Immanuel Lutheran Church Waterloo, IL (618) 939-6480
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fROM
OUR aDMINISTRATIVE pASTOR...
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Immanuel,
Recently one of our members shared the story of Edith Burns with me. The story relates how Edith, a devout Christian, would often ask people, "Do you believe in Easter?" Every time she met someone for the first time, she would say, "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. What do you believe about Easter?" Most folks would respond by talking about egg hunts, dressing up, and going to church, but Edith wouldn't let it end there. She would politely press them to talk about the real meaning of Easter and how they felt about Jesus. Often, after Edith listened patiently to them, people would ask her what she believed about Easter. She would then share the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Her testimony, so the story goes, was used by God to bring many people to Christ. She was an instrument of the Holy Spirit who touched even the hardest of unbelievers.
If you're like me, you probably feel that this scenario is extremely unlikely. It's hard to believe that people would be so open to talking about Easter. Then, a couple of days ago, I asked someone how she felt about working on Easter. She replied, "Well, I don't have any young kids anymore, so it's O.K. We don't have Easter egg hunts anymore." Immediately, I thought, "But Easter isn't about egg hunts, is it? It's not just a kids' holiday, is it?" I was about to ask the woman these questions, but she'd already made her way out of the room (I thought chasing her would be a bad idea).
I was disappointed. Had she been able to stay and chat, I imagine our conversation could have very easily turned to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We could have talked about following a living Savior who has power over sin, death and the devil. It occurred to me after this experience that starting a conversation about the meaning of Easter isn't all that far-fetched.
Perhaps Edith's question is one we should be asking people as the Lord gives us the opportunity. As we get to know people at school and at work and the topic of the Easter holiday or spring break comes up, try asking, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?" Listen carefully as they answer. And if they ask you what you believe about Easter, tell them the story of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Tell them that Jesus is alive and gives life to all who trust in him. I know that God will bless your conversation. Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
God grant you joy as you celebrate the real meaning of this Easter season.
Love in Christ,
fROM
OUR aSSOCIATE pASTOR...
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Immanuel,
Question: Do you intend to live according to the Word of God, and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, even to death?
Answer: I do, by the grace of God.
In just a few weeks, on Sunday, April 27, Immanuel's confirmands will be asked the question above. They will be asked if they intend to live according to the Word of God and in faith, word and deed and to remain true to God-even if it means giving their own lives for the sake of the faith. Talk about a serious vow!
I bring up this confirmation vow in particular because its words emphasize the fact that confirmation is not a graduation. Confirmation is not the end of a young man's or woman's growth as a Christian. In fact, confirmation is just the opposite! In many ways, confirmation marks the beginning of a person's walk of faith as a mature Christian. Having studied God's Word, learned Lutheran teachings, and confessed their faith in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, confirmands are now young communicant members of the body of Christ here at Immanuel.
So, the question with which we must wrestle is, "How can we, as a congregation, encourage and support our confirmands to live out their vow to live according to the Word of God and in faith, word and deed and to remain true to God?" While there are many ways in which we can do this, I'd like to suggest three ways in particular:
· Support the Parents of Confirmands: For years now, in survey after survey, parents emerge as the undisputed and unbeaten champions of spiritual impact on the lives of youth. As a congregation we can pray for these families as well as encourage them to attend worship and the Lord's Supper together as a family.
· Support Immanuel's Youth Ministry: It's important for our congregation to provide an opportunity for our confirmands to participate in Bible study, fellowship, and service projects with each other after they are confirmed. It's necessary for us to show our youth that we love them and care about their growth as young Christian men and women here at Immanuel.
· Support Christian Education: Our confirmands' growth as Christians started long before confirmation classes began in their 5th grade year. Christian education begins in the home from infancy. As a congregation we can also assist parents with the education of their children through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and the precious ministry of our Christian Preschool.
On April 27, Confirmation Sunday, let us as a congregation overflow with praise to God for the gift of our young confirmands as these saints of God mark a significant milestone in their spiritual lives. Confirmation Sunday is a time for our congregation (together with all the company of heaven) to burst out in joyous celebration!
God be with you,
Last Month's Letters...
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Immanuel,
Easter is so early this year! It falls on March 23 in 2008. That means our Easter Sunrise Service at Camp Wartburg could be a cold one. Signs of spring may not be too abundant as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus.
I like it when the signs of spring are strong on Easter Sunday. The plants coming to life after a cold, barren winter are a silent and poignant reminder of Jesus coming back to life after three days in a cold, barren tomb. They're also a reminder that because Jesus lives, we shall live also. At Jesus' return to earth in glory on the Last Day, Jesus will raise our dead bodies from cold, barren graves and transform them to be like his glorious body. No matter how long we've been in the grave, we'll be brought back to life -brought back to life with bodies that will never die again. Jesus conquered death on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The proof is his empty tomb. At his return in glory on the Last Day, our graves will also be empty.
Even if the signs of spring are few and far between this year, I'm still going to celebrate. I'm going to celebrate Jesus' return to life -and ours, too, when Jesus descends from heaven to resurrect our bodies and give new life to all believers in him.
Before I close, I want to let you know that Immanuel is going to hold another training session for Stephen Ministers starting on March 30. Led by our new Stephen Leader Rodney Clamors, this training is open to both Immanuel and community members. Stephen Ministers are taught to help people in crisis situations by offering prayer and emotional support, listening actively, and sharing God's Word. If you have a heart for people struggling with losses and other hardships, God might be leading you to become a Stephen Minister. It's a great way to serve God's people and opens your eyes to see so many opportunities to share the love of Christ. Keep it in mind!
I'm looking forward to seeing you this Lenten season and anticipate celebrating a joy filled Easter with you on March 23. God bless you richly!
Love in Christ,
Fellow disciple-makers,
Each year the 2,386 Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod preschools and elementary schools across the country celebrate Lutheran schools week during the first week of March. This year, one of the ways in which Immanuel's preschool will celebrate this event is by singing at the 10:15 am worship service on March 9. Including our preschool students and their families in Sunday morning worship is just one of the many ways in which our preschool effectively carries out the mission of Immanuel!
Just in case you're not familiar with it, Immanuel's mission statement is "making more and stronger disciples of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit." Day in and day out, Immanuel Lutheran Preschool powerfully carries out our mission of "making more and stronger disciples of Jesus Christ." I would like to briefly illustrate just two of the many ways that God works through our preschool to carry out Immanuel's mission.
Immanuel's Lutheran preschool is an excellent means for outreach to the Waterloo community and surrounding area. In fact, our preschool is perhaps the most effective tool for evangelism at Immanuel. Did you know that out of the 29 students in our preschool, 9 students claim no church membership or are not actively involved in a church? What a wonderful opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus with children who may not otherwise hear that Jesus loves them! What a wonderful opportunity to share God's Word with the families of our students and invite them to worship!
Immanuel's Lutheran preschool also provides its students with a firm foundation. Our preschool students receive an excellent academic foundation as they master the building blocks of education such as number and letter recognition, fine and gross motor skills, and social interaction. Most importantly, however, our students receive a firm foundation in the Christian faith! At our preschool, they receive a foundation centered on the Gospel of Jesus and supported on God's Word-a foundation that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, will be built upon the rest of their lives. For example, at Immanuel's preschool, and Lutheran schools across the country, Easter is not just about bunnies and eggs, but is centered on Jesus' resurrection!
The theme for Lutheran Schools Week this year is, "Securing Each Child's Future." This theme is based upon Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" What a great theme verse! That's because through Immanuel's Lutheran preschool and Lutheran schools across the country, God gives children a hope and a future as they receive an excellent Christian education!
God be with you,