Immanuel’s Word Immanuel Lutheran Church- LCMS, Bossier City, Louisiana October 2020 | Volume 52 Issue 10

Pastor’s Message

In our newsletter:

Pastor’s Message 1-2

District President’s Message 3

Head Elder’s Message 4

In Our Prayers 4

Treasurer’s Report 5

Congregational Concerns 6

Renesting Project 6

Education/Sunday School 7

Fellowship Board 7

October Readings 8

Offerings 8

Ministering Among Us 8

Evangelism Board 9

Birthdays/Anniversaries 9

LWML 10

Preschool Board 11

Calendar 12

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.., ” (Romans 5:3) In the Name of Jesus. Amen. By faith we receive good from God. Every blessing that happens in a day, every smile, every moment of joy, all of it is grasped by faith alone. Every happy thought and light that stays green. Every win, every success, all of it comes from a Father who just does good to us all the time. That’s what faith believes! It refuses to be told otherwise. And when bad comes, faith hopes for better. It knows good must be just around the corner. It must be working out. It just has to work out for our good. It’s going to turn out. It has to because of Jesus. For in our sufferings, in our trials, faith sees Christ. He was blameless. He knew no sin. Yet, for our sins He suffered. He died to free us from sin and death so that we might receive the very righteousness of God. (con’t)

SERVICE TIME SUNDAY AT 9:00 AM, WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM

SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY AT 10:30 AM

A Pastoral Message (con’t) The glory of God has come even to sinners like you and me. It has come in the death of Christ. His suffering and death is how God is glorified! In His death on the Cross, God saves us — even sinners like you and me from hell. We will stand before the Father by grace, that is by faith. And if we stand before God on the Last Day by grace, we must also stand before God today, completely forgiven. God simply must be working out even the bad things of our lives and making it good. God must be glorified even in our sufferings. He must be using all of it to save us. Doesn’t the bad stuff that happens to us in this life teach us how to preserve in the Faith? Doesn’t it teach you character and that character teaches you hope? Of course! By faith, you hope in a better tomorrow. You hope in a happy ending. But most of all, hope in the glory of God today, right in the midst of suffering. For Jesus was crucified for your sins and raised for your justification, your forgiveness. Fatih receives. Faith believes that God works all things out for our good. Faith trusts that our sins are not only forgiven, but that God is at peace with us right now. He is glorified in what happens to us — the things we think are good and the things that we hope are good. Give thanks to God today for your sufferings by faith alone! In your sufferings, you will see the death of Christ. He’s there for you in the bad times. He’s there for you in the Good. In Jesus, He’s going to save you in both! Faith believes this! In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Rev. George F. Borghardt III

FROM OUR DISTRICT PRESIDENT

Hurricane Laura made landfall on the border of Texas and Louisiana as a Category 4 storm early this morning, ripping apart buildings, severing power lines and clogging streets with debris as a dangerous storm surge trailed behind. With sustained winds of 150 mph, Laura's eye made landfall near Cameron, Louisiana, at about 1 a.m. CDT. Our pastors in the area evacuated before the hurricane hit, so we have no info right now on how our congregations faired. I will pass along info as it becomes available. I have been on the phone this morning with Synod and our District disaster relief personnel. We hope to have access to the devastated area Sunday afternoon to evaluate and set up a volunteer camp to aid in relief and recovery. At times like this concerned congregations and individuals look to the Southern District LCMS office for guidance and leadership in disaster relief and recovery. As we move forward together, there will be a need of financial, material, and volunteer help. But there is a process to this. We are not first or even second responders. We must wait until the first responders can make their way into the devastated areas. Then we wait as the second responders move in to bring some order out of the chaos before any volunteers from churches can come in to provide care and relief. So I ask you to be patient as we partner with our district disaster relief teams and Synod's disaster relief to be able to go in and provide spiritual and material aid. While we wait, let us pray for those devastated, injured, and hurt. Pray for the first responders, pray for the second responders, then be prayerfully prepared to give financial, material, and volunteer help in the coming weeks and months as relief and recovery is a long slow process for us and especially for those devastated by this powerful hurricane. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy...

Your Servant in Christ's Mission,

Rev. Eric Johnson President, Southern District LCMS

Donations for disaster relief may be made online here. If you prefer to mail a check, here is the Southern District mailing address:

100 Mission Drive Slidell, Louisiana 70460

Please write "Disaster Relief" on the memo line. Thank you for your prayers and generous outpouring of financial support!

