1993 West Church Street, Freeport, IL 61032  
Church 815-235-1993 School 815-232-3511 CDC 815-232-3443

 

 

Mid-Week Bulletin

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
THURSDAY WORSHIP 6:30 p.m.
IMAGES:  Our services are taped on DVD and/or VCR devices and are considered as public “exhibitions.”  By their presence, participants agree to the recording and display of these images.

Number 440

DEADLINES:
Sunday Bulletins – Friday by 9:00 a.m. to Marlene King
Mid-Weeks – Mondays by 9:00 a.m. to Judy Stanton
Newsletters – Third Wednesday by 4:00 to Pastor Switz

Dear friends in Christ,

            A few years ago our Lenten theme was “Signs and Wonders.”  As I have been teaching the book of Acts to our Seventh Graders this phrases has been coming up again and again in our readings from Acts.  It reminds me of this Lenten focus. 

The phrase is used more than 30 times in the Bible, especially the Old Testament book of Exodus and in the Gospels and Acts in the New Testament.  The first time the phrase is used is in Exodus 7:3 as God tells Moses about his call.  God says, “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you.”

            This Scripture and all of the events of the life of Moses has been dramatized over the years in movies such as “The Ten Commandments” and “Prince of Egypt.”  As you watch these movies you see many “signs and wonders.”  In the original language of the Bible these two words refer to both natural and miraculous events.  The word for “signs” is often associated with natural phenomena but even the staff of Moses turning into a snake is called a “sign.”

            The word for “wonders” is more often used with the idea of miracles or events which defy any natural explanation.  Suffice it to say that when God speaks to us with any “signs and wonders” they are often beyond human explanation. 

            I’m always amazed at people who explore the pages of the Bible and try to find some natural reason or explanation to any and all “signs” and “miracles.”  For example, some try to find natural explanations for the burning bush, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna in the wilderness, or the water for God’s people in the wilderness coming from a rock.  Some would like to explain away or reject any and all events which might be regarded as “signs and wonders.”

            It’s true, of course, that God works through natural means.  Jesus even used natural means (loaves and fish) to feed the 5,000.  However, when you add God to the equation, a natural means or event can become a miracle.  It is sad that some approach the Bible as if it is their mission in life to reject anything that cannot be explained by natural means.

            But isn’t the very point of miraculous “signs and wonders”… that they cannot really be explained?  God does not need our help in trying to find a reason for the suspension of natural time or order.  If He is the Almighty God, He can certainly do it.  If He is not or if He cannot, then we are in deep spiritual trouble.

            This Lenten season is again a reminder of the greatest “sign and wonder” of them all, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The Apostle Paul says it well in I Corinthians when he writes, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”  (I Corinthians 15:17-19)

            And Paul adds, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”  That’s a “sign and wonder” that we can take with us all through our life.

May Jesus Christ be praised! 

In Christ,

Pastor Switz

Isaiah 41:10

MISSION STATEMENT:  Immanuel Lutheran Church is a Christ-centered family in mission,
sharing the good news of the love of God in Jesus Christ through Word and Sacrament.

 

+ CALENDAR FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS +

 

Small Groups:  Even though many of our small group Bible studies are meeting regularly, the places, dates and times are not on the calendar below because some of the meeting times and dates change, depending on who is involved and other activities. Talk to Pastor Ros Schultz or Stuart Luedtke for more information or talk to the person teaching/leading the class.

 

TUESDAY, March 2

Time
Event
Place
Info

 
Scrip Turn In

 
 

6:30pm
Fideles Circle Meeting (note NEW time)

Fellowship Hall
 

 

WEDNESDAY, March 3

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:00am

Faculty Meeting

School Library

 

8:50am

Chapel (Leader:  Pastor Switz)

Church

 

12:15pm

Lenten Worship Service with First and Second Graders

Church

 

11:30
and
12:45

Lenten Soup Fellowship

Fellowship Hall

 

 

First Wednesday Meetings

 

 

6:00pm

Board of Publicity

Switz Office

 

7:00pm

Board of Elders (6:30 – Bible Study)

Fellowship Hall

 

 

