- Holy Week began last Sunday, March 24 with Palm Sunday, see schedule below
- Friday, April 5—4:00pm, 45 Faith Friday; 6:00pm, 678 Faith Friday
- Wednesday, April 10—Family Night @ Immanuel
- Friday, April 12—March for Life, Colorado State Capitol Building (see schedule above)
- Thursday, April 18, 10:00am—Estate Planning Seminar
- Sunday, April 21—2:00pm, Youth Day at the Colorado Eagles
“Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum where we get our English word “mandate.” Among many other things, what Jesus gave to His disciples (and to us!) in the Upper Room on that Thursday evening was a new command or mandate. Jesus said (John 13:34-35), “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
It was also on that night that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. Jesus and His disciples were in the Upper Room celebrating the Passover meal – a meal that foreshadowed all that Jesus had come to do in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Jesus transformed the Passover meal into what He intended it to ultimately be, our weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
There was much more that went on, some of which we’ll be talking about in our Maundy Thursday worship services. Those services are at 1:00pm and 7:00pm. We’ll celebrate the Lord’s Supper at both services and there will be the Stripping of the Altar at the end of the 7:00pm service. That is part of the preparation or transition into Good Friday, as Jesus and His disciples headed out from the Upper Room to the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus would be betrayed and arrested.
The following day we will observe Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, with worship services at 1:00pm and 7:00pm. Both worship services are identical with the exception of the music – the 7:00pm service includes an instrumental ensemble accompanying the singing, as well as participation by the Chancel Choir. Both services focus on the events of the death of our Savior using various Psalms, the account of the events of that day from the Gospel of Matthew, pictures from The Passion of the Christ that accompany the Scripture readings, and dimming of the lights throughout the service until total darkness.
All are welcome at these worship services as we continue to follow our Lord through these powerful days as Jesus looked to complete the mission for which He came – to bring life, hope, and restoration to our world! I hope you can join me and many others over these next two days as we join Christians around the world in our observance of these events. If you’re not able to be here in person, the 7:00pm services on both Thursday and Friday will be live streamed which can be found on Immanuel’s website (www.ImmanuelLoveland.org).
Below are the Scripture readings if you want to take a look at them ahead of Maundy Thursday worship.
March 28th – Maundy Thursday
Lent Series: The Psalms: A Book of Honest Emotions
Old Testament: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Sermon Title: “Psalm 116: The Cup of Salvation”
Thursday, March 28 – Maundy Thursday – focus on the events in the Upper Room on the night Jesus would later be betrayed, includes the celebration of the Lord’s Supper in both services, and Stripping of the Altar at the end of the 7:00pm service.
1:00pm worship with the Lord’s Supper
7:00pm (live streamed) worship with the Lord’s Supper and Stripping of the Altar
Friday, March 29 – Good Friday – focus on the death of our Savior using various Psalms, the account of the events of that day from the Gospel of Matthew, pictures from The Passion of the Christ that accompany the Scripture readings, dimming of the lights throughout the service until total darkness.
1:00pm Tenebrae Worship Service
7:00pm (live streamed) Tenebrae Worship Service
Sunday, March 31 – Easter
6:00am – Sonrise Easter Worship (live streamed) – with Lord’s Supper
7:00am – Easter Pancake Breakfast
8:00am – Classic Grace Easter Worship (live streamed) – with handbell choir, instrumental ensemble, vocal choir, and the Lord’s Supper
9:15am – Easter Pancake Breakfast
9:45am – Children’s Easter Egg Hunt – meet under the pergola on the west lawn
10:30am – Contemporary Joy Easter Worship (live streamed) – with worship team, instrumental ensemble, and the Lord’s Supper
On Good Friday, March 29th, Church Office Hours will be 8:00am-2:00pm. Church and School offices will be closed on Easter Monday, April 1st.
March for Life is coming to Colorado! The March will take place on Friday, April 12th at the Colorado State Capitol Building, 200 E. Colfax Ave, Denver. The Rally is at 11:00am and the March itself will be at 12:00pm. There is an LCMS Prayer Service planned to take place near the capitol building at 10:15am. Look for the “LCMS” and “Lutherans for Life” banners. Please plan to attend and register at https://rm.lcms.org/2024-colorado-march-for-life/. For more information contact Deaconess Sara Smith, DistrictLifeCoordinator@gmail.com or call/text her at 513-509-8108.
There is Bus Transportation available! There will be a bus from the North that will leave from Faith Lutheran Church, 3999 E. State Hwy 60 in Johnstown at 8:30am. If you wish to ride the bus, you must register on the Rocky Mountain District website, https://rm.lcms.org/2024-colorado-march-for-life/. The deadline to reserve a seat on a bus is Friday, March 29th.
- Irma Bartz, in memory of her husband, Woldemar
- The Bianco Family, in loving memory of Kathy Hamilton
- Jeff & Jacky Deaner, in loving memory of Carol Deaner, Peg Deaner & Annabelle Dunning
- Dennis & Linda Frerichs, in loving memory of David Borgelt (father of Linda Frerichs) and Robert & Juanita Frerichs (parents of Dennis, Rhonda, and Marla Frerichs)
- Dale & Deb Hartman, in loving memory of their daughter, Jamie
- Tim & Peggy Hovda, to the glory of God
- Eva Knight, to the glory of God
- Ron & Linda Larson, in loving memory of Elnora Larson and John & Betty Thayer
- Annette Lewis, in loving memory of her husband, John
- Sandy Pratt, in loving memory of her husband, Jim
- Pastor Glen & Kathy, in celebration of their newest granddaughter, Emerson Chloe
- The Semanko Family, in loving memory of Rev. Roger & Sonja Leonhardt and Clarence & Janice Semanko
- Mitch & Lorinda Semanko, in celebration of their children, sons-in-law, and grandchildren
- Tam Small, in loving memory of Trina Trussel
- Annemarie Stollstheimer, in thanksgiving for her brother, Adam Herzag
- Greg Vibber & Cindy Eversole, in loving memory of their parents, Dr. Larry & Joan Vibber and Don & Cathy Groves
- Mike & Jeanne Zsolczai, in loving memory of Mae Zsolczai and Marlene McLean
The Easter breakfast supports our Youth Ministry and our High School Summer Mission Trip. This summer our youth will be traveling to Missouri and Arkansas for a time of faith building and service work. There are still a few items needed for the Easter Breakfast, and if you would like to support our Youth, please consider donating one or more items to help us finish our shopping list. You can view the list and sign up for items in the atrium or online here: https://signup.com/go/YWXhDAy All items need to be brought in by Good Friday, March 29th. If you have any questions, please contact Marcus Howard at mhoward@immanuelloveland.org or 727-459-7026. Thank you for your supporting our Youth!
