NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Isaiah 65:17–25; 1 Thess 5:1–11; Matthew 25:1–13.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed” (Luke 17:20). You must use your ears and not your eyes. For God’s kingdom in this world is one of faith, and faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ. The people of Israel, however, wanted to walk not by faith but by sight. When Moses delayed in coming down the mountain, they decided to make a visible god for themselves, the golden calf (Ex. 32:1). Upon such faithless and false worshipers God’s judgment comes. Only on the Last Day will our faith be turned to sight. “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matt. 24:27). The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, and He will gather His people to Himself, both the living and the dead. In a world in which our days are few and full of trouble (Job 14:1), let us comfort one another with these words of the resurrection and the coming of our Lord Jesus.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . 1 Thess. 4:13, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” Christians are different from unbelievers. Our trust in Christ changes us. Our hope in Christ means that we don’t grieve in the same way that unbelievers grieve: we know what comes after death. We don’t treat our time or money in the same way as unbelievers either. We start each week with a sacrifice of our time as we come to the Lord’s House to hear His Word and receive His Sacraments. And we also set aside a generous, first-fruits proportion of our income for the support of the Lord’s work in His Church. Our faith changes us and our actions . . . we don’t do anything as others do who have no hope.

NOVEMBER ALTAR GUILD & COFFEE COMMITTEE . . . Altar Guild is Celeste Nau and Willa Braaten. Coffee Committee is the Munsons.

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Dave Slaughter to the glory of God in memory of his wife, Marta.

IMMANUEL JUNIOR CHOIR . . . will be singing today, November 17. Choir members, please come up to the organ loft at the beginning of the service. Thank you!

YOUTH GROUP EVENT . . . is Sunday, December 8, 3:00 pm—7:00 pm (leaving the church by 12:45 pm). We are going to Trinity Lutheran Church, Worden, Illinois, to participate in an English Country Dance they are hosting. Youth grades 7th—12th are invited for fellowship, English Country dancing, and food. No experience necessary. A skilled caller will lead all dances and teach those just learning. Dress in comfortable shoes, ugly Christmas sweater optional, and modest slacks or skirts. Cost is $5 per attendee. Please RSVP to Pastor Braaten by November 28th to reserve your spot.

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE . . . hosted by Tuscola Area Ministerial Alliance will be Sunday, November 24, 6:00 pm at First Christian Church, Tuscola.

CHRISTMAS TOWN PARADE . . . Mark your calendar for Friday, December 6, to walk in the lighted Christmastown parade. We will gather at the park at 5:30, where the mission board will hand out lanterns for people to use. Feel free to bring your own flashlights or light yourself up in a fun and festive way as well. We hope to have as many members as possible attend, so please do join us.