Inside
Immanuel
Faithful to God’s Word – we receive, celebrate and share Jesus Christ.
Where We’ve Been … Where We’re Going
We began at Advent. Advent is that expectant season which looks forward to the coming of the Christ. The people of the Old Test- ament waited generation after generation for the Christ to come. Our Advent spanned only four Sundays. Christians are reminded to repent for the Christ is coming. He comes to deal with the sins of sinners; He comes because of your sins.
Jesus came! The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We celebrate the birth of the Savior on December 25, Christmas. The mystery of the incarnation; that God would take on flesh and dwell among sinners still astounds Christians. The Father sent forth His Son at just the right time, His love for sinners. Jesus was born for you. The Christmas season spans just two weeks.
January 6 we celebrate the com- ing of the magi. January 6 is Epiphany day. Epiphany is the season of light. We recall how the true light, Jesus, came into the world. This light is not just for the Jews, but for the Gentiles also. The Epiphany season continues for six weeks. We travel through the early life of Jesus, His baptism by John in the Jordan, His calling of disciples, and His early ministry. It is the beginning of the work Jesus came to do among us. We are right in the middle of Epiphany now.
We look forward to February 17, Ash Wednesday. Christians come forward, repenting of sin, remem- bering that we are dust and to dust we shall return, and receiving ashes in the form of a cross. The cross is the only salvation found for those who are sinful. The cross of Jesus grants those who are under the curse of death true life. Salvation if found only in Jesus and He must die.
Ash Wednesday begins the sea- son of Lent. This season looks forward to the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It anticipates what Jesus must do; He must die. Here is the culmination of the hopes of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. The Christ has come to give His life as a ransom for many. The true light has come to burn brightly on the cross for sinners.
Lent climaxes with Holy Week. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the donkey on Palm Sunday. The great crowds of pilgrims, who have gathered for the Passover, acclaim Him blessed. They wave palms before Him and lay their cloaks down. Whether the people under- stood it or not they were welcome- ing the true Passover sacrifice into the city. Jesus spends the week teaching the disciples and the crowds. On Thursday, Maundy Thursday, He eats the Passover meal with the disciples. This shows them what the Passover is all about. It foreshadowed all that He
would do on the cross. He would be the Lamb of God, taking away the sins of the people. The judgment of the Father would passover sinners and be placed on Jesus alone.
Thursday night, after Jesus gives His disciples His body and blood in the supper, He prays in the Garden of Gethsemane. Then Judas, one of His own disciples betrays Him and Jesus is arrested. He is put on trial that night before Pilate, then Herod, then Pilate again. The leaders of the Jews are determined to put Jesus to death and Pilate gives in to their desires. Jesus is beaten, flogged, spit upon, mocked, and crowned with thorns. On Friday, Good Friday, Jesus is led away to be crucified.
A centurion was charged to make sure that Jesus did not die before He was hung on the tree. Thus, Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry the cross for Jesus. And they led Jesus to Golgotha, the place of the skull. There they crucified Him. There the Father poured out all His wrath against sin. Jesus took the punishment for your sins, in His body, on the tree. He died for you.
Jesus’ dead body was taken down from the tree and placed in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. The true Sabbath rest was accom- plished the next day as Jesus lay
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dead in the tomb. His soul was in heaven on Friday immediately after His death. Then on Easter Jesus rose from the dead. He went, body and soul, into hell proclaiming victory. He went into the garden to Mary, proclaiming victory. He visited the ten disciples in the locked upper room, proclaiming victory. He walked and talked with the two disciples on the Emmaus road, proclaiming victory. Jesus’ resurrection is proof that His sacrifice on Friday was acceptable before the Father and that sins are paid for.
