November 28, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

 During the season of Advent, we will be going through the book of Isaiah in a series titled, “A Thrill of Hope”. This series will focus on God’s promises through the prophet Isaiah. These promises gave hope to hopeless people, but they were not immediately fulfilled. As we journey through Isaiah and look at the promises God made to His people, we will see how it is our hope for what is to come that forms us as we wait in the present moment.

Isaiah will challenge us to see that God doesn’t work according to our timeline and He certainly doesn’t work in the way that we think He should, but even when all hope seems lost, and even when we can’t make sense of what is happening, God is at work to fulfill His promises.

Through Isaiah God reveals to us what we will ultimately see in the manger scene. We will see that in God’s timing, He uses the unexpected and the unimaginable to accomplish His purposes, and when we believe in a God like this, even when all hope seems lost, and even when we can’t make sense of things, there is always the thrill of hope in a God who is faithful to fulfill His promises. This morning we will begin our series by looking at Isaiah 7:1-17 and the hope that we have in a God who promises to be with us, even amidst moments of devastation and destruction.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                

Call to Worship

*Songs                                       My Soul Magnifies The Lord                             -Carson/ Tomlin

                                                          Revelation Song                                                        -Riddle

Kids Message

Congregational Prayer

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Advent Wreath Lighting

Advent Video Testimonial

 The Word of God

*Song                                              O Come O Come Emmanuel                           -Helmore                   

Scripture:                                                     Isaiah 7:1-17

Message                                        “Hope in a God Who is With Us”

                                                                      Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

Moment for Ministry

*Song                                                              Forever                                                          -Tomlin  

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Offering

*Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

November Calling Team:  Please call Rick H or Sandy C with any special concerns or requests.

November Mission of the Month: Please consider choosing a tag from our Angel  tree located just outside of the sanctuary to purchase a gift for a member of a young refugee family of 4 from Afghanistan, who also have a baby on the way.  After purchasing your gift, please place it under the tree unwrapped.  Please also turn in your Angel Tree Tag, as well as your original receipt, or a copy of it, with the gift for "Charitable Contribution" tracking purposes.  No gift receipts please.  Wrapping paper, gift tags, and tape are also welcomed donations for this very important mission.

A Message from the Prayer Team:  There is a “Prayer Request” box located on the table next to the mailboxes, just outside of the sanctuary. If you have a personal prayer request, please write it down on one of the “Prayer Request” cards provided and place it in the box. The box will be checked weekly and shared only between ministry staff and the Prayer Team unless you request otherwise.  Your prayer concerns are important to us, and all requests will be handled with extreme care and confidentiality as we pray for your situation.

CONNECT this Wednesday, December 1: Ashlee will be serving breakfast for dinner: pancakes, hash browns, and fruit salad.  Afterwards, the kids will learn about how Jesus is our best Superhero, and they will begin decorating their very own Christmas tree in their Superhero area.  Each week the kids will make a beautiful ornament for their tree, and then on December 15th, they will be able to take all these ornaments home with them.  They will also learn and talk about how hard it is to wait, and there will be singing and games too! 

Staff Holiday Gifts: Can be made until Sunday, December 12: If you would like to contribute towards a  monetary Christmas gift for the ICRC staff, please enclose your gift in an envelope labeled “Staff Gift”, or you may write this on the memo line of your check, and then drop it into one of the collection plates in the sanctuary. You may also  hand it to one of the Deacons: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, or Liz S.  Please also be sure to include your envelope number for contribution credit.  The deacons will then divide the funds among the staff for their annual holiday gifts from the ICRC congregation. 

New Sermon Series Schedule:

November 28 - Isaiah 7:1-17 "Hope in a God Who is With Us"

December 5 - Isaiah 9:1-7 "Hope Amidst Darkness"

December 12 - Isaiah 11:1-9 "Hope Sprouts Eternal"

December 19 - Isaiah 40:1-11; 21-31 "A Comforting Hope"

December 26 - Isaiah 61 "A Hope for December 26th"

Save the Date:The Fellowship team will be hosting an adult game night here at Immanuel on Saturday, January 15.Please think about joining us that evening for a night of fun, and please also start thinking about a friend or two that you might like to invite.

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Maasai Outreach Mission, Africa

Please pray for the health of the Maasai people. Pray they will have access to the care they need, including prenatal care, immunizations, counseling, and other basic healthcare. 

If you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia Jackson at 663-7441. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org, or you may place a written request in the prayer box that is located next to the church mailboxes.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Sara A., Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, Sandi S, and Caitlin S.

Have you or a loved one been in the hospital or have just gotten out and were told you should rest for a few days? If so, wouldn’t it be great to have a home cooked meal delivered to your house? If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.

                                                          Save the Dates

December 6- Spiritual Growth Meeting, 6:30 pm.

December 6- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

December 7- Elder’s Meeting, 7:00 pm.

December 8- CONNECT, 5:30 pm.

December 8- Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm.

December 9- Kinetic Gospel Discipleship Class, 7:00 pm.

                                        December 14- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                   December 15- CONNECT/ Youth Group Christmas Party, 5:30 pm.

November 21, 2021

Sunday, November 21, 2021

 “Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

What are we as a church known for? What are we known for by our neighbors? Do people outside of the church know us for what we say we want to be known for?

 We are living in a time when the perception of the church in our country is at an all-time low. It is an often repeated phrase that the church is known more for what it is against, than for what it is for. Yet, we as a church have a mission statement and core values that we desire to be known for. The question that we must ask ourselves is: Have we succeeded in this? Are we known for what we want to be known for?  Do people who drive by our building every day know what we are for?

Today we conclude our series by looking at our core value “Doing Acts of Service,” and turning to the story of God’s people in exile to learn from the unique calling and command God that gives them in Jeremiah 29:7. God will challenge us this morning through Jeremiah to see our world and our place in it as followers of Christ in a way that brings the flourishing of His Kingdom.

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                

*Songs                                                    Sing To The King                                                       -Foote

                                                                 Life Of Praise                                                             -Hall

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

 The Word of God

*Song                                                         Worthy, Worthy                           -Vertical Worship Band

Scripture:                                                   Jeremiah 29:7          

Message                                             “Doing Acts of Service”

                                                                    Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

*Song                                                       Prince Of Peace                         -Imboden/ Rhoton                        

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Mission of the Month Offering Received

Offering

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

November Calling Team:  Please call Rick H or Sandy C with any special concerns or requests.

November Mission of the Month: Please consider choosing a tag from our Angel  tree located just outside of the sanctuary to purchase a gift for a member of a young refugee family of 4 from Afghanistan, who also have a baby on the way.  After purchasing your gift, please place it under the tree unwrapped.  Please also turn in your Angel Tree Tag, as well as your original receipt, or a copy of it, with the gift for "Charitable Contribution" tracking purposes.  No gift receipts please.  Wrapping paper, gift tags, and tape are also welcomed donations for this very important mission.

Flowers Provided By:  Julie L in loving memory of her mom Beverly’s birthday.  Beverly was also a beloved Grandma, Great Grandma, and Great-Great Grandma, who’s spirit and strength lives on in each one of us and in the lives that she touched. 

Thanksgiving Baskets After the Service:  Please join us in the Family Life Center after the service today to help assemble and deliver Thanksgiving baskets for our community. 

2022 Tithing Envelopes:  If you do not need tithing envelopes for next year, please let Stacia know in the church office by next Sunday, November 28.

Nursery News:  We are in need of volunteers to help out in the nursery during the Sunday Services.  If you are able to do this, please contact Ann H to let her know. 

Staff Holiday Gifts: Can be made until Sunday, December 12: If you would like to contribute towards a  monetary Christmas gift for the ICRC staff, please enclose your gift in an envelope labeled “Staff Gift”, or you may write this on the memo line of your check, and then drop it into one of the collection plates in the sanctuary. You may also  hand it to one of the Deacons if you would like: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, or Liz S.  Please also be sure to include your envelope number for contribution credit.  The deacons will then divide the funds among the staff for their annual holiday gifts from the ICRC congregation. 

Save the Date:The Fellowship team will be hosting an adult game night here at Immanuel on Saturday, January 15.Please think about joining us that evening for a night of fun, and please also start thinking about a friend or two that you might like to invite.

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Maasai Outreach Mission, Africa

Please pray for the health of the Maasai people. Pray they will have access to the care they need, including prenatal care, immunizations, counseling, and other basic healthcare. 

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Sara A., Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, Sandi S, and Caitlin S.

Have you or a loved one been in the hospital or have just gotten out and were told you should rest for a few days? If so, wouldn’t it be great to have a home cooked meal delivered to your house? If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.

                                                          Save the Dates

December 1- CONNECT/ Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group , 5:30 pm.

                      December 2- Kinetic Gospel Discipleship Class, 7:00 pm.

December 6- Spiritual Growth Meeting, 6:30 pm.

December 6- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

December 7- Elder’s Meeting, 7:00 pm.

November 14, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

What are we as a church known for? What are we known for by our neighbors? Do people outside of the church know us for what we say we want to be known for?

We are living in a time when the perception of the church in our country is at an all-time low. It is an often repeated phrase that the church is known more for what it is against, than for what it is for. Yet, we as a church have a mission statement and core values that we desire to be known for. The question that we must ask ourselves is: Have we succeeded in this? Are we known for what we want to be known for?  Do people who drive by our building every day know what we are for?

Today, we will be looking at our church's core value of Responding to Real Needs through the lens of James 2:14-26. This passage this morning will challenge us to see how our response of faith in Christ leads us in our response to the real needs around us.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                

*Songs                                                     Let It Rise                                                             -Davis

                                                        Power Of Your Love                                                  -Bullock

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

  The Word of God

*Song                                                  Blessed Assurance                                                    -Crosby

Scripture:                                              James 2: 14-26

Message                                        “Responding to Real Needs”

                                                                 Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

Celebrate the Lord’s Supper

Responsive Communion Thanksgiving

*Song                                                      You Are Good                                                    -Houghton

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Offering

The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 Wi-Fi- icrcchurch, Password goodwithG0d

ANNOUNCEMENTS

November Calling Team:  Please call Rick H. or Sandy C. with any special concerns or requests.

November Mission of the Month: We have an Angel tree set up just outside of the sanctuary with gift tags to choose from for a young refugee family of 4, who also have a baby on the way. This family had to evacuate from Afghanistan for safety reasons.  Please consider choosing a tag from the tree to purchase a gift for a member of this family.  Each tag will tell you the age and a desired gift.  After purchasing your gift, please place it under the tree unwrapped.  Please also turn in your Angel Tag, as well as your original receipt, or a copy of it, with the gift for "Charitable Contribution" tracking purposes.  No gift receipts please.  Wrapping paper, gift tags, and tape are also welcomed donations for this very important mission. Thank you in advance for helping us to bless this family and to make their Christmas a very special one this year!

Coffee and Fellowship:  We are excited to announce that we are once again offering coffee and fellowship in the Family Life Center after the services starting today!

