Sunday, January 28, 2024

What is the story that defines your life? What is the narrative which helps you see the world and find your place in it? You may not realize it, but all of us are living by some sort of story. It could be something as common as the story of the American Dream or the beloved story of the underdog. Or it could be a cultural narrative like the ones told by the philosophies of conservatism, progressivism, or relativism. The reality is, even if you don’t realize it your life has been shaped by a particular story. Everything from your hometown to your chosen political party shapes how you view the world and your place in it. In this series we will explore the metanarrative of Scripture to see how the grand overarching story of Scripture tells us not only who God is and how God is at work, but also how this Story defines and directs our lives as God invites us through Scripture to find our place in it.

A metanarrative is “an overarching account or interpretation of events and circumstances that provides a pattern or structure for people’s beliefs and gives meaning to their experiences.” In this series, Metanarrative, we will explore how the overarching story of Scripture is the story of God’s redemptive mission to restore us and all of His creation to shalom by putting all things right and making all things new in Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. Our aim in this series will be to ask of Scripture, not, how does Scripture relate to my life, but rather, how does my life relate to the story of Scripture?

Today’s Worship

Worthy, Worthy

Blessed Assurance

Build My Life

Scripture

Genesis 12:1-9

Message

“The Gospel in Advance.” 

Life of Praise

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Calling Team Assignments: In an effort to offer more personalized care to our church members, we have divided each member into smaller groups with one Elder and one Deacon as a resource and contact person. If you need prayer or have a question or concern, please call the Elder or Deacon that you are assigned to according to your last name.

Last Name A-D

Elder Janet V

Deacon Fred H

Last Name E-H

Elder Harold S

Deacon Sally K

Last Name J-P

Elder Dave S

Deacon Kerri Mi

Last Name R-W

Elder Matt O

Deacon Jessi F

January Mission of the Month: Immanuel partners with Christian Services to provide personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies to families in need. To make a donation, you may place a check in the offering plate with M.O.M written in the memo line, or you may purchase items needed listed under the “Local Needs” section of this bulletin.

Next Sunday, February 4th, We Will be Welcoming Rev. Anna Radcliffe: Who will give that morning's message as well as tell us about the work she does for the denomination. Anna serves as the Director of Future Church Innovation for the RCA as well as the Mission Executive Pastor at City Chapel in Grand Rapids. She has been invited to speak about her work for the RCA's Next Generation Engagement and Growing Young initiatives so that we might learn more about the work the RCA is doing to reach and grow the younger generation in Christ as well as be encouraged to join in that work ourselves.

Super Bowl Sub Sale: Enjoy during the big game or freeze them for later! This is a fundraiser to help support our 2024 summer mission trip to Indiana and youth group activities. Today is the last day to order. You may pick up your subs after the service on Sunday, February 11.  Payment is due at that time.

To place an order, please visit our website at www.icrclansing.org, and then click on the “Bulletin Board” tab in the upper right hand corner. You may also call the church office at (517) 321-2495 or send an email to Joey South at jrsouth16@yahoo.com.

Touchdown Deluxe ($6 each or 10 for $50)- Ham, Salami, Provolone, and American Cheese.

Kickoff Special ($5 each or 10 for $45)- Double Ham and Provolone Cheese.

 Save the Dates:

2/06- Deacon’s Meeting, 6:00 pm

2/07- High School Hangout, 3-5 pm

2/07- CONNECT Dinner, 5:30 pm

2/07- Book Study, 6:00 pm

2/07- CONNECT Kids, 6:15 pm

2/07- Jr. High Youth Group, 6:15 pm

2/10- Sr. High Making Superbowl Subs

2/11- Pick up Superbowl subs, 11:15 am

2/11- Sr. High Open Volleyball, 5:30 pm

2/11- Sr. High Youth Group, 6:30 pm

Giving

To support the ongoing ministry of Immanuel, please place your offering in one of the offering plates at the front of the sanctuary. You may also submit an offering online at www.icrclansing.org. 

Local  Needs

Mobile Food Bank Saturday, February 3, 9-11 am: If you would like to help sort and put food into cars, please sign up on the “Bulletin Board” tab via our website. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to arrive about half an hour early to set up. 

Personal Needs Closet: This ministry provides personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies to families in need. We are currently in need of toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, and laundry pods/soap. Please place donations in the baskets under the mailboxes located outside of the sanctuary.

CONNECT Wednesdays (September 13 - May 8) 

3:00- 5:00 pm.- The Hangout. An after-school program where high school students can hang out, do homework, play tabletop games, video games, drink pop, and eat snacks.

5:30 pm.- CONNECT Dinner. A free meal that the whole family can participate in.

6:15-7:00 pm.- CONNECT Kids (Children Ages 3 yrs.-5th Grade) join together to learn about Jesus in a fun and safe environment. They will enjoy singing, bible stories, arts and crafts, games, and more!

6:15- 7:30pm.- Jr. High Youth Group. For more information, please contact Joey South at jrsouth16@yahoo.com.

Sr. High Youth Group ( 9th-12th Grade)-

Sundays, September 17 - May 12

5:30-6:30 pm- Open Volleyball

6:30-8:00 pm- Youth Group Meets

For more information, please contact Joey South at jrsouth16@yahoo.com.

Life Groups

We have several Life Group options for adults. Our Life Groups get together to grow in their faith, pray together, serve together, and support one another. If you are interested in joining a Life Group, please email Bruce T at bterhaar@comcast.net.

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

Thank you for praying for the ICRC staff and ministry team leaders

 Friends with Health Concerns

Mark B, June B, John B, David C,

Joe C, Howard J. C, Don F, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

Kathy G, Roland H, Emily J, Barb K, Jack N,

Marcia N, Dave N, Yvonne N,

 If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed,

please contact Kerri M.