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IMMANUEL’S INSIGHTSDECEMBER 2016ILC-WOW Christmas Tea – December 3Please join us for the story of “The Purpose of Attire of a Well-bred English Lady—late 1700’s –early 1800’s"Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00 am. Invite your friends to enjoy this informational story during the Christmas season.Three Wise Men and a Baby – December 18The essence of all humor is surprise. The Christmas story is about the most surprising gift ever given. TheChristian faith is all about surprise. So Christians are people of joy and humor. So this year our preschoolthrough Sixth Grade Sunday School students will present a humorous musical entitled "Three Wise Men anda Baby." Don't expect a historically accurate telling of the Christmas story. But you will experience the joyoushumor of the birth of our Savior in the most surprising of circumstances. Thanks to the students and theirteachers for helping us to celebrate the joyous surprise of Christmas.Iowa Community Kitchen – December 20Last year Immanuel hosted and served the Christmas meal for the Iowa Community Kitchen. We had somuch fun doing it that we are planning to do it again this year. Immanuel will be serving the dinner on Tuesday, December 20, at First Baptist Church. Our Mission Partner grant this month will provide the food. Therewill be sign-up sheets to help cook, serve, provide music, and clean up. Thanks for your help.Christmas Eve CandlelightThis year's Christmas Eve services will feature a special mime drama presentation called "The Reason forChristmas". It will present the story of God's pursuit of humanity through the gift of Christmas. We are looking for adults, college students, and senior and junior high youth who can help present this drama at one orboth of our services on December 24. We need mime actors, make-up artists, and lighting crew. There willbe one practice on the Wednesday evening before Christmas Eve at 7 pm. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Phil.DECEMBER WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2016DateDecember 3-4MessageAdvent 2“The Kingdom’s Fall”Holy CommunionDecember 10-11 Advent 3"Exile and Return"December 17-18 Advent 4“Sunday School Christmas Program:3 Wise Men and a Baby”December 24Christmas Eve"The Reason for Christmas"Christmas Day“The Birth of the Messiah”Holy CommunionDecember 25Holy Communion
Page 2IMMANUEL’S INSIGHTSDear Friends in Christ,Music is a wonderful and powerful gift. It energizes and relaxes. It fills us with joy and brings us totears. Christians have always been known for their music. The Christian faith is more musical thanany of the world's religions, ideologies, or philosophies because it springs from the joy of the surprising love of God expressed in the gift of Jesus. The Christmas season is an especially musical timeof year. What would our Christmas celebrations be without the gift of music? Without music, howwould we express the thoughts and feelings of the season?I've read that the Bible calls us to make music 254 times. What is so important about music? MartinLuther said this about music: "I wish to see all art, principally music, in the service of Him who gaveand created them. Music is a fair and glorious gift of God. I would not for the world forego my humble share of music. Singers are never sorrowful, but are merry, and smile through their troubles insong. Music makes people kinder, gentler, more staid and reasonable. I am strongly persuadedthat after theology there is no art that can be placed on a level with music; for besides theology, music is the only art capable of affording peace and joy of the heart the devil flees before the sound ofmusic almost as much as before the Word of God."When I was young, my brother, sister, and I complained about how loudly my Dad sang in church.My father's voice seemed to drown out the rest of the congregation. Now I am a father, and I haveheard my own children complain about how loudly I sing in church. I have come full circle. Now Iknow why my father sang so loudly. There is something healing and fulfilling about belting out a beloved hymn. We live in a noisy world full of the meaningless noise of talking heads, arguments, criticism, and confusion. Singing the joy of the Gospel builds faith, inspires hope, and nourishes love.There is nothing in the world so moving as to be in a room with people fearlessly singing joyful musicwith all their heart and soul and strength.Why do I sing so loudly in church? Because I want the world to hear that there is something reallyworth singing about. I want