Dear Friends in Jesus,

CHANGE IN OUR WORLD What changes this past month has brought to our world and to our lives! All events in our community, state and beyond cancelled. Restaurants and many businesses closed or limited to pickup. Nursing homes locked down. Schools doing education online. People without jobs. People sick and dying across our country and state. Everyone asked to shelter-in-place.

CHANGE AT CHURCH Since we are not able to gather for worship, we have been putting our services on YouTube and Facebook. We’re offering daily devotions on Facebook on the days we don’t have a service. We’ve started doing Sunday School via Facebook Live. Confirmation classes have been meeting on Zoom. We were able to offer some small group communion services before the shelter-in-place took effect in Minnesota. Many other activities have been cancelled. It’s definitely quieter at church and I miss seeing you and gathering in the Sanctuary for worship.

GOD’S PROMISE “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress,” we read in Psalm 46. In all the changes and uncertainties, we have a God who does not change! And we have certainties in God’s promises. “Never will I leave you or forsake you.” “Fear not, I am with you.” My friends, know that the Lord is with you. He promis-es to guard you. He will work all things for good!

WORSHIP OPTIONS 1. If you have internet access through your computer or

cell phone, I encourage you to participate in our Sun-day worship services at 10 AM on Immanuel’s YouTube or Facebook pages. You can go to our church website at www.immanuelparkersprairie.com and click on the YouTube link to be taken to our YouTube page. Then click on the service you want to watch. Our midweek Lenten services are also there.

2. Watch Main Street Living on TV. This program fea-tures a local LCMS pastor. It is shown on Sundays on Ch 29 WFTC at 9:30 AM from the Cities(including on DISH if you have the Twin Cites sta-tions or Selective TV 9.2) and on CH 15 KVRR Fargo(Ch 10 on Arvig) at 9 AM or on the web any-time at mainstreetliving.com.

3. Listen to the Lutheran Hour on the radio. WCCO Mpls 830 6:00 AM KXRA Alex 1490 6:30 AM KFGO Fargo 790 7:30 AM KWAD Wadena 9 8:30 AM KMRS Morris 1230 12:30 PM KFNW Fargo 1200 4:30 PM 4. Spend time reading your Bible and in prayer. Pick

up a Portals of Prayer (or call the church and we will mail one to you).

MAIN STREET LIVING Concordia Seminary President Dale Meyer will give the Main Street Living Easter Sunday message from Fargo. Pastor Clark Jahnke will preach April 19. Pastor Kirk Lee will preach on April 26.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES We will premiere services from previous years for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Saturday East-er Vigil on YouTube and Facebook. Maundy Thursday Last Supper Portrayal from 2018 April 9, 7 PM Good Friday Tenebrae Service from 2019 April 10, 2 PM Holy Saturday Easter Vigil from 2018 April 11, 7 PM

We will also premiere morning devotions on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday at 9 AM that focus on our stained glass windows that apply to those two days.

EASTER MORNING DRIVE IN CHURCH We will have a worship service in our parking lot on April 12, Easter Sunday, at 9 AM. You will park in the gravel parking lot east of the church and stay in your car. I will be on a platform by the swing set facing east. The service will be broadcast on FM radio. You will be able to hear the service on your radio and see me

Immanuel Lutheran Church

PASTOR KIRK LEE Office: 218.338.2511 Cell: 218.639.1947

Fax: 218.338.5106 Parsonage: 218.338.5351

PASTOR MARK SCHWARZ Carlos Office: 320.852.7530 Cell: 630.715.7930

Secretary email: immanuel@midwestinfo.net Pastor email: ilcpp@midwestinfo.net

Website: www.immanuelparkersprairie.com

April 2020

A Word from The Pastor

through your vehicle window. We’ve tested out the ra-dio transmitter that we recently purchased and it works very well. There will be ushers to direct traffic as you arrive. We will have a keyboard and soloist, so you will be able to hear the Easter hymns and sing as loudly as you want in your vehicle! (And there will be an Easter Service at 10 AM on YouTube and Facebook if you prefer to worship that way.)

GIVING I would like to thank everyone who has dropped off or mailed in their offerings the past couple weeks. It is much appreciated. Offerings can be sent to Immanuel, PO Box 66, Parkers Prairie, MN 56361. If you would like to set up automatic giving fill out the Joyful Re-sponse page in this newsletter and return it to the church office. There is no cost to you or to the church for using this service, which is provided by Lutheran Church Ex-tension Fund. We are also working to get a Give Now link on our website as well as the ability to receive debit card and Text to Give gifts.

