Parish News for the Circumcision and Name of Jesus

Circumcision and Name of Jesus

01 January 2023

Jesus Blesses Us with His Name and Saves Us with His Blood 

Our newborn God keeps the Law for us and brings Abraham’s promises to their fulfillment when He is circumcised. It is there that the name above all names is “bestowed on him” (Phil. 2:9), “the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb”: Jesus, which means “the Lord saves” (Luke 2:21). He sheds the first drops of His precious blood in accordance with this name and in anticipation of His cross, “for he will save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). The law’s captivity gives way to the freedom of faith in Christ Jesus, who cuts a new covenant in His blood to be received by faith, whether male or female, Jew or Greek (Gal. 3:23–28). His name is given to us in Holy Baptism, and we are made sons of God and “heirs according to promise,” true offspring of Abraham by faith (Gal. 3:29). Eight days after the celebration of our Lord’s birth, a new “Year of our Lord” is begun in Jesus’ holy name and with His benediction. Jesus is the Lord, and by this name we are blessed (Num. 6:22–27).

Parish News

Altar Flowers donated today by Tim & Susan Clements and Becky Wiesneth in Memory of Sara Clements.

2023 Altar Flowers Chart  is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Volunteers are still needed for twenty Sundays in 2023, including next Sunday.  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.

2023 Contribution Envelopes Please pick up your 2023 contribution envelopes from the table in the Narthex.  You may contact the church office at 812.232.4972 or stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org with any questions.

Undecorate Sanctuary and Christmas Tree   Following the Epiphany service, Sunday, January 8th, help is needed to take down, pack up and store all the Christmas decorations. If you have time, please plan to stay following the service to offer assistance. Thank you!

New Pictorial Directory  Photos are still needed from members to complete our new directory. Please email photos and updated contact information to stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org.  We would like to include every family in the directory so get your pictures in soon!

Volunteers Needed to run the iPad playing the organ.  Volunteers should be communicant members of Immanuel, age 18 years or older.  Training provided.  Sign up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parish office or contact Kris Wineinger at wineingerkris@yahoo.com to volunteer.

Study God’s Word In 2023… The Word of the Lord Endures Forever is a daily, 15-minute, verse-by-verse Bible study produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Will Weedon.  Pastor Weedon is currently leading a study on the Book of Luke.  You can listen at thewordendures.org or your favorite podcast provider.

This Week at Immanuel

Today   Circumcision and Name of Jesus

• Divine Service, 10:30 am

(Please note no Bible Class or Sunday School this week. Bible Class and Sunday School will resume on January 8)

Saturday

• Council of Deacons, 8:00 am

Next Sunday  The Epiphany of Our Lord (Observed)

• Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
• Divine Service, 10:30am
• Undecorate Sanctuary and Christmas Tree, 12:00pm