Inside Immanuel Weekly

"WE SHARE GOD'S GIFT OF LOVE WITH ALL"

October 18, 2020

In-Person Worship - 10:30am - Immanuel Sanctuary

(Reservations Required)

Online Worship Through Immanuel's

YouTube Channel

(Click on the above link to access)

Dear disciples of Jesus at Immanuel Lutheran,

This week we conclude our Beguiled by Beauty 6-week sermon series with the theme “From Beauty to Compassion and Justice.” Paying attention to the beauty of the earth and all creatures is a way to deepen our spiritual resources. It reminds us of God’s longing and intention for the well being and harmony of all creation. The world can sometimes be an ugly place filled with bad news. But even in the midst of suffering, being aware of the beauty and order of the universe reminds us that God has not abandoned us. God opens our hearts in compassion to care for the earth and one another, becoming messengers of good news.

Your partner in ministry,

Pastor Gretchen

In Person Gathering In Immanuel Sanctuary - THIS SUNDAY

There continues to be space available for additional

participation in this worship.

We are actively preparing a trial in-person worship service in the Immanuel Sanctuary at 10:30am this Sunday, October 18, 2020. Although this service will be different than what you are used to, we have an opportunity to worship together (in-person) while maintaining appropriate safety precautions.

If you would like to attend, please leave a message at the church office at 208-344-3011 with your name and the number attending or email parishadmin@ilcboise.org with that information.

Please read the President's Message for additional information.

(Click on the link for the message.)

New Learning Opportunity

A 2-session discussion on “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy” is being offered over Zoom on Wednesday, October 28 and Wednesday November 4 at 12:00 noon. The conversation will center around a new ELCA social message by the same name. In this election year, this is a timely opportunity to study an official teaching document from our church regarding how and why Christians are to be active in the public square. To receive a copy of the social message, participant’s guide, and Zoom link to participate in this discussion, please contact Pastor Gretchen (208-344-3011; pastor@ilcboise.org).

Be On The Look-Out For Suspicious Texts & Emails

Recently, we have noticed an uptick in suspicious email and text spam coming disguised to look like it is from Pastor Gretchen. Although it looks legitimate, it is a scam. Typically the email or text will ask for your assistance and to please email or text her as soon as possible. Tell tale signs of scams (phishing) are: conveyance of urgency, an email address that looks legitimate but does not match our official emails, spelling mistakes, or use of all-caps.

If you receive an unsolicited email or text messages from any of our staff, especially one with a link, you should telephone or email that staff member to confirm the email's legitimacy before going further.

Immanuel Sanctuary Organ by Kirk Higginson

Sunday, October 18 may be the last time we hear the Immanuel organ until Christmas or even after Christmas. Even with all the myriad of the terrible things the pandemic has brought us, I can report there are good things happening too. Earlier this past summer, Immanuel received a generous gift to be used for the organ. Along with this gift and other designated organ funds, we are able to have some much needed repairs made-dead notes (pipes that don’t play or pipes that sound even though no key at the organ console is depressed).

After repairs are made, every pipe should play correctly as intended. In order for these repairs to be made, certain parts of the organ located in choir loft will be shipped to the organ builder in Seattle. This is tentatively scheduled the week of October 18. In addition to the repairs, we are getting some additional pipes for two new reed stops - Basson-Hautbois (oboe sound) and larger lower sounding reed called Basson. These pipes are being made in Holland and should be shipped to the organ builder early in December. Depending on when new pipes arrive in the US-it might be possible to have the organ for Christmas.

I am excited and look forward to the project completion. Immanuel is blessed and should be proud to be the only Lutheran congregation in the Treasure Valley with a pipe organ. We also look forward to the future when the organ will be moved to the front with a beautiful pipe facade gracing the sanctuary front.

Breakfast For Corpus Christi House

The Corpus Christi House is looking for food donations to feed 120 meals three times per week to our homeless citizens. Fruit, hard boiled eggs, egg casseroles, baked oatmeal.

Interested in being part of it? Please email CCH.VolunteerCoordinator@gmail.com

Thank you!!

Mia Crosthwaite

Volunteer Coordinator | Corpus Christi House | Boise, ID

www.corpuschristiboise.org

525 Americana Blvd

Boise, ID 83702

208-426-0039

ILC Connects Profile

In April, a request for members interested in helping us to personally connect with the members of the congregation was made. The mission of the group was to build and maintain congregational relationships. Fourteen faithful individuals stepped up to help us with this thought to be short term endeavor. We are in our 7th month of this ministry and we would like to highlight the members of this team.

In the spotlight today is Bobbi Chilcote

Bobbi has been a member of Immanuel since 1989 and has been an organist for Augustana for over 20 years, playing piano is her passion. She also likes to spend time with family, read, walk her dog, and work outside (around the yard, etc.) Since the pandemic began, Bobbi has spent more time cooking (which I’m sure Dick loves) and is finding herself sending more cards and letters.

Bobbi is married to Dick, and together they have 2 sons. Isaac works in Air Force Avionics in Albuquerque and will soon be in the National Guard. Her son, Jonas, lives in the area and is a mechanical engineer for Power Engineers. His wife Kaitlyn is a 1st grade teacher at Peregrine in West Ada School District. They have two children, Addison (Addie) is a 3rd grader and Brady is in kindergarten at Spalding.

When asked what she has learned from the phone calls she has made. She states that she has learned much more about the members she contacts. She also likes getting to know members more deeply and feeling their appreciation for the contact.

Thank you, Bobbi, for your dedication to this ministry!

Welcome Zoe!

We welcomed the newest member of Immanuel through Holy Baptism on October 10, 2020. Zoe Chandler Wiltshire was baptized in the courtyard by Pastor Gretchen, her family and sponsors. Parents are Stephanie and Cory Wiltshire, and grandmother is Lynnette Chandler. Welcome child of God!

New Book Discussion

CASTE—THE ORIGINS OF OUR DISCONTENTS

by Isabel Wilkerson

A Book Discussion coordinated by Jim Grunow,

member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Boise

Wednesday evenings, 6:45-8:00pm OR Friday afternoons 1:15-2:30pm

Zoom--November 4 and 6 to December 16 and 18, 2020

(7 sessions)

The Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling author of The Warmth of Other Suns, examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions.

In Wilkerson’s own words, “As we go about our daily lives, caste is the wordless usher in a darkened theater, flashlight cast down in the aisles, guiding us to our assigned seats for a performance. The hierarchy of caste is not about feelings or morality. It is about power—which groups have it and which do not.”

Here are some words of praise for the book:

“Wilkerson’s work is the missing puzzle piece of our country’s history” –The American Prospect
“Her closeness with, and profound affection for, her subjects reflect her deep immersion in their stories and allow the reader to share that connection.”—Janet Maslin, New York Times
"What Wilkerson urges. . .isn’t argument at all; it’s compassion. Hush, and Listen" –Jill Lepore, The New Yorker

A Note from Jim— I would like to limit each zoom discussion group to 15 participants. It is understood that participants may have to miss a session or two due to schedule conflicts. That is totally acceptable. As long as you can attend a majority of the discussions, please consider signing up. You can do so my emailing (jamesggrunow@gmail.com), calling, or texting (208-571-6309) me. My role will be to simply coordinate the discussion so that everyone has a chance to participate. Isabel Wilkerson will be our teacher. Each participant is responsible for securing the book. Rediscovered Books in downtown Boise is a possible source as, of course, is Amazon. I am looking forward to engaging with you in the conversation.

Mission Endowment Fund Update

This is the third in a series of articles about Immanuel’s Mission Endowment Fund.

Previously, you saw how endowment fund grants were awarded this year to three organizations. And, in September, you saw Susan Rowe’s article about Lyle Sall’s generous “Gift that Got it Started.”

Most endowment funds get their gifts from legacies and that takes planning. Thus, the term “planned gifts” that are made upon your passing as part of your estate plan.

When you die, your money can go to 3 places:

Your Family/Kids
The Government
Charity

and you get to choose two of those. Would the family miss 2% of your estate if you designated that for a charitable purpose?

A recent survey found that just 32% of people in the U.S. have a Will. And among those ages 55 and older only 48% said they have estate planning documents…less than half! If you don’t have a Will, the State of Idaho decides who gets your estate. Does the State of Idaho pass your estate to charities? No.

