Immanuel Lutheran Church Belvidere March 2015 Connections

Immanuel Lutheran Church Belvidere March 2015 Connections Table of Contents Page 2-3: Immanuel News Page 4: Mortgage 2 Mission & Immanuel Lutheran School Page 5: Youth Connections Page 6-7: Bits & Pieces - Women Ministry Events - Pastor Wille Celebration - Other Highlights and Upcoming Events This month s Connections Newsletter is sponsored by Al Kautz and family in loving memory of Ella Kautz who passed away January 10, 1997. 1

2017 Bible Study Opportunities Basics is our Entry Class to life in Christ at Immanuel where you will learn basic Bible and Lutheran teachings. This class runs for 8 weeks. Enrich your life, challenge your doubts and build relationships. Please call the church office (815-544- 8058) to register. Cost is $20 per person or $25 per couple. Childcare available. Once-A-Month Bible Study Tuesday, January 24th 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall 6:30 p.m. Conference Room Join Pastor Buss and hear the Word of the Lord. Please bring your Bibles with you. FOR ALL Fellowship Hall Bible Class The Book of Daniel: Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (Pastor Garchow) Serendipity Bible Class: Conference Room, Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (Dale Massaro) Connection Points Bible Study (Based on Sunday s Readings): Classroom 128, Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (Cheryl Gieseke) The Gospel of John: Immanuel North, Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. (Pastor Wagner) Monday Morning Bible Class: Fellowship Hall, Mondays at 9:00 a.m. (Assorted Leaders) Thursday Morning Scriptures: Fellowship Hall, Thursdays at 6:30 a.m. (Dan Albrecht) Wednesday Morning Scriptures: Multi-Use Room, Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. (Dan Albrecht) Couples Bible Study (Begins Jan. 15th): Conference Room, Sundays 5:00 6:30 p.m. (Four Sessions) The Bible s Big Picture (Begins Jan. 8th): Room 128, Sundays 5:00-6:30 p.m. (Three Sessions) FOR MEN North Men s Bible Study: Immanuel North, Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. Saturday Morning Men s Bible Class: CrownPoint, 2nd & 4th Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. FOR WOMEN The Wired Word - Current Events Bible Study (Begins Jan. 2nd): School Library, Every Other Monday 6:30 8:30 p.m. LifeLight, The Christian Mission : Fellowship Hall, Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. (Elissa Sullivan) North Women s Bible Study: Immanuel North, Sundays at 6:30 p.m. (Topic and Leaders Vary) FOR YOUTH/CHILDREN Christ for Kids: Small Gym, Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (PreK3-5th Grade) Children s Church: Small Gym during Sermon at 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Sunday s Kool Kids: Immanuel North, 9:30 a.m. (PreK3-5th Grade) Grapple: CrownPoint Lower Level, Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (6th-8th Grade) Alpha & Omega (Confirmation): CrownPoint, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. or Sundays at 9:15 a.m. High School Youth: CrownPoint, Sundays at 7:00 p.m. A complete list of Connection Groups is available online at www.immanulebelvidere.org or on the Immanuel App. 2

All thanks to the glory of God! Here is a look back at the construction of our Canopy and Parking Lot Project. Jeremiah Tree Update A total of 68 leaves have been sponsored on our Jeremiah Tree! Our most recent sponsors are: Phil and Carol Knox Family of Wesley Hyland Rev. Allan and Marie Buss Russ and Jacquie Peterson Darlene Bicksler Sandy Brockmann Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 12th. Money, time and expertise was put into this 25-year dream. This was done with so much of your support. When a leaf is sponsored on our tree, those offerings go towards multiple funds here at Immanuel. Funds such as Education, Mission Work, our General Ministry and more! Thank you for strengthening Immanuel and its future. It s a Legacy of Faith. Legacy Ministry The church and community members curiously watched as Immanuel added to the future of its ministry. A cornerstone and time capsule was laid into place as this project neared completion. It contains a Bible, Luther s Small Catechism, newspapers and church bulletins. Who has made a spiritual impact in your life? Mrs. Rottman. She tells us who Jesus is and the Bible. -Tahlula Habedank Pastor Wille. He confirmed me at the age of 26 and made the idea of salvation by grace alone real for me for the first time. -Anonymous We re available for you in many ways! The vision that many at Immanuel had for this project quickly became a reality as winter weather hit. 3