CONNECT this Wednesday, November 17:  Join us for dinner this Wednesday, at 5:30 pm. Ashlee will be serving pizza, salad, and dessert.  Afterwards, the kids will be learning about how God is our Superhero, and about all of the miracles that He did while traveling with the Israelites in the desert.  The kids will also enjoy making Thanksgiving crafts, playing games, and they will have the opportunity to earn their “Thankful” badge for their superhero capes.

Its That Time of the Year Again: On December 1, we will be distributing the tithing envelopes to the congregation for next year. Please let Stacia know in the church office by next Sunday, November 28, if you do not need tithing envelopes for 2022. 

Nursery News:  We are in need of volunteers to help out in the nursery during the Sunday Services.  If you are able to do this, please contact Ann H. to let her know. 

Join Us Next Week as We Wrap Up the Sermon Series “Known”: 

·Sunday, November 21- “Doing Acts of Service.”  Jeremiah 29:7

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Brian and Elizabeth Bruxvoort

Pray that the children who went to Bible Camp will be strengthened and discipled to walk with the Lord.  Pray also for strong health so that we can continue to serve the Lord, and please pray for Christians to be more concerned about our walk with Jesus rather than the state of our nation. Please also pray also for Christian workers across Alaska as we prepare for the coming cold and darkness of winter, and that our family will continually seek to love the Lord our God with all of our heart.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.   

    Have you or a loved one been in the hospital or have just gotten out and were told you should rest for a few days? If so, wouldn’t it be great to have a home cooked meal delivered to your house? If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri Miller at (517) 927-9209.

                                                          Save the Dates

November 22- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

  November 23- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                   November 24- Thanksgiving Break, No Youth Group or CONNECT

                                             December 1- CONNECT, 5:30 pm.

                        December 1- Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm.-8:00 pm.

                           December 2- Kinetic Gospel Discipleship Class, 7:00 pm.

November 7, 2021

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                

*Songs                                 All Creatures of our God and King/Sing Alleluia                     -No. 347

                                                             Made To Worship                         -Tomlin/ Cash/ Sharp

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

  The Word of God

*Song                                                       Revelation Song                                                      -Riddle

Scripture:                                                    John 4:1-26

Message                                            “Welcoming the Stranger”

                                                                    Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

Mission of the Month

*Song                                                   Your Grace Is Enough                                     -Maher     

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Offering

The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

  *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

November Calling Team:  Please call Rick H or Sandy C with any special concerns or requests.

November Mission of the Month: We have an Angel tree set up just outside of the sanctuary with gift tags to choose from for a young refugee family of 4, who also have a baby on the way. This family had to evacuate from Afghanistan for safety reasons.  Please consider choosing a tag from the tree to purchase a gift for a member of this family.  Each tag will tell you who the gift is for, their age, and a desired gift.  (The families wish list is also posted on the bulletin board located just outside of the sanctuary.)  After purchasing your gift, please return it here to Immanuel unwrapped.  Please also turn in your original receipt, or a copy of it, with the gift for "Charitable Contribution" tracking purposes.  No gift receipts please.  Wrapping paper, gift tags, and tape are also welcomed donations for this very important mission. Thank you in advance for helping us to bless this family and to make their Christmas a very special one this year!

Thank You for All of the Prayers, Thoughtful Concern, and Cards During Joy’s Last Illness and After She Went Home to Jesus:  A special appreciation to all those who helped set up and serve at Joy’s memorial luncheon.  Our church family has lifted us up during this time and continues to carry us along. ~ Alv and Family

CONNECT this Wednesday, November 10:  Join us for dinner this Wednesday, at 5:30 pm., Ashlee will be serving nachos.  Afterwards, the kids will learn about Jesus’s friends Mary and Martha and why they are superheroes.  They will also talk about how much fun it is to visit and play with friends, and they will be making Stone Soup!  Miss Linda will need some help making the soup, so please have the kids bring 2 stones that fit into the palm of their hand so that they can help her out and earn their “Cooperation” badge. 

The Search for Our New Director of Music Ministry is Already Underway:  If you know of someone who might be interested in this position we encourage you to share the job posting that can be found on our website with them. The link is: https://www.icrclansing.org/new-page-85. Candidates should email their cover letter and resume to ICRCMusicSearchTeam@gmail.com no later than November 30th. 

Join Us Over the Next 2 Weeks as We Continue the Sermon Series “Known”: 

·         Sunday, November 14- “Responding to Real Needs.”  James 2: 14-26

·         Sunday, November 21- “Doing Acts of Service.”  Jeremiah 29:7

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Ashlee W, Emily W, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Mike J, Harold S., Liz S, and our ministry teams

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Brian and Elizabeth Bruxvoort

Pray that the children who went to Bible Camp will be strengthened and discipled to walk with the Lord.  Pray also for strong health so that we can continue to serve the Lord, and please pray for Christians to be more concerned about our walk with Jesus rather than the state of our nation. Please also pray also for Christian workers across Alaska as we prepare for the coming cold and darkness of winter, and that our family will continually seek to love the Lord our God with all of our heart.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.       

                                                          Save the Dates

November 17- CONNECT, 5:30 pm

November 18- Kinetic Gospel Class, 7:00 pm

November 21- Thanksgiving Basket Assemble and Delivery, 11:15 am

On Sunday, November 14, Pastor Matt will be preaching to us about our core value, "Responding to Real Needs in the community", and we would like to take up a collection on that day to go along with this message. 

We are asking that you bring an item or two to church with you on that Sunday, November 14, to donate to our Personal Needs Closet that we are working on putting together so that we can respond to the needs of the community that surrounds Immanuel.

 We have defined "Personal Needs" items as anything that cannot be bought with food stamps, but we are not going to be doing clothes at this time.  These items may include: 

 Toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, hairbrushes, hair products, men's and women's body wash or bar soap, shampoo and conditioner, household cleaning supplies, all-purpose cleaners, diapers, wipes, gently used or new sheets and blankets, women's sanitary items, deodorant, or anything else that you can think of that would be needed in a home but cannot be bought with stamps.  You can even purchase dollar store gift cards if you would like in denominations of $5 or $10. 

There will be a large white box to place these items, located just outside of the sanctuary, on Sunday, November 14, and we thank you in advance for your donations and for your heart to help us respond to the real needs" in our community.

October 31, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

What are we as a church known for? What are we known for by our neighbors? Do people outside of the church know us for what we say we want to be known for?

We are living in a time when the perception of the church in our country is at an all-time low. It is an often repeated phrase that the church is known more for what it is against, than for what it is for. Yet, we as a church have a mission statement and core values that we desire to be known for. The question that we must ask ourselves is: Have we succeeded in this? Are we known for what we want to be known for?  Do people who drive by our building every day know what we are for?

Today, we will be looking at our church's core value of Nurturing Children and Youth through the lens of Jesus' words in Matthew 19:13-15.

  The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                

*Songs                                           My Lighthouse                                        -Rend Collective

                                                       Feed The Fire                                        -Grooters & Beal

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

  The Word of God

*Song                                          No Longer Slaves                                          -Bethel Music

Scripture:                                     Matthew 19:14

Message                           “Nurturing Children and Youth”

                                                        Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                          

The Response to the Word

*Song                                           Trading My Sorrows                                                   -Evans

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

  *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

ANNOUNCEMENTS

October Calling Team:  Please call Eric C or Harold S with any special concerns or requests.

October Mission of the Month: CWS CROP Hunger Walk. Today is the last day to contribute to this very important mission! 

Thank You for All of the Prayers, Thoughtful Concern, and Cards During Joy’s Last Illness and After She Went Home to Jesus:  A special appreciation to all those who helped set up and serve at Joy’s memorial luncheon.  Our church family has lifted us up during this time and continues to carry us along. ~ Alv and the V K Family

CONNECT this Wednesday, November 3:  Ashlee will be serving Burgers for dinner at 5:30 pm.  Afterwards, the kids will be learning about David the shepherd boy making beautiful music to God. They will also be able to touch and play real instruments, and they will be making 3 different instruments for our Praise band! 

Kinetic Gospel Discipleship Class Begins This Thursday, November 4th, at 7:00 pm.: This class will be led by Pastor Matt and will help us to discover how the Gospel of Jesus Christ empowers us to live as disciples of Christ. We will meet for 5 sessions, taking a break the week of Thanksgiving, and finishing on Thursday, December 9. To sign-up, please email Pastor Matt or you may write your name down on the sign-up sheet located on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary.

Thanksgiving Baskets:  With your donations, we are able to provide Thanksgiving baskets to 54 families!  We are now in need of volunteers to help assemble and deliver the baskets on Sunday, November 21, after the service.  If you are able to help with this, please write your name down on the sign-up sheet located just outside of the sanctuary, and if you will be delivering baskets, we ask that you go in groups of 2 or 3.  Please write down the names of all people in your group on the sign-up sheet.  We are looking for 15-20 groups total to make deliveries.

The Search for Our New Director of Music Ministry is Already Underway:If you know of someone who might be interested in this position we encourage you to share the job posting that can be found on our website with them. The link is: https://www.icrclansing.org/new-page-85. Candidates should email their cover letter and resume to ICRCMusicSearchTeam@gmail.com no later than November 30th.

New Sermon Series “KNOWN”:

 Sunday, November 7: Welcoming the Stranger. John 4:1-30

 Sunday, November 14: Responding to Real Needs. James 2:14-26

 Sunday, November 21: Doing Acts of Service. Jeremiah 29:7

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Ashlee W, Emily W, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Mike J, Harold S., Liz S, and our ministry teams

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Mark & Deb Wilson, Asia

Deb is strengthening church leaders through training, coaching, and mentoring. Mark teaches seminary classes and helps Cambodian churches and leaders discover, understand, and live into God’s intentions for them. Please pray for the new ministry leaders in Cambodia. May they receive the training needed to boldly grow the church in their home country. Pray that they might faithfully follow God's purposes for them in life and ministry.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.       

                                                          Save the Dates

November 9- Consistory Meeting, 6:30 pm

November 9- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm

November 9- Painting with Sandi, 6:30 pm

November 10- CONNECT, 5:30 pm

.November 11- Kinetic Gospel Class, 7:00 pm

October 24, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

What are we as a church known for? What are we known for by our neighbors? Do people outside of the church know us for what we say we want to be known for?

We are living in a time when the perception of the church in our country is at an all-time low. It is an often repeated phrase that the church is known more for what it is against, than for what it is for. Yet, we as a church have a mission statement and core values that we desire to be known for. The question that we must ask ourselves is: Have we succeeded in this? Are we known for what we want to be known for?  Do people who drive by our building every day know what we are for?

Today, we will be looking at our church's mission statement through the lens of Christ's mission communicated to us in John 20:21 and in Acts 3:1-16. Through our readings from Scripture this morning we will see what it means to live our lives with the Spirit empowered energy of God's work in the world through Jesus Christ.

  The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                

*Song                                                  Pass It On                                                -Kaiser                        

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

 The Word of God

*Song                                                   So Send I You                                                   -Peterson  

Scripture:                                             John 20:21; Acts 3:1-16

Message                                               “Kinetically Christlike”

                                                                      Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

Moment for Ministry

*Song                                          We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations                                    -Nichol

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Offering

The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

  *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

ANNOUNCEMENTS

October Calling Team:  Please call Eric C. or Harold S. with any special concerns or requests.