This Sunday Jacob Brown will receive his first communion during the 8:00 service. We celebrate with Jacob and his family as he receives his first communion and continues this amazing journey of faith and life in Jesus!
This Easter we would like to get everyone’s picture! Ambitious? Perhaps, but it would be great to have pictures of everyone connected to Immanuel in our Church Community Builder (CCB) database. Easter Sunday morning, we’ll have a photo booth set up near the main entrance where you can step up in your “Easter best” and we’ll get your picture. You can stop by before or after worship or before or after Easter breakfast. CCB serves as our Picture Directory, including not only pictures but also contact information if you’re trying to get in touch with someone. No one outside Immanuel has access to CCB – it’s protected and safe!
If you’d prefer to send in a picture, you’re welcome to do that, too! Send your individual and family pictures to churchoffice@immanuelloveland.org! You can even upload a picture yourself! Don’t know how to access your CCB account or if you aren’t sure how to do any of this, rest assured, we’re here to help! Simply call the church office or send an email (970-667-4506) and anyone here would be happy to help. Thanks for helping us make CCB as complete and helpful a directory as we can make it!
A beloved Easter tradition at Immanuel is the fresh flower cross, the first thing one sees when entering the atrium Easter Sunday morning. This 7’ cross has mesh around it, allowing those coming to worship to add their own fresh flowers. Please plan to bring a few fresh flowers with you on Easter Sunday to add to the cross, a visual display of new life and beauty!
Immanuel is partnering with Lutheran World Relief to provide Personal Care Kits which are shipped around the world to people in need. Items included in a Personal Care Kit include a light-weight bath-size towel (between 20” x 40” and 52” x 27”, dark color recommended), two 8-9 oz. bath-size bars of soap in original wrapping, adult-size toothbrush, sturdy comb, and metal nail clippers. You are invited to bring in any of these items through the end of March and our Immanuel Lutheran School students will assemble and pack the kits in the month of April.
Are you a Thrivent Member? If so, it’s time to designate your Thrivent Choice Dollars. Through Thrivent Choice Dollars, Thrivent members can direct those Choice Dollars to Immanuel’s ministries, in either the church or the school. Let’s take advantage of these “free” dollars from Thrivent for the Lord’s ministry. The deadline to designate your choice dollars is March 31st. If you have questions, feel free to contact Beth in the church office (ChurchOffice@ImmanuelLoveland.org). You can also direct your attention to this information from Thrivent: https://www.thrivent.com/making-a-difference/files/28339A.pdf
I (Pastor Glen) received this information from our LCMS District Life Coordinator, Deaconess Sara Smith, about an important Colorado initiative. Here is the letter she shared, which contains important information on how to be involved.
Dear Church Leader,
You are invited to join efforts with leaders and pastors across Colorado to protect children from mutilation and intentional deaths beginning at conception until adulthood. The "Equal Protections of Children" Initiative (#81) is written to educate voters on the humanity of children and our responsibility to protect them. Once passed, this initiative will save thousands of children's lives before the next election cycle. Empowering local communities and neighborhoods to close facilities and dispensaries that intentionally mutilate or take the lives of children, the initiative applies Colorado statutes fairly to protect all children beginning at conception. We are asking life-affirming churches to announce to the congregation and sign our Official Paper Petitions to churchgoers for in-person signatures to get onto the Colorado ballot this November.
Deadline to return filled petitions is March 31st. The full text of the initiative and locations for where to sign a petition can be found at https://www.gotaheart.org/text
Please join in praying for these efforts to protect our children, inform those around you, and encourage churchgoers to vote For Life!
Baptism is an amazing gift God has given to us. That’s why it’s such a joy to be able to celebrate baptisms during worship on Sunday mornings, whether it’s a baby, children, youth, or adults. Kennedy and Avery Rodden were baptized yesterday in worship during the 10:30 service. Along with their parents, Matt and Sarah, they have been part of our school family for a number of years now. They’ve recently joined Immanuel and now, the girls’ grandparents and godparents, Ken and Debbie Yergler, are in my current Immanuel 101 class. Join me in giving thanks to God for the work He is doing in so many hearts and lives and families and individuals! Enjoy some pictures of Kennedy and Avery and their family.
Sunday, March 24th, Abby Freitag received her first communion. We celebrate with Abby and her family as she received her first communion and continues this amazing journey of faith and life in Jesus! For her first communion, Abby received a glass individual communion cup from which she drank the wine as a remembrance of this special day. Praise God for His ongoing work in the hearts and lives of His people here at Immanuel, young and old! Here’s a picture of Abby and her family – her mom Bethany and her grandparents Mark and Patty.
Kathy and I (Pastor Glen), want to express our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the last number of weeks for our son Jonathan and his wife Leah through their pregnancy. We offer our thanks and praise to God for the healthy birth of our newest grandchild, Emerson Chloe, born early Saturday, March 23rd in Parker. We are so blessed with our fourth grandchild and the first who is just over an hour away! Emerson was 8 pounds 5 ounces and 22 inches when she was born. We’re looking forward to celebrating her baptism on Sunday, April 7th at Jonathan and Leah’s congregation, Peace With Christ Lutheran in Aurora. Thank you again for sharing in our joy!
Join in the learning and in the fun with many opportunities during the Education Hour on Sunday mornings between worship services from 9:30am-10:20am. Below is a list of what’s being offered for all ages. Questions? Adult classes, email Pastor Robin rdugall@immanuelloveland.org; children’s ministries, contact Miss Martha (mharkins@immanuelloveland.org); Middle and High School, contact Mr. Marcus (mhoward@immanuelloveland.org or 727-459-7026).
Adult Classes:
- The Holy Spirit and the Doctrine of Salvation: How Does God Work in My Life? (Theology 102 Soteriology) – Rev. Dr. Ed Seely (room #36 – LWML Room). Contact Pastor Seely with questions (eds3456@gmail.com). For those already in the class, Pastor Ed asks that you prepare for class this week by reviewing the following PowerPoint presentation (click on the following link) – Salvation and The Holy Spirit: How Does God Work in My Life (Soteriology and Pneumatology): An 8-Week Course. This link is to the page on which the PowerPoint is located. Look for the Title of the class on the page and click on it.
