The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
16 August 2026
The Lord Lifts Up the Lowly
“And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard” (Gen. 4:1–15). For unlike Abel, Cain’s offering did not proceed from a heart that revered and trusted in the Lord. Thus, the lowly tax collector who prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” was the one who went down to his house justified before God, not the respectable, outwardly righteous Pharisee who trusted in himself and his own good living (Luke 18:9–14). “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:1–10). The one who penitently despairs of his own righteousness and relies completely on the atoning mercy of God in Christ is the one who is declared righteous. For Christ died for our sins and rose again the third day (1 Cor. 15:1–10). Therefore, “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Parish News
Story of Scripture – New Testament Wednesdays @ 6:00 pm. Strengthen your biblical literacy and grow in your understanding of God’s Word. Each week, participants will read 6-10 chapters at home. Class time will then be devoted to reviewing what was read, answering questions, and connecting the theology of Scripture to our lives today. Together we will move quickly, yet thoughtfully, through the major stories of the Bible, gaining both a big-picture grasp and a deeper appreciation of God’s Word for our life. For August 19th, please read Matthew chapters 1-7 in advance.
Immanuel Church Picnic Please join in a relaxing afternoon with food, games and great company at Deming Park’s Lions Shelter #2 on Saturday, August 22 from 12-3 pm. Bring a dish to share! Reservations can be made on the bulletin inserts or by calling the church office. We hope you’ll join in the fun!
Marriage-minded Lutheran young adults ages 21–40 are invited to a Lutheran Singles Weekend at Advent Lutheran Church in Zionsville, IN, October 9–11. The weekend will include worship, fellowship, meals, games, and opportunities to connect with other LCMS Lutheran young adults. Out-of-town attendees are welcome. Visit the registration link for the full schedule and details or contact Rev. Aaron Schultz at aschultz@adventlutheran.org with questions.
Truth, Goodness, Beauty… 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 teachings include: What Is Critical Theory?, The Reliability of the Bible, The Population Bust, The Term “Flesh” in the Bible and more. You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Wednesday
- Story of Scripture, 6:00 pm
Saturday
- Immanuel Church Picnic, 12:00 pm
Next Sunday The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Study 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Wednesday, 4-5 pm
- Friday, 4-5 pm