October Mission of the Month: CWS CROP Hunger Walk. We still have one week left to contribute to this very important mission!  You may make a donation by placing it in the Mission of the Month offering plate located at the front of the sanctuary.  If you will be writing a check, please write CWS CROP in the memo line. 

Flowers Provided By: Don and Pat W. in celebration of their 62 years of marriage.  Don And Pat, may God keep blessing the two of you and may the love you have for each other keep growing with time.  Happy Anniversary!

Trunk-or Treat:  This Wednesday, October 27, from 6-7 pm.  If you signed up to decorate your vehicle and pass out candy, please come here to the ICRC parking lot at 5:30 pm to get a parking spot and to set up.  There is also a Facebook event created on our ICRC Facebook page to invite your family and friends! 

Discipleship Class:  Beginning Next Thursday, November 4th, at 7:00 pm., you will have the opportunity to learn more how to be a disciple through the class, “The Kinetic Gospel”. This class will be led by Pastor Matt and will help us to discover how the Gospel of Jesus Christ empowers us to live as disciples of Christ. We will meet for 5 sessions, taking a break the week of Thanksgiving, and finishing on Thursday, December 9. To sign-up, please email Pastor Matt or you may write your name down on the sign-up sheet located on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary.

Thanksgiving Baskets:  With your donations, we are able to provide Thanksgiving baskets to 54 families!  We are now in need of volunteers to help assemble and deliver the baskets on Sunday, November 21, after the service.  If you are able to help with this, please write your name down on the sign-up sheet located just outside of the sanctuary, and if you will be delivering baskets, we ask that you go in groups of 2 or 3.  Please write down the names of all people in your group on the sign-up sheet.  We are looking for 15-20 groups total to make deliveries.

We Still Have 1 week to collect Personal Needs Items for the Homeless Angels/ City Rescue Mission: There are items needed specifically for the women at the City Rescue Mission, they are asking for  full size body lotion and baby wipes.  Please place items in the tub labeled “Homeless Angels” located just outside of the sanctuary.  Thank you.

Do You Like Laughter, Joy in Sharing Memories, and Playing Detective?: If so you are invited every Wednesday from 1-3 pm., or after the Connect dinner at 5:30 pm, to join us in the library to help identify the many unlabeled photos in the albums of times past. We'd like to give these photos to those who are in them, so we need your help identifying who these people are that had such good times in the years that have gone by. Our "Fall Library Cleanup" team appreciates what time you can give and any ideas that you may have to help our library serve your needs. Feel free to bring a friend to share in the fun! If you have any questions, please contact Doreen D.

New Sermon Series “KNOWN”: What are we as a church known for? What are we known for by our neighbors? Do people outside of the church know us for what we say we want to be known for? We are living in a time when the perception of the church in our country is at an all-time low. It is an often repeated phrase that the church is known more for what it is against, than for what it is for. Yet we as a church have a mission statement and core values that we desire to be known for. The question we must ask ourselves is: have we succeeded in this?

Are we known for what we want to be known for?  Do people who drive by our building every day even know what we are for? In this series we will look at what we as Immanuel want to be known for, our mission and our core values, and we will see how we must seek to be known in the greater Lansing area in this way.

  Sunday, October 24th: Kinetically Christlike John 20:21; Acts 3:1-16

Sunday, October 31: Nurturing Children and Youth. Matthew 19:14

 Sunday, November 7: Welcoming the Stranger. John 4:1-30

 Sunday, November 14: Responding to Real Needs. James 2:14-26

 Sunday, November 21: Doing Acts of Service. Jeremiah 29:7

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Ashlee W, Emily W, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Mike J, Harold S., Liz S, and our ministry teams

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Mark & Deb Wilson, Asia

Deb is strengthening church leaders through training, coaching, and mentoring. Mark teaches seminary classes and helps Cambodian churches and leaders discover, understand, and live into God’s intentions for them. Please pray for the new ministry leaders in Cambodia. May they receive the training needed to boldly grow the church in their home country. Pray that they might faithfully follow God's purposes for them in life and ministry.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.       

                                                          Save the Dates

November 2- Consistory Meeting, 6:30 pm

November 3- CONNECT, 5:30 pm

November 3- Fellowship Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

November 4- Kinetic Gospel Class, 7:00 pm.

October 17, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

In our busy lives it is so easy to become consumers of Jesus and His Gospel message. We come to church when we can and when we want to. We sit in the pews or stream the worship service as customers consuming church as just another product that we enjoy, but Jesus desires more for His followers. Jesus desires for the life transformation of His grace to lead us to be not just consumers of His grace, but cultivators of His grace in our everyday lives. In what we give our time to and through the priorities which shape our lives, Christ calls us to be His cultivators in this world.

In this series, using the book “Surprise the World!” written by Michael Frost as a supplement, we are looking at the 5 habits we must seek to live with as cultivators of Christ's work in the world. Today we conclude our series by looking at Luke 10:1-12 and considering how as followers of Christ, having been made to be a part of His mission, we are to now live on mission.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                

*Songs                                                  Days Of Elijah                                                        -Mark

                                                         Love With Abandon                                             -Newsboys

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

  The Word of God

*Song                                                   Lord I need You                                                       -Maher

Scripture:                                                  Luke 10:1-12

Message                                                “Live on Mission”

                                                                  Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

Mission of the Month Offering Received

*Song                                                         You Are Good                                                  -Houghton

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Offering

The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

  *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

ANNOUNCEMENTS

October Calling Team:  Please call Eric C or Harold S with any special concerns or requests.

October Mission of the Month: CWS CROP Hunger Walk. Praise God we had 37 people participate in our ICRC CROP walk last Sunday! (27 adult walkers, 5 youth walkers, and 5 rockers!)  We still have 2 Sundays left to contribute to this very important mission to help end hunger in our community and around the world.  If you would still like to make a donation to CROP, you may do so by placing it in the Mission of the Month offering plate located at the front of the sanctuary.  If you will be writing a check, please write CWS CROP in the memo line. 

Flowers Provided By: Fred and Kandy H in celebration of Ian’s birthday.  Ian, may you have many heavenly blessings on your special day!

CONNECT this Wednesday, October 20: Join us this Wednesday for a free family dinner at 5:30 pm.  Ashlee will be serving lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and dessert.  Afterwards, we will be doing a “Pumpkin Night” with the kids, so have them bring a friend, wear something orange, and come enjoy some fun with crafts and games! 

Trunk-or Treat:  This year we will be hosting our annual “Trunk-or-Treat” event for the community on Wednesday, October 27, from 6-7 pm.  We are looking for candy donations for this event, and volunteers to decorate their vehicles and pass out candy.  If you can donate candy, please drop it off to the church office, or you can place it in the tub located just outside of the sanctuary.  If you will be decorating your vehicle and passing out candy, please show up to the church at 5:30pm. to get a parking space and to get set-up.

Southern Gospel Concert Friday, October 29, at South Church:  Tribute Quartet and Jim & Melissa Brady will be performing.  Tickets are $15.  Please talk to Sheryl E at church or text her if you are interested in going. 

Beginning Thursday, November 4, at 7:00 pm, Pastor Matt Will be Leading a Class Called “The Kinetic Gospel”:  This class will help us discover how the Gospel of Jesus Christ empowers us to live as disciples of Christ.  We will meet weekly on Thursday nights at 7:00 pm. for 5 sessions, taking a break the week of Thanksgiving, and finishing on Thursday, December 9.  To sign-up, please email Pastor Matt, or you may sign-up on the bulletin board located just outside of the sanctuary.

A Little Pumpkin is on the Way: Join us for a baby shower in honor of Caitlin S, on Saturday, November 6, at 11:00 am.  The shower will be in the Family Life Center here at Immanuel.  Caitlin is registered at babylist.com. 

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Ashlee W, Emily W, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Mike J, Harold S., Liz S, and our ministry teams

Prayers for Our ICRC Search Team- Please be praying for Joey South, Dave South, Kelly Johnson, Karla Ter Haar, Jennifer Blanck, Marcia Jackson, and Pastor Matt Lee as they begin their search for a new Worship Director here at Immanuel.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.       

                                                          Save the Dates

October 26- Deacon’s Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                                              October 26- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                                           October 27- Trunk-or-Treat, 6:00 pm.

                               October 28- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                             October 28- Outreach Team Meeting, 7:00 pm.

October 31- Assembling Packages for Homeless Angels, Following the Service

October 10, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

In our busy lives it is so easy to become consumers of Jesus and His Gospel message. We come to church when we can and when we want to. We sit in the pews or stream the worship service as customers consuming church as just another product that we enjoy, but Jesus desires more for His followers. Jesus desires for the life transformation of His grace to lead us to be not just consumers of His grace, but cultivators of His grace in our everyday lives. In what we give our time to and through the priorities which shape our lives, Christ calls us to be His cultivators in this world.

 In this series, using the book “Surprise the World!” written by Michael Frost as a supplement, we are looking at the 5 habits we must seek to live with as cultivators of Christ's work in the world. Today we look at Luke 10:38-42 to see how the regular habit of learning about Jesus helps us grow in our love and service to Him and for our neighbors.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                

*Songs                                             I Wanna Be Washed                                               -Spiritual

                                                        Power Of Your Love                                                 -Bullock

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

  The Word of God

*Song                                                Worthy, Worthy                -Vertical Church Band                                

Scripture:                                            Luke 10:38-42

Message                                             “Love and Learn”

                                                              Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

*Song                                                   Everywhere That I Go                                  -Houghton                

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

ANNOUNCEMENTS

October Calling Team:  Please call Eric C or Harold S with any special concerns or requests.

October Mission of the Month: Today is the day for ICRC’s CROP Hunger Walk. We will start here at Immanuel at 10:45 am. with an announcement and a prayer, and then either head out into the neighborhood to walk or get ready to rock for CROP. There will be a tent set up at the far end of the parking lot for the "Rockers”, and for the "Walkers", please use your printed maps and the signs posted along the route with arrows to follow for direction.  We will finish the service with the benediction and a prayer when we return, and then enjoy some cookies and refreshments afterwards.  Thank you for joining us today to continue the fight against the challenges of disease, disaster, displacement, and other concerns that leave people hungry.

Flowers Provided By: Carrie B in celebration of her granddaughter Cora’s birthday and in remembrance of her mom, Sandy F’s birthday. Cora may God’s awesome blessings be upon you this day, and Sandy, we send birthday wishes to you in heaven, carried upon a prayer, to the place where you are now, with sweet, tender loving care.   

CONNECT This Wednesday, October 13: This Wednesday, the kids will be learning about Esther, and how God has a plan for us. They will learn about never giving up, and they will be celebrating a new holiday called Purim.  Join us for a family dinner beforehand at 5:30pm, and have the kids bring a friend to come join in the fun!

ICRC Bonfire Night, this Friday, October 15, from 7-9 pm.:  We look forward to a great time singing songs, roasting marshmallows for smores, and enjoying fellowship with our church family around the fire!  Please bring your own chairs or a blanket to sit on, and feel free to invite a friend.  Hope to see you here!

