This Issue: This Issue - First Immanuel Lutheran Church
Transcription
This Issue: This Issue - First Immanuel Lutheran Church
April 2014 Issue 04-14 Inside Inside This Issue: This Issue: Board of Lay Leaders .................. 2 Calendar ...................................... 3 Holy Week Services .................... Financial Peace University ......... 42 Easter Worship ........................... Book Review ............................... 53 New Members ............................64 LWML ......................................... Calendar ....................................... Glory and Praise Times .............. 75 LWML ......................................... Stephen Ministry ........................ 86 River ................................ 7 of LifeUpdates……….……..9 River of Life L.I.G.H.T./Ruth 1:16 .................. In the Word ............................... 108 Karen Lippert……….……….……...9 Missions and Outreach ............. 11 Book Review ............................. 10 Lutheran Schools Week ........... 12 Groth’s Gift Certificates ............ 11 School Registration .................. 13 Men’sARetreat Update ...............14 12 Share Meal ............................. Missions and Outreach .............13 In the Word ...............................14 Spring Concert........................... 15 Good Friday Movie Night .........16 Ladies Aid Rummage Sale ........ 17 Pastor Raasch’s Anniversary ... 18 Mission: Mission: In response to God, who first reached In response to God, who first down to us—the mission of First reached down to us—the mission of Immanuel Lutheran Church is to First Immanuel Lutheran Church is reach up to God, reach into each to reach up to God, reach into each other and reach out to others. other and reach out to others. LOOKING BACK WHILE BOLDLY LOOKING FORWARD Almost ten years ago the First Immanuel congregation took the bold action of voting to move to Policy Based Governance. Admittedly, not all were in favor of the change at the time. As we now have the benefit of looking in the rear-view mirror, we have the opportunity to see many of the advantages that the First Immanuel congregation has received from this bold move to Policy Based Governance. Not in any special order, here are a few of those advantages; 1. The Board of Lay Leaders can focus on articulating the “Big Picture” of the ministry. They now focus on comprehensive policy making and oversight in line with our values. The BLL is now able to give its full attention to vision, not to internal detail. 2. The Senior Pastor and staff have policies that guide their work. Because they don’t have to wait for monthly meetings to get permission for activities, operating efficiency has been greatly improved. This provides for quick decisions that allow the congregation to move forward more rapidly than under the old model. This empowers the staff to unleash their creativity and innovation. 3. Policy-based decisions provide consistency in decision making. There is no room to do it one way this time and another way next time. As the Senior Pastor and staff are held accountable to the congregation through the policies, decisions are made for the general good and are not based on tunnel vision or special interests. 4. The voters of the congregation have more authority than they had prior to Policy Based Governance. This authority is stated in the Constitution and the By-Laws. No, you aren’t voting on how many pencils to buy, but just a small group of you can now Continued on page 8… HolyWeek! Worship Opportunities MaundyThursdayWorship! April 17th First Immanuel River of Life 4:30 pm Contemporary 6:00 pm Traditional 6:30 pm Traditional GoodFridayWorship! April 18th River of Life Tenebrae 6:00 pm Traditional First Immanuel Tre-Ore 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Tenebrae 4:30 pm Contemporary 6:30 pm Traditional Day of Prayer First Immanuel 6:00 am - 6:00 pm Page 2 April 19th Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter River of Life 6:00 am - Noon ĂƐƚĞƌ !"#$%&'( tŽƌƐŚŝƉ! &ŝƌƐƚ/ŵŵĂŶƵĞů !" & ZŝǀĞƌŽĨ>ŝĨĞ 6:30 am Tradional Prayer 9:00 am Tradional Celebraon 7:30 am Tradional Celebraon ϭϬ͗ϯϬĂŵŽŶƚĞŵƉŽƌĂƌLJ 9:00 am Tradional Celebraon Celebraon ϭϬ͗ϯϱĂŵŽŶƚĞŵƉŽƌĂƌLJ Celebraon ŽŶĐŽƌĚŝĂhŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ !"#$%%&'()*+,#+-.