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.

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

EASTER LILY ORDER FORMS . . . Please return them to the office by Sunday, March 24. Lilies are $13.00 each. These forms are on the back table in the Narthex.

ALTAR GUILD . . . There are still opportunities to serve and be a part of 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.

OPPORTUNITY TO HELP . . . Can you toss a bag of pretzels, cookies, or candy in your cart the next time you’re at the store? It would mean so much! Around 85 college-aged students are attending a one-day conference at the University of Illinois’ LCMS campus church, and they are in need of some snacks for their evening activities. There will be a box in the narthex for you to place your donations. Please have them to church by Sunday, March 31. Thank you!

IMMANUEL JUNIOR CHOIR . . . will be singing on Sunday, March 17. Choir members, please come up to the choir loft prior to the start of the service. Thank you!

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.

LENTEN MIDWEEK SUPPERS . . . will be served this year before the Midweek services beginning on Ash Wednesday. Serving time will be 5:30 pm–6:45 pm. We are returning to traditional way of providing food where each board provides a meal. Here is the schedule.

• March 20, Midweek Lent 5—Boards of Elders and Trustees

LENTEN MIDWEEK SERMON SERIES . . . will be going through the Book of Philippians. Each week will focus on one chapter from the book. Philippians overflows with joy and thanksgiving. Paul wrote to the church in Philippi to thank them for a gift. He reported the joyful news that Epaphroditus, who had brought their gift to Paul, had recovered from his illness and was returning to Philippi. Paul said that he had learned the secret of being content in any situation, and he told them about his situation in prison. He expressed joy that more people were hearing about Christ even if some were proclaiming the gospel with bad motives. Wanting the Christians in Philippi to be unified, he challenged them to be servants just as Jesus was when he “emptied himself” and became a man rather than clinging to the rights of his divine nature (2:1–11). Paul wrote this letter while in prison, probably in Rome about AD 60.

LENTEN BIBLE CHALLENGE . . . Since we will be meditating on the Book of Philippians through our Lenten midweeks, let us read through the book each week in preparation for the midweek services.

SHARE YOUR STORY . . . Many of us have a daily practice of spending time with God. This can look different for each of us. Whether simple or more complex, short or long, morning or evening, the tools we use or don’t use, the one thing we have in common is that we can share our practice with the children of our church so they can learn from us and create their own daily practice. Sign up today to share your story. The sign-up sheet is located on the wall outside of the double classroom. See you soon!

COMMUNITY EASTER CANTATA . . . “Come Walk With Me” by Pepper Choplin will be performed at 4:00 pm on Palm Sunday at First Christian in Villa Grove. The choir includes community members of all ages from Newman, Philo, Tuscola, and Villa Grove. The director is Dr. Janet McCumber, who teaches music history at Eastern.  Judy Zylstra is the rehearsal pianist.  They are excellent!  There will be a small orchestra accompanying. The music covers the procession into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Passion and Resurrection.

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/.

MARTIN & KATIE CONFERENCE . . . Join us for the 2024 Martin + Katie Conference at University Lutheran Church in Champaign, IL on Saturday, April 6, 2024. At this free conference, learn about being men and women in Christ, meet new friends, get to know each other, and have fun. The conference is open to ages 18–35. Married or single are welcome. Registration is required, as capacity is limited. Info and registration are available at http://martinpluskatie.org. Plus: Extra bonus activities planned for Friday night, April 5, and Saturday night, April 6! All are invited to stay for Sunday Bible Class, Divine Service, and lunch on Sunday, April 7.

EASTER BREAKFAST . . . The Board of Christian Education will be hosting the Easter Breakfast this year. Breakfast is served on Easter Morning from 7:00 am–8:30 am, between the Easter Sunrise Divine Service and the Easter Day Divine Service. Sign-up sheets for food, drinks, and kitchen volunteers are provided in the Narthex. Immanuel’s Youth Group will be assisting in serving and clean-up. A donation box will be available with proceeds going to the Youth Group.