The Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican
Lawrence Tide (Trinity XI)
31 August 2025
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
The Altar Flowers donated today Mr. Jerome Mueller in memory of Sally Mueller.
College Bible Study and Meal As school starts again, we are happy to invite our college students to fellowship, a meal, and Bible Study on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm. All college students are welcome! Members, please check the bulletin board to sign up to bring a meal. In addition, Vicar has invited the Congregation to certain events hosted by LCMSU. Please watch for those events in future bulletins.
Bowling with College Students Please join LCMS U at Imperial Lanes on September 10th @ 7pm for a great evening of fellowship with our college students. Details about group rates are still being looked into. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to Vicar at vicarwalts@ielcth.org.
Sunday School Rally Day September 7, 9:00 am Beginning with Sunday School Opening in the sanctuary, we will recognize our third graders with a gift of a Bible, remember September baptismal birthdays, and recognize our children advancing to new grade levels. We invite you to join us!
Choir We’re looking at a September start-up for Choir, with practices again on Thursdays at 6:45 P.M. Tentatively planning an every-other-Sunday schedule, meeting in the Loft at 10 A.M., except for certain back-to-back Sundays, like Reformation and All Saints. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please text or call Colleen Davis at 812-878-1145, or email colleen.davis@indstate.edu.
The Gold Standard For Lutheran Radio & Podcasting… Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent topics include: Making Your Congregation Easier to Find on the Internet, The 2025 Movie “Superman,” A Freedom of Speech & Religion Case Involving Lutheran Leaders in Finland, The Hymn “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” 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  The Sunday of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican Â
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Tuesday
- College Bible Study and Meal, 5:30 pm
Thursday
- Catechesis 2025: Learning By Heart, 4:00-4:45 pm
- Choir Practice, 6:45 pm
Saturday
- Council of Deacons Monthly Meeting, 8:00 am
Next Sunday The Sunday of Jesus Healing the Deaf-Mute
Sunday School Rally Day
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Sunday Morning Snacks hosted by YPI, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Pastor’s Open Office Hours (please note new time)
- Wednesday, 3:45-4:45 pm
- Friday, 3:45-4:45 pm