We travel this road each year. We remember again what Jesus has done for us. We rejoice at the work He accomplished to save us from sin and eternal death. As we remember we also receive. We come together to receive the benefits of Jesus’ death. Those benefits are poured out on us through Word and Sacrament. Through the Word our sins are declared forgiven through the death that Jesus died. Through Baptism and the Supper we are given the victory that Jesus won for us. Jesus was born for you, lived for you, and died for you. You are given Jesus in the Divine Service. That’s where we are, in Jesus, and where we are going to be, in Jesus. How blessed we are to share the gifts of God.
In Jesus Christ crucified, Pastor Boyer
Voter’s
Meeting
Jan 18, 2021
Treasurer: CTK heating project is paid off and the fund is closed. New fund started for the bell tower. PPP loan was forgiven.
Stewardship: Postcards are finalized and will be sent to all
members in late February as a comfort and care message.
Trustees: School gym roof and church’s flat roofs: Recently there was a significant leak in the gym roof. It is repaired but the roof is at the end of its life. Similar leaks have occurred on the church’s flat roof sections. Bell Tower – significant water intrusion needs to be repaired and damaged walls fixed. Estimates will be brought to next Voters’ meeting
Church doors have been built. Target installation – early February.
Elders: Adult Confirmation: Val Zuzga and her children, Courtney, Allison & Hunter. Pam Geiger is retiring at the end of December. A “no pastor” backup plan has been developed in case there is no pastor available on a Sunday. No choirs/bell choir for January. Taking it one month at a time. Grade School Sunday School will restart Sunday, March 1.
School Board: Call process for 5th Grade teacher continues. Jan
25-29 is Lutheran Schools’ week. Special activities are planned
Evangelism: Flu vaccine drive-up clinic went well. New “greeter” badges are being made. Prayer Vigil went well but hope for additional participants in the future. They continue to reach out to the shut-ins.
Youth: FUSE Bible study (Grades 5 & up) is restarting. Jimmy Jam donations are accepted thru the end of January. Superbowl Sub Sale orders due February 1.
Sunday School: Continuing with Family In-Home Sunday School classes with Facebook site. February SS will be a take home devotional Bible study on Ruth, Jonah, Esther and Daniel. Preschool thru Grade 4 SS expected to begin spring quarter, March 1.
Athletics: Everything on hold until February 1.
Old Business: The cupola was again discussed. There have been no offers from a local business that expressed interest. The cupola will be burned in April.
New Business: Associate Pastor. Elders passed out three informational handouts. Jon Eifert will be teaching a Bible Class on Monday, February 1 after the Monday night service to introduce himself to the congregation.
Pastor’s Report: Over one year since they moved into the parsonage. Many thanks to Joel, the Trustees and Countryside for fixing the house and also doing a lot of work on the church.
“Souper Bowl of
Caring” Collection
February 7
thAs part of the nation-wide “Souper Bowl of Caring” effort, our congregation will be having a door collection in the back of the narthex after the church services on Sunday, February 7.All donations will go to the Good Samaritan Mission in Bay City.
During a day when much money is spent on Super Bowl snacks and beverages, this door collection will provide the op- portunity to help those at the Good Samaritan Mission.
Last year Immanuel Lutheran Church was one of some 15,000 Christian congregations that raised over $3.5 million for local food charities across America during Super Bowl Sunday. Thanks for your support!
From the
Elders
Information below was shared with the voters at the January Voter’s meeting regarding the rationale for an Associate Pastor. Additional information can be picked up at the church office. A special voters meeting will be held in late February to make a decision on adding this position to the 2021/2022 budget.
You can meet the Specific Ministry Pastor candidate, Jon Eifert on Monday February 1st.
Jon will lead a Bible study after Monday night church. The location will most likely be in the church sanctuary to allow social distancing.
If you have any question or comments, please contact any Elder.
Why we need a 2nd pastor: • Our focus is reaching people
and bringing people to Christ – The Great Commission • Our Pastor to weekly
attendance ratio is high for a single pastor. The
recommendation from Michigan District to have an “effective ministry” is: o 1 Pastor for up to 150 average weekly attendance o 2 Pastors for 250 +/- o At 350 they recommend 3 Pastors. o We have 275 average weekly attendance (Pre-COVID) plus a school • Duties of ministering to
Immanuel congregation is around 70-80hrs/wk. • Having an additional pastor
would allow Pastor Boyer to focus on key priorities for our congregation (see below). • A new face brings different
ideas and different appeal which increases our ability to
relate/connect with more people.
