Emmanuel Lutheran Church
A Caring Family Sharing God's Love and Forgiveness
Fort Wayne IN 46802
(260) 423-1369
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..."
- Ephesians 2:8
| Parish Notes - February 19, 2012 |
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See what is happening this week...  YOU ARE INVITED to the dedication of Emmanuel Lutheran Church’s BUILDING FAITH project on Saturday, February 25th at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 26th, 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. In the 10:30 service, special recognition and thanks will be given for the craftsmen who worked on the project. A reception will follow each service and the building will be open for tours. On Sunday, Bible classes and Sunday School will be held.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES MEET 9:15 -10:15 A.M
NEW BIBLE CLASSES STARTING THIS SUNDAY!—On Sunday, February 19th we are offering a new six-week schedule for Sunday morning Bible classes. If you haven’t been attending a Bible study, this is a great chance to start with a new class. (Please Note: The classes in this term will run from February 19th through March 25th).
BIBLE CLASSES MEET 9:15 -10:15 A.M.
BIBLE STUDIES OFFERED DURING THE WEEK
DON’T MISS THIS SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR SATURDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY!!!
“He Died and Rose For Me†Beginning on Saturday, February 25th, Pastor Jim Cotter will lead a six-week study on the Passion of Jesus Christ. This study will meet through March 31st (during the season of Lent) and will directly follow the 5:00 Saturday worship service. A light supper will be offered during the study which will last 45-60 minutes. This will be a meaningful way to mark the penitential season of Lent as we grow together in our understanding of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR NEW BUILDING! With the opening of our new facility, traffic patterns have changed and access to different parts of our building is much easier. While this will be a tremendous benefit to those in our congregation facing mobility challenges, it also presents some unique safety issues for the children in our congregation. With this in mind, it is important for our parents to accompany their children as they move through the building, especially when this occurs during worship. As much as you are able, please encourage children to use the restroom prior to the start of the service and, in cases where a bathroom break is needed during the worship service; please be sure to personally escort them to and from the restroom. It is also important that we reserve the use of the new elevator for those who have special mobility needs. If you are able to use the stairs please do so, and always accompany your children if an elevator ride is needed. Thank you for your help as we begin to use our new building.
THE FEBRUARY 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 FEBRUARY ISSUE is available in church and the Welcome Center. It is also available on the FWL’s website, www.myfwl.org.
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.
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. 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.
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 BIRTHDAYS!
THE SEASON OF LENT BEGINS WITH ASH WEDNESDAY ON FEBRUARY 22ND—You are invited to join us each Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., or 7:00 p.m. as we reflect on God’s love for each of us as demonstrated through the giving of His only Son, who became our substitute in His death. To assist you with your Lenten journey, LENTEN PACKETS are available in church and the Welcome Center. Please take one packet per family. In these packets you will find a Lenten Calendar that lists all of our special Lenten services, Lenten Offering Envelopes that can be used as a spiritual discipline to help remind us of Christ’s self-denial and sacrifice for us. Please note that an envelope for Ash Wednesday is included in your 2012 contribution booklet, and a Lenten Devotional Booklet entitled “Renewed for Life†features daily reflections for Lent based on the writings of Henri Nouwen. If you have young children in your home, special Lenten devotion books are available from our Director of Children’s Ministry, Kristen LaBahn.
IT IS TIME TO CLEAN OUR CHURCH—Now that construction is completed and the dedication is scheduled, our church is in need of a good cleaning. On Saturday, February 25th beginning at 9:00 a.m. we are asking for your help. Come with buckets, cleaning rags and if you have a hand sweeper that will work on stairs and cushions, please bring that too. We are hoping that with many hands, the cleaning will be completed in just a few hours. If you can come and stay until the job is done…great, and if you are only able to help for an hour or two…that’s great too. Will not be offering childcare during our cleaning day and, therefore, need to limit this opportunity to adults and youth ages 16 and above. If you have any questions, please call Becki at the church office at 423-1369.
LENTEN DINNERS—Once again we will offer a light Lenten dinner prior to our 7:00 p.m. worship service in the school cafeteria from 6:00-6:30 p.m. The menu for Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22nd will consist of chicken noodle soup, cheese & crackers, vegetable & dip, applesauce, brownies and beverages. A freewill offering will be received to help cover the cost of the meals.
ALTAR GUILD MEMBERS NEEDED!—If this is an area of ministry that you are interested in or would like to become a part of, please call Becki at the church office at 423-1369 or email @ becki@emmanuellutheran.org. Thank you!
