News This Week
Education Hour – Something For EVERYONE! Our Education Hour is now in full swing, including learning opportunities for all ages from 9:30-10:20am. Below is a list of what’s being offered for all ages. Questions? Adult classes, email Pastor Robin rdugall@immanuelloveland.org; children and youth ministries, contact Miss Emma (egiger@ImmanuelLoveland.org).
Adult Classes:
- Financial Peace University – Shawn York (room #36 – LWML Room).
- Does Christianity Make Sense? – Joe Sarr (room #205)
- Heaven on Earth – There’s More to Come! – Kathy Schlecht (room #206)
- Immanuel 101 – Pastor Glen (room #112)
Sunday School for Kids:
- Infant/Toddler Class: Room 110, 0-4 year olds, with music, a Bible story, and time to play.
- Sunday School Opening: All 4-year-olds-4th Graders start in Room 113 for opening. After Opening, children go to their age-appropriate classes as follows:
- PreK-1st Grade Class: Room 108, 4-year-olds attending Preschool through 1st Graders, a Bible story, game, craft, and snack.
- 2nd-4th Grade Class: Room 113, 2nd through 4th Graders Bible story, game, activity, craft, and snack.
- Bridge56: Room 204, 5th and 6th graders, Bible overview!
Sunday School for Middle School and High School Youth:
- Middle School Confirmation – 7th and 8th graders, Room 207
- High School Youth – Youth Room (Room 201)
The Gospel of Luke stands out among the four Gospels of Jesus in some unique ways. It is not only the longest of the Gospels, but it starts tracing Jesus’ life earlier than any other biblical narrative. Only Luke reveals anything about Jesus’ childhood. Only Luke describes Jesus’ family’s visit to Jerusalem when He was 12 years old. Only Luke has many of Jesus’ key teachings through parables. Luke’s story of Jesus is from a perspective historically that makes it perfect for us to study how the Gospel is relevant to us and the world in these times. In our Adult Education ministry, we are committed to having at least one, on-going Bible Study open weekly for any adult who is interested in learning more about God’s Word. Pastor Robin will be leading this study again beginning on Sunday, November 3rd from 9:30am-10:20am. There will be plenty of new insights to learn as well as ample time for discussion as we grow in Jesus together. We will have a thorough review of the first six chapters of Luke at our first session before starting to read and study Luke chapter 7. This class is open to ANYONE to join at ANY TIME!
Don’t forget to take advantage of some of the amazing retired pastors, theologians, missionaries, and church workers we have here at Immanuel with our “Ask a Pastor Ministry” that is now happening every Sunday morning after each worship service. You are welcome to raise any subject of interest to you and talk about it with one of these amazing individuals on Sunday mornings. Stop by the “Ask a Pastor” podium in the atrium beside the church library book carts after either worship service. Come when you can; leave when you like.
This year’s Fall Fest will feature Trunk or Treat, grab-and-go dinner, horse-drawn fall rides, and Pet-a-Pony! EVERYONE is invited next Wednesday, October 30th to join in the fun! Dinner will be from 5:00-6:30, and Trunk or Treat and Fall Rides from 5:30-7:00.
This year, Trunk or Treat is our MAIN attraction, so we need as many trunks as possible to make the event a success. Please sign up your vehicle TODAY to pass out treats to kiddos in our Immanuel and Loveland community! You can also sign up to help in the kitchen, in the parking lots, or to bring food in for the dinner. All these signups can be found here: https://signup.com/go/GhWnyPd. Talk to Miss Emma with any questions! egiger@immanuelloveland.org.
Come join an awesome group of 7th graders through high schoolers as we eat snacks, play games, get to know one another, and grow together through Bible study! We meet every Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm! Contact Miss Emma with any questions! (egiger@ImmanuelLoveland.org or text/call 317-946-7719)
The next Called Into Community bi-monthly mini-retreat is coming soon – Saturday, November 2nd! Kathy Schlecht will lead the November retreat entitled, “Calendars That Shape Our Lives.” She will lead participants in discussion on how the calendars we follow both shape and define us, urging us to consider how the church’s ancient calendar of the Church Year can have a positive impact on our day-to-day lives as disciples of Jesus.
What is the “Called Into Community” Mini-Retreat?
“Called Into Community” is a new Discipleship Ministry at Immanuel specifically designed to bless you with the opportunity to grow in Jesus and in Christian relationships. We are calling these events “mini-retreats” because that’s exactly what they are – a casual, relationally driven opportunity for you to explore important aspects of your faith in Christ as well as to spend time IN community.
What are we going to do at these Mini-Retreats?
These mini-retreats include important biblical and spiritual content but most importantly ample time to discuss and share around tables. These mini-retreats will be held from 9:30-11:30 am every other month on the first Saturday of the month, although doors will open at 9:00am for food and conversation! Gail Hein and Pastor Robin are coordinating to bring a variety of speakers who are passionate about teaching God’s Word to build community within our congregational family. There will be a light breakfast, time to sing and pray together, hear a scriptural message, and share thoughts...all within a two-hour format!