From Our Head Elder

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As the Chairman of the Board of Elders I wanted to give you the rationale behind the Unanimous Elder decision to start having one service at 9:00 am each Sunday. The most important reason for this decision was to promote Unity and Christian Fellowship among ALL our members. We believe that it is very important to have ALL our members in the sanctuary at one time. We believe that this Unity will create spiritual growth among ALL our members as a church family. We are truly committed to our Vision Statement of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people whose lives we touch. We encourage our members to “Love Your Neighbor” and share the Gospel with your neighbor. Two other reasons that support one service are: *Approximately 10 years ago we built a sanctuary that will seat approximately 330 people very comfortably. We believe that our mission should be to fill this beautiful sanctuary to full capacity every Sunday. *The Elders, Ushers, Greeters, Sacristy, Acolytes, Power Point and Sound Booths will only have to perform their assigned duties one time each Sunday. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions In Christ, Jimmy Cox-Elder Chairman

In Our Prayers Mary Ahrens · Marcy Lewiston · Duane Kimball ·Todd Willis · Virginia Lutterman ·

Kristopher Harper · Dawn Adams · Ken Russell · Earl Tonjes · Vera Pearce · Angela Colvin · Priscilla Bogart · Elsie Cummings ·Jackie Kaucher · Karen Tester ·

David Payne · Glenda Juneau · Beth Wilt · Jack Derbonne· Ellie Robinson · Jim Pazzaglia · Gerry Meche ·Norma Langston · Al Jones· John Rutten · Sophia Borghardt · Windie Hendrix · Mike Searing · Don Hershberger · Delane Ahrens · Don Specht · Debbie Taylor ·Robert Frederickson · Earlene Winham · Addison Gould · Bob Soelter, Sr. ·Cecile Roessler · Jeff Kaiser ·

Carson King · Pastor Kunz · Francis Dillion · Pat Stevenson · Michael Midkiff

Financial Report For End of September 2020

Budget status as of 31 August 2020— 2020 Budget $524,691

Actual Income $335,423 Budgeted Income $349,795 Under budget by $14,372 Actual Expenditures $332,736 Budgeted Expenditures $349,795 Under budget by $17,059

Net Income (Actual Income minus Actual Expenditures) $2,687 2020 Church Operating Budget- Our church is very blessed by your continued cooperation and participation with the budget process, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic. Many folks are following guidelines and are staying away from the church premises, but are continuing to send in their pledges and donations. A great big THANK YOU. We are into the third quarter of the fiscal year, and not doing as well as we budgeted for the year. However, we must maintain vigilance as we have church maintenance issues looming and a call process for an associate pastor was approved by the voters at the September Voter’s Meeting. The sanctuary lighting project is complete, as well as all hallways and the narthex, thanks to your contributions to the Building Fund, a designated fund set aside from the normal operating budget. Airline Drive Sign Replacement- The voters also approved the replacement of the old outdoor sign with a maximum of $40,000. This will be a modern electronic structure. This purchase will also come from two designated funds, the New Building Fund and New Sign Fund. There is approximately $42,000 in those two funds to pay for the project. Education Wing Floor Project- The wing floor tiles have become loose and are a trip hazard. A 20-foot portion had to be removed leaving the bare concrete. Glenda and Earl Kroll have investigated the best choice of repairing both hallways and possibly the three offices. Laying new tiles is very expensive and we have determined that a painted epoxy covering along with a polyurethane coating will provide years of maintenance free use at an affordable cost. We are working with Martin Specialty Coating. The project should be approximately $10,000, which will come from the Trustees budget. If you have any questions or suggestions about this issue, please talk to those two or a trustee as this must be completed quickly. Other ongoing issues will be stacked according to need and finances. We will continue to fund future projects through the New Building designated fund. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please do so. A monthly update of how we are doing on the current year budget is posted on the kitchen bulletin board. The 2020 budget was set at the December Voter’s Meeting of $524,691. Church maintenance and modernization projects are always ongoing and project suggestions or participation is appreciated. 2021 Church Operating Budget- The call has gone out to each board for their budget requests. If you have any questions or suggestions about a budget item, please see someone in that board or a Finance Committee member. The yearly budget is complex and is worked during the last quarter to be presented to the Voter’s Meeting held in December.

Treasurer Position- Again, I am still very happy to report that Tammy Szekacs is now training with me to become your Treasurer in the future. A great big THANK YOU Tammy. She has seized the job and is a very valuable asset to the position. Pray for congregational solidarity, our pastor and all church workers, for the missions of the church, world peace, government agreement, for those involved with finding a cure for the Corona Virus, other world disasters, and for those in need.

BOARD OF CONGREGATIONAL CONCERNS

Opportunity for Service

Immanuel has begun a new opportunity for you to participate in service to other individuals in our

congregation. It is call “Take Them A Meal”. This program allows us to help members who are: 1. recovering after surgery, 2. recovering

after childbirth 3. Experiencing a long term illness without a lot of family support or any other

life changing event where some support is needed.

