FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
ASCENDED AND REALLY PRESENT: May 25^th

One of the teachings of the Church’s Creeds says, “he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” As a part of the 2^nd article (the teachings about Jesus) it tells us about something that happened to him -- something that he did.  Among those things Jesus did are:

1. After Easter Jesus was with the disciples for 40 days, then he left; (Acts 1:3)

2. He went to heaven, according to him; (John 20:17)

3. Heaven was “up” according to the apostles (though Luke reported a cloud came around him); (Acts 1:9).  Today “up” means something different because we understand we are “out there” in the midst of the heavens, rather than “down here” on earth.

4. He is at God’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3).  This is not a location. It is a position of authority. It means Jesus is over all God’s work on earth. (Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 15:25)

5. He said this was a good thing for all concerned (John 16:7) because

a.      the Holy Spirit would come to all disciples;
b.      the gospel would spread and people believe;
c.      people’s sins would be forgiven;
d.      he would prepare a room for us;
e.      he would come again.

The Bible has more stuff connected with Jesus in heaven.

We Lutherans believe that one of the good things is that from heaven Jesus is “really present” to us. His presence is different than God’s. God is everywhere at the same time. Jesus is in specific places in his body. We believe that Jesus is really present in and through his Word. So when God’s Word is used, studied, proclaimed, and celebrated there the body of Christ is seen and there Jesus reigns as Lord. So “wherever two or three are together in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20) – that’s believers together in the Word and Sacraments.

The Holy Day is Ascension. We will celebrate it jointly with Trinity Episcopal Church on the night before Ascension. So gather at Trinity Church (next to the GL Library) at 7 p.m. to mark this promotion of “Jesus” to King and Lord.” 

AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

Joining our congregation at Easter were:

Sean & Carrie Goldie and Dale
1103 Ledge Ln.
Grand Ledge, 48837
627-1013
Sean was confirmed; Carrie re-affirmed her faith and Dale was baptized. Sean handles the computer systems for a Delta Township trucking firm. Carrie is currently a homemaker watching over Dale. At church, she has begun training to be a Healing Care Minister (her spiritual gift). Dale is 1 yr. old.

Kevin Miilu
7725 Heritage Dr. Apt 1
Lansing 48917
Kevin confessed his faith and was baptized. He is a junior at GLHS and works at Independence Village. He attends the High School class at church

Chris Hengesbach-Davis and Josh and Chelsea
512 Schoolcraft
Grand Ledge 48837
622-0655
Chris re-affirmed her faith. She works as a trainer for Consumer’s Energy. Josh is in 5^th grade at Holbrook. He took 1^st Communion at the Vigil. Chelsea, who was baptized, is in 3^rd grade. Chris will be helping with Visitor’s Evangelism (a new ministry to follow-up on visitors to our church) and with Special Greeters at Immanuel.

Scott & Julia Hoonstra
7855 Oneida Rd.
Grand Ledge MI 48837
Scott and Julia both re-affirmed their faith. Scott is an officer with Lansing Township. Julia works as a Production Supervisor for John Henry Company.

Eric & Beth Hart and Brooke
1504 Settlers Hill Dr
Lansing MI 48917
327-3277
The Hart family transferred from Wood of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, MN.

Emma Marie Shilton, daughter of Bob & Dawn (Mielke) was baptized into Christ. Her Sponsors are Matthew and Jessica Aman.

Amanda Lynn Hankins and Angelia Lynn Marsh
377 Third St.
Sunfield, MI 48890
566-8672
daughters of April (Weigel) and Todd Marsh, were baptized into Christ. Their Christian sponsors are George and Annette Ryan.

We celebrated new life in Christ and their joining the ministry at Immanuel Please greet and welcome these new members. They are God’s gift to us in this Easter season.

NEWS AND EVENTS:

OUR TOWN

We hope you will join us for an enchanting afternoon of “Dessert and Drama” for a staged reading of Thorton Wilder’s “Our Town”, a play that celebrates the sanctity of life, on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. At each of the two intermissions, the audience will step back in time as they sip lemonade and sample desserts from the early 1900’s. Set in the early twentieth century, Grover’s Corner is anyplace and all places, anytime and all times. Come and drink in the beauty of this informal, intimate, and compelling human drama produced by the Drama Ministry Team.  A free will offering will be given to the youth for the National Gathering in July.

RELAY FOR LIFE

Starts on Friday, May 19 at 4:00 pm
Ends Saturday, May 20 at 4:00 pm
Beagle Middle School

Relay for Life is a fun-filled overnight event to celebrate survivorship and raise funds for cancer research and programs.  During the event, teams of people gather and take turns walking laps.  Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.  Immanuel is teaming up with other area churches to form a team.  If you are interested in walking or supporting a walker please contact Annette Ryan, 627-9511 or the church office, 627-6310.