Contact Gail Hein (gheinsite@gmail.com) or Pastor Robin (rdugall@immanuelloveland.org) if you have any questions! You may use the sign-up in the atrium, online at www.immanuelloveland.org, or by using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/DJDMeC7sWW
Upcoming Events
- Wednesday, October 30—Trunk or Treat, Fall Fest at Immanuel, 5:00pm-7:00pm
- Saturday, November 2—Called Into Community mini-retreat, 9:00am-11:30am
- Sunday, November 10—Young Adult Gathering, Rost home, 6:00pm
- Sunday, November 17—Operation Christmas Child deadline
- Saturday, November 23—Christmas Bazaar, 9:00am-3:00pm
- Thursday, November 28—Thanksgiving Day worship, 9:00am
The Immanuel Young at Hearts (senior adults) have an awesome slate of events coming up over the next few months. Check it out! Any questions can be directed to Jim Found (inquirer.jim@gmail.com, 970-663-5490).
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- Friday, November 15th – Re-enactment of an early settler, named Marie Osmund and the story of early Loveland. We need to know by November 10th if enough people are coming so the speaker can be confirmed.
- Wednesday, November 20th, 11:30am – Lunch together at Asia One. Please let Jim know by November 15th if you plan to attend.
- Friday, December 13th, 1:00pm – Mrs. Grimm’s 4th and 5th grade class joins YAH with a program and table discussions.
- Saturday, December 14th – Christmas caroling at Good Samaritan, lunch at Culvers, then to Brookdale North at 1:30. (participate in any or all).
Free Meal, Children’s activities, and Family/Adult Seminar! Family Nights @ Immanuel will continue this fall on Wednesday, November 13th with a free meal from 5-6pm, a family/adult seminar (and children’s activities led by Miss Emma), and Men’s Movie Night from 6-7pm. On November 13th, the family/adult seminar will focus on the topic, “God's Call to Parenting - What the Bible says!"
Our guest presenter will be Immanuel’s own Rev. Dr. Ed Seely.” Pastor Ed not only leads our “Ask a Pastor” ministry at Immanuel but also teaches adult education classes and leads our Church Library team. He has life-long experiences in church ministry leadership (especially in the realm of family ministry, spiritual formation and Christian Education) as well as college and seminary teaching. He is a proud dad and grandfather and loves to share what God’s Word has to say about the family.
As we all know, when the subject of parenting arises today, much confusion emerges. What can and should parents be doing? What shouldn’t they do? Who’s opinion counts? What authority do parents have? Do parents have rights? If so, what are they, and where does that authority and their rights come from, and how can a parent maintain and explain the solid source of his or her authority and rights to others in this postmodern age that disregards and even rejects any objective standard? This Family Night Adult/Parent seminar will offer answers to these and other questions, including questions raised by those who attend.
Parents, grandparents, family members, or ANYONE who loves kids, you don’t want to miss it! It will be fun, informative, and encouraging! Our Family Nights are loaded with fun, information, relationships, conversation, and a free dinner! Don’t miss November 13th! Join us for Family Night @ Immanuel.
This year’s Children’s Christmas Program will be held on Sunday morning, December 15th, at 9:30am (in between the 8:00am and the 10:30am service). Rehearsals for this are starting in just three weeks! Do you have any kids or grandkids in Preschool-5th grade that are interested in being part of the year’s Children’s Christmas Program? Let Miss Emma know (egiger@immanuelloveland.org)! Practices will be Wednesdays November 13 & 20 and December 4 & 11, 6:00-7:00pm, in the sanctuary. While the kids are strongly encouraged to be at all the practices, we can make it work if you can’t make them all but still want to be part of the program!
Immanuel’s Christmas Bazaar will be held Saturday, November 23, 9:00am-3:00pm. Last year, we had well over 1,000 guests along with 80 vendors in our facility for this event. Let’s be ready to extend Immanuel’s Radical Hospitality to our community! Check out the sign-up sheets in the atrium or use this link to see the many different opportunities to serve leading up to, or on the day of, the bazaar: https://signup.com/go/MJtGmvf
And don’t forget to add this event to your personal calendar whether or not you are able to help on that day. Stop by for breakfast and/or lunch (pulled pork or chili!), purchase a cookie tray, view the beautiful homemade quilts, get your picture taken with Santa, give your kiddos an opportunity to make their very own Christmas gifts to give away (without mom or dad in the room with them), enjoy live Christmas music, and start—or finish!—your Christmas shopping!
Serving and Giving
See the poster below for all the important information you need to load up on your favorite Butter Braids! In addition to the QR code, here’s a direct link you can use (and share with others). Thanks for your support of our school ministry! https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/108a4259-2923-4055-a65d-d40ccbac6729
We are in need of additional ushers for the 10:30am Contemporary Joy service. Primary responsibilities include greeting people at the door of the sanctuary with a smile and a bulletin, and ushering at the time of communion. Your family’s schedule is taken into consideration when monthly schedules are put together. If this is a way you might consider serving about once a month, or if you have questions about it, please reach out to Kathy Schlecht directly or email churchoffice@immanueloveland.org. Thanks!
