A newsletter for the family and friends of Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
ITEMS
Rev. David P. Constien, Senior Pastor
Rev. William C. Ryden, Associate Pastor
Volume 56 No. 10 October 2014
Martin Luther’s Definition ofFaith
byMartin Luther
Faith is not what some people think it is. Their human dream is a delusion. Because they observe that faith is not followed by good works or a better life, they fall into error, even though they speak and hear much about faith. “Faith is not enough,” they say, “You must do good works, you must be pious to be saved.” They think that, when you hear the gospel, you start working, creating by your own strength a thankful heart which says, “I believe.” That is what they think true faith is. But, because this is a human idea, a dream, the heart never learns anything from it, so it does nothing and reform doesn’t come from this `faith,’either.
Instead, faith is God’s work in us, that changes us and gives new birth from God. (John 1:13). It kills the Old Adam and makes us completely different people. It changes our hearts, our spirits, our thoughts and all our powers. It brings the Holy Spirit with it. Yes, it is a living, creative, active and powerful thing, this faith. Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn’t stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing. Anyone who does not do good works in this manner is an unbeliever. He stumbles around and looks for faith and good works, even though he does not know what faith or good works are. Yet he gossips and chatters about faith and good works with manywords.
Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace, so certain of God’s favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God’s grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. Because of it, you freely, willingly and joyfully do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of things, love and praise the God who has shown you such grace. Thus, it is just as impossible to separate faith and works as it is to separate heat and light from fire! Therefore, watch out for your own false ideas and guard against good-for-nothing gossips, who think they’re smart enough to define faith and works, but really are the greatest of fools. Ask God to work faith in you, or you will remain forever without faith, no matter what you wish, say or cando.
An excerpt from “An Introduction to St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans,” Luther’s German Bible of 1522 by Martin Luther,1483-1546
Serving the Living Lord at Immanuel
Management of life’s resources for God’s purposes
"Caring and sharing since 1850, the mission of the family of God at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mokena
is to effectively teach the Word of God. promote the spiritual growth of the Christian family, and continuously reach out with love and service."
September 2014
OUR OFFERINGS TO GOD: $ 15,626.00
OUR MINISTRY AT A GLANCE:
Mortgage ~ $ 3,215.00
Mortgage Balance ~ $330.337.02
Outreach ~ $ YTD $ 282.67
Education ~$396.89 YTD $2,622.71
Mission ~ $570.00 YTD $3,885.00
Personnel ~$21,952.18
Utilities ~ Electric $829.73; Gas $158.51 Phone $321.11; Garbage $97.66; Water $134
Total Expenses: $29,623.88
Bulletin & Items Publishing
Bulletin articles are due on Wednesday by 1 p.m.
Articles for the Nov. Items are due
Nov. 22nd and will be on our
website/e-mailed/available in narthex after
Nov. 24th.
We post Items Newsletter
on the Website!
www.immanuelmokena.org
Baptisms: Daniel Kevin Bayles-September 7, 2014
Weddings:
Funerals:
Transfers:
Weekly Attendance: August 31- September 21, 2014
5:00 pm 8:00 am 10:30 am Total
August 31 33 39 47 119
September 7 52 50 84 186
September 14 42 48 58 148
September 21 52 35 50 137
Baptized Membership 849 Confirmed Membership 710.
Immanuel has elders who assist the pastors during the worship service and outside of worship. Their job is to be of service to you in any cares/concerns you may have with the congregation and within your family. Here are your elders:
Elder 1: Marty Olsen 815-464-4373
Please contact this Elder should you have any concerns.
If you plan to move or have already moved,
PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE with your new address!!
Fellowship Events
……Mark Your Calendars!
Oktoberfest- Sunday October 26th, 12 noon. We will provide the brats and a keg of root beer. We also host a chili cook off at this event.
Fall Festival-Saturday November 8th- The Ruth Society is hosting an annual roast beef dinner and craft show. The craft show is from 10 am to 7 pm. Luncheon is served from 11 am to 1 pm. The dinner is from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. LOTS OF HELP IS NEEDED.
