First Sunday in Lent-Invocabit
22 February 2026
Jesus Does Battle in Our Place
In the Garden, man exalts himself to be a god in place of God (Gen. 3:1–21). He succumbs to the temptation of the devil, and eating of the forbidden fruit, he receives death. But in the sin-cursed wilderness, God humbles Himself to become man in place of man (Mt. 4:1–11). He does not eat but fasts and bears the onslaughts of the devil for us that we may be restored to life. Jesus stands as David in our place to do battle against the Goliath, Satan (1 Samuel 17:40–51). Though outwardly Jesus appears weak, yet He comes in the name of the Lord of hosts. He draws from the five smooth stones of the books of Moses and slings the Word of God. The stone sinks into the forehead, and the enemy falls. In Christ we are victorious over the devil. Let us therefore not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor. 6:1–10), but seeing that we have a great High Priest, let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain help in time of need (Heb 4:14–16).
Parish News
The Board of Outreach, Assimilation and Fellowship wishes to thank all of our bakers, savory snack and soup makers, and those who gave generously to enjoy the treats. Because of you the Souper Bowl Sunday Soups, Savory & Sweet Sale was a great success. We appreciate you all!
Easter Lilies Order Form is on the back table in the Narthex. Please clearly print your name and the name of the person(s) you would like to honor or memorialize. The cost is $14.00. The order deadline is March 9. You may also order by contacting the Parish Office at 812-232-4972 or stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org.
Lenten Vespers and Midweek Meal Vespers service at 7:00 pm, Midweek Meal at 5:30 pm. The meal theme this week is Soup & Sandwiches. Make your reservation on the bulletin insert.
College Bible Study and Meal Our college students are invited to fellowship, a meal, and Bible Study on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm. Members, please check the bulletin board and sign up to bring a meal.
The Story of Scripture Wednesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Strengthen your biblical literacy and grow in your understanding of God’s Word. For the upcoming week, we will read Ruth at home with class time devoted to reviewing what was read and connecting the theology of Scripture to our lives today.
2026 Martin + Katie Conference Join us in Champaign, IL on Saturday, March 28, 2026 to grow as Christian men and women, meet new friends, get to know each other, and have fun. The conference is open to Lutheran young adults, ages 18-30. Married or single are welcome. Registration is required, as capacity is limited. Please register at http://martinpluskatie.org no later than Friday, March 20th.
Sacred Music for the Season of Lent… “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “In the Cross of Christ I Glory,” “My Song Is Love Unknown,” “Glory Be to Jesus,” “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth.” You can listen to sacred music for the Lenten season 24/7 at lutheranpublicradio.org, TuneIn, Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple HomePod and the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
This Week at Immanuel
Today First Sunday in Lent (Invocabit)
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Study 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Didache, 3:15 pm
Tuesday
- College Bible Study and Meal, 5:30 pm
Wednesday
- The Story of Scripture, 4:30 pm
- Lenten Midweek Meal, 5:30 pm
- Vespers, 7:00 pm
Thursday
- Choir Practice, 6:45 pm
Next Sunday Second Sunday in Lent (Reminiscere)
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Didache, 3:15 pm
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Wednesday, 3:45-4:45 pm
- Friday, 3:45-4:45 pm
