FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
A DEEPER HOPE

The killings at Virginia Tech have just happened. At the meeting of our Resource Teams we asked, “What is our hope for our ministry?” Our hope as God’s people comes from a whole different place than the hope the world offers us.

Our leaders said we hope for our people to believe in themselves because God has made them and given them gifts to share; we hope that we can know each other and so not be alone and isolated; that we listen to each other with same love and acceptance that each of us needs. What deep hopes! They are so much more spiritual than that we be the biggest this or best at that or …

We realize that we cannot prevent evil from happening. In a former decade, it was assassinations (JFK, MLK, Jr., RFK) and war. In this time, evil comes in terrorism (Columbine, 9/11, Va. Tech) and war. We declare that God has defeated evil by taking the horror, pain, sin and death to his body and through it rising up again. We rise up again. We will build holy lives of faith in God and self.

We will not retreat from the world. We will help the world be as safe and free, as just and peaceful as it can be. We will build good and resist evil

But we will find hope, not in our circumstances, but in the promise of God.

“I am confident of this: that God who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6)

This is a deeper hope for it comes from God deep inside our faith. We will build holy lives of faith in God and self. We will plant seeds one heart at a time in love.

AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

NEW MEMBERS

We welcomed new members at the Easter Vigil and the Festival of Eucharist:

Baptized were:

Abby Horrocks and her children: Emily Horrocks and Eason Stevens;

Abby is a surgical technician.

Olivia Root, daughter of Ben and Jennifer (Stevens) Root     

Confirmed was:

Brandon Stevens (who is also father to Eason)

Brad drives for CATA

Welcomed by Confession of Faith and Transfer from other Lutheran Churches were:

Jerry Marcus – a retired carpenter

Bettie Williams – GLHS Math teacher

Kathryn Conrad – retired and working to start a day camp at her farm

Greg and Carrie Hickok, Jake (confirmed 2 years ago at Immanuel) and  Zack

The family owns and operates Hickok Trucking on Grand River. Jake is at GLHS. Zack is home schooled.

Brad and Hollie Rusthoven, Elsa and Reid (who will be baptized in May)

Brad is in marketing for a Lowell Marine Products firm. Hollie who has worked in insurance is currently being a homemaker and mom and doing some personal consulting.

DEATH

Ruth Kastilahn

Ruth came to Immanuel about 7 years ago. She moved to Independence Village from Florida after the death of her husband. Among us, Ruth encouraged others at Independence Village to attend services, Bible Study and prayer and to believe in the Lord Jesus. She was an Immanuel Visitor and a Healing Prayer Minister. She was always trying to get us to sing the famous version of the Lord’s Prayer. She enjoyed watching the 700 Club. Ruth was a faithful servant and witness to her Lord Jesus. Services for Ruth were on April 21^st. She is buried with her husband in the Immanuel Memorial Garden.

PRAYER CONCERNS

Members needing prayer include: Doug Scoggins, Sandra Bair, Diane Osburn, Ethan Teeple, Joyce Wesley, Mary Twitchell, Arlene Zuker, Sharon Cross, Ruth Hildenbrand, Joan Nolff, Todd Bair, Jessica Bair, Liz Mandrick, Mike Wilkinson, Steve Yonker, Brigetta Wallerstad, Joe Enright, Alice Erickson, Jack Anderson, and Jean Anderson

They desire your prayers and remembrances in life’s current circumstances.

CONFIRMATION

Confirmations for our youth will be on May 6^th. Please pray for the following as they take this step of faith:  Maggie Clarke, Lisa Bower, Adam Fracker, Joe Espie, Dan Edwards, Don Willems, and Jason Morrall.

A table will be set-up in the Fellowship Hall to receive your cards of support and encouragement of them.

NEWS AND EVENTS:

Luther League II (senior group)
Monday, May 14, 2007

Do you know what used to be housed in the Ledgecraft Lanes’ building? Come, learn the answer, and the building history and much more from Marilyn Smith.  Meet at the side entrance on Bridge Street of Ledgecraft Lane in Grand Ledge across from the Opera House at 11 o’clock in the morning on May 14. Lunch at a local restaurant will follow. Place to be announced. Call George/Annette Ryan, 627-9511 or Lee/Sandra Bair, 627-4272 for more details.

INTERNET SAFETY FOR YOUTH
(Note: Parents and HS youth)

Area pastors, teaming with the superintendent, are offering a session on internet safety.

• Led by: Member of St. John Episcopal Church, Charlotte & Employee of State of Michigan

• Topics: Internet Safety for Parents; LOL (internet jargon/codes); Predators; Scams; IM, You-Tube, MySpace and other social networks; Cyber-bullying.

