Immanuel Lutheran Church
Altamont, Illinois
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Immanuel Lutheran Church
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May 2008 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: May is upon us. Can you believe that? By the time you receive this newsletter, we will be into the month of May. We have the Ascension Day worship service on May 1 at 7:00 p.m. That means Thursday is 40 days after Easter. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to worship your Lord on the very day when we remember His ascension into heaven. As we sing in one of the hymns, “On Christ’s ascension I now build the hope of my ascension…” We do build the hope of our ascending into heaven upon His ascension into heaven. As He entered into, so He will return and when He returns, He will take us to heaven with Him. Bodily we will rise into heaven. I know that you feel like you are extremely busy and don’t have time to worship on a Thursday evening; but please take the time to worship on this wonderful night. Unfortunately, I have to share some bad news with you, my dear friends. I was informed by Helen that once again, for the month of April, we did not have enough to meet the necessary bills of the congregation. For the second time this year, we have had to add to the operating loan we have at the bank. After only 4 months, we have had to take out $30,000 ($10,000 in Feb. & $20,000 in April) in debt to meet our expenses. This isn’t because we are spending too much. It is because we are not putting enough into the offering plate. It saddens me to think that with all that the Lord has done and continues to do for us in our lives (we are very affluent, if you don’t think so, take a look at other countries!) we cannot return even a portion to the work of the Lord through the church. This isn’t because of the Parish Hall debt. It is because we have held our pocketbooks, wallets and checkbooks tightly to our chest and said, “No, it is mine! I will do as I want since I gave it to myself!” This is a faith problem, not a stewardship problem. We once said that we would live “Boldly, Without Fear” as a congregation. But it has changed in the past months. We are now living “Fearly, Without Boldness.” We don’t believe that the Lord can or will take care of us. We become self-centered. Our Lord says to us, “For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.” (Mt. 6:21) Where is your heart? Look at where you place your treasure. Then answer that question. Indeed, what is important to you, that is where you put most of your money. I know that the price of gas, water, electricity and the like are up. Are you worried about that? Jesus says, “I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans (unbelievers) run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Mt. 6:25,31-33) Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Know that the Lord will be with you and take care of you. I really challenge you to think about this – can you out give the Lord? He can and will bless you far beyond any amount that you can give to the work of the church. Try Him and see. He is faithful and true and will continue to watch over and take care of all your needs. It just calls for faith and trust on your part. I am living “Boldly, Without Fear.” Will you join me? Pastor Schuessler ......................................................................................................................................................... Pastor Schuessler continues the Adult Instruction Class on Tuesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. These classes lead to membership in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. They are open to all that wish to learn more about the LCMS or who want to refresh what they already know since they are already members. If you are interested, please give Pastor a call. .................................................................................................................. If your son/daughter is graduating this year, please contact the church office with his/her name and school they are graduating from by May 15. We plan to acknowledge their accomplishments May 31/June 1. .................................................................................................................. The Altamont Circuit Pastors will be meeting here at Immanuel for their monthly Winkel meeting on Tuesday, May 13. The pastors of our circuit will gather here for fellowship, worship and study. There will be a communion service at 10:00 a.m. All members of the congregation are welcome to attend this worship service and receive the Lord’s Supper. .................................................................................................................. Pictorial Directory: We are going to put together a new picture book this summer. We have set the dates July 16-19 and August 20-23 (Wed. to Sat.) for the taking of the pictures. We will be having sign up Sundays beginning 15th. More information will be coming. But we are in need of 4-5 people to help put things together. We need a program coordinator, appointment-telephone coordinator, publicity/host/hostess coordinator, and layout coordinator. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Schuessler. The last picture book was done 4 years ago and there have been many changes since then. .................................................................................................................. The Immanuel Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. We are reading “The Negotiator” by Dee Henderson. This is the 2nd book in the O’Malley series. This is an exciting, drama filled, relationship building Christian series. Pick up your copy or stop by the library and see if they can get you a copy and come join us. Pastor and Penny Schuessler will be hosting an Open House at the parsonage on Sunday, May 18 from 12-2 p.m. This Open House is to give you the opportunity to see the remodeling in the kitchen. We have also repainted several of the rooms in the parsonage. It is really looking sharp and would like for you to come in and enjoy the new look with us. Finger foods and snacks will be available at the Open House. We look forward to having you come into our house on May 18. .................................................................................................................. The Altamont Ministerial Alliance continues to support the Food Bank for the Altamont community. The past couple months have had a high demand on the food and non-perishables which means the shelves are getting a little bare. If you can help out by donating to the Food Bank, it would be appreciated. You may drop items off at the church or at the Methodist Church. We thank the Lord for all your support.
