THE IMMANUEL MESSENGER March 2019

Transcription

1 THE IMMANUEL MESSENGER March 2019 Immanuel Lutheran Church Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 673 Weston Road Manchester, NH (603) immanuel-mnh.org Pastor Rev. Donald Colageo Administrative Assistant Tammy Wilkie Elders Doug Gootee Kent Freshour Jim Mange Dan Blakeman Church Council Congregational Chairman: James Wilkie Congregational Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Finance: Hans Larsson Treasurer: Kathy Mange Financial Secretary: Wendy Wilkie Congregational Recording Secretary: Ray Brown Board of Immanuel Christian Preschool: Bonnie Bell Board of Property: Don Bell Board of Evangelism: Vacant Board of Stewardship: Vacant Board of Activities: Karen Colageo and Cindy Grenier, Co-chairs NEWS, NOTES & TIDBITS Hockey with the Manchester Monarchs Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m. at the SNHU Arena! The Monarchs will be playing the Norfolk Admirals. Please sign ups and payments are due today! You can find more details on the flyer posted in the fellowship hall entrance. Tickets are only $16 for adults and $12 for youth. (Cynthia Grenier, Activities Board) Sunday Morning Bible Study If you haven t tried the 9 a.m. breakfast hour, you are missing out. We just started studying the book of Revelation. Come! There are 30 to 50 of us on any given Sunday. The food is good too! Men s Night Out! The Gentlemen of the congregation will be meeting Friday, March 15 th at 6:30 pm for some fellowship and fun! Meet at Gauchos Churrascaria Brazilian Steak House located at 62 Lowell Street, Manchester. Ladies Night Out! Not to be outdone the Ladies of the Congregation will be meeting Friday, March 15 th at 6:30 pm for their own time to fellowship! Meet at TBones located at 25 South River Road in Bedford, NH. Holy Land Trip Are you interested in traveling with a group of Immanuel members to the Holy Land? There s a sign up sheet in the Fellowship Hall entrance. For more information, please talk with Cynthia Grenier, Activities Board.

2 From the Pastor s Pen 27 And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. Luke 24:27 The whole of Scripture tells the story of Jesus. In that particular case, Jesus summed it all up in about two hours that first Easter. (I personally think that road-trip chat could have wound up as what we know as the book of Hebrews, but let that go.) The point is, we see Jesus in all the Scriptures, even in the details. This is true especially of His passion. Each Lenten season is a new opportunity to explore something new regarding the things done to Jesus for our sakes. I hope on the coming five Wednesday evenings following Ash Wednesday, we can Behold together the Lamb of God both in the Old Testament and in the Gospels that is, both in the shadows, and in the body that cast those long shadows back through time. Recently our Circuit #1 in the NED got together to pool our resources in midweek Lenten studies. These pastors were a gold mine for me! So for this coming 40 Days, the outline is as follows: (You may recognize that each of the Latin terms are the first word of the Introit for that week.) Week INVOCAVIT (He calls) REMINISCERE (Remember) OCULI (My eyes) LAETARE (Rejoice) JUDICA (Vindicate) Passion subject to ponder Thorns Wood and Nails Wine Linen Stone The sermons for these Wednesday Vespers are typically around 10 minutes at the most. But hopefully these familiar images of the Passion that reverberate through the whole of Scripture will cause us to recognize our Savior throughout His Book. I hope to see you there. In Jesus love, +Pastor 2

3 From the Elders Greetings in the name of Jesus! On March 3, the season of Epiphany comes to a close with a real mountain-top experience. Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on the mountain to pray. While He was praying, His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening (Luke 9:29 NKJV) as His divine nature was revealed. Two others appeared were speaking with Jesus Moses and Elijah. They were talking about what Jesus was about to do in Jerusalem. Oddly, the three disciples were heavy with sleep (v. 32). When they were fully awake with the bright, shining light, and the men were parting from Jesus, Peter spoke and said Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah (v. 33) Note that this is, of course, the same Peter on whom Jesus said He would build his church and whose first act as newly ordained Pope was to insist that he would not allow Jesus to suffer death. Words from Satan through Peter s mouth. Peter seems to always have a tough time not saying whatever comes into his mind without pausing to think about it. At this point, the mountain was covered with a cloud and they heard the voice of God saying This is My beloved Son. Hear Him! (v.35). After hearing these words, the disciples found Jesus alone with them. Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem and His ultimate death on the cross for our sins. We, too, have the chance to participate in a mountain-top experience every week. Our chance is through the mystery of Holy Communion where we with all the saints participate in the true body and blood of Jesus. We not only hear and speak His words, but take Him into our beings in, through, and under the bread and wine. That is the pinnacle of our walk with Jesus! May your mountain-top experience never cease! In His service, Doug Gootee, For the Board of Elders 3

