1. Art and Diseño

From the Pastor’s Desk
February 2015
Fellow Redeemed,
Volume 11, Issue 2
I am cheating this month. I am sharing an article with you from a Pastor’s blog that
I follow. The Pastor’s name is Carey Nieuwhof. He is a Pastor in Toronto, and this
article is NOT a Jesus, Law/Gospel message, but it is practical, and I find many of
his points helpful as we consider a new year before us. I hope it is a blessing to you.
He writes:
“Did you get everything done you wanted to get done this year? Probably not. Who
did?
Making a bigger list probably isn’t going to help you get more done. Often, putting
more on your list just leaves you feeling more frustrated.
What most of us need is a new strategy. Here are 5 things I’ve found have helped me
and other leaders get ahead.
1. Eliminate wasted time
Most people are busy…busy wasting time they’ll never get back. Let’s just be honest.
We all waste time.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Stephen Ministry Update
2
From the Vicar
3
ISJ School News
3
Zoup! Fundraiser
3
Attendance & Offering
4
Hymn of the Month
4
Wednesday During Lent
5
Easter Breakfast
6
Youth Ministry News
6
Human Needs
7
Pastor Ponders
7
WMLHS
7
Bowling Event
7
Ministry Volunteer Schedule
8
Calendar of Events
9
I do. You do.
If you want to see what a life without much wasted time looks like, read a profile
of 17 year-old budding hockey star Connor McDavid. Since Connor was a kid, he did
little else but play hockey and develop his skill set. He skipped prom, doesn’t really
play video games and missed a lot of the social life of high school. Except now, at 17,
he’s likely to be drafted #1 in the NHL. It might not be your idea of an ideal life to
pursue one thing with your time. That’s fine. But does binge watching whatever your
favorite series is right now really help you become a better person or better leader?
(Continues on page 2)
From the Board of Directors
The nominating committee will be talking to people about filling spots on the Board
of Directors and Lay Ministry Board and, if you are approached that we ask you
prayerfully consider serving. The board of directors is continuing to work on the
Long-term directions and goals for Immanuel that will help us keep connecting people to Jesus. If you have any ideas or questions, please feel free to ask and/or share
with any board member. The staff, board members and lay ministers along with some
members are finishing up with our bible study on Missional Renaissance. It has been
a great experience sharing within our groups. We are excited to see how God uses us
through this bible study. Thank you for allowing us to serve! 
1
Our Staff
(Continues from Page 1)
Pastor:
Rev. Craig Bickel
[email protected]
Does scrolling endlessly through Instagram or Facebook half watching lives you’re
interested in really make you a better leader?
Emeriti Pastors:
Rev. K. Frank Graves,
Rev. Fred Krause
Often people who have ‘no time’ to spend time with God end up with all kinds of
time for binge watching. So just stop wasting time or at least be intentional with the
time you waste. By intentional, I mean saying to yourself: I’m going to waste 30
minutes. Then go waste it. Do that and you’ll be far less wasteful. And as a result,
you’ll accomplish far more.
Vicar:
Tyler Carter
[email protected]
Business Manager:
Jack Hazewinkel
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant:
Danella Joslin
[email protected]
PowerPoint:
Jennifer Welch
[email protected]
Contemporary Worship:
Jennifer Fortosis
[email protected]
Traditional Worship:
Jane Van Hof
[email protected]
Vocal Music Director:
Leslie Hess
[email protected]
Bell Choir Director:
Linda Bartusch
[email protected]
Discipleship Coordinator:
Steve Eyerman
[email protected]
Parish Social Worker:
Rachel Buckler
[email protected]
Human Needs:
Karen McCarty
[email protected]
Youth Ministry:
Jennifer McGraw
[email protected]
Children’s Ministry:
Kate Ruffini - [email protected]
Nursery Coordinator:
Christy Mulder
Custodian:
Michael Brown
ISJ School Principal:
Lisa Singleton
[email protected]
People who have ‘no time’ to spend time with God often find time
to binge watch TV shows.
