.

THANK YOU . . . to all who helped with the Easter Breakfast by bringing food, helping serve, and cleaning up afterwards. The wonderful food and the decorated fellowship hall helped to glorify this most celebrated Christian day! We had a great turnout. A total of $160.00 was raised for the Youth Group. Thank you for your generosity!

APPLICATIONS FOR THE ILC COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP . . . sponsored by the Board of Missions and Evangelism are now being accepted. The deadline is May 1, 2024. Applications are available by contacting Pastor.

SEMINARIAN JACKSON SCOFIELD . . . will be visiting us next weekend. He will be preaching and available during Bible class for questions on how his studies are progressing, what the rest of this year will be like, and what is coming next year.

PASTOR WILL BE AWAY . . . giving some presentations at the South Wisconsin District Pastors Conference, April 15–17. In an emergency, you may contact him on his mobile phone or contact one of the Elders (Steve Hilgendorf, Tim Hoel, Les Sluder, Mark Whitson).

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER . . . The Tuscola Ministerial Alliance is hosting its annual National Day of Prayer lunch on Thursday, May 2. Prayers for our nation and people will be offered 12:05 pm–12:35 pm. A soup luncheon follows immediately afterward. Immanuel has been asked to provide a few pots of chili. If you’re able to help out, please let Pastor Braaten know.