Church Blog (Page 11)
A Strange Turn Of Phrase
A Strange Turn Of Phrase Daily Devotion for Advent | Thursday, December 6, 2018 … And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah … (Matthew 1:6b) “By the wife of Uriah.” Why not just call her by name—Bathsheba? Why use a description instead? For that matter, why not just write “David was the father of Solomon” and end the statement there, as with most of the other steps in this genealogy? Why even bring up the…
A Long Time Coming
A Long Time Coming Daily Devotion for Advent | Wednesday, December 5, 2018 Abraham was the father of Isaac … (Matthew 1:2a) “Abraham was the father of Isaac …” If there’s one verse in the New Testament Abraham would have loved to read ahead of time, it’s probably this one. God reached out to a childless man in the ancient Middle East and promised, “I will make of you a great nation” (Genesis 12:2-3). God kept that promise when Isaac…
Who Cares?
Who Cares? Daily Devotion for Advent | Tuesday, December 4, 2018 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1) The book of Matthew starts with an odd choice of subject matter—42 generations of Jesus’ genealogy, all the way back to Abraham. Some people find this fascinating. Other people are probably yawning and saying under their breath, “Who cares?” Apparently, God cares. God cares enough to give us a list of…
Enemies
Enemies Daily Devotion for Advent | Monday, December 3, 2018 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. (Genesis 3:15) Can being enemies ever be a good thing? Normally my answer would be “No.” We learn even as children that it’s not good to be enemies with other people. Our parents tell us, “Say you’re sorry,” and “Be nice and…
Accomplished Among Us
Accomplished Among Us Daily Devotion for Advent | Sunday, December 2, 2018 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us (Luke 1:1) Luke is a very methodical man. He does his research, and he talks to eyewitnesses. And he pins down dates and places and people in great detail. As far as Luke is concerned, there is no such thing as being too careful where the story of Jesus is…
What Child Is This?
From the Desk of Pastor Mech Prepare to share glad tidings of comfort and joy, of a Savior who has been born to us, who is Christ, the Lord! Our Advent and Christmas focus will be shaped by a familiar Christmas hymn. The author of the series, Rev. Ralph Tausz, provides the context: The birth of a certain child two thousand years ago in Bethlehem prompted a poet in the nineteenth century to ask a very un common question in…
New Bible Topic: The Cost Of Freedom
Galatians Bible Class Sunday Morning Fellowship Bible Study with Pastor Mech in the Fellowship Hall | 9:20 to 10:15 am Pastor Gregory Mech’s Sunday Morning Bible Class continues with a brand-new topic. Meeting in the comfort of the Church Fellowship Hall, all adults are welcome to pour a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, open a Bible, and join in the conversation. The group of up to 50 participants is diverse in age and Bible knowledge. Whether you choose…
Youth Shoe Drive Progress
400+ pairs Gathered So Far Youth Shoe Drive | Collecting Now Through November Immanuel Lutheran Church Youth have been collecting gently-worn, used and new shoes since early October. These shoes are being bundled to be sent overseas to help families in underdeveloped countries. Our young people are motivated! They have been searching closets at home and spreading the word. A couple of enterprising youth have been going throughout their neighborhood, asking for shoes left over from local yard sales. To…
POWERwalk Returns in November
Saturday Services, Version 3.0 POWERwalk Saturday Evenings, beginning on November 10 | 6:00 to 7:00 pm Part of Immanuel’s mission statement declares that we are “Grounded in Christ.” This means that the people of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin are committed to providing opportunities for folks to worship, to hear God’s Word proclaimed, and to study the Bible together. POWERwalk has been an opportunity to do just that. In our first walk through the Scriptures together (version 1.0), we read…
October 27 Trunk Or Treat
Trunk Or Treat Parking Lot Party Saturday Evening, October 27, 2018 | 4:30 to 7:00 pm **JOIN US FOR TRUNK OR TREAT 2019!** MORE DETAILS HERE. Trunk Or Treat at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin has become a neighborhood tradition that you won’t want to miss! More than 1,000 children and their families come to our church and school parking lot at 26th and Connecticut for free candy and games, costume contests and inflatables, plus great music and a free…
National Youth Gathering Sign Up
Real. Present. God. Sign Up for the LCMS Gathering Trip | Now through September 15, 2018 High Schoolers from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin have been attending the every-three-years National Youth Gathering since the 1980s! Hosted by the Youth Ministry Office of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), the Gatherings host more than 25,000 Lutheran youth and adult leaders, who spend five days together in God’s word, worship, service, and fellowship with others. Now through September 15 is the time for the…
Twin Sheet Drive
STEWARDSHIP DRIVE BENEFITTING LAFAYETTE HOUSE The Stewardship Board is collecting new twin size sheets and pillow cases for the Lafayette House. We have placed a container in the church lobby to collect your donations. Let’s fill it up multiple times! Contribute to the Twin Sheet Drive. Founded in 1978, Lafayette House began as a short-term option for women who needed a safe place to stay overnight to escape domestic violence. Today, Lafayette House is a sanctuary for individuals and families…