2. Stop letting other people set your priorities
How many times have you finished a crazy day and realized you didn’t even put a
dent in your most important priority? Often that happens when you let other people
set your priorities. You do this when you:

Constantly check email

Refuse to turn off the notifications on your phone

Allow people to interrupt you when you’re at work (no, that’s not their issue…it’s yours)
When people text you, email you, call you and interrupt you, they are asking for you
to ditch your priorities for theirs. Do this 20, 30 or 40 hours a week, and you will lead
an extremely unproductive, busy and frustrating life. The best way to overcome this
is to only check email a few times a day. Ditto with the phone. And close your office
door or even put a sign on it that says “I’m happy to see you at 2:00″, and then
budget 2:00-2:30 for interruptions.
Guess what? Half the people who were going to interrupt you won’t even remember
what they were going to ask you about by the time 2:00 rolls around.
3. Be proactive
There are two kinds of leadership: proactive leadership, and reactive leadership.
Proactive leaders make things happen. Reactive leaders react to what’s happening.
Which one makes the better leader long term? Quite obviously, leaders who are
proactive.
(Continues on page 5)
*****************************************************************************
Stephen Ministry Update
On February 22nd, Immanuel Lutheran will commission
its first Stephen Ministers! We will have a team of trained
and dedicated Stephen Ministers eager to help and serve
our congregation and community. Our Stephen Ministers
\have completed 50 hours of training to provide high-quality
Christian care to individuals experiencing a crisis or challenge such as divorce, grief,
loss of a job, hospitalization, relocation, or loneliness. Stephen Ministers are each
assigned a care receiver and meet with that care receiver for about an hour a week.
This caring relationship will last for as long as the care receiver needs it. If you would
like more information on how to receive care or know someone who would benefit
from a Stephen Minister, please call the church office (616-454-3655) and ask to
speak to Pastor Craig, Betty Zachary or Rachel Buckler.
2
ISJ SCHOOL NEWS
How’s God working in your life?
Preschool-8th Grade
This is not a question that we normally get asked in our daily
conversations. We are normally asked questions which we can give a
well-rehearsed answer to without really thinking about what was
asked of us: How are you? Good. How’s your family? Good. How’s work going?
Good. If you are like me, then you have these quick answers tucked away for easy
access.
A couple of weeks ago, I was routinely going through another Thursday busy
in my office sending emails, planning events, and engaging in small talk. Every now
and then, someone would walk by my office and ask me “how are doing?” Without
being phased or even thinking about it, I replied “Good, how are you?”
This happened a couple of different times never throwing me off my groove
until one guy walked in my office to talk with me. I was ready for any question he
might ask me. I have 24 years of experience answering the daily life questions, and I
have been trained to have a quick response.
He asked me, “How’s God working in your life?” As the words flowed from his lips,
my mind could not compute an answer. I was stumped. After 24 years of my life, I
was asked a question that could not be answered with a simple response. The words
forced me to stop what I was doing and to actually think how has God been working
in my life?
It should not have been an uncommon question to encounter or that challenging to
find an answer to since I have been born and raised in the Lutheran Church. I love
God and know that He loves me. I am a Vicar for crying out loud. How come this
question has caught me so off guard?
How crazy is it that as Christians when we are asked, “How is God working in your
life?” we are stumped. Is it that we are not in a relationship with God? Is it that we
are trying to live life on our own? Or could it be that we just don’t think how God is
working in our lives?
2066 Oakwood NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 363-0505,
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mychristianschool.com
♫♪♫Many Notes.......One Song♪♫♪
1Corinthians 12:27 “Now you
are the body of Christ, and each
one of you is a part of it.”
Immanuel-St. James Lutheran School
is currently enrolling students for the
2015/2016 school year. We have
implemented new programs to meet
the needs of our youngest students,
including a pre-Kindergarten readiness
program. This program is designed to
give our 4-year-old students a glimpse
into the schedule of becoming a fulltime student and to give them the best
opportunity at success in the daily classroom. We would love to meet with you
to discuss any questions you may have
regarding this, or any of the wonderful
programs available at Immanuel-St.