THURSDAY, March 4

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:15am
Faculty Bible Study

School Library
 

9:00am
Administrative Meeting

Switz office
 

5:30pm
Handbells

Balcony
 

6:30pm
Evening Lenten Worship Service with First and Second Graders singing

Church
 

7:30pm

Our God With Us TV

Cable TV c. 17

 

7:30pm
Adult Choir

Balcony

 

 

FRIDAY, March 5

Time
Event
Place
Info

6:00pm

Wedding Rehearsal

Church
 

 

State Lutheran Basketball Tournament

Arlington Heights
 

 

SATURDAY, March 6

Time
Event
Place
Info

7:00am

Men’s Breakfast Bible Class – Book of Luke

Landmark
 

9:00am

Cleaning of the Gym

Prepare for Tri-State
 

3:00pm

Gill/Bratley Wedding

Church
 

 

State Lutheran Basketball Tournament

 
 

 

SERVING – Sunday, March 7

Task

8:00

10:30

Usher Team

#3, Gary Popp

#4, Craig LeBaron

Lector

Vern Ruthe

John Wichmann

Greeters

Jim & Norma Moss

Gerry & Cheryl Rausch

Acolytes

Erin Kohlbauer/

Cassidy Elmer

Nolan Ruthe/

Sarah Wichmann

Cross

Ethan Richter

Allison Newby

Bible

Volunteer

Volunteer

Elder(s)

 

Stuart Luedtke,

Shawn Boldt

Sound System

TBA

TBA

Nursery

Deb Bondele

Bonnie Larson

Altar Guild

Sharon Ruthe,  Nancy Serafini, Tricia Halter

Bus Driver

Doug Newby

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY, March 7

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:00am

Morning Worship 

Church
 

8:30am

Introspect

WFPS-FM92

 

9:10am

FAITH ODYSSEY Sunday School for All Ages

Youth Class
College Age Class

Adult Bible Studies

Church/School
 

10:30am

Morning Worship

with Holy Communion

Church

 

5:30-

7:00pm

Junior Youth Group

 

Youth Room

 

6:30-

7:00pm

Snacks – Treats for both Junior and Senior Youth

Youth Room

 

6:30-

8:00pm

Senior Youth Group

Youth Room

 

6:00pm

DVD Bible Study – “Liturgy:  Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Fellowship Hall

 

 

MONDAY, March 8

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:45-

9:45am
Immanuel School Prayer Circle

Fellowship Hall
 

3:30pm

Meadowridge Bible Study

Meadowridge Apartments

 

6:00-7:30pm

Café Veritas

9 East Stephenson
 

6:30pm

Bethesda Bible Class/#2

1971 Navajo

 

7:30pm

Praise Band Practice

Church Sanctuary
 

 

TUESDAY, March 9

Time
Event
Place
Info

9:00am
Pastoral Conference

At St. John, Lena

Lena
 

9:30am
Stephenson Inspiration Hour

Stephenson Nursing Center
 

1:30pm
LWML Meeting of Redeemer and Immanuel

At Immanuel
 

6:30pm
PTL (Parent/Teachers League) Sock Hop

Gymnasium
 

 

WEDNESDAY, March 10

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:50am

Chapel (Leader:  Pastor Schultz) with 3rd and 4th grades singing)

Church

 

12:15pm

Lenten Worship Service with 3rd and 4th grade children singing

Church

 

11:30

And

12:45

Lenten Soup Fellowship

Fellowship Hall

 

3:00pm

Gym Cleanup

Gym

 

5:00pm

Board of Christian Day School

School Library

 

5:00pm

8th grade to work at Diamond Dave’s for class trip fundraiser

10% for profits from the evening will go to 8th grade

 

6:00pm

Board of Properties

Fellowship Hall

 

6:00pm

Board of Stewardship

Pastor’s Office

 

6:30pm

Board of Friendship

Church Library

 

7:30pm

Memorials Committee

Faculty Lounge

 

 

THURSDAY, March 11

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:15am
Faculty Bible Study

School Library
 

9:00am
Administrative Meeting

Switz office
 

10:00am
ASKERS Bible Class

Fellowship Hall
 

2:00pm
Stephenson Nursing Home Worship Service

Stephenson Nursing Center
 

5:30pm
Handbells

Balcony
 

6:30pm
Evening Lenten Worship Service with 3rd and 4th grades singing

Church
 

7:30pm

Our God With Us TV

Cable TV c. 17

 

7:30pm
Adult Choir

Balcony

 

 

FRIDAY, March 12

Time
Event
Place
Info

 

No Take Home Bus

 
 

Aft

Tri-State Games Begin

Gymnasium
 

 

SERVING – Saturday, March 13

Task

5:30 p.m.

