"This man receives sinners and eats with them" (St. Luke 15.2). The Pharisees' statement of judgment against Jesus is in fact a proclamation of Gospel truth. For our God is one who delights in mercy, who casts all our sins into the depths of the sea through the cross (Micah 7.18–20). "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1.15). Those who refuse to be counted as sinners also refuse Jesus who came only for sinners. Let us therefore be on guard against self–righteously trusting in our own merits. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you" (1 Peter 5.6). Rejoice that Jesus receives sinners like us and that He still sits at table with us in the Holy Supper, bestowing His forgiveness and life.
Welcome, and every blessing to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Guests, we pray you are comforted by the Gospel and feel welcome among us. We invite you to introduce yourselves.
Holy Communion at Immanuel: The Lord's Supper is served every Sunday at Immanuel – as the Scriptures teach us and our Lord has instituted His meal. Please read the card in the pew regarding Holy Communion. If you are visiting with us, and are a communicant member of a parish in pulpit and altar fellowship with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, you are invited to join us at the altar. If not, please refrain until receiving instruction from our pastor on the doctrine of the Scriptures as they are confessed by this parish. Guests, please speak to the pastor before communing today, if you may have any questions, or are interested in receiving instruction. Please refer to Luther's Small Catechism and his Twenty Questions for those preparing to receive the sacrament, Lutheran Service Book pp. 329-330.
Blue Care Cards: Please register your attendance on the appropriate sections of the blue Care Card which you received as you entered today. Use the card to request any special intercessions for the prayers today. Ushers will collect the cards at the side aisles during the Hymn of the Day.
Private Confession and Absolution is available on the third Thursday of every month (next on June 21) from 5-6pm, or anytime by appointment.
Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God by Rev. Philip Meyer.
Vacation Bible School is This Week: June 18-22 This year's theme by Higher Things is "Sanctified" with scriptural accounts that reinforce the catechism on the Ten Commandments. The children will learn God's will that we lead a holy life in thought, word, and deed and be reassured in Jesus as Lord and Savior who fulfilled the Commandments for us so that we might turn to Him in repentance and be forgiven. VBS is this week from 6-8pm. Please register your children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors on the website IELCTH.org.
Upcoming Divine Services Mark your calendars to attend Divine Service for St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles, Friday, June 29 at 10:30am; and the Visitation on Monday, July 2 at 10:30am.