- The Gospel of Luke – Pastor Robin (room #206) – this class is open to all! Contact Pastor Robin if you have questions (rdugall@immanuelloveland.org).
- Immanuel 101 – Pastor Glen (room #112) – Contact Pastor Glen with questions (gschlecht@ImmanuelLoveland.org).
Sunday School for Kids:
- Infant/Toddler Class: Room 110, with music, a Bible story, and time to play.
- Sunday School Opening: All Preschool-4th Graders start in Room 113 for opening. After Opening, children go to their age-appropriate classes as follows:
- Preschool Class: Room 109, 3-, 4-, & 5-year-olds, a Bible story, craft, snack, and play.
- Kindergarten-2nd Grade Class: Room 108, Kindergarten through 2nd Graders, a Bible story, game, craft, and snack.
- 3rd-4th Grade Class: Room 113, 3rd and 4th Graders Bible story, game, activity, craft, and snack.
- Bridge56: Room 204, 5th and 6th graders
Sunday School for Middle School and High School Youth:
- Middle School Confirmation – 7th grade Room 202; 8th grade Room 203
- High School Youth – Youth Room (Room 201)
Immanuel has two Monday-Friday custodial positions open at Immanuel, one from 6:00-8:00am and another second from 3:00-7:00pm. Full job descriptions can be found at www.immanuelloveland.org. Resumes can be sent to Hiring@ImmanuelLoveland.org, or call Immanuel (970-667-4506) and ask to speak with Jake Hollen, Immanuel’s Director of Facilities. Thanks for your help in filling this important ministry need!
- Third Grade Teacher. Immanuel Lutheran School is accepting names and resumes of both synodically trained teachers (preferred) as well as non-synodically trained teachers who are either living in the NO CO area or willing to relocate for a full-time teaching position for the 2024-2025 academic year. Resumes for a third-grade teacher are currently being accepted and should be sent to Cheryl Gilbert, our Immanuel Lutheran School Principal: cgilbert@immanuelloveland.org.
- Part-Time Middle School Teacher and Part-Time K-8 Spanish Teacher. Immanuel Lutheran School is also accepting applications for a part-time middle school teacher for 10-15 hours a week as well as a part-time K-8 Spanish teacher for 8-10 hours a week. If interested, please send your resume to Cheryl Gilbert, our Immanuel Lutheran School Principal: cgilbert@immanuelloveland.org.
- Part-Time Ground and Custodial. We have an opening for a new part-time position with grounds and custodial work that is needed. A full job description can be found on Immanuel’s website (www.ImmanuelLoveland.org). Here is a brief overview: This position is responsible for ensuring that Immanuel’s facility is ready for opening from day to day. This means that the sidewalks and doorways are clear of snow and ice during inclement weather. On other days, ensuring the bathrooms are cleaned and stocked. This position is a part-time position of eighteen to twenty hours a week, starting at 6:00am, Monday through Friday. If you or someone you know would be interested, resumes can be sent to Hiring@ImmanuelLoveland.org.
We are currently very shorthanded with the daily custodial/cleaning needs of our facility. Until we are able to hire the two open part-time positions, we are looking for volunteers who can give even an hour or two a day or a few hours each week to help make sure classrooms get vacuumed and desks get wiped down. If you can lend a hand with this, thank you! Contact Jake Hollen, Immanuel’s Facilities Director (jhollen@ImmanuelLoveland.org) or call the church office (970-667-4506).
A week from Tuesday, on April 2nd, the director of House of Neighborly Service will personally provide a tour for Immanuel’s Young At Hearts group, taking the group through each part of the Life Center building, explaining the twenty-plus agencies available there for the multiple needs of our community. For those interested, meet at the Life Center (1511 E. 11th Street, Loveland) at 1:00pm. Park in the large lot on the west side of the building, and walk into the main door facing west. We’ll assemble there in the large entry room. For the sake of the time we are taking from the director, we need to hear from at least 8 people who would be able to come. Please let Jim Found know by Saturday, March 30th (inquirer.jim@gmail.com, 970-663-5490).
There is a new Small Group for moms that will be studying and sharing the book and video series by Tony Evans, “Raising Kingdom Kids.” “Raising Kingdom Kids” equips parents to raise their children with a Kingdom perspective and also offers practical how-to advice on providing spiritual training as instructed in Scripture. Dr. Tony Evans begins with an overarching look at the need for Kingdom parenting, our roles and responsibilities in raising God-following children, and how to prepare children to take on the assignments God has for their lives. He then takes a practical turn, with examples and illustrations to help parents understand and provide specific training for kids in the power of prayer, wisdom, loving God’s Word, getting through trials, controlling their tongues, developing patience, the surrender of service, and much more. This study will be great for moms who want to fulfill the parenting role God has given them – not just in raising healthy kids intellectually, physically, and socially, but in contributing to their child’s relationship with God and alignment under His plan. There will be a 20-minute video and the group will be following a participants guide ($10 on Amazon). The group will be gathering at Immanuel, room #112, from 6:00pm-7:00pm on Wednesdays from April 3rd through May 8th. Questions? Contact Rachel Holstad (Group leader) rachelleena@hotmail.com.
Due to unforeseen issues with streaming and releasing the newest season, season 4 of The Chosen, the producers are making this season available for viewing to churches. There will be two episodes released every other week. Pastor Robin and Vicky are hosting these viewings in Immanuel’s Movie Room (room 36) beginning TONIGHT, Thursday, March 21st. The doors will open at 6:00pm and we will begin the showing of two episodes at 6:30pm. Each episode is roughly 45 minutes in length. There are no signups needed to attend! Bring some refreshments and come and see the newest season of The Chosen. Here’s the schedule for this special presentation:
- Thursday, April 4th – Episodes 3 and 4
- Thursday, April 18th – Episodes 5 and 6
- Thursday, May 2nd – Episodes 7 and 8
Sex and sexuality are among the most intimidating conversation topics for most families, yet they’re also some of the most important conversations we can have. Foundations Church invites parents of all ages, as well as Middle School and High School students, to the Parenting and Sexuality Discussion to explore how these conversations can be faithful to Scripture and helpful for families. Dr. Preston Sprinkle will be leading this event. This important event will take place on Friday, April 5th starting at 7:00pm at Foundations Church. There is a $15 cost and registration is required. Check out the following link for more information on the event and on Dr. Sprinkle: https://foundations.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2147927
Our youth team was able to secure a new date with the Colorado Eagles for our trip to the hockey game. We will now be going to the game on Sunday afternoon of April 21st, 2024. Youth in grades 6-12 (and their friends) are invited to join us for this event. We will meet at Immanuel at 2:00pm for a time of devotions and then head to the game to be ready for the 3:05pm puck drop. Tickets for this event are limited, so please sign-up ASAP. Sign-ups will close on Sunday, April 7th. Each participant will need to bring $20 for their ticket, plus any extra money you would like for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, etc. If you have any questions, please contact Marcus Howard at mhoward@immanuelloveland.org or 727-459-7026. To sign up today, click here: https://signup.com/go/BHuMiaM
On Thursday, April 18th, a will and estate planning seminar will be offered at Immanuel: “Estate Planning: A Christian Perspective on Planning for the Future.” This seminar will take place at 10:00am in Immanuel’s sanctuary. This free seminar will be presented by Nolan Wittrock, an Immanuel member and attorney whose law practice focuses on estate planning. No registration is required.