• Pastor Kuhl will step down from Retired Pastor role when we get an additional Pastor.
Crucial areas for the spiritual health and growth of our congregation:
• Pastor Boyer does not have enough time for:
o Personal /professional growth – studying o Preparing to preach o Preparing for Bible class o Visiting the hospitalized o Being available for
counseling
o Working on the vision of our congregation
o Being involved with the school
o Himself and family time
Elders recommendation:
• Jon Eifert as our candidate to go through the Specific Ministry Pastor Program at Ft. Wayne Seminary
Why SMP (Specific Ministry Pastor)
• SMP is a four year program • SMP allows a man to work as
vicar the first 2 years at the congregation and then be called by that Church to serve as Pastor during the remaining 2 years of schooling
• SMP allows us to utilize a person’s strength to minister to multiple areas. (Sunday School, CTK, Youth, Music, Young Families)
• SMP allows us access to a seasoned church worker, can be immediate assistance to Pastor.
Proposed Pastoral Duties:
1. Preach at Sunday and Monday services in coordination with Administrative Pastor.
2. Direct Sunday School
Program and lead Sunday and weekday Bible studies. 3. Visit shut-ins in coordination
with Administrative Pastor. 4. Make hospital calls as
directed by Administrative Pastor.
5. Serve at funerals and weddings as directed by the Administrative Pastor. 6. Play organ for the Divine
service in coordination with the Director of Music. 7. Lead chanting/singing in
Divine service (cantor). 8. Teach Confirmation class at
Christ the King Lutheran school in coordination with Administrative Pastor. 9. Assist with other duties as
directed by the Administrative Pastor.
10. Work to strengthen and support Christ the King Lutheran School.
11. Support the Collide youth group.
12. Be ‘on call’ but take a day off himself.
Budget considerations:
Total Salary and benefits - $66,000 incrementing to $77,000 during the first 5 years • Less Pastor Kuhl’s salary –
$19,200
• Less Sunday School Stipend = $3,200
Net increase to budget = approx $45-55k
Special Voters’
Meeting
Mon, Feb 22
7:30 pm
To make decision on calling an Associate Pastor
Notes from the
Director
The next special music program will be on Sunday, February 7th, at 7:30 am in our
sanctuary. It is titled Love from
Above and will be mostly a children’s presentation. You’ll hear chimes, timpani, soprano and alto recorders, organ, possibly handbells, and flute. As always, everyone is invited to join us in the sanctuary or via live-stream.
Many thanks to the musicians who participated in the last special music program on Jan. 17th: Peter and Jacob Boyer and Connie Bunke. They were great! If you haven’t watched the live-stream video of that event, you missed a musical treat. Take a look today!
Lent Begins
On
Ash Wednesday,
February 17
Services at 4 & 7 pm
With Imposition of Ashes
& Holy Communion
Treasurer’s Report
MONTH OF DECEMBER Receipts $134,823.05 Expenses -59,210.84 Deficit Reduction 7,550.00 PPP Grant 155,547.00 Heating Memorials 12,820.00 Net Income $251,529.21CASH IN BANK & ON HAND Checking-TCF 83,180.42 Checking-Independent 271,635.84 Savings-Independent 42,279.57 Earmarked Funds - 45,177.13 Total Checkings/Savings 351,918.70
March
Newsletter
Deadline
Monday,
February 15
Scheiwe
Bell Tower
Members of Immanuel: I’m sure there are many of us that remember Mr A.E. Scheiwe, but did you know that the Bell Tower located in downtown Sebewaing is dedicated in grateful acknowledge- ment to him? It was given by his students and friends. The Bell Tower and Tyme Stryke Carillon was installed in 1978. The Tyme Stryke Carillon was replaced in 1997 by the current Nova Bell Carillon.
