The Sunday of The Wise and Foolish Virgins
All Saints Tide – Last Sunday of the Church Year
26 November 2023
By Faith We Are Prepared for Christ’s Return
“The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:1–11). The arrival of the bridegroom will be sudden and unexpected. Therefore you are to be watchful and ready like the five wise virgins. “For you know neither the day nor the hour” when the Son of Man is to return. (Matt. 25:1–13). The lamps are the Word of Christ. The oil in the lamps is the Holy Spirit, who works through the Word to create and sustain the flame of faith in Christ. The foolish are those who do not give proper attention to the working of the Holy Spirit in baptism, preaching, and the supper, and so their faith does not endure. The wise, however, are those who diligently attend to these gifts of the Spirit, and who therefore have an abundance of oil. The flame of faith endures to the end. By God’s grace they are received into the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, the new heavens and the new earth created by the Lord for the joy of His people (Is. 65:17–25).
Parish News
Altar Flowers donated by Mr. and Mrs. Kris Bilyeu in memory of their parents.
Annual Congregational Assembly Meeting December 3 after Divine Service. Please see bulletin insert for details. Light snacks will be provided. Please plan to attend!
Campus Ministry Bible Study/Dinner resumes this Tuesday 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.
Advent Midweek Meals December 6th and 13th at 5:30 pm before Advent Evening Prayer services. Make your reservation on the bulletin insert and join us for a delicious meal and fellowship.
German Service Mark your calendars for December 17 at 4:00 pm for our annual German Service. We will host our guests after service to a reception with authentic German treats and even German coffee. If you would like to help or donate treats, please check out the signup sheet outside the church office.
Advent Lessons and Carols with Children’s Nativity will be Wednesday, December 20 at 7:00 pm. All children 6th grade and under are encouraged to participate. Please contact Amy Cracraft at amycracraft@gmail.com if your child will be participating or if you would like to help with this annual event.
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 Sunday of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Tuesday
- Campus Ministry Bible Study/Dinner, 5:30 pm
- Choir Practice, 7:00 pm
Wednesday
- Pastor’s Office Hours 4:30-5:30 pm
Friday
- Pastor’s Office Hours 4:30-5:30 pm
Saturday
- Council of Deacons, 8:00 am
- Youth Catechesis, 10:00 am
Next Sunday First Sunday in Advent – Ad Te Levai
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Annual Congregational Assembly Meeting, 12:00 pm
PASTOR’S OPEN OFFICE HOURS THIS WEEK:
Wednesday & Friday, 4:30-5:30 pm