4 Lift Every Voice March 2019 Ed. By Dick Campbell O Love, How Deep LSB # 544 Text: Thomas A. Kempis ( ) Translation: Benjamin Webb ( ) Tune Deo Gracias, 15 th C. (Agincourt Hymn) Scripture Ref. Eph.1:7b -21; Phil. 2:6-9; The time of Lent is nearly upon us. This now ancient hymn by Thomas a Kempis leads us through the levels of events in the life of our Redeemer. It begins with his birth on December 25 (v. 2), through January the Naming and Circumcision and Baptism of Jesus (v.3) and other events in the season of Epiphany, the wedding in Cana, the calling of his disciples etc. (v.4) in His public ministry. As Lutherans we observe His Transfiguration on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. In verse 5 we follow his journey from the Mount of Transfiguration to Calvary, the mount of crucifixion and death. The love of God is so intense that to bring His erring creatures back to Himself that He emptied heaven of its dearest and greatest Treasure (John 3:16); He sent no angel to our race, of higher or of lower place But wore the robe or human frame and to this world HIMSELF HE came ( v.2 ). As we go through the discipline of Lent, we should be ever mindful of this his most loving sacrifice. We tend to hurry on to the more joyful time of Easter but stay awhile and watch with Jesus. Learn with Jesus Christ to pray! (LSB 436) Bio: Thomas a Kempis CRSA (Cannon regulus) Thomas was born in Kempen, Germany in His family name was Hemerken, meaning little hammer. His father was a blacksmith and his mother was a schoolmistress which shows a humble beginning but not poor. In 1406 Thomas followed an older brother in joining a friary in Zwolle, Holland living under the rule of community of St. Augustine as did Martin Luther a century later. He became a sub-prior in the monastery of St. Agnes in Zwolle where he remained for most of his life. Thomas was a scholar and spent much of his time reading, writing and translating older works. It is said that he copied the entire Bible 4 times. Writing his own devotions, his works were published including the four books incorporated into his The Imitation of Christ which is still widely read to this day. Thomas died in Zwolle in The tune Deo Gracias (Agincourt Hymn) is pre-elizabethan in origin and is simply translated Thanks be to God in English. It is used one other time in our hymnal (LSB #413). 4

5 Serving Our Lord in Worship During March Date Service Usher Acolyte Communion Assistant 3/3 Sunday Donna Houle, Kent Freshour, Hans Larsson 3/6 Ash Wednesday 3/10 Sunday Jim Mange, Helgard & Marina Kirsch 3/13 Mid-Week 3/17 Sunday Rick Otte, David King, Jim Wilkie 3/20 Mid-Week 3/24 Sunday Jim Mange, Ed Flaherty, Dick Buechsenschuetz 3/27 Mid- Week 3/31 Sunday Maria Love, Marilyn Plummer Gabriel Robinson Kevin Mange Gabriel Robinson Dan Blakeman, Jim Wilkie Doug Gootee, Rick Otte Howard Helwig, Jim Mange Dan Blakeman, Jim Wilkie Doug Gootee, Kent Freshour Lector Greeters Altar Care Kent Freshour Claire Flaherty David Sanderson Dick Buechsenschuetz Doug Gootee Kevin Mange and Phil Zimmerman Dick and Maria Love Rev. Mark and Gwen Oien Jim & Wendy Wilkie John and Pauline Haman Karen Colageo, Marcia Blakeman Donna Houle & Marina Kirsch Rita Hennessy, Cynthia Grenier Wendy Wilkie and Roseann Helwig Stephanie Sanderson, Laura Brulet & Marcia Gootee 5

6 March Birthdays And Baptismal Birthdays! Birthdays 6 Baptismal Birthdays 3 Steve Holman 4 Roseann Helwig 9 Cynthia Grenier 8 Melissa Gaumont 12 Bowen Bilodeau 9 Claire Flaherty 13 Lilo Dutzmann 30 Alan Neubert 21 Rick Otte 22 Beth Freshour 23 Ed Flaherty 29 Logan Parker

7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3/1 3/2 3/3 The Transfiguration of Our Lord 3/4 3/5 3/6 Ash Wednesday 3/7 3/8 3/9 9 am Sunday School & Adult Bible study 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion 6:30 pm Property Board Meeting (FH) 5 pm Confirmation Class 6pm Soup & Salad 7pm Ash Wednesday Service 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 6pm Heritage Quilt Guild (FH) 3/10 First Sunday in Lent 3/11 3/12 3/13 3/14 3/15 3/16 9 am Sunday School and Adult Bible study 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion 5 pm Confirmation Class 7 pm Lenten service 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 8:30am to 11:30am Church Council Meeting (FH) 3 pm Monarch Hockey Game 3/17 Second Sunday in Lent 3/18 3/19 3/20 3/21 3/22 3/23 9 am Sunday School and Adult Bible study 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion 5 pm Confirmation Class 7 pm Lenten service 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 3/24 Third Sunday in Lent 3/25 3/26 3/27 3/28 3/29 3/30 9 am Sunday School and Adult Bible study 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion 3/31 Fourth Sunday in Lent 9 am Sunday School and Adult Bible study 10 am Divine Service with Holy Com. 6:30pm Stamp Club (FH) 5 pm Confirmation Class7 pm Lenten service 7

