Called to Live, Lead and Love in Christ

Individually called to:
Live even though we have died
Lead as we daily return to the cross of Christ
Love with the heart of God

Our Church Family has been called into a partnership in the Gospel to:
Live grace empowered lives
Lead others into the Word which calls them out of darkness into the Light
Love without end and without exception

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ.
It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.

Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you
will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

-----

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have

called you by name, you are mine.

(Isaiah 43:1 ESV)

WHAT? God can’t mean this, can He? Yes, GOD means it!

ME?  Called? ARE YOU SURE? Yes, WE ARE SURE!

REALLY? Yes, REALLY!

HOW CAN THIS BE? God says this.

God does this. God promises this!

God has called you!

Each and every celebration of Christmas tells us again that our God didn’t/doesn’t give up. “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son.” And we must not just say, God did-n’t/doesn’t give up. We must add “on me” and for good measure “on us.” So as we begin 2011, we again marvel God has called us, called us by name! Redeemed us! We belong to Him!

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 1 John 3:1

This marveling increases as we look and look again at the specif-ics of this calling. We are called......

called . . . . from what?

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excel-lencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

called . . . .into what?

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excel-lencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glori-fied. Romans 8:30

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9:15

.... including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Ro-mans 1:6-7

called . . . .by what?

To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14

called . . . .NOT because /because of what?

....... for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but be-cause of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:8-9

called . . . .to what?

Our 2011 theme states “to Live, lead and love.”

Holy Scripture says the same and more, MUCH MORE

For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 1 Thessa-lonians 4:7

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, con-sider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. Hebrews 3:1-2

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 1 Corinthians 7:17 (Vocation)

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21 (Yes, you and I are called to suffer should that be God’s plan for us.)

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a man-ner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, Ephesians 4:1

Called . . . .so what/now what?

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

.....and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faith-ful.” Revelation 17:14

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:10

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV

----

Lord you created me.

Lord you say, “Don’t be afraid.”

Lord you say “I’ve redeemed you.”

Lord you say, “I’ve called you”

You even say, “This is a “by name” calling.”

(Think Holy Baptism)

Lord you say, “I belong to You.”

Lord, May your Holy Spirit, bless me mightily as I regularly hear of your gracious calling.

Only then, will, I Live, Lead and Love in Christ, through Christ and for Christ. Amen

New Year’s Eve Prayer

Dear Lord, where has the time gone? There were times this past year when we wondered whether You were walking with us or not. It appeared that You didn’t really care about us. Forgive us, Lord. You always kept Your promise. You caused all things to work together for our benefit. Please accept our thanks and praise for Your unfailing love to us in Christ Jesus.

Now we beseech You to keep us strong in faith. According to Your will, keep us safe each day. Watch over our family and friends. May Your life-giving Word be proclaimed freely to all peoples of the world. Amen

Naming and praying for...

January 30th

Naming and praying for

......those we name in our hearts.

During the prayer of the church each Sunday we allow time a brief time in worship for private prayer for ......those we name in our hearts.

Within our circles of family, friends and coworkers, we all know, sometimes very intimately, folks who are on our minds and in need of our prayers due to a variety of health, job and other needs. Possibly, but probably not, our fellow congregation mem-bers are unaware of these near and dear ones.

We will be providing an opportunity for you to submit names and prayer requests so that we might publicly name those names and include a petition on their behalf in the prayer of the church. The specified Sunday’s for this are the 5th Sunday of the month. January 2011 has five Sundays so we are asking that you ...So we are asking that you fill out a form provided in the January 23rd bulletin or email by Wednesday morning, January 26th and we will include these petitions on the January 30th wor-ship service.

Prayer Request for Those we name in our hearts
Name/s _______________________________________
Relationship to Immanuel member ___________________
______________________________________________
Prayer concern _________________________________
______________________________________________

Example
Name/s Arlene Brandt and Yasuko Brandt,
Relationship to Immanuel member sister and sister in law of Pastor
Prayer concern who both will be undergoing knee surgery in early January.

2011 Second Plate Mission Offerings

In previous years, the first Sunday of the Month Second Plate Mission Offerings were used for the congregations Mission commitment to Iowa District East. With the building payoff $500 each month from the General Fund is our Mission Commitment to Iowa District East and the LCMS National Budget. So, the Second Plate Mission Offerings are now being designated to those missions we wish to specifically sup-port.

January & February Second Plate offerings for

Camp Iowa DisECa.

The offering will help defray the expenses of a session at camp for Im-manuel’s campers up to a maximum of $50 per camper. (In addition to Camp Scholarships) Camp costs run from $145-$425

The 2011 theme is “Living and Active” based on Hebrews 4:12 The Word of God always accomplishes what it is sent to do.