Now I could use your help to keep the sound of bells playing downtown. The current unit still
chimes every 15 minutes, and tolls every hour and then plays bell music, the electric display on the programmer no longer works, which makes it impossible to change the music selection, date and time, and adjust the volume, and various other programs. The replacement cost for a new Schulmerich g5 Classic Carillon Series 1 is $13,500.
If you would like to donate to this wonderful cause, please contact Matt Bumhoffer at 989-551-8950 for more information. Donations are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to the Village of Sebewaing. Thank you.
Official Acts
BAPTISM
01/31 Leighton Debra-Sue Fritz born August 14, 2020 to Patrick & Erin (Heilig) Fritz. Sponsors: Josh & Meagan Fritz, Matt & Ashley Bumhoffer, Josh Heilig & Danielle Polega
DEATHS
12/04 Emma Schneider
01/14 Melvin Balzer (Non-member)
01/15 Allen Welther
Can You Help us?
The LWML needs your donations of washcloths and washable colored markers, 8-10 pk, to complete hygiene and school kits for Ophan Grain Train. A box marked for OGT is outside the church office. Thanking you in advance for your donation.
CTK School News
CTK School News
CTK School News
CTK School News
2 2 2 2ndndndndQUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER PRINCIPAL’S PRINCIPAL’S PRINCIPAL’S PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL
HONOR ROLL HONOR ROLL HONOR ROLL
A student must maintain a grade point of 3.67 or higher in all core subjects to qualify for the Principals’ Honor Roll. * indicates all A’s
GR 5: Morgan Armbruster, Grady Bolzman, Bentley Bumhoffer, Kayden Driscoll, Paige Fiebig, Isaac Foley, Madison Kemp, *Dustin Kuhl, Taylor Kuhl, Ally Sweetman, Lily Toft, Luke Vermeersch, Rebeka Urban
GR 6: LeEtta Bohn, *Sarah
Boyer, Evan Foley, Josie Kovach, Treston Kuhl, Amelia Reinbold, Cooper Smith, Avery Stecker, Tucker Truemner, *Hannah
VanTol
GR 7: Mia Bedore, Layla Bolzman, *Annie Bowman, Peter Boyer, Kasen Fiebig, Ryder Gangler, Erin Jubar, McKenna Kemp, Olivia Martens, Maddox Nitz, Axel Schuette
GR 8: *Zachary Becker, Lily Mammel,*Parker Ritchey, Chloe Smith
HONOR ROLL WITH HONOR ROLL WITH HONOR ROLL WITH HONOR ROLL WITH G
G G
GPA PA PA PA OF 3.17 OF 3.17 OF 3.17 OF 3.17 ––– 3.66–3.663.663.66
GR 5: Hailey Lutz, Easton Neumann, Allison Zuzga
GR 6: Josie Kovach, Keagen Monville, Peityn Nitzh, Owen Stafford, Cameron Teeples
GR 7: Chloe Beringer, Caleb Brink, Cole Kelly, Owen Kovach, Macy Prime, Evan Roemer, Madison Tietz
GR 8: Dalton Anderson, Ethan Bohn, Channing Kuhl, Jeffersen Scheutte CONFIRMATION & CONFIRMATION & CONFIRMATION & CONFIRMATION & GRADUATION GOWNS GRADUATION GOWNS GRADUATION GOWNS GRADUATION GOWNS
Eighth grade parents: It’s getting time to think about ordering confirmation and graduation gowns. Please let the church office know by Friday, February 5 if you need a cap & gown, just the gown
or cap & tassel - even if you don’t need anything. It is your choice to use a gown from a previous year. Payment is not needed at this time. You will receive a letter at a later date with Confirmation details.
