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NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2012
NEW UP-TO-DATE WEBSITE
Immanuel has reconstructed her website in a manner that makes it easier to keep it current. The sermons will be posted both in document and audio format every Sunday after service. The calendar is kept up to date on a daily basis, which makes it the most reliable place to check for the most current church events. The newsletter article is also posted every month. Be sure to check out our listing of church educational and activity options as well under the “Get Involved” tab.
The website also is configured to accommodate smartphones and web browsing from other such mobile devices. And we have a QR Code. What is a "QR Code"? These small black and white squares seem to be everywhere among us. QR (for Quick Response) is a more powerful bar code than the traditional barcode. It can be read by mobile phones (smartphones) equipped with scanner applications of QR codes. It is used mainly to display website addresses (URLs) in ads and promotional material. The QR code below will take you to the ABC District website.
Immanuel has reconstructed her website in a manner that makes it easier to keep it current. The sermons will be posted both in document and audio format every Sunday after service. The calendar is kept up to date on a daily basis, which makes it the most reliable place to check for the most current church events. The newsletter article is also posted every month. Be sure to check out our listing of church educational and activity options as well under the “Get Involved” tab.
The website also is configured to accommodate smartphones and web browsing from other such mobile devices. And we have a QR Code. What is a "QR Code"? These small black and white squares seem to be everywhere among us. QR (for Quick Response) is a more powerful bar code than the traditional barcode. It can be read by mobile phones (smartphones) equipped with scanner applications of QR codes. It is used mainly to display website addresses (URLs) in ads and promotional material. The QR code below will take you to the ABC District website.
Pastor's Article - "ATHLETES OF FAITH"
I recently got a membership at Gold’s Gym, and I bring it up for two reasons. First, I thought I’d better clear up why people have been mistaking me for Arnold Schwarzenegger. And second, Immanuel Lutheran is about to release her Annual Report. And, “working out”, believe it or not, provides a good illustration for a year-end audit of Church ministry.
You see, there are two types of workouts. There are workouts that involve outward movement, and workouts that don’t. A workout that involves no outward movement is called isometric. With isometric movement, your workout is simply tension. There is no measurable movement at all just tension and duration. It’s all flex and no flux. It’s all waiting and no going. Pushing hard against a solid wall is a good example of isometric exercise.
Seems pointless doesn’t it? You’re feeling pain and exhaustion and that darn wall hasn’t moved an inch; while the guy next to you with a barrel chest just lifted 350lbs! If you run a mile or if you lift a weight like when you bench press or do push-ups...you’ve gone somewhere and accomplished something...a number of steps or reps or pounds that you can count. But in isometric exercise, there is no measurable outward movement, only waiting with tension for as long as you can hold it.
This year has been a year of isometric ministry. We haven’t seen much outward movement. We have continued with Word and Sacrament for another year; and even though God has worked in the lives of his people because of it, we have seen very little of what we would call “measurable growth.” We haven’t seen much in the way of increased membership and new programs. Other churches might look like they’ve been going to the gym because they’ve been lifting weights all year, while we’ve just been pushing against a wall keeping our ministry at an “equal measure” which happens to be what the word “isometric” means.
Sometimes it is God’s pleasure to keep his ministry at equal measure. Does that sound discouraging? Well that’s the Law accusing us of failure; but here’s the Good News. Bruce Lee, martial arts legend, was into isometric exercise. He made it a big part of his workout routine...and that says something. Bruce Lee was, pound for pound the fastest and quickest athlete the world has ever seen, and he thought it was important sometimes to push against things that don’t move. Bruce Lee wasn’t a bodybuilder, growing his muscles to grotesque proportions for the oohs and the aahs. He was an athlete, small in size but huge in ways unseen. When he would exercise, he wanted to make sure that he grew not just in size, but in endurance. He wanted his muscles not just to be big, but solid. And when he faced off, he could handle opponents thrice his size and strength. According to Isaiah the prophet (chapter 53), our Saviour himself was small in appearance; but it didn’t matter because He was big in faithfulness.
