Dear friends,
I invite you to meet Christ in worship as we especially take time this holy week for reflection, reverence, and repentance, and renewal. Our worship takes us from the table of the last supper, the garden of Gethsemane, and trial of Jesus on Maundy Thursday, to the cross and our Lord’s death on Good Friday, and then, gloriously, to the empty tomb where we meet our Lord on Easter Sunday.
This journey from death to life is especially needed this year, as we are moving from darkness to light and prayerfully looking to and longing for the end of this pandemic.
May God deepen our faith, our love for our Lord, and our love for one another this Easter.
Pastor Paul Nelson
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WORD OF THE WEEK PHOTO CHALLENGE
To be posted on/before noon on Saturday, April 3
Unpack and explore the Word of the Week!
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MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 1
10AM - 5PM
PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD COMMUNION - FELLOWSHIP HALL
Communion in 15-minute increments in the Fellowship Hall.
(No in-person communion on Wednesday).
PRAYER VIGIL/LABYRINTH - SANCTUARY
Our prayer vigil pray-ers will watch and wait with Jesus on the last night and day before he goes to the cross. Sign up for a 1/2 hour increment in the sanctuary, and use the labyrinth if you choose.
FIREPIT VIGIL, 7 P.M.
On Maundy Thursday the disciples kept vigil around a fire as Jesus underwent his trial. We will gather in that same manner to remember the events of that night. Join us for our Maundy Thursday Vigil outdoors, gathered around fire pits (weather permitting). Our worship will feature readings and prayers around the events of that fateful day and night, and a celebration of communion with personal communion kits.
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Maundy Thursday Song Sheet (In-person worshippers will receive a hard copy, but all online viewers are encouraged to have this document available for worship)
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Please pre-register for worship. If the weather permits we will be outdoors (unlimited attendance) otherwise indoors (125 capacity).
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We will provide a simple livestream of this outdoor worship experience for those unable to attend.
- Bring your own lawn chair for seating.
- We invite you to stay after the worship for fellowship around the campfires (BYO S'mores and roasting sticks if you wish).
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PRAYER VIGILS
April 1 & 2
Our prayer vigil pray-ers will watch and wait with Jesus on the last night and day before he goes to the cross:
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GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 7PM
Hope in the Shadows
Hope in the Shadows, recalls Christ’s journey to the cross by examining the shadows of betrayal, injustice and agony that marked that journey. This 35-minute musical journey will be presented by a safely distanced and masked small ensemble of Immanuel singers and instrumentalists. More...
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EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 4
Please note that the 9am service is very close to capacity but there is space available at both the 7:30am (outdoors) and 10:30am (indoors) services.
- We will celebrate holy communion with personal communion kits
- Bring your own lawn chair for seating
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Please have our 7:30 a.m. Easter Bulletin available for song texts and spoken responses (Hard copies will be available for in-person worshippers; online worshippers are encouraged to have the worship bulletin available for this service).
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REJOICE IN OUR MINISTRY PARTNERS!
Wednesdays, April 7 - 28, 6:30 p.m.
GUEST SPEAKERS: In the season of Easter, we'll gather to learn about and rejoice in the work of some of our Ministry Partners. These online gatherings will allow you to meet representatives from 3 Ministry Partners and learn about how our benevolence gifts are at work in the world. Details.
April 7: Minneapolis Area Synod - Pastor Craig Pederson
April 14: Cornerstone - Courtney Poja
April 21 (Earth Day): Minneapolis Area Synod EcoFaith Initiative - Madeline Troyer
April 28: Redeemer Center for Life - Veronica Hawman
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CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
Thursday, April 8, 10 a.m.
Rod Fisher, with Climate Interactive and Citizens' Climate Lobby, will be running a live workshop using En-ROADS (Climate Change Solutions Simulator) . Together, in this exercise, we'll find a path forward that's good for the climate and for people.
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BACKPACKING, DAY HIKES, FAMILY CAMP
REGISTER ON/BEFORE APRIL 1
There's something for everyone in our two weeks of Wyoming adventures (July 17-24 & 24-31). Enjoy the outdoors and connect with your Immanuel friends and family. Stay in Buffalo in accommodation of your own choice, bring a camper/RV, or camp in the mountains. Car-camping and backcountry options.
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APRIL: CARING FOR CREATION IS JUSTICE WORK
When we act interdependently and in solidarity with creation, we do justice. We serve and keep the earth, trusting its bounty can be sufficient for all, and sustainable.
Commit to one act of caring for God's creation this month! The weekly suggestions...
- 4/4 - Pick up trash in your neighborhood
- 4/11 - Stop "wish-cycling"! Contact your recycler to find out what should go in your recycling bin (every hauler is different!)
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4/18 - Learn about the importance of clean water on Weds at 6:30pm via Zoom
- 4/25 - Plan to plant native plants in your garden which require fewer chemicals to thrive
Learn more about the work of Creation Care:
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HEALING OUR CITY
A VIRTUAL PRAYER TENT
Daily, 8 a.m.
Prayer and reflection for healing in Minneapolis. If you are grieving, hoping, fearful or anxious about what is to come as the trial of Derek Chauvin unfolds, this is a virtual gathering for prayer and action for the healing of our city.
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RCFL COVID ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER
Redeemer Center for Life: A Year of Resilience
March 31 - April 14
Over the past twelve months, RCFL, our ministry partner in North Minneapolis, has responded to their community's needs in creative and new ways that are rooted in love for their neighbors and hope for a brighter and more just future. You are invited to support their work!
THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS
Thrivent members that have policies with "Choice Dollars", the deadline for directing 2020 dollars is March 31, 2021.
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PERSONAL CARE KITS
Assemble kits for families in need throughout the world. Details: Personal Care Kit Instructions. Bring completed kits to Immanuel by Easter for delivery to Lutheran World Relief.
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WEEKLY FAITH HABITS
March 28 - April 3
PRAY: This Holy Week, pray for the power of God’s mercy and grace to renew you, your family, friends, community, country and world in peace, compassion, and love.
Adults & Families:
Children's & Family Resources:
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Pastor Paul: 952.240.4275 | Pastor Angela: 715.209.6895
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