May NewsletterMarch Perfect Sunday School AttendanceNo 3 yr olds 4th GradeAdam Mayhaus 4 yr olds *Bailee Merkel *Emma Simmons Travis Whitt Brayden Stuemke Eric Wolff *Klaiton Wolff Kindergarten Denver Duckwitz 5th Grade *Andrea Wendling 1st Grade Ben Wharton Leah Mayhaus Dawn Pagel 6th Grade *Grace Simmons Jeri Ann Beasley Violet Wendling Ethan Deadmond *Hannah Roberson 2nd Grade Christian Stuckemeyer *Emily Becker *Danielle White Austin Wendling Kaleb Whitt Jr. High *Karsyn Wolff Lucas Ahten Matthew Burrow 3rd Grade Emily Hammer Keidron Duckwitz Ryan Mayhaus Corey Vail Mark Hendricks Gabby Wharton Catelyn Vail *Molly Verdeyen Jennifer Whitt *Perfect Attendance for the Year Anyone interested in becoming a church greeter for worship services, contact Deb Winter 483-6716 or the church office 483-6395.
It is once again time
for our annual BABY BOTTLE PROJECT fundraiser. The Family Life Pregnancy
Center was blessed last year with over $40,000 raised by this project.
2008 marks our 8th year for this fundraiser. We will be handing out the
baby bottles on Mother's Day and will be collecting them on Father's
Day. We are asking you to .................................................................................................................. LWML – The sixty-third annual convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League will be held Saturday, June 7 at the Holiday Inn City Centre, Peoria. Theme of the convention is: “He is the Rock, His works are perfect.” Deut. 32:4. Registration will be from 8-9AM with sessions beginning at 9. Each society is requested to have two delegates. Immanuel LWML, at this time, only has one. If you would like to serve as a delegate, please see Mildred Renken or call her at 217-347-3357. Rachael Schuessler is going to be a Young Women’s Rep. If you plan to attend the convention, the registration fee is $20.00 (includes lunch) please give your registration fee to Elda Stuemke on or before May 11. Convention speaker will be the Rev. Peter Kirby and the national LWML Rep. Will be Sylvia Johnson, Vice President of Human Care. We will be electing a President, First Vice President, Financial Secretary and a Counselor. Names of two from Immanuel are on the ballot: Carol Kassel for Financial Secretary and for Counselor, Pastor Schuessler. Delegates will also vote for four of the proposed nine Mission Grant Proposals for 2008-2009. Friday servant events, evening activities and fellowship will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 North Missouri Ave., Morton. Gifts of Love, Sat., June 7. For the Salvation Army: sack lunch supplies, napkins, sandwich bags, small individual cakes, chips, cookies, brown paper sack lunch bags and kitchen supplies of: cleanser, paper towels, sos pads, dish detergent, all purpose cleaners and monetary donations made payable to Salvation Army. Also, non-perishable food items for Bethel Lutheran Church Food Pantry. If you would like to make a donation for any of the Gifts of Love, boxes will be on the shelf in the parish hall lobby and in the narthex. .................................................................................................................. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Braille workers are needed for Tuesday, May 13. Sign the chart on the bulletin board in the narthex or call Eloise McGuire at 483-6439. .................................................................................................................. Fellowship Club Potluck is Tues., May 13 at 6:00 p.m. Bring 2 dishes, no meat will be furnished. Delaine Donaldson will have the topic on the history of Effingham Co. Everyone is invited. .................................................................................................................. Diabetes Self-Management Education Classes (May 6, 13, 20, and 27) will be held in St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Auditorium from 6-8 p.m. This course is designed to help those with diabetes live a fulfilled life by teaching appropriate skills to prevent acute and chronic complications, manage their diabetes, communicate with their families, solve problems, and offer support. Call Carole at 217-347-1346 for registration. .................................................................................................................. Two med-size stainless steel bowls are missing from the upstairs Parish Hall kitchen. If you took food home in them, please return. .................................................................................................................. LCFS Golf “Fore” Kids Charity Outing – You are invited to attend Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois’ 17th Annual Golf Outing on Fri., June 13 at the Governor’s Run Golf Course in Carlyle. The outing will begin at 