Friends of Immanuel,

Happy “Reformation Week”! As I mentioned Sunday at our Reformation Celebration, it was on October 31^st, 1517, that Martin Luther posted his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany – an event that is recognized as the beginning of the Reformation. If you missed it, here is the short 2½ minute video I showed at the beginning of my sermon as an overview of the Reformation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd97uoZIqXI.

I’m not going to go into any other historical detail here, but if you’d like more info or other suggestions to learn more about this world-altering period of history, here’s the trailer to “Luther,” an excellent movie which came out in 2003 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe84Aolmmcg – you can rent or stream this. Here is a link to a well-done documentary by Ligonier Ministries called “Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer”: https://youtu.be/6VK0p-tuuao. And one more resource is Rick Steves’ “Luther and the Reformation,” which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXK9NNp1yk4.

For today, give thanks to God for His gifts that are highlighted from the Reformation – Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone, Christ Alone. We are blessed as a Church and as God’s people to be recipients of these amazing gifts God pours into our lives! As we focused on God’s gift of Grace yesterday, my single-most encouragement is to let God love you. Grace is one of the most difficult things to accept and, at the same time, it’s one of the most profoundly simple gifts God has given us. It is His undeserved yet unconditional and unending love that He wants you and me to know. He loves you! Let Him show you that love every single day – through His Word, through the people in your life, through our gathering together for worship and at His Table, and through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

Take this week’s What Now? to heart and explore ways to let God’s grace abound in your life!

What Now?

How can you let grace abound in your life this week? From resting in the powerful promises of our Lord’s love and forgiveness; to extending grace to others; to letting grace guide us in all the day-to-day decisions that life entails—let grace abound!

Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen

Friends of Immanuel,
This Sunday is a huge day for us here at Immanuel! For worship, we have our annual celebration of the Reformation – an opportunity for us to give thanks for our heritage, the courage of the reformers in the early 1500s, and to let that history continue to inspire us and encourage us as we carry that message of Jesus, of grace, and of truth to our world still today.

It’s also huge with regard to this being Pastor Robin’s last Sunday with us as our Director of Discipleship and Connecting Ministries. From the time Pastor Robin made that initial connection with me in the fall of 2020, I knew that God was showing His hand with another wonderful opportunity for us to expand ministry at Immanuel to further the Kingdom here in northern Colorado. Pastor Robin and I continued to be in conversation while he concluded his time of serving the congregation in McCall, Idaho, then transitioning here to Loveland. Pastor Robin officially came on staff part-time on Sunday, March 6, 2022.

What Pastor Robin has added over these last 3½ years on staff is beyond what I can truly document. There are plenty of initiatives that could be mentioned, both within the congregation as well as in cooperation and partnership with churches and ministries in our community. He reinvigorated our Information Station, brought some wonderful continuity and intentionality to our Sunday morning adult education opportunities, added plenty of support and resources to our small groups, small group leaders, as well as new small groups and Bible studies. He’s done a wonderful job of preaching when I’ve been out of town, which I have greatly appreciated. And being the high-energy extrovert that he is, it has just been so much fun to have his laughter, his smile, his joking around, and the way he has been invested in so many of your lives. He is definitely going to be missed!

He and Vicky are going to take a little time away to reassess and evaluate where they are at in this season of their lives and what they need for themselves and their family. I’m hoping they will find some ways that give them joy to continue serving in some capacities here at Immanuel in retirement.

For this Sunday, October 26^th, you’ll have an opportunity to stop by a cake reception in the West Atrium after both the 8:00am and the 10:30am service to express your love and gratitude to Pastor Robin and Vicky. Cards will be welcomed as will hugs and lots of words of affirmation!

Thank you, Pastor Robin and Vicky, for being wonderful, faithful, and faith-filled servants of the King, and for all that you have done for this Kingdom here at Immanuel! Our Savior’s richest blessings to you both!

Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen

Friends of Immanuel, 

Yesterday in worship we talked about the radical idea that there is an objective truth. What difference does it make that we believe in and hold to the fact that there is such a thing as objective truth? It’s not about winning arguments or being right. What it is about is giving us any number of assurances that can quell fears and doubts and uncertainties that can arise over matters of gender and sexuality; identity, self-esteem, and self-worth; death and the afterlife; end times; feelings of hopelessness and uselessness; evil in our world; suffering; who God is and His place in this world and in our lives; where peace, hope, comfort, and strength can be found; and so much more. 

These Truths, at times, lie in stark contrast to the messaging we hear from our culture. Our culture assumes that the world is filled with all manner of truths, particularly individual truths that don’t necessarily align with biblical truths. In fact, we’re encouraged to find and make our own truths, over whatever topics and issues we may feel passionate about. But where does all this subjective truth take us? In short, it leads to making me my own god – and when questions or uncertainties arise, particularly ones for which we have no answer, it can lead us to despair and depression because there is no place we can go for support, encouragement, or help. 

While the Bible is not a magical book, it is a book filled with mystery – mystery as to how so many letters, and historical facts, and events, written by so many different people over such a huge span of time, can all fit together so beautifully and in such a complementary way to share, basically, a singular message of grace, love, hope, and life. There are mysteries within the Bible itself, mysteries that go beyond our human ability to explain or completely understand. And yet these mysteries don’t throw shade on the many Truths that are expressed throughout. Instead, they help us know and better understand the wonder of who God is. 

With all this in mind, let’s continue to lean heavily into our Lord and Savior and the Word He has given us. Let’s trust that the way He has designed life is truly the best way to live. Let’s let His Truth give us the solid foundation on which we can stand, no matter what life may throw our way. I encourage you to take this week’s What Now? and put it into practice! 

What Now? 

Let God speak His Truth into your life every day. If you’re not already in the habit, take time to read or listen to God’s Word each day. Consider using the Bring It Home devotions or other devotional material or a daily Bible reading schedule.  

Serving together in Christ alone! 

Pastor Glen 

Friends of Immanuel,
“I am the church, You are the church, We are the church together; All who follow Jesus all around the world, Yes! We’re the church together!” Have I successfully put that little children’s Sunday School song in your head now? LOL! I was thinking about some of the big happenings coming up here at Immanuel over the next 5-6 weeks and the simple truths of this song came to mind for me.

One of the things I love about Immanuel is that this is not “Pastor Glen’s church” – this is OUR church, together! That’s the language I have always encouraged us to use in our leadership teams, or when I’m talking with individuals about questions or concerns – it’s never “they” or “them,” but “us” and “we” when we’re talking about our church. Immanuel isn’t what I would consider staff-driven. As staff, we try to create as many opportunities for ministry as possible, but we certainly can’t do it all. It takes all of us working together to carry out our Lord’s mission that He’s given us. And that’s where the joy is found as we live out our lives together as God’s people and as His church.

Immanuel is certainly not a mega-church, but we’re not a tiny church either. In our church body, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), by worship attendance we are in the top 10% of the 6000 congregations that make up the LCMS. But as an above-average, medium-sized congregation, we have a lot going on! I consider that such a blessing, although at times it can be rather exhausting for all of us! But all the various ministries we have, the activities and events that are upcoming, the Bible studies and small groups, everything that happens here at Immanuel, all of it is driven by our desire to share Jesus and His love with the people in our community and beyond – to be His hands, His feet, His voice, as we show His love in so many tangible ways, and as we speak with others about the hope and life Jesus brings to us.

Why do I bring all this up? I bring it all up to offer a big pat-on-the-back, as well as to encourage and, I pray, inspire! There are a lot of people here at Immanuel who do a lot of things – both in up-front ways as well as many, many behind-the-scenes act of service and generosity. Way to go and thank you!!

Our Lord reminds us that He’s gifted all of us very differently (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter provide us with spiritual gift lists), but the fact is that all of us have been given gifts. And the Lord’s desire and design is that we use those gifts to serve Him and the people around us. Not everyone is called or gifted to do the same things. Not everyone is cut out to be a Sunday School teacher. Not everyone is cut out to be a greeter on Sunday morning. You get the idea! But there are times and opportunities when we are all simply needed to step up and step in together. And I have to say that everyone here at Immanuel is amazing when it comes to that! Again, way to go!

