FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
ANNOUNCING PASTOR’S SABBATICAL THIS SUMMER

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. And the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27, 28) With this saying Jesus directs us toward the need for rest and to honor him. So important is it that God set designated a holy day for these purposes. 

Sabbaticals are sort of extended Sabbaths. Our Church recommends them for its pastors in full-time ministry. Frankly, it is a way to encourage pastors toward taking spiritual and physical care of themselves. I hope to use this June, July, and August for these purposes. 

One common reason pastors quit the Ministry is that they have no spiritual or emotional resources left. They are burned out. Sometimes pastors will seek a call to another congregation in order to get some extended time off in between. It is a way they can get “refreshed.” They do not see any other way. The Church needs to retain healthy, active, faithful pastors serving God’s people. 

I plan to do mission work, study, and recreation. I want to help with Katrina clean up and go with our high school youth to North Dakota. I plan to read books on the topic of Family Systems as it applies to churches. I plan to camp and hike and pray. 

This will be the second sabbatical you have granted me. The first was the summer of 2000, when I studied Clinical Pastoral Education. I deeply appreciate this second personal opportunity. I will work to make this a productive time for renewal, rest, and growth. For the benefit of the Lord, myself and you.

NEWS AND EVENTS:

Lent begins on February 21^st with a Day of Special Devotion. All Christians are called on to attend a service on this holy day so that God’s people will hear his call, “Return to the Lord your God for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” 

LENT

The 40 days of Lent get us ready for The Great Three Days of redemption and the 50 days of Easter. So Lent is for “hidden” spiritual renewal through fasting, prayer and almsgiving. FAST: We alter our daily habits in order to make us aware of our primary need for God. How will you fast? PRAYER: We give increased attention to being open to the Lord. Will you pray daily? Will meditate on a Bible verse? Will attend Vespers? ALMSGIVING: We give in order to express our faith. We give in order to grow in faith. How will you give to the needy as Christ gave to you? Council will select a project for the congregation on Feb. 12. May our Easter be full-blown joy.

LENT PRAYER SERVICES:  Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Vespers (Evening Prayer) will be prayed each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. during Lent. Our discussion topic is: “Places Jesus Walked.” Pr. George Ayoub will show Holy Land slides, and we will discuss what Jesus did, what it might mean - then and now. 

LENT SUNDAY SERMONS: “Roads Less Traveled” 

Sometimes we speak of “our Lenten journey.” We come back (repent) to God and to the Church. We journey toward Christ’s cross and Easter. The Journey influences Pastor’s sermons during Lent. They will be united under the theme: “Roads Less Traveled.” (borrowed from M. Scott Peck’s book of spiritual growth by a similar name.)

Feb. 21: Ash Wednesday: “The Road of Humility"
Feb. 25: 1 Lent: “The Road of Truth” 

Other themes will be announced in next month’s “Manger.” 

IMMANUEL'S FIRST ANNUAL MINISTRY MEETING

Our first annual ministry meeting will be held on Sunday, February 11 following the 10:30 am service. A potluck dinner at 12:00 pm.  The meeting starts at 1:00 pm.  Please bring a dish to share.  All confirmed members are encouraged to attend.

AFFIRMATION OF WEDDING VOWS

An Affirmation of Wedding Vows ceremony will be held at Immanuel on February 11 at 6:00 pm.  Dinner will follow in Fellowship Hall. This is a time to celebrate our marriages and Valentine's Day.  We have had a good turn out the past two years with people asking if we were going to do it next year.  Okay, maybe it was the women who were asking, but let me say, men – the women appreciate it.  We hope that you who have attended in the past will be there and encourage those who have not, to come and join us for a celebration of marriage. The main course, vegetable and rolls will be provided.  We ask that you bring a salad or dessert to share. Family and friends are welcome to join you in your celebration.  Please include them in the number attending on the sign-up sheet in the entryway. 

LUTHER LEAGUE II 
(for seniors)

Monday, February 12, 2007 meet at the church parking lot at 11:30 a.m. carpool to 12843 W. Greenfield, Grand Ledge for a visit/tour of the home studio of fiber artisan Cindy McCormick.  See examples of her work that utilizes all natural fibers and hand operated equipment to create a wide variety of woven rag rugs, tablemats, religious items, and personal accessories, which are both functional and uniquely artistic. Following the tour of the studio lunch will be served at Cindy’s home. 

HEALTHY POTLUCK

The Health Ministry Team is sponsoring a healthy potluck on February 25, 2007 following the 10:30 service.  A healthy potluck is being planned for the 1st Sunday in Lent.  We also need people to assist with this activity.  Bring a healthy dish to pass and enjoy good food and fellowship.  Please sign up on the sheets in the entry way or contact Donna Gibbons.  Hope to see you there!

WOMEN'S RETREAT

Indulge Yourself in God’s extravagant love. Saturday, April 14,2007  at St. Frances in DeWitt.  Out theme will be:  Chocolate Boutique.  Cost: $20 (includes lunch and chocolate treats).  Come see that the Lord is good while you grow closer to friends and deepen your relationship with Jesus. Together we will experience meaningful devotions, participate in fun activities, and eat chocolate. Please call the church office (627-6310) to reserve your spot.

