NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Genesis 4:1–15; 1 Cor 15:1–10; Luke 18:9–14.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . Our Lord wept over Jerusalem for the destruction that would soon come upon her. For she did not recognize the time of God’s visitation in Christ, who had come to bring her peace (Luke 19:41–48). Through His prophets God had consistently called His people to turn from their deceit and false worship. “But My people do not know the judgments of the Lord” (Jer. 8:4–12). They sought to establish their own righteousness rather than receive Christ’s righteousness through faith (Rom. 9:30–10:4). So it was that God was in His temple to cleanse it, a precursor to the once-for-all cleansing from sin which He would accomplish in the temple of His own body on the cross. God grant us to know the things that make for our peace—His visitation in the Word and Sacraments—that by the Holy Spirit we may penitently confess “Jesus is Lord” (1 Cor. 12:1–11).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Here is the key to faithful stewardship—and a faithful life in general! God’s Law is not given to us to hamper our fun, but to show us God’s own wisdom. All things being equal, won’t a life lived in accordance with God’s Word be more fulfilling and satisfying than a life lived at odds with God’s Word? Doesn’t He know better than we?

THE ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Tom & Ruth Bretz to the glory of God on the occasion of their 48th anniversary.

IMMANUEL’S CHURCH PICNIC AND FISH FRY . . . is Sunday, August 11, 4:30 pm (eat at 5:00 pm). Hot dogs, hamburgers, and fried fish! Bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share. Come out and enjoy the food and camaraderie that our Lord gives in the family of His church.

PARENT-PASTOR CATECHISM MEETING . . . Sunday, August 25, 11:30 am, in the Fellowship Hall to discuss what we will learn during the year, what is expected of the student, and what your responsibilities as a parent of a catechism student are.

FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL . . . is Sunday, September 8. The opening begins at 10:20 am in the Sanctuary. Music will be in the choir loft. And then classes in the Sunday School classrooms.

WHY? . . . Why do the Readings always include Epistle and Gospel, in that order? As it was with the sacred Scriptures in Israel’s day, so today there are two parts to the Scriptures of the New Testament. Then, there were Moses and the Prophets. Now, there are the Gospels and the Epistles. And yet, as the books of Moses (the first five books of the Bible, called the Pentateuch) were the foundation upon which the Prophets were laid, so also, the Gospels are the foundation upon which the Epistles are laid. This is the reason the Gospels appear first in the New Testament, and it is also the reason the Gospel Reading is given last. In order of placement in the New Testament, the Gospels are given the most prominent position, that is, first, and in order of public reading they are also given the most prominent position, which in the case of oral utterance is last. Moreover, it is also fitting that an Old Testament Reading regularly accompany these two Readings to show that the New Testament arises out of the Old Testament, and that all the sacred Scriptures are a unity.

NOT ASHAMED CONFERENCE . . . Registration is open to everyone. Join us to hear about sharing the Good News of Jesus in a bad-news world. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors. Registration is free but limited. Register at this website: https://immanueltuscola.org/not-ashamed-conference/

SATURDAY NIGHT SERVICE . . . on Saturday, August 17, will be canceled. In consultation with the Board of Elders, Pastor encourages all members to worship together as one family on Sunday, August 18 and attend Bible Class after service to discuss what was learned at our one-day conference with Pastor Preus and talk about what we might incorporate from it in our ministry to Douglas County.

RECEPTION & DEDICATION . . . of the new high school at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School will be on Sunday, August 11. The reception is at 1:00 pm. The Dedication is at 2:00 pm.

NOT ASHAMED CONFERENCE . . . There is still room for members to register for our upcoming conference on the topic God’s Answer for Our Chaotic Times. We are still in need of volunteers for the conference. See the board at the back of the church to see how you can help.