We have some big events coming up that I want to encourage all of us to prayerfully consider being part of. A week from Saturday, on October 25^th, we’ll have our fall work day. We’ve got a lot of things that need to be done and most do not require special skills. If you can come for even an hour, that would be awesome! Later that week, on Wednesday, October 29^th, we have our annual Family Fall Fest featuring our Trunk-or-Treat. Wouldn’t it be cool to have our north parking lot filled with trunks, providing a safe place for the kiddos of our community to come, dress up, and get some goodies, as well as the message of Jesus’ love? Consider signing up and having some fun with the kids as well as your “fellow trunks”! Our annual Christmas Bazaar is coming very soon and support is needed to get our facility prepped and decorated and taped off for the vendors and signs put up and so much more, including hands-on opportunities the day of the Bazaar. Other big events that happen throughout the year include the Sweetheart City Car Show and Vacation Bible School, as well as the ongoing opportunities we have to give, help, and support mission efforts and work in our own community.

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ… Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27) “"For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10) Let’s continue to be God’s church in this place and time. Experience the joy, the community, the camaraderie, and the fellowship with which we have been blessed as “we are the church together”!

Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen

Friends of Immanuel,

Radical Gratitude! As I said at end of my message yesterday, it has a nice ring, doesn’t it?! While we don’t usually think of gratitude as being something counter-cultural, gratitude can play a powerful role in affecting our attitudes, our approach to life, relationships, vocation, and even our lives of discipleship.

I touched on the fact that gratitude finds its heart in worship because it’s grounded in Jesus and the faith, trust, and belief we have in Him. We worship our Savior with grateful hearts for all that He has accomplished for us – bringing us not only faith, but forgiveness, life, love, and hope. And out of our weekly gathering together in the presence of our Triune God flows everything else in life. In Jesus, and because of Jesus, we have everything we could possibly need! Everything else we have in this life is simply icing on the cake!

Remembering who we are and Whose we are, our Lord urges us to give thanks for all things, in all circumstances, and in all that we do. In addition to my encouragement in this week’s What Now? to live out our gratitude every day, here are 46 other Scripture passages to inspire and encourage all of us to live grateful, thankful, and faith-full lives. Consider taking one passage a day over the coming weeks to read and take to heart the blessing of living with Radical Gratitude:

Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Romans 5:3-5; James 1:1-4; Colossians 3:17; Psalm 100:4-5; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15; Psalm 136:1; 2 Corinthians 4:15; 2 Corinthians 9:15; 2 Corinthians 9:11-12; Romans 12:1; Psalm 104:15-28; 1 Corinthians 10:30-31; Psalm 106:47; James 1:17; Colossians 1:12; Psalm 118:29; Colossians 2:7; Romans 6:13; Psalm 79:13; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Colossians 2:6; Colossians 4:2; Hebrews 12:28; Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 7:17; Psalm 9:1; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 35:18; Psalm 52:9; Psalm 54:6; Psalm 69:30; Psalm 86:12; Psalm 106:1; Psalm 118:1; Revelation 4:9; Jonah 2:9; Revelation 11:17; Romans 1:21; 1 Timothy 4:4-5; Psalm 107:21-22; Psalm 95:1-3; Revelation 19:1-6; Luke 17:11-19.

What Now?

Gratitude. Contentment. Generosity. Sharing. Thankfulness. How can your attitude reflect these gifts God has wrapped you in? How can you show your gratitude in tangible ways this week?

Serving together in Christ alone!