The Christian life can be isometric. Sometimes God asks us to simply keep the tension. Sometimes God has us remain in “equal measure” while we wait on Him to work his grace in ways unseen. To be able to wait on the Lord, even through tension and stress, is the very definition of faith. And if you think about it, faithful and intense waiting is the whole focus of the Lenten season. Sure it can seem like we’re just spinning our wheels at times and wasting gas, but isn’t that what a workout is...spinning your wheels? It’s not good for a car to spin its wheels, but it is essential for an athlete. An athlete when he’s not in competition is “spinning his wheels” exercising. He does it not to waste energy, but to stay healthy and to build endurance and to make sure that when the rubber finally does meet the road and there’s someplace to go, he’ll have the endurance to get there.
Ultimately, if God wants growth He’ll give it...and if He wants things to stay the same...He’ll make sure they do. Our job is to continue in His true Ministry of Word and Sacrament for the life of the world, and that’s what makes us athletes of faith. We continue regardless of whether our ministry remains of equal measure or pushes up to massive growth. We plant, and we water, but only God can give growth where and when he pleases. For He is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
In His strength not mine,
Pastor
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Jesus said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10: 14-15
In January the collection of mitts and toques for Streets Alive was completed on Sunday, January 15. They were delivered to Streets Alive on Thursday, January 19th. One of the staff, at Streets Alive, took the box and said “Thank-you!!” I would also like to say “Thank-you!” for your generous donations to Streets Alive.
On Sunday, February 19th, the Sunday School children will contribute to the service in some way. This will be “Family Weekend”.
“Love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
LITTLE LAMBS CHRISTIAN PRE-SCHOOL
Little Lambs Christian Preschool will be holding an OPEN HOUSE for families interested in registering for the fall of 2012. The OPEN HOUSE will be on Monday February 13th, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Registration forms are available on the Little Lambs website: www.littlelambspreschool.ca or at the church office. If you have any questions about Little Lambs Christian Preschool, please call 403-892-6627 or email preschool@littlelambspreschool.ca
COUPLES NIGHT OUT!
On February 10th at 7:00 p.m. at Tyler and Michelle Rodger’s, we will be having another Couples’ Games Night. Their address is 901 Red Crow Blvd W. ALL Married Couples are welcome!!! The more the merrier. Also, please bring a light snack to share and your favorite game. This is an evening out for you to come and have lots of laughs and fun. If you have any questions please contact myself, Candice @ 403-317-0258. Thank you and Hope to see you there.
Candice Miller
"FUN RAZOR" LUNCHEON
In conjunction with Phase II of the Nicaraguan Mission Project that Walter Egli has talked about several times to the congregation and also on the bulletin, we are going to have a Chili Luncheon to celebrate that we are part of the Family of God through Jesus Christ and we desire that the people of Nicaragua would know the love of Christ. First, 11 people from our church built a small school for one of the local villages
and now we are in the midst of a fundraiser to buy 10,000 small books that share the Gospel of Christ in a cartoon style that is mostly visual and the words are in Spanish. It requires that we raise $10,500 to accomplish this project. At the present time $5000 has been sent so the books can be shipped from India to arrive in Montreal during the month of March. At that time the last $5500 will be required to secure the books so they can be sent to the missions where the local church leadership will determine who can read enough to understand what the books are saying about Jesus Christ and His saving love for them.
On February 26, we will have the potluck Chili Luncheon to culminate the Nicaraguan fundraiser. At the same time, if the FULL $10,500 has been raised Pastor Nathan has agreed to have his hair cut by a local hair stylist, hence the name "Fun Razor." There will be a poster in the narthex for you to sign up what you want to bring for the luncheon; chili, buns, dessert, etc. We also will need people to set up for the luncheon and to clean up after the lunch. Thank you in advance for volunteering for this event. If you need further information, please call Walter or Linda Egli at 403-381-4351.
Sincerely,
Linda Egli
OFFICE PHOTO COPIER
"As some of you may or may not know Irm and Pastor Nathan have been dealing with constant and repeated breaking down of the office photocopier. The Board of Property has been searching for and has found a suitable photocopier for the church office. To purchase the photocopier and save on additional costs with leasing we face a shortfall of $1,531.08 in the dedicated new equipment fund. With donations from the church members we will be able to provide this much-needed equipment to the staff at Immanuel to support it's ministries."