#&-/'01233'4'5.6-'7+%&-'8&9:';-<"%= ϳ͗ϬϬĂŵ^ƵŶƌŝƐĞtŽƌƐŚŝƉ Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 3 Let’s Welcome our New Members! New Members Names from top left to right: The next time you see them around FIL or ROL, please give them a warm welcome to the church family! Page 4 Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Zach Peszko-Yenor, Michele Peszko, Jonathon Peszko, Porrie Sturm, Lyle Fries, Jeanne Breitweiser, Donna Faber and her sons Jacob and Sam Faber. April 2014 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Communion Schedule First Immanuel: On 1st and 3rd Sunday, Communion is at 7:30am and 10:35am; on 2nd and 4th Sunday, Communion is at 5:00pm and 9:00am River of Life: Communion is at 9:00 every Sunday, and at 10:30 on 1st & 3rd Sunday 6 7 1 2 3 11:30am Ladies Aid 3:00pm Serve a Meal— Milwaukee Rescue Mission 6:30pm Men’s Basketball 9:00am Adult Bible Study 4:30pm Cont. Lent Service (FIL) 5:30pm Confirmation 5:30pm Wing Cook off 6:00pm Trad. Lent Service (ROL) 6:30pm Trad. Lent Service (FIL) 6:30pm 6:00am Breakfast & Lifetree Café Bible Study 7:00pm LIGHT/Ruth 1:16 at CUW 8 7:30pm Senior Choir 9 10 7:30am Traditional Worship 10:00am & 9:00am Service (FIL) 7:00pm Mom to Mom 9:00am Traditional Worship Stephen Ministry 6:30pm Service (FIL) Men’s Basketball 9:00am Traditional Worship 7:00pm Service (ROL) LWML 10:30am Café Worship (ROL) 7:30pm 10:35am Contemporary Men’s Club Worship Service (FIL) 9:00am Adult Bible Study 4:30pm Cont. Lent Service (FIL) 5:30pm Confirmation 5:30pm Thrivent Lenten Dinner 6:00pm Trad. Lent Service (ROL) 6:30pm Trad. Lent Service (FIL) 6:30pm Lifetree Café 7:30pm Senior Choir 13 15 11 5 7:30am Men's Bible Study 5:00pm Traditional Worship Service 12 8:00am Market Day Pick up 5:00pm Traditional Worship Service 16 17 18 19 7:30am Traditional Worship NEWSLETTER 3:00pm Service (FIL) Serve a Meal— DEADLINE 9:00am Traditional Worship MRM Service (FIL) 6:15pm 9:00am Traditional Worship Glory & Praise – Service (ROL) Cedar Gardens 10:30am Café Worship (ROL) 6:30pm 10:35am Contemporary Men’s Basketball Worship Service (FIL) 9:00am Adult Bible Study 6:30pm Adult Bells 6:30pm Lifetree Café 4:30pm Cont. Service (FIL) 6:00pm Trad. Service (ROL) 6:30pm Trad. Service (FIL) 12:00pm Good Friday TreOre (FIL) 4:30pm Cont. Service (FIL) 6:00pm Trad. Service (ROL) 6:30pm Trad. Service (FIL) 6:00am Day of Prayer (FIL and ROL) 20 EASTER 21 23 24 25 26 6:00am Traditional Prayer Service (FIL) 7:00am Sunrise Service at Concordia Uni. on the Bluff 7:30am Traditional Celebration Service (FIL) 9:00am Traditional Celebration Service (FIL) 9:00am Traditional Celebration Service (ROL) 10:30am Café Contemporary Celebration Service (ROL) 10:35am Contemporary Celebration Service (FIL) 9:00am 7:00pm Stephen Ministry Mom to Mom 6:30pm 9:00am Adult Bible Study 5:30pm Confirmation 6:30pm Adult Bells 6:30pm Lifetree Café 7:00pm LIGHT/Ruth 1:16 at CUW 27 28 7:30am Traditional Worship Service (FIL) 9:00am Trad. Worship (FIL) 9:00am Trad. Worship (ROL) 10:30am Café Worship (ROL) 10:35am Contemporary Worship (FIL) 12:30pm Pastor Raasch’s Celebration at LWLHS 14 4 22 Glory & Praise – Harrison Home 6:30pm Men’s Basketball 29 7:30pm Senior Choir 1:00pm Easter Egg Roll at River of Life 9:00am Ladies Aid Rummage and Bake Sale 5:00pm Traditional Worship Service 30 9:00am 6:30pm Men’s Basketball Adult Bible Study 5:30pm Confirmation 6:30pm Adult Bells Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 5 Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML) ! Thank You to all who attended the Ash Wednesday Lenten Dinner sponsored by LWML. Over 150 people attended. The free will offering will be used for missions and mission projects. Thank you so much! ! Zone 5 LWML Spring Rally at St. Paul's — The Spring Rally will be held on Monday, April 28, at 6:00 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran in Grafton. Connie Hansen from Eyewitness for Life is the speaker. There will be a free will offering for Eye Witness for Life. ! Our next meeting is April 8 at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We will be electing officers for 2014-2015. All women of First Immanuel and guests are invited. Refreshments will be served. Ladies Aid The Ladies Aid April meeting will be on April 1st in the Fellowship Hall at 11:30 am. After our luncheon we will have a presentation by Mary Holleback of Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg. She will speak on Birding in Wisconsin, identifying and attracting song birds. All ladies are invited to join us. As a service to the congregation the Ladies Aid is selling boxed Christian greeting cards such as birthday, get well, sympathy or individual as for Easter or Confirmation. They are located in the cabinet in the Fellowship Hall. Prices are marked and you are on your honor to leave the correct amount. We also could use fabric and ric-rac for our making of quilts for LWR and Little Dresses for Africa. If anyone has a portable sewing machine they would like