Forgiveness -- an important daily need

After a number of weeks on important detours, I’d like to get back to our catechisms this week. 

We talked a few weeks ago about the incredible authority God gives to us to forgive – and retain sins.  Allow me to spend a few moments today discussing why forgiveness is so important.

In the Large Catechism, Luther makes an exhortation about forgiveness and connects it to the Lord’s Prayer.  I like that connection.  I have taught confirmation students for years to connect the petition about daily bread to the petition on the forgiveness.  Among our daily needs is forgiveness.  And it’s such an important daily need, it gets its own petition in the prayer!

Every day we sin and fall short of God’s laws.  Every day, we create brokenness in our human relationships.  Every day, we are wronged by others, too.  And if we were to hold on to these sins, if others would hold our sins tightly, if God were to hold our collective sins against us, all our relationships would unravel.

Forgiveness is essential to healthy relationships, including our relationship with God.  So rejoice – by the power of Christ, forgiveness is ours!  How might we practically live that out?  We’ll talk about that next time!

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December Darkness Grief Event POSTPONED to December 12
Due to bad weather, we have moved our evening of remembrance to Sunday, December 12, 3-4:30pm.  This time together 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.

Christmas Eve Services
Join us this Christmas Eve (Friday, December 24) for worship!  We will gather at 3:30pm and 5:30pm for lessons and carols.  Worshipers can gather in the sanctuary or in the fellowship hall for either service.  The 3:30pm service will also be live streamed on our Facebook page.  The 5:30pm service will include Holy Communion.  Please join us for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Wednesday Evenings "Leveling Up" in January!
Starting Wednesday, January 5, our great Wednesday evening opportunities will get even greater!  We will gather for a meal at 5:30p; worship at 6p; and then break into groups at 6:30.  There will be a class for K-2 grade, 3-6 grade, 7-9 grade, and 10-12 grade!  And we're hoping for an adult class at that time, too.  Of course, the choir rehearses at 7p as well.  Join us for these exciting evenings of faith formation.  Visit www.wadenaimmanuel.org/wednesdays for more information -- including ways you can help!

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

**7:00pm – Choir

In our Prayers This Week
Keith Wood
Dale Hendrickson
Jim Lawton
Gail Johnson
Jerry Buse (Doug and Ellen Carlstrom’s brother-in-law)
Elizabeth Teeuwen (Stephanie Drange’s mother)
Matt Schiller (Diane and Jerry Anderson’s son)
Ann Leeseberg Standahl (Curt Leesberg’s sister
Jenna Lawton and Skye Hammond (Jana Lawton’s daughter and granddaughter)

Craig & Tina Reece and family in the death of Craig’s brother, Crispin
Peggy Larson and Eunice Larson & family in the death of Peggy’s husband and Eunice’s son, Aaron Larson

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.

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