Trunk-or Treat:  This year we will be hosting our annual “Trunk-or-Treat” event for the community on Wednesday, October 27, from 6-7 pm.  We are looking for candy donations for this event, and volunteers to decorate their vehicles and pass out candy.  If you can donate candy, please drop it off to the church office, or you can give it to Joey S, and if you will be decorating your vehicle and passing out candy, please show up to the church at 5:30pm. to get a parking space and to get set-up.

Beginning Thursday, November 4, at 7:00 pm, Pastor Matt Will be Leading a Class Called “The Kinetic Gospel”:  This class will help us discover how the Gospel of Jesus Christ empowers us to live as disciples of Christ.  We will meet weekly on Thursday nights at 7:00 pm. for 5 sessions, taking a break the week of Thanksgiving, and finishing on Thursday, December 9.  To sign-up, please email Pastor Matt, or you may sign-up on the bulletin board located just outside of the sanctuary.

Collection for Homeless Angels: The Outreach Team is taking a collection to support Homeless Angels through the month of October. Homeless Angels is a homeless shelter located at 3216 W. Main St., Lansing, MI. The items that they are in need of are listed below. Please bring them to the church by October 31. Also, we are asking for your help on that Sunday to assemble individual packages of these items. Please consider staying after the service on October 31.

• Twin Size bedding X-Long

• New or gently used sheets, blankets, and comforters

• Laundry Soap

• Full size body wash

• Men’s and Women’s deodorant

• Toothpaste

• Paper Plates, paper bowls, paper towels

• Toilet Paper

  Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

  Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Ashlee W, Emily W, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Mike J, Harold S., Liz S, and our ministry teams

Prayers for Our ICRC Search Team- Please be praying for Joey South, Dave South, Kelly Johnson, Karla Ter Haar, Jennifer Blanck, Marcia Jackson, and Pastor Matt Lee as they begin their search for a new Worship Director here at Immanuel.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.       

                                                          Save the Dates

October 18- Spiritual Growth Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                                   October 19- Creative Worship Meeting, 4:00 pm.

                                                October 20, CONNECT, 5:30 pm.

                               October 22-24- Youth Fall Retreat, Cran Hill Ranch

                                         October 26- Deacon’s Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                                             October 26- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                                           October 27- Trunk-or-Treat, 6:00 pm.

October 3, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

In our busy lives it is so easy to become consumers of Jesus and His Gospel message. We come to church when we can and when we want to. We sit in the pews or stream the worship service as customers consuming church as just another product that we enjoy, but Jesus desires more for His followers. Jesus desires for the life transformation of His grace to lead us to be not just consumers of His grace, but cultivators of His grace in our everyday lives. In what we give our time to and through the priorities which shape our lives, Christ calls us to be His cultivators in this world.

In this series, using the book “Surprise the World!” written by Michael Frost as a supplement, we are looking at the 5 habits we must seek to live with as cultivators of Christ's work in the world. Today we look at Luke 5:15-16 to see how the regular habit of listening prayer can be a catalyst for our mission to serve our neighbors.

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                

*Songs                                        All Creatures of Our God and King                          -No. 347                                          

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

 The Word of God

*Song                                               Open the Eyes of My Heart                                          -Baloche

                                                               Lord, I Need You                                                     -Maher

Scripture:                                                   Luke 5: 15-16   

Message                                                     “Listen First”

                                                                   Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

Mission of the Month

*Song                                         Sing to the King/ Sing, Sing, Sing            -Foote/Tomlin          

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

October Calling Team:  Please call Eric C or Harold S with any special concerns or requests.

October Mission of the Month: CWS CROP Hunger Walk.  Join us next Sunday, October 10, for ICRC’s CROP Hunger Walk. The service will begin at 10:00 am, but will end early, after the message, around 10:45am. We will then get ready to walk or rock for CROP at that time.  We will start here at Immanuel with an announcement and a prayer, and then head out into the neighborhood with our maps, our signs, and our enthusiasm! The walk is about 1 mile long. If you plan on rocking instead, please bring your own chair.  It does not have to be an actual rocking chair; a camp chair is fine.  There will be a tent set up at the far end of the parking lot for the "Rockers”, and for the "Walkers", we will have printed maps and signs posted along the route with arrows to follow for direction.  We will finish the service with the benediction and a prayer when we return, and then enjoy some cookies and refreshments afterwards.  You may raise money for CROP by asking your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to support your walk with a donation.  To get a donation envelope, please see Marcia J.  You may also contribute to CROP by placing a check in the offering plate here at church for the Mission of the Month, or you may mail it to the church office.

Flowers Provided By: Joe C in honor of Michelle’s birthday on October 7.  Michelle may God’s grace be with you and may His love surround you on this special day and always.

Thanksgiving Baskets:  Today is the last day to purchase a Thanksgiving basket for a family in need. The cost of each basket is $40 and will include the following items:  Turkey, Stuffing, vegetables, potatoes, rolls, pie, and more. If you would like to purchase a basket for a family, please sign-up on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary. Payments are due at this time and can be placed in the collection plate located at the front of the sanctuary.  If paying by check, please write “Thanksgiving Baskets” in the Memo line.

CONNECT This Wednesday, October 6: This Wednesday, the kids will be learning about how God makes us brave and about standing up for what is right.  They will also be making prayer pillows.  Join us for a family dinner beforehand at 5:30pm, and have the kids bring a friend to join in the fun!

You are Invited to a Bonfire Here at ICRC, on Friday, October 15, from 7-9 pm.:  We look forward to a great time singing songs, roasting marshmallows for smores, and enjoying fellowship with our church family around the fire!  Please bring your own chairs or a blanket to sit on, and feel free to invite a friend.  Hope to see you here! 

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Ashlee W, Emily W, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Mike J, Harold S., Liz S, and our ministry teams

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Mission Partners of India

Pray for donors to provide scholarships for students of all ages to continue their education at the Nursery School and English School.  Pray for the safety, encouragement, and provision of our co-workers in India during an intense time of persecution and unrest.  Pray for families that rely on the village gathering places, and for funding to continue this development, and for individuals, families, and communities to be empowered with purpose so that they can rise above poverty.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.       

                                                          Save the Dates

                                             October 12- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                                           October 13- CONNECT, 5:30 pm.

                                   October 14- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                                      October 15- All Church Bonfire, 7-9 pm.

                         October 17- Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30-7:30 pm.

                               October 18- Spiritual Growth Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                                           October 20, CONNECT, 5:30 pm.

Sending prayer for our city and our neighborhoods

Written By: Lee Hardy (Reformed Worship)

 Lord God, as we go to our neighborhoods now and in this coming week,

by the power and promise of Your Holy Spirit, open our ears

to hear what You are saying to us,

in the things that happen to us,

and in the people we meet.

Open our eyes

to see the needs of the people around us.

Open our hands

to do our work well, to help when help is needed.

Open our lips

to tell others the good news of Jesus

and bring comfort and laughter to other people.

Open our minds

to discover new truth about You and our world.

Open our hearts

to love You and our neighbors

as You have loved us in Jesus.

Let us go forth in the name of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

September 26, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

In our busy lives it is so easy to become consumers of Jesus and His Gospel message. We come to church when we can and when we want to. We sit in the pews or stream the worship service as customers consuming church as just another product that we enjoy, but Jesus desires more for His followers. Jesus desires for the life transformation of His grace to lead us to be not just consumers of His grace, but cultivators of His grace in our everyday lives. In what we give our time to and through the priorities which shape our lives, Christ calls us to be His cultivators in this world.

In this series, using the book “Surprise the World!” written by Michael Frost as a supplement, we are looking at the 5 habits we must seek to live with as cultivators of Christ's work in the world. Today we look at Luke 19:1-10 to see how Christ can use our mealtimes to further the work of His grace in the lives of others. 

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love                        -Scholtes

                                                           Reach Out and Touch                                               -Brown

                                                     What a Friend We Have in Jesus                                   -Converse

*Songs                                                     Those Who Trust                                                   -Chaffer

                                                            I Will Offer Up My Life                                            -Redman

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

The Word of God

*Song                                                             Hungry                                                              -Scott  

Scripture:                                                    Luke 19:1-10

Message                                      “Feeding Others in Body and Soul”

                                                                    Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

Moment for Ministry

*Song                                                               Today                                                -Doerksen/Gage             

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Offering

The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

ANNOUNCEMENTS

September Calling Team:  Please call Mike J or Carrie B with any special concerns or requests.

September Mission of the Month: No Senior Without Christmas: TRIAD will be filling 400 boxes with household supplies, non-perishable food, and holiday cheer to be delivered by law enforcement and fire personnel, to needy, older adults living in the tri-county region of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties.

Flowers Provided By: Dean and Marcia Jackson.

CONNECT This Wednesday, September 29:  You are invited to join us each week on Wednesday Evenings for a free family meal beginning at 5:30 pm, and a lesson plan and activities to follow for the kids!  The CONNECT Kids theme for September through December is Superheroes.  Last week the kids learned how to be a good Samaritan and to help those in need.  We also provide opportunities for the kids to play games, do crafts, and earn awards, so bring the family, invite your friends and neighbors, and join in the fun!

Dave and the Kids Would Like to Thank You for Your Support, Cards and Prayers As We Are Coming to Grips With the Passing of Jodi:  Also, thank you all who helped out at the memorial service and luncheon. We are very pleased with how everything went.

Thank You So Much for the Continued Prayers:  Our church family is truly a blessing to us.~ Mark and June.

Thanksgiving Baskets:  We will provide Thanksgiving baskets once again to families in need this year.  The cost of each basket is $40 and will include the following items:  Turkey, Stuffing, vegetables, potatoes, rolls, pie, and more. If you would like to purchase a basket for a family, please sign-up on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary by Sunday, October 3.  Payments will be due at that time.  You may place your payment in the collection plate during the Sunday service times, if paying by check, please write “Thanksgiving Baskets” in the Memo line.

Join Us After the Service on Sunday, October 10, for ICRC’s CROP Hunger Walk: We will be walking right here in the neighborhood that surrounds us as we continue to fight against the challenges of disease, disaster, displacement, and other concerns that leave people hungry. If you would like to walk or rock for CROP that day, please sign up on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary. You may raise money for CROP by asking your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to support your walk with a donation.  To get a donation envelope, please see Marcia J. CROP will also be our Mission of the Month for October.

You are Invited to a Bonfire Here at ICRC, Friday, October 15, from 7-9 pm.:  We look forward to a great time singing songs, roasting marshmallows for smores, and enjoying fellowship with our church family around the fire!  Please bring your own chairs or a blanket to sit on.  Hope to see you here! 

Handyman Service Ministry- We have stepped out in faith and introduced a new “Handyman” service to our community provided by the members of ICRC.  So far we have offered the following services:

• Repairs done around the house

• Repairs to equipment

• Yard clean up

• Painting

• Housecleaning

If you are particularly skilled in one of these areas, or in an area that we have not listed here and would be willing to be added to our list of people to call when somebody is in need, please write your name down, on the “Handyman” sign-up sheet that is located on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary.  If you would like to know more about this ministry, please contact Viv M from the Outreach Team.  Thank you.

