Understanding Holiness

Our confirmation class is on a brief break from lessons.  So, I'll do a "part 2" of the 5th commandment next week.  Here's a hint: we'll need to talk a bit about self-harm as it relates to the commandment to not kill.

For now, let me reflect a bit on more of a 10,000 foot view of the commandments.  We are wise to remember that the commandments are not the secret to living holy lives -- at least not the way many people conceive of "holy."  For many, the idea of holiness is living in such a way that we are pure, blameless, and squeaky clean.  All so that God sees such goodness and rewards us -- or at least, thinks good things about us.


But authentic holiness is about so much more than "looking good" to God.  Finally, holiness is about being set apart to do God's work.  And what better work could there be than to serve our neighbors?


As we work our way through these commandments, notice how, again and again, they point us to diminish our own needs and serve our neighbors.


Right now, our community, state, nation and world need us.  We must each do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Our schools are depending on us.  Our medical care systems are depending on us.  So are other local businesses.


For our part, Immanuel has decided to not hold in-person worship services through the end of 2020.  We will re-evaluate in January and go from there.  We know that means (among other things) no Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve services.  But we'll find creative ways to share worship online and on the radio.  It's just one of the ways we can engage in essential holiness at this time.  


May God strengthen us for these next few shuffles of the journey!!


Humbly in Christ,

Pastor Nate


Giving Tree is now up – online, at least!

We are doing our annual giving tree project again this year.  But instead of a literal tree in the concourse, tags can be checked out online.  You can do the shopping yourself, or check out the tag and donate some money … and we’ll do the shopping for you!  Visit wadenaimmanuel.org and click on the Christmas tree to learn more.  Call the church office 631-2738 with any questions.


Facebook Live, YouTube, and the Radio … and House Church, too – there are lots of other ways to be the church at this time.  You can watch our Sunday services on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/immanuelwadena/), watch our YouTube videos (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVMFQfq69KQTMX70_5fwARQ), listen to us on the radio (KWAD 920AM at 9:30am each Sunday) or participate in House Church (https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/housechurch).

 

Fair Trade Coffee is Available

Your favorite fair trade items are still available at the church building during the week. We've set up a display in the kitchen with prices marked. Stop by the church building during the week and pick up anything you'd like. Fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate make great Christmas gifts too! Make checks payable to Immanuel Church Women" and put "Fair Trade" in the memo line. You can drop off checks in the church office. Thanks for helping support small scale farmers around the globe!

 

Thank You Thanksgiving Dinner

All members of the congregation age 50 or older are invited to sign up for this year’s “Grab and Go” Thank You Thanksgiving.  This is a youth event to thank members of Immanuel for their generosity to our young people.  This is a free event to say thank you. The drive-through pick up will be Sunday, November 22 - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please RSVP by Monday, November 16 so we know how many meals to prepare. To RSVP: 1) Call church office 2) Register on Immanuel's website (wadenaimmanuel.org); or 3) Sign up on church bulletin board.  If you would like to donate to this event, the youth are appreciative of monetary donations which will complement the Thrivent Grant we received to purchase ingredients and to-go containers.

 

Check out our news page to learn more and for other important announcements: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/announcements

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