THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (4/2)

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

Monday—Thursday

• 7:30 am—Matins

Tuesday

• 9:00 am—Classical Conversations Home School Coop

Wednesday

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

Saturday

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

Sunday (4/9)

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

Monday

• 5:00 pm—Board of Mission & Evangelism
• 6:00 pm—Board of Education
• 6:30 pm—Board of Trustees
• 7:00 pm—Board of Elders

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); 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).

DEATH: Family and friends of Elsie Ford (sister-in-law of Darrell & Dolores Ford), Family and friends of Roland Spomer.

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 . . . 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.

THE REIFSTECKS SAY THANK YOU . . . for your prayers and well wishes during Deborah’s pregnancy and Stella’s birth and baptism.  Thank you for the cake and champagne reception as well as the cards and meals.  Thanks to Leigh Ann for organizing the Meal Train.  Everything is appreciated—we are blessed to have such a loving church family!

THANK YOU . . . for your prayers and thoughtfulness throughout the pregnancy and birth of our daughter, Maggie. The cards, gifts, and timely meals are very much appreciated. We rejoice in both the arrival of Maggie and in our Immanuel family! Pastor, Lauren, and family.

APRIL BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is today, Sunday, April 2. April’s bi-monthly offering has been designated for a newly-created 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. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

EASTER LILY ORDER FORMS DUE . . . today, Sunday, April 2. Lilies are $13.00 each.

LADIES BUNCO . . . Join us this Sunday, April 2, 6:30–8:30 pm, at the parsonage for Bunco! Please bring a dessert or appetizer to share and be prepared to have a great time. If you have any questions, please talk to Celeste Nau, Jaimee Whitson, or Lauren Braaten.

EASTER BREAKFAST . . . It’s time to sign up for the Easter Breakfast—Easter is April 16! We’re asking for donations of an egg dish/breakfast casserole, muffins, fresh fruit or juice. Or all of the above! Signup sheets are located on the table in the Narthex. Donations this year will go to Immanuel Youth Group’s trip to the Higher Things Conference in San Antonio. Come have a tasty breakfast from 7:00–8:30 am on Easter morning. Thanks!

LENTEN MIDWEEK SOUP & SANDWICH SUPPER . . . our last Lenten Midweek supper this season is this Wednesday, April 5, 5:30–6:45 pm.; the Boards of Elders & Trustees will be serving.

IMMANUEL CONGREGATION IS IN THE PRAYERS OF . . . St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fredonia, New York. St. Paul’s has begun an intentional program of praying for various ministries throughout the United States and the world. St. Paul prays that Immanuel’s ministry in the Tuscola area is doing well, that the saving message of grace in Christ is being proclaimed, and that our efforts of outreach are being blessed.

BAPTISM SAVES . . . God works through means. The Holy Spirit creates faith through the Word and the Sacraments. When ordinary water is combined with God’s Word and connected with His command, it does exactly what God promises it will do. It saves (Titus 3:4–7; 1 Pet. 3:21). Through Baptism God forgives sins and gives the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Baptism joins you to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection (Rom. 6:4–5). Baptism gives eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus (Col. 2:11–12). Baptism makes disciples (Matt. 28:19). These promises are for all people, young and old (Acts 2:39). These promises are fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus. For you.

LCMS RURAL & SMALL TOWN MISSION . . . is sponsoring an event on Saturday, April 22, 9:30 am–3:00 pm, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Green Valley, Illinois. One theme, “Engaging the Wandering”, focuses on building and strengthening relationships with inactive members. Please let Pastor Braaten or Leigh Ann know if you would like to attend this event with Pastor. The cost is $25.00 per participant.

“MAKING THE CASE” CONFERENCE . . . has been sold out the past two years, so Issues, Etc. will be offering two this year! The first is June 9–10 in Collinsville, Illinois, and the second is November 10–11 in Houston, Texas. The cost is $120 per person. Visit http://issuesetc.org/ for more information.

APRIL 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.

LENTEN MIDWEEK SOUP & SANDWICH SUPPER . . . We will be having our Lenten Midweek suppers before the Midweek Services this year, 5:30 pm–6:45 pm. The serving schedule is as follows:

• Wed, Apr 5 — Board of Elders & Board of Trustees

GREETERS

THIS WEEK

• Corky & Theresa Fields (West)
• Tim & Teri Pollock (East)

NEXT WEEK

• Donna Campbell (West)
• Joan Vukelich (East)

COMMUNION HELPERS

THIS WEEK

• Greg Nau
• Ruth Bretz; Lexie Russo

NEXT WEEK

• Greg Nau
• Judy Legg; Cassie Russo

ACOLYTES

THIS WEEK

• Caleb Stumeier (Crucifer)
• Ethan Stumeier (Torches)
• Coulson Poffenberger (Torches)
• Oliver Braaten (Gospel)

NEXT WEEK

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

COFFEE COMMITTEE

• Laverl Byers—April
• Mark & Leigh Ann Whitson—May

FUNERAL CHAIR

• Theresa Fields—April
• Judy Legg & Janet Stumeier—May