Inside Immanuel Weekly

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

Sunday, June 13, 2021

8:30am - Immanuel Sanctuary

10:30am - Immanuel Sanctuary

Worship video will be available on Saturday.

O God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear your truth and love to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

President's Message/COVID -19 Update

Dear Immanuel Family and Friends,

Our COVID-19 Task Force met this week to review the latest community health conditions and CDC guidelines. I am pleased to announce a few changes that will ease restrictions at the in-person worship services while still following Matthew 22: “… the greatest commandments according to Jesus are to love God and to love our neighbor.”

For our in-person congregation inside (and visitors/staff anywhere inside the building):

Masks are required for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, recommended for all, and optional for fully vaccinated. Reminder – fully vaccinated is defined as 2 weeks past final vaccine dose.
We will continue to log names and number of family members as you arrive each week for attendance and contact tracing purposes.
Hand sanitizing at entry to building and distanced seating will continue at this time, along with communion in our seats and singing/speaking softly during hymns and portions of the service when the congregation speaks.
We will continue with two services through June 20th and then convert to one service at 9:30am, starting June 27th and continuing thru Labor Day. We will monitor attendance and revert to 2 services if needed.

For our worship presenters: All in-person worship presenters/musicians must be fully vaccinated and therefore masks are optional. Special musicians may perform at services with the plexiglass barrier. To enhance safety, we will continue with the 20-foot buffer between presenters and the congregation.

Post service we invite you to visit outside in the courtyard. Masks are no longer required for anyone in our outside spaces.

For our online congregation: Worship service online will continue with no changes.

Meetings: We continue to recommend conducting meetings on Zoom. Please contact the office if you have a request or questions about any in-person activities.

All of the guidelines above will be monitored and we will amend them to be more or less restrictive depending on the community spread and City of Boise, Central District Health and/or CDC recommendations.

In conclusion, whether you choose to worship in-person or online is a personal decision and unique for every family and individual’s circumstances. We welcome you in whatever format you find comfortable at this time.

Blessings to all

Barb Schmidt, President

COVID-19 Task Force (Barb Schmidt - Chair, Pastor Paul, Les Gieselman, Renee Bergquist, Patrice Burgess, Carolyn Korn, and Mary Riedl)

Church Council Update

Council Members: Barb Schmidt-President, Tracie Johnson-Vice President, Les Gieselman-Secretary, Lynn Clark-Treasurer, Tami Husen, Richard Keplinger, Don Stensaas, Andrew White, and Pastor Paul Olsen

The Immanuel Lutheran Church (ILC) Council held a regular monthly Council Meeting on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 5:30pm via online Zoom meeting. Below is a recap of the meeting, pending Council approval:

Don Stensaas led devotions.
Adopted the Consent Agenda including Council Meeting Agenda (05-17-2021), Council Meeting Minutes (04-19-2021), Special Council Meeting Minutes (05-03-2021), Council Motion Tracker—Electronic Votes (05-11-2021), COVID-19 Task Force Minutes (05-05-2021), Creative Worship Team Report (05-10-2021), Finance Committee Minutes (04-12-2021), New American Ministry Team Report (05-17-2021), Property Committee Report (05-17-2021), and Church Attendance Report (04-30-2021).
Reviewed and approved the April 2021 Financial Reports. The Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan obtained in 2020 has been officially forgiven. Thanks to Val Hanks and Renee Bergquist for submitting the required documentation.
Reviewed and accepted Pastor Paul Olsen’s first monthly Pastor’s Report.
Reviewed the next step in the Pastoral Call Process—selecting six (6) members to serve on the Mission & Life Committee. Agreed on a list of twelve (12) potential Mission & Life Committee members. Council members will recruit six (6) committee members who will likely begin meeting (with Pastor Paul Olsen) in early June 2021.
With Endowment Committee recommendation, authorized the purchase and installation of a recognition and display board to promote Immanuel’s endowment funds.
With Creative Worship Team recommendation, approved creating a process to livestream Immanuel’s in-person worship services; approved submitting an ELCA Open Doors Grant application to support funding for livestreaming Immanuel’s in-person worship services.
With Finance Committee recommendation, agreed to reallocate funds to pay for Luther Heights day camp registrations for Boise Rescue Mission youth. If Luther Heights doesn’t offer a day camp in 2021, the funds will be donated to the Boise Rescue Mission to benefit youth at the Boise Rescue Mission.
Closed the meeting with the Lord’s Prayer.
The next regular Church Council meeting is Monday, June 21, 2021 (5:30pm), Zoom online meeting.

