February 27, 2022

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

As we continue our series through the Gospel of Mark, we do so with the focus that as we discover more about Jesus, we discover more about the life that He calls us to live. Today we see Jesus Christ call someone unexpected to be His disciple, a tax collector named Levi. This morning in Mark 2:13-17 we see the scandalous grace of Jesus Christ at work in the unexpected to change the lives of those in need of His grace.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music    

 Call to Worship

 You Are Good -Houghton               

 Words of Assurance

 The Word of God

Rescue      -Newsong                                    

Amazing Grace  -Newton

 Scripture: Mark 2:13-17

Message: “The Scandal of Grace”

Pastor Matt Lee

 Prayer for Blessing

 The Response to the Word

Your Grace Is Enough -Maher

 *Benediction

 Postlude

 M.O.M. Offering Received

Offering

*Please join us the Family Life Center after the Service for Coffee and Fellowship.*

*Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

February Mission of the Month: Words of Hope shares the gospel in nearly 60 languages from Africa to The Middle East, and South Asia. They seek to empower, equip, and encourage indigenous Christians to share the good news in the heart languages of people with the least access to the gospel. So, Words of Hope is not just a devotional ministry nor just a missions agency.  Now, more than ever, our world needs the living hope that only the resurrection of Jesus brings. For more information, please visit www.woh.org.

Prayer Team: These prayer team members are ready to pray for you:  June B, Sheryl E, Ann H, Marcia J, Deb M, and Stacia W.  Requests may be received by calling the church office at 321-2495, or you may speak to a member directly.  You are also invited to attend prayer meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, at 6:30 pm., in the choir room.

Flowers Provided By: Marcia J, celebrating the memory of Jayne W, Marcia’s sister, who is singing “Safe Am I” in heaven.(3/27/57-2/26/2019)

Prayer Request:  Please pray traveling mercies over Carroll and Sandi S as they travel to and from Duke for Sandi’s lung checkup this weekend.  Please also pray for Sandi’s test results as she will be having some extra testing done after having Covid. 

CONNECT this Wed, March 2: Please join us for dinner in the Family Life Center at 5:30 pm.  Dinner will be French toast sticks, sausage links, hash brown patties, berries, and fruit with cool whip.   Kid’s CONNECT will follow at 6:00 pm. 

Cardboard Testimonies Class: Mondays, March 7- April 11, at 7:00 pm., in the sanctuary. Sign-up on the bulletin board located just outside the sanctuary, or you may email Pastor Matt at pastormattICRC@gmail.com.

New Members Class: Sunday, March 27, after the service, in the choir room, from 11:15am to 12:00 pm. If you are interested, please sign up by filling out the back of the connection card that is in your bulletin and dropping it in the offering plate located at the front of the sanctuary. 

Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:

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

 Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Hannah Kummer, Europe

Hannah works with Mediterranean Hope, a ministry program of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy that mobilizes the church and community to welcome sojourners in their midst. Please pray for safe travels, legal avenues of entry, and successful integration of refugees who are settling in Italy. Please also pray for displaced people and migrants who live and work in unsafe conditions; pray for the reforming of labor laws and increased legal pathways to citizenship

 If you have a personal prayer request, please visit our website at www.icrclansing.org, or you may place a written request in the prayer box located at the front of the sanctuary.

 Friends with Health Concerns

Sara E-A (Pregnancy), Mark B, June B, John B,

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

Kathy G, Roland H, Lon H, Barb K, Wayne K,

Marcia N, Wayne S, and Sandi S

 If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.

 Save the Dates

                March 7- Cardboard Testimonies Class, 7:00 pm (In the Sanctuary)

                                        March 8- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                   March 9- CONNECT/ Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm.

                                   March 10- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                            March 13- Communion Service, 10:00 am.

                          March 14- Cardboard Testimonies Class, 7:00 pm.

                  March 16- CONNECT/ Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm.

February 20, 2022

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

As we continue our series through the Gospel of Mark we do so with the focus that as we discover more about Jesus, we discover more about the life He calls us to live. This morning we see the life changing power of faith in Jesus Christ as a man is healed from his paralysis. As we learn of the miracle of Christ's healing work, let us consider the question, “How are our lives different because we believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ?”

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music    

Call to Worship

*Songs                                                     Sing to the King                                               -Foote         

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

 The Word of God

*Song                                                     In Christ Alone                                     -Townend/Getty

                                                                 Build My Life                                                     -Barrett

Scripture:                                                 Mark 12:1-12      

Message                                “The Gospel Changes Everything”

                                                              Pastor Matt Lee

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

*Song                                               Because of Your Love                                       -Baloche         

*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

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

February Mission of the Month – Words of Hope shares the gospel in nearly 60 languages from Africa to The Middle East, and South Asia. They seek to empower, equip, and encourage indigenous Christians to share the good news in the heart languages of people with the least access to the gospel. So, Words of Hope is not just a devotional ministry nor just a missions agency.  Now, more than ever, our world needs the living hope that only the resurrection of Jesus brings. For more information, please visit www.woh.org.