Pastor Glen

Friends of Immanuel,
As I’m sitting here in my office late on Tuesday afternoon looking out my window and reflecting on the many things going on here at Immanuel, I am so grateful! Granted, I just finished writing Sunday’s sermon on Gratitude, so that has helped prompt my “thankful thinking”! Because we have our annual Rocky Mountain District Fall Church Workers Conference this week in Breckenridge from Wednesday through Friday, I’m needing to work ahead on sermon-writing, getting this email update together, and the regular preparations for weekend worship, which includes both a baptism and a Sunday afternoon wedding! As I said, I’m grateful for the many, many ways our Lord continues to work in our world and in our lives – and so many opportunities that, as your pastor, I have the opportunity for a front-row seat to hear about and witness firsthand. I’m grateful!

I’m grateful for this annual conference in Breckenridge where Kathy, Emma, and I, along with Cheryl Gilbert and all our teachers, will have the opportunity to worship together with several hundred other pastors, teachers, DCEs, musicians, and deaconesses in our Rocky Mountain District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. We’ll hear from some amazing speakers on important topics of gender and sexuality, a deep theological dive into dealing with passions in the early church and today, and many other sectionals that offer growth and learning opportunities in our specific areas of ministry. It will be a time to eat together, laugh together, celebrate ministry together, and, hopefully, be refreshed in our Lord together. I’m grateful!

I’m grateful for our ministry together here at Immanuel. The ministries we provide and support that help strengthen faith, provide opportunities to live out our faith as we serve and give of ourselves, the classes offered for us to learn and grow in God’s Word, the relationships that are fostered, the times we have to worship our Triune God together in such meaningful ways, the myriad of challenges we face together, and the fun we have simply being God’s people in this place and time, are all absolutely amazing! I’m grateful!

I’m grateful for all of you who call Immanuel “home.” That includes all who are able to be here in person for worship and other involvement; all who live on the Front Range but are homebound or unable to get out easily, but can take advantage of our live stream; all who live in many other states across the country—as well as those out of the country, all who are part of my email prayer group, those who receive these email updates, and so many others, who for various reasons and connections, consider this your home and me your pastor. I’m grateful!

Let’s continue to stand firmly on Jesus, on His Word of Truth, and on the faith with which we have been blessed, and let’s faithfully continue to do all in our power, led by the Holy Spirit, to further His Kingdom, to speak His Truth in love, and to share the life-giving message of Jesus in everything we do!

Serving together in Christ alone – gratefully!
Pastor Glen

Friends of Immanuel,

Suffering, ridicule, mocking, shunning, persecution – none of these are words we want to hear or experiences we long for! But as we heard in yesterday’s message based on 2 Timothy 1:1-14, St. Paul was pretty clear that our calling as followers of Jesus is going to include suffering for the Gospel. It was the case throughout his life, and it is the case in any time in history, past or present, that the mention of Jesus and His Word bring about strong emotions and passion, including opposition to it.

The times we are living in are not easy. However, I’ve read some encouraging statistics that there is a movement across the United States of young people, particularly young men, who are expressing interest in spiritual and faith-related matters, including worship attendance and interest in Jesus and His Word. We see that here at Immanuel with a growing number of young people, young couples, and young families who are in worship, active in various small groups, Bible studies, and coming together for fun and fellowship. Praise God!

Our call to live Radical “all in for Jesus” Discipleship is so needed in these times. People all around us, in these volatile times, are looking for what we know Jesus has come to bring – peace, encouragement, love, life, and hope. The difference Jesus can make in our lives is palpable – He’s not a crutch for the weak or just some pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking. Jesus is real. And what He brings to the table of our lives makes a difference. And the difference He makes impacts our lives in the here-and-now as well as the assurance of what eternity holds for all who believe and trust in Him. That’s what brings us the hope we need right now!

Let’s continue to be willing to be bold and courageous in our words and our actions to speak of Jesus, His Truth, His promises, and His love to the people in our lives. Will there be pushback? More than likely. But do not lose heart. Take the Lord at His Word and embrace the promises He continually holds out to all of us – we are loved, we are forgiven, and we are His!

Here is this week’s What Now? for you to put into practice!

What Now?

Take these words of St. Paul to heart, reading them each day this week to encourage and inspire us to share Jesus and His love!

