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Immanuel Lutheran Church

Rev. Greg DeBoer pastordeboer@gmail.com

Home: (319) 332-1225

Church Office Telephone: (319) 334-2511

Fax: (319) 334-4596 Office Hours:

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday

Immanuel Servant Leaders:

Congregational President: Gene Budzine 319-334-4435

Congregational Vice-President Ron Oline 319-327-0758

Congregational Secretary: Paula Fleming 319-334-6101

Congregational Treasurer: Daryl Johnson 319-334-6310

Council Members: Janice Abben 319-334-2611 Tom Johnson 319-327-1834

Al Ruehlow 641-832-8748 Shalon Frye 319-334-3058

Dennis Enright 563-451-8922 Erin Kelchen 309-236-1624

We’re here to serve you.

Staff: Gina DeBoer

Youth Director gdbx2@yahoo.com

Nicole Schmitz Preschool Director/Teacher

weecare@indytel.com Kristi Price

Associate Preschool Teacher Ashley Even

Preschool Teacher weecare3@indytel.com

Lanette Simons Associate Preschool Teacher

Secretary/Bookkeeper

immanuelluth@indytel.com Roger Allen

Custodian

“Image” Newsletter February, 2018

Watch this week’s worship

service on Indytel Cable Channel 25 Tuesdays &

Fridays at approx. 10:00 am

To receive a digital copy of this newsletter e-mail the

church office at immanuelluth@indytel.com

At this time of year in Iowa, the weather can be so frustrating. One day it’s 40 degrees and a

few days later the temperature drops 50 degrees. As I write this, there is a blizzard going on in

western Iowa, but here in Independence it is raining and relatively warm (relatively warm mean-

ing that it is in the 40s in January, 40s in September would be relatively freezing). The weather

forecasters would like us to believe that they know what is coming, but we know that they are

not always accurate. There are just too many variables in trying to predict something as unpre-

dictable as the weather. And if you don’t like the weather now, just wait a bit, it’ll change.

Even Jesus knows how frustrating the weather can be. In one story, he is taking a nap in

the back of the boat when a terrible storm comes up and threatens the lives of his disciples.

He sits up, tells the storm to be still, and that’s that.

When Jesus talks to Nicodemus about being born again, or being born of the spirit, Nicode-

mus is understandably confused. How does one explain spiritual rebirth? How does one even

explain how the Holy Spirit works?

Jesus explains using the weather. He says, “You have no idea of where the wind comes

from. You can say that it comes from the northwest, but from where does it originate?” We

can’t see the wind. We don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So how do we

know that wind even exists?

The same can be said about the Holy Spirit. We can’t see the Holy Spirit but we do know

that it comes from God. We don’t always know what the Holy Spirit is up to or what is going to

happen next. So how do we even know that the Holy Spirit exists?

Jesus says that for the wind, we can see what the wind does even though we can’t see the

wind itself. We see the leaves rustling in the trees, the white caps on the lake, and the

dandelion fluff blowing through the air. The work of the wind is evidence enough that wind

exists.

It is not surprising that the Hebrew word we translate as wind can also be translated as

breath or spirit. None of these are things we can see but we can see what they do and we can

feel them.

The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways. We can’t see it but we can see what it does. We

can’t touch it but we can feel it. We can’t move it but it moves us. It is like the wind.

You don’t have to live in Iowa long to understand we have no control over the wind and the weather. We just accept it as a fact of life. You also don’t have to live in Christ for very long to understand just how mysterious the Holy Spirit is. So just accept the fact the Holy Spirit is as

much a reality in your life as the wind in Iowa. Feel it; move with it; see what it can do.

Peace,

Where the Spirit blows…..