Flowers Provided By: the Vander Kolk children to honor their father, Alv, and in memory of their mother, Joy, to recognize that this Wednesday, February 23rd, would have been Alv and Joy's 70th wedding anniversary. What a beautiful love story and togetherness in love for the Lord.

CONNECT this Wednesday, February 23:   We will start out with a pizza party at 5:30 pm, and then afterwards, the kids will enjoy a night full of games, laughs, and lots of fun!   Miss Linda also mentioned that they are planning lots of cool activities for the month of March, so please be looking forward to that!

Good News from Cumberland School:  They are ready to have volunteers back in the building.  We will know shortly what teachers would like to have assistance in their rooms.  They may also need to have new security forms filled out. In the meantime, there is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board located just outside the sanctuary.  Please consider this opportunity.

We Are Still in Need of Life Groups to Make and Serve the Wednesday Night Meals for CONNECT: If you are a Life Group leader, or if you are not in a Life Group but would like to put together a group to make a meal, please sign up for a Wednesday in March.  All Wednesdays are still available.  You can sign up by calling Stacia in the office at (517) 321-2495, or you may send an email to office@icrclansing.org. When doing so, please let Stacia know if you will be doing your own grocery shopping or if you would like somebody to shop for you. Grocery receipts can be submitted to the office for reimbursement. 

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- Hannah Kummer, Europe

Hannah works with Mediterranean Hope, a ministry program of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy that mobilizes the church and community to welcome sojourners in their midst. Please pray for safe travels, legal avenues of entry, and successful integration of refugees who are settling in Italy. Please also pray for displaced people and migrants who live and work in unsafe conditions; pray for the reforming of labor laws and increased legal pathways to citizenship

 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, or you may place a written request in the prayer box that is located just outside of the sanctuary next to the church mailboxes.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                        Sara E-A (Pregnancy), Mark B, June B, John B,

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

Kathy G, Roland H, Lon H, Barb K, Wayne K,

Marcia N, Wayne S, and Sandi S

If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.

                                                          Save the Dates

March 1- Consistory Meeting, 6:30 pm

                 March 2- CONNECT/ Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group- 5:30 pm.

  March 5- Accountable Leadership Meeting (Team Leaders & Consistory), 9:00 am

February 13, 2022

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

 As we continue our series through the Gospel of Mark we do so with the focus on discovering more about who Jesus is in order to discover more about the life we are called to live in Him. Today we discover the good news of the authority of Jesus in Mark 1:21-28.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music     Praise the Name Of Jesus/All Hail the Power Of Jesus’ Name      -Hayes           

Call to Worship

*Songs                                        All the Way My Savior Leads Me                                 -No. 598

                                                  Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy                                -No. 428

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

 The Word of God

*Song                                                   Revelation Song                                                    -Riddle

Scripture:                                               Mark 1:21-28                   

Message                               “The Ultimate Good News About Jesus”

                                                              Pastor Matt Lee

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

*Song                                                One Thing Remains                        -Bethel                 

*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.

 *Coffee and Fellowship will resume once again next Sunday, February 20,

after the service*

 *Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

February Mission of the Month – Words of Hope shares the gospel in nearly 60 languages from Africa to The Middle East, and South Asia. They seek to empower, equip, and encourage indigenous Christians to share the good news in the heart languages of people with the least access to the gospel. So, Words of Hope is not just a devotional ministry nor just a missions agency.  Now, more than ever, our world needs the living hope that only the resurrection of Jesus brings. For more information, please visit www.woh.org.

Super Bowl Subs- If you ordered Super Bowl Subs, please stop into the Family Life Center after the service today to pick them up.  Payment is due at this time.

A New Class Called Cardboard Testimonies, Will Begin on Monday, March 7th, at 7:00 pm., in the Sanctuary,: A cardboard testimony is a way for people to tell the story of their transformation in Christ by writing their testimony briefly on a piece of cardboard. On one side a person writes a description of their life before Christ such as, "Lost in sin and shame, believed to be an unlovable mess," and on the other side they write a description of their new life in Christ, "Beloved child of God welcomed home in the Father's embrace." In sharing the testimony, the person holds up one side long enough to be read and then flips it to reveal their transformation in Christ. In this class we will use the study “Grace is Greater”, by Kyle Idleman, to help us discover the stories that we have to share in our testimonies. Then on Easter Sunday, to show the power of the resurrection at work in our lives, we will share our cardboard testimonies with the church. If you are interested in taking this class, please sign-up on the bulletin board located just outside the sanctuary, or you may email Pastor Matt at pastormattICRC@gmail.com. The class will go from March 7th - April 11th.  There is a $10 fee to cover the cost of the “Grace is Greater” journal.

