Emmanuel Lutheran Church

See what is happening at Emmanuel this week...

See what is happening at Emmanuel this week...

See what is happening at Emmanuel this week...

A FANTASTIC 2012 IS UNDERWAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL! We would love to see the smiles of more children, as we continue to learn, grow, and make friendships.  Make it your family’s New Year’s commitment to be a part of our ministry.  It’s never too late to come to Sunday School, or invite a friend!

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES MEET 9:15 -10:15 A.M 

BIBLE CLASSES MEET 9:15 -10:15 A.M.

BIBLE STUDIES OFFERED DURING THE WEEK 

THE JANUARY NEWSLETTER is available for pick-up at each entrance into the church, Brandt Hall and the Welcome Center.  You can also access the newsletter online through Emmanuel’s website at www.emmanuellutheran.org.

THE FORT WAYNE LUTHERAN JANUARY ISSUE is available in church and the Welcome Center.  It is also available on the FWL’s website, www.myfwl.org.

PORTAL OF PRAYERS for the winter quarter are available at the entrances into church.  One per family please.  Thank you.

EMMANUEL’S MINISTRY PLAN 2011-2012 IS NOW AVAILABLE ON LINE at Emmanuel’s website www.emmanuellutheran.org under Ministries. The booklet is also available at the entrances into the church, the narthex, Brandt Hall and the Welcome Center.  This Ministry Plan is a detailed summary of our plans for carrying out God’s work at Emmanuel during the 2011-2012 ministry season.

PRAYER CHAIN—If you would like to send a prayer through Emmanuel’s Prayer Chain, you can do so by calling Eva Mueller, 436-2885, or e-mail her at evamueller@comcast.net.

CUP OF KINDNESS boxes can be found near all the entrances to the sanctuary.  The money collected is added to monies given by The Lutheran Foundation through Lutheran Social Services and given to families who have crisis needs.  Several of our own families have benefited from this fund.  Please share your quarters or dollars as you are able.

PARKING AT WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY—Due to growing attendance in our worship services, parking will be available for all our weekend worship services at Washington Elementary school in the parking lot on Rockhill and Jefferson, next to the playground.  If you are able, please consider using this parking option so that those who have a need to park next to church are able to do so.  We thank Washington Elementary School for graciously opening their campus to us.

CHILDREN ARE TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT if they need to leave church for any reason.  Thank you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS—1) If you use the blank contribution envelopes found in the pew Friendship Pads, please be sure to write your name (first and last) on the envelope or your contribution number so that your contribution is recorded properly.  2) When you make a contribution and list it on the “OTHER” line of your contribution envelope (or if you use the blank contribution envelopes found in the pews Friendship Pads), please designate in writing to what fund you would like that contribution to be directed.  Thank you for your faithful support of Emmanuel’s ministry.

WHERE TO FIND:

• Parish Notes – East and west side of church, narthex and Welcome Center 
• Large Print Portals of Prayer – West side door and narthex 
• Sermon Copies – East and west side of church, narthex and Welcome Center 
• Sign-up Sheets – Back of Church and Welcome Center 
• Greeting Cards – Back of Church 
• Food Donation Boxes – Front of Church by the piano and Welcome Center 

PRAYER OF THANKS FOR WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES—Thank God for the following anniversaries.  Ask God to strengthen these couples in their faith toward Him and in their love for each other.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE FOLLOWING BIRTHDAY!

MISSION CONTRIBUTIONS FOR TONY BOOKER—All individual monies pledged to Tony and Connie should go directly to LCMS World Missions in their name.  The Emmanuel Finance Committee has no way to accurately keep track of pledges.  Emmanuel congregation has pledged $10,000 for 2012.  All monies given after December 31, 2011, designated for Tony and Connie, will go toward fulfilling that pledge. 

FINAL COOKIE DELIVERY—For 38 weeks in a row all our wonderful volunteers provided delicious homemade cookies once a week to our construction workers.  Last Wednesday was our last delivery.  The box top had the following message on it from our congregation: Thank you for a job well done!  "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers6:24-26).

4^TH ANNUAL SWEETHEART DINNER DANCE—Emmanuel’s Senior High Youth would like to invite you to their 4^th annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance on Saturday, February 11^th from 6-9 p.m. in the gymnasium.  It is sure to be a night of fabulous food, fellowship, and dancing.  Even if you are not a dancer, it is a great opportunity to enjoy a night out with your Valentine and get to know the youth of Emmanuel.  Proceeds from this event will help offset costs of their summer servant event to Logan, West Virginia. Tickets may be purchased in the Welcome Center between worship services on Sundays, after worship on Saturday evenings, or in the church office throughout the week.  Cost is $30 per couple which includes dinner, childcare (children’s meals included), and entertainment. 

Youth News...

Senior Youth—9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Graders

SNA will meet on Sundays, 22nd, and 29^th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Act. Ctr.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES—If you would like to purchase those delicious Girl Scout Cookies, which help to support scouting activities such as community enrichment, field trips, camping and more, they are available in the Welcome Center.  Thank you for your support of our scouts!!

CHARIS HOUSE—WOMEN’S RETREAT—We would like to invite the congregation to be part of one of our service projects for the Women's Retreat in February.  We will be collecting items needed at Charis House, a Fort Wayne shelter for Women and Children experiencing a homeless crisis.  All Charis House programs are free of charge and attend to the whole person, meeting spiritual, emotional, physical and educational needs.  We feel it is an honor to have this opportunity to reach out to other sisters experiencing a time of difficulty.  The following is a list of items we will be collecting...you can drop the items off anytime in the boxes located in the church narthex or the Welcome Center.

