 |
|||
APPEAL EVENTS He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God. – Psalm 50:23 I WONDERED WHY GOD WOULD WANT MY FAMILY TO LEAVE . . . a church eleven years ago, one of which I was a member of since the age of two. After only two weeks without a chance to worship, God brought us straight to Immanuel. From the moment we heard the first sermon we knew we found a new home. At first we were amazed at the programs for youth and how the leaders loved to work with and for the kids, and since we had younger children we couldn't wait to get started. As time went on it became so obvious that God was at work through everyone at Immanuel. So many people serve God unselfishly, and with such happy hearts in so many ways at Immanuel that it is not hard to be a art of this faith community. The evidence of God's hand at Immanuel is seen not only in the support of missions around the world, but the inspiration of our own young peole who grew up here and go out into the world to spread the good news to others, longing to be saved by Jesus. God is doing such wonderful things through the members of Immanuel and we can't wait to see what God will do next with all the great people of Immanuel, if we just let him lead us to the promised land. Glenn Moehling, Creative Arts Leader
I AM VERY EXCITED TO BE A MEMBER OF IMMANUEL AT THIS TIME The excitement of our church moving forward to benefit our congregation and its programs makes me feel like a kid at Christmas (and I love that feeling). The anticipation, preparation and dedication that comes with the Christmas season are half the fun. And just like getting ready for Christmas, there may be times when our plans may need to be altered and reviewed, to make sure that we are heading in the right direciton. In my experience, getting ready for Christmas has never been that story book version of sugar plums dancing in our heads. As I am sure our advenure into a new Church facility will not be dictated by the first proposal on the table. It will be a time of reflection, dedication, preparation and great anticipation with some adjustments along the way. I am excited at the possibilities a new facility offers us. Not only the room to accommodate our current and future members, but also the room to expand what we offer our community and ministries. Immanuel has so much to offer the Lake Geneva area, the visibility of a new building is just another vehicle to reach others and let them know about the love of our Lord. Joanie Fields, Special Events Leader
FAITH: Faith to me is my "inner being." It is confidence and trust in God. In the morning when I pray, as well as at night, I feel the presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The rest of the day is a gift from God – all the "in-betweens." I know that I am loved and have a home in heaven when that time comes. (Long time I hope!) My door of faith is always open. MINISTRY: Church ministry: I love it all! The Pastors, the people, the children, the building (our church) and all that heppens within and without the walls; the outreach done here and abroad that benefits so many – knowing that all of this is guided by God. What's there not to love? GIVING: I know the Bible states in several places that one should tithe – Christ is our model in giving and we know all that we have comes from Him. Tithing covers various levels of personal commitment along with time and talent. It should also include your giving and helping other causes, etc. Tithing should not be limited to your income alone. It should be voluntary and cheerfully given, not a task or a burden. One should give or pledge what they are comfortable with and yet think of what it is being given for. Mickey Tolar, Telephone Leader
BIBLICAL REASONS FOR GIVING The story of creation proclaims that we are God's handiwork. We have been created in God's image. What does that mean? For one thing, it suggests that we are created to be in relationship – with our Creator and with others. None of us is self-made. Everything that we have, and every breath that we take, is a gift from God. And, from the very first partnership between Adam and Eve, we were meant to care for one another. We are not meant to "go it alone." We are created to be in relationship. We are also created to be givers. After all, God is the greatest Giver of all. God did not stop giving – even when it meant the life and death of Jesus. Created in God's image, we are meant to be givers. However, giving does not come naturally. Just ask a two-year-old to share his or her toys! We need to be taught to share and move beyond our desire of sharing, we soon discover the joy that comes with giving. Give – not until it hurts – but until it feels good! For when we share what God has first given to us, for the sake of others, we discover true joy. During our Growing Faith Appeal, we have the opportunity to reflect on why we were created and for what larger purpose. Faith in God means life to me. I can remember the many years ago when I didn't know Jesus as my personal savior. Depending solely on me seemed to work out just fine. I had no major difficulties, but I worried about the future, about dying, about my child, about my marriage. There was no peace. When I committed my life to Christ, the change in my inner being was remarkable. I was suddenly happy most of the time. I had an inner peace that brought joy to my life and there was no longer fear of dying. As I studied the Bible, I found that