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
Ancient of Days
Revelation Song
I Love to Tell the Story
Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:1-8; 20-28
Message
“Scripture as an Unfolding Drama.”
Those Who Trust
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.
Thank You to All Who Contributed to the Staff Christmas Gifts: We are grateful for your kindness and generosity. Thank you for blessing us this holiday season!
Winter Break: There will be no High School Hangout, CONNECT Dinner, CONNECT Kids, or Youth Group Meetings over Christmas Break, 12/24/23-1/13/24.
Upcoming Study Opportunity: Today we begin a new sermon series on how to read the Bible. This series will focus on the grand narrative of Scripture. As a companion to this series, we will be offering the opportunity for further engagement through reading the book, Where Do I Come In? by Brian Keepers. This book is a 5 week journey through Scripture that focuses on the mission of God in Jesus Christ and how we can read the Bible in a way that helps us to find our place in God's mission. We will meet on Wednesday nights at 6:00 pm, for a discussion beginning this Wednesday, January 10th, or if your Life Group wishes to study the book together you are encouraged to do so.
Chili Cook-Off: Please plan on joining us next Sunday, January 14th, after the worship service, to enjoy some different kinds of chili and vote for your favorite one! Donations will be accepted to benefit the youth summer mission trips. If you would like to compete in this cook-off by preparing a large pot of your best chili, and crush the competition, please sign up on our website via the “Bulletin Board” tab.
Save the Dates:
01/17- High School Hangout, 3:00 pm
01/17- CONNECT Dinner, 5:30 pm
01/17- CONNECT Kids, 6:15 pm
01/17- Jr. High Youth Group, 6:15 pm
01/18- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:00 pm
Family Game Night: Saturday, January 20, at 6:30 pm. Bring your favorite games, snacks to share, and look forward to fellowship and fun with your church family and friends!
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: We will host another Mobile Food Bank on Saturday, February 3, from 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 early to help 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 children’s toothbrushes, 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.