FIRST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN MINISTIRES
First Immanuel Campus Cedarburg ~ River of Life Campus Saukville
Mission & Ministry Moments
Mid-Week E-Edition
October 16, 2019
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.
This Week In Worship
To Prepare For Worship:
Pastor’s Prayer Partners Petitions
What Luther Says About Prayer
   As we have just stood before the open and empty Easter tomb, we are reminded that all we are is based on the fact that Christ is risen indeed! Our standing before the Father in heaven is solely based on the sacrifice of Christ our Savior. He has given us forgiveness that now allows us to approach our heavenly Father in prayer.
   In Luther’s day many believed that their prayers would impress God and earn His favor. Luther reminds us that it is only through Christ that our prayers are received and heard by our gracious Father.
   Luther writes, “Asking in the name of Christ really means relying on Him in such a way that we are accepted and heard for His sake, not for our own sake. Those, however, who ask in their own name, presuming that God should hear or look upon them because they are reciting so many, such great, such attentive, such holy prayers will earn and get nothing but wrath and disfavor. For they want to rate on their own accord; God should look favorably on them without a mediator, so that Christ means nothing and is unnecessary.”
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
  • All who battle cancer, including Judy Weichert and Pastor Joel Brandt. Pray that the Lord would bless their treatments, deliver them from pain and strengthen them and their families in faith.
  • The family of Jerry Weismueller, whom the Lord called to eternal life. Pray for the peace and comfort that can only be found in the message of the cross and the empty tomb.
  • Mary Setzer who recovers from recent surgery. Give thanks for those who ministered in this operation and ask the Lord to remove pain and grant swift and complete healing.
  • Muriel Going, Genevieve Anschuetz, Sonia Buhrow, Aiden Last, Lois Bublitz, Hope Kittel, Dee Lewis, 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

Our Mission of the Month, Operation Christmas Child , a ministry of “Samaritan’s Purse.” Operation Christmas Child provides gifts and the Gospel message to children in more than 100 countries around the world. Each shoe box gift can bring Good News and great joy to a child in need and their family.

Pray for our REACHGroups as they provide opportunities for fellowship, study and mission. Ask the Lord to use our small group ministry in such a way that we would be able to reach up to Him in worship, reach in to each other in fellowship and reach out to others with His love. .
KEEPING OUR MILITARY, MISSIONARIES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN MIND

Michael Button ~ Kristin Czisny ~ Tyler Schleg ~ Clay Felmer ~ Aaron McCatty ~ Greg Highstrom ~ Natalie Howard ~ Eric Albrecht ~ Tony Cook ~ Wally Schmidt
MISSION OF THE MONTH
Operation Christmas Child 
Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has delivered shoebox gifts packed by caring people like you to more than 113 million children around the world. A shoebox filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies tangibly demonstrates God’s Love to a child in need. First Immanuel is excited to collaborate with Samaritan’s Purse again this year through Operation Christmas Child.
 
Empty shoeboxes, packing labels, and packing instructions will be available in the Narthex areas at both First Immanuel and River of Life. Packing a box is easy and fun! Grab your family and friends, REACHGroup, teammates, or neighbors and follow these simple steps:
 
1.   GET A SHOEBOX: Pick up an unfolded shoebox from the table in the Narthex or purchase a shoebox-sized plastic container. The plastic containers actually become a part of the gift.
2.   BOY OR GIRL? Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Stickers to label your box are available on the table in the Narthex.
3.   FILL WITH GIFTS: Select a quality “wow” toy such as a doll, ball with pump, book, or stuffed animal. Then add other fun toys (yo-yo, jump rope, toy car, chalk); non-liquid hygiene items (toothbrushes, combs, washcloths, bar soap); school supplies (crayons, coloring books, markers, pens, pencils & sharpeners, calculators); and accessories (hats, sunglasses, t-shirts, socks, flashlights with batteries).
4.   PRAY: Pray for the child who will receive your box. Consider sending a personal card, picture of your family, or a drawing from a child.
5.   SHIPPING COST: Each box costs $9 to ship. Place a check inside of your box ( made out to Samaritan’s Purse ) or donate online to follow your box as it reaches its final destination.
6.    DROP OFF: Bring your box to church by Sunday, November 17 so we are able to ship the boxes off during NATIONAL COLLECTION WEEK NOV 18-25. OUR GOAL THIS YEAR IS ONE THOUSAND BOXES!
 
Every shoebox gift you pack helps Samaritan’s Purse to reach children worldwide with the good news of God’s love and the true meaning of Christmas!
OCTOBER SERMON SERIES
We will be taking four weeks to go through Jonah, using these four themes:

