The Purification of Mary and The Presentation of Our Lord
02 February 2025
God Gives the Gift of a Child to Destroy Death
The Lord opened the barren womb of Hannah and gave her the gift of the son for whom she prayed, and in grateful response she presented and gave the child, Samuel, to the Lord’s service. “As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD” (1 Sam. 1:28). So, too, did Mary and Joseph present the Child promised from the fall, born of a virgin’s womb. The true offering wasn’t the turtledoves or young pigeons. It was the Child they carried. This Child has come to “destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Heb. 2:14b–15). Set free by His advent in our flesh and the promise of what He would do “in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17b), Simeon and Anna rejoiced. We also rejoice, for we, too, can face death unafraid and “depart in peace” (Luke 2:29) when our time comes.
Parish News
The Altar Flowers Chart is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. We still have many slots left! 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. Thank you!
Save the Date! Game Night on February 7 at 6:00 pm. YPI would like to invite you to an all-congregation game night! Game nights are a great way for all generations in the church to fellowship together. YPI will provide snacks and get everything set. Let the games begin!
Souper Bowl Sunday Soups, Savory & Sweet Sale, February 9 immediately following Divine Service. Whether you’re in it for the Game, Commercials or the Half Time Show, we’ve got you covered! Stop by the Parish Center and tackle all your game day cravings to go! See bulletin insert for more details.
Campus Ministry Bible Study/Dinner Tuesdays at 5:30 pm. All college students are welcome to attend. Members, we need you!!! Please sign up on the bulletin board outside of the church office and bring a meal. We have 4-7 college students every week and they really appreciate the home-cooked meals!
Choir It’s not too late to join us! 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. Please contact Colleen Davis at 812-878-1145 or email colleen.davis@indstate.edu if you have any questions.
Eastern Orthodoxy Series… How is Confessional Lutheranism similar and different to Eastern Orthodoxy? Issues, Etc., a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL, is doing a series on Eastern Orthodoxy with LCMS Pastor Joshua Schooping. Pastor Schooping is a former Eastern Orthodox priest. You can listen to this series on-demand at issuesetc.org/easternorthodoxy.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord
- Sunday School, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Tuesday
- Campus Ministry Bible Study/Dinner, 5:30 pm
Wednesday
- Youth Catechesis, 5:45 pm
Thursday
- Choir Rehearsal, 6:45 pm
Friday
- Congregational Game Night hosted by YPI, 6-8 pm
Next Sunday The Transfiguration of Our Lord
- Sunday School, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Souper Bowl Sunday Soups, Savory & Sweet Sale, 12:00 pm
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Wednesday, 4-5 pm
- Friday, 4-5 pm
