What's going on?

Fri., Mar. 26, 2021

Worship This Weekend

8 AM - Immanuel from Home [immanuelbatavia.org/watch]

8 AM - Worship, Gym [Reservations are required! Visit immanuelbatavia/indoor]

9:15 AM - Sunday Forum, Fellowship Hall and bit.ly/3bUhKaK

10:30 AM - Worship, Gym [Reservations are required! Visit immanuelbatavia/indoor]

Covid Protocols

Information is available here.

Prayer Requests

Made via our website at immanuelbatavia.org/prayer_requests.

Holy Week and Easter

Mon.-Fri., Mar. 29-Apr. 2, 7:15 AM, Sanctuary Holy Week Devotions

Thu., Apr.1, 4 PM live streamed and 7 PM, Sanctuary - Maundy Thursday worship

Fri., Apr. 2, 4 PM live streamed and 7 PM, Sanctuary - Good Friday worship

Sun., Apr. 4, 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, and 1 PM, Gymnasium - Easter worship

Visit immanuelbatavia.org/indoor to reserve your seat[s] for these services.

Sun., Apr. 4, 8 AM, Online Easter Worship at immanuelbatavia.org/watch

Red Letter Challenge

On Sundays during Lent [Sun. at 8 and 10:30 AM] Immanuel is participating in the Red Letter Challenge. Developed by Zach Zehnder, the Red Letter Challenge is designed to help you develop the rhythm of a follower of Jesus—being both a hearer and a doer or what God says. Christians can have good intentions, but intentions without precise aim at Jesus always lead to unintended consequences.

Sun., Mar. 28 - Going Jesus offers a way of life filled with adventure, mission, and purpose; and He’ll be there right beside you.

Books and other materials are available before and after in-person worship services or stop by during the week to pick up your copy in the church office. Cost is $15 each.

Order Easter Lilies

1 Stem - $10, 2 Stems - $18

Order Easter lilies in memory or in celebration of a special person[s] or event. The lilies will beautify our Easter worship, then take them with you after services. Order slips are outside the church office under the flower calendar or at bit.ly/3qJ4FHW.

Mission Clarity Process - Call to Pray

Our first congregational prayer meeting was held on Sun., Mar. 21. There were 28 people in attendance and another 15 who joined via Zoom. We began with music led by our Youth Praise Band. Pastor Kennaugh explained a bit more about the visioning process and the

importance of looking and listening to where God is already at work and where He is inviting us to join Him.

There was time for confession and then we shared all the things we were thankful to God for providing generously for our church and school. Next we moved into a time of silence and listening to God. Participants shared

images, words, and portions of Scripture that they received from the Holy Spirit. Below is a summary of what was perceived.

Be still. I am here. Listen to the Beloved Son of God. Spend time with Him.
Jesus is walking with us with everlasting love.
Immanuel is a peaceful, protected, safe place to be with Light ahead [vision of breakwater, tunnel, forest].
Follow as Jesus leads children, neighbors, those outside to come in. The Spirit is coming into ILCS and then moving out; in and out [sense that the Holy Spirit is bringing people in to ILCS from outside].

Please join us as we continue to pray and listen to God’s leading during the Ministry Clarity

Process. During your personal time with the Lord, make space to be quiet and allow for Him to speak to you about where He is leading us as individuals and as a congregation. If listening prayer is new or difficult for you, here are a few practical steps.

Find a quiet spot.
Begin with a prayer such as, “Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to be still and listen to what You want to tell me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Take some deep breaths.
Close your eyes and listen. Aim for just three minutes if this is difficult for you.
Allow God to give you a word, phrase, or picture in your mind.
If you are not sure that it is God speaking, ask Him to help you understand.
Thank Him for your time together.
Write down anything that came to mind.
Test it against Scripture. God never speaks contrary to His character or what is in His Word.
Gradually build up to spending more quiet time with Him.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

—Psalm 32:8

Upcoming Mission Clarity Events

Sat., Apr. 10, 9:30-10:30 AM, Chapel - Second Saturday Prayer Gathering

Sun., Apr. 11, 4-5 PM, Sanctuary - Second Congregational Prayer and Praise

Sat., Apr. 17, 4 PM, Gym - Congregational Clarity Event

Mission Clarity

Our congregation is seeking God’s will for Immanuel. We have contracted with Lutheran Church Extension Fund [LCEF] and Pr. Tom Eggebrecht for help in discerning where God is inviting us to join Him in mission and ministry. Each of us is an invaluable member of the body [the church] and with Jesus [the Head], we are called to unity and fellowship.

The initial visioning process gave our congregation its identity and purpose, which drives everything we do. This initial piece led to the new tagline, Going Deeper: Your Faith, Our Community and mission statement, Immanuel is a family of faith encouraging each other and our neighbors in deeper faith and community in Christ. As the clarity process continues, current ministry is being evaluated on its alignment this mission, which will result in a strategic ministry plan that pulls all the pieces together. These findings and the ministry plan will be communicated to the congregation as a whole. Please reserve Sat., Apr. 17 for a special congregation event to share and celebrate how Immanuel will step forward, and go deeper, with confidence.

Community Blood Drive

Mon., Apr. 12, 3:30-6:30 PM

Each donation saves and impacts three lives.

To schedule your appointment, email Laura Klein at plklein79@yahoo.com, visit bit.ly/3rXj2sF, or call 800 7TO GIVE. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome, as social

distancing and schedule allow. Mask and photo identification are required for all donors.

