THE IMMANUEL INFORMER Immanuel is a member of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).

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1 THE IMMANUEL INFORMER Immanuel is a member of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). Ministers All members Kurt Jensen Immanuel Lutheran Church 604 Lafayette Ave. Story City, Iowa, OUR MISSION Building Strong Relationships in Christ, And Making Him Known to All. Phone: Fax: immanuel@iowatelecom.net February 2018 Pastor Tom Hunt Visitation Pastor/Interim Associate Chris Dahl Deployed Pastor to Riverside Milianna Carlson Office Administrator Veronica Wright Financial Secretary Shelly Nibe Custodian Missionaries we help support Tim & Paula Tjernagel, Spain Pastor Randy Hansen, ISU Gene & Ginger McClugage, Family Life, Arkansas Kevin & Susana B, India Doug & Amy Nunziato, Mission Aviation, Washington Carl & Kelsey Grulke, Lutheran Bible Translators Church Office Hours (September through May, unless noted on calendar) Monday through Thursday: 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. (12-1 P.M. lunch) Friday: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Sunday Morning Schedule (September through May, unless noted on calendar) 8:30 A.M. Sunday School & Adult Studies From the Pastor What are your plans for Valentine s Day? Why not celebrate the greatest love in our lives: the love of Jesus! Lent begins a little early this year; Ash Wednesday is on February 14th. That night at 7:00 we ll start a series of Lenten services focused on Jesus prayer Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. People from the Bible will help us reflect on how God s will is done in our lives and world. On Sunday mornings, we ll focus on themes and prayers of Biblical hope using Seek God for the City 2018, which provides readings and prayers for every day of Lent. Look for more about these opportunities for worship and prayer on the following pages! 9:30 A.M. Worship Service This Lent, may the love of Christ flow through your life to the people around you. 10:30 A.M. Coffee Fellowship (Social Hall) Pastor Kurt

2 What love is truer than giving up one s only Son so people might have everlasting life? (John 3:16). Secretary Helpers (Bulletins are ready to fold at 10 A.M. on Fridays) February 2 Charlotte Loots Judy Hested February 9 Nancy McMenamin February 16 Janet Handsaker February 23 Nadine Beck Ruby Olson February Ministry Volunteers Ushers: John & Corine Nordeen, Bo Ammerman, Tyler Oberender, Tyler Whipple February 4 Scout Sunday Greeters: Sarah, Cassidy &Travis Jensen Reader: Al Hermanson February 11 Youth Sunday February 18 Greeters: Linda Doyle Reader: Rick Richie February 25 Greeters: Nadine Beck Reader: Laura Severson Seasoned Souls invite the Millennials to Dinner! A few years ago, the CORE Group/Seasoned Souls hosted a lunch for those 70 years young and older. This year, we would like to invite Immanuel members and guests in the age range of 20-40'ish to join us for an evening complete with food and fun on Saturday, March 24. (We originally planned this for a date in February, but we were faced with some scheduling conflicts.) For those with children, we will also provide babysitting (including supper) from 5:30-7:30 P.M. We will send out invites in the near future. In case we miss someone, or you know of someone that might enjoy attending, there will be sign-up opportunities in the near future. If you have any questions, please contact Corine Noreen or Jaynee Christian. Immanuel Lutheran Church Thank you for participating in the 2017 Roland-Story Angel Gift Program! The program helped 84 children from 34 different families have a merry Christmas! Thank you, Alyssa Loots Program Coordinator God longs to be in fellowship with us. We can talk to him anytime in prayer (Jeremiah 33:3).

