MISSION & MINISTRY MOMENTS E-EDITION
December 4th, 2019
FIRST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN MINISTIRES
First Immanuel Campus Cedarburg ~ River of Life Campus Saukville
In response to God, who reached down to us - the mission of First Immanuel Lutheran Ministries is to reach up to God, reach in to each other and reach out to the world.
ADVENT SERMON SERIES
This Week In Worship
Join Us For Midweek Worship
Pastor’s Prayer Partners Petitions
Myrrh
    In these first three Wednesdays of Advent our “Pstor’s Prayer Partners” will look at the gifts of the Wise Men—gold frankincense and myrrh. Each was a fitting gift for Jesus, the Savior King. Last week we considered frankincense. This week we look at myrrh.
    Myrrh, a gummy resin taken from thorny trees, seems to have had multiple uses in ancient times . Each of these uses can be connected to the work of Jesus and the blessing of His church.
W Myrrh was used as a medicine in ancient days and even today it is used as an antiseptic. Jesus is the one who protects us from the evil one.
  • Myrrh was used as a burial spice. The gift to the Child, Jesus, was to indicate that His death would save us from eternal death.
  • Myrrh was used to anoint prophets, priests and kings. Jesus is the true prophet, bringing God’s Word; the true Priest, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin; Jesus is the King of kings, who guards and leads His Church to eternal life.
  • Myrrh was used in the purification of Queen Esther before she was presented to King Ahasuerus. We, the Church of Christ, are purified by His life, death and resurrection so we can be presented before our Father in heaven.
    As you take time to pray this week, give thanks to the Lord for His sacrifice so we could be counted as the righteous children of the heavenly Father. 
    Advent Blessings,
Pastor Raasch
  PRAYING FOR YOURSELF
Reflect on what is on your heart and mind and take it to God in prayer.

Is there something we can pray about for you?
Praying for One Another
  • Jerry Lang and Pat McCabe as they recover from recent orthopedic surgery. Pray for continued healing and effective physical therapy.
  • All who battle cancer, including Judy Wiechert, Kathy Schmidt, Brad Sachse and Pastor Joel Brandt. Pray that the Lord would bless their treatments, deliver them from pain and strengthen them and their families in faith.
  • Muriel Going, Genevieve Anschuetz, Sonia Buhrow, Aiden Last, Lois Bublitz, Hope Kittel, Dee Lewis,  Katie Kubiac, Bernice Zeckmesiter and Lois Jung, as they contend with ongoing health issues. Ask the Lord to grant healing and strength for the body and peace and joy for the soul.
PRAYING FOR FIL MINISTRIES & OTHERS

Pray for the effectiveness of this year’s Christmas Appeal , which will assist three very important programs that provide a home for people in need.
·   “Refuge House,” which is a ministry of “A Place of Refuge,” providing shelter for women in crisis pregnancy situations.
·   “Habitat for Humanity,” which is constructing a home in Grafton. Additional funding is required to complete the building.
·   “Guatemala Construction,” which provides funding for homes built by our congregation’s mission team
Be part of this appeal with your prayers and with your gifts.
KEEPING OUR MILITARY, MISSIONARIES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN MIND

Wally Schmidt ~ Michael Button ~ Kristin Czisny ~ Tyler Schleg ~ Clay Felmer ~ Aaron McCatty ~ Greg Highstrom ~ Natalie Howard ~ Eric Albrecht ~ Tony Cook
MISSION OF THE MONTH
In the past 6 years, FIL Ministries has raised over $600,000 through our Christmas Appeal, all solely to bless other organizations and to serve our community and world. Join us this year as we partner to build into eternity by supporting some wonderful mission partners. Watch the video for additional details.
Have you ever wanted to speak up during a sermon and say, “Pastor, can you repeat that last comment, it didn’t quite get that.” How about, “I really don’t understand where you are going with this message, Pastor!” SERMON REWIND can be your opportunity to do just that. SERMON REWIND will take place in the fellowship hall at First Immanuel from 10:10 – 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning. You can get your questions answered or get a sneak peek at the sermon of that day. It is an informal Q&A based discussion so bring your questions and your sermon outline!