• Details: May 3^rd Thursday - 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. Grand Ledge Baptist Church (on Willow Hwy east of M-100)

Again all parents plus HS youth (no middle school or younger) are invited to attend. This is about openly communicating and working toward safety. It is with the support of the GL Public Schools. For more info call Pr. Rick.

IMMANUEL’S ANNUAL LUGNUT OUTING

Mark your calendars for Friday, July 20, 2007 for Immanuel’s next Lansing Lugnut outing.  Tickets are $8 a seat and can be reserved by calling Orv Erickson at 517-645-2865 or emailing him at oerickson@sbcglobal.net.  Tickets must be ordered and paid for by June 3. Go Nuts!!

LAY MISSIONARY COMMISSIONING

Bob Buckley has finished three years of training retreats and has graduated from LMTP (Lay Missionary Training Program). He will be commissioned on May 27 (Memorial Weekend) here at Immanuel. Everyone is invited.  We are planning a Potluck luncheon after the 9:30 service to congratulate him. We will provide table service, the meat, a cake and drinks. You can bring a dish to share. If you plan on attending please call Ruth at 517.649.2314 before May 20, so we can plan on enough for everyone. Thanks, see you there.

BIRTHDAY HONOREE
Eileen LaCombe

Eileen will be celebrating her 98^th birthday on June 1. If you would like to send her a card - 216 E. Lincoln, Grand Ledge 48837, or on Sunday, June 10, Hope Circle will be honoring Eileen at coffee hour following the service. Come and share our Christian love with her.

MAY HOLY DAYS
for home and personal devotions

May 1: St. Philip and James, Apostles

            1^st: Isaiah 30:18-21

            Psalm 44:1-3, 20-26

            2^nd: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

            Gospel: John 14:8-14

Almighty God, you gave to your apostles Philip and James grace and strength to bear witness to your Son. Grant that we, remembering the victory of faith, may glorify in life and death, the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

May 14: Matthias, Apostle

            1^st: Isaiah 66:1-2

            Psalm 56

            Acts 1:15-26

            Luke 6:12-16

Almighty God, you chose your faithful servant, Matthias, to be numbered among the twelve. Grant that your Church may always be taught

May 17: ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

            1^st: Acts 1:1-11

            Psalm 47

            2^nd: Ephesians 1:15-23

            Gospel: Luke 24:44-53

Almighty God, your only Son was taken into the heavens and there intercedes for us. Receive us and our prayers for all the world and in the end bring everything into your glory, through Jesus Christ our Sovereign and Lord, who lives and reigns with you, one God, now and forever.

May 31: Visit of Mary to Elizabeth

            1^st: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

            Psalm 113

            2^nd: Romans 12:9-16b

            Gospel: Luke 1:39-57

Mighty God, by whose grace Elizabeth rejoiced with Mary and greeted her as the mother of our Lord, look with favor upon your lowly servants, that, with Mary, we may magnify your holy name and rejoice to acclaim her Son as our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

SPECIAL SERVICES IN MAY

May 6th: 5 Easter/Confirmations @ 10:30 Service

May 13^th: 6 Easter/Mother’s Day

May 20^th: Opening Eucharist of the Synod Assembly @ 7 p.m.
At the Holiday Inn Convention Center  (South Cedar below I-96).  All are welcome. Last Assembly presided over by Bishop Gary Hansen.  Please pray for our Voting Members: Carl Ballard, Kira Ayoub, and Prs. Rick and Paul. Also, pray for Bob Buckley who is being recognized for completing Lay Missionary Training during the Assembly.

May 27^th: Pentecost/Memorial Day 9:30 Service
Commissioning of Lay Missionary: Bob Buckley

I’VE BEEN FOUND OUT

All winter long I had been living in the Church. So quietly. So discreetly. I was trying not to disturb or scare anyone. I was enjoying all the room of the church. I built my house out of diapers, infant-size. I found that children's “nappies” make good building and bedding materials.

I really enjoyed my winter. You do keep the building a bit cool during the week. However, the diapers made a warm bed for me. And every Wednesday, I enjoyed the heavenly bells at practice. And every Thursday, I enjoyed the heavenly choir voices at practice. And every Sunday I enjoyed the morning worship.

Then…oh, this is so hard to tell...then they began to build a new library. Carol W. was cleaning out the old cupboards and…and, I was found out. Gone. My home is gone! Is there no hope, no welcome for a poor, humble church mouse?

On they went - Todd, John, Scott, Julia, David, April, others - moving cupboards, expanding the bathroom, painting the walls, new carpeting, new tile, new book shelves. You really should see the work they have done! Even though my unobtrusive abode is obliterated, the room really is lovely. There is also an organized storage area, and the Cry Room is restored. These are now clean, usable spaces. The members of Immanuel can be proud of them. And they would do well to say thanks to all the busy hands.