to donate it would be greatly appreciated. The Ladies Aid will be having a Rummage/Bake Sale on Sat. April 26 from 9 am to 2 pm (See page 17 for more information). It will be held in the Family Life Center and gymnasium. It is cash and carry only. Items requested are clean and gently used housewares, small appliances, small home furnishing items, craft or sewing items, jewelry, decorations-holiday and home decor, knick-knacks, gift bags, sporting goods (no large exercise equipment) pet care items, hand tools, toys, childcare items (no car seats), children's clothing size infant to 6T, books, DVDs. (no T,V.s or electronics and no adult clothing). Collection dates are April 23, 24, and 25 between 3:00pm and 5:00pm at the gym doors. Questions may be directed to Jean Seibel 377-5010, Becky Lawton 377-6369 or Martha Clapham 376-9914. All proceeds will be given to FIL School and "Eye Witness for Life" the mission of the month for April. Stephen Ministry By any measure, we have just survived a pretty brutal winter. It seemed the cold and snow would never come to an end. Long winters can damper even the most cheerful of spirits and the most hearty among us. But out of the dull grey of winter, spring rises. Spring brings with it a fresh start. The warmth returns and the flowers bloom. Colors return to nature and we see new growth all around us. Have you suffered through your own time of dull grey and wish your life and mood could return to full color and bring new growth? Are you lonely, sad or discouraged? Are you going through a tough time – emotionally or spiritually? Are you struggling with a crisis in life or simply feeling down? Consider letting a Stephen Minister help. A Stephen Minister is a member of our congregation who is trained to listen, care, encourage, pray, and walk alongside you during difficult times. Getting help from a Stephen Minister is confidential, free, and very helpful. Our Stephen Ministers are here to care! “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 12:34b To learn more, call the First Immanuel office at 377-6610 and ask to speak with Pastor Reichmann to begin exploring how you can get a fresh start this spring. Page 6 Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter “OUT” UPDATE Our Lifetree Café continues at our new time, date, and location. We now meet on Thursdays at 6:30pm at Sweetheart Cakes in Port Washington (located at 211 N. Franklin St., Suite 101). Our topics for April are: April 3: “Friends for Life” 10 buddies. 38 years. 1 weekend a year. April 10: “Family Secrets” What Mama never told us April 17: “Living with Autism” a peek into a hidden world April 24: “After the Attack” Picking up the pieces and moving on We had a "full house" for a recent discussion on homosexuality. If you would like to become a part of our Lifetree Team and lend hands on support to this vibrant ministry, contact Pastor Monte at [email protected]. Our 2nd Annual Easter Egg Roll is on the calendar for April 19 (the Saturday before Easter). This even is designed for 2-9 year olds and it will run from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Contact Pastor Haun at [email protected] if you would like to assist or sign up at the back table at ROL. The day will include an Easter Egg Roll with prizes, crafts, and hot chocolate. This event is for the entire community. “IN” UPDATE Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF). Our new focus is on the book of Revelation based upon a commentary written by Dr. Louis Brighton (Concordia Seminary, St. Louis). Our goal will be to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of our unique Lutheran perspective on the end times. We meet at 7:00pm at River of Life. For April we will meet on April 9 and 23. Advisory Council Work... The ROL Advisory Council is doing its yearly Ministry Plan Review. Please keep this group in your prayers as we review our progress over the last year to determine our future direction as an arm of FIL. The Sunday 10:30 am Class Continues....This group will continue to meet during the month of April. Everyone is invited! Ladies Tuesday Class Continues... Our Ladies Class is studying the book of Acts. Join them at 9am on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. “UP” UPDATE Just an FYI...Recent Baptisms at ROL have included the gifting of a Bibelot. A Bibelot is a small decorative trinket. In our case it is flat stone (about the size of a good skipping stone) with a cross imprinted in the middle. The color of the stone varies according to the season of the church year. It is our prayer that the trinket with be used by the baptized as a daily remembrance of what God has done for us in His son- Jesus. Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 7 continued from page 1… -petition for a congregational meeting to do just that if you wanted to. 5. Many, many more congregational members can now have an opportunity to be utilized in the ministry. No longer is there an individual board of a handful of people conducting the work of a particular ministry area. Ministry directors can organize “ministry action teams” for specific projects. Rather than five people committing to five years on a board, hundreds of people can, and do, volunteer for projects within their interests and talents. First Immanuel had over 1,250 members volunteer last year, forging a closer relationship to the church and to God in the process. The church is a much better place because of all these people that are willing and enabled to use their talents in a way that is fulfilling for them. 6. The staff is able to focus on their responsibilities while at the same time being held accountable for effectiveness. The staff develops a yearly “operational plan” that is approved by the Board of Lay Leaders and monitored by them on a regular basis. Through this clarity of roles and accountability, the staff is empowered to expand their thinking and explore possibilities not previously thought possible. So, thanks to each of you that voted many years ago for Policy Based Governance. Your foresight has allowed exceptional results for First Immanuel as well as boldly looking ahead to ways we can better fulfill our Mission Statement. Your support allows us to tell many more about Jesus every week. Thank you for your help in doing God’s work. Richard Erickson --- Executive Director L.I.G.H.T./RUTH 1:16 Study Group with CUW Wondering what the next generation is like? The L.I.G.H.T./Ruth 1:16 Study group with CUW may be just the thing for you. Every other Thursday evening, this multigenerational group of FIL/ROL and CUW women meets at Concordia to read, critically discuss, and learn about Christ’s Christian community…all in a caring, nurturing, encouraging environment. Earlier this semester, we viewed two videos from Francis and Lisa Chan called Be Still and Deny Yourself. The messages of these videos unite generations and create opportunities for authentic conversations about God’s Word in our lives. Our next three sessions focus on three meaty topics: Tolerance. Judging Others. Apologetics. On March 6, when discussing tolerance, we went deep into the current culture and its attempts to “COEXIST”. We concluded that there is only one Truth…that of Jesus. As we reflected on Jesus Christ as our model, we asked questions such as “How are we to judge others? Should we even do that? After all, who are we to judge?” That led us to our March 20 discussion on judging others. This will take us to April 3 when we’ll roll into apologetics and practical ways to learn how to defend our faith. The lessons to be learned from all of these are that it is in our relationships that we reflect our faith. No fancy programs or words…just our abiding confidence in our faithful Savior. We will proudly be hosting Karen Lippert, Women’s Ministries Director at Divine Redeemer Lutheran in Hartford, on Thursday, April 24. Her Bible study will be on Ecclesiastes. Please consider joining us to hear a great Christian speaker who is warm, humorous, and totally committed to bringing the Word to women of all ages. (Please see the next page for more details on this event). We will close our second semester with an “Open Session” on Thursday, May 1, when FIL’s Vicki Manzeck will be joining us. No topic will be off limits. We can count on these young women to not only ask some challenging questions, but to offer insight into their own faith walks. Together, we will learn to live by the Bible’s standards for being generous, faithful, and committed and yearning to make long term connections. Young people have a great ability to get things done…if only you could hear all these students do in any given week! They seek mentors, guides, and role models. Women of FIL/ROL, you can make a difference. Come join in. Our God is an awesome God and you can see it in action in these young women. All FIL/ROL women are invited to join us at any time. Contact Bonnie Treloar at 262-375-1786 for more information. Page 8 Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter LIGHT/RUTH 1:16 STUDY GROUP WITH CUW PRESENTS KAREN LIPPERT Thursday, April 24th 7-8:30 pm Coburg Hall at CUW-third floor BIBLE STUDY: Ecclesiastes About Karen: • Director of Women’s Ministries-Divine Redeemer Lutheran-Hartford • Graduate of Concordia College Chicago-Elementary Ed • Concentrations