The Epiphany of Our Lord (Observed)
08 January 2023
The Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son
The Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect, it is a “Thirteenth Day” of Christmas; and yet, it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. While Christmas has focused on the Incarnation of our Lord—that is, on God becoming flesh—the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. For the Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Is. 60:1–2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth—not only to the Jews but also to Gentiles (Eph. 3:8–10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matt. 2:5–11), so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word, to find and worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3–6). With gold they confess His royalty; with incense, His deity; and with myrrh, His priestly sacrifice (Matt. 2:11).
Parish News
Pastor Meyer will be out of town from Thursday, January 5, through Sunday, January 8 to attend his granddaughters’ wedding in Toledo, Ohio. Please welcome Pastor Douglas Irmer as our guest pastor today. Pastor Meyer will also be attending the Symposia at CTSFW from Wednesday, January 18 through Friday, January 20. Please call the Church office at 812-232-4972 if any pastoral need arises.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class resumes today. Next week the Adult Bible Class will begin a study of 1 Timothy. Please plan to attend!
2023 Altar Flowers Chart is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Volunteers are still needed for twenty Sundays in 2023, including next Sunday. Please print clearly to sign up for 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.
2023 Contribution Envelopes Please pick up your 2023 contribution envelopes from the table in the Narthex. You may contact the church office at 812.232.4972 or stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org with any questions.
2022 Contributions Statements are ready for pick up on table in the Narthex. Any remaining statements will be mailed on January 30, 2023.
Undecorate Sanctuary and Christmas Tree Following Divine service TODAY, help is needed to take down, pack up and store all the Christmas decorations. If you have time, please plan to stay following the service to offer assistance. Many hands make light work. Thank you!
New Pictorial Directory Photos are still needed from members to complete our new directory. Please email photos and updated contact information to stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org. We would like to include every family in the directory so get your pictures in soon!
Volunteers Needed to run the iPad playing the organ. Volunteers should be communicant members of Immanuel, age 18 years or older. Training provided. Sign up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parish office or contact Kris Wineinger at wineingerkris@yahoo.com to volunteer.
Educating A New Generation Of Lutherans… Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. This week’s subjects include: Biblical Archeology’s Top Discoveries of 2022, The Secularization of the West, The Wedding at Cana, Jesus Calls the First Disciples and more. You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app and your favorite podcast provider.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Epiphany of Our Lord (Observed)
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30am
- Undecorate Sanctuary and Christmas Tree, 12:00pm
Friday
- Westminster Bible Study, 1:30 pm
Saturday
- Monthly Council of Deacons Meeting, 8:00 am
- Youth Catechesis (resumes), 9:00 am
- YPI Laser Tag, 10:30 am
Next Sunday The Second Sunday after Epiphany
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30am