3 View from the Pews Pastoral Acts December 2017 Attendance: January 14 New Members: Jonathan & Kaylin Contag (associate members) December 3: 188 December 10: 239 December 17: 305 Dick & Arlene Willis (associate members) December 24: 131 Julie Oelschlager Christmas Eve Candlelight: 393 December 31: 91 Andrea Kowalik Be sure to welcome these folks and make them feel welcome at Immanuel. *Average Sunday Attendance: 191 *not including Christmas Eve Candlelight Let not your hearts be troubled. We can count on Jesus, now and for eternal life (John 14:1-3). Church Financials Financial Report December 2017 Fund Beginning Balance Receipts Expenditures Ending Balance 29, , , , Improvement Fund 8, , , Missionary Support Fund 3, , , , Memorial Fund 9, , , Current & Mission Fund Ministry Fund An early start to spring cleaning Although Lent starts early this year, before spring appears in many areas, it s an appropriate time for spring cleaning. Indeed, Lent comes from old German and English words for spring. So, while it might be too soon to open windows or hang clothes on the line, now is ideal for some spiritual spring cleaning. Lent calls us to examine our beliefs, confess and dispose of old grudges and selfish habits, dust off our Bibles for a new routine of study and prayer, air out our hearts and brighten up our attitudes. Lent cleaning lets the Holy Spirit freshen our faith and it s never too early for that.

4 Church Bulletin Board Check the narthex bulletin board for upcoming events! Bulletin Sponsorship: Contact the church office to sponsor a bulletin ($20) in honor or memory of loved ones, birthdays, anniversaries, & other milestones. Need a ride to church? Call the church office to schedule a ride to and/or from worship. We will try to honor last minute requests. If you have an emergency need for a pastor outside of office hours, please call the church office ( ). An emergency number is listed on the machine. MINE Directory Update: Due to staffing changes and changes to membership, our directory is delayed. We anticipate completion in late February or early March. We apologize for any inconvenience. Inclement Weather Policy: Church events are cancelled if the Roland-Story Schools are dismissed early due to bad weather conditions. Information will be posted on our church website and Facebook page if there are cancelled classes or meetings. The church office will be closing at noon on Wednesday, February 28. You are always welcome to leave us a message. Jesus knows us intimately, as a shepherd knows his sheep. No one can snatch us from him (John 10:27-29).

5 Church & Community Announcements Do you have questions about the Pastoral Job Descriptions from the Annual Meeting? The Immanuel Transition Team and the Church Council will hold a forum on Sunday, February 4, to give all members the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the Pastor Job Descriptions handout that was presented by the Council at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 21. This forum will be held in the sanctuary, immediately after worship service, and will include short presentations from the Transition Team and Council members, followed by open discussion time for congregation members. The Pastor Job Descriptions are draft documents prepared by the Church Council, originally prompted from recommendations by the Transition Team, and when finalized will be used in the next steps regarding our future staffing configuration here at Immanuel. The Church Council is asking for feedback and comments from all Immanuel members to assist them in finalizing these job description documents, in preparation for their Council Planning Retreat on February 11. All members are invited to attend and participate in this forum on February 4. Upon completion of this forum, members will then adjourn to the Social Hall for Immanuel s monthly First Sunday Potluck. You re invited to bring a dish to share for our First Sunday of the Month Congregational Potluck on Sunday, Feb. 4! We ll meet in the Social Hall after worship and the forum. Drinks and tableware provided. Don t miss out on the food and fellowship! Bible Study on the Gospel of John Join us for this verse-by-verse walk through the life and message of Jesus, told by one of his closest disciples. Meets in the chapel on Sunday, Feb. 4th and 11th at 8:30 a.m. and then in the Social Hall on Feb. 18th and following Sundays. Learn from the Hymns Do the lyrics of our favorite hymns ever just go by without you noticing what they say? What can we learn from the lives and words of the authors of classic hymns and modern worship songs? Pastor Kurt resumes teaching this adult class on Sunday, Feb. 18th at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel.