We Are in Need of Life Groups to Make and Serve the Wednesday Night Meals for CONNECT: If you are a Life Group leader, or if you are not in a Life Group but would like to put together a group to make a meal, please sign up for a Wednesday in March.  You can sign up by emailing Stacia in the office at office@icrclansing.org.  When doing so, please let us know if you will be doing your own grocery shopping or not.  Grocery receipts can be submitted to the office for reimbursement. 

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- Keith & Denise Krebs, Middle East

Please pray for Chaplain and missionary Keith Krebs and Denise Krebs as they serve the American Mission Hospital by listening to patients and staff, caring for them in stressful times, and by providing spiritual encouragement. Please also pray that they will have a wide reach in this role that brings them into conversations with many people from different nations, religions, and cultures.

 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, or you may place a written request in the prayer box that is located just outside of the sanctuary next to the church mailboxes.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                        Sara E-A (Pregnancy), Mark B, June B, John B,

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

Kathy G, Roland H, Lon H, Barb K, Wayne K,

Marcia N, Wayne S, and Sandi S

If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.

                                                          Save the Dates

February 22- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

          February 23- CONNECT/ Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm.

                               February 24- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

February 6, 2022

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

As we begin our study in the Gospel of Mark this morning, we do so with the focus that in discovering more about Jesus, we will come to learn more about the life that He calls us to live in Him. Today, in Mark 1:1-15, we see who Jesus is and the life changing response this good news calls us to.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                                        

Call to Worship

*Songs                                                   Everlasting God                                       -Brown/ Riley                                  

                                                            Shout to the Lord                                               -Zschech

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

 The Word of God

*Song                                     Jesus Paid it All (O Praise the One)                                -Stanfill     

Scripture:                                                  Mark 1:1-15                      

Message                                              “Who is this Man?”

                                                               Pastor Matt Lee

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

*Song                                                     Prince of Peace              -Imboden/ Rhoton                      

*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

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

February Mission of the Month – Words of Hope shares the gospel in nearly 60 languages from Africa to The Middle East, and South Asia. They seek to empower, equip, and encourage indigenous Christians to share the good news in the heart languages of people with the least access to the gospel. So, Words of Hope is not just a devotional ministry nor just a missions agency.  Now, more than ever, our world needs the living hope that only the resurrection of Jesus brings.

New Sermon Series Begins Today: The Gospel of Mark opens with a very clear announcement of who Jesus is and why He has come, but as the narrative continues to unfold, and people begin listen to His teachings and witness His miracles, they begin to wonder, “Who is this man?” Over the next 8 weeks we will journey through the Gospel of Mark, following Jesus with intrigue and curiosity, seeking to know more of who He is and why He came, and as we learn more about who Jesus is and why He came, we will discover more of the life that He calls us to live in Him.

CONNECT Dinners: We are looking for a person, or a group of people who might be interested in leading the Wednesday night CONNECT dinners beginning in March.  If this is something that you are interested in doing, or maybe even your small group, please let Stacia know in the office or Pastor Matt. 

Part of Our God Dreams Vision is to be a Praying Church:  When we gather together and combine our prayers as one body of Christ the results are powerful.  Please consider joining the Prayer team as we pray for our world, community, and for each other on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, here at Immanuel in the choir room, at 6:30 pm.

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- Keith & Denise Krebs, Middle East

Please pray for Chaplain and missionary Keith Krebs and Denise Krebs as they serve the American Mission Hospital by listening to patients and staff, caring for them in stressful times, and by providing spiritual encouragement. Please also pray that they will have a wide reach in this role that brings them into conversations with many people from different nations, religions, and cultures.

 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, or you may place a written request in the prayer box that is located just outside of the sanctuary next to the church mailboxes.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                        Sara E-A (Pregnancy), Mark B, June B, John B,

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

Kathy G, Roland H, Lon H, Barb K, Wayne K,

Marcia N, Wayne S, and Sandi S

If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.

                                                          Save the Dates

February 13- Communion Service, 10:00 am.

                                    February 15- Deacon’s Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                                       February 22- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

January 30, 2022

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

What is the overarching story that defines your life? What gives your life purpose and meaning? Who is the author? What role do you play? What happens when the story does not go as you planned it to?

The story of Ruth is a story of tragedy, loss, pain, heartache, uncertainty, bitterness, and fear. It is a story that shocks us with how real and tragic it is, but it is also a story that reminds us of the much larger story that all of our life stories are a part of: God’s redemptive story. The story of Ruth is a reminder for us of God’s unfolding redemptive story that takes place not only in the pages of Scripture but also in our everyday lives. Amidst the tragedies and through the everyday ordinariness of life God’s redemptive story continues to unfold in us, among us, and through us, but the only way we will notice it is in our everyday faithfulness.

Today we conclude our study in Ruth 4 with the good news that it is God's redemptive story in Jesus Christ which directs and defines our lives.

