Laetare – Fourth Sunday in Lent
15 March 2026
The Lord Feeds His People
The Lord provided bread from heaven for His people in the wilderness (Ex. 16:2–21). Now He who is Himself the living bread from heaven miraculously provides bread for the five thousand (John 6:1–15). This takes place near the time of the Passover, after a great multitude had followed Jesus across the sea, and when He went up on a mountain. Seen in this way, Jesus is our new and greater Moses, who releases us from the bondage of Mount Sinai and makes us free children of the promise (Gal. 4:21–31). Five loaves become twelve baskets—that is, the five books of Moses find their goal and fulfillment in Christ, whose people continue steadfastly in the doctrine and fellowship of the twelve apostles, and in the breaking and receiving of the bread of life, which is the body of Christ together with His precious blood, and in the prayers (Acts 2:41–47). So it is that God’s people “shall not hunger or thirst” (Is. 49:8–13). For He abundantly provides for us in both body and soul.
Parish News
The Altar Flowers donated today by Mr. and Mrs. Cale Bays in honor of Jace’s baptismal birthday
Lenten Vespers and Midweek Meal Vespers service at 7:00 pm, Midweek Pitch-in Meal at 5:30 pm. The meal theme this week is Breakfast for Dinner! If you plan on attending, please fill out the bulletin insert with your name, the number of your party, and what you will bring to share. Thanks!
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 1 Samuel 16-22 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.
Explaining Lutheranism To Non-Lutherans… Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. You can listen to a series of interviews with Dr. Jordan Cooper, author of the new book “Lutheranism for Non-Lutherans,” at issuesetc.org/nonlutherans.
This Week at Immanuel
Today Fourth Sunday in Lent (Laetare)
- 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 Pitch-in Meal, 5:30 pm
- Vespers, 7:00 pm
Thursday
- Choir Practice, 6:45 pm
Friday
- Altar Guild Word Day, 10am-12pm
Next Sunday Fifth Sunday In Lent (Judica)
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Didache, 3:15 pm
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Wednesday, 3:30-4:30 pm
- Friday, 3:30-4:30 pm
