FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
AN OXYMORON?
300 IN '003

First, “thank you” to all those who have given me their feedback. The questions and critiques especially have been very helpful. I hope others will respond, and I hope those who already have responded will keep the dialog going until I can state a clear and workable vision for Immanuel Lutheran Church. A vision that will guide all ministries for the next few years.

Last month I wrote that “300 in ‘003” is supposed to be about our “mission as job one.” More specifically I have been thinking about the first tenet of our Mission Statement: Gathering people to faith in Jesus Christ.

It may sound like an oxymoron to set a number goal of an average worship attendance of 300, or of 50% of our baptized membership, and then to maintain that it is not about numbers. Even I wonder about this when I stand back from it.

To explain further, I believe that a relationship with God through Jesus is of primary importance. Indeed, it is a matter of (eternal) life and death. In my mind, getting people to attend worship is the most effective way for individuals to be exposed to the gospel of our salvation. Most people come to church for the first time during a worship service at a convenient time. I don’t have statistics, but I believe, that if a long-absent member comes back, it is more frequently to a service rather than to a personal growth program or a study.

The following are inferences in no particular order 

1. If we can keep the evangelistic purpose of worship in mind, (people and faith) then it may be possible to set a specific number goal without making higher numbers “job one.”

2. Maybe the concept is right but my catchy slogan is distracting.

3. I do not mean to say that worship is the only way to “gather people to faith.” “Prepared believers” who are intentional about their faith-walk are God’s front line witnesses. (Tenet 2 of our mission statement.) Also if our church were more highly visible serving Christ in our community (Tenet 3), these activities also are ways to invite people to seek out God.

4. Thus, some may be correct when they sense that “preparing our faith” or “getting out to help others” might be better. Perhaps, it is a matter of timing. What is it time for (God’s time) right now?

5. Our vision (by whatever slogan we give it) is going to require concerted, congregational effort. It will be the goal we rally around for a couple of years. I will ask us to make various sacrifices for it.

6. We (each one of us) must be clear that our congregation belongs to the Lord; that he calls us in grace for his purposes; that our congregation belongs not to the pastor or any the members or to any group serving in it.

7. I don’t want to be out there with my Vision and turn around to find “nobody” is following.

Please, keep the dialog going. Use phone, letters, email, and conversations to communicate with me.

ASCENSION OF JESUS:

….he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father Almighty.

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:3)

The Ascension is important. Ascension is about authority and power. Jesus is God’s right hand man. Jesus is Lord over all the earth.

Your right hand, O Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O Lord, shattered the enemy. (Moses)

Crown him the Lord of peace.
Whose power a scepter sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease, 
Absorbed in prayer and praise. 
His reign shall know no end, 
And round his pierced feet   
Fair flowers of paradise extend  
Their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown him the Lord of years,
The potentate of time,
Creator of the rolling spheres
Ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!    
For thou hast died for me;
They praise and glory shall not fail
Throughout eternity.                         (Charles Wesley)

Ascension Day is May 9^th

AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

NEW MEMBERS:

Easter was a time in which the new life given by Christ was powerfully evident in numerous lives. We celebrated baptisms and affirmations of faith at the Vigil. What wonderful worship it was for those who came to Christ and all those who participated. We witnessed the miracle of faith and new birth again and again.

Angela (Tom) Blake
Conner (Collin, baptized earlier)
8221 Corrison Rd.
Eagle 48822
ph. 626-2530
Angie works for The Trading Times. Their children are both preschoolers.

Melissa (Mark) Bolley*
Mitchell*, Michelle*, Marcus*
4890 Sunset
Potterville 48876
ph. 645-9837
Missy is currently a homemaker and active community Mom. Mitchell is in 4^th grade and Michelle is in 2^nd grade at Potterville Schools. Marcus is 1 year-old.

Jeff Clarke (see 2002 Directory)
Jeff is a Deputy with Clinton County Sheriff Department. The rest of Jeff’s family joined our church family last fall.