in psychology and music • Involved with contemporary worship and speaking at women’s conferences and retreats ALL WOMEN ARE WELCOME! BRING A FRIEND! SNACKS PROVIDED FREE MORE INFO & RSVP: [email protected] or Bonnie Treloar at [email protected] Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 9 Book Review Their Mysterious Ways Too Author: Editors of Guideposts Reviewed by Audrey A. Stockey Their Mysterious Ways Too is a collection of short essays/ stories about God’s animal. It is divided into different categories describing how God uses his creatures to help us or to remind us of his presence in our lives. The stories demonstrate God’s love for us through both domestic and wild animals providing concrete evidence when we need love, help, encouragement, or protection. Like God, animals provide us with unconditional love. In the first section, The Promise of Love, the stories describe people who were impressed with animals they encountered or who trained animals to help other humans or gave homes and love to animals that showed up on their doorsteps. In one case, a man who didn’t know what he was going to do in his retirement years had watched bluebirds in his back yard. When he wasn’t hearing them, he realized the reason was that the birds had lost their natural habitat. As a result, he started building bluebird houses and the birds returned singing their cheerful songs. Soon he was supplying houses to other residents and getting requests from strangers in other towns—all wanting to hear the birds singing. Lu Picard, from the Wounded Warriors project, described her dog training and placing of the animals with wounded veterans. Ordinary Heroes, the second section, shows animals rescuing or protecting people. This section told about a cat attacking an intruder to protect her family. Another described how a man’s pet iguana whipped her tail against his face to awaken him when he stopped breathing. He was then put on oxygen and prednisone to save his life, a life he wouldn’t have had without his beloved Goliath. Another story described a puppy being rescued from the river by an extremely introverted man who, because of his new pet, learned to talk with people and socialize. In the next two sections, Gifts of Friendship and Amazing Animals, descriptions of animals changing peoples’ lives are presented as well as the special bond between animals and their humans. An example Page 10 Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter is the story of an elderly man giving his beloved pigeon to his ill grandson who lived in Tennessee. When the bird flew back home to Robert in Kentucky, his grumpy personality returned to its normal loving and caring manner. Another story shows how even in death the bond between animals and humans continues. When Martita, who fed all strangers, hungry people, and animals who came to her door died, a homeless, scruffy dog walked down the church aisle to the alter and sat. As the funeral procession left the church, the dog led the mourners to the cemetery where she then stayed at the grave with the priest and family. Martita had fed the animal many times. The fifth section, Part of the Plan, indicates how God places animals in peoples’ lives to show love, help with healing, and give strength when needed. One incident involved a gaggle of wild turkeys that provided strength to a woman to quit her unhappy job. An orphaned baby deer became a pet to a lonely, bitter woman. As she was raising it to adulthood, she once more learned to love and in so doing healed her shattered heart. With that lesson, she felt God taught her it was time to start a new life and to leave behind all the bad things from her past. Another story expressed a mother’s concern her son would never find his passion in life. When he reached out to homeless animals through a rescue organization, he discovered what he was meant to do in life. The final section, Living Together, deals with trust, understanding, and love. Little Pig was a bouncy 40pound dog that made a fearless leap from a high bridge into a swollen creek to return to his owners. Samuel Emmanuel was a church cat who became the church’s ambassador of goodwill. Gretchen, the dog, barked to scold an errant teenage daughter when she returned home late at night, thus saving the mother the job of disciplining her daughter. This 273-page book contains many memorable stories expressing God’s love for all of his creatures. It tells of the unconditional love of all animals and how they help us grow as individuals. Each section is introduced with a short quotation that presents the section’s theme. It is a book for all family members and people who