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Prayer Concerns Home Recovering: Carol Beier, Audrey Grace Deanne Lee, daughter of Stephanie (Putz) & Dave Lee, granddaughter of Dan & Anita Putz. Recovering: Don Crawford-ABCM West Village, Donna Hall-ABCM West Village, Lorraine Hanson Prayers: Taylor Gritton, Carol Beier, Caleb Koehler, Bernard Mulder-father of Keith Mulder, Donny and Paula Fleming on the loss of their home in a fire. All those affected by school shootings and violence. Military: Paula Jones-611 Stealth Lane, Box Elder, SD. Sergeant David & Ashley Clark (daughter of John & Kathy Tegler), 16 McWilliam St. Cameron, NC 28426. Sympathy to: Adah Schminke and family on the death of her granddaughter Hannah Pfeifer who died Saturday, January 6th in a car accident near St. Ansgar, Iowa. Services were held Wednesday, January 10th in Osage, Iowa. Porcia Grover and family on the death of her husband John who died Friday, January 12th in Independence. Services were held Tuesday, January 16th here at Immanuel. Mike Lenius and family on the death of his mother Delores Jacobs who died Saturday, January 27th in Independence. Services were held Wednes-day, January 31st at White Funeral Home in Independence. February Ushers: 8:00 Dave Lehs, Ron Jensen 10:30 Ed Gipper, John Gosse

February 4 Lectors: 8:00 Janny Budzine 10:30 Val Maxomovich Acolytes: 8:00 Annie Johnson 10:30 Sydney Schroeder Communion: 8:00 Amanda & Ashlee Parker, Dverg Krantz 10:30 Ed Gipper, Tom Johnson, Betty Giddings Altar Care: Sue Gipper, Sandy Erdelt Greeters: 8:00 Wade & Rebecca Stahr, Nicolas & Ella 10:30 Charles Beltz & Leanne Harrison

February 11 Lectors: 8:00 Deb Grass-Weber 10:30 Erin Kelchen Acolytes: 8:00 Abby Peyton 10:30 Gracie Lee Communion: 8:00 Bob & Diana Muchmore, Keith Wilcox 10:30 Paula Fleming, Heidi Gosse, Jill Bohlken Altar Care: Sue Gipper, Sandy Erdelt Greeters: 8:00 Al & Lindsey Ruehlow, Melanie & Tucker 10:30 Heather & Susan Thimmesch, Maxine & Addalyn February 14 Ash Wednesday Lector: Jolene Jensen Acolyte:__________________________ Communion: ______________________ Altar Care: Ron & Sue Oline February 18 Lectors: 8:00 Dverg Krantz 10:30 Sheri Foster Acolytes: 8:00 Riley Peyton 10:30 Lauren Hamilton Communion: 8:00 Doug & Ann Peterschmidt, Mary Kay Johnson 10:30 Brian Kelchen, Sheri Foster, Ed Gipper Altar Care: Ron & Sue Oline Greeters: 8:00 Jeff & Melissa Peyton, Riley & Abagail 10:30 Ron & Susan Oline February 25 Lectors: 8:00 Craig Coffman 10:30 Shalon Frye Acolytes: 8:00 Jaxson Frye 10:30 Teegan McAnany Communion: 8:00 Gene & Janny Budzine, Don Brown 10:30 Tom Johnson, Betty Giddings, Paula Fleming Altar Care: Ron & Sue Oline Greeters: 8:00 Zach & Kathy Thein, Marcus 10:30 Brian & Erin Kelchen, Brooklyn, Macy, & Kennedy

Serving…..

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Youth Happenings... SWAG (Starting With an Awesome God)

5th & 6th Grade Wed, Feb 7, 3:30-5:00pm, meet at church Wed, Feb 14, 3:30-5:00pm, meet at church Sun, Feb 18, Bowling, Meet at church at 2:00pm, return

at 5pm. $10 includes bowling, shoes, pop & pizza

Weds, Feb 21, 3:30-5:00pm, meet at church

Weds, Feb 28, 3:30-5:00pm, meet at church

BLAST (Bible Learning And Serving Together) 7th and 8th graders Wed, Feb 7, 7:00-8:30pm BLAST @ church Wed, Feb 14, 6:30pm Ash Weds Worship Service Sun, Feb 18, Bowling, Meet at church at 2:00pm, return

at 5pm. $10 includes bowling, shoes, pop & pizza Wed, Feb, 21, 6:30pm, Lent Meal & Worship Wed, Feb 28, 6:30pm, Lent Meal & Worship Wed night supper will be served before BLAST on

Wed, Feb 7th. NO MEAL on Weds, Feb 14th. Lenten

meals will be served on Wednesdays, Feb 21-March 21,

at 6:30 pm as part of the Lenten Service.