8 Lutheran Church Extension Fund Have You Invested Yet? Join the other Immanuel members that have already invested in LCEF These funds are used in the New England District to make loans to our sister churches to build or remodel churches, schools and parsonages. While your money is doing this important work, you earn a competitive rate of return. This is the only investment you can make that is designated solely to further God s kingdom as we are directed by the Great Commission. All LCEF investments have two things in common: 1) LCEF loans funds to ministries of the LCMS and 2) LCEF investments pay a competitive rate of interest. Simply put, with an LCEF investment, investors get the added satisfaction of knowing that your investment supports ministry; your dollars are working to build the kingdom of God. We call this Spiritually Responsible Investing. Your investment funds not only help build churches, schools, seminaries, Synodical colleges, and more, but are also available to you and your family when you need them. Special Programs for new investors: The Young Investors Club helps teach children about Discipleship and Stewardship by making it possible to invest in church growth. This investment for investors under the age of 19 has an added incentive for saving on the first $1000 invested! The Connect PLUS! Two-Year Fixed Term Note provides a special rate for New Investors on the first $5000 invested and a great rate on anything over the initial $5000. Check the rates for details. Contact Doug and Marcia Gootee, Immanuel s LCEF Congregational Advocates at (603) for more information, or contact LCEF directly at THE-LCEF or log on to Here are the interest rates that have been set for March 2019: Term Notes (a certificate of deposit - $500 minimum deposit): Six months: 1.125% (1.130% APY) Nine months: 1.250% (1.256% APY) One Year: 2.000% (2.015% APY) Eighteen Months: 2.125% (2.142% APY) Two years: 2.250% (2.269% APY) Three years: 2.375% (2.396% APY) Four years: 2.500% (2.524% APY) Five years: 2.625% (2.651% APY) Partner PLUS! Up to $25,000 Two years: 2.375% (2.396% APY) Four years: 2.875% (2.906% APY) Over $25,000: 1.250% (1.256% APY) Connect PLUS! Up to $5, % (3.034%APY) Over $5, % (1.256%APY) Floating Rate Term Notes (A certificate of deposit - $100 minimum deposit) Thirty months: 2.250% (2.269% APY) Sixty months: 2.500% (2.524% APY) Dedicated Certificates (a savings account - $10 minimum deposit) Balance in account Less than $1,000: 0.375% (0.376% APY) $1,000 to $5,000: 0.500% (0.501% APY) Over $5,000: 0.625% (0.626% APY) (These are limited-transaction checking accounts.) Y.I. Steward Account (Young Investors under 18) $25 - $ % (3.557% APY) $1000 and over: 1.250% (1.257% APY) Family Emergency Steward Account* $25 minimum deposit: 1.250% (1.257% APY) *monthly electronic transfers required until balance reaches $10,000 Regular Steward Account ($100 minimum deposit) Less than $1,000: 0.625% (0.627% APY) $1,000 - $5,000: 0.750% (0.753% APY) $5,000 - $10,000: 0.875% (0.879% APY) $10,000 and over: 1.125% (1.131% APY) The mission of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund is to provide opportunity to make funds and services available in support of the Great Commission through the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. 8

9 IMMANUEL LUTHERAN 2019 EASTER FLOWERS Please fill out the information below and return with payment to the church office pocket on Tammy s/marcia s door. The deadline for ordering is Sunday, April 7, *Please make checks payable to: Merrimack Flower Shop & Greenhouse EASTER CHURCH PRICE LIST 2019 All prices include foil and delivery to the church. Name Address Flower dedication: In Celebration of In Memory of 9

10 Plant Size Cost per plant # of plants Easter lilies 6-inch single lily $ inch double lily $ inch triple lily $ inch 4ppp lily $38.50 Total Cost of plants Office Use Amt./ck# Tulips 6-inch tulip $ inch tulip $ inch tulip $18.75 Hyacinths 6-inch hyacinth $ inch hyacinth $ inch hyacinth $18.75 Mums 6-inch mum plant $9.75 Hydrangeas 7-inch hydrangea $19.75 Azaleas 6-inch azalea $18.75 Total # of plants: Total $ of all plants: 10