KIDS HOPE USA 
What’s Been Happening?

Mentors and prayer partners attended the January 21st training.   The training covered topics such as:  The Four Super Mentor Super Powers, active listening techniques, child behavior, reading strategies, Brain Gym activities, and lots more. 

On Sunday, January 28th, mentors and prayer partners were commissioned by the congregation.  They began meeting with their first and second grade students the following week.  

This is an exciting time for everyone involved in this mission.  Please keep them in your prayers so that they can be successful touching children’s lives.

God Bless, 

EMAIL NEWS

Did you know that news of wide interest to Immanuel's members is distributed by email?  To receive these emails, you must sign up for the "news" email distribution list.  Sign up online at: http://www.immanuel-gl.org/signup.  Once signed up, all emails addressed to news@immanuel-gl.org will arrive in your email box. 

ROOF OVER OUR HEADS

With the new ridge vents installed, new soffits have given better ventilation to the attic spaces. Next, new larger eaves and downspouts are being installed.

FEBRUARY'S LESSER FEAST DAYS: 
(for personal devotion)

Feb. 2: The Presentation of our Lord

On the 40^th day of life, Jesus was brought to the Temple. There Simeon and Anna proclaimed him Messiah and prophesied about his death. Also known as Candlemas because Simeon called Jesus “a light to lighten the Gentiles.” Candles are lit in homes and blessed in church services.  Scripture passages for the day are:

                                    1 Samuel 1:21-28
                                    Psalm 84
                                    Hebrews 2:14-18
                                    Luke 2:22-40

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you have sent us your salvation. Inspire us by your Holy Spirit to see with our own eyes him who is the glory of Israel and the light for all nations, your son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Additions to Directory

1. Cal Austin  4775 Village Dr. Apt. 33, Grand Ledge MI 48837,  627-1036

2. Nickie Nicholson  216 E. Clinton Apt #205, Grand Ledge MI 48837,  627-4847

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Opportunities to Serve:

ONE MALE DELEGATE SOUGHT

This May’s Assembly will be especially important. Bishop Gary Hansen is retiring in the Fall 2007. Voting Members at the Synod Assembly will elect our new bishop. To prepare Lay Voting Members for this important task, our Capital Conference will have an educational meeting to cover the “Episcopal Ballot” method, and to discuss the qualifications and qualities to look for in selecting this leader in the Church. 

The Synod Assembly will be May 20-22, Sunday night through Tuesday afternoon. It will be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in South Lansing. (We will commute from our homes.)  All congregations may send one female and one male delegate. Kira Ayoub has volunteered to be our female delegate. She will be so designated by the Church Council in February. We need a male. All pastors are voting members by constitution. 

Please consider this. You will be spiritually challenged and renewed. Your awareness of the ELCA’s exciting ministries will be greatly expanded. You will share in a decisive time for our future. Speak with our President or Pastor Rick.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Immanuel Lutheran Church is partnering with Elder Law of Michigan to bring a new community outreach program to Grand Ledge area seniors. The program is called MiCAFE (pronounced "My Café), an acronym for the MIchigan Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly.

A vacant office in the 501 church office building will become a site for Grand Ledge seniors (age 60 and on) to visit, by appointment, in order to make application (with the help of a MiCAFE application assistant) for food assistance benefits under the MiCAFE program. In addition, qualifying seniors will also be able to:

		Locate services like Meals on Wheels and senior dining programs
		Lower their phone bills;
		Obtain utility shut off protection, and
		Receive screening for nutritional risks.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can become a volunteer MiCAFE application assistant you are encouraged to contact: Andrea Meewes, MiCAFE Program Director at 853-2376 or by e-mail at: ameewes@elderlaw.com

Should you personally know of a senior in the Grand Ledge community that you think could benefit from the above program you are also encouraged to contact Ms. Meewes.

YOUTH NEWS:

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER

It’s an annual affair!  The middle and high school youth and their parents and sponsors serve up pancakes: potato, regular and blueberry; sausages, beverages…

It's all you can eat for $5.00 for adults; $3.00 for children 4-10; and. children 3 and under free.

The proceeds go to summer camp (middle school) and mission trip (high school). The Pancake Supper is open to the whole community so invite your friends and neighbors to meet you at church. 

"EMPTY BOWL" SUPPER

Immanuel’s first “Empty Bowls” supper will be held Sunday, January 28th from 5 – 7 p.m. Our SNL (6^th-8^th grade) youth will be selling pottery bowls they glazed as well as soup mixes.  Some of the soups to be served are created by SNL members. The supper will include soups, salad and bread plus a beverage. Join us from 5-7p.m. in the basement.  A limited number of pottery bowls are available. The cost of a bowl plus supper is $25. If you donate a canned good to the food bank, the cost will be $20. The cost to those not wishing to purchase a bowl is $5.⁵⁰ for supper. If you donate non-perishable food to the Food Bank, the cost is $5. Soup mixes will be available to purchase and take home. All profits will be donated to the Grand Ledge Food Bank.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH OUTING

High School Youth Outside Winter Wonderland Party Sunday, February 4 following 10:30 service

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NOTES:

Thank youS

From Pastor Rick: Thank you to all who gave to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund in lieu of a bonus/gift for Ellen and me. I really appreciate it, especially as we help our fellow members in need. 