“SERVING THE LORD”
Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. We have several opportunities available. We are presently recruiting the following volunteers: Lectors (either 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. service); Greeter coordinator (someone to spend about 15-20 minutes per week on the phone booking greeters); a coordinator as well as presenters for our baptismal candle presentations (about 10 minutes of your time whenever there is a baptism); power point operators - especially for the 9:00 a.m. service. If you look at the time commitment involved, it’s really not that much to ask for. Please let Pastor Nathan or Irm Kuhn know if you are willing. Thank you.
JOB POSTING
Below is the Job Posting that has been included in the Canadian Lutheran and ABC Connect publications for the last few months. It has been included here for the benefit of anyone who may have been unaware of the previous listings.
Job Posting:
Parish Coordinator, auxiliary to the Pastor
• Full Time position
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lethbridge, is seeking an individual to assist with achieving the future needs of our congregation. We are looking for someone with the following competencies:
• Ability to establish positive working relationships
• Excellent interpersonal communication – “People oriented”
• Self-disciplined and self-motivated
• Knowledge and proficiency with technology
• Ability to coordinate church activities and other duties agreed upon, including volunteers
• Attend council meetings and provide reports
• Ability to contribute to a positive church culture
• Knowledge of Lutheran Doctrine and practicing Lutheran
Send resumes, including references, to the attention of Pastor Nathan Fuehrer, Immanuel Lutheran Church - 20 Rocky Mountain Blvd West, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 8E1 Canada or e-mail them to ilchurch@immanuellutheran.ca. Applications will be accepted until midnight February 29, 2012. Only candidates interviewed will be contacted.
LENTEN SERVICES
We will be having an Ash Wednesday worship service with the Rite for the Imposition of Ashes on February 22 at 6:30pm. As of now, it is not certain we will be having regular mid-week Lenten services this year. Check the upcoming bulletins, after-church announcements and the website (www.immanuellutheran.ca) for the latest information.
Immanuel Lutheran Church Financial Statement: December 2011
MISSION OFFERINGS
A-BC District Mission Donations for Month $518.00
A-BC District Mission Donations to Date 2,991.00
CLWR Mission Donations for Month 500.00
CLWR Mission Donations to Date 6,788.00
BANK ACCOUNTS
Treasury Branch Cheq. Account Balance $45,350.79
Dedicated Accounts Balance 21,848.84
Church Extension Term Deposit 10,087.93
CURRENT MONTH
Budgeted Income 32,373.88
Actual Income 40,519.62
Budgeted Disbursements 32,373.88
Actual Disbursements 27,140.20
YEAR TO DATE
Budgeted Income 388,487.00
Actual Income 357,329.27
Budgeted Disbursements 388,487.00
Actual Disbursements 352,016.57
I recently got a membership at Gold’s Gym, and I bring it up for two reasons. First, I thought I’d better clear up why people have been mistaking me for Arnold Schwarzenegger. And second, Immanuel Lutheran is about to release her Annual Report. And, “working out”, believe it or not, provides a good illustration for a year-end audit of Church ministry.
You see, there are two types of workouts. There are workouts that involve outward movement, and workouts that don’t. A workout that involves no outward movement is called isometric. With isometric movement, your workout is simply tension. There is no measurable movement at all just tension and duration. It’s all flex and no flux. It’s all waiting and no going. Pushing hard against a solid wall is a good example of isometric exercise.
Seems pointless doesn’t it? You’re feeling pain and exhaustion and that darn wall hasn’t moved an inch; while the guy next to you with a barrel chest just lifted 350lbs! If you run a mile or if you lift a weight like when you bench press or do push-ups...you’ve gone somewhere and accomplished something...a number of steps or reps or pounds that you can count. But in isometric exercise, there is no measurable outward movement, only waiting with tension for as long as you can hold it.