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                                        

Call to Worship

*Songs                                           All Creatures/Sing Alleluia                                      -No. 347

                                                   How Can I Keep From Singing?                    -Tomlin/ Redman

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

 The Word of God

*Song                                                 Grace Flows Down                          -Giglio/ Padgett/ Bell

Scripture:                                                       Ruth 4                      

Message                              “The Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Story”

                                                               Pastor Matt Lee

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

*Song                                                          Lifesong                                                             -Hall    

*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

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

January Mission of the Month – Safe Families for Children: Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like supports for families facing a crisis through a community of compassionate volunteers to keep children safe and families together. To find out more, please visit their website at www.safe-families.org. 

We are Collecting Blankets and Comforters for the Homeless That are Outside This Time of Year: Please leave them in the containers outside of the sanctuary. Thank you ~ The Outreach  team

Today is the Last Day to Order Super Bowl Subs: The order form is located on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary, or you may email your order to Joey South at jrsouth16@yahoo.com.  The subs will be available for pickup after the worship service on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13.  Payment is due at that time.

You Are Invited to a Baby Shower for Sara E: Here at Immanuel, in the Family Life Center, this Saturday, February 5, at 10:30 am.  Sara is registered at Amazon and Target. Instead of a card, please consider giving a book. Sara has many Spanish/Bilingual books listed.  Cash or checks payable to Sara E are also an option so she can purchase large items in Honduras.  (stroller, highchair, diapers, etc.) Masks are encouraged and appreciated.

CONNECT Dinners: We are looking for a person, or a group of people who might be interested in leading the Wednesday night CONNECT dinners beginning in March.  If this is something that you are interested in doing, or maybe even your small group, please let Stacia know in the office or Pastor Matt. 

Part of Our God Dreams Vision is to be a Praying Church:  When we gather together and combine our prayers as one body of Christ the results are powerful.  Please consider joining the Prayer team as we pray for our world, community, and for each other on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, here at Immanuel in the choir room, at 6:30 pm.

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- Chris & Ren Briggs, Latin America

Please pray that the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) will best manage their resources, meet the community’s needs, and develop relationships that
could open new doors even during a global crisis.  Pray also for new opportunities to raise awareness of CCCD’s resources for children and families of the Deaf population, and for the appropriate doctors so that the Briggs family can find acceptable pharmaceutical alternatives that are easily accessible for health needs.

 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, or you may place a written request in the prayer box that is located just outside of the sanctuary next to the church mailboxes.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                        Sara E-A (Pregnancy), Mark B, June B, John B,

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

Kathy G, Roland H, Lon H, Barb K, Wayne K,

Marcia N, Wayne S, and Sandi S

If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.

                                                          Save the Dates

February 8- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                               February 9- Fellowship Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                                 February 10- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

                              February 12- Jr. & Sr. High Youth Making Subs

            February 13- Pick Up Super Bowl Subs After the Service, 11:15 am.

                                     February 15- Deacon’s Meeting, 6:30 pm.

January 23, 2022

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

What is the overarching story that defines your life? What gives your life purpose and meaning? Who is the author? What role do you play? What happens when the story does not go as you planned it to?

 The story of Ruth is a story of tragedy, loss, pain, heartache, uncertainty, bitterness, and fear. It is a story that shocks us with how real and tragic it is, but it is also a story that reminds us of the much larger story that all of our life stories are a part of: God’s redemptive story. The story of Ruth is a reminder for us of God’s unfolding redemptive story that takes place not only in the pages of Scripture but also in our everyday lives. Amidst the tragedies and through the everyday ordinariness of life God’s redemptive story continues to unfold in us, among us, and through us, but the only way we will notice it is in our everyday faithfulness.

 Today we will see how God's redemptive story continues to unfold through something we so easily take for granted and can be tempted to see as insignificant: every day, ordinary, acts of faith.

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                                        

Call to Worship

*Songs                                           Open the Eyes of My Heart     -Baloche                                 

                                                              Be Thou My Vision                                                   -Ash

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

 The Word of God

*Song                                     Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing              -Robinson/Wyeth             

Scripture:                                                      Ruth 3   

Message                         “The Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Story”

                                                              Pastor Matt Lee

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

Moment for Ministry

*Song                                                 Those Who Trust                             -Chaffer                      

*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

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

January Mission of the Month – Safe Families for Children: Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like supports for families facing a crisis through a community of compassionate volunteers to keep children safe and families together. To find out more, please visit their website at www.safe-families.org. 

We are Going to Tie Quilts Again:  Please come to the church on Saturday, January 29 at 10:00am.  We will meet in the family life center and work until we get them done.  No experience needed any one can do this.  The quilts will go back to Country Stitches and be donated to those in need.

We are Collecting Blankets and Comforters for the Homeless That are Outside This Time of Year: Please bring them the next couple of Sundays and leave them in the containers outside of the sanctuary. Thank you ~ The Outreach  team

Super Bowl Sub Sale: We will continue accepting orders until Sunday, January 30th.  The order form is located on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary, or you may email your order to Joey South.  The subs will be available for pickup after the worship service on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13.  Payment is due at that time.