The primary reason mentioned for not having estate planning documents is “I haven’t gotten around to it.” August was national “Make a Will Month.” That’s a good reminder that now is the perfect time to carefully consider your estate plan.

If you have questions about the Mission Endowment Fund or would like to set up a confidential conversation, please call the church office on 208-344-3011 or contact a member of the Endowment Committee.

The Endowment Committee members are: Renée Bergquist, Amy Dockter, Les Gieselman, Jerry Healy, Karen Martz, Ken Reynolds, Don Stensaas and Pastor Gretchen.

Immanuel’s Mission Endowment Fund is a living embodiment of our purpose:

“We Share God’s Gift of Love with All!”

All Saints Day

On November 1st, All Saints Day, we give thanks and remember those who have completed their baptismal journeys on earth and now abide in their eternal home with God. During our on-line worship service we will acknowledge those who have gone before us in the litany of saints. If you would like a loved one who has died in the past year included in this litany, please contact the church office by October 28: 208-344-3011; office@ilcboise.org.

Children & Youth Upcoming Events by Mary Riedl

All Ages

Chalk the Church! October 25 - 10-11:30am. Sign up and come re-decorate the steps of Augustana and help brighten the day of everyone who walks and drives by. I will have a special treat for anyone who comes in costume! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094EA5A723AAF85-chalk1

Grades 7-12

October 18 - 2:00pm - We will be hiking Camel’s back from 2-4pm Meet us at the park for snacks, and a hike.

November 1 - Luther Heights Virtual 5K! Let’s get together outside and walk to benefit Luther Heights! More information will be coming in the next week!

Confirmation

That’s right! We’ve started again! If you’re not on the email list, but want to be, please email youth@ilcboise.org or confirmationtv@gmail.com to be added to our email list and receive the Zoom links so you can participate. This month we are discussing creation!

10/18 - 7:00 - Parent Check in via Zoom
10/25 - 7:00 - Small Group Meeting Via Zoom

Sunday School

Be watching your email, because we are about to start talking about the BE-attitudes!

Join the ILC Youth Connect

Facebook Group

and the

ILC Child & Youth YouTube Channel to stay connected!

Food Fellowship Needs Food Pick Up

Food Fellowship is in need of volunteer with an SUV or pick-up to pick up donated food from the Texas Roadhouse in Nampa on each 4th Tuesday of the month at 3:00pm and deliver to the church. We have thermal boxes to use to pick up the food, so that spills in your care are prevented. The boxes are 17 x 24 and 25 inches high. No heavy lifting is required by this volunteer. Please contact the office at 208-344-3011 or email office@ilcboise.org if you are able to help. Also, please be on the lookout for a Food Fellowship warm clothing drive coming soon!

Fall Clean Up

We are scheduling 2 clean ups for this fall. The dates are October 17th and November 14th from 9 to 11am/noon. The first one will focus on cleaning the leaves that have fallen as well as clean-up to the grounds. The November event will focus on getting the rest of the leaves. Please contact Matt Christman, Maintenance Specialist with any questions 208-871-9010.

Stewardship Story

Imagine what would be happening at Immanuel today, if we were not in the midst of a worldwide pandemic – the sights and sounds are vivid in my mind. The creaking of the century old wood floors in Augustana Chapel as our “early bird” church members file in for the 8:30 am service. The leaves starting to change on the trees in the courtyard while children play before heading inside. The melodic sounds of the choir practicing their hymns in the Immanuel sanctuary. Pastor Gretchen greeting us all with warmth and smiles, her white robe flowing behind her as she calmly races from one activity to another. The aroma of coffee wafting from the hospitality room inviting us in to linger, laugh, and catch up.

This is also the time of year where we would start to hear about our annual stewardship campaign. Perhaps there would be a clever theme and presentations in each service. We would be reminded that the heart of stewardship is generosity of our time, talents, and resources. We would be asked to prayerfully consider how we will support Immanuel in the coming year. It is easy to imagine isn’t it?