6 Church & Community Announcements, continued Immanuel Custodian Needed: Shelly Nibe has decided to step down as our custodian effective Feb. 5 so she can take a full-time position at the Fitness Center. We greatly appreciate all the years she has served here! Please contact the church office if you know of someone who might be interested in this part-time position here at Immanuel. Here's a note from Shelly: Beginning on the 5th of February, my 16 year-long journey working for Immanuel will come to a close. I have resigned as your custodian in order to pursue a full-time position at the Lifetime Fitness Center here in Story City. I would like to thank the congregation for the opportunity to serve for so many years in this role and to Pastor Kurt and the staff for the support and encouragement they have provided. Although I will miss the people that I work with and the flexibility that this job has so graciously allowed me, I'm excited to begin a new chapter! With sincere thanks, Shelly Nibe God loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). Immanuel Women s Ministry Quilt Tying Work Day will be Thursday, February 8 from 9 A.M. to noon. Join us for a morning of food, fellowship, and service to others. You are welcome to bring treats for coffee break. No experience needed. All men are invited to join Men of Immanuel each Saturday morning at 8 A.M. for a time of fellowship & Bible Study. Coffee & donuts are provided! The Immanuel Board of Education invites you to join us for Breakfast Club on Sunday, February 11th. We ll be serving pancakes, fruit, juice, and coffee from 8 to 8:30 A.M. in the Social Hall. Please invite your friends and family for this time of fellowship and food before the Sunday School hour! If you know any friends or family in need of meals following births, deaths, illnesses, or surgeries, contact Sarah Jensen (suttonsbay1@yahoo.com) or the church office. Sarah helps organize the providing of meals using the Meal Train Website and will notify the congregation allowing you to sign up for times to provide meals for those in their time of need.

7 Church & Community Announcements, continued We love because [God] first loved us (1 John 4:19). My Bible Faith Stepping Stone Blessing Throughout January and early February, our 2nd and 3rd graders and their parents have been journeying through all 66 books of the Bible, highlighting verses and developing a nightly pattern of conversation with each other and God. On February 11th during worship, they will come up front as families with their Bibles to receive a blessing. The nightly faith practice they are learning, the FAITH5 (Faith Acts In The Home), is a simple pattern to incorporate into your bedtime routine for five to fifteen minutes a night. When done over time, the FAITH5 carries the power to enrich communication, deepen understanding, aid sleep, and promote mental, physical and spiritual health. The five steps are: SHARE your highs and lows READ a Bible verse or story TALK about how the Bible reading might relate to your highs and lows PRAY for one another's highs and lows BLESS one another To learn how to use the FAITH5 with your family, visit The Immanuel CORE members are asked to attend a short meeting after worship service on Sunday, February 18, in the Cornerstone Room. Items for discussion and decision include the future landscaping project east of the Chapel, future fundraising projects, and possibility of additional CORE and/or ALPHA sessions. And, even if you have not participated in a CORE or ALPHA session in the past, all Immanuel members, friends and guests are invited to attend this brief meeting/discussion on the 18th. If you have any questions, please contact Mary or Joel Danielson. A short service of Holy Communion will follow the worship service on Sunday, February 18. Anyone is welcome to join us for this intimate gathering around our Lord s Table. Women s Monthly Bible Study will continue on Tuesday, February 20 at 2 P.M. in the Social Hall. All women are welcome to join us for a time of fellowship and study. March Newsletter Articles & Announcements are due to the church office by Thursday, February 22 at noon. Have something to share with the congregation? Put it in our monthly church newsletter! Note: Late submissions are not guaranteed publication.

8 Wednesday Nights in Lent and Holy Week 2018 (post this on your fridge!) Not as I will, but as you will, Jesus prayed to his Father the night before he went to the cross for our salvation. That is our prayer as well this Lent as we seek to do God s will in our lives, as we draw near to Christ s suffering, death, and resurrection during Holy Week. Each service in our Lenten series focuses on a different aspect of God s will at work among us. Biblical characters inspire us to follow our Lord more closely day by day. Feb. 14 Feb. 21 Feb. 28 Mar. 7 Mar. 14 Mar. 21 Mar. 25 Mar. 29 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday worship (Holy Communion) God s Will and God s Promise: Abraham and Isaac 6:00 p.m. Lenten supper: TBA 7:00 p.m. Worship - God s Will and My Inadequacy: Moses 6:00 p.m. Lenten supper: TBA 7:00 p.m. Worship - God s Will and My Dreams: David 6:00 p.m. Lenten supper: TBA 7:00 p.m. Worship - God s Will and My Identity: Mary 6:00 p.m. Lenten supper: Seasoned Souls 7:00 p.m. Worship - God s Will and My Worldview: Paul 6:00 p.m. Lenten supper: TBA 7:00 p.m. Worship - God s Will and My Response: Lydia 9:30 a.m. Palm Sunday worship: God s Will When We Are Not Willing 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday worship (Holy Communion): God s Will and Joyful Service Mar. 30 7:00 p.m. Good Friday worship led by Immanuel Youth: God s Will Is Done Apr. 1 8:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast served by Immanuel Youth (no Sun. School) 9:30 a.m. Easter Sunday Celebration worship: God s Will for the New Creation (Trinity and Confirmation classes will be held from 7:45-8:30 p.m. after each Wednesday evening worship service, except March 14 during Spring Break.) Join us during Lent and Holy Week as we pray for God s will to be done thru us!