If the church office is not notified by Friday, February 5, a cap & gown will be ordered and you will be charged. Call 883-3050 or e-mail: church@ilcmi.org
Memorials & Gifts
We would like to thank the following people for their con- tributions to the church’s mem- orial and gift funds! Thanks so much! RADIO MISSION IN MEMORY OF EMMA SCHNEIDER MM Jim Engelhardt Alice Pommerenke
IN MEMORY OF WILLET OESCHGER
MM Dave Nitz
IN MEMORY OF LOIS FRANTZ
MM Harold Gremel IN MEMORY OF AL WELTHER Harold Engelhardt MM Mike Zagata SHS Class of 1966 Larry Welther
Tim Welther & Larry Kerns MM Richard Poppe & family
GENERAL FUND
IN MEMORY OF GRACE ESCH-HEPBURN
Fred Bauer
IN MEMORY OF EMMA SCHNEIDER
MM Jim Simmet
IN MEMORY OF FRED LESKOWICH & ELLEN BAUR
Jack Buehler
IN MEMORY OF MEL BALZER
MM Dale Sonntag MM Dave Robbins Sheryl Fielbrandt John Hofmeister MM Paul Geiger MM Chad Fournier MM James Pauli IN MEMORY OF AL WELTHER MM John Schulz CTK HEATING FUND
IN MEMORY OF RALPH RASCH, JUDY REMAR, FRED LESKOWICH & DOROTHY PRICH
MM Rod Bohn
CTK SCHOOL
IN MEMORY OF JOHN DYER
Dyer Plumbing & Heating
IN MEMORY OF TOM MUELLER
MM Jim Simmet
IN MEMORY OF JUNE WEBB
Tim & Cindy Smith - scholarship
MM Ken Rink Joan Walz
IN MEMORY OF MEL BALZER
MM John Schulz
IN MEMORY OF DORTHEA GARRISON
Charline Gremel – 4th grade
CTK HEATING
IN MEMORY OF DOROTHY PRICH
Tom & Renee Eurich
LWML QUILTING
IN MEMORY OF BRENDA ANGER
MM Larry Dressler MM Rod Bohn
IN MEMORY OF DOROTHY PRICH
MM Larry Dressler MM Eric Dressler MM Joel Dressler
DEBT RETIREMENT
IN HONOR OF THE PAUL KEMP FAMILY: Paul & Tracy, Joanna & Tim Matthews, Thomas & Kelsey Kemp, Drew Kemp and Jenia & TJ Lewis
MM Lynn Abke
ENDOWMENT FUND
IN MEMORY OF MEL BALZER
MM Paul Strieter
IMMANUEL BELL TOWER
IN MEMORY OF MEL BALZER
MM Rod Truemner
IN MEMORY OF AL WELTHER & RON WINTER
MM Larry Dressler
CEMETERY FUND
IN MEMORY OF MEL BALZER
Larry Kuhl Lorraine Ricker
MUSIC FUND
IN MEMORY OF MEL BALZER
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH BULK RATE US POSTAGE
SEBEWAING, MI 48759 SEBEWAING, MI 48759 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT 32
Wednesdays during Lent
Wednesdays during Lent
Wednesdays during Lent
Wednesdays during Lent
__________________________________________
Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday Services
February 17
February 17
February 17
February 17
4 & 7 pm - With Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion
__________________________________________
Midweek series: “I Believe”
Midweek series: “I Believe”
Midweek series: “I Believe”
Midweek series: “I Believe”
SERVICES AT 4 & 7 pm
FEBRUARY 24 - Old Testament Creed MARCH 3 - Early Christian Creed MARCH 10 - The Apostles’ Creed MARCH 17 - The Nicene Creed MARCH 24 - The Athanasian Creed
