FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
CHRISTMAS: BIGGER INSIDE THAN OUT

“It seems, then,” said Tirian, smiling to himself, “that the stable seen from within and the stable seen from without are two different places.”

“Yes,” said Lord Digory. “Its inside is bigger than its outside.”

“Yes,” said Queen Lucy. “In our world too, a stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world.”

(Quote from “The Last Battle,” 7^th book of The Chronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis)

In this quote lifted out of the book indicated, C. S. Lewis was referring to the birth of Jesus. A stable in Bethlehem once held something “that was bigger than our whole world,” namely the Son of God.

There are things that are bigger when viewed from the inside out. We have all been in houses that are surprisingly roomy once inside, though seemingly small on the outside.

However, more to the point, consider the human heart? When viewed as the seat of love, it overcomes many barriers and can take in a number of people. That is much too big for a small organ in our chest. Or how about the human brain? It can travel backward and forward in time; encompass ideas never before conceived, create unique beauty. These are too large and too lofty for a few pounds of gray matter.

The birth of our Lord Jesus as a baby in a stable is like that. It is an event far larger than his birth weight and size. Right there is Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe and Savior of the people, in a form that he can be held and must be cared for. This is a wonder.

As big as our minds are we have a difficult time conceiving of his virginal conception. But then it is God who “thought” of it, not us. And God’s loving plan was thinking about us when he conceived him.

However our love - which is to say our faith and honor and praise - now that is something our hearts can give him who is Lord of all. We can especially love him when he is a child, Jesus, in ‘our’ arms. Our hearts can hold something much bigger than its function when seen from the outside.

Think of all the ways our hearts can care for the newborn Savior. Luther says it is as simple as changing a dirty diaper on our children. It might be as helpful as donating a meal to the City Rescue Mission or swinging a hammer for Habitat or remembering a service person away from home. For you see are to be “little Christs” to our neighbors in need. This, too, is a wonder, the wonder of Christmas. What our minds cannot comprehend, our hearts and faith can prompt us to wrap our arms around.

So come to this salvation event that is Christmas with faith open to the living Word, with love open to the grace, and with hands open to receive at the Eucharist and to serve the child in the stable, who is bigger than the world.

Seen from within by faith, Christmas is much bigger than seen from without as presents and lights. A blessed Advent and Christmas to you.

AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

NEW MEMBERS

We received new members into God’s kingdom and to our congregation in the late service on November 13^th.  

Johnny Allen and Mary Savoda
107 Parker’s Drive, Portland
647-0060
Mary renewed her confession of faith and Johnny confessed his faith and was baptized. Mary works for Delta Dental. Johnny works as an internet support technician. They have a wedding scheduled for 2006.

Chris Armstrong
Chris was raised a Lutheran in Perry. He is renewing his faith-life among us. Chris is a OTR truck driver seeking permanent work to get back on the right track.

Erin Curtice
15711 W. Eaton Hwy.
Grand Ledge
Erin confessed her faith in Jesus for the first time publicly and was confirmed as a Christian. She works for MESSA as a Benefits Analyst. Erin is engaged to Tyler Hubert. They have a 2007 wedding date.

John and Melissa Kingsley, Haley and Alex
9310 Riverside Dr.
Grand Ledge
626-2209
Melissa renewed her faith in our Lord. John confessed his faith and was baptized, along with both Haley and Alex. John works for Franchino Molds. Melissa is a homemaker. Haley is in 5^th grade; Alex in DK at Wacousta  Elementary.

Ben Root and Jennifer Stevens
8711 Justonian Way
Dimondale
Jenny was raised at Immanuel but not confirmed, so when she confessed her faith, we confirmed her. Ben confessed his faith in the Lord and was baptized. Jenny is an X-ray Technologist at Sparrow hospital. Ben is a manager for CenturyTel. They will be married this month, December ’05.

WEDDING

Sarah Vicary and Blaine Williams exchanged vows before family and friends November 12, 2005 at Immanuel. 

DEATH

Don Love
Our brother, Don, went to be with God, Friday, October 28, after many years with MS. He was a GM retiree. Don lived at Independence Village. He has three daughters and many friends. Graveside services were held on Nov. 5^th.