2017 Mission Trip STILL LOOKING FOR TEAM MEMBERS! We are still accepting applications for the 2017 Belize Mission Trip June 1017, 2017. We are in need of a nurse to care for the team, village of Seine Bight and home health visits. This year we are looking for a few more male applicants. We have a strong presence at the Men s Ministry in Belize in past years. The men in the village need to be lifted up along with the women! Online applications are located here: https://ilc.ccbchurch.com/ form_response.php?id=76. Questions can be directed to Cathy Dulgar at 815-544-8058 or email at cdulgar@immanuelbelvidere.org. In All the Places to Go... How Will You Know?, best-selling author, John Ortberg opens our eyes to the countless doors God places before us every day, teaches us how to recognize them, and gives us the encouragement to step out in faith and embrace all of the extraordinary opportunities that await. Immanuel Lutheran School Pre-Registration for Immanuel Lutheran Church and School Families Opens Monday, January 23. You are invited to join us for a tour and information at the Open House from 6:00 PM 7:00 PM. Why Immanuel Lutheran School? Quality Education for 3-year-old Pre-School through Eighth Grade Christ Centered Daily Devotions and Bible Lessons Weekly Chapel Services Interscholastic Sports Programs for Boys and Girls Before and After School Care Program Caring, Dedicated, and Highly Qualified Experienced Teachers Computer Lab and Instruction Band and Choral Programs Fully Equipped Science Lab Student Service Opportunities Parent Involvement Opportunities Convenient Location near I-90 on Belvidere Road Preparing for Tomorrow with a Christ Centered Education Today. www.immanuelknights.org Lutheran Schools Week January 22nd 27th National Lutheran Schools Week provides our network of nearly 2,300 LCMS preschools, elementary schools and high schools with the public opportunity to proclaim and celebrate God s work among us in Lutheran Schools. We thank God for the opportunity to provide excellent academic preparation for the children we serve.

High School Mission Trip (For Current 8th 12th Grade) Where: Austin, Texas When: July 16-22 Cost: $400 Informational meeting on January 22nd. Registration also beings January 22nd. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is needed to register. Questions? Please call Andrea Davis or Josh Wold at 815-544-8058. Service Opportunities: Super Bowl Sub Assembly: February 4th from 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Fellowship Hall Super Bowl Sub Hand Out: February 5th at each worship service. Wear your favorite jersey! High School Youth Group www.immanuelhsm.com January 8, 15, 22, 29: High School Ministry 7pm CrownPoint February 5: Super Bowl Party 5pm Josh Wold s House (323 W. Main Street, Poplar Grove) Mission Trip Opportunity! For: College and Young adults What: Short-term week-long mission experience When: June 11-June 16, 2017 Where: Pikeville, Kentucky Why: Sharing God's love to those in need & caring for a community. Cost: $300 For more info contact Josh Wold in the church office or go to immanuelhsm.com Junior High and High School Ski Trip (6th 12th Grade) Cascade Mountain Portage, WI Sunday, February 19, 2017 Adult Lift Tickets (13 years and older): $18 Child Lift Tickets (12 years and younger): Free Rental: $18 High School Gathering/Omega Retreat Trinity Roselle, IL April 7-8 A waiver form is required by all youth. Waivers available on our websites. Please bring a snack to share. Sandwiches and drinks will be provided. Adult chaperones and drivers are needed. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, February 8th. Sign up online at: immanueljhm.com or immanuelhsm.com Mark Your Calendar! 5