9:30 a.m. with registration and includes 18-holes of golf, contests, prizes, a social hour and more. For reservations www.lcfs.org, or call Fran Presta 708-488-5558. All proceeds from this year’s event will support children’s services in Southern Illinois, including adoption, foster care, counseling and Southern Thirty Adolescent Center. .................................................................................................................. Thrivent GivingPlus update as of 4-17-08: 43 donors have given $16,465. .................................................................................................................. ALIS Blue and Gold Banquet next Sunday, May 4 at 6 p.m. in ALIS gym. EducationVBS Workers Meeting and material pick up is Thurs. May 15, 7-8 p.m. VBS workers can turn in their “volunteer forms” in the Parish Hall lobby VBS box or submit online. VBS is June 2-6, 9:00 –11:50 a.m. Weekday Bible Class participants: check with your leaders for the dates for your last classes. Weekday Bible Class Salad/Dessert Potluck is Tues., May 20 at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall lower level. Teachers are needed for Summer Sunday School beginning on June 1. Sign up with Vern for all summer or specific months. Teaching material is provided. PS/K, 1/3, 5/8 classes. MUSICMen’s Choir rehearsals continue this Sun, May 4, 8 a.m. and sing May 25. S.S. children gr. 1-8 sing and Bells play on Sun. May 11. Adult choir sings Sun. May 18 at 11 a.m. YOUTHThis Sunday, May 4 at 1:00 p.m. Parish Hall lower level, 2nd Annual Pinochle Tournament. Sign up in the narthex or Parish Hall Lobby. $5 cost per participant. Snacks & prizes provided by Sr. LYF. “Prince Caspian” Movie, Saturday, May 17 With a minimum of 50 participants, we can have a special showing at 10 a.m. at a cost of $5.75 including sm. drink & popcorn. All ages & families are welcome! Invite friends. Deadline to sign up in the Parish Hall lobby or online at www.immanuelaltamont.org is Mon, May 5. Sr. LYF still recycles inkjet & laser printer cartridges and used cell phones. Summer dates: Rummage Sale June 13-14; LCC Join Hands Days- June 16-17; Adult VBS June 23-27. …............................................................................................................... LLL – Congratulations to Robert Kassel on his election to President of the Central Illinois District Lutheran Laymen’s League at their recent convention in Danville. He was also awarded the League’s Award of Merit for his years of service with the LLL and his many accomplishments. At the time of his election, he was serving as Secretary for the CID LLL. .................................................................................................................. Kindergarten Orientation at Altamont Lutheran Interparish School is Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Children (5 years old by September 1, 2008) and their parents are invited to attend. .................................................................................................................. Thank you – We appreciated the thoughtfulness and kindness of those who prepared and brought food for the luncheon after the funeral. Thank you to all for your expressions of sympathy. The Family of Gertrude Durheim .................................................................................................................. Thank you everyone for their prayers, cards, and acts of kindness during my surgery and recovery. The Lord is good and gracious to us. Isabella Tappendorf .................................................................................................................. Thank you for your prayers and concerns during my surgery and stay in the hospital. Dennis Wendling .................................................................................................................. Thank you to everyone for the help, support, and prayers for Dad’s benefit. The Rick Sloan Family .................................................................................................................. ALIS - Thank you to Rich Ohnesorge for building and installing the shelves in the ALIS workroom. Also, thank you to those who worked on maintenance: Lori Milleville, Mary Hendricks, Judy Milleville, Jerry Spilker, Mark Suckow, Jon Becker, Corey Guy, Wes Jones, Carl Benning, and Wayne Yagow. ......................................................................................................................................................... Thank you to the congregations for sending the ALIS staff to the LEA Convocation in Minneapolis, MN. It was a wonderful learning experience!
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Last updated on
04/30/2008.
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