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THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL

Sunday (7/3)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class
• 6:30 pm—Ladies Bunco Night

Monday—Offices Closed (Independence Day)

Wednesday

• 2:00 pm—Anniversary Committee Meeting

Saturday

• 3:30 pm—Individual Confession & Absolution
• 5:30 pm—Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday (7/10)

• 9:00 am—Divine Service with Holy Communion
• 10:30 am—Bible Class
• 11:15 am—Church Council Meeting

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IN OUR PRAYERS

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Genesis 50:15–21; Romans 8:18–23; Luke 6:36–42.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). The Pharisees’ statement of judgment against Jesus is in fact a proclamation of Gospel truth. For our God is one who delights in mercy, who casts all our sins into the depths of the sea through the cross (Micah 7:18–20). “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). Those who refuse to be counted as sinners also refuse Jesus who came only for sinners. Those like the older son (Luke 15:11–32), who think they are righteous of themselves, will not join in the heavenly celebration over the sinner who repents and so remain outside of the Father’s house. Let us therefore be on guard against self–righteously trusting in our own merits. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6). Rejoice that Jesus receives sinners like us and that He still sits at table with us in the Holy Supper, bestowing His forgiveness and life.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Luke 15:10 “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Jesus eats with sinners not so that they will remain stuck in their sins, but so that they will come to know His love and repent. To repent means to turn, to turn away from sin and toward Jesus in faith. Whether the sin we struggle with is pride, greed, doubt, etc., the Lord calls us to turn to Him again in faith and away from our sin.

THERE ARE OPENINGS . . . on the flower schedule. Take a look on the bulletin board across from the member mailboxes to see what opportunities are still available. Thank you!

SAVE THE DATE . . . Immanuel will be rejoicing in 125 years serving God by sharing His Word and remaining steadfast in His teachings. Please mark your calendars to join us in celebrating this anniversary on Sunday, July 17, 2022. The day begins at 9:00 am with a Divine Service with Holy Communion and Sem. Gunnar Campbell preaching. Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. The celebration continues in the afternoon with a Vespers service at 3:00 pm, which includes guest preacher, Rev. Douglas Meyer, who served Immanuel from 1985–1990. At 4:00 pm, Immanuel’s original bell from the old church will be dedicated, followed by an evening meal at 5:00 pm. Throughout the day, historical material and photographs depicting Immanuel’s journey will be on display in the halls and classrooms.

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given to the glory of God by Mark and Leigh Ann Whitson for blessings received and grandchildren.

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

CONTRIBUTIONS & ATTENDANCE . . . Total YTD offerings $88,997.40; budgeted YTD offerings, $84,999.97. Average weekend attendance for June, 62.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT CONVENTION . . . will be Monday, July 18–Wednesday, July 20, in Springfield, Illinois. If there are any emergencies, please contact Pastor on his mobile phone.

WHY? . . . Why is green the color of the second half of the church year? The color green is the color of life and growth, as foliage reappears in the springtime and remains throughout the summer. Therefore it is fitting that green be used for the second half of the church year, the period following Pentecost and Trinity (Pentecost and Trinity use red and white, respectively) until the end of the church year. Traditionally this period has been referred to as ordinary time, as opposed to the festival time of the church year which observes particular aspects of the mystery of Christ among us. Ordinary time refers to the period of time for observing the mysteries of Christ in all their aspects, but none in particular. In other words, the festival half of the church year observes the work of Christ while he was in the flesh in this world to accomplish our salvation a events in order of their happening, while ordinary time looks at Christ’s work in our midst in no particular order but only for the building up and growing of our faith and life as His disciples.

REMINDER . . . All board meetings will be meeting Monday, July 11, at their usual times.

IMMANUEL’S 125^TH ANNIVERSARY COOKBOOK . . . The Board of Mission and Evangelism have prepared a cookbook for Immanuel’s 125^th anniversary, which is next July. The cookbooks will be available in early December and cost $15.00. You may pr-order using the order form.

SERVICES ONLINE . . . This video option will continue to be made available until our usual service times resume. You can access these online services in three places:

1. On Immanuel’s Facebook page
2. On Immanuel’s Website under the Sermons tab
3. On Immanuel’s YouTube channel

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CHURCH MEMBER INFORMATION UPDATE

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PRAYER REQUESTS

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