And me? Please, don’t worry. I haven’t taken any offense at my illegal eviction. I have found a new, anonymous place. I think I will be sticking around. I am a church mouse, after all. And this is my church home.

A. Nony Mouse

OUR BENEVOLENCES SO FAR

Benevolences are our financial giving to the service and evangelization of people in our community and world. Here’s a report to rejoice over!  To the Synod and ELCA during 2006, we gave $35,532.37. “Thank you for your faithfulness in the support of  God’s mission to the world.” (from Bp. Hansen) Through the end of March 2007, we have given $8,265.57.

Other service giving - over and above our Sunday offerings through the end of March:

Kid’s Hope USA: $775

ELCA World Hunger: $50

GL Food Bank: $853.50 (Soup Supper)

Pastor’s Discretionary Fund: $89

Lent: $1,624  (Stony Lake Camp, Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, Good Samaritan Fund)

     All totaled: $3,391

Plus…Though not benevolence, we have also given to our youth for trips to Middle School Camp and LYO Mission Trip: $2,699.89

In a difficult economy, we have not let fear of the future dominate our expressions of faith. Way to go, people of Immanuel. Way to go!  PTL.

SABBATICAL UPDATE

A Sabbatical raises the bar on the quality of the ministry that gets done at a congregation.

Why does Pastor Rick need to go on a Sabbatical?

	The idea of a Sabbatical is as old as the Bible. After God freed the Israelites from Egypt, they worshipped God with a weekly day of Sabbath, rest and refreshing themselves.
	Pastor Rick will use this extended time for his renewal, personal and professional enrichment.

What will Pastor Rick be doing?

	He will travel to various locations
	He will be volunteering for various assignments
	He will accomplish extensive reading for study and research
	He will have time for rest, relaxation and recreation
	He will have the opportunity to visit family

How will we, the congregation, learn what Pastor Rick did on his Sabbatical?

Pastor Rick agreed that he would submit a report after he returns.

Will we, the congregation, have a special service send-off and a welcome home service?

	There is a special Send-off service planned for Sunday, June 3rd.
	There also will be a special Welcome Home service upon his return, September 2nd.

Additional Notes:

	A small booklet is being prepared, to be given to members, providing a synopsis of the information about the Sabbatical.
	There will continue to be the Weekender Holy Communion each Thursday at 7:00 PM, led by Pr. Paul Pretzlaff and Carl Ballard, S.A.M.
	Each Sunday, different pastors will bring a sermon from a different perspective. This will provide new ideas and fresh challenges to our faith.

KIDS HOPE USA CORNER

There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.
Mother Teresa

Kids Hope mentors and prayer partners provide that love and caring for their young charges.  Mentors continue to report that students are happy and performing better in school since our beginning in January.  I’ve heard many wonderful comments from the Greenwood staff about positive changes in the students.   It really is that one-to-one relationship that can make such a difference in a child’s life.

Now it’s that time in the school year when students think about summer vacation.  That will mean a break in the weekly mentoring schedule, too.  To give the children a great send-off for the summer we are planning a celebration on June 5 in the Parish Hall from 6 to 7 p.m.  We plan to have food, activities, and games for the mentors, students, prayer partners, families, and school staff.  If you would like to help in any way – preparing treats, serving, leading activities – please let me know by May 20.  You can reach me through the church website or by phone at 543-8661.

May God bless you,

Car Wash Fundraiser

Saturday, May 19 9:00-1:00 - Church parking lot.  Free will offering.  Funds raised will support youth attending mission trip in North Dakota this June.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

	Immanuel Vacation Bible School Monday, July 30  ~  Friday, August 3, 2007 9:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 noon Volunteer and Registration forms available in the entryway or register online at www.immamuel-gl.org
Needed for VBS: small baby food jars, small sea shells and sand dollars. Please contact the church office if you have materials to donate.

Opportunities to Serve:

ISLAND ART FAIR DISPLAY AND HOSPITALITY DAY

This years Island Art Fair will be held Saturday, August 4.  This is a great opportunity for an exhibit showcasing the artistic gifts and talents of the Immanuel Community.

Our church parking lot has been used for several years as a shuttle lot to the art fair.  Why not open up our church and display some of the many artistic gifts and talents of the Immanuel Community and greet our visitors with some Immanuel hospitality.

In order to put the day together we are going to need a variety of spiritual gifts.  Gifts that we know Immanuel members have to share with the community.