The "Kickoff Special"- Ham and provolone cheese. $4.50 Each or 10 for $40.

The "Touchdown Deluxe"- Ham, salami, provolone, and American cheese. $5.50 Each or 10 for $45. 

You Are Invited to a Baby Shower for Sara E: Saturday, February 5, at 10:30 am., here at Immanuel, in the Family Life Center. Sara is registered at Amazon and Target. Instead of a card, please consider giving a book. Sara has many Spanish/Bilingual books listed.  Cash or checks payable to Sara E are also an option so she can purchase large items in Honduras.  (stroller, highchair, diapers, etc.) Masks are encouraged and appreciated.

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- Chris & Ren Briggs, Latin America

Please pray that the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) will best manage their resources, meet the community’s needs, and develop relationships that
could open new doors even during a global crisis.  Pray also for new opportunities to raise awareness of CCCD’s resources for children and families of the Deaf population, and for the appropriate doctors so that the Briggs family can find acceptable pharmaceutical alternatives that are easily accessible for health needs.

 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, or you may place a written request in the prayer box that is located just outside of the sanctuary next to the church mailboxes.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                        Sara E-A (Pregnancy), Mark B, June B, John B,

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

Kathy G, Roland H, Lon H, Barb K, Wayne K,

Marcia N, Wayne S, and Sandi S

If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.

                                                          Save the Dates

February 2- CONNECT, Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm. (TBD)

February 5- Sara Eytcheson Alvarado Baby Shower, 10:30 am.

January 16, 2022

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

What is the overarching story that defines your life? What gives your life purpose and meaning? Who is the author? What role do you play? What happens when the story does not go as you planned it to?

The story of Ruth is a story of tragedy, loss, pain, heartache, uncertainty, bitterness, and fear. It is a story that shocks us with how real and tragic it is, but it is also a story that reminds us of the much larger story that all of our life stories are a part of: God’s redemptive story. The story of Ruth is a reminder for us of God’s unfolding redemptive story that takes place not only in the pages of Scripture but also in our everyday lives. Amidst the tragedies and through the everyday ordinariness of life God’s redemptive story continues to unfold in us, among us, and through us, but the only way we will notice it is in our everyday faithfulness.

Today we see in the story of Ruth 2 how God's redemptive story continues to unfold not only in the lives of those involved, but also through the lives of those involved in the story. God's redemptive story continues to unfold through the faithful acts of Ruth and Boaz. How might God be wanting to use you in His redemptive story?

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                                        

Call to Worship

*Songs                                                    O Praise Him                                                -Crowder

                                                               Song Of Love                    -St. James, Bronleewe, Ash

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

 The Word of God

*Song                                                    Worthy Worthy                            -Vertical Church Band

Scripture:                                                      Ruth 2    

Message                         “The Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Story”

                                                            Pastor Matt Lee

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

*Song                                                 My Hope Is In You                           -Powell, Third Day      

*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

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

January Mission of the Month – Safe Families for Children: Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like supports for families facing a crisis through a community of compassionate volunteers to keep children safe and families together. To find out more, please visit their website at www.safe-families.org. 

CONNECT/ Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group:  We have made a decision to put a pause on both CONNECT and our Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group Meetings for the rest of the Wednesdays in January due to the increasing number of Covid cases at this time.  We will be watching the numbers very closely and will let you know as soon as a decision is made for February. Thank you for your understanding.

Super Bowl Sub Sale:  This fundraiser is put on by our Jr. & Sr. High youth groups to help support activities and mission trips. They will 2 kinds of subs offered:

1.      The "Kickoff Special"- Ham and provolone cheese. $4.50 Each or 10 for $40.

2.      The "Touchdown Deluxe"- Ham, salami, provolone, and American cheese. $5.50 Each or 10 for $45. 

Please write your order down on the sign-up sheet that is located on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary.  You may also email your order to Joey South at jrsouth16@yahoo.com.  We will continue taking orders until Sunday, January 30th.  The subs will then be made on the Saturday, February 12, and will be available for pickup after the worship service on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13.  Payment is due at pickup.

You Are Invited to a Baby Shower for Sara E-A: Saturday, February 5, at 10:30 am., here at Immanuel, in the Family Life Center. Sara is registered at Amazon and Target. Instead of a card, please consider giving a book. Sara has many Spanish/Bilingual books listed.  Cash or checks payable to Sara E. are also an option so she can purchase large items in Honduras.  (stroller, highchair, diapers, etc.) Masks are encouraged and appreciated.

Join Us Next Sunday as we continue the Sermon Series through Ruth and “The Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Story”:  ( Jan. 30 – Ruth 4)

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, Alaska

Pray that we as a family will fervently seek the Lord in the coming year and be fully devoted to Him.  Please pray for full healing of Brian’s eyes.  Please also pray that God will prepare the children’s hearts for camp this summer; to respond to His offered gift of salvation and spiritual growth, and that the ministries in Alaska will bear abundant fruit for Christ.