these things Christ promised to those who believe. He truly delivered for me. I know I will never be worthy of all the things He's done for me, and I'm so grateful that being worthy has nothing to with what He will do for His own. Immanuel is a church that teaches God's love and acts on it. Through its numerous ministries, countless people throughout the world are given help. Our extraordinary pastors are constantly identifying opportunities to serve our community as well as members of our congregation. They model Fruits of the Spirit consistently and lead us with love and compassion. Their work to glorify God has caused church growth and enriched the lives of many. The presence of the Holy Spirit can truly be felt in this church. God has given so much to me and my family that I feel strongly I should give as much as possible. I believe in tithing and even though I'm retired, good stewardship is a high priority. I have learned to trust God for my needs and give according to His word. He gives back abundantly. It is a privilege to call God my Father and to serve Him. Bobbi Gutman, Spiritual Emphasis Leader
MY FAITH IS MY REASON FOR GETTING OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING . . . what I use to guide me through each day, the last thing I think about before I go to sleep at night. Faith is so important to my husband and me that we gave our daughter "Faith" as a middle name. Without a belief in God, nothing would have meaning. God reassures my faith through important events in my life as well as tiny details in the day such as the squirrels and birds feasting outside my window. The ministry of this church shines its light on every area of this community and spreads beacons of hope to far off places on the globe through wider mission projects. Our church provides a safe haven for children and youth in our community through before and after school programs, early release day programs, youth groups, and Sunday School to name a few programs. Music ministry in the church reaches parishioners each Sunday and large groups of people at Christmas and Easter. The congregation of this church provides meals for funeral luncheons and those in need and lovingly sews quilts for baptisms, graduations, and wider missions. The purchase of gifts for children with incarcerated parents is yet another example of the numerous ways Immanuel ministers to others. The giving of our time and talents and our finances allows for the continuation of these and countless other wonderful ministries at Immanuel. We are called to give what we can financially and to move toward tithing. My husband and I decide each year to increase our financial giving to the church. This was an especially difficult decision this year. I told my husband yet again, "Somehow there is always enough money in the bank when I go to write the check to the church." I know that God will continue to provide for our church and our family, and I hope my faith will be strong enough to tithe someday. Scripture tells us that God's blessings for us will multiply! Lisa M. Bunge, Children & Youth Leader MY FAITH IS MY LIFELINE Simple statement but quite complex when looked at in depth. I was not blessed to grow up in a home that went to church. However, God was constantly nudging at me from the time I can remember. There have been and continue to be events in my life that have more than once literally brought me to my knees. If it weren't for God's constant love and His promise of never leaving me, I wouldn't have made it through many of them. But He has been the only constant in my life that can be depended on. That's enough of that as it's very hard for me to go into more. Immanuel has come to be a source of comfort to me more than this church body will ever know during some very challenging times. It truly walks the talk when it says it has a heart to care. I feel very strongly that in order for Immanuel to continue to minister and reach out to the congregation and future members a larger facility is needed. Naturally, it's all God's timing but we need to "get all our ducks in a row" so when God's ready we as a congregation are also ready. Jill Rosenthal, Resource Coordinator MY FAITH IS A GIFT FROM GOD! He has blessed me with a wonderful wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends in Christ's name. My faith has called me to a personal relationship with God through prayer, reading of scripture, listening and discerning His direction in my life. As my faith grows, I realize there is nothing more important in my life. Attending church has been a part of most of my adult life. I am a member of the body of believers whom reach out together to do the will of God. Each one uses our God given gifts within the church, community, and world to serve out of love so that His mission will be fulfilled. Immanuel Lutheran Church is full of God's Spirit from the Pastors, through the worship, and meaningful ministries touching the lives we meet. The giving of time and talents is also a privilege. We do so out of joy and thanksgiving. We can never repay God for the gifts of His son Jesus Christ and the unconditional love He grants us daily. The giving of our financial resources should be our joyful reponse to glorify God for all He has blessed us with. This will be a challenge in these difficult times. We can pray about it and remember that God has always provided in the past and will continue to do so now. Steve Guy, Core Group Leader |
|||
