Gratitude and Generosity

Late-winter (I hope!) greetings to you in the strong name of Jesus.

Last evening, I had my final 10 commandments session with confirmation students before a 7-week recess for Lent.  It was a final time to discuss the commandments in general – and to zoom in on the commandments regarding coveting.

Once again , we remembered together that these commandments are not the way we earn God’s love – or even show our love for God.  They keep us safe … and keep us from harming our neighbor, too. 

I think it’s worth noting that this collection of commandments concludes with TWO commands regarding coveting.  In this life, we all need a few things to call our own.  And we also need relationships to help us live, love, and work – relationships in which we can help others live, love, and work, too.  So God reminds us of the importance of setting aside those longing glances we cast toward another’s stuff and relationships.

Two concrete ways we can combat our tendencies to covet.  First, regularly give thanks for the things and the relationships in your life.  Keep a gratitude journal.  Pray each night, giving thanks to God.  Write notes of thanks to others on a regular basis.  Some way, somehow, find a way to regularly give thanks.

Second, be generous.  Generosity does many things, of course.  One of them is that it helps us cling less tightly to the stuff of this world.  And instead of clamoring to get more and more, generosity can lead us into a life where we more readily help our neighbor keep what belongs to her.

Blessings, my friends.  May you be strengthened to run away from coveting.  And may those efforts strengthen our communities, families, and world.

Remember the Synod this “Giving Hearts Day” February 11 (TODAY!!!!)
The Northwestern Minnesota Synod needs our help to raise money for two very important areas: 1) Helping congregations, especially smaller member congregations, grow and continue to be a vital center of hope in their communities; 2) Equipping and raising up leaders in our communities for professional and lay ministry in their congregations.  Immanuel’s Endowment Fund has pledged $3000 of matching money, so every dollar you give on February 11 is matched.  Go here for more information: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/giving-hearts-day

In-Person Worship Resumes February 21

Our council decided that we can once again resume in-person worship.  We will practice physical distancing and require masks, but if being in the sanctuary is something you desire, you are welcome to join us each Sunday at 8:30am.  No pre-registration required.  We can accommodate around 50 people at this time, with overflow in the fellowship hall as needed.  Email Pastor Nate (nateloer@gmail.com) with any questions.

 

Facebook Campus is Launched

We’ve launched a new community via Facebook.  And we’d love to have you join us.  This will be a safe space to discuss matters of faith with one another.  We have several groups launched already.  Go to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/immanuelwadena) and click on the groups tab.  Simply request to join the groups that interest you.  And start forming community.  This isn’t meant to replace in-person gatherings.  But at a time when we can’t always safely meet in person, our Facebook community will provide another way to connect.

 

Community Dinner @ St. Ann’s February 25

Immanuel is hosting this month’s dinner and we’d love your help.  If you can serve February 25 from 4-6:30, talk to Peggy Larson.  Or if you can help prepare the meal in the morning on February 24 and/or 25, talk to Peggy, too.


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

 

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