Forgiveness: Powerful, Life-Changing Authority

We’ve been on quite the catechism tour this past month and a half.  We shared good words about Baptism and Holy Communion.  Today, I’d like to venture into one more area of the catechism: confession and forgiveness.

Let’s start in Luther’s Small Catechism.  In the Small Catechism, Luther first reminds us of the very foundation in which we build our practice of confession and forgiveness.  He calls it, “The Office of the Keys.”  I’m not sure why he calls it that!  But here is what Luther says about what that “Office” is:  “It is that authority which Christ gave to his church to forgive the sins of those who repent and to declare to those who do not repent that their sins are not forgiven.”

In support of this claim, Luther quotes two passages of scripture.  First, John 20:23, where the risen Lord Jesus says to his disciples: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Second, Luther quotes Matthew 18:18 where Jesus (not yet crucified), says, “[W]hatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Think on these incredible words for a moment.  Jesus gives incredible authority to His church here.  We, as the church, have the collective authority to forgive – and retain! – sin.  I’d like to spend the next few weeks discussing 1) why forgiveness is such an important thing; and 2) how we best live that out.  But for now, just marvel at that incredible authority.  It’s scary to think of the church having that kind of authority.  There’s all kinds of potential for abuse of power.  But God knows that forgiveness, repentance, and humility are all essential to building genuine community.  And so he gives us this incredible authority.  May the church always rise to the task of living into this office.

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National Youth Gathering Fundraiser: Winter Survival Kits
The youth attending the National Youth Gathering this summer are selling winter survival kits for $20.  They will available early to mid-December and make GREAT Christmas gifts!!  Be on the lookout for kids selling in the coming weeks.  The youth are requesting donations of the following items: chewing gum, hard candy, matches, band-aids, safety pins, granola bars, and sandwich bags.  Kits will also include gloves, hats, blankets, candles, hand warmers, etc.  Financial gifts to the project are also appreciated.  Talk to Jil or Pastor Nate with any questions.

Thanksgiving Eve Service November 24 at 6:30pm
Join us for an evening of Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 24 at 6:30pm.  You are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for the food shelf.  A financial offering will be gathered to benefit the Northwestern Minnesota Synod’s “Leadership Next” campaign, which will fund leadership development, debt relief for Seminary graduates, and grants for congregations in a renewal process.  The Endowment Committee is offering a 1:1 match on all gifts up to $1,000.

December Darkness Grief Event December 5
Join us at Immanuel on Sunday, December 5, 6:30-8pm for an evening of remembering our loved ones.  This evening is dedicated to anyone who is experiencing a loss – whether recent or years ago.  We will have a short program, fellowship, and dessert.  Knute Nelson Hospice is assisting with the event and providing practical “Getting Through the Holidays” resources.  We will spend time making memorial ornaments together, too.  You can talk as much or as little as you’d like.  Talk to Pastor Nate or Pastor Megan with any questions.

Endowment Fund Notes
The Endowment Committee met recently and put together some amazing grants.  We gave $500 to Lutheran Campus Ministry at both Bemidji and Moorhead State Universities, $500 to Empty Stocking Fund, $250 to the Santa’s Workshop Project at WDC Schools, and a $1000 challenge match to our Thanksgiving Offering for the NW Minnesota Synod’s “Leadership Next” campaign.  That’s $2750 total in grants!  If you have mission grant ideas, forward them to the Endowment Committee.  And consider a gift to the fund.  All gifts are endowed, and the principal is never spent.  Interest from the fund generates wonderful giving opportunities every year.

Our Worship Schedule Each Week:
Sunday:
**8:30am – worship in person, or online
**9:30am – worship on KWAD (920AM or 101.7FM)
**10am – worship in person
Wednesday (Fellowship Hall)
**5:30pm – Light meal
**6:00pm – Praise Worship
**6:30pm – Education & Service Projects

**7:00pm – Choir

In our Prayers This Week
Josh & Tamara Bratton Family
Will & Christina Bratton Family
Keith Wood
Jessica Miller
Dale Hendrickson
Jerry Buse (Doug and Ellen Carlstrom’s brother-in-law)
Elizabeth Teeuwen (Stephanie Drange’s mother)
Matt Schiller (Diane and Jerry Anderson’s son)

Marilyn Broding and family in the death of her husband Rodney Broding
Karen Erkenbrack and family in the death of Karen’s brother, David Reece
Pam Nelson and family in the death of Pam’s brother, Jim Hedlund

Military Prayers
Members of Immanuel:
Max Labarre
James Kloss

Friends of Immanuel:
Victor Barbado (Darlene Hennagir’s son-in-law)
Sean Evans (Greg & Alicia Johnson’s nephew)
Joe Holweger (Charles & Gladys Chase’s grandson)
John Kloss (David Kloss’ son)
Erik Naley (Wayne & Carol Aspengren’s nephew)

If you or someone you know would like to be included in our weekly prayers, please email (church@wadenaimmanuel.org) or call (631-2738) the church office.  Or fill out this form: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/prayerrequest Names will stay on our prayer list for 4 weeks.  Military prayers will remain on the list for six months, unless a request to remove comes sooner.