Immanuel’s Christmas Bazaar will be held Saturday, November 23, 9:00am-3:00pm. Last year, we had well over 1,000 guests along with 80 vendors in our facility for this event. Let’s be ready to extend Immanuel’s Radical Hospitality to our community! Check out the sign-up sheets in the atrium or use this link to see the many different opportunities to serve leading up to, or on the day of, the bazaar: https://signup.com/go/MJtGmvf
And don’t forget to add this event to your personal calendar whether or not you are able to help on that day. Stop by for breakfast and/or lunch (pulled pork or chili!), purchase a cookie tray, view the beautiful homemade quilts, get your picture taken with Santa, give your kiddos an opportunity to make their very own Christmas gifts to give away (without mom or dad in the room with them), enjoy live Christmas music, and start—or finish!—your Christmas shopping!
We are looking for a couple of volunteers to join Immanuel’s live stream team, specifically to live stream the 8:00am Classic Grace service once a month. We are also in need of screen operators for the 10:30am service. For both positions, schedules are put together around your calendar and ample training is provided. Are you interested in learning more about either of these? Talk to Kathy Schlecht (kschlecht@immanuelloveland.org) or stop up in the tech booth before or after an upcoming worship service to take a look at the equipment, talk to those serving, and see what you would be doing. Thanks for considering serving in this way!
Looking for volunteers to bring God’s Word to residents of North Shore Health and Rehab. This has been an ongoing ministry of Immanuel for several decades! At 10:00am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, we have a rotating group of volunteers who share a short, simple message from God’s Word with the residents. There are Christian songbooks with CD accompaniment from which you or the residents can choose some favorite hymns to sing. The worship services typically last 35-45 minutes. If you’re interested in being part of this team or if you have questions, call Ron Heusinkveld (970-669-6135). Thank you for considering serving in this way!
FREE Money for Ministry! Everyone who is a client of Thrivent Financial is eligible for two $250 ministry grants a year. That’s $500 every single year for each Thrivent member! This is a huge blessing to Immanuel’s ministry. Just a few events that have made use of Thrivent grants so far this year include the Car Show, Vacation Bible School, Midweek Meals, and a congregational celebration. And we have many outreach opportunities coming up between now and the end of this calendar year for which a Thrivent grant would be helpful, including Fall Fest, Operation Christmas Child, the Christmas Bazaar, Lago Vista Christmas Shop, and Orchard Place Giving Tree. And there’s many more!
We want to make sure and capitalize on all grants available by keeping an updated list of Thrivent members and connecting those members with projects and events. We are also looking for an individual or two that would be willing to help Thrivent members make application for grants—the Thrivent member must make the application himself or herself, but they can have assistance in doing so. If you would be willing to serve in this role as an Action Team Grant Ambassador, or if you are a Thrivent member and would like your name added to our list of Thrivent members, please contact that church office (churchoffice@immanuelloveland.org). Thank you!
The Community Assistance Team will be collecting reusable shopping bags for the Lago Vista School Supply Drive. They will be collecting these throughout the year in preparation for the 2025 school supplies project. They will need 50-60 bags in total. There is a plastic tote on the table with food pantry items (across from the mailboxes) and shopping bags can be placed in the tote.
Operation Christmas Child gifts are sent around the world, bringing Good News and Great Joy to children in some of the world’s most difficult situations. Pick up your shoebox and fill it with a WOW gift, fun and practical items, and a personal note. You can include the $10 shipping fee in the box (payable to OCC) or pay online and attach the label you receive to your box. https://samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/.
Please avoid liquids, toothpaste, food/medicine, breakables, and used items. All boxes are opened at the distribution center so please don’t seal them shut. More information is available on the table with the shoeboxes in the atrium. Our final day for collection is Sunday, November 17th.
There is a statistic that claims 70% of students that attend church in high school do not attend after graduation. We need to reach our Young Adults! Immanuel has started a Young Adult Group, and it is thriving! These young adults meet monthly at the Rost home for a homemade meal, fellowship, and Jesus. We average over 20 young adults at each event. Feeding this hungry age group can be challenging... SO... we are looking for volunteers to help provide food or donate grocery gift cards for the meal each month. On October 20th, we will be having a pasta-themed meal. On November 10th, we would love to serve a Friendsgiving with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. If you are interested in making food or donating money towards these monthly meals, please sign up on the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0545ABAE22A75-51238654-young. Questions? Please call/text Teresa Rost at 970-218-0719. THANK YOU!!!!
If you want to offer support to the relief efforts from Hurricane Helene (and likely similar opportunities with Hurricane Milton), there are several places where I can direct you.
- From the Florida-Georgia District of our church body The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), you can use this link: https://flgadistrict.org/give/.
- From the Southeastern District of the LCMS (which includes North Carolina), I received word that there is an urgent need for 18,000 personal hygiene kits and 15,000 flood clean-up kits. To hear more about what those entail and how to support, use this link: https://se.lcms.org/resources/disaster-response-and-recovery/. And to financially support the recovery effort in the Southeastern District, please use this link: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZJJD/campaign/C-154TR.
- The following link can be used to donate breakfast packs that will be given to volunteers and homeowners in Madeira Beach, FL where people are rebuilding their lives. These breakfast packs you can purchase to donate are being made and handed out by Jason and April Brokhausen (former members at Immanuel) who own two Llama Java Coffee Shops in FL. One is still closed and one is open. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10236725693668597&set=a.1102452607907
News
It’s a privilege we have in this country and with some of the vitally important topics before us, especially here in the state of Colorado, we need to make our voice heard. Current statistics tell us that 30% of Christians aren’t registered to vote and 50% don’t vote. If you are not registered, it takes just 2 minutes. You can use the QR code here or the following link: https://www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/verifyNewVoter.xhtml. All you need is your driver’s license, ID card number, or Social Security number, and your birthdate. It’s simple!