BULLETINS We are printing a smaller number of bulletins each week. They are available on the table outside the office. You can also read the bulletin on our church website.

ZOOM BIBLE CLASS We will have a Wednesday Bible Class online with Zoom at 10 AM beginning April 15. Let me know if you would like to participate. I will send you an email with a link to our Zoom meeting. If you have a comput-er with a camera you will be able to see everyone else. If you don’t have a computer, you can participate by phone.

BLOOD DRIVE We are hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, April 24 from noon to 6 PM. There is a serious shortage of blood and this drive will take place to help with that need. We will use extra sanitation and social distancing measures. Go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: Parkers Prairie or call the church office. We will be needing some volunteers to help check donors in and to serve snacks. We will need at least two people from 11:45 to 3:00 and also from 2:45 to 6:00 PM. Call the church office if you can help.

NEED SOME HELP? If you are in need of help to have groceries, medications or other items delivered to your home, please let me know! Or if you have any other needs, also let us know. We have volunteers who are willing to help! If you de-sire to receive Holy Communion please let me know. We are allowed to do that at church as long as it is just one household at a time. I am also able to bring Com-munion to your home.

DON’T HAVE INTERNET? If you don’t have internet in your home or on your phone, we would be happy to mail you DVDs with our worship services if you have a DVD player at home. Let us know if that would be of interest to you.

FINANCIAL UPDATE Needed each month in 2020 $19,385.00 February Offerings $18,650.82 March Offerings $16,005.00 Offerings under budget through Mar -$12,219.88

God’s blessings to you!

Pastor Kirk Lee

PSALM 91—My Refuge and My Fortress He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

I saw this picture (meme) on Facebook and thought this about summed up what we are all feeling. I saw another one that said, “I didn’t realize I’d be giving up so much for Lent.” Last month I talked about slowing down, fasting, spending time with family, and spending time with God. Little did I know the opportunity we would have to do that. I have seen many people doing projects at home, spending more time with family, and slowing down a little. As your pastor, I think about our spiritual health. I was out today for a walk and saw people out and staying active. A big part of our spiritual health is our mental health. During this time of being home, I hope that you take care of yourself spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Read your Bible, go for a walk, have meaningful conversations with loved ones, and take time to call on people you may know who would love to hear from you. You never know the impact you can make on people by a simple phone

call or a simple hello. In this time of social distancing, don’t isolate. Be present with people and continue to share the love of Christ. Confirmation is continuing for the 6th grade students. We were about to learn about Jesus’ death and resurrection before we had to stop meeting at church. We are going to be meeting through the power of the internet. I’m looking forward for this opportunity to continue class. The 7th grade students just finished their lessons on prayer. We also had a fun weekend at Lutheran Island Camp. It was a good time to get together, learn about prayer, and learn more about each other. We are going to finish the year with on-line classes as well. We will be closing the year talking about the sacraments their meanings. Trinity Carlos News: Like Immanuel, we are not meeting physically for church. It is a strange feeling not meeting together. We still have one more section of Jeff Cloeter’s book (Loved and Sent) to finish. We are also looking at ways we can serve our community and be part of what is happening in Carlos. Last time we met we discussed how God can still be good if there is so much evil in the world. It was a timely discussion as we faced the Corona Virus. Jeff does a great job explaining that in the book. What I am learning: It is important to have time to slow down and to reflect. I was thinking about things I’m doing different than I did before the Corona Virus impacted us. What is something you are doing now that you will not do once we go back to life as it was? What is something that you won’t be doing that you did before this? For me, I won’t watch as much sports or listen to sports talk radio as much. I will be trying to exercise and keep that habit going. Closing thought: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

Pastor Mark Schwarz

April Anniversaries Larry & Joanne Moske 4-8-1960 Dan & Danielle Kreidler 4-11-2015 Brian & Heather Wittrock 4-20-2013 Roger & Eloise Wallner 4-23-1955 Josh & Shauna Nordlund 4-25-2015 Ryan & Kelley Pexsa 4-25-2003 Audie & Kimberly Kruse 4-27-1985 Clyde & Pat Hendrickson 4-28-1956 David & Julie O’Brien 4-29-2000 Dale & Marcia Ratajesak 4-29-1995