TRANSFER

Bob and Karen Eichelberger

The Eichelbergers joined St. Luke Lutheran in Muskegon on October 30^th. Bob’s most recent medical tests showed NO sites positive for cancer. Praise the Lord!

NEWS AND EVENTS:

COMMITMENT SUNDAY/HANGING OF THE GREENS

Commitment Sunday will be celebrated with a pig roast lunch following the 10:30 service and decorating of the church for the season. 

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Christmas is our special season at Immanuel Church. Our name originates in the promise of Isaiah, that God would send a Messianic child to be born and called “Immanuel, which is ‘God with us.’” This is the meaning of Christmas is. So we go all out to celebrate The Nativity of our Lord in a glorious and glorified way. Please, bring your guests, invite your co-workers, and your neighbors to church.

The following services have been set by the Worship Committee:

COLLEGE/POST-HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY

My name is Jan Martinich and I am an “empty nester”. 
That means that I have no children at home and am bored. 

Well, the first part of that last sentence is true anyway! All of my children are out of high school.  I believe that we need to do a better job as a congregation of keeping in touch with this group of us, and I am willing to do this. 

I am not certain if you know just what a note of encouragement could do for anyone in our congregation, much less a young person.  I can tell you for certain that

• Our son John enjoyed those cards and letters from the Roush’s, Erickson’s and Pr. Rick during his Navy boot camp. Boot camp was arduous and letters from home kept him going.

• Marge Galvin wrote a touching note to Lauren when she performed a dance in church.  It happened to coincide with her not getting on the GL pom squad in eighth grade.  Marge’s simple gift of thanks helped Lauren through a tough time. 

• Amy Reed helped another Martinich child through a tough time last year. 

So, I thought that perhaps I could give back to the congregation by writing to the post high school crowd and keeping them posted about Immanuel events and such.  A prayer of encouragement during final exams might be helpful.  A friend who cares might help during a tough time.  I don’t have any idea where this might lead, but I do need names and addresses and especially emails for these folks.    If you have any thoughts and ideas please contact me by email jrm5440river@aol.com or at home 627-8767, or cell phone at 896-4931. 

ANNUAL MEETING RESULTS

The Annual Meeting of the congregation was held, as constitutionally required, November 6^th. It convened at 3 p.m. so that Pastor and other adult s sponsors who were retuning from the SNL retreat could attend.

1) Members elected/affirmed to the Church Council were: Elizabeth Ayoub, Marlaine Teahan, Dennis Graeber, Greg Vicary.

2) A budget for 2006 generated much discussion concerning salaries and raises. The budget was proposed at $300,028 – a 2.08% increase. The budget includes the mortgage payment. Benevolence given to God’s mission will be $39,293, if the budget is met. Divided by 52 weeks, the weekly target will be $5,770. The budget passed 31 (67%) yes, 15 (33%) no. This is the largest “no” vote in recent years.

3) Property Evaluation Task Force reported that, in order to avoid continued flooding in the basement, repairs must be made to the Church’s roof and landscaping. Estimates by companies were about $17,000, plus the grading costs. The congregation authorized the Council to borrow up to $20,000 for this. 40 (95%) yes; 2(5%) no. The Property Committee will oversee the project. The Property Committee and Property Evaluation Task Force will approach the congregation for paying the loan back.^[1]

STEWARDSHIP MEANS USING OUR GIFTS

The members of the Stewardship Committee use their time and talents to encourage you to get involved with Christ using yours. The committee folks want to do a more complete job for you and God.

1) They want to provide some year-round information about the good things we, and the larger Church, are doing for God.

2) They want to work with people’s spiritual gifts and use them for God's purposes.

Pointedly, they are asking you if you will join them. Stewardship is seeking 2 or 3 individuals. Need to talk about it? Call Greg Vicary (627-5528) or Matt Cermak (627-1805).

BUDGET AND PLEDGING

The question is often raised about how to tie our church budget more closely with the pledge commitments members make. To do this effectively would take a change in our By-laws.  The By-laws set the Annual Meeting of the congregation on the 1^st Sunday in November. They also dictate that the agenda include Elections and Adoption of the Budget for the coming year.

To tie the budget and pledges together would take a 6 – 8 week lead time. Commitment Sunday would have to be held no later than the middle of September.