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Ashlee W, Emily W, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Mike J, Harold S., Liz S, and our ministry teams

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Denise Kingdom Grier, Africa

There are thousands of children in Botshabelo, Africa who do not have a family that can support them. Denise works to keep vulnerable children in their own homes and to place orphans into loving foster or adoptive families. Denise also works with the Setshabelo Family and Child Services staff to raise awareness about family-based care and to establish family and child support ministries with area churches. Please pray for Denise’s ministry to continue and for the children of Botshabelo.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.       

                                                          Save the Dates

                                             October 6- CONNECT, 5:30 pm.

                                 October 10- CROP Hunger Walk, 11:15 am.

                                          October 12- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                                            October 13- CONNECT, 5:30 pm.

                                   October 14- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                                      October 15- All Church Bonfire, 7-9 pm.

Sending prayer for our city and our neighborhoods

Written By: Lee Hardy (Reformed Worship)

 Lord God, as we go to our neighborhoods now and in this coming week,

by the power and promise of Your Holy Spirit, open our ears

to hear what You are saying to us,

in the things that happen to us,

and in the people we meet.

Open our eyes

to see the needs of the people around us.

Open our hands

to do our work well, to help when help is needed.

Open our lips

to tell others the good news of Jesus

and bring comfort and laughter to other people.

Open our minds

to discover new truth about You and our world.

Open our hearts

to love You and our neighbors

as You have loved us in Jesus.

Let us go forth in the name of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

September 19, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

In our busy lives it is so easy to become consumers of Jesus and His Gospel message. We come to church when we can and when we want to. We sit in the pews or stream the worship service as customers consuming church as just another product that we enjoy, but Jesus desires more for His followers. Jesus desires for the life transformation of His grace to lead us to be not just consumers of His grace, but cultivators of His grace in our everyday lives. In what we give our time to and through the priorities which shape our lives, Christ calls us to be His cultivators in this world.

 In this series, using the book “Surprise the World!”  by Michael Frost as a supplement, we are looking at the 5 habits we must seek to live with as cultivators of Christ's work in the world. Today we will look at Matthew 5:13-16 and see how Christ calls us to bless others as He has blessed us.

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                         I Sing the Mighty Power of God                        -Watts/ Raney

*Songs                                                        O Praise Him                                                   -Crowder

                                                                  You Are Good                                                 -Houghton

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

Installation of New Consistory Members

The Word of God

*Song                                                     Be Thou My Vision                            -Ballad/Ash         

Scripture:                                                Matthew 5:13-15

Message                                            “Blessed to Be a Blessing”

                                                                   Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

*Song                                                            Lifesong                                                               -Hall   

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                       Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee                                  -Albert Travis

Mission of the Month Offering Received

Offering

The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

ANNOUNCEMENTS

September Calling Team:  Please call Mike J or Carrie B with any special concerns or requests.

September Mission of the Month: No Senior Without Christmas: This year, in order to meet increased demand, TRIAD will fill 400 boxes with household supplies, non-perishable food, and holiday cheer. The boxes are delivered to needy, older adults living in the tri-county region of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. Each box is delivered by uniformed public safety personnel, including law enforcement and fire personnel.

Flowers Provided By:  Jennifer B, “For of both of my kiddos birthdays, Angel is  23 and Esperanza will be 13.” “They are my heart that beats outside my chest, they keep me in check and trying to be the best example that I can be for them.  They are also the reason for my wrinkles and gray hairs. Lol!  

Installation of New Consistory Members:  Congratulations to  Harold S will be installed as ICRC’s new Elder today, and Liz S who will be installed as our new Deacon.  Please be in prayer for them as they begin their new positions. We would also like to thank Marcia J who will be rotating off of the Elders, and Julie L from the Deacons, for all of their hard work and dedication to this church.

Our Weekly CONNECT Program Begins This Wednesday, September 22:  Please join us at 5:30 pm for free family dinner.  The kids will then join together after dinner for a short lesson and fun activities.  The theme for CONNECT Kids from September through December will be Superheroes!

We Would Like to Offer Life Skill Classes for Adults and Parents on Wednesday nights:  If you have a special skill or talent that you would be willing to teach to a small group of adults on Wednesday nights during CONNECT, for about an hour, please contact Vivienne M to let her know.  Viv's information is in the church directory, or you may contact Stacia in the office to pass that information along.

ICRC DOES IT AGAIN!  In an incredible display of support, we collected the following for the Judson Clothing Closet: 18 pair of pants/leggings; 38 pair of socks; 61 shirts/sweaters/hoodies; 33 sports bras and 282 pair of underwear. There was also over $1600 donated for new clothing purchases. The clothing has been delivered in time for the September back-to-school appointments. Thank you for your donations and prayers.

Our Heartfelt Thank You to All of You That Have Contributed to the AV Project to Enhance Our Video and Audio Worship Experience:  We have received more than $30,000 in contributions! Praise God! It's not too late, however, if you want to contribute to this worthy cause. We will continue to accept any and all gifts. To date, the components have been ordered and we're looking at a mid to late October delivery and installation time frame. We'll let you know if this changes. Again, thank you.

CWS CROP Hunger Walk:  Sunday, October 10.  This year we will be walking together as a church right here in the neighborhood that surrounds Immanuel!  We have decided to do this immediately following the service that Sunday.  We will have signs made to carry and show the community why we are walking, to help end hunger, and the walk will only be about a mile long.  Pastor Matt has mapped directions for our walk through the neighborhood that we will share with you very soon, or if you would rather sit in a rocking chair and rock instead, you may do that too.  We will have rocking chairs available underneath the entrance canopy in the parking lot. 

If you plan on walking or rocking for CROP that day, please sign your name on the sign-up sheet that Marcia J has placed on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary.

CROP has also offered a "Youth Team" challenge once again, so if we have at least 3 or more youth walking with us, raising at least $250 or more, then CROP will give another $125 as a credit towards the amount raised by our congregation!

CROP is also our Mission of the Month for October:  If you will be making a monetary donation to the CROP Hunger Walk, please place it in the offering baskets during the Sunday Services during the month of October, and if you will be writing a check, please make it out to ICRC, with CWS CROP written in the memo line.  You may also raise money for CROP like we did in years past by asking your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to support your walk with a donation.  If you would like to do that, please contact Marcia Jackson, and she will give you an envelope.

Thanksgiving Baskets:  We would like to provide Thanksgiving baskets once again to families in need this year.  The cost of each basket is $40 and will include the following items:  Turkey, Stuffing, vegetables, potatoes, rolls, pie, and more. If you would like to purchase a basket to provide for a family in need this year, please write your name down on the sign-up sheet located on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary.  Please also include the number of baskets that you would like to purchase. 

The Deadline to Sign Up to purchase a Thanksgiving Basket is Sunday, October 3:  Payments will be due at that time.  Please make your payments by mailing them directly to the church office located at 3200 Delta River Dr., Lansing MI, 48906, or you may place them in the collection plate during the Sunday service times. If you are paying by check, please write “Thanksgiving Baskets” in the memo line. 

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Mike J, Harold S., Liz S, and our ministry teams

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Denise Kingdom Grier, Africa

There are thousands of children in Botshabelo, Africa who do not have a family that can support them. Denise works to keep vulnerable children in their own homes and to place orphans into loving foster or adoptive families. Denise also works with the Setshabelo Family and Child Services staff to raise awareness about family-based care and to establish family and child support ministries with area churches. Please pray for Denise’s ministry to continue and for the children of Botshabelo.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.       

                                                          Save the Dates

                                          September 28- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                                            September 29- CONNECT, 5:30 pm.

                                 September 30- Outreach Team Meeting, 7:00 pm.

October 3- Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm

Sending prayer for our city and our neighborhoods

Written By: Lee Hardy (Reformed Worship)

 Lord God, as we go to our neighborhoods now and in this coming week,

by the power and promise of Your Holy Spirit, open our ears

to hear what You are saying to us,

in the things that happen to us,

and in the people we meet.

Open our eyes

to see the needs of the people around us.

Open our hands

to do our work well, to help when help is needed.

Open our lips

to tell others the good news of Jesus

and bring comfort and laughter to other people.

Open our minds

to discover new truth about You and our world.

Open our hearts

to love You and our neighbors

as You have loved us in Jesus.

Let us go forth in the name of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

September 12, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

"Who is my neighbor?" This is the question the expert in the law asks of Jesus in today's passage. However, I find that Jesus, after telling the parable of the Good Samaritan, leads us to the question He should have asked, and that we should ask ourselves, "How am I to be a neighbor to others?" In this famous parable we see not only who our neighbors are, but how Christ calls us to meet the needs of our neighbors by putting their needs ahead of our own.

 This morning we will see that it is the beautiful story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that empowers us to love our neighbors as Christ loves each of us. May we be challenged today to ask God in prayer, not who our neighbors are, but what are the needs of our neighbors that He is calling us to meet?

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                          

*Songs                                                      Love the Lord                                               -Brewster 

                                                          How Great is Our God                    -Tomlin/Reeves/Cash

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids

The Word of God

*Song                                                           Sanctuary                                       -Thompson/ Scruggs

Scripture:                                                  Luke 10:25-37                           

Message                                                 “Neighbors First”

                                                                   Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

 Celebrate the Lord’s Supper

Responsive Communion Thanksgiving

*Song                                                           He Reigns                                                -Furler/ Taylor

*Benediction                           

Postlude

Offering

The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

September Calling Team:  Please call Mike J or Carrie B with any special concerns or requests.

September Mission of the Month: No Senior Without Christmas: This year, in order to meet increased demand, TRIAD will fill 400 boxes with household supplies, non-perishable food, and holiday cheer. The boxes are delivered to needy, older adults living in the tri-county region of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. Each box is delivered by uniformed public safety personnel, including law enforcement and fire personnel.

Flowers Provided By:  Kandy H in celebration of Fred’s birthday on Monday, September 13.  Fred may God always provide you the most precious things in life:  Health, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.  Happy Birthday!

Please Pray for Mark and June B as They Travel to Mayo for Mark's Checkup:  Please pray for traveling mercies as well as a good report from Mark’s doctors. Psalm 121:7-8, “The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore”. Amen.

The Burcham Life Group is Resuming In Person Bible Study After the Service Today:  We will be discussing the book “Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People”, written by Michael Frost.  This study parallels Pastor Matt's sermon messages.  We will also be discussing fellowship and ministry opportunities for this fall.  Come check us out, new members are always welcome! 

CONNECT Kickoff: Join us this Wednesday, September 15, from 5:30-7:00 pm for a family dinner and kids activities.  This will be our last summer CONNECT, and our kickoff to our Weekly Fall CONNECT program that begins on Wednesday, September 22!  The theme for September through December will be Bible Superheroes!

Installation of New Consistory Members:  Next Sunday, September 19, Harold S will be installed as ICRC’s new Elder, and Liz S will be installed as our new Deacon.  Please be in prayer for them as they begin their new positions. We would also like to thank Marcia J who will be rotating off of the Elders, and Julie L from the Deacons, for all of their hard work and dedication to this church.

