1

Immanuel Lutheran Church Hear Love. Eat Love. Share Christ’s Love.

January 2019 Newsletter

Weekly Services and

Communion

Sunday ~ 8 am

and 10:30 am

Faith Formation ~

9:15 am

Wednesday ~ 6pm

Office Hours

Weekdays

9am ~ 1pm

Inside this issue:

Monthly updates p. 2

Birthday & Anniversaries p. 3

Thank yous p. 4-5

Church Happenings p. 6-8

Activity page p. 9

Calendar p. 10

“The Glory of the LORD Has Risen Upon You ” by Peter J. Weller

The scripture verses from Isaiah 60:1-6 were written after the Israelites returned from captivity in Babylon. They had suffered through a lengthy exile and they returned to a city in ruins. The Temple had been destroyed, and they faced the difficult task of rebuilding everything. Then disagreements arose between the returning exiles and those who had remained behind and survived the occupation. Some questioned whether God would be there for them and would help in the rebuilding. Chapters 56-59 of Isaiah set the stage for what is written in Chapter 60 and outline the past and present sins of the people of Israel. Here is a sampling: “The shepherds . . . have all turned to their own way, to their own gain. . . .” (56:11) “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away while no one understands.” (57:1) “Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.” (58:1) “See, the LORD’s hand is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. Rather, your iniquities have been barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” (59:1-2) Yet, the mood shifts at the end of Chapter 59 as Isaiah writes: “And he will come to Zion as Redeemer, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, says the LORD. “And as for me, this is my covenant with them, says the LORD: My spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth or out of the mouths of your children, or out of the mouths of your children’s children, says the LORD, from now on and forever.” (59:20-21) This background then forms the context for what follows in Chapter 60, which is a complete change in tone and outlook. Isaiah writes: “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Continued to page 6

Find us on Facebook at Immanuel Lutheran Washington Iowa or online at luthwash.org.

Email us at luthwash@hotmail.com

Come visit us at 1226 East Washington Street, Washington, Iowa 52353

Church ~ 319.653.3950 Pastor Howard ~ 319.333.7758

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

2

Monthly Updates (Month to date)

General Funds ~ $5,335

Benevolence, gifts outside of church ~$

Building Fund Gifts ~ $217

Monthly payment ~ $810

Debt reduction ~ $672 (October pymt)

Immanuel Lutheran Church, to meet monthly financial obligations, needs a minimum of $13,000 per month. This

translates into an average of $134 per month per giving family.

Attendance

Sunday, November 25 ~ Cancelled due to weather

Wednesday, November 28 ~ 20

Sunday, December 2 9 am ~ 118

Wednesday, December 5 ~ 11

Sunday, December 9 9 am ~ 93

Wednesday, December 12 ~ 12

Sunday, December 16 9 am ~ 149

Wednesday, December 19 ~ 13

Sunday, December 23

9 am ~ 59 Monday, December 24th

6:30 pm ~ 130 Wednesday, December 26 ~ 6

December Milestones

1) I can spell my name! --Armor Six

2) I'm thankful for God! --Kenzie Quigley

3) I can't wait for Parents Night Out!!! --?

4) 23 days until Christmas & Jesus's Birthday! --?

Faith Formation

resumes Sunday, January

6th at 9:15 am!!

January Wisdom Gathering

Saturday, January 12th at 1 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church

single women of all ages are invited to a time of sharing. Sharing

books, puzzles, crafts, and conversations. Please plan on joining us.

Sunday Worship times to CHANGE

Beginning Sunday, January 6, 2019 we will resume to 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship times. Faith Formation (education) will resume between worship at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday worship will remain at 6 p.m.

3

It’s protein month at Immanuel!!

Please consider donating proteins to send to HACAP this month. Other items will be accepted and appreciated as always. Tuna

and Peanut Butter will be our focus items. HACAP sends out 150 jars of peanut butter each month.

Contact DeAnn for patterns to make bedding items for HACAP.

Thank you, truly, for your generosity!!

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Exec Retreat– Thursday, January 3rd 10:00 a.m.

Finance– Thursday, January 3rd 6:30 p.m.

Council– Sunday, January 6th 11:30 a.m.

Property– Wednesday, January 16th 6:30 p.m.