FEBRUARY 1 Connie Gangler Dana Lutz Timothy L Smith FEBRUARY 2 No Birthdays FEBRUARY 3 Madison Kemp Emily Rieman James Weisenbach FEBRUARY 4 Cole Kelly Stanley Menzel FEBRUARY 5 Bruce Jubar Ramzee Kuhl Justin Kundinger FEBRUARY 6 No Birthdays FEBRUARY 7 James Christner Graham Dast Renee Eurich Stephen Gangler Holli Vogel FEBRUARY 8 June Armbruster Rebecca Fiebig FEBRUARY 9 Chad Hornbacher David Lutz Toni Mitchell Arlene Schweitzer Wallace Volz Daniel Walz Ethan Walz FEBRUARY 10 Carla Alderson Craig Genow Sophia Schwartz FEBRUARY 11 Janet Beers John Buehler Hannah Irion William H Kauffold Beth McCarty Gabriella Vasani FEBRUARY 12 Kalie Gallow Michael Herman Brenda Hofmeister Hailey Lutz Glenn Vogel Mary Wissner FEBRUARY 13 Ethan Dexter Rod House Charlotte Menzel FEBRUARY 14 Ryan Ewald Gerald Gross Loretta Tope FEBRUARY 15 James Millerwise Stephanie Neuman Melvin Volz FEBRUARY 16 Benjamin Abke Devin Bach Lauren Fischer Tiffany Lutz Keith Stock FEBRUARY 17 Jennifer Bohn McKenzie Driscoll Kristy Sting FEBRUARY 18 Jeffery Tietz Leah Vermeersch FEBRUARY 19 Nancy Brown FEBRUARY 20 Eric Dressler Kenneth Rice FEBRUARY 21 No Birthdays FEBRUARY 22 Sienna Vasani FEBRUARY 23 Kayla Gangler Marc Geiger Arlene Sbresny Cynthia Smith FEBRUARY 24 Matthew Gremel Randy Jahr Ronni Oliver Michael Rievert Logan Sutton FEBRUARY 25 Taylor Alderson FEBRUARY 26 Mason Janke Tyson Knaub FEBRUARY 27 Garrett Adam Evelyn Herman Donna Pavlichek FEBRUARY 28 Duane Rieman FEBRUARY 29 Michele Harbuck John Kemp Barbara Nitz
February 2021
1 OAM-9 am Finance-5 MON WORSH/C-6:30 2 Pub Sch Conf-6 Stephen Min-6:30 3 Chapel-8:05 am 4 Bulletin Deadline 12 Noon 5 6 7 8:00 WORSHIP/C-9 9:15 Bible Class 10:30 WORSHIP/C-1 8 Finance-5 MON WORSH/C-6:30 Elders-7:30 9 Pub Sch Conf-6 10 11 Chapel-8:05 am Bulletin Deadline 12 Noon MMG-7 12 13 14 8:00 WORSHIP/C-2 9:15 Bible Class 10:30 WORSHIP/C-3 15 NO SCHOOL Finance-5 MON WORSH/C-6:30 Trustees/Youth-6:30 Evan/Stew-7 Church Council-7:45 NEWS DEADLINE 16 Pub Sch Conf-6 17 Ash Wednesday Chapel-8:05 am ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES w/C 4 & 7 pm Groups 4 & 5 usher18 Bulletin Deadline 12 Noon 19 20 21 8:00 WORSHIP/C-6 9:15 Bible Class 10:30 WORSHIP/C-7 22 Finance-5 MON WORSH/C-6:30 SPECIAL VOTERS’ MEETING - 7:30 pm 23 Pub Sch Conf-6 24 Chapel-8:05 am LENTEN SERVICES SERVICES 4 & 7 pm Groups 8 & 9 usher
25 Bulletin Deadline 12 Noon 26 27 28 8:00 WORSHIP/C-1 9:15 Bible Class 10:30 WORSHIP/C-2
SUPER BOWL
SUB SALE
Sunday, February 7
th, 2020
Name: ________________________________________ Phone Number:__________________________________ Name of Church:_________________________________8" ham, turkey, salami, cheese
__________ 1 sub for $5 __________ 2 subs for $9 __________ 5 subs for $20 _________ pick up on Sunday after each service
_________ pick up Saturday (2/6) between 11 am - Noon Immanuel Great Room