Who Should Attend? Everyone! Estate planning is something every adult needs regardless of age or situation in life. Planning your estate involves exercising stewardship and organizing your assets in the event of your death or incapacity. It includes not only distributing property when you die, but also making choices about minor children and preparing for financial and medical decisions if you are unable to do so yourself. God calls us to be good stewards of the earthly possessions He has provided. As Christians, it is important to plan our estate in a way that honors God and furthers His kingdom in this world.
The “Experiencing God – Knowing and Doing God’s Will” study will be led by Pastor Greg and Lindy Hafeman at their home in Windsor. This study explores the Biblical truth that God is at work around us and invites us to join Him. The group will learn more and share together how our gracious God invites us to experience Him in an intimate relationship through which He reveals His will, His ways, and His work. The group will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month beginning Thursday, May 9th (from 6:45pm-8:15pm) at the Hafeman’s home (1440 Grand Ave., Windsor, CO). Registration is required because the group is being capped at 10 people. To sign up, email Pastor Greg and Lindy (greg_hafeman@comcast.net) or stop by the Information Station before or after Sunday worship if you are interested in being a part of this new small group experience!
Check out the Vacation Bible School (VBS) table in the atrium to pick up donation tag(s) to help provide snacks, supplies, gift cards, and monetary support. One of the best ways to donate is through the purchase of gift cards, which is a great opportunity to purchase RaiseRight gift cards from the Church Office and double your support for Immanuel! If you’ve got any questions, contact Scuba Martha (mharkins@ImmanuelLoveland.org)!
Giving Statements for 2023 are now available and were placed in your church mailbox. In addition, you can access your giving statement directly by logging into your Church Community Builder (CCB) account and following the steps below:
- Log in to CCB HERE
- The giving statement is located on the left column under “My Giving”
- Select “Giving Statement” and “Custom Data Range”
- Change the date to Jan. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023
- Select “Run Report”
- The report will generate a pdf
If you have any questions about your 2023 Giving Statement or having trouble accessing your CCB account, please contact the church office (churchoffice@immanuelloveland.org (970) 667-4506).
The date has been set for this summer’s family camping: June 12-15, 2024. That is the week just before Vacation Bible School. These dates include weekdays and the weekend, so that people who are working M-F can be included. We will be camping at Vedauwoo (30 minutes west of Cheyenne), since it does not require reservations, and has overflow spaces in case the formal campground gets full. There are no hookups. Those who just drive up for the day are also welcome. Please let Jim and Sue Found know if you are interested or want more information (cell 970-663-5490, inquirer.jim@gmail.com).
Register here today: https://vbspro.events/p/events/ilcs2024
We are still in need of a new congregational Treasurer. This is a volunteer position. The person should have some reasonable accounting and finance experience in such things as reading financial statements, banking relationships, loan management and budgets. The Treasurer is a member of our Executive Council. If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact Greg Northrup, Executive Council President (gregnorthrup@yahoo.com).
If so, you can help Immanuel with service projects, fundraisers, educational events, and more, up to $500 every single calendar year! The Thrivent Action Team program allows each Thrivent member to apply for a $250 grant twice each year. Many individuals have already applied for and received a grant in 2023. 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. Please email churchoffice@immanuelloveland.org if you are a Thrivent member to be sure we have your name on the list and so we can keep you informed on opportunities to use your available grant money! More information about the program is available at: Thrivent Action Team or by calling your Thrivent rep.
Do you or someone you know have children? Have you ever considered what a powerful gift a Christian education could be? To give your child not only a solid academic education but to have your child immersed in Jesus and His love while that’s happening is a gift that can have a lasting and even eternal impact. Enrollment for next year is underway for preschool through high school, as well as current openings in our toddler program!
For families who are looking for a solid alternative to public education, you can have confidence that what is taught here at Immanuel, both formally and informally, is solid, Bible-based, and Christ-centered! This is a place of grace and love. Our entire staff is amazing – they love Jesus, they love children, and they love teaching.
If you or someone you know is interested in exploring the possibility of enrolling your child at Immanuel Lutheran School or would like more information, contact the school office or Cheryl Gilbert, our school Principal (schooloffice@ImmanuelLoveland.org, 970-667-4506, cgilbert@ImmanuelLoveland.org). They would be delighted to answer your questions, set up a tour, or share more about how a Christian education can make a lasting difference in the life of your child.
We are enrolling for all grades, including preschool and toddler, for the 2024-2025 academic year. 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. Spread the word about our amazing, Christ-centered school!
Beginning last month, our Information Station at Immanuel has been STAFFED weekly. Pastor Robin has been at the Information Station before and after each worship service answering questions and putting information into anyone’s hands about the plethora of ministries in our congregation as well as joining our greeters in creating a welcoming environment for our growing worshipping community. On Sunday mornings, our Information Station is “ground zero” for welcoming our first time or long-time guests, getting people signed up for Pastor Glen’s email updates, answering questions, sharing the contact information of ministry leaders, etc. Pastor Robin is still looking for some individuals who have “hospitality” spiritual gifts and who’d like to see people connect with each other and Immanuel’s various ministries, to help at the Information Station. For anyone who would like to be a part of this new ministry, Pastor Robin will be providing a training session in November that will give an overview of all that’s happening around Immanuel. If interested, contact Pastor Robin (rdugall@immanuelloveland.org).
