The Third Sunday after Epiphany
26 January 2025
Jesus Came for Gentiles, Too
The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Gentile (Rom. 1:8–17). Even in the Old Testament, the Gentiles were beneficiaries of God’s saving power. Though unimpressed at first with the Word of God, a Syrian commander is persuaded to receive that Word, and in the water he is cleansed and brought to faith in the God of Israel (2 Kings 5:1–15a). Evil is overcome by good (Rom 12:16–21). So also in the New Testament, a Roman centurion demonstrates great and humble faith in the Lord (Matt. 8:1–13). All he needs is the Word of Christ, for he trusts that Jesus’ Word of healing has authority to accomplish what it says. And indeed it does. The centurion’s faith is praised by our Lord above that of any Israelite. For the last shall be first, and the first last. Apart from faith in Christ, there is no salvation—not even for a Jew—but only weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Parish News
Altar Flowers donated today by Mr. and Mrs. Kristopher Wineinger in honor of their daughter, Emma’s, baptismal birthday.
Thank you to Pastor Burnell Eckardt for conducting Divine Service today.
Campus Ministry Bible Study/Dinner Tuesdays at 5:30 pm. All college students are welcome to attend. Members, please consider bringing a meal. Please sign up on the bulletin board outside the Parish office.
Choir Rehearsal Thursday evenings at 6:45 p.m. We will also meet in the Loft at 10:00 am on those Sundays when the choir sings during Divine Service. It’s not too late to join us! Please contact Colleen Davis at 812-878-1145 or email colleen.davis@indstate.edu if you have any questions.
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.
The Bible & Other Religious Writings… The Koran, The Book of Mormon, The New World Translation, The Analects of Confucius, The Gospel of Thomas. Issues, Etc., a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL, is doing a series on the origins of religious writings with Dr. Adam Francisco of Concordia University Chicago. You can listen to this multi-part series at issuesetc.org/religiouswritings.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Third Sunday after Epiphany
- 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
Saturday
- Council of Deacons Monthly Meeting, 8:00 am
Next Sunday The Purification of Mary and Presentation of Our Lord
- Sunday School, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Wednesday, 4-5 pm
- Friday, 4-5 pm
