Thursday, April 2, 2026

As we move through this Holy Week we hear some words from Psalm 41...
 
                  "O Lord," I prayed, "have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you."  (Psalm 41: 4 NLT)
 
Many centuries ago, the apostle John wrote, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"  (1 John 1:9 NIV).
   
FAITHFUL AND JUST. That means that God will keep God's promise to forgive us when we come to Him and confess our wrongdoings. In today's scripture verses, David gave further voice to this truth when he cried out to the Lord to have mercy on him and to heal his heart, for he had sinned against Him.
   
Sin carries with it very severe consequences, namely eternal punishment and separation from God. But God mercifully forgives and cleanses the believer who recognizes and confesses their sin. God truly desires to forgive and restore the penitent believer.
   
Are you aware of some sin in your life that has created separation between you and God? Then run to God now and confess --- then believe in your heart that God has forgiven and cleansed you.  
 
                  Lord God, I thank You for Your mercy upon a miserable sinner like me. When I sin against You, may I run to Your throne and seek mercy, forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration --- not away  from You in shame and discouragement. You truly are a God who delights in showing Your people mercy.  Amen. 
 
+++ Here are our worship plans for this Holy Week......

• Maundy Thursday worship - 7:00pm in the Sanctuary on April 2nd. We will remember the Last Supper on Jesus' last night here with us as we celebrate Holy Communion and strip the Altar in preparation for Good Friday.
• Good Friday worship - Our sanctuary is open for your private devotions from12:00noon - 3:00pm on April 3rd. Come when you can and stay as long as you would like as you spend some time remembering Jesus' time on the cross.
• Easter Sunday worship - We gather in our beautiful Sanctuary at 8:30am and 10:00am to celebrate the resurrection! Special music, uplifting scripture lessons and the Sacrament of Holy Communion await us on this celebration morning!

+++ Next Wednesday, 4/8 Coffee with the Pastor returns at 9:30am. Come and join us for this time of fellowship and conversation.  

+++ Worship leadership will be offered by Rev. Candace Lawrence on April 12th and 19th as I am away on vacation. And Jim Sokolowski, our CLM, will be available for emergency pastoral coverage during this time.  Jim can be reached through Pam in the church office. 

+++ Don't forget our upcoming Craft Fair on April 17th and 18th here at Immanuel. Come and check out all the wonderful crafts as we support mission work here and throughout the world. Bring a friend or three, as well to this fun event!  

+++ Our annual Garage Sale takes place on April 30, May 1, & 2 here at the church. See Shelley for information and to offer to help during the sale!  
 
Make this a great day and remember that God forgives us when we confess and repent!!
​Pastor Jack