love animals. Celebrate Spring With Our 6th & 7th Graders! Beginning March 1 and continuing through May 9, our FIL 6th & 7th Grade students are selling gift certificates for Groth’s Country Gardens to raise money for their 2015 Washington D.C. field trip. You may use these $20 certificates to purchase any merchandise (annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, hanging baskets, floral arrangements, etc). Five dollars of every gift certificate you purchase will help send FIL students to our nation’s capital. Groth’s will also be hosting planting classes where you can use your gift certificates to create your own floral masterpiece! Check out http://www.grothscountrygardens.com/ planting_classes.html for more details! You may also contact Dawn Walker in the FIL office at [email protected] or 377-6610 to purchase the Groth’s gift certificates as well. We appreciate your support! Great for Mother’s Day gifts and Spring Plantings! Are you a baseball family with a heart for hospitality? The Lakeshore Chinooks are looking for families to host college baseball players this summer. For more information about this unique opportunity, visit www.lakeshorechinooks.com or contact Jon Cain with the Chinooks at 262-618-4659. With warmer weather and Spring right around the corner, it's time to get grillin' and start enjoying the flavors of outdoor cooking! This month, Market Day has a great variety of items to choose from, with many items on sale as well! It's a great time to try the 100 Calorie Turkey Filets, Teriyaki Steak Kabobs or the delicious Whole Pork Tenderloins. Keep it simple and try the ¼ lb. Beef Patties or All Beef Hot Dogs! With your purchase this month, you could get the FREE meal combo! With a $40 purchase, you will receive the California Blend, FREE. When you place a $90 online purchase, you will receive BOTH the California Blend and FREE Chicken Gems! Place your order in the office by Tuesday, April 8th or online at marketday.com by 11p.m on Wednesday, April 9th. Pick up is on Saturday, April 12th between 8:00-9:00 am Market Day stands behind every purchase, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee on everything you buy. Thank you for your continued support. Jenny Jurss 375-0519. THRIVENT LENTEN DINNER MENU ON APRIL 9, 2014 at 5:30pm in the FIL Fellowship Hall Homemade German Potato salad, Baked Ham, Baked Beans, Assorted Jell-O's, Carrots & Celery, pickles, rolls, desserts, coffee, & milk. Hot dog plate and chips will be Available for children. Free will offering at the door. TOO TENSE? Think about joining our TWO TENTS Women’s Camping Ministry! The date has been set: July 20-July 22 at Long Lake State Park. Fun, Fellowship, Food, Devotions, Swimming, Hiking, and time to Relax in God’s nature with fellow Christian women campers. More details on how and where to sign up will be in the next month’s newsletter. Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 11 SUMMARY OF THE 2014 MEN’S RETREAT The 14th annual weekend Men’s Retreat was held at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc on February 28 to March 2. 143 men from 44 different congregations participated at the retreat along with both presidents of our North Wisconsin and South Wisconsin districts of our Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The theme for this year’s retreat was “gods at war.” The theme was based on a book with the same name which looked at modern day gods that battle for our hearts in today’s culture. Saturday’s sectionals went into detail on how these gods go after us and try to keep our eyes off of the Lord. The sectionals included: the god of food; the god of sex; the god of entertainment; the god of sports; the god of technology; the god of money; the god of achievement; the god of success; the god of family; the god of me; and the god of romance. The book, and Pastor Raasch from First Immanuel in Cedarburg made a major emphasis in his message on Sunday morning how we can win the battle against these gods. We were reminded over the weekend of what Jesus expects from His followers: “Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your mind and with ALL your strength.” The theme impacted the lives of the men who attended the retreat. They wrote on their evaluation sheets: a very timely theme; the theme applied to my personal life; a very powerful theme; the best retreat in my ten years of coming to the retreat; the best retreat we ever had; an outstanding experience and I’m bringing a friend with me next year. On Friday night the men met three new brothers in Christ from other churches; they enjoyed the hospitality rooms; Saturday night they enjoyed a great