“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 will see how God's redemptive story continues to unfold through something we so easily take for granted and can be tempted to see as insignificant: every day, ordinary, acts of faith.
The Approach to God
Pre-Service Music
Call to Worship
*Songs Open the Eyes of My Heart -Baloche
Be Thou My Vision -Ash
Words of Assurance and Law of God
Kids Message
The Word of God
*Song Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing -Robinson/Wyeth
Scripture: Ruth 3
Message “The Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Story”
Pastor Matt Lee
Prayer for Blessing
The Response to the Word
Moment for Ministry
*Song Those Who Trust -Chaffer
*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
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.
We are Going to Tie Quilts Again: Please come to the church on Saturday, January 29 at 10:00am. We will meet in the family life center and work until we get them done. No experience needed any one can do this. The quilts will go back to Country Stitches and be donated to those in need.
We are Collecting Blankets and Comforters for the Homeless That are Outside This Time of Year: Please bring them the next couple of Sundays and leave them in the containers outside of the sanctuary. Thank you ~ The Outreach team
Super Bowl Sub Sale: We will continue accepting orders until Sunday, January 30th. The order form is located on the bulletin board just outside of the sanctuary, or you may email your order to Joey South. The subs will be available for pickup after the worship service on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13. Payment is due at that time.
The "Kickoff Special"- Ham and provolone cheese. $4.50 Each or 10 for $40.
The "Touchdown Deluxe"- Ham, salami, provolone, and American cheese. $5.50 Each or 10 for $45.
You Are Invited to a Baby Shower for Sara E: 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.
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- Chris & Ren Briggs, Latin America
Please pray that the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) will best manage their resources, meet the community’s needs, and develop relationships that
could open new doors even during a global crisis. Pray also for new opportunities to raise awareness of CCCD’s resources for children and families of the Deaf population, and for the appropriate doctors so that the Briggs family can find acceptable pharmaceutical alternatives that are easily accessible for health needs.
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, Wayne 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
February 2- CONNECT, Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group, 5:30 pm. (TBD)
February 5- Sara Eytcheson Alvarado Baby Shower, 10:30 am.