It takes about 2 weeks for the Management Committee to draft a budget. Then the Church Council must approve the budget for presentation at its October meeting. Then congregation must be informed of it two Sundays (or a minimum of 10 days by mail) prior to the Annual Meeting in November.

September is quite early to make a financial commitment for the following year.

A change in the By-laws to set the Annual Meeting, say, the last Sunday of January would allow for a Commitment Sunday early in December. The new budget would take effect in February, along with the new Church Council.

ADVENT OFFERINGS FOR “A ROOF OVER OUR HEADS”

At the November Church Council meeting, the day following the Annual Meeting, Council voted to use the special “Advent Offering[2]” gifts for “A Roof Over our Heads.” Your extra gifts this year will stay in-house to help pay the costs of our roof repair. (See “Annual Meeting” report)   Please pray fervently that we can return soon to our more normal generosity for others in need with these extra gifts.

SPECIAL GIFT FOR PR. RICK AND ELLEN MCKENZIE

It’s that time of year when we say thanks to Pastor Rick.  As a congregation we are truly blessed to be served by him.  Anyone wishing to contribute to a cash gift may do so by giving your donation to John Van Hoesen or the church office by December 15.  Please make checks payable to John Van Hoesen.  The gift will be given to them on December 18 at the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will be meeting three times a year. The schedule for the 2006 year is as follows:

• Monday, January 2, 2006

• Monday, April 3, 2006

• Monday, October 2, 2006

Meetings are at the 501 building at 6:00 p.m.  Please mark them on your calendar.  Each meeting will be a celebration of the lives that have been touched through the Prayer Shawl Ministry.  There will be new yarn for shawls in memory of Else Kruger at the January meeting.  Please join us!

LUTHER LEAGUE II

Luther League II December Program will be held on Monday, December 12 meet at church at 11:00 a.m.  We will head to the Pine Grill (Best Western Midway Motor Lodge corner of Saginaw & Canal Rd.) for lunch.  Bring your best white elephant gift for an exchange.  Also, bring ideas for activities for the 2006 year.  Lunch will be a buffet at $7.00 per person.  Add 1.50 for beverage and 18% service fee.  There will be a 10% senior discount.  A sandwich and salad lunch menu will be available.   Any Questions call Elaine or Tom Mattson at 627-9670.

IMMANUEL HEALING PRAYER MINISTRY

We're very proud of Karl McCormick, one of our Healing Prayer ministers.  The Randy Cronenwett Memorial Award for 2005 was awarded to him by the "Michigan Job Placement and Development Association".  This award is "presented annually to a rehabilitation professional who has demonstrated excellence in the field of job development and placement into employment of persons with disabilities". Good job, Karl, in using the gifts that God has given you in helping others. What a guy!

Our Healing Prayer ministers, led by Donna Gibbons and Pastor Paul Pretzlaff, are continuing their studies as convented to do.

We, along with several others, have been studying the book "Armchair Mystic - Easing Into Contemplative Prayer" written by Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J.  We have also referred to the book we formerly studied on occasion, "Healing and Transformation - Into the Image and Likeness of God".  This has been an interesting study group with some good discussions, not all agreeing but agreeing to disagree.

We continue to be available each Sunday after the church service to pray with you for whatever your need may be, prayers of concern, thanksgiving, healing, or to just discuss something.  Of course, what is said is held in strict confidence.

If you get a chance, please congratulate Karl.

                             Joan R. Nolff
Healing and Prayer Ministry

RESETTLEMENT FUND

Since being established to help the Showers/Clark family reestablish their home after Hurricane Katrina, this fund has received $1,570 in donations. This fund is used for the parsonage, utilities, and other incidental expenses being incurred. You may give as the Spirit leads you.

In addition, 1^st Congregational UCC, GL 1^st United Methodist, St. Michael Roman Catholic, Trinity Episcopal, and Wacousta United Methodist churches have offered to pay a month’s utilities. The Christians in town are standing with us.

Mr. Showers has achieved his driver’s license. A van has been donated by a member of the GL community. Leland is currently looking for employment. 

We rejoice with them in each step: parent/teacher conferences, new glasses, youth retreats. We see each as one more step toward independence. It is adding up to big things. PTL!

FINANCIAL NEWS

Our church’s spending deficit continues to diminish. At the end of October, the red ink was down to under $4,900, from a high of over $17,000 earlier in 2005.