HEY, LUGNUTS FANS

Mark your calendar for Immanuel's annual trip to the park on Friday, July 21, 2006.  It's a 7:05 PM game with fireworks after the game.  Call Orv Erickson at 517-645-2865 and let him know how many tickets you would like.  Tickets are $8.00 each and the money needs to be turned into Orv by June 4, 2006.  It's a great time for the whole family, so come on out and join us. 

FAITH TRAINING FOR ADULTS

Adult Sunday School is held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m.  Current classes are: 1) “Gospel-Centered Spiritually” led by Pr. Paul in Small Group format; and, 2) Philippians: Epistle of Joy – a Bible study, led by Pr. Rick.

Summer Worship Schedule

We will be on our summer worship schedule from Sunday, May 28 through Sunday, September 3.  We will hold a single Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. and a midweek  Worship on Thursdays at 7:00 pm Starting May 25.

PRAYERS ON THE MOVE (P.O.M.)

Join the walkers and pray-ers to celebrate Spring’s arrival.  A new small group ministry is being started on the Island to encourage exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.  All ages are invited;  babies in strollers, children, elderly, post-surgery, stay-at-home moms, retirees, workers, overweight, underweight, and just plain health nuts, but most importantly pray-ers.  Bring with you: 1) last Sunday's bulletin (to meditate on the prayers as we walk); 2) a bottle of water or fluids; 3) good walking shoes; and, 4) sunscreen and hat.  Come for your half hour walk and stay and chat with others who have completed their walk.  If you cannot walk just come and meditate on the prayers and chat.  POM is held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. &  6:00 to 7:00 p.m. every day (except Sunday).  We meet at the Grand Ledge Island Park (downtown).

LUTHER LEAGUE II
(senior-citizen group)

On Monday, May 8, 2006 we will head to Zehnder's of Frankenmuth for a noon lunch.  We will meet at the church at 9:30 and carpool.  Let us know by May 5th: 1) If you are coming; and, 2) If you want the family-style chicken dinner or will order form the menu.  Call George/Annette Ryan or Lee/Sandra Bair.

LENTEN OFFERINGS TOTAL $1759

This Lent we split our offerings between 2 projects. 1) “To Whom Shall We Go,” the Bishop’s project to raise an endowment fund for Seminarians, Mission Congregations, a Mission Center. 2) SIREN/Eaton Shelter Project, the only program in our county for abused and homeless families. They use special gifts to help families with personal needs: toiletries, make-up, toys, etc.

May God bless our “alms” given in Lent.

TEDDY BEARS IN THE PEWS

Teddy Bears in the pews is a new ministry at Immanuel.  If you haven’t brought in a bear yet, you can do it at any time and put it in the Bear Box in the entryway.  Each bear will get a tag telling of its ministry, then these Teddy Bears are for you to take as you feel led to give to anyone who you think needs to know they are blessed and loved.  We ask that, if you take a Bear, you either replace it with another new Bear or you leave $10, so I can replace the Bear.   It’s OK, if children want to love the Bear during the service, but please don’t take it home unless you are giving it to someone.

Annette Ryan,
coordinator

HEALTH MINISTRY NEWS

The topic this month will be on heart health.  I’m sure most of you are aware that Bill had unexpected open heart quad bypass surgery in March.  There have been a lot of changes in our house since this occurred.  Many people, including doctors and nurses were surprised that Bill was in this situation because he was fairly active (golfed and walked), not overweight, did not smoke and did not have high blood pressure.  His cholesterol was around 230.  The biggest factor for Bill was family genetics.  Here is my advice to all of you.

		Know your family history.
		See your family doctor regularly.
		Don’t smoke.
		Eat a healthy diet.
		Be physically active.
		Maintain a healthy weight.
		Control high blood pressure.
		Control diabetes (if you have it).
		Keep your LDL (bad cholesterol) below 160 or lower if you have risk factors.
		Your HDL (good cholesterol) should be above 35 – the higher the better.

Know the warning signs of a heart attack.

		Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest that last more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
		Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
		Shortness of breath along with, or before, chest discomfort.
		Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Call 9-1-1!  It’s the fastest way to get life-saving treatment.

Health Ministry Team

Fit For Jesus

A Weight-Awareness support group meets every Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the 501 building.  Call Pr. Paul Pretzlaff (646-9354 ) for more details. 