In the Sunday morning Grief class, Pastor Glen talked briefly about Immanuel’s Columbarium – did you know we had one at Immanuel? A columbarium is a place where ashes of a deceased loved one can be placed. Our columbarium is on the northeast corner of our parking lot. The columbarium was in the works for many, many years and was finally completed in November 2020. A variety of people at Immanuel helped make this a reality but most all of them have moved away and are no longer here. Jerry Austin was the “work-horse” in making the final push to get it done and Jerry is the one who is continuing to take care of the details related to upkeep and promotion of our columbarium – thank you, Jerry!
We are looking for a couple of people who may be interested in being part of the Columbarium Team along with Jerry. Several of the niches are currently in use and a few more have been committed. Policies are in place to administer the program so there is not a lot of ongoing work needed. The Team would simply provide information to support requests to reserve a niche or when a death occurs, to support needs of the family regarding the urn or box size and then coordinate the engraving of the granite cover. Future site development includes plants, irrigation, and more sandstone walking surfaces that can be engraved be placed south of the current paved perimeter. Funds are on hand to begin this work. The Team volunteers are not expected to physically do the work but help plan improvements. If you’re interested in being part of this team or if you have questions about it, contact Jerry Austin at johnpatrick2@yahoo.com or 970-686-5939 (landline, no texts). Below is some basic information and additional comments on Immanuel’s columbarium.
Basic Prices
Cost of 1-person niche (niches 1-9) – $1,000 at time of registration (or $1,100 later).
Cost of 2-person niche (niches 10-45) – $1,800 at time of registration (or $2,000 later).
Engraving of granite is included, once for single niche and twice for two-person niche.
Other Expenses Not in Basic Niche Price
Metal urn – $100 to $150 depending on selection chosen
Engraved Mahogany Wooden Urn (we have this in stock) - $60, Engraved
Additional Comments
The niche prices, which apply to all niches, were set based on the Phase 1 costs of the foundation, approach sidewalk, perimeter sidewalks and the granite columbarium itself. They are in line with Loveland area costs. The cost of engraving the granite faces which is included now, may need to increase at some point. To provide a pleasing Columbarium appearance, the general layout and fonts used for names and dates is standardized. There is flexibility for Bible verses with room for artwork type engravings. There are nice veteran’s plaques that could be worked into the granite faces as well. Granite engraving takes several weeks to schedule. Records have been set up for each niche. Paperwork is simple and aimed at orderly administration of the site over the many years.
Our research disclosed problems with fastening flowers or flower holders on the face of the Columbarium. Our decision was to accommodate low growing flowers at the base of the columbarium unit or in flower urns on each side. This is to prevent hiding adjacent niches, damage to the granite and the problems with flower deterioration. There are many examples of the benefit of controlling all aspects of the columbarium’s appearance.
Funds were raised initially and were increased by reservation of niches as the first phase of construction was completed. Future improvements such as benches, flower urns, irrigation, ground cover, trees, shrubs, and plantings will be funded from the fees for the niches as the Congregation desired the project to be self-funding. This project was the result of many efforts over many years. The main driving force for the current effort was Francis Sedlacek, Linda Sedlacek, Jerry Austin, and Linda Austin. If anyone would like to help with the Columbarium on behalf of the Congregation, it would be an important service and appreciated. With the basic Columbarium and walks created, the remaining work is not hard: helping people who wish to use it and the planning of future improvements, which should be exciting.
Friends of Immanuel,
Where have we come since Palm Sunday and Jesus’ glorious, kingly entry into Jerusalem? Noteworthy events on Monday included Jesus cleansing the temple, overturning the tables of the money-changers and declaring, “My house will be called a house of prayer; but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’” He also cursed a fig tree which, when looking at that more closely, shows us that Jesus was making a significant statement about the importance of His followers bearing fruit and not just looking the part, which apparently was the case with that fig tree.
Tuesday was a day filled with some challenging teaching from Jesus. He criticized the religious leaders, saying, “Blind guides!... For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly, you look like righteous people, but inwardly, your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness. Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?" (Matthew 23:24-33) Then Jesus went on to speak of cosmic disruption, the destruction of the Temple, using parables and symbolic language, He taught about end times events, His Second Coming, and the final judgment, all of which has led to a wide variety of interpretations. Bottom line? Challenging times would be coming for those first believers and they wouldn’t be pleasant times. Adding to the darkness of this Tuesday, Judas negotiated with the religious leaders to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, although it’s possible that this occurred on Wednesday.
Wednesday of Holy Week has been called “Silent Wednesday.” There is very little that we know happened on this day. It seems Jesus stayed out of the public eye, perhaps going to the home of a man named Simon the leper, quietly retreating into silence and solitude in anticipation of what was coming.
And today is Maundy Thursday. I explained much of what today is all about in yesterday’s email update. We continue pressing toward the cross and toward the empty tomb on this faith-filled journey. I hope you can come and be part of worship as our celebration and observation of the amazing and powerful events of Holy Week, with worship today at 1:00pm and 7:00pm today.
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
Tomorrow is Maundy Thursday. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum where we get our English word “mandate.” Among many other things, what Jesus gave to His disciples (and to us!) in the Upper Room on that Thursday evening was a new command or mandate. Jesus said (John 13:34-35), “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
It was also on that night that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. Jesus and His disciples were in the Upper Room celebrating the Passover meal – a meal that foreshadowed all that Jesus had come to do in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Jesus transformed the Passover meal into what He intended it to ultimately be, our weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
There was much more that went on, some of which we’ll be talking about in our Maundy Thursday worship services tomorrow. Those services are at 1:00pm and 7:00pm. We’ll celebrate the Lord’s Supper at both services and there will be the Stripping of the Altar at the end of the 7:00pm service. That is part of the preparation or transition into Good Friday, as Jesus and His disciples headed out from the Upper Room to the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus would be betrayed and arrested.
The following day we will observe Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, with worship services at 1:00pm and 7:00pm. Both worship services are identical with the exception of the music – the 7:00pm service includes an instrumental ensemble accompanying the singing, as well as participation by the Chancel Choir. Both services focus on the events of the death of our Savior using various Psalms, the account of the events of that day from the Gospel of Matthew, pictures from The Passion of the Christ that accompany the Scripture readings, and dimming of the lights throughout the service until total darkness.
All are welcome at these worship services as we continue to follow our Lord through these powerful days as Jesus looked to complete the mission for which He came – to bring life, hope, and restoration to our world! I hope you can join me and many others over these next two days as we join Christians around the world in our observance of these events. If you’re not able to be here in person, the 7:00pm services on both Thursday and Friday will be live streamed which can be found on Immanuel’s website (www.ImmanuelLoveland.org).