Once again, the Church Council is praising God and is most appreciative to all who have been faithful. They know that some of us have been giving extra to help catch us up so rapidly. This “second mile giving” combined with restraints in spending have kept us moving closer to black ink.

YOUTH NEWS:

SNL Retreat

The retreat was Nov. 4-6 at Wesley Woods Methodist Camp. We learned what is necessary to confess our sins, nailed a sin to the cross, climbed a rock wall, did mountain boarding, stayed up late, played capture the flag in the dark and played ultimate kick ball. Ask Maggie C about her ankle, Pastor Rick about his finger, Jason M. about the silly string and Kira A. about the mirror notes.

SNL Cook at Ronald McDonald House

Nov. 11-13 the Huddle Groups of catechism cooked and served the evening meals at Ronald McDonald House in Lansing. Phil and Mike’s Huddle were Friday; Teresa’s was Saturday; Matt and Stacey’s on Sunday.

Each month, each huddle group performs a service project for the church or the community. Being a Christian includes serving God. Way to go, Immanuel SNL youth! (Next: Hanging of the Greens and Caroling)

NO SNL on Christmas or New Year’s Day. It’s family and vacation time. (Resume after New Year’s on January 8, 2006 @ 6:15 p.m.)

LYO Going to Lansing Gathering: Dec. 27-30^th

It’s frenetic. It’s uplifting. It’s exhausting. It’s loud. It’s close (Holiday Inn South) It’s an annual, faith-filled party with a 1000+ new friends. There are few things that are better to do between Christmas and New Year’s than the Lansing Gathering. And our high school youth are going again this year.  

NOTES:

We would like to say thank you to the Immanuel Choir for the inspirational contribution to the Festival of Joy.  As always it was wonderful.

Your friends in Christ,

We would like to thank everyone who gave money, made and/or bought goodies for the bake sale or helped in any way on the Baskets of Hope campaign. A special thank you to Chris Frysinger for the Sunday School project. We raised $600 WOW!!  This will give nine families a basket to help make Christmas a little nicer.

Your Friends in Christ,
Ruth Buckley, Coordinator
& The Outreach Committee

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S DESK:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

With the year drawing to a close and the holidays hard upon us, I felt it appropriate to update everyone on a number of issues that have been facing us this past year.

As I wrote in my letter in the April newsletter and followed up with my letter this summer, we have been struggling financially.  At the end of the 2004, we were more than ($10,000) short in the general fund and had increased this deficit to $17,000 by the end of February.  I am very pleased to tell you that, as of the end of October, the total deficit had been reduced to $4,900.  Essentially, we are running about $5,000 in the black for the current calendar year.

This is quite an accomplishment to cut in half a deficit that was essentially three years in the making.  I am hopeful that we may even eliminate the remaining deficit by the end the year.  Even if we carry a small deficit over to 2006, I believe that we are moving strongly and responsibly forward.  Many thanks for all those who made difficult choices on spending as well as those who continue to give of their treasures in real ways.

In addition, we received a recommendation and request from the Property Evaluation and Property Committees to support a number of repairs and upgrades to the church building itself.  A motion was approved at this year’s Annual Meeting to support fundraising of up to $20,000 to repair a number of trouble areas on the church building.  We are also pursuing upgrading the gutters, downspouts, and drainage lines while re-landscaping around the full perimeter of the church.  These actions were recommended to prevent any further flooding of the church basement and prolong the useful life of the church roof for 5 to 10 more years.  The contract for the work is in process now and all donations are welcome.  Any amounts collected that are not used in the repairs will be used to seed a fund to eventually replace the entire roof.

I believe we are well blessed and will continue to grow and prosper.  Like any family, we have our challenges and wonder whether we are doing the right things.  I believe anything is possible if we are willing to give something of ourselves as He has first given us – our time, our talents, and our treasure.

As we end the year, I challenge each of you to choose a new challenge for yourself.  Ask yourself, how do “I” fit into the Vision of Immanuel?  How do we gather others together, build a stronger faith, and serve others inside and outside our family?

CELEBRATIONS:
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Home | Staff | Council | Ministries | Happenings | Youth | Worship | Links

© 1999- Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grand Ledge, Michigan
All Rights Reserved
We value your feedback.  Please forward comments to webmaster@immanuel-gl.org