Posts by WebAdmin
The Foolishness of the Cross (And Why That’s Actually Good News)
What does God use to save the world? Not impressive credentials, polished rhetoric, or a strategy that makes sense to the culture around us. He uses a cross — the seeming foolishness of the cross — something the ancient world considered a shameful, lowly way to die. That’s the audacious claim at the center of 1 Corinthians 1:18: “The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the…
A Guide to Holy Week at Immanuel 2026
Holy Week is the most sacred week in the Christian calendar — the week when we walk with Jesus from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem all the way to the empty tomb. If you’ve never attended Holy Week services, or if you’re looking to go deeper this year, here’s what to expect at Immanuel. Palm Sunday — March 29 Palm Sunday opens Holy Week with a dramatic contrast: Jesus rides into Jerusalem as a king while the crowds wave palm…
What Is Good Friday?
Every year the calendar names it “Good Friday,” and every year someone reasonably asks: what’s good about it? It’s the day Jesus was betrayed, arrested, beaten, and crucified. By any ordinary measure, it looks like the worst Friday in history. And yet the Church has called it Good Friday for centuries. Here’s why. What Happened on Good Friday? Good Friday is the day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. After being betrayed by Judas and arrested in the Garden…
What Is Lutheran Confirmation?
For many families, confirmation feels like something reserved for a specific grade — a rite of passage at age 13 or 14. But at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin, confirmation is something different: a serious, year-long commitment between a student, their family, and God. It’s not tied to a particular age. It’s tied to readiness. What Is Lutheran Confirmation? In the Lutheran tradition, confirmation is the public affirmation of faith by a baptized Christian. It is not a sacrament —…
What Happens at a Lutheran Service?
You’ve been invited to a Lutheran church — or maybe you grew up in one and never quite understood why things happen the way they do. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. This guide walks through what happens at a Lutheran service, why it’s structured the way it is, and what to expect the first time you walk through our doors at Immanuel. It’s Called the “Divine Service” — and That Name Matters Lutheran churches in the LCMS…
What Is Advent?
FAQs About Advent What is Advent? Learn about this four-week season of the church year leading up to the celebrated birth of Jesus at Christmas (Note: Advent 2024 begins on Sunday, December 1.) See Also Q: Why does the church year begin at Advent, what is the history of Advent, and what is the history behind the Advent candles and wreath? A: The word “advent” is from the Latin word for “coming,” and as such, describes the “coming” of our Lord…
What Is Lent?
FAQs About Lent What is Lent? Learn about this 40-day season of the church year leading up to Easter (Note: Lent 2026 begins on Wednesday, February 18.) See Also Q: What is the significance of Lent? A: Early in the Church’s history, the major events in Christ’s life were observed with special observances, such as His birth, baptism, death, resurrection and ascension. As these observances developed, a period of time was set aside prior to the major events of Jesus’ birth and…
Immanuel Welcomes 25 New Members
Welcome, New Members! Immanuel Lutheran Church LCMS and Martin Luther School in Joplin, Missouri is Grounded in Christ, Guided by Grace, and Growing to Serve since 1897… Sunday, April 30, 2023 In April, Immanuel welcomed 25 new members from twelve new families. There was a Baptism too! Welcome to God’s Family, Cody! Cody Michael Fraser was marked as Christ’s own in the 8:00 service on April 30, 2023. His parents, Chris and Tara, and his big brother Cameron were there,…
Introducing Daniel Comfort Dog
Joplin’s New Comfort Dog is Here! December 9, 2022. After a long wait and months of preparation, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Martin Luther School in Joplin have returned to serving our community with Comfort Dog Ministry. Daniel Comfort Dog is here! Daniel the Golden Retriever and his team of handlers interact with people at churches, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, events, and in disaster response situations. Daniel is a friend who brings a calming influence and allows people to open up…
In Memory of Louie Comfort Dog
Thanking God For A Life Of Gentle, Faithful Service March 5, 2021. It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved friend, Louie Comfort Dog. In his retirement, Louie quietly struggled with seizures for more than a year. He died peacefully at home, with many of his handlers and caregivers at his side, comforting him as he passed. In the Summer of 2011, Louie and Jackson the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs began serving as…
God With Us | December 25 Christmas Day Devotion
GOD WITH US Daily Devotion for Christmas Day 2020 | Friday, December 25 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7) Mary prepared for her baby’s birth as carefully as she could. She brought swaddling cloths with her, to wrap Jesus in—the humble…
Known By His Deeds | December 23 Advent Devotion
KNOWN BY HIS DEEDS Daily Devotion for Advent 2020 | Wednesday, December 23 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a Son. And he called His Name Jesus. (Matthew 1:24-25) Do you realize that we never hear Joseph speak? Not once do we hear a word from his lips in the whole Gospel story. But that doesn’t stop…