“God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord… But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God!” (2 Timothy 1:7-8)

Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen

Friends of Immanuel,
For many years we have used the tagline of A Family Place. The message and focus behind this is that Immanuel is a place for families of all shapes and sizes, as well as being a place where together we are family. This was born out of a need we recognized already many years ago, which was to strengthen and support families. God put us in families, and His intention was that the family be a cornerstone of healthy societies. With our school ministry as well as the many young couples and young families who are part of Immanuel, this focus seemed a natural fit.

Over the years we have offered many different resources and helps for families through both our church and school ministries. As a staff we regularly ask the question about how we can do this in better and ongoing ways. We’ve used family nights to offer topics of interest for families. We hold various family-friendly events and activities to encourage fun intergenerational opportunities and to strengthen families.

One of the more significant ways we strive to be A Family Place, is by encouraging children of all ages to be in worship and for families to worship together – again, part of God’s design and plan! While it can be challenging at times to have little ones crawling under pews and chairs, talking or playing, there is more going on than we might, at first glance, imagine. There may be a season where you as parents of little ones might not hear a full sermon or make it through an entire worship service without spending some time running to the restroom or spending part of worship out in the atrium. That’s OK. As your pastor, let me remind you that the Sunday sermon isn’t the end-all when it comes to worship – there is a lot more going on, including singing, confession and forgiveness, hearing God’s Word, speaking our faith with the Creeds, the offering, and prayer time.

But even beyond the various elements of worship, our gathering together as God’s children of all ages from 0 to 100, shapes and forms us in significant ways, just by being here together week-in and week-out. When we see worship as part of the rhythm of our lives (God’s rhythm), He works in some amazing ways through this. For children, it is simply a given that when it’s Sunday, we go to worship – that’s just what we do as a family and it’s a top priority. Children see other children and families and older people around them, all doing the same thing, having the same priorities. They are seeing community and the fact that they are an important part of this community. By repetition the children learn the Lord’s Prayer, the Creeds, and prayer responses. As they get older, they can help with lighting the candles and being basket holders for communion. They can share their answers to questions I ask in sermons as you talk together as families.

And us adults need to have these children around us. It’s good and healthy to see and hear the children next to us, worshiping with us as only children can. As we are creatures of habit and many of you sit in or near the same seats each week, get to know the children who normally sit around you. Write yourself a little note to help you remember their names and then use their names when you talk to them, or welcome them to worship, or say goodbye at the end of worship. With permission, if a mom or dad seems to have their hands full, you could hold a baby or take a child and be with him or her out in the atrium for a few minutes to lend a hand. All of this is what community is all about, just as God has designed it – and it’s a beautiful thing to see it in action and, even more so, that we get to be part of it!

And this is not limited to worship. There was conversation recently about finding volunteers to be with our littlest ones in Sunday School during the Education Hour (9:30-10:20am). When a couple of young parents were asked if they would be willing to take turns being with their children and others, the comment was made that they would love the opportunity to be in an adult study and have some adult conversation and adult learning, especially since their attention in worship is always divided. That got some of us thinking. As A Family Place, what about some of us “older” adults who no longer have toddlers, preschoolers, or little ones, being part of some of those once-a-month rotations, helping and supporting our young families in this way? In some cases it might include teaching some simple lessons but in others it may just mean being in the room to watch and supervise the youngest children. If you’re married, this might be something you can do as a couple to help and support other young couples. That’s also another great way to get to know who these little ones are, to learn their names, and to be another adult who knows them!

We also have various children and youth events, often in the late afternoons or early evenings, when it would be helpful to have a couple of guys who are here in the building, not leading the events but by their presence, offering support and an added element of safety for the children. These are all ways that we can live out that tag line of A Family Place.

If you’d be willing to help out in ways like this, either on Sunday mornings during the Education Hour or for other children and youth events, contact Miss Emma (ehubble@ImmanuelLoveland.org). She’d be happy to talk to you about what opportunities are here, what those may entail, and more details of how you can help and encourage families and young couples. Thank you in advance as you prayerfully consider some of the ways you can help us be A Family Place for the furthering of the Kingdom and the continual sharing of Jesus and His love!

Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen