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

Friends of Immanuel,
I am very excited to share that Immanuel Lutheran School’s Childcare has been voted one of the Best in Loveland, tying for the top spot in the Loveland Reporter-Herald’s community choice awards! This recognition comes from the residents of Loveland—those who know and experience these businesses and individuals best. What a joy to see the love and care our childcare team pours into children and families celebrated in this way! Do you know someone in need of childcare for a child who is one-year-old or older? Refer them to the best childcare in Loveland! You can read the edition here.

I want to recognize, congratulate, and thank Cheryl Gilbert, Immanuel’s Principal, who has been here at Immanuel for 35 years. Cheryl spent the bulk of her years specifically as Immanuel’s Early Childhood Director and one of our main preschool teachers. Cheryl was instrumental in developing and building up Immanuel’s preschool of 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, our excellent childcare ministry (including our exceptional King’s Kids Summer Camp ministry), and most recently, starting Immanuel’s Toddler Care Ministry several years ago. Cheryl’s innovation and leadership and, most of all, her love for the “littles,” is so evident. We would not have these outstanding ministries with young children and their families without Cheryl’s big heart, her huge investment of time and energy, and her amazing gifts and abilities.

If you have the opportunity, thank and congratulate Cheryl on a well-deserved recognition in our Loveland community! And join me in giving thanks to all those who are serving in our childcare ministry, which include Stasi Engleman, Paige Engleman, Susan Foos, Mo Frerichs, Laura Paterson, Amelia Bergman, Cali Gilbert, and Deb Meyer. Spread the word!

Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen

Friends of Immanuel, 

This fall our worship series is Radical Discipleship, looking closely at the truly radical nature of following Jesus. What our Lord expects and calls us to do when He says, “Come, follow Me!,” is so counter-cultural and against the grain of our world, but we often don’t hear it that way. As followers of Jesus, many of us have heard these biblical messages so many times that we don’t even blink because they sound rather commonplace. However, they are anything but commonplace! 

Taking yesterday’s message from 1 Timothy 2, seemingly simple things like prayer (for all people, including “kings and all those in authority”) doesn’t seem radical at all. But when we hear high officials make statements like, “We don’t need thoughts and prayers right now, we need action,” we realize praying for all people is in all situations is pretty radical! 

Or that our Lord desires for “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth,” and that He really does mean ALL people. That’s His heart, His ultimate desire. John 3:16 tells us that Jesus did what He did for the world, that is, all people! A couple verses later in 1 Timothy 2, St. Paul says it again when he writes, “Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” He means it – and how is He going to get His saving message, His love, and the hope He holds out, into the ears and hearts of all people? He’s going to use you and me. We may not change the lives of thousands of people – but I fully believe we have the opportunity to change the life of someone; someone the Lord has put in your life either at your workplace, in your neighborhood, at your school, in your circle of friends and acquaintances, with the teams or recreational activities you enjoy, even strangers with whom you cross paths. It can be a simple act of kindness, a smile, doing or saying something that encourages someone, the offer to pray about a situation. 

These are all acts of Radical Hospitality, which is a significant piece of Immanuel’s Mission and Vision. 

Immanuel’s Mission 

Transform lives by Loving, Learning, and Living in Jesus 

Immanuel’s Vision 

We reveal the love and grace of Jesus to our community by our Radical Hospitality, Transformational Learning, and Fearless Living  

Let’s be bold, courageous, generous, and loving as we look for those opportunities to express our Lord’s Radical Hospitality to those with whom we cross paths. If you weren’t in worship on Sunday, I used this music video of the song “Dream Small” by Josh Wilson to share some examples of Radical Hospitality that he sings about. Here’s the link to take in this beautiful song to encourage all of us to dream small! (This song is also referred to in Wednesday’s Bring It Home devotion by Gail Hein.) Immediately below the link is this week’s What Now? for some additional encouragement for us to live as Jesus’ Radical Disciples! (https://youtu.be/dOBaLrItEyc?feature=shared) 

What Now? 