Ed Dykstra
Ashley*, Kelly*, Linsey*
220 W. Saginaw A8
Grand Ledge 48837
ph. 627-2103
Ed is a manager at Wal-Mart. Ashley is junior; Kelly a freshman; Linsey an 8^th grader – all in GL schools.

Alisha Green* (see Sue Anderson)
Alisha is a 7^th grader at Beagle Middle School and in our catechism class.

Phil Hill and Pam Smith
12514 Houghton Dr.
DeWitt 48820
ph. 669-5924
Phil works for TRW (Manufacturing Engineer). Pam works for TRW (Customer Liaison). They are an engaged couple. A November wedding is scheduled at Immanuel.

Mike and Denise Proper
Jessica, Justin
11895 Herbison Rd.
Eagle 48822
ph. 626-2408

Betty (Rod) Robins*
Joshua Moore*, Kayla Ewing*
162 W. Grand Ledge Hwy.
Sunfield 48890  
ph. 566-7009
Betty is employed in assembly at GM. Josh is in 7^th grade and Kayla in 5^th grade at Lake Odessa Schools.

Bob Shilton*
446 Front St.
Sunfield 48890  
Bob works for Mapes Furniture in Sunfield. He and Dawn Mielke are marrying in June.

* indicates baptism into Christ.

BAPTISM:

MARRIAGE:

Ron Harmon and Tenell Hubert gave and received promises before God and their families and friends on April 20^th.

Bob Miller and Charlene Moore were married last month in LasVegas.

CONFIRMATION:

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP:

TOTE BAG WORKSHOP We will be making tote bags on Tuesday, May 7 at 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  If you can sew, please bring your machine, if you don’t sew, we can use you as well.  These bags will be filled with supplies for school children and given to LSSM for foster children. Your ACTION representatives, Kitty Whitney, Eileen LaCombe, Teresa Barcy & Barb Roush

Relay for Life Immanuel has a team!  We will be walking for 24 hours total – 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday May 17→18 at Beagle Middle School Track.  Many needs including donations of food – chairs – awning – and money.  Walkers needed too!  See Jan Martinich

LUGNUTS GAME The Outreach Committee has reserved 30 tickets for the Lugnuts fame on June 22, 2002.  This is one of the Christian Family Night games they have and will start at 7:05 p.m. followed by fireworks after the game.  Tickets are $7.50 each and must be paid for no later than May 19th, 2002.  Don’t hesitate and miss out on the fun.  Contact Orv Erickson at 517/646-2865 or any member of the Outreach Committee if you are interested.

LUTHER LEAGUE II June 5   Carol & John Weigel’s home 340 E. Front St., Grand Ledge 622-2944 Noon – bring a dish to pass Guest speaker - Jean Folk, massage therapy

Church Camping Trip For all interested people – the church camping trip is Aug 23 –25. We have 11 sites filled, and Double R Ranch is holding 4 more sites for us.  At Double R Ranch  (in Smyrna) are a heated pool, canoeing and tubing, horseback riding, and bike trails.  As a church family we will have supper together on Saturday night and a worship service on Sunday morning.  We’d love to have anyone/everyone join us.  Call Elizabeth Ayoub for more information.

FAMILY CARNIVAL NIGHT May 19th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Immanuel Fellowship Hall Games, treats, cake walk All Welcome Bring your family and friends! Sponsored by Immanuel’s Catechism Class to help raise funds for confirmation camp this summer.

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND VULNERABLE ADULT TRAINING:

All adults working with children must have the CYVA training.  This includes drivers, teachers, and all helpers.  Please schedule an hour of your time to attend one of the following training times: May   9 Thursday 6 p.m. to   7 p.m. May 11 Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Any questions, please call Carol Weigel, 622-2944 or Kathy Weber, 321-2796.

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION:

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S DESK:

Our Easter Celebration at Immanuel brought out the excitement of the Resurrection.  The services of Holy Week were very moving.  It was great to hear comments from several of our members about how meaningful the Lenten Services and Holy Week services were and how they touched people personally.

