The Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr
24 August 2025
St. Bartholomew, Apostle
Skinned alive! That, according to tradition, is how Bartholomew (called Nathanael in John) was martyred. Christ’s preachers are not to be great lords, but servants who faithfully stay with Christ in His trials (Luke 22:24–30). They are “jars of clay”; the Savior they preach is the “surpassing power” (2 Cor. 4:7). Christ’s servants are “afflicted in every way,” “always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested” there (2 Cor. 4:8–10). On the foundation of their prophetic and apostolic confession, the Church is built, “joined together” by Christ, “the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20–21). As an apostle (Luke 6:13–14), Bartholomew manifested “the Son of God” in his preaching and his death. Christ is the “Son of Man” — the King who opens heaven to us by His wounds (John 1:49–51). We bear sufferings not leaning “on [our] own understanding,” but trusting in the Lord (Prov. 3:5–7). Life will be manifested in our bodies, too, when the Lord brings “healing to [our] flesh and refreshment to [our] bones” in the resurrection (Prov. 3:8). For this reason, Bartholomew is often depicted holding his flayed skin. He will have need of it on the Last Day — at least for sizing.
Parish News
The Altar Flowers donated today Mr. and Mrs. Jack Casassa in honor of their 55th anniversary.
ISU Football Game   Please join Immanuel’s college students at Memorial Stadium for the kickoff to the ISU Football season, August 28th. Tickets at the gate are $16/person, but if you rsvp to Vicar at vicarwalts@ielcth.org they are $5/person. We will meet outside the stadium at 5:30pm to enter and sit together.
Church Picnic Join us this Saturday, August 30 at Deming Park, Lion’s Shelter 2, for our Annual Church Picnic. Burgers, hot dogs and drinks will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share along with your lawn chair. For more details and to RSVP, check out the bulletin insert.
Catechesis 2025: Learning by Heart Every Thursday at 5:45pm, we invite all young learners of the congregation (particularly ages 5 and up) and their parents for an hour of worship and catechesis! We will particularly work together to learn by heart the six chief parts of the Catechism. Contact Pastor for more details. (Note: We are starting the season earlier this year in anticipation of breaking for six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year).Â
The Book of Numbers Series… 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. Reed Lessing, author of the new book “Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers,” at issuesetc.org/bookofnumbers.
Large Print Hymns We have had a few requests for printing the Hymns for each service in large print. If you have trouble seeing the hymns in the hymnal, please contact Stacy at stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org. She will leave a copy of the hymns printed in large print for each week in the Narthex with your name on it.
This Week at Immanuel
Today  The Feast of St. Bartholomew
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Thursday
- Catechesis 2025: Learning By Heart, 5:45 pm
- ISU Football Game with LCMSU, 6:00 pm
Saturday
- Church Picnic at Deming Park, 12-3 pm
Next Sunday The Sunday of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican
- 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