Cookie Walk-Saturday December 13th, 9 am-1 pm. We will need bakers for this event. We need volunteers to bake at least 20 dozen-2 inch cookies, the more unique the better.
NEWS
SAVE THE DATE!
Mark your calendars for our annual Oktoberfest, Sunday, October 26th immediately following late service.
Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends and neighbors to enjoy some German music, great fellowship, and excellent food! Brats and Beer (Draft Root Beer) will be provided
If your last name starts with A to M please bring a side dish to share.
If your last name starts with N to Z please bring a dessert to share.
Trunk or Treat is coming up soon. Please join us on Friday, Oct. 31st from 4:30 – 6:30 as we welcome our community to Immanuel for some fun, food and fellowship. We need lots of cars to fill our lower lot. We also need help with parking lot attendants, food servers and all around friendly faces. If you can’t be there that day you can help out by donating candy. Please sign up on the poster in the narthex.
The Anything Goes Garage Sale was a big success. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, donated items and shopped. We could not have done it without your help. Thanks to your time and talents we have $3500 to put towards the parking lot repair fund.
& ROAST BEEF DINNER will take place on Saturday, November 8th . We will need your donations to the Country Kitchen, including baked goods, homemade canned products (including preserves), etc. If you are working on crafts, please make a few extra. Fall Fest is sponsored by the Ruth Society. For more information, call Eleanor Golden at (708) 479-5228 or Carole Sluis (708) 479-2833.
Immanuel Youth Group
“Connecting youth to Christ and each other”
Check out our web site at www.immanuelmokena.org and click on the
“youth” link.
You can also find out about upcoming events, view pictures and connect with other youth through our group on Facebook.
You can sign up for a free account and join our group.
Hannibal, Here we come! Believe it or not it’s time to start thinking about next summer already. We have spots reserved for Hannibal, MO. from July 5-11, 2015. The cost for the mission trip will be $250 again. Deposits are due by September 28th. You can either pay the $50 deposit or the whole $250. All youth ages 14 to 20 are eligible to participate.
Get the 411 – To stay up to date with the latest youth news and happenings make sure that Pastor Ryden has your current contact information – email address, cell number, address, facebook, etc.
Preschool News
October 7-8: Chapel
October 9: Fire Department Visit
October 13: No School
October 21-22: Chapel
October 22: Cookie Orders Delivered
October 23-24: School Pictures
October 30-31: Halloween Parties
“WANTS and GOTS”
“WANTS" Members who need help. Rides, shopping, projects around the house, or anything else that you can think of.
“GOTS” Plenty of Servants willing to help their fellow members. Contact the church office or one of the Pastors if you are in need of help.
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This section of the newsletter is to provide a space for anyone who has an item that is still serviceable and needs a new home, or, if you are in need of something and wish to post your need.
To submit a classified listing, simply send an email to Laura Burt at the church office or put the information in mailbox A2. Please be sure to include your contact information as well. All classifieds will be posted for one month.
