PENTECOST 12                                July 30, Aug 3, 2008

Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church

Wisconsin Synod

Pastor Stephen Smith...682-1878   Sunday Service...9:30 a.m.

Church Telephone...682-4573   Wednesday Service...7:00 p.m.

Organists…………........Mrs. A Smith or Miss Crystal Smith

WELCOME, VISITORS: We are glad you could be with us and we welcome you back any time. Please sign our guest register in the narthex/entry.

PRAYER: Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour on us the abundance of Your mercy. Amen.

HYMNS: 384, 379, 309, 397, 451 vs 1-2

ORDER OF SERVICE: The Common Service, page 15ff 

THE WORD

FIRST LESSON: 1 Kings 19:9-18

After the victorious face-off between the Lord and Baal on Mount Carmen, the prophet was dejected by the thought that he alone followed the Lord. Souls are not converted through mighty acts of judgment. Hearts are converted through the gentle gospel whisper.

PSALM OF THE DAY: Psalm 73 on page 94

We may lean totally on the Lord for security and happiness forever.

SECOND LESSON: Romans 9:1-5

St Paul has a pastor’s heart for his own people. The apostle wishes he could take their place under God’s judgment. God forbid that we should despise the richer blessings of the New Testament fulfillment.

GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-33

The sight of Jesus walking across the water towards their boat terrifies the disciples. Jesus’ words dispel their fears. The arm of the almighty is never too short when little faith trembles.

THE SERMON: Genesis 29:14-27,31-35

THEME: Leah, the Second Wife

Note: We are celebrating Holy Communion today. The Sacrament gives public confession of our unity in the Christian faith as we joyfully receive Christ’s body and blood in and with the bread and wine. Since we follow the Scriptural practice of “close communion,” we ask visitors to see pastor before coming to communion.

ATTENDANCE AT THE LORD’S HOUSE 64

THE SCHEDULE

Sunday (Aug 3) 10:30 AM VBS teachers’ meeting after church.

OUR FATHER’S BUSINESS

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL will be August 10-14^th this summer. (Sunday through Thursday) from 6-8 PM. It is for kids four-years-old through going into grade 8. The Theme is “Soaring HIGH!” If you can help put out door hangers, please see Pastor Smith. Invite unchurched children in your neighborhood to our VBS! This is a great way to reach out with the gospel to families in our community! If you would like to provide treats, there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex.

VOTERS’ MEETING Financial report is available in the narthex. We will go ahead with “Jesus Cares” program. (Thrivent is granting funding of $1050.) We are to receive insurance moneys towards roof repair (hail damage). Parsonage roof is to have new shingles first. Council has authority to carry out what needs to be done with roof for church. We accepted Mark and Linda Hoffmann as members along with their children, Joy, Marinda and Rachel. (Mark, Jr is staying in WI to finish senior year of high school.)

NEW ORLEANS Cross Lutheran in Rockford will host a concert on Tuesday, Aug 12 at 7:30 PM. It will last 80 minutes and have music and experiences from Crown of Christ in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The musician is a WELS member from that congregation.

KNOWN TO BE HOSPITALIZED Joan Thommes and David Dixon

SCHWAN’S truck will be here in church parking lot on Weds Aug 13. Part of proceeds will be donated to church.