Friday, April 4, 2025

Today, my reading takes me into Luke's Gospel to a familiar story...
  
                    "Getting to his feet, Jesus told the wind, "Silence!" 
                      and the waves, "Quiet down!" They did it. The
                       lake became smooth as glass. Then he said
                         to his disciples, "Why can't you trust me?"
                                        (Luke 8: 24-25   MSG)

When storms arise, the question is always, Where is your confidence that God is who He says He is?  He's right there, isn't He -- chilling in the stern of your almost capsized boat. It's been said that God rules the world with His feet up --- because nothing fazes God.
   
But we get fazed regularly. Hard things are, after all, hard. But with God, the hard times are always worked into something good, something we have no right to expect but every right as God's children to count on. Sometimes we're not even looking for God in a situation that cries out for Him. And each time God does something, we're right to be amazed -- even the wind and waves obey God!   
   
Trust is essential, though. The Bible doesn't guarantee that God will answer every prayer the way we want or expect. But whatever God's response, God is still God. God is always good, faithful, just, and true to God's nature. I think our faith in the bad times shows we trust God to be who God is, and that God's grace is enough for us.  
   
So today, join me in praying... God, my Lord and my King, You are enough for me in every season and situation. Help me to trust You more and more. Amen. 

+++ IT'S CRAFT SHOW DAY! Stop in on Friday (4pm-8pm) or Saturday (9am-3pm) to check out some of the beautiful crafts our artisans have created. You can even grab something to eat, and all the proceeds generated are used for the support of our mission work here at Immanuel. Bring a friend and show them the beautiful church in which you worship and the beautiful people in our church family. What a great way to spread the Good News of Jesus!   

+++ On Sunday we celebrate the 5th Sunday of Lent as we gather for worship at 8:30am and 10:00am. We will hear again the story of the raising of Lazarus as we look at "Jesus as our Comforter". We'll look at how Jesus comforts sisters Mary and Martha and how he promises to comfort us, as well. And we'll join in the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, as well. Also, on Sunday don't forget to stop at the table in the Narthex to order your Easter flowers to decorate our Easter altar and then sign up for our final Second Sunday Luncheon until the fall... being held next Sunday, April 13th after worship!   

+++ Sunday is also our Meal Ministry delivery day. Thanks to Sam, Marilyn and all their helpers who work to bring a bit of cheer to those needing it in our congregation through this wonderful ministry.  

+++ Next week's schedule includes:

• Our Finance Team meets on Tuesday night, April 8th at 6:00pm in the Fireside Room.
  
• This is followed by our Administrative Council meeting on Tuesday at 6:45pm.
  
• Our Trustees meet on Wednesday, April 9th at 4:00pm.  
  

+++ Coming up for your calendars... here are our Holy Week plans...

• PALM SUNDAY is next Sunday, April 13th! We will gather for a Blessing of the Palms in the Fireside Room to start the worship service.
  
• MAUNDY THURSDAY worship is on Thursday, April 17th at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. This moving worship time includes the celebration of the Last Supper and the Stripping of the Altar in preparation for Good Friday.
  
• GOOD FRIDAY will see our Sanctuary open for meditation and prayer from 12:00noon - 3:00pm.  Stop in any time you are able and enjoy the peaceful time  to be in Jesus' presence.  
  
• EASTER SUNDAY is April 20th, and we will celebrate the Resurrection at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary. Join us for this great celebration of the  Resurrection!    
  

Make this day a great day and always trust in God to get you through the day!   
Pastor Jack