October Birthdays
1 Bob Fleckenstein, Greg Strobel
2 Gary Banser, Jr., JoAnn Wattman, Bill Ziemer
3 Chris Constien, Kim Horneij, Karen Rogel
5 Russ Fleckenstein, Linnae Rodriguez
6 Kira Budd, Jamie Hathorn
7 Ray Fleckenstein, Michael Wattman
8 Nick Floramo, Doris Naber, Liam Shirley
9 Lyn Thorne, Tim Victor
10 Allison Bonicontro, Taylor Carson, Renee Radatz,
Samantha Schmidt, Parker Witherspoon
11 Layla Wojno
12 Bill Pomykala, Skylar Smith, Amy Vos
13 James Bowlds, Jessica Klaisner
14 Dave Ebert, Susan Kruspe, Payton Lanigan,
Melanie Taylor, Kyndra Windham, Lee Zagrakalis
15 Vicki Fisher, Amy Zagrakalis
16 Marie Beeler, Leslie Cosich, Peter Lovrich,
Amanda Weldzius
17 Kaiden Mozzi, Sharon Schwanbeck
18 Anthony Cartolano
19 Becky Burke
20 Jolene Baker, Kerry Gerken, Garett Haug, Erik Phelps,
Jim Schmidt
21 Lynn Gilmore
23 Henry Meents, Wendy Nagy, Karen Tatro,
Karen Vrshek
24 Nasser Diab, Bruce Karpola
25 Ava Beyler, Roxane Engel, Ted Fenn, JoAnna Rowell,
Kelly Snedden
26 Tessa Denny, Dale Disabato, Erika Downey, Rae Lucas
27 Roger Radatz, Patti Roderick, Jacob Stermin,
Christina Temple
28 Megan Wohler
29 Tymme Windham
30 Kate Gilmore, Kristin Stermin
31 Chet Brauer, Lauren Maranto, Evan Strejcek
October Anniversaries
1 Dale & Kathy Disabato 37 yrs.
3 Michael & JoAnn Wattman 16 yrs.
4 Carole & John Ellis 17 yrs.
5 Cheryl & Dennis Thompson 40 yrs.
7 Daniel & Francine Signore 36 yrs.
10 Mike & Sharon Kirk 5 yrs.
Karrie & Mark Licatesi 6 yrs.
11 Bob and Joan Fleckenstein 56 yrs.
12 Kyle & Jodi Klode 29 yrs.
Lance & Diane Nilsen 23 yrs.
15 John & Kelly Magierski 3yrs.
Michael & Lois Mayer 43 yrs.
William & Doreen Pomykala 31 yrs.
16 Carol & John Golembiewski 38 yrs.
Keith & Lee Ann Milbratz 32 yrs.
Wendy & Thomas Olsen 21 yrs.
17 Nasser & Gloria Diab 27 yrs.
Walter & Maryann Hawrysko 44 yrs.
19 Michael & Laura Saltzman 18 yrs.
20 Bruce & Diane Braner 41 yrs.
Jamie & Beth Smith 8 yrs.
Marianne & Victor Tamosaitis 34 yrs.
22 Charles & JoAnna Rowell 3 yrs.
26 Patrick & Amy Lydic 23 yrs.
28 Edward & Rita Nykrin 19 yrs.
29 Maria & Christopher Dokianos 25 yrs.
30 John & Kimberly Horneij 21 yrs.
We wish God’s blessings on all these people celebrating a birthday or anniversary in August. If we have forgotten anyone’s special day or it is in error, please contact the church office.
Bible Quiz
What modern expression comes from the practice, described in Leviticus, of a priest confessing Israel’s sins over the head of an animal and sending it (and the sins with it) into the desert?
A. hogwash
B. from the horse’s mouth
C. monkey business
D. scapegoat
Answer: D (See Leviticus 16:10, 21, NIV.)
A colorful lesson
We could learn a lot from crayons: Some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors ... but they all exist very nicely together in the same box.
—Robert Fulghum
Divine Design Bible Study
It's not too late to come join the new Bible study for women called “Divine Design.” It will be a spiritual makeover of sorts. If you are interested in this Bible study, we will be meeting in the "overflow room" from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. This study will meet two times a month. Please RSVP by calling: Christine Constien at 815-722-4890.
The schedule for the remaining sessions is as follows:
September 29 Week One "What We Wear"
Bring an old item you wear that you should get rid of, but do not.
October 13 Week Two "Controlling Behavior"
Bring a photo of you in an outfit you love, or bring the outfit.
October 27 Week Three "Worry"
Bring a bag that symbolizes the worry you carry.
November 3 Week Four "Pride"
Describe a time you were prideful or bring a picture of when you felt proud.
November 17 Week Five "Envy"
Bring a green item you wear. We will vote on the best and the winner will receive a gift.
December 1 Week Six "Selfishness"
Bring a pair of boots that symbolize you.
December 15 Week Seven "Bitterness"
Bring a sweater that shows how you feel towards people who offend you.
January 5 Week Eight "Look In The Mirror"
Be prepared to state something you really do not like about yourself.
What’s a Christian to do with Halloween?
These days, children associate Halloween with trick-or-treating and candy. But centuries ago, Christians named the night before All Hallows’ Day (All Saints’ Day) “All Hallows’ Eve.” As the faithful prepared to remember people who were entrusted to resurrection life, they adopted various traditions to poke fun at death.