THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (1/27)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Sunday School
• 7:00 pm—Youth Group

Monday—Thursday

• 7:30 am—Matins

Wednesday

• 7:00 pm—Bible History Bible Study

Saturday

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

Sunday (2/3)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Sunday School
• 6:00 pm—Adult New Members Class
• 6:30 pm—Ladies Bunco Night

IN OUR PRAYERS

HEALTH CONCERNS: Mia Anderson (great-granddaughter of Joan Vukelich); Bernita Ashwill; Dale Brown (friend of Margaret Stilwell); Connie Hilgendorf Bruns (cousin of Mary Appleby); Carolyn Coon (mother-in-law of David Holtzrichter); Jeff & Jo Coon (friends of the Holzrichters); Judy Cox (daughter of Ruth Sims); Ellie Crawford (daughter of Laran Crawford); Mitzi Dingler (cousin of John Harvey); Theresa Fields; Jenna Gustafson; Cindy Harbaugh; Jim Harbaugh; Rick Hardesty (family of the Hoels); Kim Hausman (friend of Ann Carroll); Brody Heinz (friend of Jaimee Whitson); Barbara Holste (friend of Arleigh & Mary Jane Jones); Marylin Joergens; Pat Maree; Delvin Meyr (father of Willa’s godmother); Rev. Ted Mitchell (friend of Pastor Braaten); Kimberly Mulvany (daughter of Pastor Doug Meyer); Bill & Mary Negangard (grandparents of Bryce Reifsteck); Debbie Rahn (wife of Leroy Rahn); Joan Rahn; Isabelle Richard (friend of the Naus); Ocil Slone (father of Carolyn Dyer); Joy Stenger; Bob Vukelich; Irene Wright (mother of Ann Hilgendorf); Jolene Young (mother of Ryan Bowles).

SEMINARY STUDENT: Joshua Schiff.

DEACONESS STUDENT: Stephanie Wilde.

MISSIONARIES: Rev. Dr. Edward and Monica Naumann; Rev. Ryan and Emily McDermott; Julie Lutz.

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

MILITARY: 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 . . . Jonah 1:1–17; Romans 13:8–10; Matthew 8:23–27.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Gentile (Rom. 1:8–17). Even in the Old Testament, the Gentiles were beneficiaries of God’s saving power. Though unimpressed at first with the Word of God, a Syrian commander is persuaded to receive that Word, and in the water he is cleansed and brought to faith in the God of Israel (2 Kings 5:1–15a). Evil is overcome by good (Rom 12:16–21). So also in the New Testament, a Roman centurion demonstrates great and humble faith in the Lord (Matt. 8:1–13). All he needs is the Word of Christ, for he trusts that Jesus’ Word of healing has authority to accomplish what it says. And indeed it does. The centurion’s faith is praised by our Lord above that of any Israelite. For the last shall be first, and the first last. Apart from faith in Christ, there is no salvation—not even for a Jew—but only weeping and gnashing of teeth.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Matthew 8:8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” The Word of the Lord is powerful and effective. What God says, goes. “Let there be light.” And there was light. His Word is still effective and creative for us: “This is my Body given for you.” “Your sins are forgiven.” This is why it is no burden for us to live according to the Word of God: we know that His Word is always bent on our blessing.

THANK YOU . . . for the opportunity to serve Immanuel as Administrative Assistant for the past three years. I have submitted my resignation effective February 2, 2019, so that I can spend more time with my family and on the farm. I look forward to continuing as Sunday morning organist and Sunday School music teacher, which also bring me great joy! Thank you for supporting me, making this position enjoyable, and stepping up to volunteer when I’ve needed you! Immanuel could not exist without your support. With warmest regards—Leigh Ann.

JOIN US FOR A RECEPTION . . . today, Sunday, January 27, after the Divine Service to say thank you to Leigh Ann for serving Immanuel as Administrative Assistant.

BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is Sunday, February 3, and will be going to the Tuscola Area Ministerial Alliance (TAMA). For your convenience, an envelope designated for TAMA has been placed in your church mailbox. You may place cash or check payable to Immanuel in this envelope. Thank you!

A NEW ADULT INFORMATION CLASS . . . will begin on Sunday, February 3, 6:00 pm. All the main teachings of the Bible will be studied. If you know of someone who is interested in this class, perhaps a husband or wife, a neighbor, or someone from work, please invite them to attend. If you have not attended since confirmation or when you became a member, please consider joining us for some rewarding Bible study. For more information, contact Pastor.

MATTOON CIRCUIT VISITOR . . . will be here at Immanuel on Sunday, February 10, 2:00–5:00 pm. Rev. John Sharp will be here to visit with members, boards, and committees to examine the steadfast preaching and teaching of Pastor Braaten and the unity and fellowship within Immanuel. All are invited to come. Pastor Sharp is interested in talking with not only the Church Council and the Board of Elders, but also each one of us as members who are to care for one another and build each other up in Christian service and fellowship.

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.

LOOKING AHEAD . . . Lenten Midweek Suppers will be served this year before the Midweek services. Serving time will be 5:30 pm–6:45 pm. Ash Wednesday is typically the most well-attended; we invite the congregation to bring a dish to pass. The serving schedule is as follows:

• Wed, March 6 (Ash Wednesday) — Congregational Potluck
• Wed, March 13 — Immanuel Meal Prep Group
• Wed, March 20 — Boards of Stewardship & Trustees
• Wed, March 27 — Board of Mission & Evangelism
• Wed, April 3 — Board of Christian Education
• Wed, April 10 — Board of Elders

ON SUNDAYS, AT 7:30 am . . . on radio stations WTIM 870 AM (Central Illinois), 96.1 FM (Christian County) & 107.5 (Shelbyville County) the Lutheran Hour is being broadcasted. This broadcast is sponsored by congregations of the Springfield East & West Circuits and any other congregations or individuals who wish to give their support. Your support is welcomed especially if you are enjoying the Lutheran Hour on one of these stations. Donations can be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church and sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 N. Webster St., Taylorville, Illinois 62568. Please add The Lutheran Hour on WTIM on the check memo line.

GREETERS

THIS WEEK

• Kenny & Tammy Kresin (West)
• Jim Dyer (East)

NEXT WEEK

• Mark Whitson (West)
• Laverl Byers (East)

COMMUNION HELPERS

THIS WEEK

• Mark Whitson
• Ann Carroll; Cailin Munson

NEXT WEEK

• Mark Whitson
• Ann Carroll; Isabel Burgener

ACOLYTES

THIS WEEK

• Coulson Poffenberger (Crucifer)
• Jake Dyer (Torches)
• Isaak Burgener (Torches)
• Caiden Russo (Gospel)

NEXT WEEK

• Oliver Braaten (Crucifer)
• Jake Dyer (Torches)
• Jonathan Braaten (Torches)
• Isaak Burgener (Gospel)

COFFEE COMMITTEE

• Josh & Jaimee Whitson—January
• Donna Campbell—February

FUNERAL CHAIR

• Joan Vukelich—January
• Ruth Sims, Tammy Kresin—February