James Lutheran School. ISJ has an
outstanding reputation for strong
academics, teaching the Word of God,
and creating a focused environment for
learning and loving in the Lord. Please
call the school office at 616-363-0505 to
schedule a visit.
This question made me think and acknowledge that God is very active in my daily
life. He is in the huge events and even in the small little things. God daily and richly
provides me with all I have and all I need. I have been so truly blessed by Him and
want to give Him all the thanks and praise.
I now want to ask you, “How is God working in YOUR life?”
God’s Blessings,
Presented by:
The ISJ Student Actors
Friday, February 27, 2015
St. James Lutheran Church
7:00 p.m.
Admission: Free Will Offering
Tyler Carter 
Zoup! Fundraiser for NECM
Zoup! Community Founda on proudly supports
North End Community Ministries Food Bank Fundraiser
Sunday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Zoup! Medical Mile, 25 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids
Bring the flyer in (it will be handed out on Feb. 15 or you can pick it up from church
anytime) and enjoy some award-winning soup, salad and sandwiches on
February 15th and Zoup! Community Foundation will donate 20% of your purchase
to North End Community Ministries Food Bank. Dine-in or carry-out available. 
3
You won't want to miss the trial of the
century as the most notorious criminal
in fairy tale history, the Big Bad Wolf,
is slapped with a class-action lawsuit
by the countless quirky characters he
has wronged throughout the years.
In this lively play, the audience
will help determine the outcome of
the trial and the entire play.
Hope to see you there! 
Hymn of the Month
WORSHIP
ATTENDANCE DATA
Sunday, December 7
Midweek Advent, Dec. 10
Sunday, December 14
Midweek Advent, Dec. 17
Sunday, December 21
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24
Christmas Day, Dec. 25
Sunday, December 28
“Lord Jesus Christ, the Children’s Friend” (LSB 866)
317
135
336
270
338
597
94
180
******************************
OFFERING DATA
Weekly total needed to meet
General Fund budget: $11,500.00
We ended 2014 with $14,891.45
in the bank.
December 7
General Fund:
Designated Fund:
Campaign for Ministry:
$15,745.25
1,236.87
5,359.00
December 14
General Fund:
Designated Fund:
Campaign for Ministry:
$16,238.10
956.50
3,040.00
December 21
General Fund:
Designated Fund:
Campaign for Ministry:
$13,047.75
430.00
8,085.00
December 28
General Fund:
Designated Fund:
Campaign for Ministry:
$24,171.00
2,968.20
5,357.00
**********************************
ISJ SCRIP (December)
Scrip sales: $6,680.00;
Earned: $342.30
**********************************
This month we take a closer look at “Lord Jesus Christ, the Children’s Friend”
(LSB #866). Having just celebrated Lutheran Schools Week, this hymn by Henry
Letterman is an appropriate reminder of the ongoing importance of a Christian home
and education. As the psalmist writes in Psalm 78:2b-4: “I will utter hidden things,
things from of old – what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”
Henry Letterman (1932-1996) attended Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia
University) in River Forest and went on to earn a Master’s degree and doctorate degree before achieving the rank of full professor at Concordia. His talent for poetry
and interest in education resulted in a number of fruitful unions. A number of his
texts appeared in the Concordia Music Education series published in the 1960’s.
From 1979-1987, he served as a member and secretary of the Hymn Text and Music
Committee of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod’s Commission on Worship which
prepared Lutheran Worship (1982). As a member of this committee, he contributed
both original texts and translations from the German.
William Knapp (1698-1768) is the composer of this hymn tune “Wareham”, named for
his birthplace. A glover by trade, Knapp served as a parish clerk and organist. He
was one of the most popular composers of music for country church choirs in England in the second half of the 18th century. Today he is only remembered as the composer of this tune and one other. 