CWS CROP Hunger Walk:  In 2021, we will continue to fight against the challenges of disease, disaster, displacement, and other concerns that leave people hungry. Hunger is one of the greatest injustices facing our world, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Ending hunger is possible, and we can help make it happen. Please be looking forward to joining ICRC’s CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 10, after the service, to help raise funds that will take us one step closer to ending hunger once and for all! More information is to come, so please be watching for it in future bulletins.

New Sermon Series: “Cultivators”: (September 12 - October 17)

It is so easy for the church, and the Gospel message that we believe, to become another good or service that we consume. It also easy for us as Christians to become consumers of the Christian faith, but Christ desires for us to be much more than just consumers, and to do more than simply consume the Gospel. Christ calls us to be Cultivators of the Gospel in our lives and in our communities.

As followers of Christ in this world we have been called to participate in His mission by seeking to cultivate the good news of Jesus Christ in the places He sends us to throughout the week.

Using the book titled, “Surprise the World! 5 Habits of Highly Missional People”, written by Michael Frost, we will begin this new series titled, “Cultivators”, and we will be looking at the 5 habits of cultivators who seek to see their neighbors and communities transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sunday, September 12 - Neighbors First

Luke 10:25-37

 Sunday, September 19 - Habit #1: Blessed to be a Blessing.

Matthew 5:13-15

 Sunday, September 26 - Habit #2: Feeding Others in Body and Soul.

Luke 19:1-10

 Sunday, October 3 - Habit #3: Listen First.

Luke 5:16

 Sunday, October 10 - Habit #4: Love and Learn.

Luke 10:25-28, 38-42

 Sunday, October 17 - Habit #5: Live on Mission.

Luke 10:1-24

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Yakuv Gurung, Asia

Yakuv Gurung is called to train and raise local leaders and church planters to reach the Nepali-speaking people in Nepal and in the U.S. Yakuv works with RCA partner Jibit Asha International (JAI) and local planters in Nepal to make strategies to reach their communities. The goal is to plant 50 churches in the next five years in Nepal and to form a Reformed network of churches affiliated with the RCA in the U.S.  Please pray for the church planters to reach unreached people, and that they will get the resources that they need for this ministry.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.       

                                                          Save the Dates

                     September 22- CONNECT, 5:30 pm.

                       September 23- Joy Vander Kolk’s Memorial Service, 11:00 am.

                                             September 23- Prayer Team Meeting

                                            September 28- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

September 5, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

This week's message was supposed to be on Psalm 37 and the question was going to be, "What is God's will for my life?" However, I felt the Spirit leading me in a different direction than I had planned, so today we will be looking at Psalm 44:17-26 instead, and asking the question, "How should we deal with our grief?"

 Grief is a part of life in this fallen world. Scripture never talks about hardships as being something we might experience, but rather that we will experience grief and sorrow in this world. So, it is important that we should consider the question, “How are we to deal with our grief?”, when we find ourselves grieving. Though we are at times not good at dealing with our grief, this morning scripture gives us the gift of lament to bring our grief before our faithful God and find healing and redemption.

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                          

*Song                                                       Holy, Holy, Holy                                                     -Heber

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids

 The Word of God

*Song                                           Lifesong/Singing in the Victory                        -Hall/Austin Stone

Scripture:                                                 Psalm 44:17-26                

Message                                     “What are we to do with our grief?”

                                                                    Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

Sacrament of Baptism                       Braylon and Elijah Alford

Mission of the Month Presentation

*Song                                                         Great Things                                        -Wickham/Myrin

*Benediction                           

Postlude

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

September Calling Team:  Please call Mike J or Carrie B with any special concerns or requests.

September Mission of the Month: No Senior Without Christmas. This year, in order to meet increased demand, TRIAD will fill 400 boxes with household supplies, non-perishable food, and holiday cheer. The boxes are delivered to needy, older adults living in the tri-county region of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. Each box is delivered by uniformed public safety personnel, including law enforcement and fire personnel.

CONNECT Kickoff: Join us from 5:30-7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 15, for a family dinner and kids activities.  This will be our last summer CONNECT, and our kickoff to our Weekly Fall CONNECT program that begins on Wednesday, September 22!  The theme for September through December will be Bible Superheroes!

Thank You for All of Your Prayers: I had another great check-up.  Thank you also for caring, and for being our forever friends. ~ Sandi Shults

A Grand Thank You: For the cards, calls, and prayers during my time of healing.  Also, a big thank you to the small group that visited me on my birthday, how awesome!, and a special thank you to Julie Lewis for being with me through my chemo treatments.  Please continue to pray for me as I have come to many changes this year.  God bless you all~ Kathy Glisson 

CWS CROP Hunger Walk:  Did you know that 1.1 billion people in developing countries live on an income of $1 a day or less, and that every day, more than 16,000 children die from hunger related causes? That is about 1 child every 5 seconds.  The CROP Hunger Walk will be our Mission of the Month for October again here at ICRC, and we will be walking together as a church on Sunday, October 10th, so let’s start thinking about this mission today and be praying about how we can stand with Church World Services, and impoverished people around the world, to envision a way to reach a better future.

Audio/Visual Improvements Project:  A correction from last week’s bulletin, there is no deadline to donate to this project. You may give at any time by placing a check in an envelope titled "AV gift" and return it to the office via the offering plate or through the mail.  Thank you kindly for your consideration.

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Yakuv Gurung, Asia

Yakuv Gurung is called to train and raise local leaders and church planters to reach the Nepali-speaking people in Nepal and in the U.S. Yakuv works with RCA partner Jibit Asha International (JAI) and local planters in Nepal to make strategies to reach their communities. The goal is to plant 50 churches in the next five years in Nepal and to form a Reformed network of churches affiliated with the RCA in the U.S.  Please pray for the church planters to reach unreached people, and that they will get the resources that they need for this ministry.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.                                                                                    

August 29, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

Thank you for joining us today as we stand united in Christ with Siloam Nepali Church, sharing the same heart and mind as we worship together.

Pastor Matt will be leading our study today in Galatians 3:26-29, teaching us what it means to be “United in Christ.”  Every born-again believer who is saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is incorporated into the body of Christ, the church. So, all Christians are united in Christ by definition because they are all united with Christ through salvation. We are called to live out this unity by loving, serving, respecting, and forgiving one another, and we are to view and treat other born-again believers in a manner that reflects the actual oneness that our Savior has achieved for us.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                          

*Songs                                                    Raise a Hallelujah                                    -Helsers/Stevens

                                                                 Waymaker                                                          -Sinach

Prayer Led by Pastor Chandra

The Lord’s Prayer in Both Nepali and English

 The Word of God

*Song                                                       Heart of Worship        (Siloam Praise Team)       -Redman

Scripture:                                                Galatians 3:26-29          

Message                                                 “United in Christ”

                                                                   Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

*Song                                                         Amazing Grace                                                  -Newton

*Benediction                           

Postlude

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

August Calling Team:  Please call Sue F. or Julie L with any special concerns or requests.

August Mission of the Month: Judson Love Clothing Center is in need of all children's clothing starting with size 4, but especially needed are sports bras sizes S – XL, and men’s/boy’s boxers sizes S- XL.  There is a box for donations located just outside of the sanctuary, or you may make a monetary donation towards this very worthy cause.

CONNECT Kickoff: Join us from 5:30-7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 15, for a family dinner and kids activities.  This will be our last summer CONNECT, and our kickoff to our Weekly Fall CONNECT program that begins on Wednesday, September 22!  The theme for September through December will be Bible Superheroes!

Ministry Team Leaders:  Please join us for our next 90-Day Goals God Dreams Meeting on Thursday, September 16, at 7:00 pm., to discuss our continued vision for Immanuel Community Reformed Church.

Greeters Needed: We are starting a new system for Greeter sign-up.  On the bulletin board you will find a sign-up sheet which gives you the flexibility to sign up by specific weeks through December.  We need 2 greeters per week so you can volunteer as a couple or as an individual.  After signing up, you will receive a short description of duties in your mailbox, and a reminder will appear in the bulletin the week prior.

If You are Interested in Supporting Our Audio/Visual Improvements Project:  you may put a check in an envelope titled "AV gift" and return it to the office via the offering plate or through the mail.  The deadline for donations is Sunday, September 5. Thank you for your consideration.

ICRC Members and Visitors: Here at Immanuel, we believe it is our calling as Christians to grow together in the knowledge and example of Jesus Christ. Our primary way of doing this is through our Life Group ministry in which members and guests have the opportunity to be connected with a group of fellow Christians for the purpose of growing together in Christ. Some of our Life Groups have continued to meet throughout the summer and others are planning to start meeting again in the fall. You can find more information about each Life Group, its leader, and meeting time on our website at https://www.icrclansing.org/small-groups. Please talk with our Life Groups Connections leader, Rick H, if you have any questions or would like to know more information. 

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Darla L, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Peter and Patty Ford, Middle East

Pray for peace and positive relations between Muslims and Christians in the Middle East,  and specifically for Lebanon. Pray for Peter and Patty as they carry out their various ministries at NEST and in Beirut, and for the people of Lebanon as they deal with regional tensions and the large presence of Syrian refugees. Please also pray for NEST president George Sabra to guide the school well through the many challenges facing Middle Eastern Christians, and  for the students as they face uncertainties both during their time at NEST and once they graduate, due to political and religious tensions in the region.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, and Sandi S

for continued healing.                                                                                    

Save the Dates

  September 7- Consistory Meeting

                                        September 8- Spiritual Growth Meeting

                                           September 9- Prayer Team Meeting

                                                 September 12- Communion

August 22, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

The two most common misconceptions about the Bible that people inside and outside of the church hold: One is that it is a set of rules and mandates that are so regressive and historic that it feels less like a book and more like a cinder block weighing us down. The other is that, while the Bible may be viewed with some respect and esteem, it sits on people's shelves next to other highly respected books, but it is rarely read.

 Neither of these views have the life shaping view of the Bible that we must have as Christians. Today, in the well-known verse of Psalm 119:105 we will see what is truly significant about the Bible that is God's Word. The significance of the Bible is that its purpose and influence on our lives goes far beyond what any other set of rules to live by, or books on our shelves, can claim to have. This morning we will seek to see the Bible as God intends for us to see it, so that He might change our lives through it.

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                          

*Songs                                                         Let It Rise                                                        -Davis

                                                              My Hope is in You                                     -Geesbreght

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids

 The Word of God

*Song                                             Open the Eyes of My Heart                                     -Baloche      

Scripture:                                                     Psalm 119              

Message                                 “What is So Significant About the Bible?”

                                                                  Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

Moment for Ministry

*Song                                                       All to You                                                     -Brewster

*Benediction                           

Postlude

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

ANNOUNCEMENTS

August Calling Team:  Please call Sue F or Julie L with any special concerns or requests.

August Mission of the Month: Judson Love Clothing Center is in need of all children's clothing starting with size 4, but especially needed are sports bras sizes S – XL, and men’s/boy’s boxers sizes S- XL.  There is a box for donations located just outside of the sanctuary, or you may make a monetary donation towards this very worthy cause.