Follow St. Paul’s lead from 1 Timothy 2: 

1. Pray each day for those in authority that we may live peaceful lives; 
2. Give thanks for the love and hope Jesus brings to your life as your Savior;  
3. Look for opportunities to express Radical Hospitality, showing and sharing Jesus and His love to all people who cross your path. 

Serving together in Christ alone! 

Pastor Glen 

Friends of Immanuel,
We’ve had a couple of intense days here at Immanuel with two of our consultants from Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) here on sight to share their findings and recommendations with us for two of our three studies – our School Study and our Land-Use Study. For all those who were able to come last night to hear from Jonathan and Kristie, thank you for taking the time to be here! For those who weren’t able to come, as well as for those who were here but had a hard time seeing the screens, we did live stream the meeting and, on the live stream, you are able to see all of the screens very clearly. The link to view this is here: https://www.youtube.com/live/fzQub2yecAQ?si=mcI-zMp1bn9aRXIV.

For many of us, it was a bit of a firehose event! There was a lot of information shared by Jonathan and Kristie, which is what we were asking them for – information about the survey that was taken, demographic information, information about our area schools, and information from developers and our appropriate city departments regarding our land. I found all of that information interesting and very helpful.

I also appreciated the many recommendations they offered. I’m still needing more time to process many of those recommendations but as I listened last night and took it all in, there is certainly plenty that we need to be praying about, seriously taking into consideration, and having more discussion over – as leaders, as staff, as congregational members, and all of us together. Please keep our Executive Council, Board of Christian Day School, and Finance Team all in your prayers as together we start processing these final reports. They will be shared once the leadership has opportunity to look these over and develop a plan to how best discuss the various recommendations.

If you have comments or questions, you can direct those to our congregational president, Shawn York, at ECchair@ImmanuelLoveland.org.

I am thankful to be part of the Lord’s ministry here at Immanuel and I’m truly honored to be able to serve as your pastor. I’m excited to see what this new chapter holds for us and how God is going to work in us and through us to further His Kingdom and to carry out the Mission and Vision He has laid before us!

Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen

Friends of Immanuel, 

As we are now into our fall series, Radical Discipleship, I want to reiterate some of what I’m praying this series will bring to the forefront for all of us as followers of Jesus.   

There are a number of you who have taken exception with the title of this series, particularly using the word “radical.” I appreciate those of you who have shared with me your difficulty with this word. Allow me to express a bit more of why I chose this word for our series and, at the heart of the word and of our following Jesus, why it’s important that we use it. 

Here’s what we have from the dictionary: 

rad·i·cal 

/ˈradək(ə)l/ 

adjective 

1. (especially of change or action) relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough. “a radical overhaul of the existing regulatory framework” 
2. advocating or based on thorough or complete political or social change; representing or supporting an extreme or progressive section of a political party. 

The challenge for all of us, I believe, is the hardcore nature of following Jesus. We are blessed to live in a country where we are free, where we are, generally speaking, safe, and where life is relatively easy. Multiple times Jesus Himself speaks to how difficult it is to follow Him – that we are going to have to make hard calls, difficult decisions, and sacrificial choices in order to be “all in” for Jesus. We are being called, from the definition of “radical,” to change, perhaps even dramatically, our way of thinking, our way of talking, our way of living, to more closely align with Jesus. And this can be hard for us who live in relative ease in our western culture. 

Don’t get hung up on the second definition of radical, as Radical Discipleship, as we read it in God’s Word, is not about politics or mere social change. It is, as the Lord tells us over and over again in His Word, about changing our hearts and our minds. He calls us to transform our minds, our ways of thinking, from the ways of the world, which is under the influence of the devil, to His ways (Romans 12:2); that we continually seek His will for our lives (which I’ll be speaking about in next Sunday’s sermon), His will which is good, pleasing, and perfect. 

The radical nature of discipleship, or following Jesus, is that we are called to be “all in” in every regard. There are changes and transformations that need to happen in every one of us, in our hearts, in our minds, and in our lives, because we are all sinful and broken people. Is this easy? No. Is this necessary? Absolutely – and continually. We are sinful people striving to follow our Savior, our Creator, our Lord and King. We are not perfect, nor will we ever be. But as people who know Jesus and who put our full trust, faith, and confidence in Him and His victorious work accomplished for us on the cross and through the empty tomb, in our sanctified life, we continue to fight the good fight, living under His grace and forgiveness, striving to do and be all that the Lord has commanded us, following Him and His ways, and not the ways of our world. 