We need people with the gift of organization to help with planning and bringing the actual event together including set up on Friday afternoon/evening.  We are also going to need help directing traffic to keep the traffic flowing well. We need people with the gift of hospitality to help for a couple of hours on Art Fair day greeting and assisting our visitors.

            We are going to need:

	Strong Bodies to help move tables and displays.
	Artists who would like to have their work displayed.
	Crafters who would like to display their crafts.
	Quilters who would like to display their beautiful quilts.
	Woodworkers who would like to display their works.
	Musicians who would like to play their music for periods of time through out the day.

If you are interested in displaying any of your artistic gifts and talents and using some of your spiritual gifts to assist with greeting, providing music or directing traffic contact Bob and Ruth Buckley (649-2314) or Den Graeber (627-3116).

SPRING Clean-up

Saturday, May 5 from 8 – 12. Come help clean up the church grounds.

GLOBAL MISSION EVENT 2007

“At the ELCA Global Mission Event, people of all ages from all over the world celebrate God’s mission and encourage and strengthen one another for global ministry.” This summer it will be at Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. July 19-22.

• You want your kids be to meet kids from other countries?
• You want to learn about culture and life in other places such as music, story telling, dance?
• You want to worship multi-culturally? Speaker: Immanculée Ilibagiza, survivor of Rwandan genocide
• You want to know what the ELCA is doing all over the world?
• You want to have your excitement and zeal for God pumped up?

There is no better place than a Global Mission Event. There are many things for everybody, including child care. It is like nothing you have ever experienced before!

Details are in a brochure on the circular board in the Narthex. Take it; look at it; make a copy; put it back. Or on line at www.elca.org/gme.

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S DESK:

Overview of the April Meeting

Bob & Ruth have been attending the Lay Missionary Training Program (LMTP) in the Synod for the past 3 years.  Bob has completed the program and is embarking on starting his lay mission.  His mission will be under Pr. Rick’s direction. Bob has already begun a reading program in the Grand Ledge Public Schools.  This is where Bob feels led by God to serve the community. 

MOTION approved as follows:

THE CHURCH COUNCIL SUPPORTS BOB BUCKLEY AS A LAY MISSIONARY IN THE NORTH/WEST LOWER MICHIGAN SYNOD OF THE ELCA AND AUTHORIZES HIM IN HIS MISSION TO BEGIN A READING PROGRAM IN THE GRAND LEDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The following were Received into membership to the congregation:

1)      BRANDON STEVENS BY CONFIRMATION OF FAITH

2)      GREG, CARRIE, AND ZACKARY HICKOK BY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

3)      GERALD MARCUS BY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

4)      BETTIE WILLIAMS BY TRANSFER FROM 1^ST CONGREGATIONAL UCC,       GRAND LEDGE

5)      KATHRYN CONRAD BY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

6)      BRAD, HOLLIE AND ELSA RUSTHOVEN BY TRANSFER FROM AN ELCA CONGREGATION IN MARYLAND

Budget Concerns

Discussion focused on giving being down in the 1^st quarter of 2007.  Jim Teahan presented first quarter giving statistics.  Notably, the number of givers and the average contribution were both down, perhaps signifying deeper issues that eventually will require more ministry involvement. Support Team will keep the giving issue in focus.

FULL COUNCIL MINUTES CAN BE LOCATED ON THE IMMANUEL WEB PAGE OR ON THE CEDENZA LOCATED IN THE CHURCH ENTRYWAY ONCE THEY

NOTES:

I would like to thank all (both individuals  and groups) who sent me get well cards and showed support during my recent surgery and illness.  They were greatly appreciated and much needed.  Thank you again.

Carl L. Malkewitz

It is not rational to thank someone for being themselves.  But I feel overwhelmingly compelled to do so.  For my sister and bother-in-law, for my wife and myself  thank you so much for welcoming our mother, Ruth Kastilahn into your community, into your worship, and into your hearts.  Thank you for letting her care for you, as you in turn cared so much for her. Thank you for sharing with her your sorrows and joys, indeed your life together these past six years at Immanuel. Thank you and thank the Lord for such a blessing.

Bill Kastilahn,
son of Ruth Katilalhn

A big thank you to Denise Lund and Donna Gibbons for a great Christian fellowship retreat in DeWitt ‘Chocolate Boutique’.

Love & Hugs,
Bev Becker

Thank you to Carol Weigel for a fun inspiring luau.  And to the gentlemen for performing a unique hula. They say every movement in a hula has specific meaning, this was very meaningful.

The women of Immanuel

A great big ‘Thank you’ for all your prayers and cards during my recent surgery.

God Bless,
Ruth Hildenbrand

CELEBRATIONS:
MAY BIRTHDAYS

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

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