 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, or you may place a written request in the prayer box that is located just outside of the sanctuary next to the church mailboxes.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                        Sara E-A (Pregnancy), Mark B, June B, John B,

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

Kathy G, Roland H, Lon H, Barb K, Wayne K,

Marcia N, Caitlin S (Pregnancy), Wayne S,

Carroll S, and Sandi S

If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.

                                                          Save the Dates

January 25- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

January 27- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

January 30- Super Bowl Sub Orders Due

February 2- CONNECT, Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm. (TBD)

February 5- Sara E-A Baby Shower, 10:30 am.

January 9, 2022

“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”

What is the overarching story that defines your life? What gives your life purpose and meaning? Who is the author? What role do you play? What happens when the story does not go as you planned it to?

The story of Ruth is a story of tragedy, loss, pain, heartache, uncertainty, bitterness, and fear. It is a story that shocks us with how real and tragic it is, but it is also a story that reminds us of the much larger story that all of our life stories are a part of, God’s redemptive story. The story of Ruth is a reminder for us of God’s unfolding redemptive story that takes place not only in the pages of Scripture but also in our everyday lives.

Amidst the tragedies and through the everyday ordinariness of life, God’s redemptive story continues to unfold in us, among us, and through us, but the only way that we will notice it is in our everyday faithfulness. Ruth is a reminder that God’s redemptive story in Jesus Christ continues to unfold through our everyday, ordinary faithfulness.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                                        

Call to Worship

*Songs                                                 I Wanna Be Washed                                         -Spiritual

                            How Great Thou Art/How Great Is Our God -Hine /Tomlin, Reeves, Cash

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Kids Message

 The Word of God

*Song                                                     We Fall Down                                                   -Tomlin

Scripture:                                                       Ruth 1    

Message                         “The Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Story”

                                                              Pastor Matt Lee

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

Celebrate the Lord’s Supper

Responsive Communion Thanksgiving

*Song                                                         All To You                                  -Brewster/McNully 

*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

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

January Mission of the Month – Safe Families for Children: Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like supports for families facing a crisis through a community of compassionate volunteers to keep children safe and families together. To find out more, please visit their website at www.safe-families.org. 

Flowers Provided By:  Carrie B in celebration of her grandson Zeke’s birthday.  Zeke, we hope that the year ahead holds many wonderful surprises for someone as special as you! Happy Birthday!

CONNECT:  We have made a decision to put a pause on CONNECT for the rest of the Wednesdays in January due to the increasing number of Covid cases at this time.  We do hope to resume again in February, but again it will depend on how many cases there are.  Your safety and your children's safety are of the utmost importance to us, so we will be watching the numbers very closely, and we will let you know as soon as a decision is made for February. Thank you for your understanding.

Winter Game Night on January 15: Let’s begin 2022 with fellowship! Bring your favorite card or board game, and a friend, and come join us for an evening of fun and games next Saturday.  Snacks will be provided.  We will begin at 6:30 pm and will go until the fun is done!

Join Us Next Sunday as we continue the Sermon Series through Ruth and “The Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Story”:  (Jan. 16 – Ruth 2, Jan. 20 – Ruth 3, Jan. 30 – Ruth 4)

Thank You

Immanuel Church Family, as the year draws to a close I just want to take a moment to thank each of you for making Immanuel such an amazing church. My family has appreciated all the ways you have welcomed us over the last year.  Thank you also for the generosity you have shown me and my family throughout the year, but especially this Christmas season with the gifts, cards, and prayers.  You are a great people to have the privilege to pastor and to have the opportunity to serve Christ together with. I look forward to what God has in store over the next year.  Grace and Peace, Pastor Matt

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, Alaska

Pray that we as a family will fervently seek the Lord in the coming year and be fully devoted to Him.  Please pray for full healing of Brian’s eyes.  Please also pray that God will prepare the children’s hearts for camp this summer; to respond to His offered gift of salvation and spiritual growth, and that the ministries in Alaska will bear abundant fruit for Christ.

 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, or you may place a written request in the prayer box that is located just outside of the sanctuary next to the church mailboxes.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                        Sara A. (Pregnancy), 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, Wayne K., Marcia N, Wayne S., Caitlin S. (Pregnancy), and Carroll & Sandi S.

If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.

                                                          Save the Dates

January 19- Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm.

Our service project this month is the City Rescue Mission.

We have an opportunity this month to volunteer in the Upscale City Rescue Thrift Store or to serve meals at the Men’s and/or Women’s shelters.

The volunteer Coordinator for the City Rescue Mission has stated that their Thrift Store at 3700 W Saginaw Hwy is where they really need help at all hours.  They can utilize groups of up to 10 people at a time from 11:30-5:30 pm Thursday thru Saturday the entire month of January.  They recommend time slots of 2-4 hours at a time.

