The Sunday of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
All Saints Tide – The Last Sunday of the Church Year
24 November 2024
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
Notice: Church office will be closed November 28 and 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Altar Flowers donated by Mrs. Jan Swingley in memory of Tom & Dotty Bilyeu’s wedding anniversary.
Campus Ministry Bible Study/Dinner cancelled this week. We will resume on December 3.
Catechesis 2024: Learning by Heart Cancelled this week. We will resume on December 4 at 5:15 pm.
Advent Midweek Evening Prayer and Meal Please join us on Wednesday, December 4, 11, and 18 for this special time of worship and fellowship as we prayerfully prepare ourselves for The Nativity of Our Lord. Meal begins at 5:45 with Evening Prayer beginning at 7:00 pm. Our menu for December 4 is Soup and Sandwiches. Please RSVP on the bulletin insert.
Annual Congregational Assembly and Casual Planning Meeting December 8 at 12:00 pm. Please see bulletin insert for additional information and plan to attend!
Sunday School Volunteers We are thankful for the opportunity to impart Christ to the children each Sunday during Sunday School, and we’re seeking additional volunteers. If you are willing and able, your help would be a tremendous blessing. If interested, please contact Pastor.
Weihnachtsvesper Mark your calendars for December 15 @ 4:00 pm for our annual Weihnachtsvesper 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.
Expert Guests, Expansive Topics, Extolling Christ… 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 teachings include: Progressive Christianity, Christian Identity vs. Identity Politics, the Hymn “We Praise You, O God, Our Redeemer, Creator,” the Advent Season and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, TuneIn or a podcast provider.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Last Sunday of the Church Year
- Sunday School, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Thursday & Friday
- Church Office Closed
Next Sunday The First Sunday in Advent
- Sunday School, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
Cancelled due to the Thanksgiving Holiday
