November 14, 2025

Today's scripture reading comes to us from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians...
 
                   I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such people deserve recognition.  (1 Corinthians 16: 17-18   NIV)
 
Many people crave recognition. One person buys a great new sports car to turn other people's heads. Another person makes a ton of money, then donates toward a building that will carry their name.  
   
But even the people who don't pursue flashy, public notoriety would like to be recognized in some way. The apostle Paul, in today's scripture, describes a beautiful method for being remembered, one with lasting value: service.
   
Stephanas and his family were the first Christian believers in Achaia, the region surrounding the city of Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:15). He was one of just a handful of people baptized by Paul, who saw his mission mainly as preaching (1: 14-17). Along with Fortunatus and Achaicus, men named only in today's scripture, Stephanas served -- and Paul said that was deserving of recognition. 
   
You don't have to be rich, famous, or good-looking to serve -- nor should these qualities stand in the way of service. You might have business, athletic, musical, or medical skills -- or you may not. You can serve either way. Any committed Christian, following God's leading, can refresh another believer's spirit. When you do, you're guaranteed notice and appreciation -- by the other person and God. And that's plenty.  
 
   I'd like You to recognize me, Lord ... please empower me to serve. Amen.      
 
+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am. This week, the second in our Stewardship program, we look at Matthew 5 and I'll be speaking about "How is Your Light Shining?" We will be talking about how we are called to share the Stewardship of our Talents and we will hear from another of Immanuel's lay people about how they share their talents both here at Immanuel and in other areas of their lives. The choir is back this week with another beautiful anthem to help lead us in worship, as well! We will look for you on the church's Facebook page for our "live-stream" at 10:00am on Sunday or you can watch the completed worship service on the church's YouTube channel following worship. However you can join us, we look forward to "seeing you" in worship on Sunday!

+++ Following worship on Sunday, you will have the chance to place your order for a Door Spray at the table in the Narthex. These beautiful holiday door decorations will brighten your doorway, and the proceeds will help with mission work here at Immanuel.  

+++ The Angel Tree will be available starting on Sunday, as well. Each holiday season, we help young people throughout the Central NY area to be able to enjoy the holiday. Look for an angel or two from the tree and bring in the requested gift to brighten a young person's holiday!  

+++ The Crossroads District will be here at Immanuel next Wednesday, Nov. 19th, for a Clergy Day Apart. The group will be meeting in the Fireside Room on Wednesday as pastors in the district prepare for Advent with a day apart. We are glad to welcome Crossroads District pastors on Wednesday!

+++ We are in the process of reforming a Greeting Card ministry here at Immanuel! To help us start up this new ministry, we ask you to contact Jim Sokolowski at (315) 532-2864 OR [email protected]. Please provide your names, children's names, and birthdays and anniversaries. Jim will be gathering this information to help this new ministry get started. Thanks!     
 
Make today a great day and find new joy in life through serving others!   
Pastor Jack