Below are a variety of resources that Pastor Robin has pulled together to help all of us study, think through, and be informed and intentional about our civic privilege and duty to vote. There are links to a variety of nonpartisan Voter’s Guides that are available which outline perspectives on issues, party platforms, candidates and Colorado Ballot initiatives and amendments. Each has a specific Christian-values-based approach in addition to two links that are informational documents regarding every issue on the ballot. Pastor Robin shared that each of these links have been recommended to him by people in-the-know in the Colorado Christian Community. A reminder that ballots must be deposited in an official ballot box by 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 5th.
Online Voter Guides and Election Information:
- Transform Colorado: dfbdba_9694739b13054f9eb03c7f86e908e363.pdf (www.transformcolorado.org) A regional northern Colorado nonpartisan voter guide to candidates based on Biblical values. https://www.transformcolorado.org/voter-guides (full voter guide for all election issues)
- My Faith Votes: https://www.myfaithvotes.org/myvoterhub/state/CO Includes good nonpartisan information on most candidates including state and county races.
- Colorado Christian University Centennial Institute Ballot Initiative Guide: https://centennial.ccu.edu/2024-voter-guide/ Note that some Christians, including the Christian Home Educators of Colorado organization (CHEC), oppose Amendment 80 because of vague and conflicting language that may elevate a child's right to school choice over his parents' right and responsibility to direct his education.
- The Blue Book: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2024-blue-book-english-accessible.pdf Factual and financial information on state ballot initiatives provided by the Legislative Council Staff, not necessarily from a Biblical perspective.
- Larimer County Ballot Initiatives: https://www.larimer.gov/sites/default/files/2024ge-larimer-county-ballot-issue-notice.pdf Includes important facts about school district and special district initiatives as well as Larimer County initiatives.
A very gracious offer was made by Donna Tabert, a member of Immanuel, to provide rides to anyone needing assistance getting to a polling location on election day (Tuesday, November 5th) or to take your mail-in ballot to a drop-off location. If you would like to take Donna up on her offer, you can call her and leave a message at 970-672-7589. Thank you, Donna!
As I mentioned in my lead article in Monday’s email update, Amendment 79 is on the ballot, a proposed amendment to our Colorado state constitution, which would greatly expand abortion in Colorado, undermine parental rights and notification, and would provide taxpayer funding for abortions. If you want more information on the dangers of this amendment, take a look at this short 3-minute video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RUCJyZPFFE. You can also go to the website: https://www.righttoknowco.com/. As we’ve been called by Jesus to salt and light in our world (Matthew 5:13-16), we must recognize and honor each life as a gift from God. We are here to stand on Truth – God’s objective, timeless, and unwavering Truth that we read in His Word. Let’s be the people He’s called us to be – with confidence, with boldness, and for the sake of the Kingdom! This horrific amendment needs to be voted down to protect the lives of the most vulnerable among us – the unborn.
September 2024 average worship attendance – 229
2022 – 210 average
2023 – 237 average
2024 – 229 average
Percentage increase/decrease 2023 to 2024 = - 3.3%
Percentage increase/decrease 2022 to 2024 = + 9.4%
Q3 Attendance (July-September):
2022 - 228
2023 - 234
2024 - 235
Percentage increase/decrease 2023 to 2024 = +0.4%
Percentage increase/decrease 2022 to 2024 = +3.0%
YouTube – Live Stream, Shorts/Reels, etc.
YouTube LIVE STREAM viewing (watching the service in real time) – September 2024 = 316
YouTube LIVE STREAM viewing average viewing time = 21 minutes
YouTube LIVE STREAM viewing average per week = 38
YouTube Shorts/Reels of sermons – September 2024 – high number = 540; low number = 1
YouTube Shorts/Reels of sermons – total September 2024 views = 2600; weekly average = 525
70% of YouTube “viewers” are viewing the Shorts/Reels
Total views on YouTube channel - 3100
“Top” video - short on “Three Things that Don’t Matter in Church” (761 views)
We just discovered a glitch in the program we use to send out Monday email updates (The Immanuel Weekly) and are working to correct it. It seems that if you do not have a cell phone number included in your information on Church Community Builder (CCB, our church database), that you are not receiving the Monday email updates. Would you please take a few minutes to update your cell number with the church office? You can update your profile by yourself or we’re happy to give you a hand. You can also email churchoffice@immanuelloveland.org or call us at 970-667-4506, to give us your cell number. Having a complete profile on CCB will ensure you are receiving all our communications, including the Immanuel Weekly every Monday and Pastor Glen’s updates on Thursdays. Thank you for your help with this big project!
If you or someone you know has questions about our great school ministry, is considering changing schools, or would like more information, check out the school website (https://school.immanuelloveland.org/), and you can call or email our school office (970-667-7606, SchoolOffice@ImmanuelLoveland.org) to schedule a tour or a time to meet with our Principal Cheryl Gilbert, or one of our administrative assistants to get your questions answered about toddlers through 8th grade. If you have any questions about the high school, you can reach Dr. Rick Overton, Immanuel’s Executive Director of the high school at HighSchool@ImmanuelLoveland.org. Check out the high school website as well (https://school.immanuelloveland.org/high-school/).