FORCE (Forming Our Relationships with Christ and Each other) High School Students Sun, Feb 11, 1-4pm, Shrove Tues meal prep @ church

Tues, Feb 13, 4-7pm, Shrove Tuesday Fundraising meal

Sun, Feb 18, Bowling, Meet at church at 2:00pm, return at 5pm. $10 includes bowling, shoes, pop & pizza

Sun, Feb 25, 6:00-midnight, movie marathon @ church

RPG Practices Sun, Feb 11, 5 pm

Youth Group Messages & Updates…

SWAG, text @SWAG2511 to 81010

BLAST, text @BLAST2511 to 81010

FORCE, text @FORCE2511 to 81010

Jr Choir, text @ilcjrchoir to 81010

RPG, text @RPG2511 to 81010

Sunday School, text @ilcss to 81010

Be In The Know:

FORCE—BLAST—SWAG Bowling

Outing

Sunday, Feb 18, 2018 Leave church at

2:00pm—return at 5:00pm

$10 per person includes bowling, shoes,

pop, and pizza—Sign up in entryway

Friends & Families are welcome to join

us!

Evan DeBoer is part of the Grand View

University Choir from Des Moines, Iowa.

They will be performing at Immanuel Lutheran Church as part of a ten-day

Spring Tour through Iowa, Missouri,

Indiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania,

and New York. The tour program is

titled “New Life Will Grow.”

How can you help? The Grand View choir

members are in need of a place to sleep on

Friday night, March 9th after the concert at

Immanuel. Students will need breakfast Satur-

day morning and then they will be off on the

next leg of their tour. Please contact Gina

DeBoer if you are able to house any of the

choir members when they are in Independence.

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Wee Care Preschool This month has gone by so fast! The three-year-olds have been studying winter, alphabets, and dinosaurs while the four-year-olds have been studying winter, hibernation, dinosaurs, and friendship. Miss Vonnie from the library came to visit our classrooms this month! We love visitors in our classroom! Do you have any Milk Moola lids or bag tops? If so, please consider putting them in the box located by the preschool door. This organization sends us a check at the end of the year to be put towards material and supplies for the classroom! Enrollment is starting to build for the next school year which is very exciting! If you or someone you know has a business that would like to advertise for our preschool, please let us know, and we will get you a flier to be posted! Nicole Schmitz Director/PK4 Teacher,

We are hiring….Immanuel Lutheran

Church is taking applications for two part-time sec-

retary positions. Basic duties include managing

communication received and sent through the

church office, maintaining calendars and parochial

reports, performing payroll and accounting duties,

updating Immanuel’s webpage and Facebook page,

creating and preparing newsletters, bulletins, pow-

er points, and other Microsoft documents, and sup-

porting Immanuel staff and volunteers. Qualified

individuals will have basic knowledge of Microsoft

Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher. Good

organizational skills, openness to change, and crea-

tivity are preferred. Applications are available in

the church office.

Immanuel Lutheran Wee Care Preschool

3-year-old and 4-year-old Registration 2018-2019 School Year

Do you know a child that will be three or four by September 15, 2018?! Our preschool offers a nurturing, Christian education that will help your child develop all skills to reach their greatest potential. Register today! 3-year-olds -Must be 3 by September 15, 2018 -Morning or Afternoon classes available -$25 registration fee -$100 monthly tuition -Scholarships available -Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Fri-day 4-year-olds -Must be 4 by September 15, 2018 -Morning or Afternoon classes available -$25 registration fee -Free tuition! -Classes meet Tuesday-Friday

MID-WEEK Lenten Worship Services

Wednesday nights are going to look a little different this year. We will still have worship and we will still have a meal, but the two will be combined. This will be similar to what the 1st Century churches did. We will gather around the tables in the fellowship hall at 6:30pm on Wednesdays in Lent. We will sing and eat and pray and hear about what it means to be the Church according to the ancient creeds. We will still have all the parts of our regular worship that you are familiar with, it will just look a little different. Meals will be served family style right to your table and we will have the opportunity to pray with each other, serve each other Holy Communion, and to bless each other.