If there is excess, the gifts will be sent directly to the camp for their current capital campaign. Additional information may be ac-cessed at http://www.campiodiseca.org/Index.htm

March & April Second Plate offerings for

Immanuel members Short Term Mission Trip Expenses

A trip to Hong Kong is in the final planning process for several Imman-uel members. They will be teaching English at the Leung Kui Kau Lu-theran Primary School on June 30th through July 11th. The estimated cost per person is $2,000. More information on their prospective mis-sion is found at....
uploads/mission/service-opps/Short-term%20Hong%20Kong_2011.pdf

Be looking for information regarding the four additional missions that Second Plate Offerings will fund. They will include local needs/ sup-port for a full time missionary, adopt a seminary student and more!

Meet Pastor Tim Zimmermann

Pastor Zimmermann will be leading worship during Pastor Brandt’s recovery following surgery. Pastor Zimmermann served Our Redeemer in Iowa City until retiring this past summer. Tim spent his childhood years in Eldora, Iowa where his father, Rev. John Zimmermann, was pastor and later district President of IDE. Both his father and mother, Mae Etta, were taken into the Lord’s own house during 2010.

Tim is a 1970 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. His brothers Bruce and Fred (former Immanuel, Grinnell pastor) are also pastors. Additionally a brother in law is a pastor in Louisville, KY. His sister lives in Eldridge, IA.

Pastor’s wife, Carol, is a former English teacher and for many years worked checking ACT essays during their time in Iowa City. The Zimmermann’s are the parents of three children. They live in Milwaukee, Chicago and St. Louis. They are the proud grandparents of five grandchildren.

Last but not least, Pastor Zimmerman is a Minnesota Twins’s fan. Following his able assistance at Immanuel, he and his wife will be taking a trip to Florida, a stop at the Twin’s spring training camp is on the itinerary.
Pastor Zimmermann will be handling Worship Services and Confirmation. He is available in case of pastoral emergencies as well. As soon as recovery permits, Pastor Brandt will be min-istering to the best of his abilities should urgent pastoral care needs arise.

Love Came Down at Christmas

The Children’s Christmas Worship Service

Sunday December 19

at 9:00 a.m.

Refreshments will follow

LWML is collecting Recyclables

Items include: cell phones and PDAs, laser cartridges, inkjet cartridges, lap-tops, iPods, systems/consoles and games, digital cam-eras, movie DVDs, GPS devices, and scientific and graphing calculators. A collection box is located under the mailboxes in the fellowship hall.

WHAT IS AN ADVENT WREATH?

The Advent wreath is one of the most popular symbols used by Christians during the season of Advent. These wreaths, consist-ing of a circle of evergreen branches set around four candles, are used in both churches and Christian homes. The evergreen cir-cle stands for the eternal life that Christ has won for all believ-ers.

The burning candles represent the coming of Christ as the light of the world (John 1:4-9). The colors of the Advent candles can vary. Traditionally, three purple candles and one rose-colored or pink candle are used. The purple signified that Advent is a sea-son of repentance as well as expectation. Purple also has his-torically been the color reserved for royalty. The King of Kings is coming.

Many churches, including Immanuel, use blue candles in place of purple ones to emphasize the hopeful anticipation of the sea-son. We have the sure and certain hope that because Christ has come, and still does come in Word and Sacrament, that He will come again.

Some Christians attach a specific interpretation to the four Ad-vent candles. The first candle (blue) lit is the Prophecy candle. It symbolizes the hope and anticipation of Jesus’ arrival in the flesh. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14; ESV). “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

The second candle (blue) is the Bethlehem Candle. It reminds us that God appeared in the flesh in humble manner, born of a vir-gin, in a stable, in the little town of Bethlehem. “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7)

The third candle (pink or rose) is known as the Shepherds’ can-dle, It represents rejoicing as the faithful have arrived at the mid-point of Advent. The third Sunday in Advent is known as Gau-date, which is Latin for ―rejoice.‖ “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them” (Luke 2:20) The opening word of the Introit for ―Gaudate Sunday‖ is “Rejoice!… the Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4).

The fourth candle is the Angels’ Candle. This blue candle re-minds us of their announcement of the Good News of Christ’s birth. ―And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, „Glory to God in the high-est, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased‟” (Luke 2:13-14).