From the Contemporary Worship Director
“Trinity Sunrise Prayer”
This month, my personal focus is on prayer. I am reading a devotional called, Simply
Rejoicing, by Patsy Lewis. The Author recommends waking up each morning and
praying a “Trinity Sunrise Prayer.”
This is her prayer:
I am rising today in the name of the Father who created me, sent his Son to
redeem me, and hears my prayers. Heavenly Father, may I behold the wonders of
your creation throughout this day and see through your eyes and heart the world
around me and everyone you choose to cross my path. I am rising today in the
name of the Son, who gave his life for me, has forgiven my sins, understands my
suffering, and loves me. Precious Jesus, may I exalt you in all that I do and say, and
may my lips praise you with a heart of thanksgiving for your blessings and saving
grace. I am rising today in the name of the Holy Spirit, who breathed life into my
heart. Breath of heaven, breathe afresh on me today, and may I be aware of your
presence every waking moment and even as I lie down to rest at the end of the day.
Holy God, Three in One, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I commit this day to you.
I like starting my day out this way because when we talk to God, we are communicating with His three persons. We communicate with the Father, with the Son, and
with the Holy Spirit. How wonderful it is to freely come before all of our gracious
God. He asks that we come before Him with all of who we are!
Jennifer Fortosis 
4
(Continues from page 2)
A significant part of leadership is creating something out of nothing…of making
things happen that are currently not happening. Whether that’s building a team, advancing a cause or even finding a solution no one else seems to be able to find, leaders make things that don’t normally happen, happen.
No one will ever ask you to do those things.
Consequently, they require proactivity. Check your to do list.
Are the things that require that kind of proactivity on it?
Is your to-do list really attempting to advance anything meaningful? Or is your to-do
list a reflection of point #2 above—it’s merely a response to everyone else’s priorities?
Your to do list should always have some big goals that no one else is going to ask you
to work on.
For example, if you’re a preacher, prioritize sermon prep. Why? Because nobody’s
ever going to call you and ask you to spend time researching your message. They will
call you to ask you to meet with them, pulling you away from your message prep.
Ditto to the big, audacious goals you want to accomplish. They need to migrate to
your daily task list.
What’s most important to you? What would significantly advance your ministry?
Spend at least 10 hours a week on that, and things will change.
4. Do your best and worst, first
One of the best ways to keep your day (and your priorities) from being hijacked is to
do your most important (not most urgent…most important) task first.
I like to get most of my ‘big thinking’ projects done before 9 a.m. I’m at my best
then, and most people aren’t at work. So I can be incredibly productive and get my
big stuff done before anything else happens.
I leave my routine things until the afternoon when I’m not as sharp but when sharpness doesn’t really matter as much as it does when I’m writing a message, writing a
series or tackling a high level problem.
You’ve probably also got other things on your to do list that you resent, things you
hate doing (maybe like returning a phone call, answering a tough email, or doing
something administrative, like an expense report).
Get some of those done early in the day too, right after you’ve expended your best
energy on your biggest priority. Doing something you don’t want to do early gets a
win under your belt, and you’ll feel much better about the day. It’s like having a
weight lifted off your shoulder. You’ll feel like you can tackle more.
And, as a result, you will.
5. Get some sleep and some solitude
The problem is that when most of us are off, we’re not off.
We just run 100 miles an hour at something else; family, hobbies, friends, social
engagements, gaming, social media, movies…whatever.
(Continues on Page 6)
5
Ash Wednesday
and Lent:
On Wednesday, February 18, Lent
begins with our Ash Wednesday observation. The Soup and Salad Supper will
be at 6 p.m. in the Gathering Room,
and the service will be at 7 p.m. Arrive a
little early to the service if you would
like the imposition of Ashes. We will be
placing those on the forehead or hand
of those who desire ashes during the
prelude/pre-service music.
During the weeks of Lent, starting on
February 25, we will have our midweek
Lenten service on Wednesday at noon.