A Course for Married Couples! Is it possible for two people to fall in love and actually stay there? Absolutely! Starting Sunday, January 15th from 5:00 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room, Jon and Krista Goldie will be leading a DVD series by Andy Stanley titled Staying in Love. This is a 4-week series (no class Super Bowl Sunday). This class is limited to 10 couples. If you are unable to attend this session, we will be holding another session on Sundays starting February 26th which will be held at 9:30 a.m. If you would like to register, please call the church office. Child care is available! We would like to thank the Immanuel School students and members of Immanuel Church for supporting the Christmas Joy for Walter Lawson project. What a blessing for these special children! This is Immanuel at work in our community. Thank you from the Care Ministry Team. Delivery Week: January 17th 20th Deliveries begin at 11:15 a.m. If you d like to deliver, please call the church office or indicate on a church bulletin tear-off. Did you know that notary services are provided in the church office of Immanuel? If you need a document notarized, please call or stop by the church office. Here is a list of events and Bible studies that will be available in 2017 for women. Crafty Christians: Heather Lopez, leader 1 st Tuesday of month 6pm Multi-Use Room Zumba: Carmella Wold, leader -- Thursdays -- 8 week session, 6:30pm Small gym Ladies Guild: Dona Schwederski, leader 1 st Thursday of month 1pm FH Mary Martha: Louanne Gotsch, leader 3 rd Tuesday of month 7pm Multi-Use Room Care Ministry: Lani Walter, leader 3 rd Thursday of month 6:30pm FH Lifelight Bible Study: Elissa Sullivan, leader -- every Thursday from 1/5 to 3/2 9am to 11am FH topic is The Christian Mission. Monday Night Bible Study: Linda Jurgens, leader every other Monday beginning 1/2 6:30pm FH -- topic is Current Events. Book Club: TBA Project Linus: Saturday, February 11 th from 9:30am to 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall. We will make fleece-tied blankets for critically-ill children. All supplies and refreshments will be provided. Kids are welcome. Visual Faith/Bible Journaling: Join the worldwide movement of Visual Faith/Bible Journaling on Saturday, March 11 th when Patricia Maier from Brighton, Michigan will explore Scripture and prayer through the use of images to create a connection in our minds and souls that allow us to experience God s Word in a new and transforming way. This event runs from 9:00 am to noon beginning in the Sanctuary, and moving to the Fellowship Hall for hands-on instruction. Artistic talent is not necessary. Cost is $5 per person; please bring a non-bleed Sharpie pen, colored pencils, and your Bible. Childcare is available upon requested. Call the church office for any questions! https://ilc.ccbchurch.com/form_response.php?id=87 6

Where s Your Bible? Being in God s Word is a great way to celebrate 2017 and the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. One of Martin Luther s passions was putting the Word of God into the hands of the people. Today, we have greater access to God s Word than ever before. This is a great gift and a great benefit to God s people. As we begin 2017, we challenge you to find your Bible! Maybe it s on a shelf or in a drawer. Maybe you have a Bible app on your phone or listen to an audio Bible in your car. Go ahead, dig it out, open it up and make time every day to hear what God is saying through his Word! Don t have a Bible? Don t know where yours is? Check out these resources: Order a Bible at www.cph.org. Download a Bible App BibleGateway App (Simple to use) Bible Hub App (Great for digging a little deeper.) Stop in the church office where we have two great study Bibles available for purchase. If you re not sure which translation to use, contact one of our Pastors. There are many great translations but you might want to begin with the ESV, NIV or NASB translations. If you need assistance getting a Bible, please stop in and see one of our Pastors. We will make sure you get one! Join Us In Celebration of Pastor Eugene Wille s Birthday! Sunday, February 12, 2017 During the 8:00 A.M. Worship Service (Cake & Refreshments to follow in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 A.M.) In honor of Pastor Wille s birthday, Immanuel will be invited to sponsor a leaf on our Jeremiah Tree. There will be a match gift up to $2,500. It will go towards the Pastor Eugene & Helen Wille Human Care Fund. This fund provides financial assistance to those in need of care for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. Envelopes will be available in the church pews, at the Connection Center or in the church office. This fund assists people such as Pastor Paul Garchow, who is currently battling cancer. Dear Pastor Buss & Immanuel s Human Care Committee, What an amazing God we worship, who leads people to show His love in such a concrete way. Please accept our thanks for the generous gift we received from the Pastor Eugene and Helen Wille Human Care Fund. This new year brings us to a new oncologist and a whole new year of deductibles and other expenses. We will gratefully use the gift to help defray our costs. Christine and I are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Immanuel, where God s love can actually be seen. We pray God s blessings on all of you as you continue to be His hands in our community and world. In Jesus love, Pastor Paul Garchow SAVE-THE-DATE Veterans Brunch & Certification Saturday, March 18, 2017 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Comfort Dog Ministry Collect your spare change in a baby bottle provided by the Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford. Your loose change will go towards helping create futures for mothers, fathers and their babies. Bottles will be available to fill starting January 29, 2017. Once your bottle is full, please return it to the Connection Center or church office by February 26th. Any bottles attempted to be turned in after this deadline must be dropped off to the Pregnancy Care Center yourself. 4108 Morsay Dr, Rockford, IL 61107 7

