“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”
In our busy lives it is so easy to become consumers of Jesus and His Gospel message. We come to church when we can and when we want to. We sit in the pews or stream the worship service as customers consuming church as just another product that we enjoy, but Jesus desires more for His followers. Jesus desires for the life transformation of His grace to lead us to be not just consumers of His grace, but cultivators of His grace in our everyday lives. In what we give our time to and through the priorities which shape our lives, Christ calls us to be His cultivators in this world.
In this series, using the book “Surprise the World!” written by Michael Frost as a supplement, we are looking at the 5 habits we must seek to live with as cultivators of Christ's work in the world. Today we look at Luke 5:15-16 to see how the regular habit of listening prayer can be a catalyst for our mission to serve our neighbors.
The Approach to God
Pre-Service Music
*Songs All Creatures of Our God and King -No. 347
Prayer of Confession
Words of Assurance and Law of God
Kids Message
The Word of God
*Song Open the Eyes of My Heart -Baloche
Lord, I Need You -Maher
Scripture: Luke 5: 15-16
Message “Listen First”
Pastor Matt
Prayer for Blessing
The Response to the Word
Mission of the Month
*Song Sing to the King/ Sing, Sing, Sing -Foote/Tomlin
*Benediction
Postlude
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
October Calling Team: Please call Eric C or Harold S with any special concerns or requests.
October Mission of the Month: CWS CROP Hunger Walk. Join us next Sunday, October 10, for ICRC’s CROP Hunger Walk. The service will begin at 10:00 am, but will end early, after the message, around 10:45am. We will then get ready to walk or rock for CROP at that time. We will start here at Immanuel with an announcement and a prayer, and then head out into the neighborhood with our maps, our signs, and our enthusiasm! The walk is about 1 mile long. If you plan on rocking instead, please bring your own chair. It does not have to be an actual rocking chair; a camp chair is fine. There will be a tent set up at the far end of the parking lot for the "Rockers”, and for the "Walkers", we will have printed maps and signs posted along the route with arrows to follow for direction. We will finish the service with the benediction and a prayer when we return, and then enjoy some cookies and refreshments afterwards. You may raise money for CROP by asking your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to support your walk with a donation. To get a donation envelope, please see Marcia J. You may also contribute to CROP by placing a check in the offering plate here at church for the Mission of the Month, or you may mail it to the church office.
Flowers Provided By: Joe C in honor of Michelle’s birthday on October 7. Michelle may God’s grace be with you and may His love surround you on this special day and always.
Thanksgiving Baskets: Today is the last day to purchase a Thanksgiving basket for a family in need. The cost of each basket is $40 and will include the following items: Turkey, Stuffing, vegetables, potatoes, rolls, pie, and more. If you would like to purchase a basket for a family, please sign-up on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary. Payments are due at this time and can be placed in the collection plate located at the front of the sanctuary. If paying by check, please write “Thanksgiving Baskets” in the Memo line.
CONNECT This Wednesday, October 6: This Wednesday, the kids will be learning about how God makes us brave and about standing up for what is right. They will also be making prayer pillows. Join us for a family dinner beforehand at 5:30pm, and have the kids bring a friend to join in the fun!
You are Invited to a Bonfire Here at ICRC, on Friday, October 15, from 7-9 pm.: We look forward to a great time singing songs, roasting marshmallows for smores, and enjoying fellowship with our church family around the fire! Please bring your own chairs or a blanket to sit on, and feel free to invite a friend. Hope to see you here!
Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:
Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Ashlee W, Emily W, Stacia W
Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Mike J, Harold S., Liz S, and our ministry teams
Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Mission Partners of India
Pray for donors to provide scholarships for students of all ages to continue their education at the Nursery School and English School. Pray for the safety, encouragement, and provision of our co-workers in India during an intense time of persecution and unrest. Pray for families that rely on the village gathering places, and for funding to continue this development, and for individuals, families, and communities to be empowered with purpose so that they can rise above poverty.
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, and Sandi S
for continued healing.
Save the Dates
October 12- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.
October 13- CONNECT, 5:30 pm.
October 14- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.
October 15- All Church Bonfire, 7-9 pm.
October 17- Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30-7:30 pm.
October 18- Spiritual Growth Meeting, 6:30 pm.
October 20, CONNECT, 5:30 pm.
Sending prayer for our city and our neighborhoods
Written By: Lee Hardy (Reformed Worship)
Lord God, as we go to our neighborhoods now and in this coming week,
by the power and promise of Your Holy Spirit, open our ears
to hear what You are saying to us,
in the things that happen to us,
and in the people we meet.
Open our eyes
to see the needs of the people around us.
Open our hands
to do our work well, to help when help is needed.
Open our lips
to tell others the good news of Jesus
and bring comfort and laughter to other people.
Open our minds
to discover new truth about You and our world.
Open our hearts
to love You and our neighbors
as You have loved us in Jesus.
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God.