The service is a 30-minute gathering
where we will be looking at the big
events of Jesus’ last day as they led Him
to Calvary. Also the Lay Ministers will
be participating in these services taking
the liturgy or the message.
(Please call the church office to
sign up to attend and also to let us
know what you will bring)
**********************
Midweek Lenten
Worship at Noon
Feb. 25, March 4, 11,
18, and 25
Youth Ministry
The New Year has been off to a good start! We have many exciting things we are
looking forward to.
1) The youth will be going to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans, July
2016. All youth who will be from the ages 14 – 20 by the summer of 2016 are
welcome to join us! Our first informational meeting was held January 18th. We
thank you for your continued prayers and support for the youth as they grow in
their relationship with Jesus.
Easter Breakfast
Between Easter services, Joel and Kim
Blount will be hosting Easter Breakfast
to celebrate the resurrection of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Please join us for
some wonderful food and fellowship as
we celebrate this most holy of days. All
proceeds from the free-will offering will
go to support our Orphan Outreach
Mission trip to Russia in July. We are
returning to St. Petersburg this summer
to take clothing, medicine, toiletries and
the love of Christ to the orphaned children in and around St. Petersburg. We
continue to feel called to return as the
Russian government has stopped all U.
S. adoptions, and our visit may be the
only outside contact the children get all
summer. Kim is blessed to be leading
the group again this year. There is so
much joy and appreciation on the
children's, as well as the caregiver's faces
each time we have been there. We
would love to answer any questions you
might have for us about the mission trip
and what it entails. There is still room
for more if you are interested in going
with us.
In the upcoming weeks, we will have a
sign-up sheet in the bulletin as well as a
poster in the Gathering Room of needed breakfast items. If you'd like to help
with set-up or food prep on the Saturday before Easter or serving or clean up
on Sunday, you can indicate that on the
sign-up sheet. The help is very much
appreciated! Most importantly, we'd
love for you to join us for our breakfast
celebration. 
2) On February 14th,the youth are hosting a Valentines Dinner and Dance from 6
p.m. – 9 p.m. Child care is available. Tickets will be sold in-between services. All
proceeds will go towards taking the Youth to the National Youth Gathering in
July of 2016.
3) We are here to serve you! The youth are looking for opportunities to serve our
Immanuel Family. If you have work that needs done (painting, babysitting,
cleaning, yard work, etc.) the youth would love to be a blessing to you. Contact
either Vicar Tyler Carter ([email protected]), Jennifer McGraw
([email protected]), or Danella at the Office.
1 Timothy 2:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set
an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 
(Continued from Page 5)
As a result, we cheat sleep.
That’s one of the worst things a leader can do. Refusing to rest is like trying to run
your phone for a full day on 15% power. I’m a bit of an evangelist on sleep because I
really think a lack of sleep cuts into every leader’s potential.
Once you slow down enough to sleep adequately, you might also become more comfortable with another best friend of many top performing leaders: solitude. So many
high performing leaders I know begin every morning in silence.
Christian leaders do this in their quiet time. But even non-Christian leaders I know
will take time to meditate or simply sit in silence. Making time for retreats or for regular silent space to work on it, not in it, are practices of almost all top performing leaders. This isn’t just a leadership trick. It’s a spiritual discipline. Solitude has long been a
Christian discipline that’s been all but lost. Regain it.
Ironically, you would think that to accomplish more you would need to spend less
time sleeping and less time in solitude. Just the opposite. Getting a full night’s sleep
every night and finding regular, disciplined solitude will make you far more effective.”
Which one resonated with you? I would love to hear what one or two items you want
to implement. Email, text or set an appointment. But realize I may not email or text
you back right away for I am working on some significant work. : )
In Christian Love,
Pastor Craig Bickel 
6
Pastor Ponders
Ash Wednesday – Don’t forget that on Wednesday, Feb. 18th is Ash Wednesday.
That means that 6pm we will have a Soup and Salad Supper. Don’t forget to sign up
to bring soup, salad, bread or dessert that day. Then, at 7 p.m., we will begin our Lenten focus with a service that calls us to seek God’s grace for our brokenness and sin.