This is new to us and this is a change but we believe that this type of worship/meal will be very meaningful to all who participate.

A sign-up sheet for Wednesday night Lenten meals is post-ed in the kitchen. Ash Wednesday is February 14th with NO meal being served this night. Lenten Worship with

meals will begin February 21st.

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IWELCA Circles…

IWELCA Board Meeting January 10, 2018

The IWELCA Board of Immanuel Luther-an Church met Wednesday, January 10 in the Fireside Room. Present were Jan Ab-ben, Lauren Waskow, Loretta Rasmus-sen, Bev Leisinger, Mary Beier, Janet An-kerstkjerne, Julene Lee, Marie Bushkof-sky, and Connie Brown. The purpose statement and the mission statement were read. Marie led the devotions from Isaiah 49. The Secretary’s report and the treasurer’s report were approved. There is a balance of $1759.01 in the general fund. Motion by Jan Abben, seconded by Mary Beier, to leave this balance and not spend it at the present time. Tammy will put a note in the bulletin and the newletter asked for need-ed financial donations for the quilting fund. Bev Leisinger and Marie Bushkofsky will review the constitution and see if any changes are necessary. Loretta Rasmus-sen will chair the Lenten Luncheon on March 8. Shalom will furnish 12 pies, and Faith will furnish 6. Last year’s attendance was 127. Shalom circle will be responsible for LWR kits in January and February. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting will be February 14, 2018 at 1:00pm. Respectfully submitted,

February Circle Schedules Faith Circle will meet Tuesday, February 6 at 7:00 pm. The lesson is group discussion and Marie Bushkofsky will be the hostess. Shalom Circle will meet Monday, February 5th, 5:30 pm at Pizza Ranch. Charlene Ortner will give the lesson.

IWELCA is in need of donations for the quilting fund. Please consider supporting this ministry with a finan-cial donation. Gifts may be dropped off in the church office.

Thank Yous: Thank you for praying and keeping us in your thoughts during our time of need. We greatly appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for us. Our heartfelt thanks! Don & Paula Fleming. The family of John Grover extends our sincere thank you to Immanuel Lu-theran Church during John’s illness and recent death. The outpouring of love and support has helped us endure. Pas-tor Greg, thanks for all of the visits to UIHC and the wonderful funeral service you prepared for John; we were so comforted. Gina, thank you for checking in with me over the years to make sure I was doing ok. Jody, thanks for the beautiful music at John’s service. Fu-neral committee and volunteers, thank you for serving a delicious meal to our family and friends. The serving table was set beautifully and we received many compliments on how nice it was. Porcia Grover; Brian & Misty Grover, Wyatt, Morgan & Jayden; Brett & Cristy Grover, Addison & Caleb.

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In the community...

The Independence Lion’s Club

will be holding their 3rd Annual

Valentine’s Brunch Sunday, Feb

11th from 8:00-noon. The brunch

will be held at Heartland Acres

Event Center in conjunction with

Heartland Acres Annual Fishing Derby. Cost for the

all you can eat brunch: Adults: $8 in advance, $9 at the

door. Children 5-10: $5 in advance, $6 at the door.

Under 5 free. The first 48 adult ladies will receive a

free flower . The Independence Lions Club donates

100% of all profits generated from projects held.

Community Lenten Lunches

Sponsored by the Buchanan County Ministerial

Association

Lunches held at 12:00pm on Thursdays in Lent

Cost of the lunch is $7

February 22—First United Methodist Church

March 1—Triumphant Worship Center

March 8—Immanuel Lutheran Church

March 15—St John Catholic Church

March 22—First Presbyterian Church

The Independence Public Library is excited

to announce One Book One Independence, a

community-wide reading campaign! Through

reading, presentations, events, discussions,

and performances; One Book One Independ-

ence will build a sense of community and

encourage relationships while promoting liter-

acy. Book Discussions take place in Febru-

ary and March. There are three scheduled at

the library during various times and

days. Tues, Feb 6 @ 2:00pm; Tues, Feb 27

@ 6:30pm; Mon, March 5 @ 5:30pm

You are also welcome to set up your own

discussion or read it as part of a book discus-

sion group in which you are already involved.