1- Elizabeth Terrones 6- Janola Rueckert 7- Naomi Erickson 7- Don McAvoy 7- Sherry Ives 8- Jim Six 10- Karen Heineman 11- Marty Westen 13- Peter Weller 14- Lauren McWhirter 14- Tricia Kroll 18- Ray Poe 24- Ainsley Six 28- Rodney Hill 28- Angela Taylor 31- Ron Andersen 31- Jonathan McArtor

Birthdays for January

22– Ray & Alta Poe

Anniversaries for January

Ladies Night Out for January will be Tuesday,

January 15th at 6:00 p.m. at Panda Palace.

Please to join us!!

LUTHER LEAGUE (Youth Group)

6th – 12th Graders

When: Sunday, January 20th Where: Carpool to Coral Ridge Mall from Immanuel Why: Ice Skating and Whitey’s Ice Cream Who: 6th – 12th Graders (friends are WELCOME!) Time: 1:30 p.m. meet at Immanuel (open skate until 4 p.m.) Cost: Money for ice cream; Luther League will cover skating Leadership: Pastor Howard and Steve Vetter

Change in After Service Fellowship Starting January 6, 2019, treats and drinks will not be available after each service. The 3 people that have been in charge for several years have decided to step down. If anyone wants to restart the service please step up. Tom Lyons would come early and make the drinks and set out the treats. Judy Venzke would come between services and set up for after the 10:30 service and then cleanup after the service. Phyllis Hagensick would make the sign-up sheets for treats and make sure treats were available. If the service restarts there needs to be more people involved. Thanks to the dedicated people who furnished treats. Judy Venzke

2019 Offering Envelopes

2019 envelopes, for your Tithes

and offerings of Thanksgiving, are

on the table in the hallway. These

envelopes are for your monetary

offerings to God and are used to

support the ministries of

Immanuel Lutheran through the

church budget. If there aren’t

envelopes with your name on it,

please contact Kelly in the church

office at 653-3950.

4

Thank you to Ron and Karen Heinemen for vacuuming the

pews. The sanctuary looks amazing and smells even better.

A BIG thank you to everyone who made Immanuel’s children’s

Christmas program Joy to the World possible. Thank you to

Margie, Jason, Angela, Rob, Bonnie, Tina, Rachel, Mike J.,

Brian, Kelly, Carrie, Katie, and Pastor Maureen. Also thanks to

the student musicians Audrey, Quinn, Claire, Mikaila, and

Taylor.

To the children- a HUGE thank you.... you are all amazing!!!

You were cooperative and courteous to me and to each other.

The program went great. I believe you all had a good time in

proclaiming Jesus’ birth and the Wise Men’s visit. I know you

all enjoyed having two Jesus children this year... Baby Jesus and

Toddler Jesus! Such a Joy to the World!!!

Thanks again, everyone.

Linda Brown, Director

THANK YOU to everyone who brought

snacks the Conference 7 Rostered Leaders’

meeting here at Immanuel on December

6th. It was wonderful to fellowship around

such delicious treats and hospitality you

extended to the pastors. All the pastors

enjoyed their stay at Immanuel.

THANK YOU to Gwendolyn Flannery and

John Flannery for playing the prelude music

for worship on Sunday, December 9th. How

joyful, reverent, and tone setting for our

praise and thanksgiving to God. THANK YOU to all the Immanuel Salvation

Army Bell Ringers at Wal-Mart who enjoyed

the sunny, upper 40 degree day on Saturday,

December 15th: Steve and Kathy Vetter; Stan

and Ryan Jones; Deb Simmering and Linda

Brown; Carol Woodruff; Virginia Jorgensen;

Ron Andersen; Kelly and Emerson Smith, Brandi Seitz, and

Addilyn Snyder; Tina Montz, and Ray Poe (and anyone who

joined in, but didn’t sign up). 70% of the money placed in

Washington County kettles remains in Washington County.

THANK YOU to the four

families who brought their

unwrapped Christmas

presents to church on

Saturday, December 15th. The following

adults and youth wrapping elves were: Taylor

Bartholomew, Lucas Kroll, Caitlin Kroll,

Emma Lueck, Mikaila Matheson, Addison

Six, Avery Six, Ajay Six, Aden Six, Michelle

Bartholomew, Mike Howard, Steve Vetter,

and Pastor Howard. $120 was raised toward

assisting the youth in attending faith

deepening events in 2019. To see more

wrapping photos, go to the church’s

Facebook page: Immanuel Lutheran

Washington.