SYNOD ASSEMBLY DELEGATES

Attending the Assembly of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod in Lansing May 21-23 will be Daniel Landry and Carol Weigel, along with Pastor Rick. They will be voting in elections, on resolutions and the budget for 2007. They will hear reports from the National Church and the committees and programs of our Synod. They will learn in workshops and at displays and enjoy the food of Holiday Inn South. We thank them for participating in the work of the Church.  George and Annette Ryan, Carl and Carolyn Malkewitz and Denise Proper will be tellers for the Assembly. Thanks to all for your help.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Immanuel's VBS will be held Monday, July 31  through  Friday, August 4, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.  Volunteer and Registration forms are available in the entryway and online.                          

Opportunities to Serve:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

April showers bring May flowers . . . . that means more rain on our roof, which we still need to repair.  We need somebody to help with fundraising efforts.  Russ Riggs has graciously agreed to coordinate this project, but we need someone to oversee fundraising efforts.  Do you have any ideas on projects we can undertake to help raise the money?  Are you interested in helping with this project?  If so, please contact Russ at 627-9635).  Thanks for your contribution to this project.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS PLANNING

We’re trying to get an early start on the Advent & Christmas seasons this year.  Would you be interested in helping plan for our church’s celebrations? We are looking for individuals with a variety of gifts, which could be used:

• To visualize decorations and banners for these seasons
• Select hymns and ideas for effective worship services
• Consider educational alternatives to overly commercialized Christmas.

Pastor Rick will have his sermon themes available so that you can create ideas around them.  Various materials will be provided to work from, as well as any you may have.

This is a great opportunity to help with a project and not have to be on a committee.  If this appeals to you, please contact Pastor Rick or any member of the Worship Committee (Lisa Baptista – 230-6769; Jim & Carol Espie – 626-6775; Bill & Barb Paulins – 645-2914).  Thanks.

YOUTH NEWS:

YOUTH TO SAN ANTONIO

The Hand Bell and Vocal Choirs held a Lenten Concert called “Cross Purposes.”   Proceeds from the concert came to over $978. Thrivent Financial gave matching funds of $800.  Thank you for your support.

Some of the youth also hired themselves out as “slaves” during Spring Break week. They washed windows and cleaned lawns among other jobs, earning themselves $360.

The group of 9 youth and 3 adults are nearing their goal to fund their trip to the National Youth Gathering, July 12-16 in San Antonio, TX. PTL! 

NOTES:

HEARTFELT THANKS

It’s been over a month now (March 13) since my open heart surgery (quadruple by-pass) and things continue to progress well.  Thank you so very much for all your prayers, support, and well wishes.

God’s Peace,
Bill Gibbons

…from Vic Porso, member of the Patriot Guard – “I attended the (funeral) service…for Cpl. Yates (held at the Baptist Church)…I wanted to thank your church for graciously allowing us to use your parking lot before the service.”

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S DESK:

Fingerprints of change

As a member of church council for the past two years, I have had the privilege to serve this church from the inception of the idea to change our current structure. I call this a privilege as I feel that God was “tapping me on the shoulder” and asked me to serve for the betterment of his community. I think we all get a little “tap” from time to time and for some reason this one could not be ignored. By serving I am able to put my fingerprint on the work of the church, not only at Immanuel but the whole body of the church.

The Apostle Paul describes the church as the body of Christ. Each member has a unique role to play and is gifted by God to do it. We are all interconnected in the relationship with Christ, and it is our responsibility as Christians to utilize these gifts.

Some have questioned what the new structure will mean to them? And others have questioned the need for the change.

We as a council and staff believe that within the proposed structure all members will have an opportunity to both find and utilize these gifts that God has given us for his ministry.

Several years ago we as a congregation pulled together a vision for Immanuel that within it “invites participation through sharing our spiritual gifts to the glory of God.”  Through this structure change, it is our goal to create a community that allows individuals and well as groups  the insight and the resources to both utilize and share their gifts that God has given them, while giving them the ability to create or participate in the ministry and put their fingerprints on the ministry. In doing this we can then concentrate on the strengths of the individuals and groups within the congregation and are able to share our gifts with both the congregation and the community.

In the coming months we as council will be putting forth to the congregation for approval the new structure with Bylaws, and will look to the congregation as a whole for input and ideas for new ministries. It is from these inputs and ideas that we as a congregation will have the opportunity to put our collective fingerprint on the Immanuel vision.

Council member have written a few pieces in the last two months' newsletters in an effort to help inform you of the proposed changes, and we are always ready to discuss this at anytime. Council will be hosting a coffee hour on May 7^th and will be available to both listen and discuss ideas and questions.

Gods Peace,

CELEBRATIONS:
MAY BIRTHDAYS

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

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