The baptisms of Holy Saturday and the joining of new members was a blessing.  It’s important that we continue to welcome more people to Christ.

I also enjoyed the music of Sweet Anointing Trio on Slump Sunday and appreciate the worship committee for coordinating this.

As we move forward into May with many young people preparing themselves for confirmation our Immanuel family should feel blessed.

As Sunday School winds down for the summer we also need to thank our Sunday School teachers, our pastors and our parish education committee for all of their efforts teaching the children at Immanuel.

It is really amazing to see how many people and how much there is to do to keep our congregation alive and active in Christ.  There is much to do as we hold up our mission statement:

Gathering-people to faith in Jesus Christ,

Preparing-believers to live their faith daily,

Serving-Christ in the home, church and world.

In a recent letter to the congregation I touched upon the Bridge Builders program sponsored by the synod.  Like other ministries, projects and events at Immanuel this will need to be supported with a time commitment and a spirit to get involved and see where this leads us.

I ask that you prayerfully consider your involvement and help Immanuel move forward with a clear vision as we support our mission statement. 

HEALTH NOTES:

One in seven Americans-nearly 40 million-have some form of arthritis.  This is a disease of the young, of the old, and everyone in between.

There are several forms of arthritis.  Proper treatment first depends on a correct diagnosis of the specific disease.  Treatment should begin early to minimize joint damage.  Treatment, as recommended per your physician, could include medication (anti-inflammatory and disease-modifying drugs), exercise (range of motion or flexibility exercises, strengthening and endurance exercises), possible surgery and coping/preventive measures.  Some of the coping/prevention measures could be joint protection.  Here are some general suggestions for joint protection:

1.                   Keep fingers straight and hands flattened as much as possible.

a.                   Use sponges and dust mitts instead of dust rags and dishcloths.

b.                   Squeeze out a sponge or wet clothes by pressing down with your palm-do not wring.

c.                   When sitting down or rising from a chair, hook all fingers over the edge of it for support and balance.  Never bear weight on a hand when the fingers are curled (fisted).

2.                   Avoid prolonged or tight grasp.  Release often, relaxing and straightening fingers completely.  Limit activities and tools that require a tight grasp such as hammers, screwdrivers, and saws.

3.                   Use the strongest joints possible for any activity.

a.                   When rising from a bed or chair, use both arms to push up from arm rests; keep feet flat on the floor and pointed straight forward.  This is preferable to leaning to one side and putting all one’s weight on one knee and twisting it.

b.                   When lifting or pushing, use the knees instead of your back.  Carry heavy items close to your body.

c.                   When using hands:

-carry a purse or shopping bag with your elbow instead of your fingers

-slide objects instead of lifting them whenever possible

-lift heavy objects with palms of hands instead of fingers    

-lift with two hands instead of one whenever possible

Do you want to learn more about arthritis?  Join us on Tuesday, May 7^th from 6:30 – 8:30 for an informative arthritis lecture.  A representative from the Central and Mid-Michigan Arthritis Foundation will provide us with helpful information and be available for questions and references.  Hope to see you there!

WORSHIP NEWS:

SUMMER WORSHIP: May 26 (Memorial Day Weekend) marks the beginning of our summer worship schedule.  From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there will be one service on Sunday mornings at 9:30, and the “Weekender Service” on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

WORSHIP SURVEY: Thank you to everyone who responded to the Worship Survey – either by completing the form, or in a conversation.  The results are being tabulated, and the Worship Coordinating Team will be presenting their recommendation to the Council – watch for news on decisions affecting the way we worship.  In the meantime, we are attempting to address the issues and concerns you brought to our attention during this survey.

FAVORITE HYMN SUNDAY: June 23 is “Favorite Hymn Sunday.”  We would like to know what hymns are your favorite, and provide you with a historical perspective on them.  Please put a note in the Worship Committee mailbox (bottom center), or watch for a form to be placed in the bulletin during June.