to not just say what I believe, but I want to say it with feeling and powerand beauty. Music expresses not just the words I believe but also what the words mean to me.Singing changes the spiritual and emotional climate of a room. And if it can change the climate of aroom, perhaps it can change the spiritual climate of the world.I've heard that people who sing live as much as ten years longerthan those who never sing. Perhaps that is just some choirdirector's propaganda, but I believe it. Singing is a great cardiovascular workout. Singing is a great way to relieve stress.Singing is good for your spirit.I am grateful for our vocal and bell choirs. They are not justperforming for an audience. They are effecting spiritual climatechange. They are preaching a sermon more moving than apastor can preach. They are turning our focus from ourselves tothe one who is at the center of it all. Thanks be to God.Yours in Christ, Phil Nielsen
Volume 8, Issue 11Page 3Excerpts from the 2016 Confirmation Class Faith StatementsAlex Livingston: I know that I have much more to learn. I hope in joining the church I will improvemy learning. We all have so much more to learn. Sometimes when I go to church it makes me feelbetter. It’s my way of getting away. I understand the church is always there to help me. I thank Godfor providing this. I hope my faith becomes stronger as I grow up. I’ve made some friends and hopeto work together at church.Ethan Arkfeld: I believe in God because I come to church and I know that God died on the crossand saved our sins. God has done many things for me like giving me a life, giving me food, and heis also everywhere I go. God is with me every second, minute, hour of the day, not just with me buteveryone. I got baptized for forgiveness and eternal salvation. Sin is like mud sticks to you wherever you go and baptism is a new birth, makes us a part of Christ.Lindsey Andersen: The mighty, powerful, all loving God is my God and he is always with me. I believe in him and I trust in him; he gives me strength, hope, and love. “Every word of God is pure: heis a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” (Proverbs 30:5). God is the creator of all things. Jesus is the Son of God and God in flesh. He was born to show the world that God is good and to helppeople see that he loves them so much. Jesus died on the cross for all nations to forgive all of oursins. The Holy Spirit works within us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. With this Trinity bymy side I have all I need in life.Congratulations to Donald and Clarice Andersen who will becelebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary on December 23rd.ARE YOU THE PARENT OF A COLLEGE STUDENT? The first semesterof college can be a stressful one, and we at Immanuel would like to help.By providing your students address, we can put them on the monthly mailing list to receive "Insights" as a way of staying informed on what's happening here at home. We also will be sending a little care package to help getthem through finals week. Parents we need your help, drop off a currentaddress of your college student either in the offering plate, church office oremail the church at ilc@fmctc.com.BROADCAST SCHEDULE FOR ILC SERVICES:PLEASE notify the church ofchanges to your address or phonenumber. When mailings are returned to us, we are charged afee. Thank you!MediaComChannel # 18Monday5:00 P.M.FMCTCChannel # 48Wednesday7:00 P.M.HMUChannel # 15Mon. & Wed.5:30 P.M.Sunday6:00 P.M.
IMMANUEL’S INSIGHTSPage 4Taco Soup1 pound ground1 onion, chopped1 envelope taco seasoning mix1 (16-ounce) can pinto beans1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans1 (16-ounce) can golden hominy1 (17-ounce) can cream style corn1 (14-ounce) can diced stewed tomatoes1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies1 envelope ranch-style dressing mixTortilla chipsGrated Cheddar cheeseBrown ground beef and onions; drain. Add taco seasoning; mix thoroughly. Add, without draining,the beans, hominy, corn, and tomatoes. Stir in dry ranch dressing mix. Simmer over low heat untilbubbly. Serve over tortilla chips and top with grated cheese. Serves 4-6.Cheryl ChipmanTanzania HappeningsThe Tanzania team will be selling pies again this year. Apple, cherry orrhubarb for 12. The proceeds will help fund the many ongoing projectsin Kidugala. Thank you so much for your ongoing support.Christmas is just around the corner, do you have someone who is hard to buy for? Or maybe inmemory of someone? How about a school uniform for an orphan? A donation of 25 will provide an orphan with an uniform, 40 will provide a uniform and school fees for a year. Immanuel iscurrently supporting 170 primary school orphans and 20 secondary (high school) orphans. Let'sspread the joy of Christ's birth around the world. We have some cards in the office for this specialgift.December 7 & 14WOW BUNKO— Thursday,Women’s Bible StudyWednesday Afternoons, 4:30 pmDecember 22 at 7:00 p.m. Bring December 7 Women’s/Men’s Biblea friend and enjoy an evening ofStudy, 7:00 pmChristian fellowship, fun, and December 14 Women’s/Men’s Biblefood!Christmas Party, 6:30 pm McKee RoomJANUARY 2017NEWSLETTERDEADLINE:THURSDAY,DECEMBER 22