Below are the Scripture readings if you want to take a look at them ahead of Maundy Thursday worship.
March 28th – Maundy Thursday
Lent Series: The Psalms: A Book of Honest Emotions
Old Testament: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Sermon Title: “Psalm 116: The Cup of Salvation”
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
Palm Sunday has ushered in Holy Week in a grand way! What a celebration we had yesterday in worship – all of us waving palm branches, the children along with some parents and adults participating in a palm procession, singing amazing Palm Sunday hymns and songs in a full sanctuary, witnessing Kennedy and Avery receive the gift of baptism, and rejoicing with Abby receive her first communion! Add to these some of what we consider “normal” Sunday occurrences – celebrating the Lord’s Supper together, hearing God’s Word and reflecting on it in the sermon, praying together, and worshiping together with babies, children, youth, and adults of all ages. Wow! We are so blessed.
Holy Week—starting with Palm Sunday—all the way through to the celebration of Easter Sunday is the pinnacle for us as followers of Jesus. This is what it’s all about! There’s nothing better than to be able to walk through Jesus’ Passion again, remembering all that He said and all that He did out of His great love for us. To put ourselves in the Upper Room on Thursday, and at the foot of the cross on Friday, and then at the empty tomb on Sunday – wow! Plan to join together in worship with others on these significant Holy Week days.
Before we completely leave Palm Sunday, I want to leave you with the four takeaways I offered you yesterday in my sermon, along with this week’s What Now? The takeaways are what make the celebration of Palm Sunday real for us in our lives here in 2023 – and they are based on our reflection on Psalm 118 and Mark 11:1-11.
- We can bring anything and everything to the Lord. From Psalm 118 – “When hard pressed,” we can cry out to Him; “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.” “The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” He is here in the ups and downs of our lives right now to help, strengthen, and encourage us. By His suffering and death, He defeated death and brings us salvation, LIFE, both now and forever. He is our Hosanna!
- We can trust the Lord. He wants us to trust Him. Don’t lean on mere mortals or princes or powers here on earth; don’t put your trust in yourself. We don’t have what’s really needed to get through all that we’re up against or all that is coming. No one does but God alone. But He’s proven Himself faithful time and again – He fulfills His promises, demonstrates His love, shows that He is trustworthy, and He invites our trust.
- He is our King. He rules over heaven and earth. Don’t be deceived by His humble appearance and His servant-hearted approach to His throne. Yes, He is gentle, compassionate, merciful, gracious, and loving. But at the same time, He is almighty, all-powerful, all-knowing. He is King above all kings and Lord of lords.
- Let thankfulness and gratitude to God bookend all of life. Offer your thanks to God, believing in your heart that, yes, He IS good, and yes, His love is everlasting, enduring forever. And that love is directed squarely at you and me!
- Let “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1, 29) bookend your thoughts, your actions, and your life all week long.
- Plan to be part of the rest of the Holy Week and Easter worship services and extend an invitation to someone you know to join you!
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
Today is the day – March Madness begins! In fact the first game of the annual NCAA college basketball tournament is just tipping off as I’m writing this. What will follow is madness!! Hours and hours and hours of college basketball from 10:15am until the wee hours of the night tonight, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s a dream for some and a nightmare for others! LOL! Statistics have been compiled over the years about the amount of worktime and money that is lost because of the first two days of March Madness, with people sneaking time away to watch basketball on their phones, laptops, computers, and other devices.
While I’m not a “super fan” when it comes to college basketball, I’ve always gotten into March Madness, cheering for my Wisconsin Badgers (and now, because of my son-in-law, Marquette as well!). This year our two “local” teams are worth watching, following, and cheering for as well, with Colorado University-Boulder, and Colorado State University both making the cut and winning their play-in games to make it to the Big Dance!
The passion around March Madness is obvious – watching games in packed arenas all over the country, the pep bands and face-painted fans being as loud as they can be, the millions of brackets that have been created for students, schools, office pools (yes, I created one for our Immanuel staff), and for serious and non-serious fans alike, all taking a shot at and hoping for that ever-illusive and seemingly impossible perfect bracket.
While for many people, this is all just good-hearted fun and an opportunity to have some parties as we anxiously wait for winter to be done and spring to arrive, one of the reasons I’m writing about this is on a bit more serious note. Marcus, our Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, shared something with me that he ran across that is a bit disturbing. I’ve known for years the allure of sports, particularly with the rise of club sports, the taking over of what used to be “Wednesday Church Nights” with practices and games, and the hard move to even Sunday mornings with kids (and adult) tournaments, games, and practices for various sports. For me, especially in my early years of ministry when I worked more closely with and led our youth ministries, as well as raising our four kiddos in our sports-loving-family, I was very aware of the tension. I’ve always worked hard to try to maintain a healthy balance with where sports fit into the bigger picture of life.
The group and the website Marcus shared is called, “Religion of Sports,” (https://www.religionofsports.com/) and looking around on their website, what I discovered was the very blatant and forward acknowledgement that sports IS a religion. Check it out for yourself. What is shared here is not just a cute “wink and a smile” sort of thing, but rather it’s an admission and encouragement to people to buy into sports as something to worship and allow to drive our lives, our passions, and our devotion. Not to be alarmist, but the reality is, this is putting a direct god-status to sports, sports stars, sports teams, and so much more.
So I share this with you today, at the start of March Madness, in a cautionary way. Let’s have fun with sports in our lives while at the same time taking stock of our personal and family priorities. As we prepare to head into Holy Week, let’s make sure we never forget the primary place Jesus has in our lives – and let Him be King! Go Badgers? Sure. But I hope to see you in worship on Sunday for what we truly celebrate and the One who gives us life!
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
As many of you know by now, Martha (our awesome Director of Children and Family Ministries) will be leaving us at the end of June after Vacation Bible School, moving back to the Midwest to be closer to family. Martha came to us as an intern back in the summer of 2019 from Concordia University-Chicago. She has been amazing with all that she has done with children’s ministries here at Immanuel – and she will definitely be missed!
Right after Martha shared with me that she and Codie made the decision to move, I started looking into what options we have to try to fill this position. A logical option was to explore the possibility of getting another intern from one of our Concordia Universities. After conversations with several of the Directors of the DCE (Director of Christian Education) programs at our Concordias, Professor Shelly Schwalm at Concordia University-St. Paul (CSP) told me that she had five students who were going to be ready for their internship. I proceeded to fill out the application for an intern to start the process. Shelly came to Immanuel for a quick on-site visit on Sunday, February 18th, participated in worship, talked with a small group of Immanuel members, and met with several of our staff in order to get a better feel for what ministry at Immanuel looks like and if we would be a good fit for one of her interns.
