The Visitation
02 July 2023
Witness of John the Baptizer About Jesus From the Womb
John the Baptizer and Jesus, two great figures of salvation history, now come together in the visit to Elizabeth by the Blessed Virgin Mary, both of whom conceived their sons under miraculous circumstances. Thus John is brought into the presence of Jesus while they are still in their mothers’ wombs. This presence of the Lord causes a response by the child John as he leaps in Elizabeth’s womb. John’s response to the presence of Jesus, the Messiah, foreshadows John’s own role as forerunner. Already now, a new creation is beginning, and a baby still in the womb hails the new creation’s inception. Foreshadowed in John’s leap are the miracles of Jesus, who will cause all creation to leap at His presence: “The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them” (St. Luke 7.22). The incarnate presence of the Messiah also evokes a response from Elizabeth, who proclaims Mary’s blessedness. Mary’s Song provides the theological significance of this meeting as Mary sums up her place in salvation history, a hymn to God for His gracious gifts to the least in this world, whom He has lifted up out of lowliness solely because of His grace and mercy.
Parish News
Altar Flowers donated to the Glory of God by Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Toth.
Ladies Night Out Bingo Ladies of Immanuel are invited for an evening of fun and the opportunity to visit and become better acquainted with Emily Cockran. Join us Monday, July 17th from 6-8pm in the Parish Center. Come when your schedule allows. Watch for more details in Sunday bulletins for more information and to sign up.
Immanuel Book Club Please join us the second Tuesday of every month at 10:00 am for delicious snacks and a lively discussion of our monthly book choice! On July 11, we will discuss The Story Teller by Jodi Picoult.
Expert Guests, Expansive Topics, Extolling Christ… Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. This week’s topics include: The Toxic War on Masculinity; The Battle for the Bible in the LCMS; Women & Head Coverings; Does the Bible Condone the Killing of Homosexuals? and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app and your favorite podcast provider.
Running the iPad is so easy! If you are a communicant member age 18 years or older please consider volunteering to run the iPad playing the organ for our services. Sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parish office. For more details, speak to Kris Wineinger in person or contact him at wineingerkris@yahoo.com.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Visitation
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30am
Saturday
- Council of Deacons meeting, 8:00 am
Next Sunday The Sunday of Peter’s Call
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30am