The Board of Congregational Concerns has begun the program. Each recipient in need has a schedule set up for them indicating how long the person needs a meal, what their likes/dislikes or allergies are and how often the meal is needed. This name is sent to all members who have indicated either on the Time and Talent Sheets or in person that they would be willing to cook a meal or take a meal for someone who needs this. Gail Pearce is the Administrator for this program. Call her at (318-746-0627) for more information or to volunteer. If you have previously signed up and are no longer getting the schedule, please call so we can get you back in the rotation.

Renesting is Reinvented during COVID -19 Immanuel church has recently seen an increase in new people attending our services. For this, we are truly blessed and eager to engage these persons. You may have noticed plastic bins in the Fellowship hall with the words “Renesting” on them. One of Immanuel’s outreach activities is working with the Renesting Project, Inc. This is a community outreach project, to provide reclaimed furniture and household goods to those transitioning from homelessness. Since the COVID situation has kept people at a distance, the warehouse is not receiving donations like they did before March of this year. You now have to call the warehouse and make an appointment on a Thursday or 2nd Saturday to bring your items into the location. TheyYou can call and sign up for a donation appointment at 318-747-5520. If persons are interested in hearing more about this activity please call or e-mail Gail Pearce at 318-746-0627 or gmp5050@aol.com.

TOP FIVE NEEDS

HAND TOWELS ** TWIN and FULL COMFORTERS ** MOPS **

ALARM/CLOCK RADIOS *** FOIL and PLASTIC WRAP

Dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people whose lives we touch

Board Education Report onfirmation classes have begun! Please keep in your prayers the 2020/2021 class. This class has fifteen (15) 6th-8th grade students. We are blessed and praise God for the opportunity to teach His word and help foster their relationship with Him. Parent/confirmand meeting was September 23rd and class instruction begins the 30th @ 6pm. Thank you for your prayers.

Christmas program! Mark those calendars… December 13th @ 9am service. Wonders of His Love, the gift of sharing His story with each other and others showing the unconditional, amazing love He has for us. Practice dates are as follows: Nov 28th, Dec 5th, & Dec 12th. Asking for God’s blessings during these times. Any questions, please contact Pam.

FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE NEWS Our annual adult-only Christmas party is December 4, 2020 at the Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites by Hilton, 2015 Old Minden Road, Bossier City. The meal is at 7:00 PM, preceded by a cash bar/cocktail hour at 6:00 PM. Oh, yeah, by the way… We’re making coffee again!!!

BOARD OF EVANGELISM

Baby Bottles drive is up and running! Bottles are found in the Narthex. The loose change collected goes to the Care Pregnancy Center of Shreveport/Bossier City. If you have any questions, please contact members of the Evangelism Board.

Offerings

Sept 6 $ 7,554.27 Sept. 13 $27,917.27 Sept. 20 $ 8,329.27

October Readings October 4 Prov. 25:6-14 Eph. 4:1-6 Luke 14:1-11 October 11 Deut. 10:12-21 1 Cor. 1:4-9 Matt. 22:34-46 October 18 Gen. 28:10-17 Eph. 4:22-28 Matt.9:1-8 October 25 Isaiah 55:1-9 Eph. 5:15-21 Matt. 22:1-14

Ministering Among Us in August

Acolyte October 4 Emma Hooker October 11 Keira Jenkins October 18 Elisabeth Huhn October 25 Tabitha Langston October 28 (W) Sloane Engle Crucifer: Ethan Froehlich Audio/Video October 4, 18, 28 Charlie Johnson October 11, 25 Lee Anderson PowerPoint October 4, 18, 28 Tristan Jenkins October 11, 25 Kaleb Castanes Ushers October 4 Kathy Sorenson & Joanne Davis October 11, 18, 25, 28 Dan Hutchison & Mark Stevens Greeters October 4 M L Rogers & Sheryl Keller October 11, 18, 25 M L Rogers Altar Guild Ruth Hutchison, Marie Causey, Lisa Kimball, Stephanie Froehlich, Barbi Huhn, Lana Deville Elders October 4 Woody Lemon & Scott Broberg October 11 Ryan Hutchison & John Frederickson October 18 Jaret Jenkins & Zolly Kirsch October 25 Jimmy Cox & Terry Rogers

Oct. 4 Stephanie & Clay Hooker Oct 16 Michelle & Wesley Sisemore Oct. 7 Tammy & Scott Deblieux Oct 17 Jackie & Jason Ambrose Oct 9 Brenda & John Humphries Oct 17 Tonya & Jon Lymna Oct 14 Meyye & Mike Ekstrom Oct 22 Shelia & Sean Pieper Oct 16 M L & Terry Rogers Oct 22 Dana & Kem Smelser