April Birthdays Kim Castle 4-1 James Dodds 4-1 Francesca Hanson 4-1 Nickolas Briggs 4-2 Joe Kastner 4-2 April Adickes 4-3 Kason Gaarsland 4-3 Bruce Sjobeck 4-3 Karen Marotto 4-4 Nicole Rosengren 4-4 Noah Tabbert 4-4 Brad Lambrecht 4-5 Arabella Lammle 4-5 Avri Lucht 4-5 Taylor Schroeder 4-6 Sue Birkholz 4-7 Andrew McDaniel 4-7 Josh Nordlund 4-7 Kayla Fiedler 4-8 Jenna Samuelson 4-8 Stephanie West 4-9 Becky Cook 4-10 Michelle Moats 4-10 Zoey Moen 4-10 Alex Looker 4-11 Scott Fassett 4-12

Darlene Samuelson 4-13 Aaron Blowers 4-14 David Kalpin 4-14 Jurlienne Riedel 4-14 Eric Schultz 4-14 Spencer Mobley 4-15 Cindy Wunderlich 4-15 Robin Samuelson 4-16 Shane Hanson 4-17 Aaron Adickes 4-19 William Bastyr 4-19 Rylen Olson 4-19 Angela Wenzel 4-19 Nicole Rupert 4-20 Jenny Chermak 4-21 Thomas Collom 4-21 Lori Henning 4-21 Charlie Klimek 4-21 Tricia Melbye 4-21 Alisha Nustad 4-22 Natasha West 4-22 Kayla Gaarsland 4-23 Saren Smith 4-23 David Hanson 4-26 Sabrina Moske 4-26 Sandi Rud 4-26 Vickie Roberts 4-27 Beth Ward 4-27 Blake Adickes 4-29 Sterling Iverson 4-29 Matthew Jirik 4-29 Trey Boyd 4-30 Kaitlyn Collom 4-30 Eli Melbye 4-30 Justin Newberg 4-30 If your April birthday or anniversary is not

listed, please inform the church office.

Joyful Response®

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Immanuel Lutheran Church 218-338-2511

PO Box 66 Parkers Prairie, MN 56361

TIM MissionsSpecial Needs

888-THE LCMS • lcms.org • infocenter@lcms.org

LentMarch 2020

To be added to or removed from this mailing list, send an email message to roger.james@lcms.org with the word ADD or REMOVE in the subject line.

SERVING THE LORD IN

THE PHILIPPINESREV. ROGER & AMY JAMES

Rev. Roger James serves as LCMS theological educator. He and his wife Amy live and teach at Lutheran Theological Seminary and Training Center (LTS), the

seminary of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP).Last time I wrote there was a volcano erupting causing all sorts of uncertainty here in the Philippines. This time it is the coronavirus. Lent is an excellent time to frame the uncertainty of our day to day lives in terms of what Christ has done for us. On Ash Wednesday, as the soot is crossed onto the forehead, the pastor says, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The only honest response to that statement is, “Amen. It is true.” But that is not all that is true. It is also true that just as God formed Adam from the dust of the earth, so he will raise all people again from the dust of death. Those who believe in the Savior Jesus will draw near to the Blessed Trinity, never to fall to dust and ashes again, never to die, never to sin, never to sorrow, never to shame or be shamed, never to be ill. This is most certainly true because of what the Son of God did, becoming a man of dust Himself, for us and for our salvation. This is a certainty that infinitely surpasses coronaviruses or volcanoes! Thanks be to God. Speaking of volcanoes, thankfully that seems to have passed. Minimal loss of life, but substantial loss of property and the whole surrounding area, which had been a major tourist destination, has been deemed unfit for human habitation. Thankfully, churches of the LCP in that area have been restored Now there is the coronavirus. “Here in the Philippines, there seemed to be little impact.” That was what I was going to write March 12, when I first started this newsletter. What a difference a few days can make! Since 18 March until April 15 we are on “enhanced community quarantine.” This means that only one person from a household can go out to get necessary groceries or medicine at specific times assigned to city districts. Our district time is Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from eleven to two. We have about nine different “households” on campus. Each of the professors has a separate home; the deaconess students are one household; two different student families have small apartments; the single men share a living area; and then the caretaker and his son, home from college have a small home. Classes have been canceled in order to comply with community directives. However professors continue to give reading assignments and study guides. (I tell the students that it is their daily dose of medicine.) Hopefully, we can catch up quickly when the quarantine ends. Nevertheless, we gather daily, either in the morning or the evening for prayer. We meet outside in the grassy quad, each household together, but distanced from others. The order varies, but usually there is a psalm and hymn, Bible reading and homily by one of the professors, Matins, or Morning Suffrages, or the Litany. It is truly a high point of the day. Thank you for remembering us in your prayers. Our prayers also go out to all those who are serving to alleviate this crisis; to our fellow missionaries, far from home; to the sick and fearful; to the pastors who continue to care for their flocks; for those who are out of work; for our congregations….The list goes on! Thanks be to God that He eagerly hears us. Peace in Christ, Roger James