THANK YOU to EVERYONE who contributed to the Luther

League’s “Fill the Boot” appeal to purchase winter clothes for

children in need. On Saturday, December 15th the Luther

League youth spent $1039.02 on snow boots, snow pants, and

warm clothes. Steve and Kathy Vetter secured a $250 Thrivent

Action Card for this appeal. The congregation’s generous

donations of $333, $250 Thrivent Visa Card, and Luther League

added money from their Luther League account to be able to

spend $1000. The clothes were given to HACAP for

distribution. The Luther League shoppers were: Taylor

Bartholomew, Lucas Kroll, Caitlin Kroll, Emma Lueck, Mikaila

Matheson, Addison Six, Avery Six, Ajay Six, Aden Six, Mike

Howard, Steve Vetter, and Pastor

Howard. To see more shopping

photos, go to the church’s

Facebook page: Immanuel

Lutheran Washington.

THANK YOU Taylor Bartholomew,

Mikaila Matheson, Audrey Wubbena,

Quinn Wubbena, and Claire Wubbena for

playing special music for worship on Sunday,

December 16th. God has blessed you with

musical talent and we are grateful that you

use your talent to give God glory and bless

the congregation of Immanuel. “It is good to

praise the Lord and make music to your

name, O Most High” Psalm 92:1

Thank you!! ♥

THANK YOU to Kelly Smith for shining your delightful

personality in the church office. It is with great skill and ease you

managed the various liturgical bulletins throughout the Advent,

Christmas, and Epiphany seasons.

5

T H A N K S S O M U C H !! THANK YOU to all the youth of Immanuel Lutheran for your presentation of the birth of Jesus on Sunday,

December 16th. Your energy, innocence, and love of Jesus are a true blessing to the people of Immanuel.

Thank you to Linda Brown for directing the pageant “Joy to the World”. Your hard work and dedication are

so appreciated. The love you have for the children is seen in the love the children have for you! The cast was:

Narrator Clair Wubbena; Mary: Emma Lueck; Joseph: Ajay Six; Mary’s Donkey: Lason Montz; Main Angel:

Emma Taylor; Baby Jesus: Amaya Gutierrez; The Bethlehem Star: Ainsely Six; Angel: Sophie Wittmayer;

Shepherdess: Taylor Bartholomew; Shepherds and Scribes; Aden Six, Avery Six, Axel Six, Brayden Zywiec (and

King Herod), Thomas Lueck (and Wiseman); Mama Sheep: Caitlin Kroll (and Wiseman); Lambs: Grace

Taylor, Rosalie Montz, Tegan Bartholomew, and Macy Quigley; Cow and Camel: Clayton Bartholomew and

William McWhirter; Dove and Camel: Kenzie Quigley; Dove: James Montz; Toddler Jesus: Armor Six;

Wiseman: Mikaila Matheson; Priest: Issac Giesmann; Scribe: Nathan Giesmann. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little

children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’”

Matthew 19:14. To see more photos from “Joy to the World” go to Immanuel’s Facebook page: Immanuel

Lutheran Washington Iowa. Putting on the children’s program would not be possible without a lot of effort form

many hands! So, a big thank you goes to the following: Linda Brown, director; Margie Runaas, accompanist;

Rachel Quigley for publicity; Jason and Rob Taylor stage hands; Angela Taylor, Bonnie Taylor, and Tina Montz

for costumes; Mike Jewell and Brian Lueck for tech support, Kelly Smith for programs; Education committee

and Pastor Maureen for their guidance and help.

THANK YOU to Council members Bev Bailey, Deidra

Baker, DeAnn Hakert, Angela Taylor, and Steve Vetter for

your assistance during the laying-on-of-hands at the Blue

Christmas/Healing service held on Wednesday, December

19th. The laying-on-of-hands is a holy and precious time,

God’s power working through you. Thank you for being an

instrument of God’s powerful and effective work.

THANK YOU to Margie Runaas who played the sacred

music for the Blue Christmas/Healing service. Your music

set the tone for a holy experience with God.

THANK YOU to Rich Baker, Jeff Crone, Mike

Jewell, Lee Buchholz, and The Jewell Family

Singers for blessing our Christmas Eve worship

service with your special gift of song and music.

You joined with the celestial choir of angels

singing and playing praises to God on the holy

night of our Savior’s birth.

