NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Jeremiah 23:5–8; Romans 13:11–14; Matthew 21:1–9.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:1–11). The arrival of the bridegroom will be sudden and unexpected. Therefore you are to be watchful and ready like the five wise virgins. “For you know neither the day nor the hour” when the Son of Man is to return. (Matt. 25:1–13). The lamps are the Word of Christ. The oil in the lamps is the Holy Spirit, who works through the Word to create and sustain the flame of faith in Christ. The foolish are those who do not give proper attention to the working of the Holy Spirit in baptism, preaching, and the supper, and so their faith does not endure. The wise, however, are those who diligently attend to these gifts of the Spirit, and who therefore have an abundance of oil. The flame of faith endures to the end. By God’s grace they are received into the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, the new heavens and the new earth created by the Lord for the joy of His people (Is. 65:17–25).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Matthew 25:4 “ . . . but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” Why did they take flasks of oil with them? Because they listened to the Bridegroom’s words and believed them. Our actions always start with and flow from our beliefs. What do your actions in the realm of stewardship say about what you believe?

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

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Roger & Wanda Long to the glory of God on the occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary.

THE 2025 FLOWER CHART IS NOW AVAILABLE . . . Please sign up on the bulletin board across from member mailboxes. 2025 flowers are $35.00 and can be special ordered. Flowers can be taken home after the Sunday’s service.

BIBLE HISTORY CLASS . . . Due to Advent services, there will be no Wednesday evening Bible History class November 27 through January 8. Bible History class will resume on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

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 is today, Sunday, November 24, 6:00 pm at First Christian Church, Tuscola.

CHRISTMASTOWN PARADE . . . Mark your calendar for Friday, December 6, to walk in the lighted Christmastown parade. We will gather at the park at 5:30 pm, 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.

POINSETTIA ORDER FORMS . . . are located on the table by this weekend’s bulletins. Please complete and return them by Sunday, December 15. Poinsettias are $13.00 this year and can be taken and enjoyed at home immediately following the Christmas Day service.

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

CHRISTMAS DECORATING . . . Saturday, December 7, 9:00 am. The Christmas season is near! With it come the sights, the sounds, and the fellowship that unite Christians as we anticipate the birth of our Savior. Come on December 7 to help put up the Christmas trees and decorations that beautify Immanuel.