Last Friday, March 15th, there was a worship service where all the interns received their assignments and I got word that Immanuel received a DCE intern! Emma Giger has been assigned to us and she called me right after the placement service and we had an opportunity to visit a little bit. Emma is very excited to be coming to Colorado and from our conversation, I’m very excited as well!
I will be traveling to CSP on April 8-9 for an orientation, to meet Emma, and to have opportunity to talk through expectations for her year of internship. We will be firming up her start date, which will be some time after Vacation Bible School and Martha’s farewell.
Internship is intended to be 12-months of learning for the intern. While children’s ministries will be a major focus for Emma, her time at Immanuel for the upcoming year will include working with Marcus in middle school and high school youth as well as young adults, with Pastor Robin and experiences with discipleship and connecting ministries, with Kathy and worship, and with Cheryl and our school ministry. She’ll also be able to experience some of the administrative aspects of ministry and meeting with our leadership teams through the year as well, all to gain a fully rounded set of learning experiences. About midway through her internship, there will be discussion about whether or not Emma will receive a call and remain at Immanuel beyond her internship year or move on to another ministry elsewhere.
Stay tuned for more information that will be coming in terms of how we can welcome Emma to Immanuel, various items she may need as she makes the move to Colorado, etc. There will be lots more coming! In the meantime, please keep all of this in your prayers – for Martha as she winds down her time at Immanuel over the next couple of months, for Emma as she prepares to begin her time with us, and for us and the transition we’ll be walking through together.
Here is a picture and a little more information about Emma, which I asked her to share with us. This is what Shelly shared with me about Emma: “Emma is an incredibly gifted young lady. She is a good teacher and speaker, good with children, and passionate about the Gospel. She is really creative.” And here is what I received from Emma:
My family is made up of my parents, both church workers, my two younger brothers, one very fluffy dog, and me! They currently live in Fishers, IN with the exception of my first brother, who is at CSP with me. I have lived in 5 (soon to be 6!) states, Ohio, Arizona, Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota. I enjoy playing games, being with others (I am an extrovert, but I try not to be overwhelming 😊), creating, reading, going outside, the occasional rock-climb, and watching movies. My hobbies include running, hiking, painting, drawing, discussing theological concepts, and general adventuring. The Spirit placed the idea of being a DCE on my heart at a pretty young age, but I tried some other paths until my second year of college when I was studying to be an art teacher. It was then that I found I was interested in working with people of all ages. I met with the program director, tried one DCE class, and was hooked! I have loved learning, but I am even more excited to start learning and working as a DCE intern. Next year, I am looking forward to getting to know everyone at Immanuel, getting to work on the ministry team, and seeing what God has in store for this new adventure!
If you want to learn more about Emma, she also shared with me her CSP portfolio – https://sites.google.com/csp.edu/emmagigerportfolio?usp=sharing.
Exciting times ahead for all of us at Immanuel! Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
A couple weeks ago I had an article shared with me about the ministry of Life Choices Pregnancy Center, a ministry that we have long supported here at Immanuel with their advocating for life and life issues. I’m passing this article along to all of you because of the very cool story-behind-the-story. The article was written by Lindsay Guard, the Life Choices Education Director, and she writes about an experience she had. The very cool thing is that this experience was right here at Immanuel and the person she is talking about is our own Beth Bianco, a longtime member at Immanuel who is now working at the front desk.
This story highlighted for me how the Lord uses every single one of us – in big ways and in small ways, in ways that we might be anticipating and in ways that we have no idea if or how He might use us. Thank you, Beth, for being “Jesus with skin on” and for being instrumental in the Lord changing a young woman’s life! Let’s all continue to live out our faith in real ways in the day-to-day of our lives!
“You Changed My Life”
“Hello!” she warmly greeted me, as I walked into a welcoming church building that also houses a school. I was on my way to teach a series of middle school presentations on the topic of healthy relationships and biblical sexuality. This is a topic I hold near to my heart, because it radically influenced my life over two decades ago when Life Choices Pregnancy Medical Center spoke in my high school health class.
“The school office is to your left.” the woman continued, and with a genuine smile, she pointed me across the hall from the church front office. Her warm brown eyes met mine. 'She looks familiar,' I thought as I thanked her and continued on my way. I checked in at the school office and was led upstairs, through a long hallway of classrooms, and finally to a room at the end of the hallway which had been transformed into a lounge for students. ‘How cool,’ I thought looking around at a classroom furnished with comfy couches, vibrant paint on the walls, speakers for music, a large projection screen, and what looked like an area for storing, preparing and enjoying snacks and fellowship.
The teaching staff throughout the school seemed energized and vibrant - a stark contrast from the typical public school setting I had become accustomed to observing on my way to presentations throughout my first semester on the job. I had recently left a high-paying, long-term career position to step into a position of not just success - but significance. It’s been the best decision I could’ve made.
“Hi Mrs. Guard, thank you for being here! We thought this environment might be a little more relaxed and comfortable for the students. Are you okay with this?” the lead teacher asked as she greeted me from the doorway. “Absolutely!” I said. She continued, “Make yourself at home, the students will be here in about five minutes.”
I began taking out supplies for the first series of lessons for the day as a lively, echoing sound of bustling middle school students filled the hallway. They grew louder before coming to a whispering hush at the door. Quickly and quietly, students began entering, and a surge of nervous excitement filled the room in anticipation of what was to come. ‘Holy Spirit have Your way.’ I prayed in my heart, and began sharing about our organization, getting to know each student, and sharing my testimony. The days were filled with interactive and engaging lessons on having a vision for the future, developing strategies that lead to success, honoring and setting personal boundaries, practicing refusal skills to get out of unsafe situations, forming and maintaining healthy relationships, and the importance of making choices for optimal life outcomes.
By the last day, my heart was overjoyed with the work God did in the hearts of these young ones. It’s the best part of my job and the reason I am so grateful to be part of this great work! On my way out of the building on the last day, someone shared with me that the person working at the church office used to work for Life Choices years ago. Because of this, I stopped to thank her on my way out. When our eyes met, it finally dawned on me that the reason she had originally looked familiar to me was because she was the person who spoke into my life over twenty years ago as she presented to my high school class on behalf of Life Choices. “You changed my life,” I said through welled-up tears that began streaming down my face. As we were reacquainted with memories of days long ago, I couldn’t help but think of how different my life could have ended up without her influence at such a key stage of developmental impact in my life.