Respectfully submitted: Les Gieselman, Secretary

Synod Representatives

On April 24, 2021 the Northwest Intermountain Synod gathered in Assembly via Zoom.

Doug Dockter (Treasure Valley Cluster, lay male) was elected to terms that will begin in 2021.
Lisa Hahle (At-Large lay female) was elected to terms that will begin in 2022

Faith After Doubt by Brian D. McLaren-A 4-Week Discussion

Summer Discussion Facilitated by Jim Grunow

The subtitle to this book is “Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It.” The Book Discussion will commence on Wednesday, June 30 and run for 4 consecutive Wednesdays, through July 21. It will take place at two different times—1:30-2:45pm and 6-7:15pm Mountain Daylight time.

Here is the reading/discussion schedule:

6/30 - Session 1 – “Your Descent Into Doubt” Part 1, pgs. 3-55
7/7 - Session 2 – “All In Doubt” Part 2, pgs. 59-128
7/14 &21 - Sessions 3, 4 – “Life After (And With) Doubt” Part 3, pgs. 131-220

Here is what several reviewers are saying about this book:

“Religious folk often find the path of descent into doubt especially terrifying because they’ve been told their entire lives that they must accept certain understandings, beliefs, or dogma without question. In this important book, Brian McLaren helps you find a deeper and wiser faith that is enriched by doubt instead of threatened by it.” -Father Richard Rohr, OFM

“Brian McLaren gently moves us away from the notion of God as vengeful and petty, ready to punish those who question and challenge beliefs that no longer harmonize with their evolving experience and honest understanding. He encourages the reader to embrace a deeper, wider, and more authentic faith that doesn’t fear doubt, but welcomes it as an ally in their spiritual growth. This book will save lives.” -Bishop Yvette Flunder

A personal note from Jim—"Brian McLaren has authored 12 books—this is his 13^th. I have read all his previous ones. So far, I have only read the Preface: Permission to Doubt, the Introduction: Moment of Terror, and Chapter 1—Doubt as Loss, in this book, and already I am hooked once again. Brian McLaren’s writings have been transformative for me personally. He has often put into words things I have only been thinking about but unable to articulate. He has been one of my mentors in my long journey of faith. I look forward to reading and discussing this book with those willing to join me on this continuing journey.”

If you would like to join Jim in this Book Discussion, please let him know by email at jamesggrunow@gmail.com or by phone call or text--208-571-6309. It is perfectly acceptable to sign up for this Discussion even if you need to miss a week or two. You may also “attend” either session on alternating weeks as your schedule permits. All sessions will be on Zoom. Those who sign up will receive the Zoom link and some additional information about how the Book Discussion will proceed. Our last book discussion was “attended” by folks from 5 different congregations in 4 different cities. All are welcome to participate.

Free Summer Bible Study

Gather is offering its summer Bible study for free download.

The three-session study “Just love part 2: Just L.I.F.E. (Liberation Is For Everyone!)” was written by Angela Khabeb, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

The Bible study series is inspired, in part, by Jesus’ proclamations: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36) and “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

Find the Bible study here and subscribe to Gather for future Bible studies!

deCycles - A Journey Of A Lifetime

Immanuel Lutheran Church is housing the riders and support staff from deCycles on June 19th through early Monday morning, June 21st. We are also sponsoring dinner upon their arrival on June 19 and they will be joining us for service on June 20. If you would like to help prepare and serve dinner (spaghetti and salad,) please contact our Parish Administrator, Carolyn Korn, at parishadmin@ilcboise.org or 208-344-3011.

Giving Opportunity

An Opportunity to Share God’s Love: Our New American Family Children

Now that warmer weather is upon us and we are getting outside more, the New American Ministry Co-Coordinators would like to request some items for the family. If you wish to donate, below are some suggested items.