Combined Outdoor Worship Service with Siloam Nepali Church, Next Sunday, August 31, at 10:00 am.:  Praise God as we come together for the diversity of gifts and graces within the body of Christ and for the beautiful variety and variance of the people, personalities, interests, and activities that are represented throughout the whole Church of God.

Greeters Needed: We are starting a new system for Greeter sign-up.  On the bulletin board you will find a sign-up sheet which gives you the flexibility to sign up by specific weeks through December.  We need 2 greeters per week so you can volunteer as a couple or as an individual.  After signing up, you will receive a short description of duties in your mailbox, and a reminder will appear in the bulletin the week prior.

ICRC Members and Visitors: Here at Immanuel, we believe it is our calling as Christians to grow together in the knowledge and example of Jesus Christ. Our primary way of doing this is through our Life Group ministry in which members and guests have the opportunity to be connected with a group of fellow Christians for the purpose of growing together in Christ. Some of our Life Groups have continued to meet throughout the summer and others are planning to start meeting again in the fall. You can find more information about each Life Group, its leader, and meeting time on our website at https://www.icrclansing.org/small-groups. Please talk with our Life Groups Connections leader, Rick H, if you have any questions or would like to know more information. 

Summer Series June 13- September 5: Join us as we continue to take a deep dive into the Psalms in order to know ourselves, our world, and our God more deeply.

August 29 - What is So Significant About the Bible? Psalm 119

September 5 - How Can I Know God's Will for My Life? Psalm 37

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Darla L, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams

Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Peter and Patty Ford, Middle East

Pray for peace and positive relations between Muslims and Christians in the Middle East,  and specifically for Lebanon. Pray for Peter and Patty as they carry out their various ministries at NEST and in Beirut, and for the people of Lebanon as they deal with regional tensions and the large presence of Syrian refugees. Please also pray for NEST president George Sabra to guide the school well through the many challenges facing Middle Eastern Christians, and  for the students as they face uncertainties both during their time at NEST and once they graduate, due to political and religious tensions in the region.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, Marian P,

             Sandi S, and Joy V for continued healing.                                                                                    

Save the Dates

August 31- Deacon’s Meeting

 September 5- Outdoor Worship/ Braylon & Elijah Alford Baptism

 September 7- Consistory Meeting

    September 8- Spiritual Growth Meeting

      September 9- Prayer Team Meeting

          September 12- Communion

August 15, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

Over the course of the summer, we have taken a deep dive into some of our deep held questions about God, ourselves, and our world. Today we will take a look at Psalm 51 and ask the question, “How can I be forgiven?”  Psalm 51 teaches us that salvation and forgiveness come from God alone, and that we are to trust in His steadfast love and mercy.

Whether you are a regular attendee, or if this is your first time with us, we want to make sure that you know how much we appreciate you joining us here for worship at Immanuel Community Reformed Church. Our mission here at ICRC is “Going into the community, imitating Christ, by feeding body and soul”.  Our 4 core values are:  nurturing children and youth, doing acts of service, responding to real needs in the community, and welcoming the stranger. Our hope is that we have established an atmosphere where all feel welcome here and are able to engage all that God is, with all that we are!

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                                  Repentance Medley

*Songs                                                      Holy, Holy, Holy                                                   -No. 323

                                                                     Life Song                                            -Casting Crowns

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids

 The Word of God

*Song                                                 Remind Me of Who I Am         -Gray  

Scripture:                                                    Psalm 51              

Message                                        “How Can I Be Forgiven?”

                                                                Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

 *Song                                                       Goodness of God                                                      -Bethel

*Benediction                           

Postlude

Mission of the Month Offering Received

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

August Calling Team:  Please call Sue F or Julie L with any special concerns or requests.

August Mission of the Month: Judson Love Clothing Center provides clothing for school aged children, serving over 800 children during the months of August and September! We have an opportunity to be part of that great effort by collecting new and gently used clothing during the month of August. All children's clothing starting with size 4 is helpful, but especially needed are sports bras sizes S – XL, and men’s/boy’s boxers sizes S- XL.  Judson provides new underwear for each child as well as a mix of new and used clothing. There is a box for donations located just outside of the sanctuary, or you may make a monetary donation towards this very worthy cause.

Flowers Provided By Carroll and Sandi Shults for 3 Reasons: 

1.      We are celebrating our 47th wedding anniversary this week

2.       Sandi’s 12th Lungiversary is next week. We will be traveling to Duke again for a check-up and could use your prayers please.

3.      A big “Thank You!”  We have decided to move to a condo in Zeeland, MI at the end of the month.  We will deeply miss all of you and will forever be grateful for your friendship.  Thank you for being a part of our lives.

 Please take a flower with you on your way out of the sanctuary.

God Bless, Carroll & Sandi

CONNECT Back to School Carnival, This Wednesday, August 18:  This is a great way to kick off the school year!  Bring the family for a taco dinner, and then afterwards, the kids can participate in carnival games, face painting, bounce house jumping, and more!  We will also be passing out  candy, prizes, and school supplies! 

ICRC Members and Visitors: Here at Immanuel, we believe it is our calling as Christians to grow together in the knowledge and example of Jesus Christ. Our primary way of doing this is through our Life Group ministry in which members and guests have the opportunity to be connected with a group of fellow Christians for the purpose of growing together in Christ. Some of our Life Groups have continued to meet throughout the summer and others are planning to start meeting again in the fall. You can find more information about each Life Group, its leader, and meeting time on our website at https://www.icrclansing.org/small-groups. Please talk with our Life Groups Connections leader, Rick H, if you have any questions or would like to know more information. 

Volunteers Needed at Cran-Hill for the Week of August 16-20 : All volunteers are needed, but especially male cabin leaders.  If you are interested in being a volunteer, please call Cran Hill Ranch at  (231) 796-7669, or you can reach them by email at info@cranhillranch.com.

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Darla L, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams

Pray For our RCA missionaries- Martha & Jaime Amaro, Latin America

Please pray for the youngest generation of the church in Mexico, especially in Oaxaca, that they will feel the love of Christ through ministries like Children and Worship.  Pray also for safety as Martha and Jaime travel to train leaders, for Martha’s health, for more churches to open their doors to Children and Worship, and for God to provide resources and support to keep the program going.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, Marian P,

             Sandi S, and Joy V for continued healing.                                                                                    

Save the Dates

August 24- Men’s Study

                                            August 26- Prayer Team Meeting

               September 5- Outdoor Worship/ Braylon & Elijah Alford Baptism

                                          September 7- Consistory Meeting

                                        September 9- Prayer Team Meeting

                                                September 12- Communion

August 8, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

 Over the course of the summer, we have taken a deep dive into some of our deep held questions about God, ourselves, and our world. Today we will take a look at Psalm 27 and ask the question, “Is there life after death?”  Psalm 27 teaches us that we shall not be afraid, for God is our light and our salvation, our strength, and our refuge, and that He will never forsake us.

Whether you are a regular attendee, or if this is your first time with us, we wanted to make sure that you know how much we appreciate you joining us here for worship at Immanuel Community Reformed Church. Our mission here at ICRC is “Going into the community, imitating Christ, by feeding body and soul”.  Our 4 core values are:  nurturing children and youth, doing acts of service, responding to real needs in the community, and welcoming the stranger. Our hope is that we have established an atmosphere where all feel welcome here and are able to engage all that God is, with all that we are!

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                           Praise to the Lord, the Almighty                             -Helvey

*Song                                                      Sing, Sing, Sing                                                 -Tomlin

                                                                You are Good                                               -Houghton

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids

The Word of God

*Songs                                                 I wanna be Washed                                         -Houghton

                                                           All Who are Thirsty                                               -Kutless

Scripture:                                                    Psalm 27              

Message                                       “Is There Life After Death?”

                                                        Seminarian Rus Blondin

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

*Song                                                    Those Who Trust                                               -Salvador  

*Benediction                           

Postlude

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

August Calling Team:  Please call Sue F or Julie L with any special concerns or requests.

August Mission of the Month: Judson Love Clothing Center provides clothing for school aged children, serving over 800 children during the months of August and September! We have an opportunity to be part of that great effort by collecting new and gently used clothing during the month of August. All children’s clothing is helpful, but especially needed is, new socks and underwear, and new or like new school uniforms. Judson’s goal is to provide a week’s worth of socks and underwear for each child.  There will be a box for donations located just outside of the sanctuary, or you may make a monetary donation towards this very worthy cause.

Are You Interested in Meeting and Greeting Your Fellow ICRC Attendees?: The  Service/Fellowship Team is looking for greeter volunteers. Duties are simple - say hello, assist visitors, distribute bulletins and open/close sanctuary front doors. If you would like to be added to the schedule starting in September please contact Sheryl Page or sign up on the posted notice.

CONNECT Back to School Carnival, Next Wednesday, August 18:  We are still  in need of volunteers!  There is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary with a list of jobs that still need to be covered. Please choose at least one and write your name down next to it, and we thank you in advance for doing so!

Summer Series June 13- September 5: Join us as we continue to take a deep dive into the Psalms in order to know ourselves, our world, and our God more deeply.

August 15th - How Can I Be Forgiven? Psalm 51

August 22 - What About When God Feels Absent? Psalm 88

August 29 - What is So Significant About the Bible? Psalm 119

September 5 - How Can I Know God's Will for My Life? Psalm 37

Volunteers Needed at Cran-Hill, August 9-13, and August 16-20 : All volunteers are needed, but especially male cabin leaders.  If you are interested in being a volunteer, please call Cran Hill Ranch at  (231) 796-7669, or you can reach them by email at info@cranhillranch.com.

Siloam Nepali Church: Congratulations to Manuka, Bandana, and Micah who were baptized on July 10, 2021.  Praise God that they stand free and whole, loved and forgiven.

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Darla L, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams

Pray For our RCA missionaries- Martha & Jaime Amaro, Latin America

Please pray for the youngest generation of the church in Mexico, especially in Oaxaca, that they will feel the love of Christ through ministries like Children and Worship.  Pray also for safety as Martha and Jaime travel to train leaders, for Martha’s health, for more churches to open their doors to Children and Worship, and for God to provide resources and support to keep the program going.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, Marian P,

             Sandi S, and Joy V for continued healing.                                                                                    

Save the Dates

August 18- CONNECT Back to School Carnival

                                   August 19- Outreach Team Meeting

                                              August 24- Men’s Study

                                        August 26- Prayer Team Meeting

               September 5- Outdoor Worship/ Braylon & Elijah Baptism

                                        September 7- Consistory Meeting

                                     September 9- Prayer Team Meeting

August 1, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

Over the course of the summer, we have taken a deep dive into some of our deep held questions about God, ourselves, and our world. Today we come to quite a perplexing one that asks, "Is God different from the Old Testament to the New?" Or "Is He even the same God from the Old Testament to the New Testament?"

