Quinquagesima
15 February 2026
Faith Alone
The seeing are blind, while the one who is blind can see (Luke 18:31–43). Jesus tells the twelve that He is going up to Jerusalem to suffer and die and rise again, but they cannot understand or grasp what He is saying. The meaning of His words is hidden from their sight. However, as Jesus makes His way up to Jerusalem, a blind man calls out to Him for mercy. This blind man sees that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior, for he calls Him “Son of David.” Indeed, Jesus is the Lord’s anointed, the keeper of sheep (1 Sam. 16:1–13) who goes to lay down His life for the sheep. He is the incarnate love of the Father who suffers long and is kind, who is not puffed up, who never fails us (1 Cor. 13:1–13). Jesus opens the eyes of the blind (Is. 35:3–7) to see Him not according to outward appearances of lowliness, but according to His heart of mercy and compassion. Those who behold Him thus by faith follow Him to the cross through death into life.
Parish News
The Altar Flowers donated today by Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Stallings in Memory of Gail Havener.
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.
Ash Wednesday Divine Service will be held on February 18, 2026 at 7:00 pm with imposition of ashes beginning at 6:45 pm. Please join us after Divine Service for our “hot cross” buns reception.
Lenten Vespers and Midweek Meal Vespers service at 7:00 pm, Midweek Meal at 5:30 pm. Please 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 Judges 13-16 at home with class time devoted to reviewing what was read and connecting the theology of Scripture to our lives today.
Education & Edification… Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent topics include: The Religious Beliefs of Abraham Lincoln, Why Feminism Can’t Be Fused with Christianity, Is Christianity a Psychological Crutch?, The Hymn “If God Himself Be For Me” and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, TuneIn, the LPR mobile app and a podcast provider.
This Week at Immanuel
Today Quinquagesima
- 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 Ash Wednesday
- The Story of Scripture, 4:30 pm
- Imposition of Ashes, 6:45; Divine Service, 7:00 pm
- Hot Cross Buns Reception, 8:00 pm
Thursday
- Choir Practice, 6:45 pm
Next Sunday First Sunday in Lent (Invocabit)
- 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