An assessment is required for grades K-8th before application is accepted. To begin the process, fill out an inquiry form found on the school website or use this link – https://immanuelloveland.myschoolapp.com/app/embed#inquiry/26643. It only takes two minutes.
Continue to spread the word about our amazing, Christ-centered school!
Friends of Immanuel,
Grace Alone. Faith Alone. Scripture Alone. Christ Alone. Those are the banners of the Reformation that we celebrated yesterday in worship. The Reformation, begun by Martin Luther back in the early 1500s, is far more than a notable historical time. The need for “reformation” continues – in the Church, that we be focused on the mission Jesus has given us of sharing His great Good News and that He would use us to continue to build His Kingdom and reach more and more people; and in our lives, that the Lord might shape and mold us into His likeness day-by-day, that we be filled with His Word, that we be prayerful, and that we would be open to Him using us as His hands and feet and voice.
The re-discovery of God’s grace was life-changing for Luther. His experience of that gift of our Lord’s unconditional love and full forgiveness changed his entire outlook on God and on life. As we’ve been talking recently in worship and in sermons, God’s grace is a life-changing gift! As baptized, believing children of God, it provides the opportunity for us to live our lives freely and boldly in Jesus. It takes away the fears that our culture is continuously trying to foist on us. It lifts the burdens of guilt and shame that can weigh us down, assuring us that our Savior’s forgiveness is real. We don’t have to worry about our eternal well-being, wondering if we’ve done enough, given enough, or been good enough – by grace through faith in Jesus we are saved. Period!
That means we can be the people our Lord created us to be. We are His handiwork, His masterpieces! Filled with the Holy Spirit and overflowing the promises and assurances we know in Jesus, we are here to share that Good News with others. With whom can you share that Good News – family members, friends, neighbors, classmates, co-workers, workout or walking buddies, etc.? Don’t make it complicated. Pray daily for these people in your life, for the various needs of which you’re aware. Pray for the Lord to guide you and give your courage and boldness and winsomeness to hear and listen and then speak into their needs, sharing the hope, the grace, the forgiveness, and the love of Jesus.
We’re living in tumultuous times, times brimming with fear, with lies, with deceit, with uncertainty. So many people are looking for answers, for help, for support, for encouragement. You and I have SO much to offer. Extend invitations – to Wednesday’s Fall Fest, to Sunday morning worship, to a Bible study, to the Christmas Bazaar, to Thanksgiving Day worship, or any of the many, ongoing events, activities, and ministries happening here at Immanuel. And keep walking with these folks God has put into your life. See them not as “projects,” but as friends – life-long friends!
Here is this week’s What Now? for you to consider and put into practice in the days ahead.
What Now?
In these times of lies, deceit, half-truths, and more, recognize the freedom that comes to us in the truth God shows us in His Word. This week denounce fear and hopelessness that the devil, through all sorts of means, is trying to create. Rest in the blessing of freedom that His Truth brings.
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
Over the last several years we’ve had 200-300 children and adults be part of Immanuel’s annual Fall Fest – it’s a Big Deal and a great touch-point with many in our neighborhood and community. We’ve made a slight shift in how this year’s Fall Fest will look and the main feature will be Trunk-or-Treat in the north parking lot. It would be awesome to have 50-60 vehicles! You’ve seen my picture in my Packer gear from last year. There have been some very creative and elaborate trunks decorated in fun ways. But it can also be as simple as opening your trunk and setting a pumpkin next to you – really! It’s about providing a fun and safe place for children to enjoy dressing up in costumes and trick-or-treating for candy.
Immanuel has a great reputation for being a safe, secure, and fun place to be for an event like this. It can also foster a fun sense of community among “the trunks,” as you have some opportunity to talk to the people set up around your vehicle. This year we’ll also have Pet-a-Pony (yes, a real live pony!), horse-drawn fall rides, and grab-and-go dinner. It’s a great opportunity to extend invitations – not only to your own children or grandchildren, but to friends and neighbors as well!
Miss Emma will be sending out a separate email with a variety of examples of decorated trunks to help get your creative juices flowing. But remember, don’t get overwhelmed or hung up on the decorations. All you need is a vehicle, a HUGE bag of candy, a smile, and a welcoming attitude, ready to share Christ’s love in this simple and tangible way.
So join in the fun and help fill the north end of our parking lot with a good time for the children! Here’s the sign-up to save your spot – https://signup.com/go/GhWnyPd.
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
As Kathy and I were driving down to Centennial yesterday morning for our granddaughter’s baptism, we were watching (well, I was listening!!) to the live stream of the 8:00 Classic Grace service here at Immanuel because I was really interested to hear what Pastor Robin was going to do with his message on the elections. What he did was excellent! If you missed worship here at Immanuel yesterday, I would encourage you to check out the live stream and take in his message.
I’ll just reiterate a couple thoughts Pastor Robin expressed with some encouragement from me. We have both a civic and a spiritual privilege and a duty to vote – it’s part of the freedom we have of living in this great country of ours. Invest some time in understanding the candidates and what they stand for, as well as the issues and what they are all about. Then pray. Pray for guidance to vote for those people and issues that align most closely with your biblical values. Then vote.