Volume 8, Issue 11Page 5COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARYNovember 15, 2016—7 pm12 of 16 council members and the pastor attended. Steve Allen opened the meeting with a prayerfor guidance.The Treasurer reported that YTD income at the end of October was 216,187 and YTD expenseswere 211,343 with a net income of 4,844. The roof debt was at 17,075. He expressed the hopethat, with strong offerings in November and December, we will be able to use general fund reservesto pay off the roof debt on December 31 and start 2017 with no debt.Mission/Outreach reported on plans for Immanuel to host the Christmas Dinner at the Iowa Community Kitchen on December 20. Sign- up sheets for volunteers will be posted after Thanksgiving.The December Council meeting date was moved to allow Council members to participate. Worshipreviewed plans for Christmas season. Fellowship reported Poinsettias will be sold November 27and December 4 and be placed around the altar for Christmas. Property reported furnace repairsare in progress and roof was inspected and repaired. Executive Committee completed annual reviews with the staff.Pastor Phil reported being busy with work on Sunday School Christmas Musical for December 18and a mime drama called "The Reason for Christmas" for Christmas Eve services. He also notedthat Lutherans around the world are marking 2017 as the 500 th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. October 31, 1517 is the date Luther posted his 95 Theses for debate. Pastor Phil suggested that Immanuel mark the year with some special celebrations. He proposed that we invite Johann and Sonja Hinderlie to come and present their performances as Martin and Katy Luther. Motion was made and seconded to contract with the Hinderlies for Monday, October 30, at Immanuel.Notice: Children in our community are sometimes required by their school or youth programs to sellproducts as fundraisers. Immanuel does not ask our young people to sell any products as fundraisers for our programs. Children are welcomed to bring their fundraisers to Immanuel. However, weask that children only conduct fundraising while seated at a table in the hallway between the sanctuary and the chapel. Please do not approach anyone between the front doors and the sanctuary andplease do not sell anything in the sanctuary. Thanks for your cooperation.WORSHIP & GIVINGAttendanceGeneralRoofTotalOctober 30 no Sat. service 240 240 3,390.00 95.00 3,485.00November 5-633 188 221 5,571.00 140.00 5,711.00November 12-1329 132 161 3,359.00 115.00 3,474.00
Page 6IMMANUEL’S INSIGHTSWOMEN OF THE WORD/NOVEMBER 9, 2016An executive board meeting was held on Wednesday, November 09, 2016 with the following members present: JulieVorm, Maggie Hatcher, Sandy Nelsen, Sally Nairn, Marlene Sondergaard, Ilene Nelson, Elaine Miller, Sharon Daberkow,and Myrna Havick. Chairperson Sandy called the meeting to order at 8:15am.SECRETARY’S REPORT: Minutes from September meeting reviewed. No corrections were noted. Maggie made motionto accept report, and Julie seconded.TREASURER’S REPORT: Maggie reported a balance of 6,521.63. Maggie also reviewed the preliminary 2016 HarvestBazaar results which showed more ticket sales this year of 259 when compared to a year ago of 231. Bazaar final resultswill be reviewed next meeting. Income from one funeral served was also noted. Two bills were submitted for bazaar andWOW bulletin board decorations. Julie made motion to pay outstanding bills and Elaine seconded.CORRESPONDENCE: Two thank you notes were received; one from Pastor Phil for gift received for his 25 th ordinationcelebration and the other for funeral served. See notes on WOW bulletin board.COMMUNITY COMMITTEE: Monday, November 14th bingo party at Salem Home in Elk Horn at 3pm. Will provide prizes,sandwiches and napkins. Meet at church at 2:15pm to carpool.OLD BUSINESS:2016 FALL BAZAAR RESULTS: Sandy stated there were many positive comments, and she was very thankful for allthose involved in making the bazaar a great success. 