Independent Accountant s Report Financial Commentary: Church income was $4k over budget and school income was $1k over budget year to date through November. Both Church and school expenses were under budget at $29k and $13k respectively. Mortgage to Mission revenue was $5k under budget through November. A significant estate in excess of $400k was received in September which will benefit many ministries for years to come. Capital Expenditures: Furnace for Modular Classroom $2.4k, Canopy and Parking Lot $390.0k, Sanctuary Computer $1.9k, School Bathrooms Remodel $41.4k, Computer Switch $2.5k, Computer Server $8.5k, Conference Room Remodel $3.8k, Raised Praise Team Platform $5.4k, School Sign $2.0k, Lockers $7.4k, Lawn Tractors $23.1k wireless access points $3.8k, LED Parking Lights $8.0k. Endowments: November earnings were ($2k). Payouts have been $6k for lockers, $10k for bathroom renovation and $1.4k for Rockford Lutheran Scholarships. The Independent Accountants Report was presented to the Vestry on December 12, 2016. The Vestry has a fiscal responsibility to appoint, receive, review and accept an Independent Accountant s report which reviews financial aspects of the congregation. This past December, accountants reviewed cash collection procedures for the church, school and athletic department. For example, the accountants observed how contributions were handled from the time received in the offering plate to the time funds were deposited into the bank. The accountants made sure procedures were being followed and made recommendations for improving internal control practices for any deficiencies found. The staff is now responsible for implementing those recommendations. We are grateful to God and congregation for blessings and financial support received and given as we Connect People to Christ for Life. We have had a financial review each year by an outside firm as we are accountable for God s money through Immanuel. Thank you for your generosity and giving to Immanuel. Prior Year Comparison: The information listed above indicates that income for the church was $26k high while expenses were $7k lower than the prior year. School income was $54k above and expenses were $19k higher than the prior year. Mortgage to Mission revenue was up $2.1k from the prior year.

Connections Immanuel Lutheran Church 1225 E. 2 nd Street Belvidere, IL 61008 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Belvidere, IL Permit #93 Return Service Requested Worship Services at Immanuel Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. Saturdays 6:00 p.m. Sundays 8 a.m.; 9:30; 11 a.m. Worship Services at Immanuel North Sundays 10:45 a.m. Sunday School Sunday 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Classes Sunday 9:30 a.m. Immanuel Lutheran Church 1225 E. 2nd Street Belvidere, IL 61008 PH: 815-544-8058 FAX: 815-544-8059 WEB: www.immanuelbelvidere.org EMAIL: info@immanuelbelvidere.org Immanuel North 13535 Route 76 Poplar Grove, IL 61065 PH: 815-544-8058 WEB: www.immanuelnorth.org