Alpha is an 11-week course for people to explore life’s big questions and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal atmosphere. No question is too big or too small. Each weekly session normally includes a meal, short presentation, and small group conversation. There will also be an option to participate online via Zoom. Not ready to commit to an 11-week course? Stop by for the first meeting on Monday Jan 24th; this Launch Party is designed to give a glimpse of what is to come. Contact Pastor Chris cdavis@immanuelbatavia.org to register.

A group of pro-life advocates from Immanuel attended the 2022 Chicago March for Life this past weekend. Hundreds of people from across the Midwest gathered downtown Chicago in Federal Plaza to support unborn babies. Our Immanuel group joined with friends from the LCMS Northern Illinois District including Deaconess Lori Trinche and Pastor Kris Whitby. At the plaza, several leaders gave emotionally charged speeches about the need for pro-life support, especially in the State of Illinois. LCMS President Harrison boldly spoke about how we are about to experience the end of Roe v. Wade; how Illinois has passed the most draconian anti-life legislation in the history of the world; and how when Roe falls, people will be flocking to Illinois for abortions. This is the time to be pro-life for Illinois!! During all of this, Chicago police lined up to keep the peace, creating a barrier between the protestors and the anti-protestors. During the march, President Harrison led the LCMS group in singing hymns; at times entertaining the group with his attempts to join in with the pro-life cheers chanted by the energetic youth group ahead. There were several pro-life booths back at the conference center including one for Redeeming Life Outreach Ministry staffed by Deaconess Lori Trinche and Pastor Kris Whitby. The LCMS hosted a gathering upstairs inviting everyone to join in a Q&A with President Harrison. Northern Illinois District President Allan Buss started the gathering off by sharing his word for the year: “gratitude”. With so much craziness and discouragement in the world, we need to remember that we are on the winning side; give thanks for babies in their mothers’ womb and be grateful because God has given us the gift of eternal life!

Check out our new school blog at ilsbatavia.org/blog. Principal, Donna Laughlin, gives a weekly update of what's going on at our school.

Reach out anytime to Congregation Chairman Dan Nottke at chairperson_mmc@ilcsbatavia.org.

To see a complete listing of current announcements visit immanuelbatavia.org/announcements.

For News and Notes archives see immaneulbatavia.org/news-archives.