THANK YOU for the Christmas cards and gifts and even birthday wishes! It is an honor and humbling to be

your pastor and partner in proclaiming the life we have through our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. My

prayer for 2019 is that we unite as God’s people here at Immanuel Lutheran. We remain not just hearers of

God’s Word but become Disciples/Doers of God’s Word. I pray that we boldly move forward into 2019 as

God directs us, even if it means change. - Pastor Howard

THANK YOU to the Adult and Children Choirs for leading worship through sacred music on Sunday,

December 2nd. Your message of Christ’s birth to all humankind through the music “Advent Program” was a

true blessing to the congregation and God was glorified. Thank you for your faithful ministry: Sara Bartlett,

Choir Director; Children’s Choir: Viv Kroll, Thomas Lueck, Kenzie Quigley, Ainsley Six, William

McWhirter, and Lauren McWhirter; Adult Choir: Mike Jewell (voice and piano), Margie Runaas (voice and

piano), Gwendolyn Flannery (oboe), Lee Buchholz, Brian Gentz, Julie Gentz, Kate Glinsmann, Ike

Glinsmann, Peter Glinsmann, John Harris, Debbie Jewell, Virginia Jorgensen, Carrie Lueck, Clyde Pearce,

Jon Runaas, Diane Tweeton, Fran Victor, Peter Weller, and Sandy Weller. “But let all who take refuge in you

rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may

exult in you.” Psalm 5:11

Thank you to Julie Gentz and Sara Bartlett for playing prelude music for worship on Sunday, December

23rd.The cello and piano music was a wonderful way to start praising God on Sunday morning.

Thank you to Wilma McKinstry for repairing

the white parament, it’s greatly appreciated!!

6

January 2019, LSI Bulletin/Newsletter Article and Story Raising our Voice for Iowa Children and Families – Lutheran Day on the Hill Families struggling without access to mental healthcare. Human services providers overworked and underpaid. Former refugees striving to build new lives. These are all issues faced by Iowans. Join us to make sure they are heard at the Iowa State Capitol. Please consider joining Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) and the three Iowa synods of the ELCA for Lutheran Day on the Hill, an annual day of advocacy in Des Moines to uplift the needs of our neighbors. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 19. Visit www.LSIowa.org/advocacy next month for event details, online registration, and an online toolkit for your congregation. If you are new to advocacy, come learn more about the legislative process and your role as a citizen. If you’ve attended before, join us again. We hope this year’s schedule will also allow you more opportunities to connect with legislators. If you would like more information, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI’s director of philanthropy and church relations, at Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org. Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at www.LSIowa.org and www.facebook.com/LSI.iowa.

Building a New Home After spending almost 20 years in a refugee camp in Nepal, Narayan and Chandra are grateful for the life they have built for their family with support from LSI’s Refugee Community Services. After marrying in the camp, Narayan and Chandra resettled to Des Moines in 2009. Everything was new. Everything was different. Their child, Aaman, was a newborn, and they found themselves overwhelmed with medical bills. Chandra desperately wanted to pursue her medical career. At the time, it seemed impossible. But LSI helped Chandra enroll in college classes. Narayan started volunteering at LSI as an interpreter. Later, he became a full-time case manager with LSI, where he continues to lift up former refugees by connecting them to resources, educational activities, and supporting them as they pursue citizenship. “LSI supported me and allowed me to provide for my family. It helped us establish ourselves in Iowa,” he says. Chandra now works as a lab assistant in an Iowa pediatric clinic. Narayan and Chandra have become homeowners and feel confident, independent, and established in their new community.

Continued from page 1

“Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea [seagoing commerce and shipments of goods to Jerusalem through the ports of Tyre and Sidon] shall be brought to you. A multitude of camels [land commerce and freight carried by camels from throughout the Mideast region] shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.” (Isaiah 60:1-6) The wealth derived from this commerce would enrich the lives of all Israelites. And, this would be God’s doing. In these six verses of Isaiah, God’s glory is revealed. God announces that God is with his people. “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. . . . the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.” Dirk G. Lange, Professor of Worship at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota wrote in The Working Preacher, “God is always a God whose glory [leads to salvation.] The people’s repentance, the mending of ways, the living out of justice is a response to this coming! It is not an attempt to be made right with God but it is thanksgiving for the one who comes, who reveals life and salvation in the midst of the community. “God’s glory in the Hebrew scripture is always God’s presence. The glory of the Lord appears in the wilderness when the people complain about lacking food and God promises manna; when the Arc of the Covenant is completed, the glory of the Lord descends and fills it so that even Moses could not enter it; when Moses asks to see God’s glory, God responds, ‘You cannot see my face’; it is the glory of the Lord that fills the sanctuary in Isaiah 6. . . . Throughout the Hebrew scriptures God’s presence, God’s very own face, is designated by glory. God does not posses glory — God is glory. “Now this glory and light arises among the people, it is the Lord who arises among them, giving what the Lord gives: life and salvation. But this giving is not just for the remnant of Israel, it is not just for those who have returned from exile, but for all the nations. . . .” God’s glory was not specific just to the people in Isaiah’s time. It would be reflected in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. John wrote in his gospel, “And we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) Paul experienced God’s glory on the road to Damascus. Stephen saw God’s glory while being stoned to death. God’s glory can be seen today. Just look into the face of any believing Christian. As Paul wrote, “. . . When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. . . . And all of us with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. . . .” (2 Corinthians 3:16-18) That, and there, is God’s glory.

