Laetare – Fourth Sunday in Lent
30 March 2025
The Lord Feeds His People
The Lord provided bread from heaven for His people in the wilderness (Ex. 16:2–21). Now He who is Himself the living bread from heaven miraculously provides bread for the five thousand (John 6:1–15). This takes place near the time of the Passover, after a great multitude had followed Jesus across the sea, and when He went up on a mountain. Seen in this way, Jesus is our new and greater Moses, who releases us from the bondage of Mount Sinai and makes us free children of the promise (Gal. 4:21–31). Five loaves become twelve baskets—that is, the five books of Moses find their goal and fulfillment in Christ, whose people continue steadfastly in the doctrine and fellowship of the twelve apostles, and in the breaking and receiving of the bread of life, which is the body of Christ together with His precious blood, and in the prayers (Acts 2:41–47). So it is that God’s people “shall not hunger or thirst” (Is. 49:8–13). For He abundantly provides for us in both body and soul.
Parish News
Lenten Vespers and Midweek Meal Vespers service at 7:00 pm, Midweek Meal at 5:45 pm. The theme for the meal this week is Italian. Make your reservation on the bulletin insert.
Altar Guild Work Day Saturday, April 19, 9:00-noon. We will polish the communion ware and set up the Sanctuary for Easter service. Husbands are welcome. Come when you can, leave when you need to. Many hands make light work!
Easter Breakfast The Young People of Immanuel are hosting their annual Easter Breakfast on April 20 from 8:30 am to 9:45 am. Proceeds to be used for their trip to Higher Things this summer. Please see the bulletin insert for more details and to make your reservation.
Campus Ministry Bible Study and Meal Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm. All college students are welcome to attend. Members, please sign up to bring dinner. We have 4-7 college students every week and they really appreciate the home-cooked meals!
Choir Rehearsal is Thursday evenings at 6:45 pm and in the Loft at 10:00 am on those Sundays when the choir sings during Divine Service. It’s not too late to join us!
Sermon on Website Due to security concerns, the sermon will no longer be posted on our website. Anyone who would like the sermon emailed to them, please contact Stacy at stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org.
Your Comprehensive Source for News, Information & Truth… Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent teachings include: Christians & Public Schools; God Promises in Isaiah; A Pro-Family Housing Agenda; The Effect of Same-Sex Marriage on Children; “The Day of the Lord” in the Bible and more. You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, TuneIn, the LPR mobile app and a podcast provider.
This Week at Immanuel
Today Fourth Sunday in Lent (Laetare)
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Tuesday
- Campus Ministry Bible Study and Meal, 5:30 pm
Wednesday
- Catechesis 2025: Learning by Heart, 5:15 pm
- Lenten Midweek Meal, 5:45 pm
- Lenten Vespers Service, 7:00 pm
Thursday
- Choir Rehearsal, 6:45 pm
Next Sunday Fifth Sunday in Lent (Judica)
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Wednesday, 4-5 pm
- Friday, 4-5 pm