Books for One Book One Independence are currently availa-ble! Get the books in one of many locations including: Independence Public Library

Em’s Coffee Co.

Falcon Civic Center

Laree’s Shoppe of Favorites

S&K Collectibles

Little Free Libraries

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and venting for a dryer in the upper utility room in Luther Hall.” Ron shared that personnel has been working on some issues. There have been discussions with employees that are involved. They will continue meeting as needed. Pastor Greg shared his ideas on essential Adiaphora. These are things that are not essential to salvation, but, things that are good for church health and growth. Coun-cil will discuss this next month. Pastor Greg spoke with Tom Maximovich about upgrading the church video. He has had comments about video on TV be-ing fuzzy and grainy looking. Tom shared that it would cost approximately $3000 to upgrade. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm, followed by The Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted by, Paula Fleming Council Secretary

January Pastoral Acts Baptism: Briar Sue Sanderson, daughter of

Billy and Sarah (Molitor) Sanderson, received the

Sacrament of Holy Baptism Jan 6th. Briar was

born August 12, 2017 in Waterloo. Her sponsors

are Shawn Molitor and Brandy Schmitt.

Burials: John J . Grover , born November 10,

1955 in Independence, died January 12, 2018 in

Independence. Memorial service was held

January 16, 2018.

Delores Jacobs, born November 29, 1928 in Oel-

wein, died January 27, 2018 in Independence. Ser-

vices were held Wednesday, January 31, 2018.

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Minutes/Actions

Church Council Minutes

December 19, 2017

The council meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Vice President Ron Oline. Members present were Tom Johnson, Jan Abben, Ron Oline, Al Ruehlow, Shalon Frye, Paula Flem-ing, Erin Kelchen, Dennis Enright, and Pastor Greg DeBoer. Council members were given an opportunity to share highs and lows. Devotions were read by Pastor Greg. A motion was made and seconded, the follow-ing resolution was adopted, “Be it resolved to approve the November Minutes of the Church Council Meeting.” Treasurer Daryl Johnson presented the Finan-cial Report for November. General fund month-ly expenses were $33,614.31 and general in-come was $32,561.77. Year to date expenses were $172,538.39 and year to date income was $146,856.66. A motion was made and se-conded, the following resolution was adopted, “Be it resolved to approve the November Financial Report as presented.” Shalon shared that the Sunday School Christ-mas Program was a success. The church was full, with overflow in the fellowship hall. Sara Wieland and Josh Meike will be presenting ide-as for updating the church website. Dennis shared that Gene Budzine, Don Flem-ing, and he would be taking care of snow re-moval this winter. The property committee dis-cussed installing auto flushing toilets. With the plumbing we have, this is not recommended. Paula shared that Gene and she spoke with Nicole, preschool director, regarding installing washer and dryer hook-up for the preschool. It is possible to install them in the upper level util-ity room. A motion was made and seconded, “Be it resolved to install cold and hot water

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Birthdays & Wedding Anniversaries February, 2018

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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2 Justin Brown Allan Oline Jerry & Teresa Kopf (33)

3 Linda Dillon Christopher Johnson Anita Putz

4 Wendy Hersom Bob Muchmore

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6 Heather Thimmesch

7 Janice & Gene Budzine (31)

8 Kathy Hemsath Justin O’Loughlin Adam Oline

9 Allison Johnson Madyson Ristvedt McAllister Sweeney

10 Cassidy Bendickson Virgil Collins Holly Hansen Susan Harder Lyle Luloff Susan Palmer

11 Rebecca Gissel Catlin Klotzbach Kenneth & Patricia Albert (50)

12 Sebastian Beatty Meghan Callahan Craig Coffman

13 Mary Ann Crawford

14 Craig Ortner

15 Jody DeBoer Jeff Fruchtenicht Spencer Giddings Debra Klotzbach Marina Meyer

16 Melissa Kearns Doug & Carol Beier (44)

17 Tyler Ficken Kenneth Oline Susan Thimmesch

18 Ellie Burmeister Benjamin Copenhaver Alyssa Jensen Marcia Main

19 Kenneth Turner

20 Jennifer Beatty Kreslyn Dennie Judy Oline Makenzie Schroeder

21 Judy Erickson

22 Ron Giddings Zoey Jensen Kevin Klotzbach Melanie Latwesen Lauren Meyer

23 Casey Allen Erik Bohlken Michael & Doreen Hulseberg (33) Don & Dawna Smith (33)

24 Rachel DeBoer Logan Duffy

25 Janet Ankerstjerne Connie Brown Curtis & Patricia Bass (67)

26 Daryl Roberts

27 Kristine Shonka Le & Jeanne Tonn (37)

28 Kara Meyer

Terry VanDeWalle

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Immanuel Lutheran Church February, 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 7:00-9:00 Calico Cut-ups