God’s Word speaks Truth – truths that are, at times, completely counter to what our culture and our world are telling us – and we have to choose which voices we’re going to listen to. The Lord is clear when it comes to how we are to live out His Truth, as He inspired St. Paul to write in his letter to the Ephesian church (4:14-16), “14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” We speak and share God’s counter-cultural Truth in bold but loving ways. Radical? Very much so! 

Even the “simple” message of God’s grace is radical when compared to the world’s standards. The world tells us that there is no free ride. But God’s grace is free, a gift that we can find nowhere else but in Jesus – a gift given in baptism and through the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds. Over and over again the message of Jesus is, by its very nature, radical and transformative. He loves us so much that He wants us to be “all in” with Him, to trust Him and His Word when it comes to living life as He designed it – which He designed in the way He knows is best. He’s given us the commands and directives because He wants to help us to be healthy and free and enjoy this life He’s given us. 

With the Holy Spirit leading the way, let’s embrace the radical nature of discipleship to which we’ve been called to live. Let’s share with others Jesus’ message of Truth, of love, of life, and of real hope, in the bold and loving ways that Jesus has shown to us. 

In case you missed it, here is this week’s What Now? for you to consider and put into practice in your life: 

What Now? 

Take the mission seriously, starting this week! Be bold in your relationships and look for ways to lovingly and winsomely open doors to talking about Jesus and the difference He makes in your life. Pray about and extend invitations to worship or studies or our school or upcoming events. 

Serving together in Christ alone! 

Pastor Glen 

Friends of Immanuel,
The violence from yesterday with the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the school shooting at Evergreen High School here in Colorado, today the remembrance of the nearly 3000 people who lost their lives on September 11^th, 2001, the school shooting on August 27^th in MN, the fatal stabbing in NC on August 22^nd… the heaviness has been palpable since early afternoon on Wednesday, the weight of all this recent violence catching up with so many of us. What do we do with all this?

I’m going to lean in on Charlie Kirk and the example he has left us. If you don’t know him, I encourage you to Google him for more information. He was a young man (31-years-old) who spent his too-short adult life actively speaking out in the political realm about politics and social issues. He was a conservative voice, a strong Christian, a man who shared his faith regularly and boldly with friends and family, on social media, in his speaking engagements, and through the organization he started.

Charlie is best known as a man who travelled around the country speaking on college campuses to audiences of thousands of young adults, in a debate-style format, inviting any and all questions that these young people had about the political and social issues of the day. Charlie was extremely intelligent, winsome and conversant with the issues of the day, and someone who spoke the Truth in love, as the Lord commands us in Ephesians 4:15. His “conversations” at the many campus events were not judgmental or a speaking-down to those with whom he engaged, yet he spoke biblical truth in bold, honest, and loving ways. Because of this style and being the person God made him to be, he has attracted a major following, especially of young people, particularly of young men. I believe Charlie was at least one piece of the reason we’re seeing the rise in young men, and young people in general, returning to church, to faith, to family, to Jesus, and seriously exploring why these things matter when it comes to living our lives.

Charlie was a hero of faith for our times. His voice and the person he was will certainly be missed, especially by his wife and his two daughters (1 and 3). But his influence has been felt and, I pray, will continue to have a powerful impact on many others for generations to come.