Tennis lessons for three. 4 lessons at approximately $100 each child.
One week of Soccer Camp Approximately $99 - $200.
Soccer team participation cost & cost of the uniform & bag if needed. (Fall) $150?
Soccer cleats ($35-$65), shin guards ($15-$25) & soccer socks ($15-$20).
Badminton set ($35 - $100) or a used set in good condition.
New or gently used blankets, sheets and pillowcases. queen and twin.
Gift cards from Walmart, Albertsons, WinCo, and Fred Meyer.
Tickets for events that perhaps you can also attend and/or drive them to. The children and Cecile speak English.
Bus pass and/or Uber card
Boise Rock School Camp for one of the children. One week - $150
Feel free to suggest other ways you may like to volunteer or donate. Perhaps you would like to be put on a volunteer list and be contacted as a need arises (example: a ride to the store, a ride to a doctor’s appointment, etc.).

Children & Youth Announcements by Mary Riedl

June 11-15 Youth Mission to Boise - Grade 6 & Up

June 11 - 3-7pm, Cecil D. Andrus Park, Games, and Introductions

June 12 - 9:30am-4pm, St. Mihaels, Baby Steps Projects

June 13 - 6 -8pm, Cecil D Andrus Park, Agape Eucharist

June 14 - 9:30am-4pm, Whittier Elementary & Immanuel Lutheran Church

June 15 - 9:30am-4pm, Agency for New Americans

Luther Heights Needs Campers

We went up this past weekend and did a little bit of work (James did a LOT) to get camp ready for you! PLEASE contact me if you have questions or need help with getting your kids to camp. Camp is a hugely formative faith experience, and we don’t want anyone to miss out because of money, transportation, or lack of camp supplies -especially when there are scholarships, ride-share opportunities, and camping supplies readily available!

Contact Info: info@lutherheights.org, 208-886-7657.

Save the Dates! Upcoming Youth Events:

June 30 - Youth Committee Meeting 5:00pm

July 7 - Fellowship Event, TBD

August 11 - Fellowship Event, TBD

August 22 - Backpack Blessing, Youth Gathering Info Meeting & Confirmation Kick-Off

Join the ILC Youth Connect Facebook Group and the

ILC Child & Youth YouTube Channel

to stay connected!

Birthdays & Anniversaries

EMRY H - 6/15

ELIZABETH I - 6/19

MARTIN H - 6/21

MARTIN A - 6/22

D.J. J - 6/24

AMY D - 6/25

VERN and ARDYCE A - 6/14, 63 YEARS

KEITH and GAIL J - 6/14, 52 YEARS

Giving Options

Online GIVING

Thank you to those who are continuing to support Immanuel financially. 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 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 webpage.

PIKnic In The Park by Bruce Wingate

I know we just finished the Idaho Gives Campaign and some of you donated to that. I THANK YOU! However, we do have need for further support so we can feed the food-insecure kids and their families with this Summer’s PIKnic at the Park program.

Protect Idaho Kids has a GoFundMe account at:

https://www.gofundme.com/manage/piknic-at-the-park

So far we have only $45 worth of donations for this year and it will be extremely hard to feed the kids with that amount. Last year we received a grant to help with buying the food, but this year we did not get a grant and we are relying exclusively on donations. WE NEED FUNDING to make our programs possible. Any help you can provide with be greatly appreciated by the kids, their families, and me.

For further details visit our website at www.protectidahokids.org, or call (208) 761-5695 or click HERE.

Hope you and your family are doing well in these Covid times.

Bruce Wingate

Important Items of Interest

Call Process for a new Pastor - We are “In Process". Stay tuned for next week’s Inside Immanuel Weekly for an update from Pastor Paul on the call process, a general timeline, and what we have been doing so far.

Convert Old Cassette Tapes - Does anyone have the capability to convert old cassette tapes to updated audio media? If so, please contact Alberta Schroeder at alberta.schroeder@yahoo.com..

Food Fellowship - The team is looking for volunteers to help with Food Fellowship laundry and preparing desserts. Easily packaged desserts like cookies or bars without frosting are needed. We ask that you provide 60 servings four 9 x 13, nine 8X8, or 120 cookies. Sign up on ivolunteer at the Immanuel website.

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. Please find a link to the request form HERE.