HANDBELL CONCERT: On Monday May 6 at 7:15 p.m., the hand bell choir at Hope Lutheran Church is having a concert.  They will be performing some classical arrangements as well as some patriotic favorites, with dessert following!  If you are interested in attending, please contact Barb Paulins at 645-2914.

SUMMER HOURS:

AN OVERVIEW OF GIVING AT IMMANUEL:

Have you ever wondered where the money you contribute to Immanuel goes, or how to note on an offering envelope the way you want your contribution to be used? From recent questions we’ve heard from members, the Stewardship Committee has prepared this primer on giving at Immanuel.

Immanuel has established three broad accounts to receive all contributions. They are: 1) the Building Fund; 2) the General Fund; and, 3) the Designated Giving Fund. The back of each Sunday envelope allows you to allocate your offering between the Building and General Funds. Simply fill in the amount or percentage of your offering that you want allocated to each account. (If you specify a percentage, using round numbers will make things easier on our tellers.) Designated giving generally uses an envelope different from the weekly offering envelopes.

Contributions made to the Building Fund are used to make monthly mortgage payments on church property. That includes principal and interest on our existing loan. Mortgage payments are the only use for contributions to the Building Fund. Please note that contributions to the Building Fund do not pay down the mortgage any quicker. Building Fund contributions simply give us a pool of money from which to make monthly mortgage payments. If you are interested in paying down the mortgage quicker, we have established a Designated Giving account for “Principal Reduction”. Make a Designated Giving contribution to the Principal Reduction account if you are interested in paying off our mortgage sooner. Use one of the green “Designated Offering” envelopes in your box. Be sure to hand write “Principal Reduction” on the envelope, so we know how to apply your offering. Alternatively, you may include an amount for Principal Reduction with your Sunday offering, but note on it what portion of your total offering is intended for Principal Reduction.

The General Fund is our largest and most active account. General Fund giving pays for all day-to-day expenses of the congregation except the mortgage. Salaries, utilities, office supplies, maintenance and the expenses of all committees are paid from the General Fund.

One final point on the Building and General Funds. Our annual budget always includes a line item called “Benevolence.” Typically, the Church Council proposes and the congregation approves Benevolence at 13% of the Building and General funds. 13% is what the congregation has approved in this year’s budget. Benevolence is the portion of your offering that is forwarded to our Synod. The Synod uses this money to fund its operating expenses and support its mission. So when you contribute to the General or Building Funds, 87% of your offering remains at Immanuel while the other 13% goes to the North/West Lower Michigan Synod of the ELCA.

The Designated Giving Fund receives all other giving including Advent and Lent offerings. There are special envelopes for Advent and Lent in each box of offering envelopes in addition to 52 Sunday envelopes. A week or two before Advent and Lent each year, a note is published in the bulletin to notify members of where Church Council has decided to forward offerings made in the Advent and Lent envelopes. You will also find in your box of offering envelopes several green envelopes marked “Designated Offering.” These, or just a plain white envelope noting your name and/or envelope number, can be used at any time to make any other “Designated Offering” you choose. Whether you use a green offering envelope or plain white envelope, please be sure to hand write on the envelope where you want your contribution to go. Contributions to Principal Reduction, the Good Samaritan Fund, Youth and similar programs can be made at any time in this manner.

Two things distinguish Designated Giving from giving to the Building and General Funds: 1) Designated giving (including offerings made in the Advent and Lent envelopes) does not pay any of the operating expenses of the church; and, 2) Benevolence is not applied to Designated Giving. One hundred percent of the amount on your check is forwarded to the account you (or Church Council in the case of Advent and Lent offerings) designate.

Hopefully, this article has cleared up any questions you may have had about contributing at Immanuel. If not, please feel free to talk with any member of the Stewardship Committee (Holly Plunkett, Richard Wellman, Gregg Vicary, Carl Malkewitz, Jim Teahan or Melissa Goschka), or email us at stewardship@immanuel-gl.org. We would be happy to hear from you!

CELEBRATIONS:
MAY BIRTHDAYS

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

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