Stephen Ministers – We will soon have Stephen Ministers who can come alongside
and reflect Jesus’ love and journey with you. I want to ask you to pray for the Stephen
Ministers and, if life is hard, make sure to avail yourself to the blessing of a Stephen
Minister.
“The Story” - Starting May 3rd, we will be working through the book “The Story”.
This book takes the big passages of the bible and puts it into a narrative of God’s
story for us. We will soon be talking about this, taking orders for the book, and enlisting the whole congregation to read and reflect on this book together. 
******************************************************************
Human Needs
CLANCY HOUSE PROJECT: After a pre-Christmas visit to eight foster kids at
D.A. Blodgett-St. John's Clancy House, we are planning more visits. On Dec. 20, five
volunteers helped decorate Christmas cookies, made a manger scene ornament, and
just hung out with the kids. Now we are hoping to put together a rotating group for
monthly visits. We are excited at the prospect of an ongoing relationship. For more
information, contact Kim Blount, [email protected] 
West Michigan Lutheran High School
601 - 36th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
(616) 455-2200
Website: www.wmlhs.org
Save the date!!! Meet me at ????????.
WMLHS Boosters is having a fundraiser
at Monelli's (5675 Byron Center Ave
SW, Wyoming, MI 49519), Monday,
February 9th. Please look for more
information to be announced next
week. 
Hollywood Night
Daddy Daughter Dance
WMLHS will be hosting a Daddy
Daughter Dance for all preschool-8th
grade students on Saturday, February
21st. This is a FREE event that
includes music, dancing, pictures,
appetizers, and activities.
Date: Saturday, February 21
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: WMLHS, 601 36th St. SW
Cost: Free!
RSVP: [email protected] or
616-455-2200
Walk down the red carpet, get your
picture taken and feel like a movie star!
Enter for a chance to win a $100.00
WMLHS scholarship. 
Calling ALL Immanuel Members!!!!
Let’s get together for Socializing and BOWLING!!!
When? Sunday, March 22nd from 12:30 – 2:30 PM
Cost?
$5 per person for two hours of FUN!
Where? Clique Lanes at 533 Stocking Ave. NW GR
Who?
YOU and your whole family! Bring ‘em all, or come alone!
Either way it’s going to be a blast!
Why?
For Fellowship and FUN, of course!
Questions? Or do you need to be bribed? We want you there! Call or email Casey at
616-745-3443 or [email protected].
Clique Lanes has a menu of food and drinks to choose from. 
7
Dinner at Messiah
Lutheran Church
Messiah Lutheran Church is hosting its
annual Roast Pork (formerly Sauerkraut)
Dinner on Sunday, February 15 beginning at noon. This year’s dinner will not
include sauerkraut; however, it will still
include all the old favorites: roast pork,
mashed potatoes and gravy, green
beans, applesauce, assorted breads,
desserts and drinks, and the new favorite, Schnitzelbank recipe red cabbage.
The cost is still $7.00 for adults, $3.00
for children 4-12 and free for 3 and
under. You may reserve your tickets by
calling the church at 363-2553. 
8
Holy Communion
Contemporary
11:00 AM
Holy Communion
Sun., Mar. 1
Tradi onal
8:30 AM
Contemporary
11:00 AM
Sun., Feb. 22
Tradi onal
8:30 AM
Holy Communion
Contemporary
11:00 AM
Holy Communion
Sun., Feb. 15
Tradi onal
8:30 AM
Contemporary
11:00 AM
Sun., Feb. 8
Tradi onal
8:30 AM
Holy Communion
Contemporary
11:00 AM
Burt & Lois Uecker,
Heidi Uecker
Gail Ander,
Glenn & Judy
Greer
Jim & Linda
Dondero
Steeple Bells:
Caleb Bickel,
Joe McGraw
Robert Adams
Steeple Bells:
Noel Bickel,
Joe McGraw
Lois Uecker
Steeple Bells:
Anna Schlu ,
Peter Schlu
Lois Uecker
Steeple Bells:
Caleb Bickel,
Joe McGraw
Bev Graves
Steeple Bells:
Caleb Bickel,
Joe McGraw
Readers /
Steeple Bell
Ringers
Karen McCarty
Noel Bickel
Jim Preston
Abbie Karsten
Ted Lausman
Alex Christmas
Bill Takens
Jacob Bickel
Anna Lausman
Noel Bickel
Jim Preston
Projec onist
N/A
Tyler Clifford
Grant Crall
N/A
Caleb Tuffelmire
N/A
Easton Tuffelmire,
Nathan Ringel
N/A
Mason Mar n
N/A
Tyler Clifford,
Grant Crall
Acolytes/
Commun. Asst.