We all know how crazy our world is right now. There’s so much going on that can raise anxiety and stress, pushing emotions all over the board. When all is said and done, don’t forget our bottom line as followers of Jesus. Our trust and confidence does not lie with our president, the Supreme Court, the Constitution or the Bill of Rights, or our state or federal Senate or House of Representatives. We pray for godly men and women to be in these leadership positions for our country, people we pray will govern wisely and well on the foundation of Jesus and His Word. But our trust and confidence must always lie in our Savior. In Jesus, we win! In Jesus, we have nothing to fear. In Jesus, we have hope. In Jesus we know the power of real love, grace, and forgiveness. Amen!!
Yesterday I had the privilege of baptizing my newest granddaughter, Eva Katherine, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Centennial. I’m indebted to my good friend, Pastor Brad Stoltenow, the senior pastor at Shepherd, for allowing me to do that. He also gave me the opportunity to preach, which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. I praise God for the amazing gift of baptism, knowing that little Eva is now claimed by Jesus and welcomed into His family of believers!
Now we have the joy of surrounding her, along with her mom and dad (David and Cassie), supporting, encouraging, and praying for all of them in this journey of life and faith and following Jesus. As an added blessing, after the worship service we enjoyed lunch at the church with about 30 people to celebrate Eva, and then followed that with a few of us watching the Packer game together, which we had recorded. The pictures include me baptizing Eva, Kathy and me with David, Cassie, and Eva, and me holding Eva (in her Packer outfit!) watching the end of the Packer game! My thanks to Pastor Robin for taking the service here at Immanuel to allow us the opportunity to be gone yesterday to celebrate with our growing family.
In the meantime, let’s continue to be about God’s mission – sharing His amazing Good News with the people in our lives, showing Radical Hospitality, engaging fully in Transformational Learning, and Living Fearlessly as God’s people! Thank you all for your partnership in the Gospel!
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
The view out of my office window at Immanuel is gorgeous right now! Last weekend I sent a picture of our front yard and our two ash trees that were starting to turn color to all of our kids to share some of the beauty that we’re enjoying. That sparked a few back-and-forth pictures from our kids in the Midwest and similar blessings that we’re all enjoying this time of year.
I know that the time is very short that we’ll be able to take in these fantastic colors in the trees. There’s talk of rain, maybe even snow, this weekend with temperatures dropping a bit more. With colder temperatures, coupled with any wind or precipitation, the leaves will be dropping quickly. And that will mean lots of raking, filling our green recycle bins with leaves, and maybe some trips to the recycling center to dispose of all those dried leaves. And suddenly the trees are bare and the look of winter begins to take shape with another change in seasons coming.
As I reflect on all this, it reminds me of how quickly life changes. There are times of amazing beauty and opportunities to sit and gaze and take it all in. Then, almost on a dime, that can change, and we focus on all the work it takes to clean things up, colder temperatures that require us to pull out heavier jackets, hats, and gloves, and then rain or snow and gray clouds. Isn’t that a snapshot of life? You can make those connections around this metaphor of the seasons with what may be happening in your own life.
The reminder it’s giving me today is to not miss the beauty that is all around us. Any given “beauty” may only last a few days or weeks, or perhaps a bit longer season – whether it’s leaves, health, children, hobbies, or vocations. Beauty can also come in moments, minutes, or hours – can you think of some examples in your own life right now?
And then the winds of change blow through. We experience the death of a friend or loved one, there’s an accident or a health crisis, a job change, a relationship challenge. These are times when we become keenly aware of our need for the Lord and His strength, His gifts of grace, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. These are times that we need each other as well. As I was talking with someone earlier this week, the importance and value of being part of the Body of Christ is a gift in and of itself. The Lord has put us here together, in community, in family, in His Body. We are here to walk together, to support and encourage one another, to listen, and to speak into each other’s lives.
As I waxed poetic today, my prayer for each of us is two-fold: that we might pause and take in some “beauty” and blessings that are all around us, which the Lord has put into our lives right now, and not let that pass us by; and that in the changes and challenges, whether they are coming or we’re living in them right now, that we would lean into our Lord and His promises, as well as lean into each other as sisters and brothers in our Savior.
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
Last week many on Immanuel’s staff attended the annual Rocky Mountain District Fall Church Workers Conference in Breckenridge. This annual conference is such a blessing to be able to receive some continuing education, the opportunity to network with other churches, schools, teachers, pastors, and other church workers in our district, to be encouraged, and to learn and grow.
While there were many of the sessions and times of worship together as a whole group, the pastors had the privilege of having the Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger, a professor at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, lead multiple sessions on the importance of community. A lot of what Dr. Nafzger shared with us was very affirming of what we are doing here at Immanuel in regard to community. There were also some helpful thoughts, suggestions, and encouragements toward continued growth in this area of ministry and life.
