In this series we hope to reclaim Revelation as the beautiful gift it is for the church. Revelation is easily the most misunderstood and feared book of the Bible. Which is unfortunate, because, as we will see in this series, Revelation was originally written to bring comfort not confusion. Its words were meant to inspire confidence, not incite fear. Its vivid imagery is meant to describe the world as it is, not predict its ending. Revelation was originally written to seven churches who existed during a time of great persecution and oppression against Christians.
The words of Revelation were meant to give its hearers confidence to endure in faithfulness to Christ and His mission while living amid an uncertain and threatening world.
Today’s Worship
Blessed Be
Christ is Mine Forevermore
10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)
Scripture
Revelation 6:1-17; 7:1-4; 7:9-10
Message
“Cross-Shaped People.”
I Wanna Be Washed
ANNOUNCEMENTS
March Mission of the Month: CranHill & Camp Geneva. Both of these RCA Church camps are ministries through which God transforms lives through Youth Camps, Family Camping, Retreats and Adventure Experiences.
2024 Elder and Deacon Nominations Due Today: The Consistory will begin working on a slate of nominees for 1 new Elder and 1 New Deacon in preparation for the next Congregational meeting in June.
Harold S will be rotating off from the Elders. Jessi F will be rotating off from the Deacons.
All members 18 yrs. of age and older are invited to recommend up to 2 members for each office.
Those members who are ineligible for nomination because they are either presently serving, or have recently rotated off are: Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Jessi F, Fred H, Mike J, Sally K, Kerri M, Matt O, Harold S, Dave S, and Janet V.
If you are a member and are 18 yrs. of age or older, please prayerfully consider your recommendations, and then submit them online via the Google form that was sent out by the church office on Tuesday, February 13th.
You may also submit your responses by filling out a paper ballot here at church. The ballots and the ballot box are located by the mailboxes outside of the sanctuary.
Volunteers Needed for Cumberland School Literacy Night: This Wednesday, March 6th, from 5:30-7:00 pm. The theme for the night is the "Laura Numeroff" books, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, etc. They will be making food based off of the books and are wondering if anybody from Immanuel would be interested in helping them make pancakes, or helping the kids with some pre-made activities, or reading with them. If you are willing to volunteer for this, please contact Katie Secor at katiesecor03@gmail.com.
Camp Grant Request Forms: There are funds available for students who would like to go to Cran-Hill Ranch or Camp Geneva this summer. To request a form, please contact Joey at jrsouth16@yahoo.com, or you may contact the church office.
Mobile Food Bank: Saturday, April 6, 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.
Volunteer Opportunity for the Personal Needs Closet: There are a few different ways that you can volunteer for this ministry. You can do the shopping, fill the bags on Tuesdays, and/or be here at the church on Wednesdays between the hours of 10:00 am-12:00 pm to pass out the bags to families. If you are interested in volunteering for this ministry, please contact Stacia, our church secretary, during office hours.
DID YOU NOTICE the Prayer Box Moved? Instead of being on the platform in the sanctuary, it is now located on the table near the mailboxes, just outside of the sanctuary. Please feel free to write and submit your prayer requests, using the cards and pens provided with the knowledge that your requests are confidential and shared for prayer only with the people indicated on the card. This box is checked for requests weekly.
IN ADDITION, we are starting a Prayer Chain here at Immanuel. The GOAL of this Prayer Chain is to bring Glory to God as we bring our shared praises, cares, and requests in faithful trust to Him, in Jesus' name.
If You are Interested in Making a Commitment to Pray for Others, Please Consider Joining the Prayer Chain: You can sign up by visiting our website at www.icrclansing.org, and then click on the "Bulletin Board" tab in the upper right hand corner. When signing up, please take a moment to read the guidelines regarding the purpose of the prayer chain and confidentiality, and make sure that you are in agreement with them.
Those who request to become a part of the Prayer Chain will be placed on an email list and will receive an email each time that a prayer request is made. There will also be an email sent out at the end of each month to share praises and continued prayers.
If You are in Need of Prayer:
You may submit a request via our Prayer Box.
You may send a request to the prayer chain email address: icrcprayer@icrclansing.org.
You can visit our website at www.icrclansing.org, and then click on the "Prayer Request" tab under "Resources".
You can call the church office at (517) 321-2495 Mon-Wed between the hours of 9 am-1pm and talk with Stacia, our church secretary.
Or you may reach out to Marcia Jackson, the leader of our prayer team, directly.
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:
Personal Needs Closet: This ministry provides personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies to families in need. We are currently in need of women’s shampoo & conditioner, women’s deodorant, toothpaste, dish soap, and paper towels. Please place donations in the baskets under the mailboxes located outside of the sanctuary. If you are in need of help, please call Christian Services at (517) 394-5411.
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
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, Dianne K, Dave N, Yvonne N, Marcia N, and Wayne S.
If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed,
please contact Kerri M.