The candle in the center, the Christmas candle, reminds us that all our hopes and expectations are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, God in the flesh, who came to deliver His peo-ple from their sins, who continually dwells with His Church and gives us His gifts, and who will come again on the Day of Resur-rection. We use the Advent wreath because it directs our atten-tion to Christ. This candle is lit on Christmas Eve and throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Warning Christmas Ahead (Ignore this warning at your own risk)

It strikes me that this is an appropriate sign for Advent!

We most often encounter warning signs while on the high-way. When one sees a highway warning sign, they should SLOW DOWN! …...PAY CLOSER ATTENTION! ……. BE-WARE OF THE UNEXPECTED! The theme of road con-struction is prominent in the Advent Scriptures. See Isaiah 40:3-5

Warnings regarding our heart health are also prominent. SEEK MEDICIAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY! If you experi-ence the warning signs of a heart attack. Advent is about ―spiritual hearth health. If we highlighted each mention of ―hearts‖ in the Advent hymns we would have highlights on al-most every hymn!

This world is blind to the word …..

WARNING:

The world does not slow down....... if anything the world speeds up as Christmas approaches. The adjective that describes Christ-mas has mutated from ―Merry‖ to ―Hectic.

What about you and I? If we insist on ignoring the Advent warn-ing call........ we put ourselves at risk. Risk of what?

1. Certainly, we won’t know why there needs to be is a Christ-mas.

2. We won’t be prepared. That is our hearts won’t be pre-pared. Please don’t think this is something to add to your ―do do list.‖ Heart preparation is something only our God can do and does accomplish as we hear his word, hear forgiveness of sins announced and we receive the Sacrament.

3. We will miss out the magnitude and intricacies and blessed-ness of the Christmas miracle.

May God’s Holy Spirit working in the Advent message grant us repentance, heart renovation, renewed faith, and eager hope, in-creased peace, overflowing joy!

Meet & Greet Our New Secretary

October 10th following worship service is your chance to meet and greet Ryan and his wife Alicia.

This will also be a time for everyone to update their church direc-tory information and contact information. Forms and your cur-rent directory listing will be available to assist you in making any corrections that may be necessary.

Also, if you will review the back page, you will note that the year long theme entries will also be discussed. And you will have the opportunity to submit your own catchy or inspiring theme for the year. Food will be provided !!!

We are looking forward to meeting with many of you at that time.

And hope to have the revisions made and Church Directory ready for printing soon after this date.

The "R" Word

No, It is not rebellious. But, rebellious describes sinners.

No, it is not rest, but it will result in rest to your mind, body, and spirit.

No, it is not river, but it will result in the river of living water flowing into, through and from your life.

No, it is not run or race, but it will increase your endurance by leaps and bounds as you run the race of life to the completion line.

No, it is not accomplishing righteousness, but is a key to receiv-ing righteousness. The perfect righteousness of Christ.

No, it is not resume, but it is central to resuming your Christian walk whenever you spiritually stumble.

Yes, it is required for a genuine conversation.

Yes, it is the right thing to do.

Yes, it remains available daily through the blood of Jesus.

Yes, it results in a clear conscience and freedom in Christ Jesus.

Yes, it is repeated many, many, many times in the sermons of John the Baptist, Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and throughout the Scriptures.

Yes, it could be redemption, regeneration, religion or receiving.

Yes, as this is the October newsletter of a Lutheran church the "R" word certainly could be Reformation.


BUT, the “R” Word that is a good, gracious, granted gift of God is REPENTANCE

Repentance and Reformation do go together. 493 years ago on October 31st, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg. The very first thesis reads, When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said “Repent,” he intended that the entire life of believers should be repentance.

All of the Christian life is repentance. By God’s Holy Spirit at work in the means of grace we are to daily turn (be turned) away from sin and turned toward trusting in the good news that Jesus saves sinners. Repentance isn’t a one time inaugural experience but is to be a daily occurrence. Martin Luther also wrote ex-plaining the ongoing meaning of Holy Baptism, Baptism indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

The "R" word is to be such a part of our daily lives that really every day is to be ―Reformation Day.  Someone once suggested that a fitting bumper sticker would be a rewording of the familiar, Have you hugged your child today? To, Have you repented today?

Sore Jaws!

Within minutes after the combine left the cornfield north of church, I happened to see a squirrel scamper past the front door of the church with an almost complete ear of corn in its mouth. My first thought was: that big heavy ear of corn probably weighs almost as much as the squirrel! His/her jaw must hurt after hav-ing carried the corn that far. I doubt the squirrel was complaining.

My second thought was: God has blessed us in a similar abundant fashion. We likely don’t have sore jaws, but instead rather sore stomachs from the variety of food, the delectability (tastiness) of that food and the quantity of the food that our God provides.