PHILIPPINE FACTS“On Ju ly 7 , 1946 , th ree days a f te r Independence Day in the Philippines, the first Lutheran missionary arrived in Manila to sow the sees of the Reformation Gospel. This was unique in the history of the sponsoring, sending church, the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LC-MS), for three reasons. First, it was unique in that the first missionary was not the usual expatriate, but a native citizen of the country to which he was sent. Second, it was the first of several mission fields which the LC-MS entered after World War II after returning Lutheran servicemen brought the news of the need for sharing the Gospel in various parts of the world. Third, it was unique due the fact that this was the first overseas mission area the LC-MS entered by its own initiative. India in 1895, China in 1913 and Nigeria in 1936 built on the foundation laid by other mission groups.”

(From Robert Day McAmis, The Lutheran Church in the Philippines: History of a Half Century of Lutheran Mission in the Republic of the Philippines, 2-3).

Dear Fellow Sojourners,

Our spirits groan. What words can convey how deeply we feel about the challenging days that you now face and that lie ahead in the coming weeks during this pandemic? Our thoughts turn constantly to our country, the United States, the church, our loved ones and you, our supporters and dear partners in mission. I have restarted this newsletter a number of times. Each time I return to it, the news seems so old and now, perhaps will seem trivial to you, our reader. But, we do want to communicate with you, so I won’t rewrite it once again, because I’m afraid then it won’t get out at all then! I want you to know that even as all your missionaries here in Asia are feeling ever more acutely the distance from family, churches, and supporters during the pandemic, wishing we could be near you; do know that we draw you close as we bring you before God’s throne of grace in our prayers.

When we last communicated with you at the beginning of March––a lifetime ago as it almost seems for all of us––we had told you about Dan’s slated trip to the States, scheduled March 9th for network support building in Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin, which was to last about two or three months. That is not how it panned out.

A QUICK TURN AROUND…BUT NOT IN THE USUAL SENSE How it unfolded: March 5th: Still in Tokyo, Dan receives guidelines about international travel restrictions for missionaries: travel to Japan at level 2 (caution if in high-risk category). Since Dan is planning to leave Japan, he is granted permission to travel to the US. Dan secures St. Louis seminary guest lodging.

March 6th: Disconcerting news from our telecare team in St Louis––they are having great difficulty scheduling any appointments after numerous attempts. (People are leery of visitors from Japan.) Dan lines up car rental for three months.

March 7th: An early report of February’s gifts reveals an outpouring of support that moves us into the black. Thanks be to God! Dan decides that even if he is unable to schedule congregational visits (remember, nobody was talking about lockdowns or shelter in place at that time), one-on-one visits could still be an option. (Network support still needs to expand for the long-term.) Scheduling would be much easier while in the States. Dan packs. (continued)

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Jastram Newsletter

SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS, FAMILY TIME. NOGAWA, JAPAN

Serving the Lord in ASIA

News from the Jastrams

APRIL 2020

March 9th: Dan heads to the airport; planes are crowded, but he arrives in the States in the evening without a hitch; no Covid-19 screening delays in his connecting flights. Instead of heading to the seminary, he is driven to a hotel, though; venue for the workshop moved from the International Center to the hotel because of Covid-19 fears.

March 11th – March 13th: Three full days of workshop sessions on network building. Plans made for presentations on the 14th. On the 13th, however, I call Dan. “I think you need to come home NOW.” (Trump had declared a national emergency; I worry he will not have a return flight if he delays.) Dan confers with synodical leaders and all are in agreement. Time to head back; a flight is expeditiously arranged. Now the plan is for Dan to continue effective mission work back in Japan and continue mission support building long-distance.

