Third Sunday In Advent
Gaudete
14 December 2025
John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord
The voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come . . .?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe.
Parish News
The Altar Flowers donated today to the Glory of God by Mr. and Mrs. Eric Crucitti.
Baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ this morning is Abigail Lucia Cockran, daughter of Pastor Kurt & Emily Cockran.
Weihnachtsvesper Today at 4:00 pm Please join us as we host our annual German Christmas Service for the community. Members, it’s not too late to help with this annual event. All treats and volunteers should arrive in the Kitchen at 3:00 pm. Thank you!
College Bible Study and Meal Our college students are invited to fellowship, a meal, and Bible Study on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm. Members, please check the bulletin board to sign up to bring a meal.
The Story of Scripture Wednesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Strengthen your biblical literacy and grow in your understanding of God’s Word. For the upcoming week, we will read Numbers 12-16 at home with class time devoted to reviewing what was read and connecting the theology of Scripture to our lives today.
Advent Midweek Prayer Service and Meal Join us on Wednesday evenings during Advent for a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm with a midweek meal at 5:30 pm. Our meal theme this week will be Mexican. Please RSVP with the bulletin insert.
2026 Altar Flowers Chart on the table in the Narthex. Please print clearly to sign up for the dates you would like to donate flowers and, if you wish, a designation “in memory of” or “in honor of” a person or occasion.
2026 Contribution Envelopes Please pick up your 2025 contribution envelopes from the table in the Narthex.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Third Sunday in Advent (Gaudete)
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Study 9:00 am
- Second Sunday Snacks hosted by YPI, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Weihnachtsvesper, 4:00 pm
Tuesday
- College Bible Study, 5:30 pm
Wednesday
- The Story of Scripture, 4:30 pm
- Advent Midweek Meal, 5:30 pm
- Advent Midweek Prayer Service, 7:00 pm
Thursday
- Choir Practice, 6:45 pm
Next Sunday The Fourth Sunday in Advent (Rorate Coeli)
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Christmas Service Sanctuary Set-up, 12:00 pm
- Didache, 3:15 pm
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Cancelled due to paternity leave
Christmas Services 2025
The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord, December 24, 5:00pm
The Nativity of Our Lord-Midnight, December 24, 11:00pm
The Nativity of Our Lord, December 25, 10:30am