WELLSPRING NEWS—SNACKS ARE NEEDED!—During the month of March, Emmanuel members have the opportunity to provide snacks for the various Wellspring Ministry programs. What a special way to reach out to our neighbors! Each Wednesday we will provide 35 individual kids’ snacks for the afterschool programs. On Fridays we will provide 40 individual senior snacks. Cash donations to “Wellspring Snacks†can also be placed in your church contribution envelope designated on the “other†line. To sign-up to provide snacks, please call Emmanuel at 423-1369 and speak with the receptionist. If you have questions, call Lana Hille at the church office, 423-1369.
Youth News...
Senior Youth—9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Graders
SNA—We will meet on Sunday, February 19th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the New Youth
THE SKY'S THE LIMIT!—Summer may seem far away, but we're already gearing up for another fabulous Vacation Bible School. Our theme is SKY...Everything is Possible With God (Mark 10:27). Mark June 18-22 on your calendar and plan to be a part of our fun-filled, action-packed, God-centered week! Teens and adults- if you'd like to be a part of our volunteer team, please contact Kristen Labahn.
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY—The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is offering a trip to China from September 14-28which includes many amazing sightseeing adventures as you cruise the Yangtze River. There is a discount of $250 for registration by March 14. We have someone in the congregation interested in this trip...if you think you might enjoy this travel opportunity please contact Jean Light for more details at 403-2561 or jblight747@msn.com. More information on the trip is available at www.fortwayneparks.org.click on programs, then seniors and extended travel.
TRENCH COAT MISSING—On Sunday, January 22nd at the 10:30 service, a man’s tan trench coat hanging in the back of the Narthex (main entrance into the church off of Jefferson Street) was mistakenly taken and another coat similar was left. The coat also had gloves in the pocket. If you find that you have the wrong coat, please call the church office, 423-1369 and ask for Becki. Thank you.
FOOD BANK—To provide basic needs for those who visit our food bank in February, 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. Members may stop by for food any day when the office is open and the food bank will be available for those living in the 46802 zip code area on Thursday, February 16th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. We thank our neighbors at St. John for providing space for our food bank during construction and we are excited to move back to Emmanuel this month.
CROSS CONNECTIONS—You are cordially invited to a Service of Worship and Celebration at the commissioning of twenty-five new Cross Connections Covenant Partners on Sunday, March 11th, 3:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Church. Those who are being newly commissioned from Emmanuel congregation are: Michele Kausch and Amy Konow. Having served for two years and recommitting to service as a Covenant Partner: Dawn Rose. Those who have served for four years and are recommitting to service as Covenant Partners are: Julie Hall and Carole Hill-Nelson. A reception in honor of all Covenant Partners will immediately follow the service.
"HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD"—Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School will hold its Fourth Annual Dinner/Auction on Saturday, March 24th and 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 FEBRUARY 23RD—Do you know someone who is looking for a Christian setting for their child’s education? Bring them to the Kindergarten Open House with registration at the Getz Rd. Campus on Thursday, Feb. 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Emmanuel-St. Michael wants to partner with families as they fulfill God’s command to bring up their children in God’s Word. Gifted teachers, strong academics, and a caring Christian family are hallmarks of education at ESM and blessings to the families we serve. Plan to join us at the open house and bring your friends and family with you.
“IT’S A SPRING THINGâ€â€”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 22nd. Cross Connections is a Christ-centered nonprofit counseling ministry supported by Emmanuel’s congregation.
ST. MICHAEL'S WOMEN'S MINISTRY is planning a fall mission trip for women through "Food for the Poor" to Guatemala. They would like to invite any women from Emmanuel that might want to hear more about the trip and consider going to their first informational meeting to be held on Sunday, February 19th following the late service, so around noon at St. Michaels. If you are interested in more information contact Karen Kuehnert at 260-432-2033 x 218 or 260-312-0280.
LUTHERANS FOR LIFE—“Every child is a wanted child, so no mother needs to feel like abortion is her only option. You might think that’s an obvious truth. It’s not. Less than two percent of single women facing unplanned pregnancies chose adoption. Far too many chose abortion...adoption is always a better choice than abortion. Please share this important message, so more babies can grow up know they, too, are wanted.†Bradley Mattes www.lutheransforlife.org.
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—Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany 1 Corin.10:19-31; 11:1 What a beautiful reminder that whatever we do we do to the glory of God and the welfare of those around us! Maturing stewards, by the power of the Holy Spirit, do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all they do—not their own glory and praise but for the praise and glory of our gracious God! |
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