STEPHEN MINISTRY MOMENT
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7 CONFIDENTIAL! That is what Stephen Ministry is. Everything a person tells a Stephen Minister is kept is strictest confidence. People are often afraid that if they tell someone what is troubling them, word will get around and others will look down on them. But you can trust that a Stephen Minister will keep everything a care receiver shares confidential, and through sharing God works miracles of healing and peace. If you think you or someone you care about might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, please contact Pastor Reichmann at 377-6610. As always, ask permission before referring another person. The care receiver need not be a member of First Immanuel or River of Life.
· ONGOING PROGRAMS
· SPECIAL EVENTS
· VOLUNTEERS
Lutheran Women In Mission (LWML) - Next Meeting - Tuesday, December 10th at 7:00 pm - First Immanuel Join us for a Christmas devotion and our annual packing of the cheer bags for the shut-ins and recently bereaved of our congregation.  Members are asked to bring a Christmas gift bag (approximate dimensions of 8” x 10”) and baked items, fruit (no bananas, please) and candy with which to fill the bags.  We then each take a bag or two home with us, to be delivered later in the week (names and addresses of the recipients are provided).  If this is a love project that you or you and your family would like to be involved in, please join us
Mom to Mom - Next Meeting: Thursday, December 12th at 9:00 am - First Immanuel Fellowship Hall for a Mom to Mom Christmas Brunch. We will be having another video by Arlene Pellicane called “Love is Spelled T-I-M-E In it, Arlene talks about getting signed up for a martial arts class by her husband. The idea of being that class was not very favorable, but the time spent with the family is something she wouldn’t change. Even if you’ve never been to Mom to Mom, consider joining us for brunch and finding out what we’re all about. Please email us at  filmom2mom@yahoo.com  to let us know that you’re coming so we can plan for the brunch. Please note: Mom to Mom will not meet on December 26th 
Single & Parenting / DC4K   - These programs will be held at First Immanuel January 9th - April 2nd. DC4K will meet 2:45 pm – 4:30 pm and Single & Parenting will be held 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm with childcare provided. The later session includes a light supper. This ministry offers real hope that with God’s love you & your children can thrive. These are free programs. Register at: tinyurl.com/FILCare2020
Men’s Club Retreat – The book for the March 6th – 8th men’s retreat is Don’t Give Up by Kyle Idelman. It is available in the church office for $10.Registration forms for the retreat are available at the information center.
Christmas Tree Lighting - Sunday, December 1st Join us at 5:00 pm for fellowship and refreshments at Veterans Park in Saukville. We will light the tree at 6:00 pm upon the arrival of Santa.
Living Word Lutheran High School Trim the Tree - Monday, December 2nd at 6:00 pm.  The Living Word Music Department annual Trim the Tree night includes a student-led musical variety show, tree lighting ceremony, festive refreshments, and a dessert auction.
GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays Seminar - Sunday, December 8th, 10:15 am -12:00 pm at First Immanuel. This is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death.
Women’s Christmas Coffee – All women are invited to attend the Women’s Christmas Coffee on Sunday, December 8th at 6 pm at First Immanuel. Tickets are available for $5 in the church office and available for purchase between services on December 1st. Enjoy an evening of fellowship as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.
Christmas Concerts
Friday, December 6th at 7:30pm In its 83rd season the annual Christmas Concert of The Lutheran A Cappella Choir of Milwaukee is presenting “Rejoice, Rejoice Believers,” at First Immanuel. The 40-voice choir will perform anthems celebrating the Advent and Christmas seasons and feature Antonio Vivaldi’s “Magnificat,” accompanied by strings and organ, works by John Rutter, Dan Forrest, Mack Wilberg and include three selections with audience participation. Tickets $15 ($12 for seniors and students) are available at  www.lutheranacappella.org   or at the door.
Saturday, December 7th at 10:30 am The First Immanuel 3K & 4K students have their Christmas program. 