I had, through the years, observed deep pain in beloved friends facing unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and heartache beyond belief - wishing they had the influence of Sexual Risk Avoidance education in their schools growing up. How grateful I am to have been a recipient of the Education Department minsitry at Life Choices, and how thankful I am that I now get to serve as our Education Director (Thank You, God!).
We may not fully grasp the tremendous impact we make on others through this life-affirming ministry. Whether it’s sowing a seed financially, praying faithfully, or sharing about our ministry with others, I want to wholeheartedly thank you for joining us in this Christ-centered, life-affirming work. Together, may all we put our hands to prosper & succeed - to the glory of our almighty Lord.
P.S. The warm, welcoming space in which Mrs. Guard taught the middle school students was Immanuel’s Youth Room, designed and decorated by Mr. Marcus, pictured here.
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
Stories. We all have them. We all love them. Stories come in lots of different forms – books, movies, casual conversations, jokes, talking at the dinner table or at family reunions. God knows how powerful stories are – it’s why He told a story, HIS Story, that we have in the Bible. It’s His Story expressing the rescue mission He has been on since almost the beginning of time. It’s His Story expressing the depth of the love He has for us and for the world He created.
From yesterday’s message, we heard in Psalm 107 how we as God’s redeemed people tell our stories. And the stories we tell are stories of how God is working in our lives – stories of how God has helped us, delivered us, saved us, and how He is continuing to work in our lives. As New Testament followers of Jesus, we tell those stories to stay mindful of God and His work in our lives, to share with others the very real hope we have and hold in our hearts, and to point people to Jesus where love and hope are found.
I encourage you to read Psalm 78:1-7 as part of your day today – a psalm that speaks powerfully to the importance of our telling stories. From the perspective of Psalm 78, it’s a generational thing as we share the stories with our children and our grandchildren, passing on the faith to the next generations. What a blessing we’ve been given that we know Jesus and can live in the hope we have because of Him! “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1)
Here's this week’s What Now? for you to put into practice – let’s tell our stories!
What Now?
Reflect this week on some of the stories of your life and how you have seen God at work in the midst of the ups and downs you’ve experienced. Share those stories as families or with friends (email them to me, too, as I’d love to hear them!).
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
All week long, students and staff at Immanuel have been doing crazy dress-up days and lots of fun activities for National Lutheran Schools Week (NLSW). And we’re not done! One of the activities this week is students thanking all of Immanuel’s members and regular attenders for making our school a reality and supporting each and every student in the school. In your Immanuel mailbox this Sunday you will find a thank you from the children.
In addition, this Sunday you’ll see student artwork in the main atrium as well as the book fair in the west atrium which will be open and available for you to browse and make purchases. If you’re interested, you can also stop by Immanuel this evening for our Immanuel Showcase – see the article below for more of the details.
I’m so thankful for the blessing our school is, and I continue to pray that we are able to impact more and more children and families in our Loveland community through this vital and life-changing ministry. To have a school where children learn they are beautiful creations of God Himself and are valuable just as God made them is a message they need to hear! I can’t encourage you enough to keep spreading the word about our school to your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and acquaintances.
At the end of today’s email, check out some of the fun pictures that capture some of what this week of celebration included.
Serving together in Christ alone!
Pastor Glen
Friends of Immanuel,
This week is National Lutheran Schools Week (NLSW) and here at Immanuel we’re celebrating each day this week! NLSW is an annual celebration focusing on the important mission of Lutheran Schools in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus to children and families! The theme for this year’s NLSW is “CONNECTED” from John 15:5, where Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in hm, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” The theme will focus on the importance of our connection with Christ as our Savior as well as encourage our connectedness to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ!
Immanuel is one of nearly 1,900 Lutheran Schools in the United States. That number includes Early Childhood Centers, Elementary and Middle Schools, and High Schools. Every morning the entire school is gathering in the sanctuary for a short all-school devotion time with songs, a short devotional message, and prayers to start the day. There are special dress up days each day, an all-school Showcase Thursday evening, and lots of other fun activities:
- Monday – Today was Pajama Day and it has been an All School Read Aloud Day around the school.
- Tuesday – Dress Up: Tacky Tuesday (crazy hair/mismatch clothes/etc.); All School End-of-Day Bingo.
- Wednesday – Dress Up: Sports Day; All School Mini-Olympics.
- Thursday – Dress Up: “I AM” shirt day; Service Project – Making Thank You Cards.
- Friday – Dress Up: Dress Your Best; Grandparents Day; I’ll be leading chapel on this morning at 9:00am.
There are also a couple more articles in today’s update that talk about our Open House on Wednesday and our Immanuel School Showcase on Thursday – make sure and check those out, too!
I give thanks to God for the blessing our school is to so many. Among the best things you can do for our school include praying for the staff and students. Telling others about our school is another siginificant way to support this ministry. Share our website with families with children or invite them to reach out to our school office to set up a tour, ask questions, receive information, or find out how to enroll (SchoolOffice@ImmanuelLoveland.org, 970-667-7606).
And I thank all of you who are connected to Immanuel for your willingness to support this critical mission to our community through your gifts and offerings. Operating a school ministry is not inexpensive and we willingly make many sacrifices in order to be able to offer an amazing, high quality, Christian education to the children in the greater Loveland area. It is worth every penny, especially with all the challenging things that are going on in our public school system today! It is critical that we continue to offer this alternative for families – an alternative that is grounded in Jesus and on the timeless truths of the Word of God. My only wish is that our school could be financially available to even more families. If you would like to financially support our school ministry (Toddlers through High School), your gifts would be welcomed with open arms to provide financial assistance to those families that need some help with tuition.
If you wish to make a gift or set up a recurring gift to our school ministry, you can do that through our website (www.ImmanuelLoveland.org), using the red “Give” button on the home page. We also have a School Endowment Fund that has it’s earnings set up primarily for tuition assistance. You can also give support to just the high school. Or if you have questions about various needs in our school ministry (through 8th grade), contact our principal, Cheryl Gilbert (cgilbert@ImmanuelLoveland.org), or for the high school, contact our Executive Director, Dr. Rick Overton (roverton@ImmanuelLoveland.org) and they would be happy to talk with you more about those needs.
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!