This question comes from a deep desire to reconcile the God of the Old Testament that at times seems angry and filled with wrath, with the God of the New Testament who seems more loving and forgiving. However, what we will see this morning in looking at the Old Testament poem of Psalm 23 is that God did not change, but that in the Old Testament He is preparing the way for what He will ultimately reveal in the New Testament story of Jesus Christ and the cross. In a world that changes all around us, and as our lives change constantly, we have the assurance that God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                            There’s Victory in Jesus                          -Bartlett/ Edstrom

*Song                                                 Down at the Cross                                              -Hoffman

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids

The Word of God

*Songs                                                Turn Your Radio On                                            -Brumley

                                                          Shepherd of My Soul                                            -Nystrom

Scripture:                                                     Psalm 23              

Message     “Is the God of the Old Testament Different from the God of the New Testament?”

                                                               Pastor Matt Lee

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

*Song                                                  I Go To The Rock                                                  -Rambo

*Benediction                           

Postlude

Mission of the Month

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

August Calling Team:  Please call Sue F or Julie L with any special concerns or requests.

August Mission of the Month: Judson Love Clothing Center provides clothing for school aged children, serving over 800 children during the months of August and September! We have an opportunity to be part of that great effort by collecting new and gently used clothing during the month of August. All children’s clothing is helpful, but especially needed is, new socks and underwear, and new or like new school uniforms. Judson’s goal is to provide a week’s worth of socks and underwear for each child.  There will be a box for donations located just outside of the sanctuary, or you may make a monetary donation towards this very worthy cause.

Are You Interested in Meeting and Greeting Your Fellow ICRC Attendees?: The  Service/Fellowship Team is looking for greeter volunteers. Duties are simple - say hello, assist visitors, distribute bulletins and open/close sanctuary front doors. If you would like to be added to the schedule starting in September please contact Sheryl P or sign up on the posted notice.

CONNECT Back to School Carnival, Wednesday, August 18:  We are in need of volunteers!  We need people to: Set up and take down, help with the food, work the games, pass out candy, do face painting, work the slush machine, run the prize table, and monitor the bounce houses.  If you are willing to serve here at Immanuel by volunteering for one or more of these opportunities, please write your name down on the sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary. Thank you in advance for helping us make this carnival happen for the kids as they anticipate the excitement of going back to school!

Summer Series June 13- September 5: Join us as we continue to take a deep dive into the Psalms in order to know ourselves, our world, and our God more deeply.

August 8th - Is There Life After Death? Psalm 27

August 15th - How Can I Be Forgiven? Psalm 51

August 22 - What About When God Feels Absent? Psalm 88

August 29 - What is So Significant About the Bible? Psalm 119

September 5 - How Can I Know God's Will for My Life? Psalm 37

Siloam Nepali Church: Congratulations to Manuka, Bandana, and Micah who were baptized on July 10, 2021.  Praise God that they stand free and whole, loved and forgiven. May this day be one they cherish and remember forever!

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Darla L, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams

Pray For our RCA missionaries- Kingdom Air Corps

Pray for aircraft safety, good weather, and wisdom in pilotage.  Pray for our students who are seeking the will of God in their lives, pray that He will use their time at KAC to direct them to how He would have them serve.  Please also pray for Brooks Range Bible Camp and for the many details that still need to come together for camp to happen, and that God will work in the lives and the hearts of the kids that come.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, Marian P,

             Sandi S, and Joy V for continued healing.                                                                                    

Save the Dates

August 10- Men’s Study

                                  August 11- Fellowship Teem Meeting

                                       August 12- Prayer Team Meeting

                           August 18- CONNECT Back to School Carnival

                                   August 19- Outreach Team Meeting

                                              August 24- Men’s Study

                                        August 26- Prayer Team Meeting

                                   September 5- Outdoor Worship Service

                                        September 7- Consistory Meeting

July 25, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

 Our summer series has been a deep dive into the Psalms as we consider some of the deep questions we have about God, our world, and ourselves.

 This week we consider the question, "Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people?" Or as the writer of Psalm 73 might ask it, "Why do the wicked prosper?" As the Psalmist wrestles with this question in Psalm 73 he has a realization about God and what it means to truly prosper.

 As we read and study Psalm 73 this morning, hopefully, we will have the same realization. If we consider what it means to truly prosper in light of what God would have us believe true prosperity is, perhaps good things do not actually happen to bad people. For, as Jesus asks us, what good is it to gain the whole world but lose our soul?

 This morning Psalm 73 helps us to see what it means to truly prosper for all eternity.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                        Oh Little Town of Bethlehem/    

                                                   God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman/    -A Christmas Carol Medley

                                                      Go Tell it on the Mountain

*Song                                                 Open up the Heavens                                          -Andrews

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids

The Word of God

*Songs                                                    This I Believe                             -Fielding/Crocker

                                                Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)            -Tomlin/ Cash/ Watts

Scripture:                                                     Psalm 73              

Message                “Why Does God Allow Good Things to Happen to Bad People? ”

                                                                Pastor Matt Lee

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

*Song                                              Rejoice the Lord is King                                          -No. 374

*Benediction                           

Postlude

Moment for Ministry

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

July Calling Team:  Please call Rick H or Sandy C with any special concerns or requests.

July Mission of the Month: Michigan Mission, a ministry supported by Cecil and Liz S, located in Alger, MI.  This site is for both adults and youth alike who have a heart for outreach mission work. It is also a place to fellowship.  Michigan Mission is located right in the heart of a community in need. The most fundamental part of Michigan Mission is to touch God’s people right where they are.

Are You Interested in Meeting and Greeting Your Fellow ICRC Attendees?: The  Service/Fellowship Team is looking for greeter volunteers. Duties are simple - say hello, assist visitors, distribute bulletins and open/close sanctuary front doors. If you would like to be added to the schedule starting in September please contact Sheryl P or sign up on the posted notice.

Thank You for Your Generosity:  Basketball is a pretty big deal here at Immanuel, and that is why we are so grateful for the donations of not one, not two, but 3 basketball hoops to our church for our CONNECT Basketball Night last week!  We are so excited to have these hoops available for more basketball fun here at ICRC, and for other basketball events in the future! Thank you to everyone who either donated a hoop to the church or allowed us to borrow one for the big event.  Your kindness is greatly appreciated!

Summer Series June 13- September 5: Join us as we take a deep dive into the Psalms in order to know ourselves, our world, and our God more deeply.

August 1 - Is the God of the Old Testament Different from the God of the New Testament? Psalm 23

August 8th - Is There Life After Death? Psalm 27

August 15th - How Can I Be Forgiven? Psalm 51

August 22 - What About When God Feels Absent? Psalm 88

August 29 - What is So Significant About the Bible? Psalm 119

September 5 - How Can I Know God's Will for My Life? Psalm 37

Siloam Nepali Church: Please pray for Pastor Chandra Tamang and the Siloam Nepali Congregation. 

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Darla L, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams

Pray For our RCA missionaries- Kingdom Air Corps

Pray for aircraft safety, good weather, and wisdom in pilotage.  Pray for our students who are seeking the will of God in their lives, pray that He will use their time at KAC to direct them to how He would have them serve.  Please also pray for Brooks Range Bible Camp and for the many details that still need to come together for camp to happen, and that God will work in the lives and the hearts of the kids that come.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, Marian P,

             Sandi S, and Joy V for continued healing.                                                                                    

Save the Dates

August 10- Men’s Study

                                  August 11- Fellowship Teem Meeting

                                       August 12- Prayer Team Meeting

                      August 18- CONNECT Carnival, Back to School Theme

                                              August 24- Men’s Study

                                     August 26- Prayer Team Meeting

July 18, 2021

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

Our summer series has been a deep dive into the theology of the Psalms as we attempt to answer some of the deep questions that we have about God, ourselves, and our world.  Last week we wrestled with the tough question of why God allows suffering in our lives?,  and while we aren't given a definitive answer for "why", we are given the assurance that He is present with us even amidst our suffering. But what about when, try as we might, we just cannot feel God's presence in our lives? What about when He truly does feel silent and absent? Where is God when we are hurting?  

 In Psalm 42 this morning, we get a glimpse into a man's wrestling with these very questions. We don't know what happened in the writer's life to cause the wrestling in Psalm 42, but whatever it was, it caused him to wrestle with the darkness of depression as he was hurting, and God felt absent. Today we will look at what led the writer to this moment of depression and how he responds, in the hopes that we too will find the tools to respond in the same way during our own moments of depression.

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                               It is Well With My Soul                                 -Cindy Berry

*Song                                                  Holy Spirit (chorus only)                                      -Torwalt

                                                            I Need Thee Every Hour                                      -No. 443

Prayer of Confession                     

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids

 The Word of God

*Song                                                    Lord, I Need You                                                 -Maher

                                                       Near to the Heart of God                                         ­-No. 35

Scripture:                                                     Psalm 42              

Message                                 “Where is God When I Am Hurting?”

                                                                Pastor Matt Lee

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

*Song                                                      Living Hope                                                  -Wickham

*Benediction                           

Postlude

Mission of the Month Offering Received

Offering

 The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service.  Please place your offering in the basket provided.

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

July Calling Team:  Please call Rick H or Sandy C with any special concerns or requests.

July Mission of the Month: Michigan Mission, a ministry supported by Cecil and Liz S, located in Alger, MI.  This site is for both adults and youth alike who have a heart for outreach mission work. It is also a place to fellowship.  Michigan Mission is located right in the heart of a community in need. The most fundamental part of Michigan Mission is to touch God’s people right where they are.

CONNECT Dinner and Basketball Night- We are hosting a Family Picnic and Basketball Night Next Wednesday, July 21, from 5:30-7:00 pm. This event will be hosted by our CONNECT team members as well as Coach Fred and Bronwyn S.  We have some exciting events planned for this evening, there may even be some MSU Basketball players here, so please grab the kids and come join in the fun!       

Summer Series June 13- September 5: Join us as we take a deep dive into the Psalms in order to know ourselves, our world, and our God more deeply.

July 25 - Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people? Psalm 73

August 1 - Is the God of the Old Testament different from the God of the New Testament? Psalm 23

August 8th - Is there life after death? Psalm 27

August 15th - How can I be forgiven? Psalm 51

August 22 - What about when God feels absent? Psalm 88

August 29 - What is so significant about the Bible? Psalm 119

September 5 - How can I know God's will for my life? Psalm 37

 Siloam Nepali Church: Please pray for Pastor Chandra Tamang and the Siloam Nepali Congregation. 

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

 Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Darla L, Stacia W

Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams

Pray For our RCA missionaries- Doug McClintic, Evangelism and Church Planting in Eastern Europe.  Pray that an interest in Christianity and the church would bloom and be nourished through church planting efforts in eastern Europe. In a post-Christian culture, may people find their way back to God and have a desire to convene together in community.

To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                            Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C

Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,

                 Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,

                       Lon H, Marcia N, Marian P,

             Sandi S, and Joy V for continued healing.                                                                                    

Save the Dates

July 27- Men’s Study

                                July 31-August 7- Mission Trip, Omaha, NE

                                       August 1- Outdoor Worship Service

                                              August 10- Men’s Study

                                       August 12- Prayer Team Meeting

                      August 18- CONNECT Carnival, Back to School Theme