The Sunday of the Parable of the Shrewd Steward
John Tide (Trinity IX)
17 August 2025
The Steward’s Shrewdness Sanctified
“The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness” (Luke 16:1–9). The steward’s shrewdness is praiseworthy for two reasons. First, he knew the master would be merciful. He trusted that the master would honor the debts he forgave in the master’s name. In the same way, though we have squandered our heavenly Father’s possessions in selfishness and sin, Jesus is the Steward who has canceled our debt, knowing that His forgiveness will be honored by the Father because of the holy cross. Secondly, the steward was shrewd in using oil and wheat to provide for his earthly welfare. So also do these earthly elements aid us when pressed into heavenly use in the anointing of baptism and the wheat of the Lord’s Supper. Those who have the Sacraments will have an eternal home when their earthly home fails. These provide us aid in times of temptation (1 Cor. 10:6–13). For the Lord is our strength and a shield to all who trust in Him (2 Sam. 22:26–34).
Parish News
The Altar Flowers donated today to the Glory of God by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Danielsen.
Bonfire, Yard Games, and Hymn Sing  Vicar Walts and LCMSU would like to invite all congregation members to a bonfire in the Vicarage yard this Friday, August 22 at 7:30 pm. It will be a great time of fun and fellowship with our incoming college students. No meal will be provided but what’s a bonfire without S’mores? Anyone who would like to bring additional treats is welcome to do so. Vicar would like to ask for a donation of firewood from anyone who might have some available.
ISU Football Game Vicar Walts and the college students will be attending the ISU football game as a group on Thursday, August 28 at 6:00 pm and they would love members of the congregation to join them. This will be another great way to get to know our college students while enjoying an ISU football game. General Admission is $16.00 for adults and $6.00 for children. Vicar will be looking into group rates. Please email Vicar at vicarwalts@ielcth.org if you plan to attend.
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
Sunday School Volunteers We are thankful for the opportunity to impart Christ to the children during the Sunday School hour and thankful for those who have participated over the years. We’re considering additional volunteers to serve in a possible rotation for the coming 2025-2026 year, especially for the nursery (below 3rd grade). If interested, please contact Pastor.
Meal Train Please consider participating in the Meal Train for the Walts family. More information can be found at https://mealtrain.com/43ngm5.
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.
This Week at Immanuel
Today  The Sunday of the Parable of the Shrewd Steward
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Thursday
- Catechesis 2025: Learning By Heart, 5:45 pm
Friday
- Bonfire, Yard Games, and Hymn Sing, 7:30 pm
Next Sunday The Feast of St. Bartholomew
- 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