259 meals were served. Thrivent had approved 200.EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING/WOW GATHERING TIME CHANGE: Beginning January 2017, executive board meetings will begin at 9am with WOW gatherings following at 9:30am.CHRISTMAS TEA: Will be held Saturday, December 3rd at 10 AM at church. Marlene stated the group had met to discuss food being served, and Linda Mosher will present the program.COMMUNITY KITCHEN UPDATE: Sally stated that Deb Stendrup had talked to the Outreach Committee. Signup sheetsfor workers and donation envelopes will be made available. Date set to serve meal Tuesday, December 20 th.MEMORIAL COMMITTEE FUND UPDATE: Discussed funds going towards purchase of LYO soup bowls. Will check oncost of bowls.DATE OF KITCHEN/CLOSET CLEANING SET: On Wednesday, January 11th following WOW gathering, we will becleaning the church closets, kitchen, pantry, etc. Please come and help. Thank you!NEW BUSINESS:THANKOFFERING SUNDAY: Will be November 13th. Ida Heim and Marlene Sondergaard will be greeters; MaggieHatcher lector; Sally Simdorn, Jill Plagman, Sharon Daberkow and Elaine Miller ushers. Marlene will have eight quilts tobe displayed during service.MISSION QUILTERS: Marlene discussed the need for volunteers. The duties performed include tying quilts and pinningquilt edges. The quilters meet the last Wednesday of each month at 1:30pm. Next meeting is November 30 th.WOW TREASURER: Maggie has graciously served as WOW treasurer for the past three years. Thank you for your service. WOW is now in search of a treasurer beginning January 2017 serving a three year term. Please notify Sandy orchurch office if interested.POINSETTIA SALES: Sally discussed poinsettia sales. Each plant will cost 15. Will begin ordering flowers November27th and December 4th in church narthex after church services. Deadline for ordering will be December 5 th.PLACEMATS: Sandy discussed the purchase of different colored placemats besides our current white ones. Will research prices and discuss at next meeting.WOMEN OF THE WORD 2017 DIRECTORY: Jan Applegate will be updating our 2017 WOW Directory again this year. Ifthere are any changes or corrections needed in addresses, e-mails, etc., please let her know.EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING will be held at 9:30am on Saturday, December 3 rd prior to Christmas Tea.Elaine moved to adjourn meeting and Sally seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9am and moved into the Fellowship Hall forWOW gathering.
Volume 8, Issue 11Page 7WOW GATHERINGWomen of the Word met in the Fellowship Hall with 12 women present. Refreshments were served by Myrna Havick.Sandy Nelsen briefly discussed Thankoffering Sunday November 13 th, Christmas Tea December 3rd at 10am, and poinsettia sales November 27th and December 4th. See above in executive board meeting for more details. Signup sheet forthose attending Christmas Tea was passed around.Sharon Daberkow introduced Mary, Mother of Jesus, as her woman of the Bible. Her character was that of a youngwoman of unusual faith and humility. Her sorrow was to see the son she loved shamed and tortured and left to die on thecross. Her joy was to see her child raised from the dead. Read more about her in Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-80; John19:25-27.Pastor Janet Miller stated it was with much joy and privilege the past three years having been a part of WOW and commended us on a wonderful program. She will be moving to Littleton, Colorado where she will be working with the elderlyand grieving. We shared some fond memories with Pastor Janet and will miss her joyful spirit.Bunko November 17th at 7pm.NO DECEMBER WOW GATHERING DUE TO CHRISTMAS TEA. Next gathering will be Wednesday,January 11th at 9:30am in Fellowship Hall with executive board meeting held prior at 9am in church narthex. Note time change. Sandy Nelsen will provide refreshments and Ilene Nelson will present program. As we joined hands, we concluded with the Lord’s Prayer. See you in January. Don’t forget thenew time changes for WOW gathering/board meeting.Ilene Nelson, SecretaryWOMEN OF THE WORD will be taking orders for poinsettias beforeand after service beginning November 27th. Poinsettias will be 15and must be ordered by Monday, December 5th. Poinsettias can begiven in memory of or in honor of family members and/or friends.Enjoy the Christmas movies, books, andCDs that are available for you to checkout in your church library.The Church Office will be closedMonday, December 26 and Monday,January 2, 2017. Merry Christmasand Happy New Year to all!
Immanuel Lutheran ChurchNON-PROFIT ORGImmanuel Lutheran ChurchLCMC1700 19th StreetHarlan, IA 51537U.S. POSTAGE PAIDHARLAN, IOWA 51537PERMIT NO. 97ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDDECEMBER WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESEvery Saturday Worship at 5:00 p.m.Communion on December 3 & 24Church Office: 755-5207Office Hours: 9-12 & 12:30-4:30 (M-F)Office Email: ilc@fmctc.comPastor Phil’s Cell Number: 712-579-2098Home Number: 712-766-3178E-mail: Pastor Phil NielsenMusic Director: Heidi ThiesOffice Manager: Joan WehrCustodian: Tom HenrichEvery Sunday Worship at 9:00 a.m.Communion on December 4 & 2510:00 a.m. Fellowship/Coffee/Rolls10:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study10:15 a.m. Sunday SchoolA fellowship of believersCommitted to be and sion-MindedIn all that we do for the glory of God!Matthew 28:18-20
December 2016SunMonTueWedThu1Fri2Sat310 am WOW Christmas Tea5 pm Worship/HC4 First Fruits5678:00 Choir9 am Worship/HC10 am Fellowship10:15 Adult Bible Class10:15 Sunday School9:30 OA6:30 Boy Scouts9 am CF Quilters6:30 Mothers of1:30 Rachel CirclePreschoolers3:45 Program Practice4:30 Women’s Bible Study5:30 Confirmation6:00 Bells6:30 pm Meal 7pm HS Youth7:00 Women’s/Men’s Bible111213148:00 Choir9:30 OA6:30 Boy Scouts9 am CF Quilters9:30 Elm Crest5:30 Worship Committee7 pm Church Council3:45 Program Practice4:30 Women’s Bible Study5:30 Confirmation6:00 Bells6:30 Meal 7 pm HS Youth9 am Worship10 am Fellowship10:15 Adult Bible Class10:15 Sunday School8159105 pm Worship16175 pm Worship6:30 Women’s/Men’s BibleChristmas Party@McKee Room181921228:00 Choir9:15-1:30 Mothers of9 am Salem HomePreschoolers-Fellowship Hall 9 am CF Quilters9:30 OA6:30 Boy ScoutsIA Community Kitchen6:00 Bells6:30 Meal 7 pm HS Youth7:00 Mime PracticeDeadline for Newsletter 10:30-2:30 Unification Drill 4 pm Worship/HC7 pm Bunko6 pm Worship/HC25262728299 am Worship/HCChurch Office Closed9 am CF Quilters9 am Worship/SundaySchool Christmas Program10 am Fellowship10:15 Adult Bible Class10 am Fellowship20Assemble Newsletter233024 Christmas EVE315 pm Worship
Worship ScheduleJanuary 2017GreetersAcolytesSaturday UshersSunday UshersLectorSunDec 31/Jan. 1Connie BehrensLori SchultzSunJanuary 7/8Christian BrownleeSue OlsonSunJanuary 14/15Maggie HatcherIda HeimSunJanuary 21/22Rozan WeigelLois SickSunJanuary 28/29Ernie & Stacie FossKennedy KjergaardJordan SchechingerKatie BurchettKira GriffinAnia KasterBrynn KlaassenEmily KoestersJason LeeMackenzie LivingstonNicholas LivingstonDarlene HessLori SchultzSally NairnKen HurseyLarry KleinZach & Kelli KlaassenDoug & Mary RenklyMichael & Malisa KoestersDave & Angie MonsonRon & Kathy BlockAlan AhrenholtzJulie VormOPENOPENOPENTyson & Amy HaasBailey & Lucas SchmitzSteve & Julie LivingstonEmily TaggsNikolas FossBarney & Judy Ahrenholtz Ross & Lee BurchettJohn & Judy DavisJesse & Jeana RudolphOPENOPENSaturday Altar GuildCheryl NielsenKayla JacobsSunday Altar GuildMyrna HavickOPENJan ApplegateCheryl LaubachDarin & Tammy HaakeSteve AllenMyrna HavickJim & Becky ChipmanCommunion ServersFellowship CoffeeDave & Angela VogeDrew & Jacob VogeSound TechnicianRick ChipmanRick ChipmanRick ChipmanRick ChipmanRick ChipmanBert HillersBert HillersBert HillersBert HillersBert HillersSATURDAYTeri JohnsonCheryl NielsenTeri JohnsonCheryl NielsenTeri JohnsonCheryl NielsenTeri JohnsonCheryl NielsenTeri JohnsonCheryl NielsenCouncil PersonOPENDave GreveSally NairnOPENOPENVideo RecorderProjectionistGeorge & Jan Applegate Bryan & Amy KasterLindsey AndersenIsaac & Reece NielsenSamantha McCool
Page 4 IMMANUEL'S INSIGHTS WOW BUNKO— Wednesday Afternoons, 4:30 pmThursday, December 22 at 7:00 p.m. Bring a friend and enjoy an evening of Christian fellowship, fun, and food! JANUARY 2017 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 December 7 & 14 Women's Bible Study December 7 Women's/Men's Bible Study, 7:00 pm
