The Baptism of Our Lord
07 January 2024
In His Baptism, Jesus Takes His Place with Sinners
Our Lord Jesus is baptized “to fulfill all righteousness” (St. Matthew 3.13–17). He partakes of a baptism for sinners in order that He might be our substitute and bear the judgment we deserve. In the water, Jesus trades places with us. Our sin becomes His sin. His righteousness becomes our righteousness. Our glory, therefore, is in “Christ Jesus, who became to us . . . righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1.26–31). Jesus is the “chosen” One sent from the Father to release us from the prison house of sin and death (Isaiah 42.1–7). Baptized into Christ, we also become the chosen ones, beloved of the Father. We cross the Jordan with Jesus (Joshua 3) through death into the promised land of new life with God.
Parish News
Campus Ministry Bible Study/Dinner resumes Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm. We are excited to continue this tradition of welcoming college students here at Immanuel! Members, please check the bulletin board to sign up to bring a meal.
2024 Altar Flowers Chart is now posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. There are still several opportunities to donate altar flowers, especially in January and July. Please print clearly on the dates you would like to donate flowers and, if you wish, a designation “in memory of” or “in honor of” a person or occasion.
2024 Contribution Envelopes Please pick up your 2024 contribution envelopes from the table in the Narthex.
2023 Contribution Statements Please pick up your 2023 contribution statements from the table in the Narthex. Any statements remaining after January 14th will be mailed the following week.
Unanswered Bible Questions… Issues, Etc., a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio, will have Pastors Bryan Wolfmueller and Brian Kachelmeier respond to your unanswered Bible questions. You can submit your question via email: talkback@issuesetc.org, Facebook: facebook.com/issuesetc, or the Issues, Etc. Comment Line: (618) 223-8382. You can listen to the interview at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app and your favorite podcast provider.
Running the iPad is so easy! Communicant members age 18 years or older, please consider volunteering to run the iPad playing the organ for our services. Sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parish office. For more details, speak to Kris Wineinger in person or contact him at wineingerkris@yahoo.com.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Baptism of Our Lord
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Tuesday
- Pastor at Circuit Winkel
- Immanuel Book Club, 10:00 am
- Campus Ministry Bible Study, 5:30 pm
Friday
- Church Office Closed
- Westminster Bible Study, 1:30 pm
Next Sunday The Second Sunday of Epiphany
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Second Sunday Snacks, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
Wednesday and Friday, 4:30-5:30 pm
