Pastor Cindy Bullock

The heart of the cross is an element of mystery that can’t be resolved either easily or entirely. In Making Sense of the Cross, we are invited to engage in a conversation, one we imagine discussing around the kitchen table, about major questions of the Cross.

More than a standard Bible study, Making Sense of the Cross will be a dialogue that encourages you to bring your questions or doubts to the table. No experience necessary, bring a Bible if you have one.

Making Sense of the Cross

• Feb. 26: Why does the Cross Matter?

• March 4: Portraits and Perspectives

• March 11: Ransom and Victory

• March 18: Substitution, Satisfaction, and Sacrifice

• March 25: Example and Encouragement

• April 1: Event and Experience

• the Adult Forum will be considering the mystery and the meaning of the ross. Should we think of the cross as satisfaction to an angry God? As an example of perfect love? As a ransom for sin? Or are there other ways to understand this central event of the Christian faith? classes will consist of video, small group conversation and scripture study. A companion book (enriching, but not required) is available for $13 from  Deb Ahlquist or Pastor Cindy

WEDNESDAYS IN LENT:

• From 5:45 – 6:30 pm, we’ll gather for dinner. Soup suppers will be prepared by different committees each week, and for a mere $3 ($10 for a family) you can spend some time enjoying dinner together with other brothers and sisters at Immanuel.

EASTER VIGIL on April 7, 6:45pm

• From 6:45-7:15 pm, take some time from work, housework and homework, for prayer. While our time together will also include readings and songs, the centerpiece of the service will be time spent inindividual  or joint prayer. There will be options to help any age grow in prayer. (lighting candles, written resources, prayer journals, opportunities to pray with someone else, healing prayers, prayers for children, headlines to pray over) But most of all, it will be 30 quiet minutes to spend with your Savior – to be renewed and held.

Over the last few years you may have noticed construction going on at the Minnesota State Capitol building. Harvey Jaeger will give the 49ers the inside story of our deteriorating State treasure, fascinating work repairing the Capitol Dome(s), and what remains to be done.

New members and visitors are always welcome. Just bring a dish to share and join in the fellowship. Questions: call Curt and JoAnn Hogenson, 651-698-5783.

- Adult Forum Sundays at 9:20am, East Lounge
February 5 & 12 Faith in History: Civil War Series; Nancy Koester, Author and Prof. of Church History at Augsburg College
February 12 Abraham Lincoln’s Faith
During Lent, the Adult Forum will be considering the mystery and the meaning of the cross. The classes will consist of video, small group conversation and scripture study. A companion book (enriching, but not required) is available for $13 from Deb Ahlquist or Pastor Cindy.

-Youth Silent Auction and Spaghetti Dinner Feb 12 – TODAY! 11:45 am -1:30 pm (bidding starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 12:30p.m.) Lower Level Commons and
Fellowship Hall. Proceeds go to the Immanuel Youth Group.

LENT 2012 Begins with Ash Wednesday, February 24. Ash Wednesday worship, including ashes and communion will be held at 12:30 and 6:45 pm.
What’s happening during Lent on Sundays and Wednesdays. A special opportunity; storytellers are needed for the Easter Vigil on April 7th, 6:45 pm.

The Staffing Taskforce will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, February 14th to begin looking at recommendations for staffing.

Special Music Events to put on your calendar:
- The St. Olaf Choir in concert as part of their Centennial Tour on Sunday, Feb. 12th, 3:00 pm at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Tickets at www.minnesotaorchestra.org or at 612-371-5656.

-Immanuel’s Calendar

REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Merle Erickson, Ron Mundahl, Craig Fohrenkamm, Marge Larson, Bernice Maas, Lyle Baker, Doug Derr, Kathy Adams, LuAnn Rath, Tom Dredge, Harold Ernst; our sister congregation: Mkimbizi Lutheran Church of Tanzania; our service personnel: Toby Boyer.

ALTAR FLOWERS are given by Nancy Reidell, in memory of loved ones.

