MISSION & MINISTRY MOMENTS E-EDITION
December 18th, 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
Gold
    Now gold is the one gift to which we can relate . Gold wedding bands, gold earrings, gold watches make for fine Christmas gifts. We are told that gold is a great investment at $1,500.00 per ounce. Gold medals identify champions.
   Gold is good. Gold is sought. Gold is treasured. 
   The gift of gold by the Wise Men reminds us of Jesus. Jesus is good. Jesus and His way are to be sought. Jesus is the treasure we need. Jesus is the priceless treasure that assures us of restoration with the Father in heaven. The perfect life that Jesus lived, the forgiveness He earned for us on the cross and His resurrection that assures our eternal life, are the true treasures for life.
   The ancient Greeks told the story of King Midas, whose wish was to turn anything into gold with a simple touch. His wish became a curse as the food and drink he so desperately needed was turned to gold when he handled it. The things of the world can be like this for us. As we long for the gold of the world, we can become spiritually starved.
   Christmas reminds us that Jesus is the touch we need. When Jesus touches us with His grace and mercy, He creates faith in our hearts, allowing us to cling to the forgiveness that heals and renews our lives. Jesus is the gift of Christmas that produces a life worth far more than gold.
    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
  • Nancy Mikkelson and family, on the passing of her husband, Jack. Give thanks for the gift of faith that leads us to heaven. Pray for peace and comfort to all who mourn.
  • Lori Rosenberg, who is hospitalized with cardiac issues. Pray for healing and for patience.
  • Lois Jung, as she is hospitalized with heath issues. Pray for patience during this time. Ask the Lord to grant health and healing according to His perfect will.
  • 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, 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

Tony Cook ~ Wally Schmidt ~ Michael Button ~ Kristin Czisny ~ Tyler Schleg ~ Clay Felmer ~ Aaron McCatty ~ Greg Highstrom ~  Natalie Howard ~ Eric Albrecht
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.
MISSION OF THE MONTH RECAP
Thank you to everyone who contributed to these recent Mission of the Month opportunities!
Please Note: No KidMin at either location on Sunday, December 29th.
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
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 Has someone you know had to adjust to any of these situations recently: a new job, a new baby, a move to a new community, a separation or divorce, a grown child moving back home, a seriously-ill parent, a death, the move of a best friend? Be caring and helpful to those who are making adjustments in their lives. You can make a difference by encouraging them to talk to someone. Remember that our Stephen Ministers are trained and available for listening and helping people as they face changes in their lives. To refer someone to Stephen Ministry (after obtaining that person’s permission), please contact Pastor Reichmann through the church office at 377-6610. A care receiver need not be a member of First Immanuel or River of Life.
· ONGOING PROGRAMS
· SPECIAL EVENTS
· VOLUNTEERS
Epiphany Choral Vespers Service - Music at Historic Trinity at Luther Memorial Chapel in Shorewood on Sunday, January 5th at 3:00 pm . Join us for sacred music of the season from local choirs. Reception follows the event.
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. (To learn more about the Single &Parenting program visit:  www.singleandparenting.org/about ) 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
Early Childhood Open House  Families with children age 2 - 4 are invited & encourage to attend our open house on Sunday January 12th. Sessions are from 10:00 am - Noon.  We offer flexible class options including a couple of half-day mornings/week to all day everyday care and everything in-between.  This is an opportunity to learn about classes, meet the teaching team and visit the classrooms. Parents and their children should all attend! Refreshments are provided. To learn more visit: https://tinyurl.com/FILSECEOpenHouse2020 or contact Teresa at: thajdu@fils.org or (262) 377-6610. Our classrooms are filling fast. School families and church member have priority access until open enrollment begins on January 12th.
Lutheran Women In Mission (LWML) - Next Meeting - Tuesday, January 14th at 6:30 pm (early start time) - First Immanuel . Please join us to enjoy warm food and fellowship over a pot-luck meal of soup and sandwiches. Please feel free to bring your favorite soup in a crock pot or a half dozen sandwiches to share, if you are able. Guests are invited and will be warmly welcomed!
Winter Getaway!   Plan now to attend the Winter Getaway scheduled for February 7th - 8th at the Milwaukee Marriott West hotel in Waukesha.  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a missionary? Did you ever think that you could be a missionary in your own city, church, or home?  Well, “Encouraged by Christ to Encourage Others” is the theme for the 2020 Winter Getaway. Come spend time with your LWML Sisters and hear from Missionary Pastor Brent Smith on ways to encourage those who are around us on a daily basis. Please register by January 17th at http://www.lwml-swd.org/events/retreats.
New Member Class - Our next class for is Saturday, January 18th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at our River of Life campus. Children welcome and lunch is provided. Contact the church office for additional information or with questions at: (262) 377-6610.
Men’s Club Retreat March 6th - 8th – On the 22nd stop by the welcome center to ask questions about the retreat.   Registration forms will also be on hand. The retreat is based on the book Don’t Give Up by Kyle Idelman and focuses on helping men learn how to keep believing, overcome obstacles and taking one step at a time. The FIL Men’s Club will cover half of the registration for our church members. Please contact Jeff with any questions at: jeffwiller@gmail.com or (414) 232-7975
Volunteer Opportunities -
DC4K - Volunteers are needed to help with the winter session. Help with meal, read to the kids etc. Contact Barb at BMeyer@fils.org
Slow down in 2020 - Take a break from your busy schedule once a month to spend time with a shut-in. You will be amazed at how good it feels! Call Karen at (262) 692-9227 if you are willing to give it a try.
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. (To learn more about the Single & Parenting program visit:  www.singleandparenting.org/about) 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
THINGS TO KNOW & OTHER NEWS
River of Life Christmas Choi r Rehearsals continue Thursdays from 7:00-8:00 pm at River of Life.
Senior Choir   Rehearsal schedule is the same through December 19th then are the group is off until Jan. 9th.
Cedarburg’s 21st Live Nativity Performances
December 20th: 5:30-6:20 First Immanuel Girl Scouts (two 20 min. performances); Brass Carolers of First Immanuel Lutheran Church at 5:50-6:00, 6:20-6:30, 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
Part-Time Housekeeping Position First Immanuel will be hiring for this position for the 2020-2021 school year. Position is afternoons Monday - Friday. Contact Nick at NDummann@fils.org .
WEEKLY CALENDAR
(Events Held at the First Immanuel Campus in Cedarburg unless otherwise noted)
WEDNESDAY, December 18, 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 19, 2019
7:00 pm Christmas Coir Rehearsal (River of Life)
7:30 pm Senior Choir
SATURDAY, December 21 2019
7:30 am Men’ Bible Study
5:00 pm Traditional Worship (w.comm)
SUNDAY, December 22, 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
10:35 am Contemporary Worship
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.