2 9:00 Bible Study

3 5:30 Wor-ship

4Thrivent 8:00 & 10:30 Worship 9:00 Fellowship/Story Time 9:15 Sunday School 11:30 Insight 1:00 FPU

5 5:30 Shalom Circle @ Piz-za Ranch 6:15 Calico Cut-up Board 6:30 Cub Scouts/LH

6 9:00 Quilting 5:30 Parish Ed 6:00 Cub Scouts/LH 7:00 Faith Circle 7:00 Evangelism

7 7:00 & 9:00 am Coffee @ Em’s 3:30 SWAG 5:00-5:45 Jr.Choir 5:30 Confirma-tion Meal 6:00 Sr. Choir 7:00 BLAST

8 6:00 Preschool Activity Night

9 9:00 Bible Study

10 5:30 Wor-ship

11 8:00 & 10:30 Worship 9:00 Fellowship/Story Time 9:15 Sunday School 11:30 Insight 1-4 FORCE Prep for meal 4:00 FPU 5:00 RPG

12 7:00 Property

13 9:00 Quilting 4-7 Youth Shrove Tuesday Meal 7:00 Pre-school Board

14 7:00 & 9:00 am Coffee @ Em’s 1:00 IWELCA Board 3:30 SWAG 5:00-5:35 Jr.Choir 5:40- 6:20 Sr. Choir 6:30 Ash Weds Worship

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16 9:00 Bible Study

17 8-12:30 Cub Scouts/LH 5:30 Wor-ship

18 8:00 & 10:30 Worship 9:00 Fellowship/Story Time 9:15 Sunday School 11:30 Insight 2-5 SWAG/BLAST/FORCE Bowling 3:30 Cub Scouts 4:00 FPU

19 6:30 Cub Scouts/LH 7:00 Youth Board

20 9:00 Quilting 6:00 Worship & Music 6:00 Cub Scouts/LH

21 7:00 & 9:00 am Coffee @ Em’s 3:30 SWAG 5:00-5:35 Jr.Choir 5:40 - 6:20 Sr. Choir 6:30 Lent Meal & Worship

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23 9:00 Bible Study

24 5:30 Wor-ship

25 EWALU Camp Registra-tion Deadline 8:00 & 10:30 Worship 9:00 Fellowship/Story Time 9:15 Sunday School 1:30-5 Cub Scouts 4:00 FPU 6:00 FORCE Movie Mara-thon

26 27 9:00 Quilting 7:00 Church Council

28 7:00 & 9:00 am Coffee @ Em’s 3:30 SWAG 5:00-5:35 Jr.Choir 5:40 - 6:20 Sr. Choir 6:30 Lent Meal & Worship

Immanuel Lutheran Church 512 5th St. N.E. Independence, IA 50644

Contact Us:

Phone: (319) 334-2511

Fax: (319) 334-4596

Email: immanuelluth@indytel.com

Visit our webpage:

www.immanuelindy.com

Follow us on Facebook:

Immanuel Lutheran Church-Indee

Worship With Us:

Saturday, 5:30 pm

Sunday, 8:00 am Worship

9:00 am Fellowship/Story Hour

9:15 am Sunday School

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage

Independence, Iowa

Permit No. 116

Address Service Requested

February 14, 2018

6:30pm

Worship with impo-

sition of ashes and

Holy Communion

Mid-Week Lenten Worship with meal

Wed, Feb 21 6:30pm

Wed, Feb 28 6:30pm

Wed,, March 7 6:30pm

Wed, March 14 6:30pm

Wed, March 21 6:30pm