IMMANUEL MOURNS the death of the Wangensteen’s daughter’s-in-law sister, Julie Shink.

COFFEE HOUR
Today Courage Circle
Feb. 19th Membership/Evangelism Committee
Feb. 26th Executive Committee

Worship Assistants
Assisting Minister Ray Peterson
Readers Ray Peterson (8), Paul Winghart (10:30)
Communion Assistants Russ Edhlund, Sue Browender (8) Jane, Jo Lilleodden (10:30)
Acolytes Ben Dufresne (8), Tanner Aschittino (10:30)

Worship Assistants for February 19th
Assisting Minister Stephanie Alstead
Readers Lope Trushenski (8), Scott Norquist (10:30)
Communion Assistants Lope Trushenski, Elsie Fohrenkamm (8) David, Alice Stark (10:30)
Acolytes June Ofstedal, Lucas Hansen (8) Kristiina Ruppert, Annika Ruppert (10:30)

February 5 African American Christianity before the Civil War

February is Black History Month, so this is a great time to explore how African American Christianity was shaped in the crucible of slavery.  Christian faith helped slaves find courage and dignity, and gave them hope for a better life in heaven and on earth. Find out how risky it was to be a Christian in the times of slavery.

February 12 Abraham Lincoln’s Faith

Celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday by coming to the adult forum. Nancy Koester will teach about Abraham Lincoln’s religious faith. Discover how Lincoln used Christian themes and national symbols to offer hope and meaning to a nation during the Civil War.

Coming very soon in February our Youth will be hosting the annual Silent Auction and Spaghetti Dinner. We encourage you to donate your time and talents OR any new items or theme baskets you wish to this year’s Silent Auction! This is a wonderful opportunity for food, faith and fellowship.

Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards the Immanuel Youth Group. There will also be a “Fund in Need Request” for monetary donations that will be used for the ELCA Mission Trip to New Orleans in July.

Please contact Katy Brukardt @ 509-981-7184 or drop items off at the church office by February 8th.

Here are the details:

What: Immanuel Lutheran Church Silent Auction and Spaghetti Dinner hosted by ILC Youth

When: Sunday, February 12th 11:45-1:30 (bidding starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 12:30p.m.)

Where: Immanuel Fellowship Hall and Lower Level Commons

Cost: Dinner is $5.00 per person or $20.00 per family

Flour: We are replacing most of the items from from Swany White with stuff from Natural Way Mills, which is up in northern MN.

We have Marty Primus’ eggs back in stock. They are listed separately from the other eggs.

We have some Heritage Turkeys in at this time.

We still have a couple varieties of squash in, as well as yellow and red onions and shallots. But no more Veggie Boxes this year, really.

Soap of the month for February is the Swan River Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Glycerin Round, such a comforting scent… AND, 25 % off list price.

Please note: Orders for the February 8th delivery must be in by the 1st.

Thanks.

Whole Farm Coop, 320-732-3023, 877-203-5273

8:00 and 10:30 Worship

World music and liturgy is incorporated into our worship this morning. Hear stories of faith and God’s work in Tanzania and Guatemala. A special offering will be collected to support our Global Mission  Partners.

9:20-10:10 Adult Forum

Our Tanzanian and Guatemalan Partnerships Immanuel members Dave Klevan and Ann Derr will present current news about our sister congregation Mkimbizi Lutheran Church in Tanzania and ways our congregation is involved in ministries in Guatemala

Other global mission opportunities

Look for other ways individuals or our congregation can be involved in Global Missions. There will be displays on other global mission ministries in the gathering space throughout the morning, including a Fair Trade Goods sale.

Cost: $16/$18 for snow tubing for 2/3 hours, and $25 for ski lift tickets. You can bring snowboards/skis if you have them.

We will depart Immanuel at 10AM and return to Immanuel around 3 PM. Depending on how many want to go, I will need another adult to drive for this event. Bring some money to purchase lunch and warm drinks while you’re there, too! This event is always a lot of fun. Friends are welcome.

RSVP by Friday, January 20th, kbrukardt@yahoo.com

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