March 14th – March 15th: Dan leaves St. Louis from an eerily near-empty airport to arrive to a similarly near-empty Tokyo airport. And then hops on the train home to a much-relieved wife!

LIFE AND WORK BACK IN TOKYO Everything is still in constant flux, as I am sure you can relate. Dan initially turned to some Japan-related work he was eager to move forward on. He got in touch with several Japanese pastors, made plans to visit and discuss projects that are in the works. (No travel restrictions here in Japan yet.) Days later, these domestic travel plans had to be cancelled after the Office of International Mission strongly (and wisely) recommended all missionaries who were in a high risk category to shelter at home. Dan changed gears and now is busy with much non-travel work, which include a slew of funded Asia mission projects that need attention (getting Lutheran resources out to those who are most eager to receive them––when that time comes once again, and it will, God-willing), as well as extra responsibilities related to supporting team missionaries during this pandemic.

OUR OTHER LCMS MISSIONARIES IN ASIA The impact of this pandemic on our missionaries vary greatly depending on their location. In Taiwan, for instance, the response to the pandemic has been highly effective and cases are low thus far; before South Korea contained the spread and numbers sky-rocketed, life was extra stressful. And in Sri Lanka, missionary families must have their food delivered as they are under strict 24-hour curfew conditions. No matter our location, however, what is common to all is a desire to stay the course, despite the current trials and tribulations. Some of us, who were slated to return to the States—many this summer for missionary re-connects—have had those visits postponed indefinitely. We are all thinking of ways to stay connected (or make new connections!) long-distance, under these new realities.

PRAYERS Now more than ever, our daily devotions and morning hymn-singing bring us strength and comfort. We encourage you during this time of difficulty to stay close to God’s Word, also. You may find Psalm 91especially comforting during these times. We ask that you also please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Your servants in Christ, Dan and Joan Jastram

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If you are able, we encourage you to support, continue, or increase your financial support securely online through our secure LCMS website, lcms.org/jastram We are committed more than ever to serve on your behalf, even in these times of tribulations and afterwards. As a congregation, you can support us by adding us to your congregation’s mission budget as a Together in Mission partner (Call 888-930-4438 for details.)

APRIL 2020

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4

Pastor Lee 338-5351 Pastor Mark 320-460-0282 Church Office 338-2511 Charlie/Jodi Klimek, Cust. 338-2929

2:30 8th Grade Conf Online 7:00 Lenten Service

Online

NO Worship

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

10:00 Palm Sunday Worship Online 11:00 Sunday School on Facebook Live 7:00 Service on Cable Ch 14

7 PM 8th Grade Confirmation Parents Meeting on Zoom

9 AM Online Devotion 7 Maundy

Thursday

Service Online

Only

9 AM Online Devotion 2 Good

Friday

Tenebrae

Online Only

7:00 Easter

Vigil Worship

Online Only

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

9:00 Easter Worship in Parking Lot

10:00 Easter Worship Online

11:00 Sunday School on Facebook Live 7:00 Service on Cable Ch 14

10 AM Zoom Bible Class

NO Worship

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

10:00 Worship Online Only 11:00 Sunday School Online 7:00 Service on Cable Ch 14

10 AM Zoom Bible Class 12-6 PM Blood Drive

NO Worship

26 27 28 29 30

10:00 Worship Online Only 11:00 Sunday School Online 7:00 Service on Cable Ch 14

10 AM Zoom Bible Class The Lutheran Hour WCCO Mpls 830 6:00 AM

KXRA Alex 1490 6:30 AM

KFGO Fargo 790 7:30 AM

KWAD Wadena 920 8:30 AM

KMRS Morris 1230 12:30 PM

KFNW Fargo 1200 4:30 PM

Immanuel Lutheran Church The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

P.O. BOX 66—PARKERS PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA 56361

Forwarding & Address Correction Requested

Easter Sunday Easter Sunday 9 AM Drive In Service

In the East Church Parking Lot

Celebrate our Lord’s Resurrection from the safety of your car

Listen to the service on your car radio

Watch Pastor Lee and our musicians from your car window

Easter Sunday Worship will also be broadcast at 10 AM

on YouTube and Facebook

Easter Sunday School is at 11 AM on Facebook Live