This year has been a year of isometric ministry. We haven’t seen much outward movement. We have continued with Word and Sacrament for another year; and even though God has worked in the lives of his people because of it, we have seen very little of what we would call “measurable growth.” We haven’t seen much in the way of increased membership and new programs. Other churches might look like they’ve been going to the gym because they’ve been lifting weights all year, while we’ve just been pushing against a wall keeping our ministry at an “equal measure” which happens to be what the word “isometric” means.
Sometimes it is God’s pleasure to keep his ministry at equal measure. Does that sound discouraging? Well that’s the Law accusing us of failure; but here’s the Good News. Bruce Lee, martial arts legend, was into isometric exercise. He made it a big part of his workout routine...and that says something. Bruce Lee was, pound for pound the fastest and quickest athlete the world has ever seen, and he thought it was important sometimes to push against things that don’t move. Bruce Lee wasn’t a bodybuilder, growing his muscles to grotesque proportions for the oohs and the aahs. He was an athlete, small in size but huge in ways unseen. When he would exercise, he wanted to make sure that he grew not just in size, but in endurance. He wanted his muscles not just to be big, but solid. And when he faced off, he could handle opponents thrice his size and strength. According to Isaiah the prophet (chapter 53), our Saviour himself was small in appearance; but it didn’t matter because He was big in faithfulness.
The Christian life can be isometric. Sometimes God asks us to simply keep the tension. Sometimes God has us remain in “equal measure” while we wait on Him to work his grace in ways unseen. To be able to wait on the Lord, even through tension and stress, is the very definition of faith. And if you think about it, faithful and intense waiting is the whole focus of the Lenten season. Sure it can seem like we’re just spinning our wheels at times and wasting gas, but isn’t that what a workout is...spinning your wheels? It’s not good for a car to spin its wheels, but it is essential for an athlete. An athlete when he’s not in competition is “spinning his wheels” exercising. He does it not to waste energy, but to stay healthy and to build endurance and to make sure that when the rubber finally does meet the road and there’s someplace to go, he’ll have the endurance to get there.
Ultimately, if God wants growth He’ll give it...and if He wants things to stay the same...He’ll make sure they do. Our job is to continue in His true Ministry of Word and Sacrament for the life of the world, and that’s what makes us athletes of faith. We continue regardless of whether our ministry remains of equal measure or pushes up to massive growth. We plant, and we water, but only God can give growth where and when he pleases. For He is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
In His strength not mine,
Pastor
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Jesus said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10: 14-15
In January the collection of mitts and toques for Streets Alive was completed on Sunday, January 15. They were delivered to Streets Alive on Thursday, January 19th. One of the staff, at Streets Alive, took the box and said “Thank-you!!” I would also like to say “Thank-you!” for your generous donations to Streets Alive.
On Sunday, February 19th, the Sunday School children will contribute to the service in some way. This will be “Family Weekend”.
“Love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
LITTLE LAMBS CHRISTIAN PRE-SCHOOL
Little Lambs Christian Preschool will be holding an OPEN HOUSE for families interested in registering for the fall of 2012. The OPEN HOUSE will be on Monday February 13th, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Registration forms are available on the Little Lambs website: www.littlelambspreschool.ca or at the church office. If you have any questions about Little Lambs Christian Preschool, please call 403-892-6627 or email preschool@littlelambspreschool.ca
COUPLES NIGHT OUT!
On February 10th at 7:00 p.m. at Tyler and Michelle Rodger’s, we will be having another Couples’ Games Night. Their address is 901 Red Crow Blvd W. ALL Married Couples are welcome!!! The more the merrier. Also, please bring a light snack to share and your favorite game. This is an evening out for you to come and have lots of laughs and fun. If you have any questions please contact myself, Candice @ 403-317-0258. Thank you and Hope to see you there.
Candice Miller
"FUN RAZOR" LUNCHEON
In conjunction with Phase II of the Nicaraguan Mission Project that Walter Egli has talked about several times to the congregation and also on the bulletin, we are going to have a Chili Luncheon to celebrate that we are part of the Family of God through Jesus Christ and we desire that the people of Nicaragua would know the love of Christ. First, 11 people from our church built a small school for one of the local villages
and now we are in the midst of a fundraiser to buy 10,000 small books that share the Gospel of Christ in a cartoon style that is mostly visual and the words are in Spanish. It requires that we raise $10,500 to accomplish this project. At the present time $5000 has been sent so the books can be shipped from India to arrive in Montreal during the month of March. At that time the last $5500 will be required to secure the books so they can be sent to the missions where the local church leadership will determine who can read enough to understand what the books are saying about Jesus Christ and His saving love for them.
