“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”
What is the overarching story that defines your life? What gives your life purpose and meaning? Who is the author? What role do you play? What happens when the story does not go as you planned it to?
The story of Ruth is a story of tragedy, loss, pain, heartache, uncertainty, bitterness, and fear. It is a story that shocks us with how real and tragic it is, but it is also a story that reminds us of the much larger story that all of our life stories are a part of: God’s redemptive story. The story of Ruth is a reminder for us of God’s unfolding redemptive story that takes place not only in the pages of Scripture but also in our everyday lives. Amidst the tragedies and through the everyday ordinariness of life God’s redemptive story continues to unfold in us, among us, and through us, but the only way we will notice it is in our everyday faithfulness.
Today we see in the story of Ruth 2 how God's redemptive story continues to unfold not only in the lives of those involved, but also through the lives of those involved in the story. God's redemptive story continues to unfold through the faithful acts of Ruth and Boaz. How might God be wanting to use you in His redemptive story?
The Approach to God
Pre-Service Music
Call to Worship
*Songs O Praise Him -Crowder
Song Of Love -St. James, Bronleewe, Ash
Words of Assurance and Law of God
Kids Message
The Word of God
*Song Worthy Worthy -Vertical Church Band
Scripture: Ruth 2
Message “The Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Story”
Pastor Matt Lee
Prayer for Blessing
The Response to the Word
*Song My Hope Is In You -Powell, Third Day
*Benediction
Postlude
Mission of the Month Offering Received
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
January Calling Team: Please call Mike J or Carrie B with any special concerns or requests.
January Mission of the Month – Safe Families for Children: Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like supports for families facing a crisis through a community of compassionate volunteers to keep children safe and families together. To find out more, please visit their website at www.safe-families.org.
CONNECT/ Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group: We have made a decision to put a pause on both CONNECT and our Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group Meetings for the rest of the Wednesdays in January due to the increasing number of Covid cases at this time. We will be watching the numbers very closely and will let you know as soon as a decision is made for February. Thank you for your understanding.
Super Bowl Sub Sale: This fundraiser is put on by our Jr. & Sr. High youth groups to help support activities and mission trips. They will 2 kinds of subs offered:
1. The "Kickoff Special"- Ham and provolone cheese. $4.50 Each or 10 for $40.
2. The "Touchdown Deluxe"- Ham, salami, provolone, and American cheese. $5.50 Each or 10 for $45.
Please write your order down on the sign-up sheet that is located on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary. You may also email your order to Joey South at jrsouth16@yahoo.com. We will continue taking orders until Sunday, January 30th. The subs will then be made on the Saturday, February 12, and will be available for pickup after the worship service on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13. Payment is due at pickup.
You Are Invited to a Baby Shower for Sara E-A: Saturday, February 5, at 10:30 am., here at Immanuel, in the Family Life Center. Sara is registered at Amazon and Target. Instead of a card, please consider giving a book. Sara has many Spanish/Bilingual books listed. Cash or checks payable to Sara E. are also an option so she can purchase large items in Honduras. (stroller, highchair, diapers, etc.) Masks are encouraged and appreciated.
Join Us Next Sunday as we continue the Sermon Series through Ruth and “The Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Story”: ( Jan. 30 – Ruth 4)
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- Brian and Elizabeth Bruxvoort, Alaska
Pray that we as a family will fervently seek the Lord in the coming year and be fully devoted to Him. Please pray for full healing of Brian’s eyes. Please also pray that God will prepare the children’s hearts for camp this summer; to respond to His offered gift of salvation and spiritual growth, and that the ministries in Alaska will bear abundant fruit for Christ.
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, or you may place a written request in the prayer box that is located just outside of the sanctuary next to the church mailboxes.
Friends with Health Concerns
Sara E-A (Pregnancy), Mark B, June B, John B,
Joe C, Howard J. C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,
Kathy G, Roland H, Lon H, Barb K, Wayne K,
Marcia N, Caitlin S (Pregnancy), Wayne S,
Carroll S, and Sandi S
If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed, please contact Kerri M.
Save the Dates
January 25- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm.
January 27- Prayer Team Meeting, 6:30 pm.
January 30- Super Bowl Sub Orders Due
February 2- CONNECT, Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm. (TBD)
February 5- Sara E-A Baby Shower, 10:30 am.