7

Night to Shine

The Washington United Methodist Church, with support from

area churches, is proud to be an official host church for the

2019 Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow

Foundation. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love,

for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. The event will take place at more than 500

churches around the world simultaneously on Friday, February 8th, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., KC Hall.

For more information, please contact Ann C. Williams, at (319) 461-2511 or email

Ann.C.Williams@fbfs.com. This will be a night no one will forget as we celebrate people with

special needs!

Confirmand and Mentor Dinner ~ January 27th

Our 8th grade confirmation students: Avery Six, Ajay Six, and Aden Six will be asking a male each, between January 1st and January 15th, to be their potential confirmation mentor. To kick off this new relationship a Confirmand and Mentor dinner will be held on Sunday, January 27th at 6 p.m., Pastor Howard will host this dinner. The mentor will meet with their confirmand once a week in February/March to journey together on faith topics: talking faith together; worship; learning; witness; and service (discussion sheets provided by Pastor Maureen). The confirmands will write a faith review with the help from their mentor (due in March) and complete a service project with their mentor (completed by April). During the months of March and April, the confirmand and mentor will only meet at their discretion to complete their servant project (worship together during Lent). The confirmand and mentor will explain their servant project to the congregation on Sunday, May 6th. The mentor will be present with the confirmand at their confirmation on Sunday, May 6th, 10:30 a.m. worship. What a great opportunity to enrich the life of a teen!

Service of Lessons and Carols

Join us as we continue to celebrate the Christmas season with a service of Lessons and Carols

adapted from the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols that has been celebrated annually at

King’s College, Cambridge, for almost a century. The Scripture lessons are those traditionally

used at the festival, while the carols that accompany each passage have been selected from

the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book. Join us as we worship together, on Wednesday,

January 2nd, 6 p.m. to hear and sing the promises of Christ’s birth. Welcome in the new

year through welcoming our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Valentine Gifts

The Confirmation youth will be selling homemade, heart shaped Valentine cookies for Valentine’s Day. The youth will be receiving pre-orders for individual large cookies, boxes of a half-dozen cookies, or boxes of a dozen cookies on Sundays January 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. For your gluten-free or “healthy” option boxed homemade, dried apple slices will also be offered. It’s not too early to begin planning on treating your loved ones (or yourself) for Valentine’s Day. This is a fundraiser for the confirmands to attend confirmation camp at Camp Ewalu. The cost to send one confirmand to Ewalu’s 2019 confirmation camp is $439 (that’s the early registration discount!). We thank you for your generous support of the confirmation youth: Avery Six., Ajay Six, Aden Six, Taylor Bartholomew, Caitlin Kroll, Emma Lueck, and Mikaila Matheson.

8

Poinsettias Ron & Linda Brown- In memory of our granddaughter, Paula, her great-grandparents, and her uncle, Gary Bray

Beverly Bailey- In memory of parents and grandparents

Naomi Erickson- In memory of husband, Ken, and our parents

Pam Johnston- In memory of Wade & Marjorie Johnston

Ron & Char Andersen- In memory of our parents

Rich & Deidra Baker- In honor of our parents

Marilyn Bennett- In memory of husband, Steve Bennett

Pastor Maureen & Mike Howard- In celebration of the birth of Jesus

Vickie Gonterman and family- In memory of Gerry Gonterman

Stephen Bay- Glory to God

Katie, William, and Lauren McWhirter- In memory of Sheryl Lewis and Dorothy Grim

Ray & Alta Poe- Glory to God

Julie Giesmann- In memory of those who loved the Christmas spirit

Siegrist families and Wallace family- In memory of Don and Yvonne Buster

FREE INDEED Prison Congregation Free Indeed is an ELCA congregation of the Southeastern Iowa Synod at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. Free Indeed is a community that shares the good news of Jesus Christ with and through those inside the prison walls, with support of ministry partners outside the prison walls. Free Indeed is building a community of faith within the confines of the prison using the national Prison Congregations of American model. Free Indeed also assists those who are released to be restored to the community and to continue in their spiritual journey. Rev. Jerry Collell, pastor of Free Indeed, will be Immanuel’s guest on Sunday, January 27th. Immanuel will have the privilege to hear Pr. Collell preach at both the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship services. Pr. Collell will also be leading an Adult Forum at 9:15 a.m. you won’t want to miss. A special offering will be received during worship services on January 23rd and 27th to financially support the Free Indeed prison ministry.