Go Grants Are Back!

This summer our Student Ministry will once again venture out to help those in need. This year they will travel to Mission, South Dakota to help Sioux tribe members living there. Full details on how you can help are available on our website at immanuelbatavia.org/go_grants.

Help Wanted: Facilities Volunteers

Are you looking for a way to serve at Immanuel but don’t know where to start? Do you enjoy fixing things around your home and making home improvements? If the answer is YES, the Facilities Task Force needs your help! Facilities Task Force volunteers help perform general maintenance and improvements to the Immanuel facility. These items could include plumbing, electrical, general maintenance, painting, etc. Time requirements would vary but may range from an hour or two every so often. Please contact Jim Harland at jrharland54@att.net if you need additional information or if you would like to serve Immanuel in this important aspect of keeping our facility in good shape. Thanks!

2021-2022 Registration is Open

Online registration is now open to the public. If you would like to learn more, please contact

Rebecca Bello, Admissions Director, at 630 406 0157 or admissions@immanuelbatavia.org.

Helping Others

Feed My Starving Children

Fri., Apr, 9-10:30 AM

We know how COVID is effecting us in the US; the impact for developing countries is tragic and the need for food is great! To learn more or sign up, please email Linda Fass at fasslinda@yahoo.com.

Northern Illinois Food Bank

Tue., Apr. 13, 6-8 PM

This month Immanuel volunteers labeled 3,052 pounds of canned corn, equaling 2,542 meals for the hungry neighbors. contacting Bill Pietsch at bdpeach@me.com.

Lazarus House

Fri., Mar. 19

Immanuel members have already pledged to donate all ingredients for this month's meals. Thank you! Please contact Lori St.Vincent at lstvincent@immanuelbatavia.org with questions.

Worship Anew

Donations of $25 ensure this program runs on BATV for one week. Sign up calling the church office to support this community service.

Supporting Immanuel

Annual Fund Drive 2021

While the cost of a Christian education at Immanuel is within reach for most families, it may keep others from being able to provide a faith-based education for their children. All donations received during the 2021 Annual Fund Drive will go into our Tuition Assistance Fund, enabling us to serve even more children and their families. Complete information is available on this flyer. Donate online at bit.ly/3sjlQQu.

Give Online

There are two options for giving your offering while we worship online. The first is on Realm at onrealm.org/immanuelbatavia/give/onlineworship. This is a public link, so everyone can make a gift without logging in. The second is to text this symbol $ and the amount of your gift to 630 528 0328. You will then receive a link to provide card information and complete the process.

Monthly financial reports are emailed to individuals who request them. If you would like to begin receiving this information, please contact Bob Goetz, Immanuel's Treasurer, at rrg.scrap@gmail.com.

Amazon Smile

Shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/36-2683484 to generate donations for Immanuel Lutheran Church and double your gift giving! Thank you for supporting our ministries using AmazonSmile. Track your personal impact throughout the year at your My Impact page.

Box Tops for Education

Here's how it works: buy Box Tops products, scan your receipt, and earn cash for our school! Visit BTFE.com/emailgroceryreceipts to learn how to earn box tops on your online grocery purchases. Thanks you!

Immanuel Church and School Spirit Wear

Whether an Immanuel Eagles fan or a church member who would like to proudly wear our colors, there is something for everyone! Items are either screen printed or embroidered. The link to shop and order is stores.inksoft.com/ilbspirit/shop/home.

Matching Gifts

Many corporations participate in matching donations to churches and private/parochial schools. To learn more, please contact your company's financial office or Karen in Immanuel's financial office at finance@immanuelbatavia.org.

Scholastic Books

Order reasonably priced books through Scholastic books online earn free library and classroom books for Immanuel! Visit clubs.scholastic.com/home and be sure to use Immanuel's code: 2KI7W. Book orders are due online on the second Thursday of each month. Questions? Contact the school office at school@immanuelbatavia.org.

ShopWithScrip

Support Immanuel and save money on everyday purchases! ShopWithScrip® allows families to do both while purchasing items such as gas, groceries, and clothing. Retailers offer a rebate percentage and 55 percent of it goes to ILCS and 45 percent is refunded to purchasers at the end of the school year. A list of retailers and sign-up instructions are available at shopwithscrip.com. Use the Enrollment Code 96A591B555773. Signing up for PrestoPay allows purchasers to receive gift cards immediately and with no need to write and drop off a check. ShopWithScrip Dates: Mar. 22; Apr. 12, 26; May 10, 17.

Supporting Safety

Safety protocols are also being put into place in church settings, including clear acrylic barriers on the pipe organ and piano in the balcony. If you are able and feel led to do so, please help offset these additional costs by clicking here.

Calendar

Live Calendar

Thu., Mar. 25

6 PM - Thu. PM Bible Study [Red Letter Challenge], Fellowship Hall

7 PM - Forming, Multi Purpose Room

Fri., Mar. 26

6:30 PM - Fri. PM Bible Study [Big Questions], Fellowship Hall

Sat., Mar. 27

8 AM - Men’s Bible Study, Fellowship Hall

Sun., Mar. 28

Palm Sunday

8 AM - Immanuel from Home [immanuelbatavia.org/watch]

8 AM - Worship, Gym

9:15AM - Sunday Forum, Fellowship Hall and bit.ly/3bUhKaK

10:30 AM - Worship, Gym

6:30 PM - High School Night at Immanuel, Youth Room

Mon., Mar. 29

No School - Spring Break