9 2018 Lenten Prayer Guide Our congregation is joining hundreds of thousands of people during the 40 days leading up to Palm Sunday in praying for our community and our world. Each page in Seek God for the City 2018 gives a daily topic of hope that rises from Scripture to help you pray with passion and purpose. Prayer ideas for specific groups of people and countries as well as prayerwalks are included. Pick up a copy and join together as a family, small group, or with some friends to pray boldly for God s kingdom to come here on earth! A companion app with links to prayer requests for every nation in the world is available for your smartphone or tablet for just $.99 look for it in your app store! The booklets will be available soon in the church office and on the table in the narthex only $3.00 each. A free children s version is available, too, so you can pray with your kids! Find out more at This Lent, we re drawing our Sunday morning prayers and messages from the weekly themes of Seek God for the City. Our Sunday themes will include: All these weekly themes and daily prayers point us to the beginning of Holy Week on Palm Sunday, where we welcome Christ as King and Seek God to fill the earth with Christ s presence and saving power. Join us in prayer for our community and world each day this Lent! February 18: REVIVAL of the People February 27: AWAKENING of Those Far from God March 4: TRANSFORMATION of Entire Communities March 11: EVANGELIZATION of Every People March 18: RECONCILIATION of Relationships

10 To know Jesus christ and to make christ known to all RIVERSIDE BIBLE CAMP 3001 RIVERSIDE ROAD STORY CITY, IA Upcoming Events February 17 March 2-4 Daddy*Daughter*Dance 6-8 P.M. $5/Person (max of $20/family) Pictures*Snacks*Live DJ Marriage retreat Friday evening to Sunday noon See Riversidelbc.org for pricing Must register by February 23 Spend time with your spouse in an atmosphere that encourages christ centered marriages, lasting relationships, and time with others on the same journey. April 14 April Experience camp packed in to One fun-filled day! Spring Blast 9:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M. 2nd-6th Graders $30/camper Men s Retreat Friday Evening-Sunday Afternoon See Riversidelbc.org for pricing Connect with Christian men with bible studies, games outside, and god s presence. Summer 2018 s theme: Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. T o r e g i s t e r, c a l l t h e r i v e r s i d e o f f i c e ( ) o r r e g i s t e r o n l i n e a t r i v e r s i d e l b c. o r g. Summer Camp Registration & Discount Information We want to encourage as many campers to come to Riverside this summer as possible from our congregation. Register online at: Discounts for our campers include: $15 Riverside Association Member Congregation Discount If registering online: When you are paying online, make sure to put in the transfer code to receive an Immanuel Campership. Here are the two codes available: Full week of camp transfer code ($100): immsc18 Alpha camp (half week) transfer code ($50): immsc18a Note: DO NOT select Group Hold There may be more discounts for early registrations and multiple camper registrations. Please contact Riverside for the most current discounts. If you need further financial help in order to go to camp, let Pastor Kurt know.

