NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . 2 Sam 22:26–34; 1 Cor 10:6–13; Luke 16:1–9.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). Deceit has its strength in masquerading as the truth. False prophets speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord (Jer. 23:16–29). They deny the judgment of the Lord, speaking peace to the unrepentant, when in truth there is condemnation and wrath. “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:20). The “fruits” of a true prophet are not outward righteousness or success but faithfulness in proclaiming the Word of the Lord. This is the will of the Father in heaven, that pastors take heed to the flock, the Father’s adopted ones (Rom. 8:12–17), warning them against the wolves and their lies, and shepherding the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:27–38). For indeed, the cross is that good tree bearing good fruit—namely, the body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . 2 Corinthians 9:6 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” St. Lawrence was in charge of the church’s almsgiving to the poor in Rome. When the Emperor demanded him to bring the treasures of the Church to the government coffers, St. Lawrence showed up the next day with the throngs of the poor and said: “Here, O Emperor, are the treasures of the Church!” Lawrence was martyred for his faith in Christ, which overflowed in his generous life toward others.

REMEMBER TO CHECK THE FLOWER CHART & BULLETIN BOARD . . . for opportunities and updated announcements. Please pay with a separate check and put in offering plate or drop by the office.  They are $35.00 per Sunday.

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Corky Fields to the glory of God in memory of Theresa Fields.

BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is Sunday, August 4, and will be going to SAM Pantry.  An envelope designated for SAM Pantry has been placed in your mailbox. Please make your check out to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Thank you!

PASTOR BRAATEN WILL BE OUT OF THE OFFICE . . . July 15–26, on vacation, camping in Kentucky. Cellular service might be sketchy. If you need assistance, you may contact him on his mobile phone or call one of the Elders. Seminarian Jackson Scofield will be filling in for services.

WHY? . . . Why do we dress well for church? Sometimes it is said that people dress up for church only to show off.This is both improper to think (for we are required by the Eighth Commandment to think well and not evil of our neighbors) and likely to be wrong. The Christian’s desire to dress appropriately for worship comes from a knowledge of the fact that we come to stand in the presence of God when in church. That is, Christ is present in the Gospel and the Sacrament. The preaching of the Gospel and the Holy Liturgy contain Christ Himself, and this can be even more profoundly seen in the Holy Sacrament, which is the Body and Blood of Christ. One way to express our faith in this truth is to dress ourselves well, as people who know and live according to this truth. We dress up our building, we dress up our pastor, we dress up our altar and other church furniture. Is it not fitting, then, that we also dress up ourselves, according to our ability?

      But is this a law? Certainly not! It is, rather, by a recognition of the Gospel that we learn to dress ourselves well for church. In Christ we have been set free from the demands of the law to gain God’s favor. We live by faith in Him, and our faith has opportunity to express itself according to the freedom of the Gospel.

      But the law of love does have a bearing on the matter in two ways. First, in that we ought not to become our neighbor’s judges, ready to condemn someone for dressing a certain way; we Christians ought to bear with one another’s weaknesses, and so fulfill the law of Christ, as the Apostle says. Further, what a poor man might call dressing well ought never be looked upon with scorn by someone who has more than he. For to dishonor the poor is to dishonor Christ.

      Second, we ought to seek not to give offense by the clothing we wear to the altar, for love of the family of faith ought to be evident especially as we commune together. The liberty of a Christian must always be weighed against the Christian’s mindfulness of his neighbor.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS . . . for Saturday, July 27 at 9:00 am as our next cooking day at Immanuel. Many hands make light work! We use these meals to bless those in our congregation who may need extra love during a difficult time or to show them how much we care as their church family. No need to bring anything, except maybe an apron. If you have questions, please talk to Ann Carroll.

NOT ASHAMED CONFERENCE . . . Registration is open to everyone. Join us to hear about our spheres of influence within God’s orders of creation in the family, society, and the church. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors. Registration is free but limited. Register at this website: https://bit.ly/NotAshamedConf2024