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To Know Christ and Boldly Make Him Known

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Emmanuel E-News

December 20-26, 2024


Dear Beloved in Christ,


As we enter the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we find ourselves drawn into the mystery of God’s love—love that is steadfast, sacrificial, and overflowing. The readings for this week illuminate the profound ways God’s love has been revealed to us and invites us to embody that love in our lives.


From the prophet Micah (Micah 5:2-5a), we hear the promise of a ruler who will arise from Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town. This ruler, the Messiah, will shepherd his people with strength and bring peace. God’s love often manifests in the unexpected: a small town, a humble family, and an ordinary young woman. Micah reminds us that God’s ways are not about power or status but about grace, humility, and a heart turned toward God's people.


The writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 10:5-10) brings us to the heart of Christ’s mission. Jesus, in perfect obedience, declares, “I have come to do your will.” The old system of sacrifices is replaced by the ultimate act of love: Jesus offering Himself for us. God’s love is not distant or abstract—it is personal, active, and redeeming. Christ’s sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation, a love so profound it reshapes our relationship with God and calls us to live in response to that love.


Finally, in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 1:39-55), we join Mary as she visits Elizabeth. Here, love takes on a tangible form—two women filled with faith, hope, and joy, recognizing the miraculous work of God in their midst. Mary’s song, the Magnificat, bursts forth as a declaration of God’s transformative love. She proclaims a God who lifts the lowly, feeds the hungry, and keeps His promises. Her words remind us that God’s love turns the world upside down, prioritizing those who are often forgotten or overlooked.


As we prepare for Christmas, these readings call us to reflect on the depth of God’s love. How do we, like Mary, magnify the Lord in our lives? How do we, like Christ, offer ourselves in obedience and love to God’s will? How do we, like the people of Bethlehem, prepare room for the coming of our Savior?


This Advent season, let us embody the love we celebrate. Reach out to someone in need, offer forgiveness where it is needed, and be the hands and feet of Christ in your community. In doing so, we prepare our hearts not only to receive the gift of God’s love but also to share it abundantly with others.


May the peace of Christ, who is our Good Shepherd, fill your hearts and homes this Advent season.


With love in Christ,

Pastor Will



PLEASE BRING YOUR BIBLE


The Weekend Schedule:

Worship Saturday @ 5:00pm

Worship Sunday @ 8:30 & 10:15am (FaithBridge Family)

Children's Church @ 9:30am

Youth Group @ 11:30am

Please note that on

Sunday, January 26th

there will only be one service

at 9:30am to dedicate our

restored sanctuary.

Saturday service remains at 5pm.


Emmanuel Forum Episode 43

"The Fascinating History of Christmas"

Have you ever wondered how Christmas became the worldwide celebration we know today? It’s a story packed with ancient traditions, cultural mashups, and even a few controversies along the way. Let’s dive into the history of Christmas, from its humble beginnings to the global holiday we all love.


Click the picture below to watch the video:

Click Here

In 2024, there were over 100 numbered envelope boxes discarded because people did not pick them up. To hopefully save both trees and money, it's been decided to order boxes of envelopes for your giving without numbers. It is important for you to write your name and/or number legibly on your envelopes when placed in the offering during 2025. This will be the only way for us to keep track of your giving.


Of course, you can always give online by scanning the QR code above.

View constitutional changes here

Constitutional Changes...


Have you reviewed the changes to the constitution?


Please be sure to click on the link provided to view the changes that will be voted on our our annual meeting. Direct any questions you may have to KC Farrell, our Council President.

SAVE THE DATE...


We are excited to announce the return of the Showcase of Service and Ministries on February 1 & 2 in Fellowship Hall. This will piggyback on our Stewardship campaign- "Open Hearts, Open Hands". Even if you only have a few hours, we have a need that will fit your interests.

Upon looking through our database at the office, we do not have emergency contact information for some of our members. This should be someone who DOES NOT live with you!!


PLEASE email the office at info@emmanuel-elca.org with this information. Also, if or when you have changed addresses, phone numbers (including disconnecting a landline), etc., please let us know.

The Rev. Donna Batchelor

Don Berg

Sherry Curtis

Barbara Cocchi

Joan Rauch

Christine Reinstrom


If you would like to view the Celebraton of Life for Barbara Horswell, please click here

Daily Bible Readings

(Click each day to read)


Friday, January 10

Saturday, January 11

Sunday, January 12

Monday, January 13

Tuesday, January 14

Wednesday, January 15

Thursday, January 16

Coffee & Fellowship

in Fellowship Hall

Saturdays 4:30pm &

Sundays 9:30-10:15am


If you are willing to help with either of these fellowships, please contact the office!

Click the appropriate button below to sign-up. You may scan the QR code to pay online or place the payment with dedication in the offering. Indicate the date and if for flowers or candle.

2025 Altar Flowers

January - March
April - June
July - September
October - December

2025 Eternal Candle

January - March
April - June
July - September
October - December

January Outreach Emphasis

Barb's Medical Minute

FOODS THAT HELP YOU BREATHE

 

Probably not, but these foods can support overall lung health whether you

have asthma, bronchitis, or any breathing issues.  


Click here to read more

Classes and studies resuming this week

Join the conversation

Contact The Office


By Phone: 941.488.4942

By E-Mail: info@emmanuel-elca.org

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30am-2:00pm



This Week's Schedule

(Click The Calendar To View)

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