11 Church Library Notes Read. Study. Learn. This month the library has two new works of fiction on its shelves for you to enjoy. Historical fiction readers appreciate the lengths author Lynn Austin goes to in researching the backgrounds for her novels. In her book Waves of Mercy she delves into the early history of her home state of Michigan and the lake it was named for, telling the parallel stories of young Chicago socialite Anna Nicholson, who is staying at the Hotel Ottawa in Holland, Michigan, recovering emotionally from her broken engagement, and the elderly widow, Geesje de Jong, who is writing her memories of being a Dutch immigrant in the late 1800 s for the town s semi-centennial anniversary. This is truly a love story on all levels. Not the least of which is the love of a merciful God who brings the past and present together in a most surprising way. Readers will come away with a new appreciation for the heritage of faith these settlers have given us and a deep sense of gratitude for a God who never gives up on one of His own. Did you know the only time Jesus refers to a woman as daughter in the Bible is in the story of the bleeding woman who touches the hem of his robe and is healed? Knowing that every word Jesus spoke was used intentionally, why would he address her in such a tenderly way? The Bible gives us very little information about this woman, but in her novel, Land of Silence, author Tessa Afshar tells her story, based on her research into the culture and customs of the time. With the Bible as her inspiration, Afshar uses her imagination to write a truly engaging story and the reader quickly becomes immersed in the daily life of this young Jewish woman and her family, identifying with her struggle to understand why a loving God would put her through the suffering, guilt and alienation she experiences. While the author herself says, This story can in now way replace the transformative power that the reader will encounter in the Scriptures, it does a powerful job of bringing this story to life and making it real in a meaningful way. If you need an excuse to come in to the library for a book or two, look no further than the thermometer. These cold winter days fly by when you are lost in a good book! God s words are sweeter than honey (Psalm 119:103).

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13 Summary of January 11, 2018 Council Meetings Joint Council Trustees January 11 President Terry Thompson called the Opening Prayer Rick Richie meeting to order. Approved bills and Treasurer s Report. Devotions were shared by Jeff Baker. Project Updates: installing door seals on Denny Bauman gave the monthly glass doors and sanctuary doors; adding treasurer s report. venting to social hall closet Report of Boards. Other Items: Reviewed role descriptions for a 2 full-time New water heater to be installed in educapastor system to present to the congregation wing; audit complete; continuing to tion at the Annual Meeting; input sought by look into security upgrades for the church. Feb 11, then Council will finalize and call a Next meeting: Feb 11 at Riverside special congregational meeting to form a call committee. Board of Education January 7 Next meeting: Feb 11 at Riverside Opening prayer Jeff Baker Discussed curriculum & structure of MS & Youth Board January 3 HS Sunday School Discussed opening game for next Confirma- Looking for Young Disciples music leader tion class and creative interruptions for My for ; discussed options Bible Faith Stepping Stone in January & Feb- Breakfast Club prep ruary. Discussed pastor role descriptions Confirmation students to roll Bedsheets in- Next meeting: Feb 11 at Riverside to Bandages for Global Health Ministries with Frank Deacons January 11 & Carol Baedke on Jan 17. Opened with prayer concerns. Winter Jam coming up January 26 at Wells Worship planning team in place. Fargo Arena; Rodney Bunn is coordinating Small group leaders meet Jan. 28. it. Temple talks in Jan. on stewardship; Promoting LCMC National Youth Event Consecration Sunday Jan 28. Youth Sunday Feb 11; youth-led Good New members: Jonathan and Kaylin Friday and Easter Breakfast Contag, Julie Oelschlager, and Dick and Looking for additional adults for Youth Arlene Willis Board and volunteers for events. Discussed Youth Sunday (Feb 11) and Next meeting: Feb 11 at Riverside We show our love for Christ by keeping his commands (John 14:15). Lent series Confirmation Sunday: Apr 22 Next meeting: Feb 11 at Riverside

14 Middle & High School Youth Activities Winter Blast You are invited by the Iowa State University Fellowship of Christian Athletes to Winter Blast, at Gilbert High School on February 25 from noon to 6 P.M. Join Central Iowa high school students for food, fellowship, and games! Connect with students from other schools, and connect with God in the middle of all the chaos of life. Come dressed to play! Admission is $5. Register online or jessandwillo@gmail.com The greatest love involves laying down your life for your friends (John 15:13) precisely what Jesus did. Riverside Bible Camp s High School week is July They have a great week planned; check it out at (click on Sr High). Called 2 Follow, the LCMC National Youth Event will be in Des Moines this summer! July 17-20, 2018, Grand View University, Des Moines. If you ve ever been wondering what God s plan for your life is, you re not alone. At Called 2 Follow, you ll have a chance to meet other high school students from all over the country, lend a hand to people in need, and gain a better understanding of what God might be calling you to do in your local community. This isn t your parent s youth gathering! Here's a recap of the 2016 LCMC Youth Gathering: Questions? Want to volunteer to help with any of these events or other youth opportunities? Contact us: Frank Baedke fbaedke@rocketmail.com Rod Bunn rbunn1967@gmail.com Chris Dahl dahlch01@gmail.com Tammy Nicholson tknicholson89@gmail.com Pastor Kurt jensku01@gmail.com