1) When you want to run from God
2) When you call out to God
3) When you listen to God
4) When you're angry with God
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!
Needed! Family Friendly Decorated Cars For The Trunk-Or-Treat. 
To join in the fun contact Karl at KRoeske@fils.org
Cannot be there but would like to help? Donations of individually wrapped candy being accepted to help with the event. Bring donations to Karl or the main office by Friday, October 18th.
Volunteers are needed to help with the event!
Most opportunities are for just an hour and many of them allow you to work with your 5th - 8th grader so they can earn a Living Stone. To give of your time & talent please sign-up  here . 
If you can help support the event with an item donation for concessions or prizes please sign-up at  here .
Click The Poster To Register
STEPHEN MINISTRY MOMENT
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12 Loving and caring for each other is not just the responsibility of our pastors. It is something Jesus calls all of his followers to do. Stephen Ministry is an intentional way in which people with special gifts for caring ministry can put those gifts to use, bringing Jesus’ love and care to those who are going through extra challenges in their lives. If you or someone you know would like to meet confidentially with a Stephen Minister, please contact Pastor Reichmann at 377-6610. Please remember to ask permission before referring another person.
· ONGOING PROGRAMS
· SPECIAL EVENTS
· VOLUNTEERS
Adult Bible Studies -
Sunday Mornings - 9:00 am First Immanuel Fellowship Hall & 9:30 am River of Life Sanctuary
Sermon Rewind - 10:10 am - 10:30 am First Immanuel Fellowship Hall. 
Wednesdays - 9:00 am & 7:00 pm First Immanuel Fellowship Hall.
Breakfast Bible Study - 6:00 am, Friday morning once a month on the First Immanuel campus. Next one is on November 1st
Men’s Round Table - 7:30 am 1st & 3rd Saturday mornings on the First Immanuel Campus.
Woman’s Bible Study - 9:00 am 2nd & 4th Tuesday mornings River of Life Fellowship Hall
Children’s Ministries - KidMin - Children age 4 - 5th grade are invited to join in this “Sunday School Like” group. It is held Sundays at 9:00 am on the First Immanuel Campus and at 9:30 am on the River of Life Campus.
Rooted - A VBS Style after school, Age Specific, “GROWTH” experience, once a month for students Kindergarten – 5th grade.
Mom to Mom Next Meeting: Thursday, October 24th at 9:00 am in the First Immanuel Fellowship Hall.  Please join us for a special video by Arlene Pellicane – “The Bible and Prayer Everyday”. Does your child observe you reading your Bible or praying during the day? If they only see evidence of your devotion to God a few Sundays a month for the time you’re at church, it isn’t enough. If you want to pass along a vibrant faith in God to your children, you must model it. You must talk about it. This session will guide you as you disciple your child as a Christ follower.
NEW - Young Professionals Reach Group - A small group for young professionals meets weekly on Thursday nights from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm in the First Immanuel Fellowship Hall. Join us this week as we begin a new short series based on the video series Grace Is Greater by Kyle Idleman. Each week we will watch a video by the author followed by time for questions and conversation. Contact Hilary if you would like more information or to join the reach group email list:  hilary.madinger@gmail.com
Intergen Women Mentoring Women  - Calling all women interested in fellowship and conversation among all generations! Join us on October 16th from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm in the Terrace Room at Concordia University for a special event on Developing Holy Habits. Also, mark your calendars for November 20th  for an event on Confidently Pursuing Your Calling. For more information contact  hilary.madinger@cuw.edu
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:  McKinley Place October 22nd 3:30 pm, Hamburg Home October 29th at 6:30 pm and Lasata November 12th at 3:00 pm.
Mom To Mom Childcare - Help with childcare is always needed for this group. If you’d be willing to help either on a regular basis or just occasionally as additional help is needed, please call Jane at (262) 993-7970.
Upcoming Special Events
This is an event honoring military veterans! There is no cost to veterans and $10 for non-veterans. The evening will include dinner, music, a keynote message from Army veteran Michael Clemens, and the recognition of all veterans with a special focus on those nominated by local LCMS congregations for their service to country, community and church. To RSVP call 262-243-2112 or email kari.metts@cuw.edu
What does it mean to be a good disciple? Are we walking with others the way Jesus wants us to? Are we growing in our relationship with Him more and more each day? How can we be more effective at helping others to know Jesus and know Him better ourselves? These questions and more will be discussed at this discipleship event.
Screenagers Next Chapter
On Sunday November 17th at 1:00 pm at the First Immanuel campus we will be showing this documentary. This film examines the science behind teen’s emotional challenges, the interplay of social media, and most importantly, what can be done in our schools and homes to help them build crucial skills to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression in our digital age.
THINGS TO KNOW & OTHER NEWS
Let Us Rake Your Leaves!
 The First Immanuel Lutheran School Student Council leaf raking event is scheduled for Friday, October 25th from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm . Please contact the school/church office or Nicky at nvaldez@fils.org by Monday, October 21st if you have a need. 

Guardian Angel Appeal  You can help fund our school student grant program by giving to the Guardian Angel Fund! Donations given now until the end of November are being matched by the Endowment fund. The Endowment fund will match $25,000 worth of donations! Contact the school/church office for additional information.
Donate Blood and Be a Hero! Trinity Lutheran in Cedarburg is hosting a blood drive on Saturday, November 2nd 9:00 am - 1:00 pm . Blood donors are always in constant demand, and by donating just one pint of blood, you have the potential to save up to three lives. Appointments are encouraged, and donors should bring a photo ID. To sign up Call: 1-877-BE-A-HERO or contact Jill 262.377.6074 djklitz@milwpc.com  or online:  bit.ly/trinitynov2019
Interested in 1 shift/week or everyday? We’ll work with you on a schedule that meets your needs. Contact Mrs. Dummann, Program Director, at : kdummann@fils.org or (262) 377-6610.
WEEKLY CALENDAR
(Events Held at the First Immanuel Campus in Cedarburg unless otherwise noted)
WEDNESDAY, October 16, 2019
9:00 am & 7:00 pm Adult Bible Class
5:30 pm Faith Education Class
6:30 pm Adult Bells
THURSDAY, October 17, 2019
7:30 pm Senior Choir
SATURDAY, October 19, 2019
7:30 am Men’s Bible Study
11:00 am Fall Festival
5:00 pm Traditional Worship (w.comm)
SUNDAY, October 20, 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 & NO KidMin
9:30 am - 1:00 pm Community Garden Hog Roast
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.