A third thought was: Of course, God’s abundant provision is not limited to food for our bodies. We have the abundance of food for our souls. God graciously gives us divine gifts. This includes the feast of the Savior’s body and blood, in with and under the bread and wine.

So, as my thoughts momentarily turned again to that sore jawed squirrel. I thought, we Christians should all have sore jaws at the close of Sunday Divine Service. God feeds us an abun-dance even more extravagant than a complete ear of corn.

And a final thought was: Maybe our sore jaws should come from the smiles and the singing of thanks and praise out of the gratitude and relief of renewed forgiveness given us each time we gather for worship!

Church Council Minutes

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Monthly Meeting of Church Council

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

The regular monthly meeting of the Church Council was held on Sunday, Au-gust 11, 2010 at 10:35 after worship. Present: Pastor Brandt, Chris Christen-son, Skip Lowe, Troy Johnson, Jim Roach and Linda Lowe. President Skip Lowe called the meeting to order and Pastor opened with prayer
.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of the July 11th, 2010 regular monthly meeting were distrib-uted. There were no additions or corrections. Motion made by Chris Christen-son, seconded by Troy Johnson, to approve the minutes as printed. Motion carried.


REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS
Treasurer’s Report: Chris Christenson. Written report at-tached. Motion made by Jim Roach and seconded by Pastor Brandt, to ap-prove the Treasurer’s Report as printed. Motion carried. Chris noted that cash flow has been good for July compared to other Julys in the past.


Board of Elders: Jim Roach
Saturday service had been discontinued due to lack of attendance
Thrivent seminar – August 22 for kids and parents
Sunday School , we have 11-12 families and 16-17 students
Research done on manpower in the congregation and found we have 52 males, 17% serving, 10% in retirement, 42% that are ac-tive and attend church and 31% don’t attend.
No movement on the Banners, stained glass, advent wreath and burial pall.
We will need to find a replacement organist for a time this fall and in January 2011. Pastor said he would help out with that.


Board of Trustees: Troy Johnson
Roof is done
Cross is in process of being fixed they are going to try to fix it them-selves.
Gutters are going to be fixed in October, Eric went with contractor in Newton
Some bids on damage came under and some over what adjusters esti-mated so they are figuring all of that out.


Board of Education: Pastor Brandt for the board
Need Sunday School teachers, are having 2 teachers at all times for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade class. Going to have 4 teachers total for those grades.


Board of Stewardship: Given by Skip Lowe for Susan Vos
Letter went out explaining the mission envelopes and the general fund so people don’t get them mixed up.


Board of Evangelism: Linda Lowe
Discussed the Sit before you Serve voted on today after worship.
Pie being served after worship Sunday
Shoes and Undies mission being re-promoted.
School project under way until Tuesday the 10th of August.
Working on budget for mission/evangelism board
Cookie Sunday was discussed if we should continue and if we should coordinate. It was decided that we should.


Board of Fellowship: Pastor Brandt for the board
Encouraging young families to engage in fellowship outside of wor-ship and church.


Immanuel Woman’s Organization: Starting up in the fall


Pastor’s Report: Pastor Brandt
Addressed the need for more male involvement is in process.
Sit before you serve
Confirmation instruction – Meeting with confirmation families.
New church secretary – Ryan C. Intlekofer good first week.
Thrivent Parents, Kids and money matters, August 22
Pictorial Directory – Photos on August 22nd and Sept. 12
The workplace can be a place of difficulties, tensions, conflicts, de-mands, lack of fulfillment, minimal or no appreciation. May we support our fellow members during tough times at work.
Thrivent Choice – Congregational Advocate Needed for Sept.
September calendar – circulated


UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None reported at this time


NEW BUSINESS
Ryan Intlekofer new secretary mentioned in Pastor’s report
Shop and Share at Thiesens Aug 15-21, 5% of sales goes back to church, we just need to turn in receipts.
LHS letter for mission was discussed. Nothing done at this time.
Next council meeting will be Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at 6pm


ADJOURMENT: Motion was made by Troy Johnson and seconded by Jim Roach to adjourn the meeting and Pastor followed in prayer at 11:35am.


Linda Lowe recorded minutes sitting in for Barb Shell

September 2010 Calendar

Click here for the September 2010 Calendar

GREETERS

Sept. 5 Routier 

Sept. 12 Schmudlach

Sept. 19 Schoen

Sept. 26 Aaron Schultz

USHERS 

Sept. 5 Chris C./Richard H.

Sept. 12  Joel M./Randy C.

Sept. 19  Dale S./Tim B.

