Friday, November 7, 2025

Happy Friday Friends! On this first Friday in November, we hear from Luke's Gospel as Jesus teaches us about having teachable hearts...

         Be careful therefore how you listen. For to those who have [spiritual knowledge] will more be given; and from those who do not have [spiritual knowledge], even what they think and guess and suppose that they have, will be taken away from them.     (Luke 8: 18 AMPC)   

One of the greatest compliments a high-level athlete can receive is that they are coachable. Imagine that -- you're at the top of your profession, but you're aware that there's always more to learn. The same is true for faith. The day you think you've got it all figured out is the day you start sliding. 
   
For context, Jesus was discussing putting your light under a bushel. Eventually though, the full truth about everyone will come out --- good and bad. Bad would be hiding your relationship with Jesus, playing down the gifts He has graciously given you in order to maintain your rep.
   
If you stop longing for truth, even what you think you know will fade. Christians must always be in the learning mode, teachable, willing to admit something we don't know. That kind of humility is genuine, and it opens people to hearing what you do know.
   
Everything you can earn or win in this life will fade over time, or at the end of time, until only God's glory is left. Focus on that now by seeking truth and righteousness in all you do.

           Teach me, Lord, more about You and how You want me to live this life you've given me. Amen.  


+++ Our annual Charge Conference will be held this Saturday, November 8th at 1:00pm at St. Paul's UMC on Valley Drive in Syracuse. All Administrative Council members should plan to attend this important meeting, which will be completed at 3:00pm. 

+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am and this week is the first of our 3 week stewardship emphasis as we hear about WHAT SHALL WE BRING?  On Sunday, we will hear the story of Naaman and his healing from leprosy as we consider how "We Don't Have to Give to Get".  We will be thinking this week about how we practice the stewardship of our TIME. And we'll hear from one of our church family on how important the stewardship of time really is. Look for us on Facebook live at 10:00am or the recorded worship on the church's YouTube channel and be a part of the Immanuel family this week!   

+++ Following our 10:00am worship service, we will gather for another Second Sunday Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Hopefully you had a chance to sign up and we can enjoy a time of fellowship together!

+++ On Tuesday our side of the building will be closed for CARPET CLEANING. All groups meeting on Tuesday will use the Kasson Road doors and meet in the upper Sunday School classroom area.  This includes:

• Chair Yoga at 9:30am
• Ladies Bible Study at 10:30am
• SPRC at 6:00pm
• Finance at 6:00pm
• Administrative Council at 6:45pm.  

The church office will be closed on Tuesday as well and will reopen on Wednesday morning at 9:00am. Thanks for helping us to beautify the building with this needed cleaning work!  

+++ For your calendars, please note...

• Advent begins on Sunday, November 30th!  
• An Advent Bible Study will be offered each Monday at 12:00noon in the Fireside Room. The study begins on Monday, December 1st and continues through Monday, December 22nd! Bring your lunch, and enjoy the season of Advent as we study together!   

Make today a great day and always be open to the teachings of God in your life!   
​Pastor Jack