Usher Team

# 5 Ben Luedtke

Lector

 

Greeters

Mike Welton

Acolytes

Jalen Holman

Grant Holman

Cross

Tiffani Hoops

Bible

Tyler Hoops

Elder(s)

 

Sound System

 

Nursery

 

Altar Guild

Tricia Halter, Sharon Ruthe, Nancy Serafini

 

SATURDAY, March 13

Time
Event
Place
Info

7:00am

Men’s Breakfast Bible Class – Book of Luke

Landmark
 

All

Day

Tri-State Girls and Boys Basketball Games

 

Gymnasium
 

4:30pm

Cheerleading Presentations

Gym
 

5:30pm

Special Tri-State Worship Service

Church
 

 

SERVING – Sunday, March 14

Task

8:00

10:30

Usher Team

# 6 Dan Edler

# 7 Carol Gray

Lector

Rick Andrews

Stuart Luedtke

Greeters

Ron & Julie Kohlbauer

Bob & Faith Worrall

Acolytes

Megan & Tyler Le

Isabelle Frautschy

Daniel Slechta

Cross

Susan Waye

Emily Burt

Bible

Damon Hill

Kendall Burt

Elder(s)

Dan Medler,

Bob Brock,

Dave Schopf,

Bob Wiederholtz

Larry Luy

Sound System

 

 

Nursery

Summer Pehl

Caleb Moring

Tricia Halter

Altar Guild

Sharon Ruthe, Nancy Serafini, Tricia Halter

Bus Driver

Bob Wiederholtz

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY, March 14

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:00am

Morning Worship

with Holy Communion

Church
 

8:30am

Introspect

WFPS-FM92

 

9:10am

Special Tri-State Sunday School  “Program”

In Fellowship Hall
 

10:30am

Morning Worship 

Church

 

All

After-

noon

Tri-State Basketball Games

Gymnasium

 

 

No Youth Groups

 

 

6:00pm

DVD Bible Study – “Liturgy:  Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Fellowship Hall

 

 

MONDAY, March 15

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:45-

9:45am
Immanuel School Prayer Circle

Fellowship Hall
 

6:15pm
Praise Team Practice

Church
 

6:30pm

Bethesda Bible Class/#2

1971 Navajo

 

6:00pm

Board of Trustees

School Library
 

6:30pm

Board of Personnel

Pastor’s Office
 

7:30pm

Church Council

Fellowship Hall
 

 

School Registration Forms Due today

 
 

 

TUESDAY, March 16

Time
Event
Place
Info

9:30am
Stephenson Inspiration Hour

Stephenson Nursing Center
 

11:00am
Shalom Communion Service

Church
 

7:00pm
Parent and Participant Meeting for Youth Gathering

Youth Room
 

 
Scrip Turn In

 
 

 

WEDNESDAY, March 17

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:50am

Chapel (Leader:  Pastor Switz) with 5th, 6th, and 7th Graders singing)

Church

 

12:15pm

Lenten Worship Service with 5th, 6th, 7th Graders singing

Church

 

11:30

And

12:45

Lenten Soup Fellowship

Fellowship Hall

 

2:30pm

Worship Service at FRH Center (“Manor”)

At Nursing Home

 

3:20pm

Faculty Meeting

School Library

 

 

Third Wednesday Meetings

 

 

6:00pm

Board of Worship

Church Library

 

6:00pm

Board of Christian Child Development

School Library

 

6:30pm

Board of Parish Education

Switz Office

 

7:00pm

Board of Parish Health and Welfare

Church Library

 

7:00pm

Board of Youth

Youth Room

 

 

THURSDAY, March 18

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:15am
Faculty Bible Study

School Library
 

 
ITBS Testing at School

 

 