A significant cultural issue touched on at the conference is one we must battle continually – individualism. Biblically, the way the Lord speaks to us throughout the Old Testament, including through the prophets, in the Gospels, and the entire New Testament, is with a plural “you.” That means whenever we read the word “you” in the Bible, more often than not, it is referring not to each of us individually but to us as God’s people and followers of Jesus collectively. I discovered tremendous value in that shift in thinking about “us” rather than thinking about “me” when it comes to how I write, how I think about preaching, and how I approach our ministry together.
Dr. Nafzger spoke to community as it relates to worship, the Lord’s Supper, and preaching. An interesting learning for me came in regard to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Something Martin Luther spoke to in the 1500s was the community-aspect of the Lord’s Supper. Luther believed that when we commune together at the Lord’s Table, we are agreeing to truly walk together in community, specifically, that we are saying that we’re willing to bear one another’s burdens and celebrate each other’s joys. That’s powerful!
A couple of other take-aways for me regarding building community are these simple suggestions:
- During our time of welcome at the beginning of worship, introduce yourself to those you don’t know – names are important when it comes to community!
- Related to that, because names are so difficult for so many of us to remember, make it a point to wear your nametags – that’s a very helpful thing for everyone. If you don’t have a nametag (children and youth included!), contact Beth in the church office and we can get one for you (ChurchOffice@ImmanuelLoveland.org).
- I’ve said this before, but it’s important enough to repeat. Don’t forget the children and youth when it comes to community here at Immanuel. Get to know the names of the children and youth who you see regularly and talk with them! Greet them by name (or ask them to remind you of their name – that’s OK, too!), get to know them, ask them about things they do or like. While I’ve emphasized that about the kiddos, the same can be said for the other adults around us – community is about knowing each other and being known!
So much of what I learned at the conference came into play with yesterday’s time of worship here at Immanuel as we talked about the blessing and power of having an empathetic God. As the writer to the Hebrews expressed (4:15), we DO have high priest (Jesus) who is able to empathize with our weaknesses. All that our Lord did He did on purpose, because His desire is to be in relationship with us. He really does understand what we’re going through – the struggles, the frustrations, the difficulties, the disappointments, the joys, and the celebrations. So take this week’s What Now? to heart as we embrace this amazing gift of who our God is!
What Now?
When you find yourself facing challenges or struggles of any kind this week, lean into our Lord’s empathy, remembering that you’re not in this alone!
We have an amazing community of faith here at Immanuel! Thank you for being an integral part of it and working hard to make it even better and stronger as we work and serve, pray and play together in our Savior!
P.S. Christmas Bazaar Date Correction! Yesterday after worship someone brought to my attention that the wrong date was listed on the LWML insert for Christmas Bazaar. Just to be clear, the correct date for this year’s Christmas Bazaar is Saturday, November 23rd from 9:00am-3:00pm. Sorry about the confusion!
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
Back-to-back devastating hurricanes, an election cycle that feels rather discouraging, having a ballot item like proposed Amendment 79 on our Colorado state ballot, prayer request after prayer request for deaths of loved ones, cancer diagnoses, accidents, surgeries, and tragedies – these are not easy days, are they?
At the same time, week after week we’re celebrating weddings as well as wedding anniversaries from 9 years to 65 years, we’re giving thanks for new babies, announcements of pregnancies and engagements, prayers of thanks for successful surgeries, many people involved in Bible studies on Sunday mornings and throughout the week, and opportunities galore for us to give and serve and live out our faith.
This is life! Filled with ups and downs, planned events, surprises (good and bad), and so much more, what a blessing it is to know that we are children of God. He is a God of grace, as we talked about last Sunday, and what a powerful gift that is for us to be able to face everything we do in this life. He is our perfect Father; He is almighty and all-powerful; He is all-knowing and ever-present; He is with us and for us and loves us with an everlasting love. Gift upon gift upon gift – how blessed we are!
My encouragement to you today is to continue to be in God’s Word, listening to what He has to say, reminding us of His many promises and the depth of His love. Continue to pray – pray for the many needs all around us, for yourself and the needs in your own life, for the joys and celebrations and amazing things for which we are thankful, and for the furthering of His Kingdom. And continue to give and serve and be the people God has made us to be – putting our faith into action, being real and genuine, showing love, offering hope, giving help.
I leave you with these powerful words from the Lord through Isaiah, chapter 43:
1 But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
There are several things I want to touch on today. First is a brief recap of yesterday as we began our What’s the Big Deal? series, taking on “Faith and Good Deeds” as our first topic. Quite simply, is faith a big deal? Absolutely! Are good deeds and the way we live our lives a big deal? Absolutely! Faith and works, or the lives we lead, are inseparable when it comes to who we are as followers of Jesus. Our works, our words, our attitudes are all expressions of just how real our faith is. And all of this is a big deal because it’s tied to the mission of the Church, the mission Jesus has called us and empowers us to carry out in His name – to show His love, to share the hope we have, to shine His light into the darkest of places.
I’ll include here some encouragement with which I ended yesterday’s sermon. In Jesus’ name, let’s help and support the hurricane victims; let’s fill the hygiene closet for our neighbors at Orchard Place; let’s fill shoeboxes with gifts and love for children around the world; let’s vote for the life of the unborn and vote against Amendment 79, and let’s vote on issues for the protection and safety of children of all ages and for strengthening families; let’s bring meals to those who need them; let’s pray for one another in our struggles and our joys; let’s let our faith be real! And take this week’s What Now? to heart as you consider ways you can do this on a very personal level!