The Epiphany Season January brings us out of the Christmas season and into the season of Epiphany. “Epiphany” means “to show” or “to make known” or “to reveal”. During the 2nd century “Epiphany” was used, by the church, to express the manifestations of the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ. During the Epiphany Season, manifestations of God incarnate are commemorated: Jesus, Lord and King, of both Jews and Gentiles – when the Wise Men visited child Jesus in Bethlehem. The Wise Men were the first to reveal Jesus, to the world, as the incarnate Christ. This is called the Epiphany of Our Lord and is always celebrated on Sunday, January 6th. The color of the paraments for Epiphany is white: purity, holiness, and joy. Jesus’ Divinity – Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, with the speaking of God the Father and the appearance of God the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus to be God’s Son (celebrated Sunday, January 13th). The color of the paraments is also white. Jesus revealing God’s power through love for the world – made known through Jesus’ ministry of preaching, miracles, and healings. The color of the paraments is green: representing the new life that Jesus gives us and our spiritual growth. The Epiphany season concludes with the Transfiguration of our Lord, which will be celebrated on Sunday, March 3rd. The church year moves from the season of Epiphany into the season of Lent beginning, Ash Wednesday, March 6th.

Installation of 2019 Council Members During worship on Sunday, December 9th Pastor Howard installed the following persons elected to council by the congregation at Immanuel’s Annual Meeting: Steve Vetter, President; DeAnn Hakert, Vice President; Scott Bartholomew, Katie McWhirter, Addison Six, Linda Six, and Deb Tisor. Bev Bailey, Secretary; and Jon Runaas were installed at the December 16th council meeting. God bless you with God’s Holy Spirit, that you may prove faithful servants of Christ.

9

10

Service

Date Greeters Ushers Reader Acolyte

Communion

Set up/Clean up

Jan 6 8 am Ken & Susan

Baker

10:30 Marilyn

Bennett and Naomi

Erickson

8 am Rich & Deidra

Baker and Gary Fischer

10:30 Stephen Bay and

John & Peg Harris

8 am Gary Fischer

10:30 John Harris

8 am Emma

Taylor

10:30 Issac

Giesmann

Set up– Bev Bailey

Set up/Clean up– Ray & Alta

Poe

Clean up– Karen Heinemen

Jan 13

8 am Bev Crandall

and Don McAvoy

10:30 Phyllis

Hagensick and Vi

Kruse

8 am Michael Howard,

Brad Kroll, and Katie

McWhirter

10:30 Bob Coker and

Brian & Carrie Lueck

8 am Katie

McWhirter

10:30 Clyde

Pearce

8 am Vivienne

Kroll

10:30 Thomas

Lueck

Set up– Tricia Kroll

Set up/Clean up– Naomi

Erickson

Clean up– Corrine Martin

Jan 20 8 am Craig & Tina

Montz and family

10:30 DeAnn

Hakert and Sherry

Ives

8 am Gary Fischer, Ray

Poe, and Steve Vetter

10:30 Aaron & April Six

and family

8 am Taylor

Bartholomew

10:30 Jon Runaas

8 am Mikaila

Matheson

10:30 Ajay Six

Set up– Bev Bailey

Set up/Clean up– Kelli

Gapinski

Clean up– Naomi Erickson

Jan 27 8 am Brad & Tricia

Kroll and family

10:30 Doris Moore

and Carol

Woodruff

8 am Stan & Kristin Jones

and family

10:30 Stephen Bay, Tom

Gaughan, and Marty

Westen

8 am Kristin Jones

10:30 Tom

Gaughan

8 am Emma

Taylor

10:30 Claire

Wubbena

Set up– Kristin Jones

Set up/Clean up– Stan &

Sharol Kroll

Clean up– Marilyn Bennett

I volunteer because that is my service to God. It comes naturally to me to be a giver. I love doing my part. I am on the Altar Guild, Council, and the Worship committee. I make the communion bread. Bev Bailey

Save the date!! Thursday, February 21st

Sign Making at RePurpose It. Sign up out soon!!