THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (5/21)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Sunday School
• 7:00 pm—Men’s Bible Study

Monday—Thursday

• 7:30 am—Matins

Tuesday

• 7:30 pm—LWML

Wednesday

• 10:00 am—Looking Forward to Sunday Bible Study
• 7:00 pm—Bible History Bible Study

Thursday

• 7:00 pm—Ascension Day Divine Service with Holy Communion

Saturday

• 3:30 pm—Individual Confession & Absolution
• 5:30 pm—Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday (5/28)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class (No Sunday School)
• 7:00 pm—Youth Group

IN OUR PRAYERS

HEALTH CONCERNS: Mia Anderson (great-granddaughter of Joan Vukelich); Bernita Ashwill; Mark Ashwill; Jimmee Barger (friend of the Alexanders); Sandy Bates (friend of Joan Vukelich); Randy Bergeson (friend of Pastor Braaten and Ann Carroll); Laverl Byers; Judy Cox (daughter of Ruth Sims); Ellie Crawford (daughter of Laran Crawford); Jim Harbaugh; Rick Hardesty (family of the Hoels); Kim Hausman (friend of Ann Carroll); Patti Heath (friend of the Hoels); Joel Hilgendorf; John Hofer (relative of Jerry Alexander); Mike Kerner (friend of Josh and Jaimee Whitson); Scott McCumber (friend of the Russos); Laurie McMillen; Rev. Ted Mitchell (pastor of Tuscola United Methodist Church); Ken Moen (friend of the Vukeliches); Bill Negangard (grandfather of Bryce Reifsteck); Ena Raaymakers (friend of Josh and Jaimee Whitson); Rev. Michael Schuermann; Sue Wisovaty (friend of Joan Vukelich).

SEMINARY STUDENT: Hayden Folks.

DEACONESS STUDENT: Carolyn Walsh.

MISSIONARIES: Rev. Dr. Edward and Monica Naumann; Rev. Alan and Patricia Ludwig; Julie Lutz.

HOMEBOUND: Bernita Ashwill; Bessie Benson; Dolores Byers; Marylin Joergens; Joan Mulligan; Janet Pollock; Art Rahn; Ruth Rentschler.

MILITARY: John Bookas; Carl Crawford; Jeremy Gordon; Jack Leonard; Jake Lindgren; Raymond Longtin; Joey Pollock; Chase Reifsteck; Blake Stokes; Paige Stokes; Ruben Wilson.

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Ezekiel 36:22–28; 1 Peter 4:7–11; John 15:26–16:4.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you” (John 16:23). To pray in Jesus’ name is to pray as one who has been baptized. For it is in the water that He put His name upon you, claiming you as His own, making you a son of God with access to the Father. By His incarnation and crucifixion, our Lord Jesus broke through the barrier of sin which separated us from God, opening a portal to the Father. To pray in Jesus’ name is to pray with faith in Him as the one Mediator between God and men, who gave Himself a ransom for all (1 Tim. 2:1–6). Like Moses in the wilderness, Jesus is our go-between and intercessor before the throne of heaven. He was lifted up for us on the cross that we might be saved and restored to fellowship with the Father (Num. 21:19). Looking into this perfect teaching of liberty (James 1:22–27) we pray with boldness and confidence as dear children of God.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . James 1:22—“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” The Word of God is not merely to be heard, but to be received and believed. Our faith is implanted and strengthened by the Word of God. And as Luther said, “Oh, it is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, this faith. And so it is impossible for it not to do good works incessantly.” James reminds us of this—and encourages us to examine our lives and come to repentance where we can see that we are not living out our faith in sincerity.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Craig & Carol Munson to the glory of God for blessings received.

TODAY IS ROGATE SUNDAY . . . a special time before Ascension to implore the mercy of God that He keep us from all evils and bless the planted crops. It is a humble reminder that it is not us, but God, who provides for us. Pastor Braaten will be happy to come to bless your field(s) and equipment. Please feel free to contact Pastor directly or call the church office to schedule a time.

IMMANUEL YOUTH GROUP . . . will be meeting next Sunday, May 28, 7:00 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. You will be having a game day, so bring your favorite game to play!

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL . . . next Sunday, May 28, due to Memorial Day Weekend. Adult Bible Class will meet as scheduled. Immanuel’s offices will be closed on Monday, May 29.

JUNE 1, 2017, MARKS THE 10^TH ANNIVERSARY . . . of Pastor Braaten’s ordination into the ministry. A potluck to recognize this anniversary will be held on Sunday, June 4, 12:00 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. Plan to attend to celebrate with him through food and fellowship!

BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is Sunday, June 4. This bi-monthly mission will go to support Camp CILCA. An envelope for this purpose has been placed in your mailbox. Thank you!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL . . . is set for Monday, June 5–Friday, June 9, 9:00 am–11:00 am. The Board of Education is seeking donations of various items and volunteers to help where needed. See the board in the back of the church, pick a post-it, and join in the fun!

THE MATTOON CIRCUIT IS PLANNING A CONVOCATION . . . this summer for all of our churches to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation on August 5 at St. John, Mattoon. Part of that celebration is to have a combined choir for the worship. As a central location for practice, they are meeting here at Immanuel in the sanctuary on June 6, 6:30 pm. Anyone is invited to participate. Just show up that evening and join in singing praises to God!

CAMP CILCA SCHOLARSHIP . . . The Board of Missions and Evangelism is offering a scholarship for anyone who wants to attend Camp CILCA. Camp CILCA Summer 2017 brochures can be found on the table across from member mailboxes. Please notify Pastor Braaten or Deborah Reifsteck of your interest.

PEORIA BACH FESTIVAL . . . will be held June 2-11, 2017. This year’s festival will feature nine concerts and six other events including a free lunch lecture and an event for children. More information can be found on Immanuel’s bulletin board, as well as emailing Maggie Sloter at TrinityConcertSeries135@gmail.com or visiting www.soundcloud.com/peoriabachfestival.org.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT . . . is playing at The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Illinois, July 19–30, 2017. Tickets are on sale now through the box office at 217-728-7375. Visit http://www.thelittletheatre.org/ for more information.

GREETERS

THIS WEEK

• Josh & Jaimee Whitson (West)
• Mark Whitson (East)

NEXT WEEK

• Donna Campbell (West)
• Tim & Teri Pollock (East)

COMMUNION HELPERS

THIS WEEK

• Bryce Reifsteck
• Ruth Bretz; Marissa Russo

NEXT WEEK

• Bryce Reifsteck
• Sue Rothe; Lexie Russo

ACOLYTES

THIS WEEK

• Ethan Stumeier (Torches)
• Caleb Stumeier (Torches)
• Josh Dyer (Gospel)
• Jonthan Braaten (Gospel)

NEXT WEEK

• Caleb Stumeier (Crucifer)
• Ethan Stumeier (Torches)
• Jake Dyer (Torches)
• Oliver Braaten (Gospel)

COFFEE COMMITTEE

• Mark & Leigh Ann Whitson—May
• Pastor & Lauren Braaten—June

FUNERAL CHAIR

• Judy Legg & Janet Stumeier—May
• Dolores Ford—June