What Now?
Be conscious about opportunities this week to express and live out your faith in real, practical, and tangible ways.
Second, we discovered a typo on this week’s printed Bring It Home devotions. On Friday we have Mark 7:31-17 referenced, but the correct reference is Mark 7:31-37. The emailed devotion has been corrected.
And finally, several weeks ago I asked you to share things you appreciate about Immanuel and I was very humbled and encouraged by the wonderful response to that request. I want to share just a few more things that have come in as further encouragement to all of us as we give thanks to God for the blessing of being part of this amazing ministry and carrying out His mission together!
- I appreciate that everyone we have met so far has been open and honest, friendly, and welcoming. I know how hard that can be when people are so comfortable with each other due to relationships that have existed for many years, but to me the reflection of Jesus from others is very real.
- In my opinion, the Communion Invitation and Explanation given before celebrating the Lord’s Supper is the best I've ever heard. I've heard dozens.
- I think there is a genuine overtone that we are all Broken/Sinful AND forgiven that is missing in too many churches.
- I've led church tech teams for probably 35 years, so it is not lost on me that slides are very well done and advanced in a timely manner that is not distracting. Also, live sound, livestream production, and recordings are really well done. Bravo to the tech team... they're so good I don't even know they are there.
- We’ve lived in 5 states in the first 11 years of our marriage (lots of LCMS churches), and this New Member class is the most comprehensive and useful I've ever seen.
- We LOVE the BRING IT HOME devotions! It seems spiritually productive somehow to sort of review and refresh the sermon day-by-day. We have much at Immanuel to be thankful for already, and we're just getting started! Peace!
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
This Sunday we begin a new fall series that will carry us through to Christ the King Sunday (Thanksgiving weekend). This series is going to look and sound somewhat similar to our short 4-week September series on the church, as we asked what the big deal was about the church. My hope and prayer is that our focus on various aspects of Church was helpful in understanding how important we all are as we live as God’s people and as His Church in these times!
For the rest of the fall, we’re going to play off that 4-week series and we’ll take that question farther and wider, exploring a variety of topics that relate to our faith and life as we follow Jesus. We’ll keep asking, “What’s the Big Deal?” as we look at topics such as faith and works, having an empathetic God, the elections, Truth, Saints, the end times, worship, and Christ as our King. We’ll delve into the importance that these topics have in our lives as followers of Jesus.
On a personal note, Kathy and I want to share our joy with all of you at the birth of our fifth grandchild, Eva Katherine, born on Tuesday night to David and Cassie down in Littleton. Both mom and baby are healthy and well. Thank you to many of you who have been praying for them, in anticipation of Eva’s arrival! Kathy and I had the opportunity to go down to see and hold little Eva (7 pounds 6 ounces, and about 18 inches) on Wednesday morning. We’re thankful for this gift of new life as we celebrate another beautiful gift from God.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:13-17)
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
As we have been in the election process for what feels like a very long time already, there are several things I want to share with you with regard to the elections. First, be praying now for this significant election and for all who are running and up for election across our country, including the presidential election, the races in Congress, and the many state and local elections, especially here in Colorado and in our local communities. Pray for the God of all nations to raise up godly men and women who are truly willing to serve the people of our great country, who are willing to put aside self-centered or even harmful agendas, and who are willing to govern on the foundation of God’s Word of Truth and on Jesus.
Second, if you have not already, I urge you to register to vote. And once you are registered, make sure to vote. Before you cast your vote, pray over not only the many candidates but also the issues before us. Here in Colorado, we have a very anti-biblical and downright nefarious issue that is on the ballot that needs to be defeated. More on that in just a moment. To register, use the QR code here or the following link: https://www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/verifyNewVoter.xhtml. All you need is your driver’s license, ID card number, or Social Security number and your birthdate. It’s simple and I encourage you to be part of the process that makes the United States so unique among countries of the world and, I believe, what makes life in our country so amazing – that each of us has a voice!
There is one issue that is on our state ballot that should be of concern to all of us who are followers of Jesus. Amendment 79, a proposed amendment to our Colorado state constitution, would greatly expand abortion in Colorado, undermine parental rights and notification, and would provide taxpayer funding for abortions. If you want more information on the dangers of this amendment, take a look at this short 3-minute video –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RUCJyZPFFE. For more in-depth information on Amendment 79 you can also go to this website: https://www.righttoknowco.com/.
We have been called by Jesus to salt and light in our world (Matthew 5:13-16). We are here to worship and serve our Savior. We are here to stand on Truth – God’s objective, timeless, and unwavering Truth that we read in His Word. Let’s be the people He’s called us to be – with confidence, with boldness, and for the sake of the Kingdom!
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
REGULAR SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE
Classic Grace Worship - 8:00am
Education Hour for all ages - 9:30am
Contemporary Joy Worship - 10:30am
SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Classic Grace Worship - 8:00am
Outdoor Contemporary Joy Worship - 9:30am
No Education Hour during the Summer
Have questions for us? Ask!
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School
4650 Sunview Drive,
Loveland, CO 80538
(on the corner of Highway 287 and 50th Street)
Church office hours:
Monday - Friday: 8am–4pm
Phone: (970) 667-4506