Sept. 26  Troy J./Ken M.

SERVERS 

Sept. 5   Susan V./Robin M. 

Sept. 12   Susan S.

Sept. 19   Jan M./Laurie H.

Sept. 26   Denise C.

ACOLYTES 

Sept. 5  Nick B.

Sept. 12   Rachael W

Sept. 19  Ty Johnson

Sept. 26 Alec Schultz

ELDER 

Keith Thorpe

CLEANING

Aug. 30– Sept. 4 Clark

Sept. 6-11 Cloyed

Sept. 20-25 Crosby/Ford

Sept.27– Oct. 2 vacant

Hi Ho, Hi Ho ... its Back to work we go.

Not just 7 dwarves but we all ought to sing about going to work.

In September we observe Labor Day, a legal holiday in honor of labor. The Bible deals with labor in a variety of ways. In Genesis 2:15 we read that “The Lord God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (NIV) It was part of God’s plan of creation to make human beings for work and provide work for them.

Work is important for us. It is important enough that we often answer questions like who or what we are by referring to our work. We may answer in a num-ber of different ways like I’m a teacher, or a plumber, or a carpenter, or an office manager, or a business owner, or a pastor, or a doctor, or one of many other vocations. No wonder people get depressed when they are without jobs and meaningful work to do. Much of our self esteem is tied in closely with our work.

As God’s redeemed stewards we recognize that God has entrusted to us many things to manage and work with according to His will and plan. To not be willing to work and still expect to receive good things is like stealing. Ephesians 4:28 says, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” (NIV)


Honest labor provides us with a sense of fulfillment and provides for our own needs and something extra to share with others who are in need. The book of Ecclesiastes includes a number of passages like 2:24; 3:12-13; 22; 5:18-20 that encourage us to find joy in our work. Work is a blessing from God and He gives us the time, talent and resources to do our work in a way that honors God and blesses others as well as our-selves. The words of Hebrews 13:20-21 affirm this truth: “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (NIV)


So this September as many things like vacations are over and new things start up again—school, mission and ministry efforts in our con-gregations as well as other September activities—let’s remember that with the power of the Holy Spirit we can live and work as God’s re-deemed stewards who freely and joyfully manage all of life and life’s resources for His purposes. May we always be encouraged to give our very best when it comes to our financial gifts of love, our use of time and talents, and our willing service at home, in the workplace, in our communities and in our congregations.

The singing of ― Hi Ho, Hi Ho ...... its Back to work we go.‖ grows louder in September at Immanuel. LWML, Confirmation, Sunday School and more all resume. So, whether you are driving to a church meeting, getting on the bus to school, pulling into the workplace park-ing lot, or tossing dirty clothes in the washing machine. You should emulate the 7 dwarves. Recall Paul's word in 1 Corinthians 15:
58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Sit Before You Serve

On August 8th as Immanuel members sat and enjoyed a slice of pie, they selected the following two passages as guiding Scrip-tures for our service for 2011

Galatians 2:20

20 I have been crucified with Christ.

It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

And the life I now live in the flesh

I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave himself for me.

Philippians 1:3-6

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

4 always in every prayer of mine for you all

making my prayer with joy,

5 because of your partnership in the gospel

from the first day until now.

6 And I am sure of this,

that he who began a good work in you

will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Question: Where is God calling us as individuals and as a congregation to go and serve?

Answer: Congregation members chose as priorities:

• in our homes

• in our immediate neighborhoods

• in the Immanuel ministry area

What next???? A foundational statement summarizing the Scrip-ture passages is being written. This will be publicized. You, the congregation members, will be asked to sit, pray, ponder pick up pen and pencil and submit one sentence or a short mission goal statements or possible yearlong themes. (Perhaps “pie” will ac-company this!)

After that???? We will . . .

   look at need (while looking at God’s promise to provide)

   look at our resources  (while looking at God’s promises to enable)

   look at our abilities/talents  (and look at God’s promises to empower)

   look again to God’s Word

Ephesians 3: 20 Now to him who is able to do

far more abundantly than all that we ask or
think, according to the power at work within us,

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Amen.

Then What??? Specifics! You will be asked to suggest and set some specific mission goals, specific mission projects, specific mission tasks, and/or specific mission plans! Some of these specifics will be personal, some specifics will involve your household, some of the specifics will be for the entire congrega-tion, some specifics will involve money, some specifics won’t cost a cent. You will make some specific suggestions, won’t you?

We welcome, anticipate and ex-pect your prayers, suggestions, input, involvement, ownership and efforts as we living out are Chris-tian faith and lives and move for-ward God’s mission.