On February 26, we will have the potluck Chili Luncheon to culminate the Nicaraguan fundraiser. At the same time, if the FULL $10,500 has been raised Pastor Nathan has agreed to have his hair cut by a local hair stylist, hence the name "Fun Razor." There will be a poster in the narthex for you to sign up what you want to bring for the luncheon; chili, buns, dessert, etc. We also will need people to set up for the luncheon and to clean up after the lunch. Thank you in advance for volunteering for this event. If you need further information, please call Walter or Linda Egli at 403-381-4351.
Sincerely,
Linda Egli
OFFICE PHOTO COPIER
"As some of you may or may not know Irm and Pastor Nathan have been dealing with constant and repeated breaking down of the office photocopier. The Board of Property has been searching for and has found a suitable photocopier for the church office. To purchase the photocopier and save on additional costs with leasing we face a shortfall of $1,531.08 in the dedicated new equipment fund. With donations from the church members we will be able to provide this much-needed equipment to the staff at Immanuel to support it's ministries."
“SERVING THE LORD”
Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. We have several opportunities available. We are presently recruiting the following volunteers: Lectors (either 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. service); Greeter coordinator (someone to spend about 15-20 minutes per week on the phone booking greeters); a coordinator as well as presenters for our baptismal candle presentations (about 10 minutes of your time whenever there is a baptism); power point operators - especially for the 9:00 a.m. service. If you look at the time commitment involved, it’s really not that much to ask for. Please let Pastor Nathan or Irm Kuhn know if you are willing. Thank you.
JOB POSTING
Below is the Job Posting that has been included in the Canadian Lutheran and ABC Connect publications for the last few months. It has been included here for the benefit of anyone who may have been unaware of the previous listings.
Job Posting:
Parish Coordinator, auxiliary to the Pastor
• Full Time position
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lethbridge, is seeking an individual to assist with achieving the future needs of our congregation. We are looking for someone with the following competencies:
• Ability to establish positive working relationships
• Excellent interpersonal communication – “People oriented”
• Self-disciplined and self-motivated
• Knowledge and proficiency with technology
• Ability to coordinate church activities and other duties agreed upon, including volunteers
• Attend council meetings and provide reports
• Ability to contribute to a positive church culture
• Knowledge of Lutheran Doctrine and practicing Lutheran
Send resumes, including references, to the attention of Pastor Nathan Fuehrer, Immanuel Lutheran Church - 20 Rocky Mountain Blvd West, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 8E1 Canada or e-mail them to ilchurch@immanuellutheran.ca. Applications will be accepted until midnight February 29, 2012. Only candidates interviewed will be contacted.
LENTEN SERVICES
We will be having an Ash Wednesday worship service with the Rite for the Imposition of Ashes on February 22 at 6:30pm. As of now, it is not certain we will be having regular mid-week Lenten services this year. Check the upcoming bulletins, after-church announcements and the website (www.immanuellutheran.ca) for the latest information.
Immanuel Lutheran Church Financial Statement: December 2011
MISSION OFFERINGS
A-BC District Mission Donations for Month $518.00
A-BC District Mission Donations to Date 2,991.00
CLWR Mission Donations for Month 500.00
CLWR Mission Donations to Date 6,788.00
BANK ACCOUNTS
Treasury Branch Cheq. Account Balance $45,350.79
Dedicated Accounts Balance 21,848.84
Church Extension Term Deposit 10,087.93
CURRENT MONTH
Budgeted Income 32,373.88
Actual Income 40,519.62
Budgeted Disbursements 32,373.88
Actual Disbursements 27,140.20
YEAR TO DATE
Budgeted Income 388,487.00
Actual Income 357,329.27
Budgeted Disbursements 388,487.00
Actual Disbursements 352,016.57
