Tension is not something we often think of when it comes to Christmas, yet if you pay attention it is everywhere.
Though Christmas is often a season marked by comfort and joy it is also a season that brings the tension of stressed schedules, stretched budgets, patience spread thin, and strained relationships. Try as we might to avoid it, tension is a reality of the Christmas season. But as we will explore in this series it is also a part of the Christmas Story.
In this series for the season of Advent we will explore the tension of the Christmas Story to see how God is present and working in and through the tension of despair and hope, doubt and faith, weakness and strength, and the mystery of Christmas that is God with us. As we explore the tension of the Story perhaps we will find hope in unexpected places.
Today’s Worship
Angels We Have Heard on High
Away in a Manger
Advent Candle Lighting/ Reading
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Scripture
Luke 1:57-80
Message
“A New Day Dawning”
Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
December Calling Team: Please call Dave S or Jessi F with any special concerns or requests.
December Mission of the Month: The City Rescue Mission of Lansing is a Christian ministry that serves Michigan's capital area, meeting the physical needs of food and shelter, and bringing those with spiritual needs the Hope that is found in Jesus Christ.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Join us this evening at 6:00 pm, to celebrate the birth of our Savior through scripture, songs, the lighting of the Christ candle, and a Christmas message.
Upcoming Study Opportunity: On January 7th we will 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 for a discussion beginning Wednesday, January 10th. Or if your Life Group wishes to study the book together you are encouraged to do so. Books are $12.00 and can be reserved by signing up on our website. They will then be distributed on Sunday, January 7th, and Wednesday January 10th.
Mobile Food Bank: We are hosting another Mobile Food Bank here in the parking lot on Saturday, January 6, from 9-11 am. If you would like to help sort and put food into cars, please sign up by visiting our website at www.icrclansing.org, and then click on the “Bulletin Board” tab. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to arrive early to help set up.
Winter Break: There will be no High School Hangout, CONNECT Dinner, CONNECT Kids, or Youth Group Meetings over Winter Break, 12/24/23-1/13/24. We will resume our regular activities on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
Your 2024 Envelope Number is (Probably) Changing: In order to avoid ordering, paying for and disposing of (recycling) hundreds of unused giving envelopes, we are renumbering (most) envelopes for 2024. Additionally, if you did not utilize your envelopes in 2022 or so far in 2023, we will not automatically distribute them to you in 2024. If you do not receive them but would like them in 2024, please let the office or Fred Hannula know and we will get them to you. Thank you for all of your contributions (time, talents, and treasures) to further God’s ministries at Immanuel.
Save the Dates:
01/03- No CONNECT (Winter Break)
01/03- No Jr. High Youth Group
01/06- Mobile Food Bank, 9-11 am
01/09- Deacon’s Meeting, 6:00 pm
01/09- Elder’s Meeting, 6:30 pm
01/09- Consistory Meeting, 7:30 pm
01/09- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm
01/10- Quilting (Morningside Rm.), 2:00 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:
Immanuel partners with Lansing Christian Services to provide personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies to families in need. This ongoing ministry is currently in need of children’s toothbrushes, paper towels, and laundry pods/soap. Please place donations in the baskets underneath the mailboxes located outside of the sanctuary. If you are in need of help, or know somebody who is, please call Christian Services at (517) 394-5411.
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)- September 17 - May 12
Sundays from 6:00-8:00 pm. 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.