Oct 1 Mei Li Huhn Oct 11 Ellen Polinski Oct 1 Tara Hardin Oct 12 Harold Mohrmann Oct 1 Anna Varilek Oct 13 Peyton Deblieux Oct 2 David Langston Oct 15 Don Hershberger Oct 3 Tyler Stevens Oct 15 Ethaline Specht Oct 4 Paul Jones Oct 17 Jeff Lacy Oct 4 Becky O’Neal Oct 18 Tammy Deblieux Oct 5 Ethan Froehlich Oct 19 John Humphries Oct 5 Agatha McCall Oct 20 Stephanie Brooks Oct 7 Clay Hooker Oct 20 Khloe Downs Oct 8 Kathleen Krueger Oct 20 Dillon Soderstrom Oct 9 Ainsley Brooks Oct 21 Marilyn Hammett Oct 9 Hunter Clemons Oct 22 Kaisu Andrews Oct 9 Lana Deville Oct 22 Evelyn Gunderson Oct 9 Grace Krueger Oct 22 Barbra Minks Oct 9 River Robinson Oct 24 Dan Hutchison Oct 10 Zachary Burlison Oct 24 Chris Mohrmann Oct 10 Jude Hutchison Oct 24 Pat Nies Oct 11 Gary Abraham Oct 25 Leslie Minks Oct 11 Katherin Duncan Oct 26 Tommy James Oct 11 Philip Hardinger Oct 26 Jon Lyman Oct 11 Caleb Lemon Oct 27 Katherine Huhn

Oct 30 Cecilia Weiss

Fall Family Festival October 30, 6:00 PM!

Fun, food, and fellowship!!! Dress up in your favorite costume, play games, and enjoy some treats!

DUE to COVID-19 Concerns This Event Is Open Only To ILC Families

ANNIVERSARIES

BIRTHDAYS

WHAT IS THE LWML

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is an official auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For over 77 years, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman’s relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to support global missions. Mite box contributions amount to millions of dollars that fund district and national mission grants.

PURPOSE? The mission of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League is to assist each woman of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world.

WHAT IS A MITES BOX? Based on the Biblical account of the widow's mite (Luke 21:1-4), the Mite Box is intended for regular contributions of mites - offerings given above and beyond support given to the congregation and Synod. Mite box contributions amount to millions of dollars that fund district and national mission grants and implement the LWML program."

MITES BOXES

Please support our chapter of the LWML. MITES donations are down and we can only fund one of our projects as of today. Please put your change in a

MITES Box in support of our missions. Thank you!

Joanne Davis

PRESCHOOL NEWS

Fall is in the air! With fall come a lot of things apple – apple desserts, apple scented candles,

apple décor, and applesauce! One of our themes in September was - YOU GUESSED IT!

APPLES! The children were immersed in hands-on learning. They helped make applesauce

by mashing the cooked apples. Apples were cut horizontally, exposing the star in the middle

of the apple. Then the children dipped their apple in paint and used the apple as a stamp to

produce beautiful artwork! Finally, Johnny Appleseed was read to the children! The children

and the reader were so engrossed in the story that time escaped them. It was time to go

home before they realized it! Thank you, Cathy Ward, for volunteering to help with making

the applesauce and reading to the children. The children loved their time with you.

The hands-on immersion with the apple theme is only a portion of what and how the children learn

at Immanuel Lutheran Preschool. The classical Christian curriculum is working well to provide the

children with a well-rounded educational experience. Instilling a love of learning and a love for

Christ continues to be our goal.

If you know children who would benefit from our program, we will be delighted to visit with their

parents! Please direct them to Mike McKim in the office. Likewise, if you would like to share your

talents with us, we welcome you. Again, please contact Mike.

In Christ,

Lisa Kimball

October is Pastor Appreciation Month October is LWML Recognition Month

October 2020

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Moms in Prayer 9:30 AM

2 3

4 MITES Divine Service 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM

5

6

7 Divine Worship 7:00 PM Confirmation Classes 6:00 PM Home School Group 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

8 Moms in Prayer 9:30 AM

9

10

11 Divine Service 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM

12 Columbus Day Office Closed Preschool Fall Break

13 Preschool Fall Break

14D i Divine Worship 7:00 PM Confirmation Classes 6:00 PM Home School Group 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Preschool Fall Break

15 Moms in Prayer 9:30 AM Preschool Fall Break

16 Preschool Fall Break

17 CMA Rummage Sale 6:00 AM – until

18 Divine Service 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM

19

20

21 Divine Worship 7:00 PM Confirmation Classes 6:00 PM Home School Group 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

22 Moms in Prayer 9:30 AM

23 Mission Outreach Sewing 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM

24 CMA RainOut Date Mission Outreach Sewing 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM

25 Divine Service 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM

26

27

28 Joint Reformation Service 7:00 PM Home School Group 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

29 Moms in Prayer 9:30 AM

30 Family Fall Festival 6:00 PM

31 REFORMATION

DAY