Thank you in advance for your generosity toward this outreach. - Women's Retreat Team 

ARE YOU READY FOR SUMMER? Winter is now upon us and yet it is time to start praying for next summer’s Block Party! A Coordinator is needed for this event; please prayerfully consider becoming involved. Pray that God would direct the person He has in mind to come forward. If you are interested or have questions about coordinating the Block Party, please contact Cathi Counterman cathicounterman@yahoo.com or 241-0952.

RIDE TO CHURCH—There are women in the Waynedale area who would appreciate a ride to church for Bible class and the 10:30 service.  If you would be able to provide transportation some Sundays, call Lana Hille at 423-1369.

FOOD BANK—To provide basic needs for those who visit our food bank in January, we request donations of cereal, soup, canned fruits and vegetables, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese and juice.  They can be placed in the “Food Bank” box located in the Welcome Center.  Cash donations may be placed in your church envelope and marked “food bank” on the “other” line.  During construction, members may call Lana Hille at 423-1369 any weekday for assistance.

"HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD"—Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School will hold its Fourth Annual Dinner/Auction on Saturday, March 24^th at St. Michael's new Family Life Center, 2131 Getz Rd. The Silent Auction will begin at 6:00 p.m., and dinner, catered by Goeglein's, will take place at 6:30 p.m. with the popular Dessert and Oral auctions to follow. Tickets are only $30 per person with proceeds going towards the purchase of new playgroup equipment for both campuses. Tickets are available at either school office. If you have questions, please call Karen Bieberich at 625-3268. 

KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE—This is the week of the Kindergarten Open House.  Join us at the Getz Road Campus, 2131 Getz Road, on Wednesday, January 25^th at 7:00 p.m. to learn more about how Emmanuel-St. Michael partners with parents to build young minds and faith.  Kids will have time to interact with kindergarten teachers while parents gather information about the school and enrollment options.  Free childcare is available.

“IT’S A SPRING THING”—Laugh away the winter blahs, and plan now to attend the Cross Connections comedy event, “It’s a Spring Thing” on Friday, March 1st at the Mariott Grand Marquis Ballroom, Washington Center Road.  Doors will open at 6 p.m. with dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Christian comedian Jeff Allen will follow the meal.  Cross Connections is requesting a donation of $75 per person for the event.  For more information and reservations, please call Matt Konow at 744-3228, ext. 337 (days) or Peggy Courtney ext. 327 (evenings).  Reservation deadline is Wednesday, February 22^nd. Cross Connections is a Christ-centered nonprofit counseling ministry supported by Emmanuel’s congregation.

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE—It is settled law, columnist Paul Greenberg said, quoting defender of legal abortion.  Another generation, though, he reminded us, was told Dred Scott v Sandford was settled law.  But, Greenberg protested, no good cause is forever lost.  Because, he added, no cause is forever won in this world.  It’s the nature of politics.  It’s the nature of life. From a column by Kathryn jean Lopez. www.lutheransforlife.org.

MARCH FOR LIFE—The Allen County Right to Life will host the 38th Annual Rally and March for Life at 12 Noon, Saturday, January 29th at the Scottish Rite, 431 W. Berry Street. Keynote speaker Peter Heck, is one of the most engaging energetic young speakers in the country, he is gifted at making a compelling case for all life in all venues. Hope to see you there.

PANCAKE AND SAUSAGE BREAKFAST— Our Hope Lutheran Church Ladies Guild and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will sponsor their annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on Sat., Feb. 4th at 1826 Trinity Drive, Huntertown, IN.  Serving is from 7:00 to 11:00 AM.

The menu is whole hog sausage, buttermilk pancakes, hash browns, applesauce, orange juice, coffee and milk.  The cost for “All You Can Eat” is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 5-12, and FREE for children ages 4 & under.   Proceeds will go toward mission projects and kitchen equipment.  Come and join us for good food and Christian fellowship.  

THE LUTHERAN HOUR airing on WOWO 1190 AM on the dial at 11:05 a.m. as well as WFCV (1090) Sun.-3:30 & 7 p.m.

WORSHIP FOR SHUT-INS—Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on WPTA-TV Ch. 21; Sundays at 8:00 a.m. on FiOS Ch. 9, Digital 33.2, Comcast 252; Sundays at 11:30 a.m. on WINM-TV 10, 12, 38; DirectTV 377; DishTV 63/7442; Sundays @ 4:00 p.m. Comcast Ch. 55 & FiOS Ch. 25; and Mondays at 10:00 a.m. on Comcast Ch. 55 & FIOS Ch. 25.

LAST WEEK’S CHURCH ATTENDANCE

LAST WEEK’S SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE CLASS ATTENDANCE

The Stewardship of the Church 

Christian Stewardship is managing all of life

and life’s resources for God’s purposes.

EMMANUEL’S MINISTRIES 

The contributions made to “Emmanuel” support the ongoing mission and ministry efforts of Emmanuel congregation.

To meet our anticipated expenses for 2012, $24,000 per week is needed.

BUILDING FAITH 

Gifts given to "Building Faith" are applied exclusively to Building Faith campaign.

DISTRICT AND SYNOD 

The contributions designated for “District and Synod” are sent to the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and are used for local, national and world mission efforts.

CUP OF KINDNESS 

The money contributed in the “Cup of Kindness” boxes is distributed by Lutheran Social Services to local families who have crisis needs.

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT—Third Sunday After the Epiphany 1 Corinthians 7:29-35

Whether we are married or single, young or old, we are God’s children through Christ and we are empowered to show our devotion to God by all that we say and do.  That is really at the heart of Christian stewardship.