Gaudete – Third Sunday in Advent
11 December 2022
John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord
The voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come . . .?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe.
Parish News
Altar Flowers are given by Norma Bucy in memory of Marvin Bucy.
New Members: Please welcome Larry and Carol Lynn as we receive them as new members this morning.
Advent Midweek: This week we will forego our Advent Midweek Meal.
Christmas Tree/Sanctuary Decorating Please join us Friday evening from 5-7:30 for light refreshments and decorating the Christmas Tree and Sanctuary. Come when you can, stay as long as your schedules allows.
German Service Mark your calendars for December 18 at 4:00 pm for our annual German Service. We will host our guests after service to a reception with authentic German treats and even German coffee. If you would like to help or donate treats, please contact Leslie Bilyeu at leslie@ieclth.org.
Children’s Christmas Service will be Wednesday, December 21 at 7:00 pm. Rehearsals are during Sunday School with a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 17 at 10:30 am. All children 6th grade and under are encouraged to participate. Please contact Amy Cracraft at amycracraft@gmail.com or the church office if you would like to help with this annual event.
2023 Altar Flowers Chart is on the table in the Narthex. Please print clearly to sign up for the dates you would like to donate flowers and, if you wish, a designation “in memory of” or “in honor of” a person or occasion.
New Pictorial Directory Photos are still needed from members to complete our new directory. Please see instructions by the backdrop in the Parish Center. We would like to have all photos by the end of the year.
Wabash Valley Right To Life is sponsoring their annual pro-life billboard campaign. We would like to raise $375 to sponsor a billboard this year. If you would like to contribute, please do so by January 1, marking your donation “Right to Life.” For more information, call the church office or e-mail stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org.
Pastoral Call Update: We have received word from the Indiana District Office that after our initial call was declined, an additional list of candidates will be forwarded to us and should be available within a week. Additionally, two of the names on our short list are no longer available to be called. The Council of Deacons will consider these new names in addition to the original candidates and will post the new list of candidates in the bulletin prior to our next call meeting on a date yet to be determined.
This Week at Immanuel
Today Gaudete – Third Sunday in Advent
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Wednesday
- Advent Evening Prayer, 7:00 pm
Friday
- Decorate Christmas Tree and Sanctuary/Light Refreshments provided, 5:00-7:30 pm
Saturday
- Youth Catechesis, 9:00 am
- Children’s Christmas Service dress rehearsal, 10:30 am
Next Sunday Rorate Coeli – Fourth Sunday in Advent
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30am
CHRISTMAS at IMMANUEL
18 December Weihnachtsvesper, 4pm – Vespers
21 December Children’s Christmas Service, 7pm – Vespers
24 December Saturday, Eve of the Nativity 5pm (note time change) – Candlelight Divine Service
24 December Saturday, Eve of the Nativity 11pm – Candlelight Divine Service
25 December Sunday, Nativity of Our Lord, 10:30am – Divine Service