15 Communion & Scout Sunday 8:00 A.M. Radio Broadcast 8:00/10:30 A.M. Prayer Time 8:20 A.M. My Bible FSS 8:30 A.M. Sunday School/Adult Education 9:30 A.M. Worship 10:30 A.M. Forum (Sanctuary) and then Congregational Potluck (Social Hall) 11 Riverside/Youth Sunday 8:00 A.M. Radio Broadcast 8:00 A.M. Breakfast Club 8:00/10:30 A.M. Prayer Time 8:20 A.M. My Bible FSS 8:30 A.M. Sunday School/Adult Education 9:30 A.M. Worship 10:30 A.M. Coffee Fellowship (Social Hall) 12-5 P.M. Council Retreat at Riverside 18 8:00 A.M. Radio Broadcast 8:00/10:30 A.M. Prayer Time 8:30 A.M. Sunday School/Adult Education 9:30 A.M. Worship 10:30 A.M. Coffee Fellowship (Social Hall) 10:30 A.M. CORE Meeting (Cornerstone) 25 8:00 A.M. Radio Broadcast 8:00/10:30 A.M. Prayer Time 8:30 A.M. Sunday School/Adult Education 9:30 A.M. Worship 10:30 A.M. Coffee Fellowship (Social Hall) 12:00 P.M. Winter Blast at Gilbert High School Church Lutheran Immanuel Sun Tue Wed 21 6:00 P.M. Lenten Supper 7:00 P.M. Worship 7:45 P.M. Trinity & Confirmation Classes 7:45 P.M. Senior Choir Church Office 9:30 A.M. Staff Mtg. Closes at noon 10:00 A.M. Newsletter Folding 6:00 P.M. Lenten Supper 7:00 P.M. Worship 7:45 P.M. Trinity & Confirmation Classes 7:45 P.M. Senior Choir 20 9:30 A.M. Staff Mtg. 2:00 P.M. Women s Monthly Bible Study Ash Wednesday 9:30 A.M. Staff Mtg. 7:00 P.M. Worship 7:45 P.M. Trinity & Confirmation Classes 7:45 P.M. Senior Choir 6 7 9:30 A.M. Staff Mtg. 6:30 P.M. Pizza Supper 6 P.M. Social Hall 6:45 P.M. Trinity & reserved Confirmation Classes 7:15 P.M. Senior Choir FEBRUARY 2018 Mon 22 ME LOVE March Newsletter Announcements and Articles Due 15 LCMC Iowa District Meeting at Riverside 8 9:00 A.M. Quilting Day 1 Thu whole being (Luke 10:27). is to love God with our 24 8:00 A.M. Men of Immanuel 17 8:00 A.M. Men of Immanuel 10 8:00 A.M. Men of Immanuel 9:00 A.M. Social Hall reserved 3 8:00 A.M. Men of Immanuel Sat The greatest commandment 10:00 A.M. Bulletins :00 A.M. Bulletins 9 10:00 A.M. Bulletins 10:00 A.M. Bulletins 2 Fri

16 Immanuel Lutheran Church 604 Lafayette Avenue Story City, Iowa Address Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Story City, Iowa Permit No. 44 February 2018 Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 God s Conversation Hearts Those familiar conversation hearts that show up every February can be more than just trite romantic or friendly sayings. Use them to remind you or to teach a child of the greatest love of all: God s love for us, which empowers our love for others. See if you can find all 10 hearts in this newsletter!