NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Isaiah 55:10–13; 2 Cor 11:19–12:9; Luke 8:4–15.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The people of Israel contended with the Lord in the wilderness (Ex. 17:1–7). They were dissatisfied with His provision. In the same way, the first laborers in the vineyard complained against the landowner for the wage he provided them (Matt. 20:1–16). They charged him with being unfair, but in reality he was being generous. For the Lord does not wish to deal with us on the basis of what we deserve but on the basis of His abounding grace in Christ. The first—those who rely on their own merits—will be last. “For they were overthrown in the wilderness” (1 Cor. 10:5). But the last, those who rely on Christ, will be first. For Christ is the Rock (1 Cor. 9:24–10:5). He is the One who was struck and from whose side blood and water flowed that we may be cleansed of our sin.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . 1 Corinthians 9:25 “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” Self control is a fruit of the Spirit – for the desires of the flesh are at war with the desires of the Spirit. Having received the new life in Christ by his grace, he now calls us to follow him deliberately, with self-control, with intention.

BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is Sunday, February 4, 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!

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.

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).

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 FEBRUARY CALENDAR . . . with birthdays and anniversaries is available on the table across from members’ mailboxes.

SHARE YOU 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!

2024 NOT ASHAMED CONFERENCE . . . It is time to begin planning the 2024 Not Ashamed Conference, and you are invited to join in on the fun as a member of the planning committee for 2024! The first meeting will take place on Monday, January 29 at 6:00 pm in the double classroom. Please reach out to Pastor, Lauren, Donna, or Celeste with questions.

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/.