The drama ministry team wishes to extend a great big thank you to all who volunteered for the Live Nativity. We had close to 50 volunteers each night. Altogether over 100 people (and a few very cute animals!) from our Congregation volunteered to help out.  Needles to say we could not have done it with out all of you!  Thank you for bringing our Vision Statement to life this Christmas by giving our Community the gift of the story of the Birth of Christ.

Thank you to Raymond Harris for building a new drop off box for the Teddy Bear Ministry.

       Annette Ryan, 
Teddy Bear Coordinator

Dear Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church,

Almost a month ago I (we) received a wonderfully cuddly bear with a tag sharing how the bear has been in your congregation to hear the Word, sing, pray....... Let me tell you.......receiving that bear is still causing my husband and I to feel greatly encouraged.  There's something about the bear that brings a sense of peace into the home and love into the hearts. This is a great ministry!  Thank you to the creator and the supporters of this ministry.

Dear “My Immanuel Family”,

Thank you all for your wonderful outpouring of love and blessing for me these past years. Each of you, has been a great help with your prayers, financial help, and caring. It is greatly appreciated. Your kindness and caring means a lot to me. Thank you and may God’s peace, love, and blessings be with you all and your family.

In the love of Christ, 
Priscilla Lane

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S DESK:

TEAMWORK

As I sit to write this month’s letter, I was privileged to have participated in the Council retreat with the current council; both familiar and new faces with a common goal to serve with spirit-led values.

We were joined on Saturday by many more members that formed Teams as directed by the current Bylaws that we are now functioning under. 

Now the task at hand was to develop these teams to be a cohesive unit. This task would take TEAMWORK!!!

We had 6 hours to come away with a working model with the same Goal, vision, and forward thought that would drive this congregation in the years to come. We need to empower, involve, and incorporate each member’s gifts as they see fit to use.  I looked about  the room as we sat around 4 separate tables, one for each team and saw the teamwork being developed first at each table as they worked and then collectively as a whole unit as we began to share ideas with each other from table to table. I saw eyes wide open to change, ears wide open to listening, and people willing to work as a cohesive unit.

I was given a handout from the University of Kentucky on team building from their leadership development team, and the following is an excerpt from the handout: “A team is an energetic group of diverse individuals committed to achieving common objectives that enjoy working together to produce quality results.”

Characteristics of an effective team from University of Kentucky Leadership Development Team:

• Common vision

• Clear objectives each member is committed to in order to accomplish the shared vision

• Open communication

• Specific roles each member assumes to accomplish the group objectives

• Energy and enthusiasm

• Distributed participation and leadership

• Appropriate and effective decision-making 

• Trust, acceptance, and support among members

• Members who feel significant and are motivated

• Cohesive and comfort among members

I did not read this handout until I was home from the retreat and felt that we had met all these characteristics and felt that we are truly blessed and spirit-led.

In this, the second month of 2007, we at Immanuel will step into something that we have never  participated in: our very first Annual Ministry Meeting, designated to speak directly to the congregation and the direction that we want to move forward in the coming year in our ministries.  We will also be rolling out our teams -- 4 teams along with the ministries formed as sub teams. This is where the real term “TEAMWORK” begins. Your opportunities to join, work, or develop a team to reach your goal to help in the Gathering, Preparing, or Serving.

I encourage all to come to this meeting with eyes wide open to change, ears wide open to listening, and a willingness to work as a cohesive unit.

We are a truly blessed community at Immanuel, and we should at all times give God the praise and glory for what he has provided for us.

God’s Peace,

Council Corner

Overview of the January meeting

• January Kicks off the year with 5 new council members

• Council elections were held with the following people either elected or appointed to positions

Mike Proper  -  Council President
Jim Teahan  - Council Vice- President
Phil Hill – Recording Secretary
Jim Teahan  - Financial Secretary
Pat Anderson  - Treasurer
Bev Lass, Gary Lass, George Ryan, Carol Weigel – Tellers

• Pat Anderson reviewed the treasurers report and we had and exceptional December that allowed us to finish the year with a positive balance of $1,648.74. This was a shot of good news for us to start the New Year out with; however it was expressed that we still need to be mindful of monitoring the budget more closely in the coming year.

• Bob Buckley will be finishing up his Lay Missionary Program in the coming months and he will be bringing to Council his mission so that it can be approve, and he can be commissioned.

• Council was informed of the council retreat and work will begin on the goals for the coming year and the formations of the 4 resource teams.

• Mike will make preparations for the February Annual Ministry Meeting.

FULL COUNCIL MINUTES CAN BE LOCATED ON THE IMMANUEL WEBSITE OR ON THE CREDENZA LOCATED IN THE CHURCH ENTRYWAY ONCE THEY ARE APPROVED. 

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CELEBRATIONS:
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

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