NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Exodus 34:29–35; 2 Peter 1:16–21; Matthew 17:1–9.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The coming of the Messianic kingdom means the restoration of creation. The sign of this restoration is that “the mountains shall drip sweet wine” (Amos 9:11–15). When the elements of a fallen creation fail and run short at a wedding feast, our Lord Jesus steps in to restore creation and miraculously changes water into an abundance of the very best wine (John 2:1–11). With this sign, Christ manifests His glory. The “back” of God (Ex. 33:12–23) is revealed to those who believe. The hour will come when Jesus will again manifest His glory by taking creation’s curse into His own body to release us from its power. The Bridegroom will give His life for the Bride (Eph. 5:22–32), and from His side will flow water and blood, the holy sacraments by which she is cleansed and made one with Him. Through this sacrificial love of Christ we are enabled to “love one another with brotherly affection . . .” and to “outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:6–16).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . John 2:5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” What must Mary have thought when Jesus replied, “What does this have to do with Me?” But she knew this: whatever her Son said to do would be a blessing, so she knows what advice to give to the servants: Do whatever He tells you! That’s still good advice for us in every aspect of our lives – including in our generosity toward the Lord’s work in the Church.

PASTOR’S OFFICE HOURS & CONTACT INFO . . . Pastor Braaten will be in his office Monday–Thursday, 9:00 am–12:00 noon, 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.

ALTAR GUILD. . . There are still opportunities to serve and carry out the Lord’s mission among us. Please sign up for a month to serve on the Altar Guild. Members care for our Lord’s body and 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.

THE 2024 FLOWER CHART IS AVAILABLE . . . There are still some openings to sign up for altar flowers. Please sign up on the bulletin board across from member mailboxes. 2024 flowers are $35.00 and can be special ordered. Flowers can be taken home after the Sunday’s service.

THE FINANCIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE . . . is requesting the deposit ledgers and bank statements of all groups associated with Immanuel so that they may be reviewed as mandated by the church constitution. They may be set in the church office.

POINSETTIAS . . . If you did not get your poinsettia after the Christmas Day Divine Service, you will find it in the kitchen on the counter.

REMINDER: VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY MEETING . . . is Sunday, January 21, 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.

SANCTITY OF LIFE PRAYER SERVICE . . . January is Sanctity of Life Month. Please invite your family and friends to join us on Sunday, January 14 at 4:00 pm for a prayer service for life. January 14–20 is Life Week and so to kick off that week, we will begin in prayer. About this service: “Christians address their sorrows and complaints to God in lament. He, not the world around us, is the audience of our prayer. In the face of love grown cold (Matt 25:12), we do not imagine ourselves a match for sin, death and the devil. We ask the Lord for everything (John 16:24). For these reasons, this service features multiple psalms of lament concerning the enemies of life (Ps 10), the Lord’s own rebuke of proud rulers (Ps 82), and our confidence in the Lord’s care, recognizing that judgment and repentance must begin at the house of God (Ps 139). Christ has redeemed the world and desires that all come to the knowledge of this truth—those in high places, those far off and those yet to be born.”

PASTOR WILL BE AWAY . . . January 22–28 at the Board of Directors meeting for The Lutheran Church Extension Fund. He will have limited access to his mobile phone. For emergencies, please contact one of the Elders: Steve Hilgendorf (217.493.3359), Tim Hoel (217.493.0449), Les Sluder (217.253.3029), Mark Whitson (217.202.4630).

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS CONFERENCE . . . The theme of the 2024 Faith of Our Father Conference is “The Law of God Is Good and Wise.” Debates over the Law of God have troubled American Lutheranism in recent years. Are Lutherans truly “weak on sanctification”? Do real Lutherans believe in a third use of the Law? What is antinomianism? How far have we caved to the indulgence and lawlessness of the world? What does true Law and Gospel preaching look like? Over two days, April 12th and 13th, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL we will learn about and discuss the Law of God. This conference is for both laity and pastors. Come join us for good theology, fellowship, and maybe even a little fun with some fellow Lutherans! Speakers and preachers include: Pr. Benjamin Ball; Rev. John Hill; Rev. Dr. Scott Murray; Rev. Dr. David Petersen; Rev. David Ramirez; Rev. Dr. Peter Scaer; Rev. Joshua Scheer; Rev. Mark Surburg; Pr. Michael Walther; Pr. William Weedon; and, Rev. Todd Wilken. Learn more and register for the conference at: https://yourgrandfatherschurch.org/.