9:00am
Administrative Meeting

Switz office
 

11:30am
Young At Heart Fellowship Gathering

Fellowship Hall
 

2:30pm
St Joe’s Nursing Home Service

Provena/St.Joe
 

5:30pm
Handbells

Balcony
 

6:30pm
Lenten Worship Service with 5th, 6th, and 7th graders singing

Church
 

7:30pm

Our God With Us TV

Cable TV c. 17

 

7:30pm
Adult Choir

Balcony

 

 

FRIDAY March 19

Time
Event
Place
Info

 
ITBS Testing at School

 

 

 
End of Quarter at school

 

 

6:00pm

Alumni Basketball Games

School gym
 

 

SATURDAY, March 20

Time
Event
Place
Info

7:00am

Men’s Breakfast Bible Class – Book of Luke

Landmark
 

8:00-

Noon

Crafters and Quilters Gathering

Fellowship Hall
 

5:00pm

BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) Fellowship Progressive Supper

Various homes
 

 

SERVING – Sunday, March 21

Task

8:00

10:30

Usher Team

#1, Abramowski

#2, Stuart Luedtke

Lector

Dan Medler

Shawn Boldt

Greeters

Eric & Diane Dietmeier

Roger & Rachel Halbin

Acolytes

Brooke King,

Allison Bondele

Tiffani & Tyler Hoops

Cross

Marley Rowe

Grant Holman

Bible

Ethan Richter

Andrew Stevens

Elder(s)

Jeff Martin

Shawn Boldt

Sound System

 

 

Nursery

Jalen Holman

Emily Burt

Kathleen Dittmar

Altar Guild

Sharon Ruthe, Nancy Serafini, Tricia Halter

Bus Driver

Eric Dietmeier

 

 

SUNDAY, March 21

Time
Event
Place
Info

8:00am

Morning Worship

Church
 

8:30am

Introspect

WFPS-FM92

 

9:10am

FAITH ODYSSEY Sunday School for All Ages

Youth Class
College Age Class

Adult Bible Studies

Church/School
 

10:30am

Morning Worship

with Holy Communion and Holy Baptism

Church
 

5:30-

7:00pm

Junior Youth Group

 

Youth Room

 

6:30-

7:00pm

Snacks – Treats for both Junior and Senior Youth

Youth Room

 

6:30-

8:00pm

Senior Youth Group

Youth Room

 

6:00pm

DVD Bible Study – “Liturgy:  Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Fellowship Hall

 

7:00pm

Drama Practice

Church

 

 

Don’t forget our special Small Group Bible Studies

We are beginning a campaign called “Growing God’s Disciples” in which we hope that you will find the opportunity to study the Scriptures with personal application and significance.  We all need to be continuously growing in God’s Word and this is your opportunity to do that.  We are offering a gamut of different Bible studies at a number of different times. 

If you have not been a part of a Bible study before, allow this to be the time when you become involved in one.  The topics are these:

¨ Women’s Class

¨ Parenting the Early Years

¨ Parenting the Teenage Years

¨ Discovering God’s Way of Handling Money

¨ Growing to be Like Christ

¨ Discovering the Liturgy

¨ “Iron Sharpens Iron” – Through The  Bible in a Year

¨ Mercy:  Putting Your Faith into Action

¨ Old Testament Community

¨ Confronting Death

¨ Book Discussion “The Shack”

¨ Men’s Class – New Study on Islam starting March 7

The signups for these groups will be located in the Church Narthex.  Please take this opportunity to study God’s Word and fellowship with others who are doing the same.

 

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT: 
Immanuel Lutheran Church is 
a Christ-centered family in mission, 
sharing the good news of the love of God in Jesus Christ 
through Word and Sacrament.

Immanuel Lutheran Church and School  - www.ourgodwithus.org

School - 1964 West Pearl City Road – Freeport, IL 61032
Church - 1993 West Church Street – Freeport, IL 61032
 Church Phone - 815.235.1993 – Church/School Fax – 815.233.9158
School Phone 815.232.3511 + School Extended Care 815.232.3443
Rev. Dr. Willis Schwichtenberg, Senior Pastor 
Rev. Richard "Ros" Schultz, Associate Pastor 
Mike Welton, Principal
 Stephanie Yarzak, Christian Child Development Center Director
Judy Stanton, Office Manager/Secretary
Marlene King, Church Secretary
Diane Dietmeier, Music Director and Organist
Karen Bennet Luedtke, Youth Coordinator