Christian movie titled, “The Fifth Quarter.” A true story of the quarterback at Wake Forest University who lost his brother in an automobile crash, dedicated the season to his brother and took Wake Forest to their only bowl game experience. Sunday morning prayer time and “Ask The Pastor” are very popular with the men. The Men of The Cross praise team from Divine Redeemer in Hartland do an outstanding job of leading us in praise and worship. One man commented on his evaluation form: “I have never been to a church event where guys are so engaged in worship.” The 15th annual Men’s Retreat will be held in February 2015. Details of the 2015 retreat will be available in August 2014. If you might be interested in attending the 2015 retreat call Jim at 414-462-5871 or email [email protected]. Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9am in the Youth Room 4/6: Angels and Demons 4/13: The Death and Resurrection of Jesus 4/20: NOT MEETING – HAPPY EASTER! 4/27: Friendship Sunday Night Fellowship: 6:30pm in the Youth Room (unless stated otherwise) 4/6: Movie Night – Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 4/13: NOT MEETING 4/20: NOT MEETING – HAPPY EASTER! 4/27: Mini Golf – Meet at Baehmann's at 6:30pm. — Only $4! Living Love, Loving Life Conference: All high school youth are welcome to attend the Living Love – Loving Life Conference at Concordia University Wisconsin April 5th, 2014. This conference will explore what it means to have a Christian worldview regarding godly relationships and life issues. The conference costs $15, which includes a T-shirt, lunch, snacks, and awesome speakers. Contact Aly Kell for registration forms at [email protected]. Stations of the Cross: On April 17th at 8:00pm in the youth room we will be walking through the stations of the cross in preparation of Good Friday. It will be a time of reflection, prayer, and worship while we contemplate what Jesus has done for us by dying on the cross so that we may live in eternity with Him. Page 12 Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 13 IN THE WORD… REFLECTIONS ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY FROM LOIS GIORDANO WORRIED? “Can any of you add an hour to your life by worrying? If you can’t do a small thing like that, why worry about other things?” Luke 12:25-26 GW How do you handle the disasters in your life? Let’s face it. We all have disasters—major health crises for ourselves or loved ones, job losses or staggering professional upheavals, marriage or family conflicts that break our hearts—whatever the nature of our disasters, they are real and somehow we have to deal with them. I’ve been watching a lot of people dealing with the flooding disaster in Colorado. Many try to fix everything on their own power, only to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. I see the lines of worry embedded in people’s faces, the frantic desperation as they try to recover their lives after the disaster. I’m sure you can relate to them. When we are in the middle of our disasters, it’s only natural to worry, right? And yet God commands us not to worry. In fact, our worry indicates our lack of trust, a rejection of God’s will and providence in our lives. Yes, worry is a sin in direct opposition to God’s command to trust in Him. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 ESV Leaning “on our own understanding,” or worrying our way through our problems, makes us our own gods; we are in essence saying, “God, I’ll handle this one on my own. I don’t want Your help.” Do I worry? You bet I do. But I know better. In penitence I seek and receive God’s forgiveness and let the Holy Spirit work in me so I turn my problems back over to God where they belong. How does this happen? ! ! ! ! munication with my Savior, it’s a clear statement that I am rejecting His help and presence. But when I accept His invitation to “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 ESV He gives me rest from my worrying and replaces it with hope and confidence in His power to turn disaster into blessing. God is persistently teaching me to live and rejoice in this present moment and in His presence there. I am right where God wants me to be—even when I’m in the throes of disaster He is present and is teaching me how to trust in Him. I lean hard on God’s providence and presence. Worrying about the future is a total waste of emotional energy. I am powerless to change the future, but God is already organizing and blessing my tomorrows so that I can relish and celebrate His grace in every day that comes. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV From Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling: “REFUSE TO WORRY! In this world there will always be something enticing you to worry. That is the nature of a fallen, fractured planet: things are not as they should be. So the temptation to be anxious is constantly with you, trying to worm its way into your mind. The best defense is continuous communication with Me, richly seasoned with thanksgiving. Awareness of My Presence fills your mind with Light and Peace, leaving no room for fear. This awareness lifts you up above your circumstances, enabling you to see problems from My perspective. Live close to Me! Together we can keep the wolves of worry at bay.” (Young, p. 67) Honest and committed time in God’s Word and in personal devotion brings my mind and heart back into a relationship of trust with my Lord. God diTo God be the glory! rects my reading of His Word and the messages in Lois Giordano the devotions so I see the light of His love and presence in the midst of struggles. God is present (ESV) Holy Bible - English Standard Version . (2001). Crossway Biin His Word. bles, a division of Good News Publishers. If I choose to ignore that time of connection and com(GW) God's Word to the Nations. (1995). Baker Publishing Group. Young, S. (2004). Jesus Calling. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. Page 14 Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 15 Page 16 Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 17 Please join us on Sunday, April 27 as we celebrate Pastor Raasch’s 25th Anniversary at First Immanuel! Join Pastor Raasch and his family in celebrating Pastor’s 25 years here at First Immanuel as well as his 30+ years in the ministry. Sunday services will include a special guest preacher. A cake and coffee reception will be held between services. In celebration of God’s Grace in Pastor Raasch’s life and ministry, Pastor and his family will be honored at a brunch on Sunday afternoon, April 27th at Living Word Lutheran High School. Reception: 12:30 – 1:15 pm Brunch: 1:15 – 2:15 pm Recognition 2:15 – 3:00 pm Please mail or drop off your R.S.V.P. at the church office by April 14th Cost for the brunch is $15 per person, $5 children 10 and under Name:_____________________________________________ Number of adults: _____ Number of children (10 and under): _____ Please return this to the church office by April 14 with your check made out to “First Immanuel”. Thank you and see you there! Embassy HOMES Builders - Remodeling - Additions Since 1961 BEYER’S HARDWARE Hardware - Paint - Plumbing Garden Supplies - Rentals 1325 Towne Square Road Mequon, WI www.embassyhomes.com 262-241-8510 r8/ Washington Ave. Sally E. Ghrist, D.D.S., M.S. 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Owner Lueders Lawn Seeding & Trucking, Inc. 262-242-3050 :0/%#%;/""%<./3'(#)%=3&&'%>136"? +#&&%@A@BCDDBAAEF4 1MVNCJOHt&MFDUSJDBMt8BUFS4ZTUFNT *OTUBMMBUJPOBOE4FSWJDF MP226443 Mueller TED GROB SALES, INC. )&"5*/(t$00-*/( MACHINE TOOLS 262-284-9336 262-377-8220 1863 Highway 33 Saukville Internal Medicine/Surgery/Oncology Dr. Bruce Hoppe www.parkpethospital.com 7378 N.Teutonia, Milwaukee 414-352-1470 Third Generation Jewelers Full Service Grooming & Spa :ST&YQFSJFODFt1JDLVQ%FMJWFSZ .'8FEFWFOJOHT4BUCZBQQ 262-375-5110 www.pawzpetsalonwi.com Mention this ad for a Free teeth brushing with full grooming service Downtown Port Washington 216 North Franklin Street Joel Dykstra 262-284-4416 www.pwsb.com (262) 284-4001 “We’re not just good... we’re Ideal!” Call for discounts associated with this ad FREE ESTIMATES tIPVST SHOULDN’T YOUR BUSINESS BE HERE? 262-377-1906 Now Open! W63 N127 Washington Ave. Cedarburg, WI. WHERE WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL www.kettlemoraineappliance.com For information on advertising, please call our church representative JEFF DUNHAM at 1-800-950-9952 Ext. 2572 www.SeekAndFind.com Hours: Mon & Fri 9-8; Tues - Thurs 9-6; Sat 9-4; Sun 11-4 Steven Sievers, FIC Financial Associate W67 N222 Evergreen Blvd. Cedarburg, WI 53012 262-546-0600 Cell 414-379-6647 Registered Representatives for securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. 27193 N10-11 SAUKVILLE VETERINARY CLINIC 303 W. Dekora St. Saukville, WI 53080 262-284-7000 www.saukvillevet.com We See Dogs, Cats & All Exotic Animals. FOR AD INFO CALL Jeff Dunham 1-800-950-9952 Call Jeff Dunham at 1-800-950-9952 x2572 or email [email protected] r WWW.4LPi.COM FIRST IMMANUEL, CEDARBURG, WI A 4C 31-1111 03-13-2014 09:19:39 FIRST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH W67N622 Evergreen Blvd. Cedarburg, WI 53012 262-377-6610 www.filministries.org FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 46 Cedarburg, WI Non-Profit Org.