Since our current circumstances are so different this year, we have decided to approach stewardship with a different lens. God’s work and love is alive and thriving here at Immanuel, even while we worship from home. We each have our own story to tell. God moves us in both good and challenging times. In the next few weeks, people will share their stories and highlight some of the ministries here at Immanuel. These will be presented during our online worship service and in the weekly newsletters. We want you to know how God is at work changing lives of our members and in our community. And we will ask you to consider how you can help Immanuel continue God’s work not only today, but also tomorrow. In what ways will God move you?

Click HERE to view Lisa Hahle's video story.

Last Sunday's Service

Last Sunday's Worship Service

is available on

YouTube .

Please click on the link above to view

the worship service

Gifts of Assistance - COVID-19 Relief Program Update

Thanks to the generous gifts from several Immanuel members, we have received $6,500 to support the COVID-19 Relief Program. We invite anyone who is experiencing hardship due to the pandemic to request monetary and/or task assistance from your Immanuel congregational family. As we stated in the introduction of this program: we may not all be in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm. Please find a link to the request form HERE.

Treasure Valley Prays

This online devotional was created by ELCA leaders and pastors from the Treasure Valley. Access it at tvprays.org . You may simply visit the site daily or sign up to receive it in your email inbox. Regular contributors from Immanuel include Barb Condon, Heidi Gainan, Susan Rowe, Kathryn Baerwald, and Pastor Gretchen.

Giving Options

Online GIVING

Thank you to those who are continuing to support Immanuel financially. We realize some of you may be struggling financially right now and are unable to give. Your Immanuel family understands and prays that you can continue to take care of your family. If you are able, please contribute online through the church website by clicking on the "Online GIVING" button.

You may also give via U.S. mail, or place your envelope in the mail drop slot to the right of the glass double doors we use to enter the Thomas Chapel, Library, Office area and Hospitality Room. Or you can scan this barcode-like QR code image with a smartphone's QR decoder, it will instantly connect you to the mobile version of the Immanuel web page. It provides a quick and easy way to access the web page.

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Geraldine B - October 18

Emory D - October 18

Rogan C - October 19

Sandra A - October 20

Linnea L - October 20

Ashley W - October 20

Cohen B - October 21

Michelle S - October 22

ALLAN and CONNIE A, October 20 – 47 Year

Brad and RENEE B, October 23 – 27 Years

Important Items of Interest

Betoubam Family - Blaise Richard, his wife Cecile and their five children miss attending church and the fellowship it provides them. The New American Ministry Team would like to offer you the opportunity to send them a card or a note to greet them. You can tell them a little bit about yourself, your family and perhaps even enclose a photo. If you are interested contact Jo Stensaas at 208-794-5417/ jostensaas@boisestate.edu or call the church office at 208-244-3011.

The October/November/December Devotionals have arrived! We have both the small books and large print. If you would like one, you can stop by church during business hours, call the office at 208-344-3011 or email parishadmin@ilcboise.org.

The quilters are in need of material! If you have material at home not being used or want to purchase some, they can use cottons, quilting material, flannel--no fleece and either prints or solids are great. The material can be delivered to the church, but please call first to be sure someone is there. If you have questions, please contact Carol Hoobing at carolhoobing@hotmail.com.

Powerful Tools For Caregivers is a 6-part workshop series designed to help family caregivers find balance while caring for a loved one. Click HERE for additional information.

Food Fellowship Team needs your help preparing desserts. We need summer friendly desserts like cookies or bars without frosting. We will happily wrap them up for serving. With our increased number of guests, we ask that you provide 60 servings four 9 x 13, nine 8X8, or 120 cookies. Sign up on ivolunteer at the Immanuel website.

Instant Church Directory - To log into the Online Member Directory click on the link: members.instantchurchdirectory.com/. Let's use the directory to reach out and check in with one another while we are physically apart.

Immanuel's prayer chain offers each of you an opportunity to stay connected to others in our congregation through the power of prayer. Please feel free to contact us by emailing prayers@ilcboise.org and share any prayer requests you may have.

PayingForSeniorCare.com is to help the elderly and their families fully understand the cost of long term care and the programs that can provide financial support. We have an online database of tools, references, and articles that cover topics like available care options, and free resources that are available in Boise.