The Women’s and Children’s Shelter can utilize groups of up to 8 from 5:30-7:30pm.:

January 2nd, 6th, 8th, and 9th.

January 16th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd

January 24th and 28th

The Men’s Shelter can utilize groups of up to 6 from 6:20-8:00pm.

 Saturdays, January 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th

Please keep in mind that this would be a great time for small groups to get together and volunteer.

These times could change as other groups from other churches etc. may take some of these times. 

There will be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board and as you put in times Vivienne will call and confirm your time. Or you could call yourself, Emilee Iseminger, Volunteer Coordinator 485-0145ex1237.

 Super Bowl Sub Sale

This is a fundraiser that we do each year to help support our youth groups and our mission trips.  We will be taking orders through

Sunday, January 30th.

Touchdown Deluxe: (Ham, Salami, Provolone, and American Cheese) $5.50 Each or 10 for $45.

Kick-Off-Special: (Ham and Provolone Cheese) $4.50 Each or 10 for $40.

 You may place your order by signing up on the bulletin board located just outside of the sanctuary, or you may email Joey S.

Please pick up your subs after the worship service on Sunday, February 13th, to either enjoy during the big game, or to freeze for later!  Payment is due at pickup.

December 19, 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 week we enter into the time of exile for the people of Israel. During this difficult time in which many find themselves questioning God, Isaiah gives the people a comforting message that anticipates their questions and reminds them of the hope they have in God.

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                                        

Call to Worship

*Songs                                                O Come All Ye Faithful                                             -No. 193

                                                                 We Three Kings                                                    -No. 206

Kids Message

Congregational Prayer

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Advent Wreath Lighting

Advent Video Testimonial

The Word of God

*Song                                           Come Thou Long Expected Jesus                                     -No. 168

Scripture:                                               Isaiah 40:1-11; 21-31

Message                                               “A Comforting Hope”

                                                                    Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

The Response to the Word

*Song                                            Angels We Have Heard On High                                      -No. 192

*Benediction

Postlude                                       

Mission of the Month Offering Received

Offering

*Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

ANNOUNCEMENTS

December Calling Team:  Please call Sue F or Liz S with any special concerns or requests.

December Mission of the Month, Eve’s House: (Ending. Violent. Encounters.) This organization provides legal services, shelter, food, and a safe place to live for women and children who have experienced domestic violence.  For more information, please visit www.eveinc.org, or if you are in need of help, please call the Crisis Line at (517) 372-5572.

Enhanced Coffee Hour:  Please join us for food and fellowship in the Family Life Center after the service this morning.

Christmas Eve Service:  Please join us Friday, December 24, at 6:00 pm., for our Christmas Eve Candlelight service. 

CONNECT/ Jr. & Sr. High Youth:  There will be no CONNECT or Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group this Wednesday, December 22, or next Wednesday, December 29, due to Winter Break.  We will resume once again on Wednesday, January 5.

Reminder from the Counting Team:  Per IRS rules, all contributions for the 2021 giving year must be received in the office by Dec. 31, or if mailed, postmarked by Dec. 31.  E-Giving donations must also be made by Dec. 31.  Thank you in advance. ~ Sheryl

Join Us Next Sunday, As We Wrap Up the Series, “A Thrill of Hope.”:  

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

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 CranHill Ranch-

Please pray for the CranHill staff that they will receive God’s guidance and hear His direction.  Please pray for their retreat groups and for their campers, asking God to soften their hearts so that when they hear the Gospel, they can respond.  Please also pray for their summer camps, and that they will have enough staff during the summer.  (If you know of a college student who is looking for a place to serve and to live out their faith, please have them fill out an application at www.cranhillranch.com/apply, or they may call  (231) 796-7669 for more information.)

There is a Prayer Request box located 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.

 Friends with Health Concerns

                       Sara A. (Pregnancy), 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, Wayne S., Sandi S, and Caitlin S. (Pregnancy)

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 29- No CONNECT/ Youth Group, Winter Break

                        January 05- CONNECT/ Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm

                                           January 11- Men’s Study, 7:00 p.m.

                                 January 12- Fellowship Team Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

                                   January 15- Adult Game Night, Time TBA

December 12, 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 week we enter the world of Isaiah 11 which is a world filled with the corruption and devastation of sin. Yet, in this world, where sin has caused great destruction, God promises to intervene. God promises hope for new life and restoration through a promised Savior who will be what every other king failed to be, and who will bring what no other person could bring, freedom from sin and new life.

