Around Immanuel                    
 Bill Pierick, President                                                                                                           March 20010

We Can't Afford A Pastor
My answer has been, we can't afford not to have a Pastor. Both comments are correct. It's like, If you say you can't or you say you can…. you're right.

What is the solution? To start with, we have to stop focusing on the reasons why we can't and start to focus on how we can.

We don't seem to be able to focus on our Lutheran faith that tells us to trust in the Lord and truly believe that He will guide us to the solution He has in mind for us..

This requires unwavering faith and unshakeable trust in God. It also requires constant immersion in the Word, an enhanced prayer life, and the support and love of all members for each other.

If you know of any other way to change people's lives, hearts and minds, other than through the love of Jesus Christ, the grace of our Father and the promise of the Holy Spirit, please let me know.

Time and Talent Counts
When you stop and think of the amount of time we spend on earth compared to eternity with God, it's no contest as to where we should be spending our resources while on earth.

Does God understand the pressures of modern day life that make it impossible for us to give Him more time than we do? Of course He does. He gave us "free will" to decide where and how we spend our resources. However, I'm thinking He would like to see us use our "free will" to better advantage sometimes. But, we can still rely on His promise of love and salvation because of His Son's death and resurrection. What a comfort that knowledge is and what better time to reflect on that than during this Lenten season?

There are many faithful members who have given so much of their time, talent and money over the years, not just so they, and others less fortunate, could worship at Immanuel, but because of their love for God and the blessings he has bestowed on them.

Their gifts of time and talent, yes, and money, has allowed us to continue the programs we hold dear here at Immanuel, and to continue to extend God's love to others in the community.

Carrying on with the time and talent theme, we are looking for people who feel God's call, to donate their time and talent by agreeing to serve Immanuel on one of our Boards. Immanuel is in serious need of volunteers on all Boards. We particularly need the services of a Council Secretary and a Treasurer. Please, prayerfully consider contributing your time and talent to one of the most important aspects of the church, leaders.

Don't let inexperience hold you back; there is plenty of opportunity for O.J.T. Everyone now serving was in that same position at one time or another. You will have the love, encouragement and support of the entire church.

God needs you, Immanuel needs you, and we need your ideas.

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Deaconess Juanita has held us together during our vacancy by making sure nothing is overlooked. Without her and the support of our volunteers and our dedicated Pastors emeritus none of this would be possible.

Speaking of Pastors, the call committee has a new chairman, Jeff Fedorowicz, and several new members, Jamie Jaeger and Ray Leimkuehler, who join Wilma Gillis, John Conway and Richard Peterson. Please direct any questions to anyone on the committee.

Ash Wednesday
Excerpt from our Church Bulletin

Ash Wednesday is one of the most solemn days of the Church year. This Liturgy marks the beginning of penitential discipline, which climaxes with the liturgy on Maundy Thursday. The mood is penitential and reflective on the quality of our faith and life. To emphasize that mood, the organ is silent before and after worship.

A Prayer before Worship
Created from the dust of the earth we come before you, Lord of love, your grace and mercy to behold, that the ashes of our lives might be turned to precious gold. Amen

Ash Wednesday Attendance 34