To be determined
Cammi Adams,
Turah Adams
Vicar Tyler
N/A
To be determined
Lindsey Kulaszewicz
Kris n Meye e
N/A
Casey Jankoska,
Kim Neveau
Cammi Adams,
Turah Adams
Children’s Worship
Larry
Spaulding
To be
Determined
Ethan
Anderson
Dan Markle
Larry
Spaulding
Dan Markle,
Carl Meyering
To be
Determined
To be
Determined
Jim Harger,
Larry
Spaulding
Dan Markle
Lay Ministry
Make/Serve
Coffee
To be
Determined
Provide Treats
Mike & Jeanne
Crall
Make/Serve
Coffee
Pat Newberg
Provide Treats
Spletzers
Make/Serve
Coffee
Browns
Provide Treats
Ryan & Julie
Visser
Make/Serve
Coffee
Steve Shelner
Brian Oswald Provide Treats
Ringels
Steve Labenz
Bo Marckini
Dan Markle
Josh Oxner
Tom
Huchinson
Dan Markle
Dan Markle
Brian Oswald Provide Treats
Val Uekert,
Helen Uekert
Sound
Sunday morning
treats
(9:50 a.m.)
Steve Labenz Make/Serve
Coffee
Amanda Uekert
If you are unable to serve on your assigned day, please find a replacement and inform Steve Eyerman in the Church Office at 454-3655 of any changes.
Contribution Counters For February: Bob & Hjordis Batt; Elaine Simpson
Steve & Jan
Shelner
Barb Eyerman, Kim Neveau,
Bill Takens, Ellen Wolkensperg
Therese Labenz, Ted Lausman,
Bob VanderMeer, Brent VanDam,
Bruce Spletzer, Tyler Winkels
Cathy Greer, Alex Morris,
Cur s Prui , Sam Rice
Donnie Clifford, Brent Hanson,
Shawn Roman, Tim Ruffini,
Dennis Sharples, Larry Uecker
Maggie Gustafson, Bo Marckini,
Brian & Andrea Zomberg
Liam Adams, Adam Holly,
Terry Jannereth, Dale Overbeek,
Steve Shelner, Burt Uecker
Gary & Diane DeMaagd,
Linda Schlu , Denise Spaulding
Jason Alexander, Devin Haberling,
Tim Haberling, David Harmelink,
Bruce Inman, Dan Korcek
Greeters
Mike & Jeanne
Crall,
Brian & Andrea
Zomberg
Barb Eyerman, Kim Neveau,
Bill Takens, Ellen Wolkensperg
Therese Labenz, Ted Lausman,
Bob VanderMeer, Brent VanDam,
Bruce Spletzer, Tyler Winkels
Sun., Feb. 1
Tradi onal
8:30 AM
Holy Communion
Ushers/Hosts
Week/ Service
February 2015 Ministry Schedule
February 2015 Calendar
Sun., Feb. 1
8:30 AM
9:50 AM
11:00 AM
6:00 PM
Worship w/ HC
SS/Bible Study
Worship w/ HC
AA / Plugged In
Sat., Feb. 14
10:00 AM
6:00 PM
Sun., Feb. 15
ZOUP! Fundraiser for North End
Community Ministry
8:30 AM
Worship w/ HC
9:50 AM
SS/Bible Study
11:00 AM Worship w/ HC
6:00 PM
AA / Confirmation
Mon., Feb. 16
7:00 PM
Human Needs Meeting
Tues., Feb. 17
9:00 AM
6:45 PM
Prayer & Praise Study
Discovery Class
Wed., Feb. 18
6:45 AM
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
Men’s Bible Study
CMA Side-by-Side
Immanuel Ringers
Thurs., Feb. 19
6:30 AM
10:00 AM
7:00 PM
Women’s Bible Study
Quilting / VA Chapel
Immanuel Singers
Fri., Feb. 20
1:00 PM
AA
Sat., Feb. 21
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
WB Practice
Stephen Ministry Training
Sun., Feb. 22
8:30 AM
9:50 AM
10:45 AM
