The Sunday of the Tree and Its Fruit
John Tide (Trinity VIII)
10 August 2025
Beware of False Prophets
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). Deceit has its strength in masquerading as the truth. False prophets speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord (Jer. 23:16–29). They deny the judgment of the Lord, speaking peace to the unrepentant, when in truth there is condemnation and wrath. “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:20). The “fruits” of a true prophet are not outward righteousness or success but faithfulness in proclaiming the Word of the Lord. This is the will of the Father in heaven, that pastors take heed to the flock, the Father’s adopted ones (Rom. 8:12–17), warning them against the wolves and their lies, and shepherding the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:27–38). For indeed, the cross is that good tree bearing good fruit—namely, the body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.
Parish News
The Altar Flowers donated today by Mr. and Mrs. Kris Wineinger in honor of Hannah and John’s baptism.
Vicar Installation and Ice Cream Social/Pantry Shower We are pleased to welcome Vicar Connor Walts, Emily and their children, Elijah (2 ½) and Sylvia (9 mos), as they return to Immanuel for his Vicarage. Please join us today for an Ice Cream Social/Pantry Shower in the Parish Center after Divine Service.
Catechesis 2025: Learning by Heart Beginning August 14th at 5:45pm and every Thursday thereafter, 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).
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.
LCMS Foundation We can face competing priorities when we think about planning our estates. Am I giving things away or am I trying to control how things will be used? Throughout our lives, we have been responsible for directing and stewarding things God has placed in our purview. The temptation is to think we can control them, even from the grave. A Christian estate plan understands the transfer of God’s blessings that have been His all along. Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can help you think through and apply this perspective. Contact Mark Muehl at 260-241-4845 or mark.muehl@lfnd.org.
Equipping the Priesthood of All Believers… 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: Alternatives to IVF, Evidence for Infant Baptism in the First Century, Adoption, Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers, The Lutheran View of the Lord’s Supper 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 Tree and Its Fruit -The Eighth Sunday after Trinity
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Ice Cream Social/Pantry Shower for Vicar Walts and family, 12:00 pm
Thursday
- Catechesis 2025: Learning By Heart, 5:45 pm
Next Sunday The Sunday of the Parable of the Shrewd Steward -The Ninth 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