Thursday, December 12th at 6:00 pm Living Word Lutheran High School invites you to experience the joy of our Savior's birth through music at their annual Christmas Concert. This year's concert will be held at First Immanuel.
Sunday, December 15th at 4:00 pm First Immanuel Lutheran Ministries is holding a Christmas Concert featuring Brass Ensemble, School & Praise Bands, Organ & Piano Solos and more. Please bring a bell of any sort and join in the musical sounds of the season. Light refreshments will follow the concert.
Tuesday, December 17th First Immanuel Students in grades Kindergarten—8th grade will have their Christmas Service. Students with last names beginning with A - Ki will be at 5:15 pm and those with names beginning with Kr - Z will be at 7:00 pm.
Volunteer Opportunities -
Glory & Praise - Volunteers are needed to help the residents of local nursing homes get to a common area in their facility for a time of devotion and singing. Please contact Betty at: (414) 702-7920. The next opportunity:  Hamburg Home December 3rd at 6:30 pm.
DC4K - Volunteers are needed to help with the winter session. Help with meal, read to the kids etc. Commit to as many of weeks as you are able. Contact Barb at BMeyer@fils.org
Support our DC Fundraising Effort
by purchasing a CITY TIN or two!
Looking for a great gift or just looking to support a worthwhile cause while you go out to eat?!
City Tins are for you! Please see the list below for the local locations where you receive $10 off your minimum $25 purchase with your City Tin coaster. Each tin costs $30.
Please stop by the FIL Office with payment to order one or more before December 6th so you can have them by Christmas. You can also order and have them shipped to your house at the link below.




THINGS TO KNOW & OTHER NEWS
River of Life Christmas Choi r Rehearsals continue Thursdays from 7:00-8:00 pm at River of Life. .
Cedarburg’s 21st Live Nativity Performances
Friday November 29th:  5:30-6:30 McGinnis/Schmidt family & friends (two 20 min. performances)
Friday December 6th : 6:30-7:20 Advent Lutheran Church (two 20 min. performances); Brass Carolers of First Immanuel Lutheran Church will perform before and after the Nativity Performance at 5:50-6:00 and 6:20-6:30 and 6:50-7:00
December 13th : 5:30-6:20 St Francis Borgia Catholic School Children (two 20 min. performances); 6:30-7:20 Heritage Baptist Church (two 20 min. performances)
December 20th: 5:30-6:20 First Immanuel Girl Scouts (two 20 min. performances); Brass Carolers of First Immanuel Lutheran Church will perform at 5:50-6:00 and 6:20-6:30 and 6:50-7:00; 7:30-8:00 Las Posadas performed by area residents Any questions please text or call Kathy at (414) 801-6320
WEEKLY CALENDAR
(Events Held at the First Immanuel Campus in Cedarburg unless otherwise noted)
WEDNESDAY, December 4, 2019
9:00 am Adult Bible Class ( NO 7:00 pm class)
11:00 am & 6:30 pm Advent Worship
12:00 pm Advent Lunch
5:30 pm Faith Education
THURSDAY, December 5, 2019
7:00 pm Christmas Coir Rehearsal (River of Life)
7:30 pm Senior Choir
FRIDAY, December 6, 2019
6:00 am Breakfast Bible Study
7:30 pm A Cappella Christmas Choir Concert
SATURDAY, December 7, 2019
7:30 am Men’ Bible Study
10:30 am 3K & 4K Christmas Program
5:00 pm Traditional Worship (w.comm)
SUNDAY, December 8, 2019
7:30 am Traditional Worship
9:00 am Traditional Worship (w.comm)
9:00 am KidMin & Adult Bible Study
10:10 am Sermon Rewind
10:15 am Surviving The Holidays
10:35 am Contemporary Worship (w.comm)
6:00 pm Christmas Coffee
River of Life (Saukville)
8:30 am Traditional Worship (w.comm)
9:30 am Adult Bible Study & KidMin
10:45 am Café Worship
Does your group or organization have something to share with our Family Of Faith? Please email thajdu@fils.org to have that information distributed and promoted.