11:00 AM
6:00 PM
Worship
SS/Bible Study
Kids’ Khorus Practice
Worship
AA / Confirmation
Mon., Feb. 23
2:30 PM
7:00 PM
Caregivers’ Meeting
Lay Ministry Meeting
Tues., Feb. 24
9:00 AM
6:45 PM
Prayer & Praise Study
Discovery Class
Wed., Feb. 25
6:45 AM
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
Men’s Bible Study
CMA Side-by-Side
Immanuel Ringers
Thurs., Feb. 26
6:30 AM
10:00 AM
7:00 PM
Women’s Bible Study
Quilting
Immanuel Singers
Fri., Feb. 27
1:00 PM
AA
Sat., Feb. 28
8:00 AM
10:00 AM
Community Breakfast
WB Practice
Mon., Feb. 2
Tues., Feb. 3
9:00 AM
Prayer & Praise Study
Wed., Feb. 4
6:45 AM
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
Men’s Bible Study
CMA Side-by-Side
Immanuel Ringers
Thurs., Feb. 5
6:30 AM
10:00 AM
7:00 PM
Women’s Bible Study
Quilting
Immanuel Singers
Fri., Feb. 6
1:00 PM
AA
Sat., Feb. 7
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
WB Practice
Stephen Ministry Training
8:30 AM
9:50 AM
10:45 AM
11:00 AM
1:30 PM
6:00 PM
Worship
SS/Bible Study
Kids’ Khorus Practice
Worship
Youth Band Practice
AA / Confirmation
Mon., Feb. 9
6:30 PM
CMDA Bible Study
Tues., Feb. 10
9:00 AM
Prayer & Praise Study
Wed., Feb. 11
6:45 AM
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
Men’s Bible Study
CMA Side-by-Side
Immanuel Ringers
6:30 AM
10:00 AM
7:00 PM
Women’s Bible Study
Quilting
Immanuel Singers
Sun., Feb. 8
Thurs., Feb. 12
Fri., Feb. 13
Connections (Newsletter) Deadline
1:00 PM
AA
9
WB Practice
Youth Senior Prom
Fundraiser
Connec ons
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. Postage
PAID
Grand Rapids, MI
Permit No. 86
Immanuel Lutheran Church
2 Michigan St. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Why Ash Wednesday?
Traditionally, the Christian church has observed the seven weeks before Easter as a time of penitence and spiritual self-examination.
Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, derives its name from
the ancient practice of marking the foreheads of worshipers with ashes from
the unused palm branches of the previous year. Ashes historically have had a
dual significance.
First, they are Old Testament symbols of sadness and humility. Job, in the
midst of all his troubles, cried out to God from the ash heap.
The second symbolic meaning of ashes is a reminder of our mortality. Each
of us faces the inevitability of physical death. Our bodies and material possessions eventually will turn to dust and ashes. This is a reminder that we dare
not trust in things that crumble. But Lent
does not leave us on the ash heap. It begins with Ash Wednesday but ends
with Easter. And Easter proclaims that, through Christ, God
resurrects us from our dust and ashes, makes us new creatures and brings life
out of death! 
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