The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                                   He Is Born                                               -Collinsworth

                                                    Go Tell It On the Mountain                                          -Hayes

Call to Worship

*Songs                                                  O Praise Him                                                     -Crowder

                                                    Do You Hear What I Hear                            -Regney/ Shayne

Kids Message

Congregational Prayer

Words of Assurance and Law of God

Advent Wreath Lighting

Advent Video Testimonial

 The Word of God

*Song                                           Come Thou Long Expected Jesus                      -Wesley/ Prichard

Scripture:                                                    Isaiah 11:1-9

Message                                              “Hope Sprouts Eternal”

                                                                   Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

*Song                                                   Unspeakable Joy   -Tomlin/ Cash/ Handel/ Watts/ Gilder

*Benediction

Postlude                                        Good Christian Friends, Rejoice               -McDonald                     

Offering

*Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

ANNOUNCEMENTS

December Calling Team:  Please call Sue F. or Liz S. with any special concerns or requests.

December Mission of the Month, Eve’s House: (Ending. Violent. Encounters.) This organization provides legal services, shelter, food, and a safe place to live for women and children who have experienced domestic violence.  For more information, please visit www.eveinc.org, or if you are in need of help, please call the Crisis Line at (517) 372-5572.

Prayer Request:  Please pray for traveling mercies and protection over Mark and June as they travel too and from the Mayo Clinic this week.  Please also pray for a positive report from the doctors regarding Mark’s test results, and for complete healing in Jesus name.  Thank you.

CONNECT this Wednesday, December 15: Ashlee will be serving lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and dessert for dinner. Afterwards, the CONNECT Kids will enjoy watching a Christmas movie with popcorn, and they will be bringing home their Christmas ornaments that they made over the last 2 weeks.

Join Us Next Sunday, December 19, After the Service, for an Enhanced Coffee Hour:  Food will be provided by the Fellowship Team.

Men’s Bible Study:  Due to Holiday travel and participant schedules, the Men’s Bible Study will be meeting only once during the month of December on Tuesday, December 21, at 7:00 p.m., at the same location.  Thanks ~ Bruce and Mike.

New Greeter Schedule posted. Thanks to everyone who participated as a greeter in 2021. The new schedule for January- March has been posted, so please sign up early to get the week(s) of your choice. All volunteers are welcome! This is a great way to meet and greet both our church family and visitors.

Join Us as We Continue through the Series, “A Thrill of Hope.”:   

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

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

Prayers for RCA Missionaries-

 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.

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 20- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

December 21- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                          December 22- No CONNECT/ Youth Group, Winter Break

                                   December 24- Christmas Eve Service, 6:00 pm.

                           December 29- No CONNECT/ Youth Group, Winter Break

                        January 05- CONNECT/ Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm

December 5, 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 week we enter the darkness of Isaiah 9 to discover the light of hope which shines bright amidst it. Isaiah 9 helps us to see this morning what it means to truly live with hope in this world.

 The Approach to God

Pre-Service Music                

Call to Worship

*Songs                                          Let Everything That Has Breathe                                     -Redman

                                                              What Child Is This                                    -An English Carol

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 9:1-7

Message                                           “Hope Amidst Darkness”

                                                                   Pastor Matt

Prayer for Blessing                           

 The Response to the Word

Mission of the Month

*Song                                                          He Reigns                                              -Furler/ Taylor              

*Benediction                           

Postlude                                      

Offering

*Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

December Calling Team:  Please call Sue F or Liz S with any special concerns or requests.

December Mission of the Month, Eve’s House: (Ending. Violent. Encounters.) This organization provides legal services, shelter, food, and a safe place to live for women and children who have experienced domestic violence.  For more information, please visit www.eveinc.org, or if you are in need of help, please call the Crisis Line at (517) 372-5572.

CONNECT this Wednesday, December 8: Ashlee will be serving nachos for dinner at 5:30 pm.  Afterwards, the kids will be able to tell the Christmas story with Katie using nativity pieces, and they will be continue working on their Christmas tree ornaments that they will be taking home next week on December 15.

Men’s Bible Study:  Due to Holiday travel and participant schedules, the Men’s Bible Study will be meeting only once during the month of December on Tuesday, December 21, at 7:00 p.m., at the same location.  Thanks ~ Bruce and Mike.

New Greeter Schedule posted. Thanks to everyone who participated as a greeter in 2021. The new schedule for January- March has been posted, so please sign up early to get the week(s) of your choice. All volunteers are welcome! This is a great way to meet and greet both our church family and visitors.

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.

Join Us as We Continue through the Series, “A Thrill of Hope.”:   

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- Sayuri & Abraham Kist-Okazaki, Asia

Please pray for Sayuri and Abraham’s continued good health as they find themselves in their late 50’s, and for their two children who are both recent college graduates working in Japan. Please also pray for vision in the congregations of Japan, that they might have an excitement and passion for evangelism, and please for the people in Japan who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

 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.

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

December 16- Outreach Team Meeting, 7:00 pm.

December 20- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.

December 21- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.

                          December 22- No CONNECT/ Youth Group, Winter Break

                                   December 24- Christmas Eve Service, Time TBA

                           December 29- No CONNECT/ Youth Group, Winter Break

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.