Tension is not something we often think of when it comes to Christmas, yet if you pay attention it is everywhere.
Though Christmas is often a season marked by comfort and joy it is also a season that brings the tension of stressed schedules, stretched budgets, patience spread thin, and strained relationships. Try as we might to avoid it, tension is a reality of the Christmas season. But as we will explore in this series it is also a part of the Christmas Story.
In this series for the season of Advent we will explore the tension of the Christmas Story to see how God is present and working in and through the tension of despair and hope, doubt and faith, weakness and strength, and the mystery of Christmas that is God with us. As we explore the tension of the Story perhaps we will find hope in unexpected places.
Today’s Worship
Joy To The World
What Child is This
Advent Candle Lighting/ Reading
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Scripture
Luke 1:26-56
Message
“Turning Our World Upside Down.”
My Soul Magnifies the Lord
ANNOUNCEMENTS
December Calling Team: Please call Dave S or Jessi F with any special concerns or requests.
December Mission of the Month: The City Rescue Mission of Lansing is a Christian ministry that serves Michigan's capital area, meeting the physical needs of food and shelter, and bringing those with spiritual needs the Hope that is found in Jesus Christ.
Christmas Family Fun Night: Join us this Wednesday, December 20th, for a Christmas Family Fun Night here at Immanuel! Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm. After dinner, there will be ornament making, cookie decorating, and a Christmas story reading for the kids to enjoy!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Next Sunday, December 24th, at 6pm. Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior through scripture, songs, the lighting of the Christ candle, and a Christmas message.
Mobile Food Bank: We are hosting another Mobile Food Bank here in the parking lot on Saturday, January 6, from 9-11 am. If you would like to help sort and put food into cars, please sign up by visiting our website at www.icrclansing.org, and then click on the “Bulletin Board” tab. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to arrive early to help set up.
The 1st Quarter 2024 Greeter Sign-up Has Been Posted in the Family Life Center: This is a great way to be a friendly face to both members and visitors. Please sign up to get the year started off right! If you have any questions please contact Sheryl P via her contact info in the directory.
Your 2024 Envelope Number is (Probably) Changing: In order to avoid ordering, paying for and disposing of (recycling) hundreds of unused giving envelopes, we are renumbering (most) envelopes for 2024. Additionally, if you did not utilize your envelopes in 2022 or so far in 2023, we will not automatically distribute them to you in 2024. If you do not receive them but would like them in 2024, please let the office or Fred Hannula know and we will get them to you. Thank you for all of your contributions (time, talents, and treasures) to further God’s ministries at Immanuel.
Save the Dates:
12/26- Men’s Study, 7:00 pm
12/27- No CONNECT (Winter Break)
12/27- No Jr. High Youth Group
01/03- No CONNECT (Winter Break)
01/03- No Jr. High Youth Group
01/06- Mobile Food Bank, 9-11 am
Giving
To support the ongoing ministry of Immanuel, please place your offering in one of the offering plates at the front of the sanctuary. You may also submit an offering online at www.icrclansing.org.
Local Needs:
Immanuel partners with Lansing Christian Services to provide personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies to families in need. This ongoing ministry is currently in need of bar soap, body wash, hand soap, children’s toothbrushes, toothpaste, and paper towels. Please place donations in the baskets underneath the mailboxes located outside of the sanctuary. If you are in need of help, or know somebody who is, please call Christian Services at (517) 394-5411
CONNECT Wednesdays (September 13 - May 8)
3:00- 5:00 pm.- The Hangout. An after-school program where high school students can hang out, do homework, play tabletop games, video games, drink pop, and eat snacks.
5:30 pm.- CONNECT Dinner. A free meal that the whole family can participate in.
6:15-7:00 pm.- CONNECT Kids (Children Ages 3 yrs.-5th Grade) join together to learn about Jesus in a fun and safe environment. They will enjoy singing, bible stories, arts and crafts, games, and more!
6:15- 7:30pm.- Jr. High Youth Group. For more information, please contact Joey South at jrsouth16@yahoo.com.
Sr. High Youth Group ( 9th-12th Grade)- September 17 - May 12
Sundays from 6:00-8:00 pm. For more information, please contact Joey South at jrsouth16@yahoo.com.
Life Groups
We have several Life Group options for adults. Our Life Groups get together to grow in their faith, pray together, serve together, and support one another. If you are interested in joining a Life Group, please email Bruce T at bterhaar@comcast.net.
Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:
Thank you for praying for the ICRC staff and ministry team leaders
Friends with Health Concerns
Mark B, June B, John B, David C,
Joe C, Howard J. C, Don F, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,
Kathy G, Roland H, Emily J, Barb K, Jack N,
Marcia N, Dave N, Yvonne N,
If you are in need of meals, or if you are willing to provide meals when needed,
please contact Kerri M.