To the question, “What do we do with all this?” Charlie was a man of faith who encouraged others by sharing Scripture passages, by living his faith, speaking God’s Truth in bold and winsome ways. What I believe we are called to do with all that we’re experiencing right now is to stand firmly on Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no one comes to the Father but through Jesus (John 14:6). He invites us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28). He tells us to be still and know, remember, and be assured that He is God (Psalm 46:10). He reminds us that the devil is real and his influence is powerful in this world, prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone, anyone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). In spite of the devil’s reality, the Lord’s call to us is to “resist him (the devil), standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering” (1 Peter 5:9). Similarly, Jesus reminded us before He went to the cross that in this world we’re going to have trouble, even as believers in Jesus, but that we can take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33) through His victory over sin, death, and the devil, by His sacrificial death on the cross and His victorious resurrection from the dead on that first Easter morning. While we may not understand all that is happening, the Lord assures us that He will work out all things for good to those who love him and that nothing in this created world, even death itself, can separate us from the love we know in Jesus (Romans 8:28-39). We have our Lord’s promise of His faithfulness and ongoing presence and help in our lives, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

What do we do with all this? Come running back to our Lord and Savior Jesus. He is our hope, our help, our Savior. Gather with others in worship, taking to heart our Lord’s encouragement to praise Him in every situation (found throughout the psalms and Philippians 4:4-9), as we sing together, hear God’s Word, confess our brokenness, seek His grace and forgiveness, and remember His promises – together!

We are in a battle, my friends, and as Luther wrote in his powerful Reformation hymn, “A Mighty Fortress,” we know that Jesus has won this battle for us. But fight we must. Luther wrote, “Though hordes of devils fill the land all threat’ning to devour us, we tremble not, unmoved we stand; they cannot overpow’r us. Let this world’s tyrant rage; in battle we’ll engage. His might is doomed to fail; God’s judgment must prevail! One little word subdues him… the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever.” Let’s stand strong together as followers of Jesus against all the evils of our world, standing boldly and courageously on the Truth of God’s Word in Jesus, speaking and living that Truth in love for all to hear.

Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen

Friends of Immanuel,

Wow, what a day yesterday was!! Walking in the doors on Sunday morning, you couldn’t help but get the sense that there was something exciting happening. With the atrium filled with tables and displays and descriptions of ministries, Bible studies, small groups, fun activities, opportunities to serve, and more, multiple people told me that it was almost overwhelming to see everything that is happening here at Immanuel – and then they smiled and told me how great this is and how they’ve never seen anything like this! Way to go, Pastor Robin, for your leadership and vision of making all this happen! And way to go, all of you ministry leaders who decorated and manned your tables, engaged in conversations, and practiced Radical Hospitality in a beautiful way!

What a joy it was to celebrate with Miss Emma as she was commissioned and installed as Immanuel’s Director of Chrisitan Education (DCE). I appreciate those who were willing to serve as congregational representatives to speak God’s Word over her in the blessing and laying on of hands. I’m excited to see the many ways God is going to continue to work in Emma’s life and how He will be using her, along with all of us, to carry out His mission, share His love, and to spread His message of hope and life!

Miss Emma’s dad, Pastor Scott, did an amazing job of preaching yesterday, sharing God’s Word with us in a very real and practical way, and kicking off our new fall series, Radical Discipleship. He did a great job of laying the groundwork for us and what we will be exploring throughout the fall when it comes to our following Jesus. I had to smile as he shared with me after worship that a number of you complimented him on his sermon but told him that I was your favorite pastor! He and I both got a big laugh out of that! It is truly a privilege to me that I get to be here as your pastor and serve together with all of you in this place and time!

There is more to come! I want to put in front of all of you next Sunday’s Vision Casting event that will take place during the Education Hour on September 14^th, starting at 9:30am in the sanctuary. Miss Emma, Pastor Robin, and I will be sharing more of what’s coming this year as we look to carry out the mission the Lord has given us as His people. I hope all of you can be here and be part of the excitement as we prayerfully and purposefully step into this new season to serve our Savior together, furthering His Kingdom, and sharing His love in every way possible!

Related to the mission we’ve been given, I know that a good number of you are interested in joining me in my next Immanuel 101 class. That will start on Sunday, September 21^st during the Education Hour (9:30-10:20). It’s a great opportunity to invite someone to come and find out more about who we are at Immanuel, including what we believe and teach and what drives us to be who we are and do what we do. I encourage you to invite others who may have an interest and plan on sitting with them in the class (for a refresher for yourself!). Send me a quick email if you’re interested in joining me for the fall Immanuel 101 class!

Thanks for being here and be part of the fun and exciting work the Lord is doing in us, among us, and through us here in northern Colorado!

Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen