“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”
Over the course of the summer, we have taken a deep dive into some of our deep held questions about God, ourselves, and our world. Today we come to quite a perplexing one that asks, "Is God different from the Old Testament to the New?" Or "Is He even the same God from the Old Testament to the New Testament?"
This question comes from a deep desire to reconcile the God of the Old Testament that at times seems angry and filled with wrath, with the God of the New Testament who seems more loving and forgiving. However, what we will see this morning in looking at the Old Testament poem of Psalm 23 is that God did not change, but that in the Old Testament He is preparing the way for what He will ultimately reveal in the New Testament story of Jesus Christ and the cross. In a world that changes all around us, and as our lives change constantly, we have the assurance that God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The Approach to God
Pre-Service Music There’s Victory in Jesus -Bartlett/ Edstrom
*Song Down at the Cross -Hoffman
Prayer of Confession
Words of Assurance and Law of God
Kids
The Word of God
*Songs Turn Your Radio On -Brumley
Shepherd of My Soul -Nystrom
Scripture: Psalm 23
Message “Is the God of the Old Testament Different from the God of the New Testament?”
Pastor Matt Lee
Prayer for Blessing
The Response to the Word
*Song I Go To The Rock -Rambo
*Benediction
Postlude
Mission of the Month
Offering
The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service. Please place your offering in the basket provided.
*Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502
ANNOUNCEMENTS
August Calling Team: Please call Sue F or Julie L with any special concerns or requests.
August Mission of the Month: Judson Love Clothing Center provides clothing for school aged children, serving over 800 children during the months of August and September! We have an opportunity to be part of that great effort by collecting new and gently used clothing during the month of August. All children’s clothing is helpful, but especially needed is, new socks and underwear, and new or like new school uniforms. Judson’s goal is to provide a week’s worth of socks and underwear for each child. There will be a box for donations located just outside of the sanctuary, or you may make a monetary donation towards this very worthy cause.
Are You Interested in Meeting and Greeting Your Fellow ICRC Attendees?: The Service/Fellowship Team is looking for greeter volunteers. Duties are simple - say hello, assist visitors, distribute bulletins and open/close sanctuary front doors. If you would like to be added to the schedule starting in September please contact Sheryl P or sign up on the posted notice.
CONNECT Back to School Carnival, Wednesday, August 18: We are in need of volunteers! We need people to: Set up and take down, help with the food, work the games, pass out candy, do face painting, work the slush machine, run the prize table, and monitor the bounce houses. If you are willing to serve here at Immanuel by volunteering for one or more of these opportunities, please write your name down on the sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary. Thank you in advance for helping us make this carnival happen for the kids as they anticipate the excitement of going back to school!
Summer Series June 13- September 5: Join us as we continue to take a deep dive into the Psalms in order to know ourselves, our world, and our God more deeply.
August 8th - Is There Life After Death? Psalm 27
August 15th - How Can I Be Forgiven? Psalm 51
August 22 - What About When God Feels Absent? Psalm 88
August 29 - What is So Significant About the Bible? Psalm 119
September 5 - How Can I Know God's Will for My Life? Psalm 37
Siloam Nepali Church: Congratulations to Manuka, Bandana, and Micah who were baptized on July 10, 2021. Praise God that they stand free and whole, loved and forgiven. May this day be one they cherish and remember forever!
Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:
Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Darla L, Stacia W
Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams
Pray For our RCA missionaries- Kingdom Air Corps
Pray for aircraft safety, good weather, and wisdom in pilotage. Pray for our students who are seeking the will of God in their lives, pray that He will use their time at KAC to direct them to how He would have them serve. Please also pray for Brooks Range Bible Camp and for the many details that still need to come together for camp to happen, and that God will work in the lives and the hearts of the kids that come.
To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.
Friends with Health Concerns
Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C
Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,
Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,
Lon H, Marcia N, Marian P,
Sandi S, and Joy V for continued healing.
Save the Dates
August 10- Men’s Study
August 11- Fellowship Teem Meeting
August 12- Prayer Team Meeting
August 18- CONNECT Back to School Carnival
August 19- Outreach Team Meeting
August 24- Men’s Study
August 26- Prayer Team Meeting
September 5- Outdoor Worship Service
September 7- Consistory Meeting