THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (3/18)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Sunday School
• 12:30 pm—Catechism Class
• 2:30 pm—Nursing Home Service
• 7:00 pm—Men’s Bible Class

Monday—Thursday

• 7:30 am—Matins

Tuesday

• 9:00 am—Classical Conversations Home School Coop

Wednesday

• 10:00 am—Looking Forward to Sunday Bible Study
• 5:30 pm—Lenten Soup & Sandwich Supper
• 7:00 pm—Lenten Midweek Service

Saturday

• 9:00 am—Sunday School Teachers Lesson Planning
• 3:30 pm—Individual Confession & Absolution
• 5:30 pm—Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday (3/25)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion 
• 10:30 am—Bible Class & Sunday School
• 12:30 pm—Catechism Class
• 7:00 pm—Youth Group

IN OUR PRAYERS

HEALTH CONCERNS: Mia Anderson (great-granddaughter of Joan Vukelich); Bernita Ashwill; Mark Ashwill; Dale Brown (friend of Margaret Stilwell); Connie Hilgendorf Bruns (cousin of Mary Appleby); Owen Clark (friend of Mark & Leigh Ann Whitson); Jeff & Jo Coon (friends of the Holzrichters); Judy Cox (daughter of Ruth Sims); Ellie Crawford (daughter of Laran Crawford); Mike Ekstrom; Susan Hall (friend of Arleigh & Mary Jane Jones); Jim Harbaugh; Rick Hardesty (family of the Hoels); Kim Hausman (friend of Ann Carroll); Barbara Holste (friend of Arleigh & Mary Jane Jones); Pat Maree; Rev. Ted Mitchell (pastor of Tuscola United Methodist Church); Bill & Mary Negangard (grandparents of Bryce Reifsteck); Debbie Rahn (wife of Leroy Rahn); Ocil Slone (father of Carolyn Dyer); Carl Smith (husband of Lynnette Ashwill-Smith); Jill Zartler.

SEMINARY STUDENT: Joshua Schiff.

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; Janet Pollock; Art Rahn; Ruth Rentschler.

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Zechariah 9:9–12; Philippians 2:5–11; Matthew 21:1–9.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . In the temple Jesus said, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51). For Jesus came to taste death for us—to drink the cup of suffering to the dregs in order that we might be released from its power. Clinging to His life-giving words, we are delivered from death’s sting and its eternal judgment. Christ is our High Priest, who entered the Most Holy Place and with His own blood obtained everlasting redemption for His people (Heb. 9:11–15). He is the One who was before Abraham was, and yet is his descendant. He is the promised Son who carries the wood up the mountain for the sacrifice, who is bound and laid upon the altar of the cross. He is the ram who is offered in our place, who is willingly caught in the thicket of our sin, and who wears the crown of thorns upon His head (Gen. 22:1–14). Though Jesus is dishonored by the sons of the devil, He is vindicated by the Father through the cross.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Genesis 22:2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” It’s hard for us to even fathom a faith as strong as Abraham’s: he follows the Lord’s Word even when it seems impossibly hard. But he does so because he knows that the Lord only means to bless. What happened here to Abraham should be an encouragement for us: trust the Lord and keep His Word.

APRIL BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is Sunday, April 1. April’s bi-monthly offering has been designated for the Immanuel Funeral Fund. This fund is intended to supplement funeral dinner costs, such as the meat, that are over and above the food items graciously provided by our congregation. An envelope has been placed in your member mailbox for your convenience; additional envelopes can be found in the back of the church. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

EASTER LILY ORDER FORMS . . . are included in today’s bulletin. Please return them to the office by next Sunday, March 25. Lilies are $13.00 each.

EASTER BREAKFAST . . . It’s time to sign up for the Easter Breakfast—Easter is April 1! We’re asking for donations of food, drink, and kitchen volunteers. Signup sheets are located on the table in the Narthex. Come have a tasty breakfast from 7:00–8:30 am on Easter morning. Thank you!

LENTEN MIDWEEK SUPPER . . . The final Lenten midweek supper is Wednesday, March 21; serving time will be 5:30 pm–6:45 pm. The Board of Elders will be serving.

MARCH NEWSLETTER . . . is available in hard copy as well as on Immanuel’s website. Copies can be found on the table across from the member mailboxes. If you would like the newsletter through email, please tell Pastor Braaten or Leigh Ann Whitson.

THE COLES COUNTY BARBERSHOP CHORUS . . . will present their 24th Annual Lenten Benefit Concert on Sunday, March 25th at the Wesley United Methodist Church (2204 S. 4th Street – Charleston). The one-hour FREE sacred music program begins at 4:00 pm with all the free will offering proceeds going to area Food Pantry and Homeless Shelter programs. Typically, more than $2,500 is raised by the 30-man chorus, four quartets and 20 area ladies in a Mixed Chorus finale. A children’s ensemble from Charleston Community Church will also perform. There is adequate parking and the facility is wheel chair accessible.

GREETERS

THIS WEEK

• Josh & Jaimee Whitson (West)
• Jim & Carolyn Dyer (East)

NEXT WEEK

• Joan Vukelich (West)
• Laverl Byers (East)

COMMUNION HELPERS

THIS WEEK

• Kenny Kresin
• Sue Rothe; Cassie Russo

NEXT WEEK

• Kenny Kresin
• Sue Rothe; Mackenzi Bowles

ACOLYTES

THIS WEEK

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

NEXT WEEK

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

COFFEE COMMITTEE

• Craig & Carol Munson—March
• Laverl Byers—April

FUNERAL CHAIR

• Joyce Alexander—March
• Theresa Fields—April