As we move into November, we can look forward to many opportunities in our church
calendar during the month. The Women’s Holiday Market is scheduled Saturday,
November 14, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Place it on your calendar and
plan to attend. There will be some great vendors, wonderful tasty sweets, a good lunch,
and you could win the beautiful quilt (if you buy a ticket). Most importantly, funds will
assist our WELCA group in helping others in our church and community, and in support
of the quilt ministry. As we often do during our Sunday services and luncheons, enjoy
the fellowship with our fellow congregational family members during the day.

On November 8, enjoy lunch and gain some knowledge after church as we have two
short presentations, the first a Funeral Planning Workshop that can assist our loved
ones by helping us identify specific information and preferences followed by a Legacy
Orientation Session by Kirk Barrett from our Synod, again providing useful information
for consideration.

Immediately following the second service on November 15 is the fall congregational
meeting. To be considered at the meeting is the Program of Ministry (budget) for 2027
and the establishment of the Nominating Committee that will begin the process of
identifying members to propose for the April congregational meeting elections who will
lead the congregation for the next two years. For the Program of Ministry, the proposal
is $2,875 less than the one approved last year.

Of course, November also brings Thanksgiving with its luncheon on Thanksgiving Day
and our journey as we will soon move into the Advent Season with our first Wednesday
services beginning December 2 in preparation for the joy of celebrating the birth of
Jesus, our Lord and Savior. As we are reminded in 1 Timothy 4:4-5: "For everything
God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”

At our last Church Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to establish a Call
Committee as we not only focus on our present ministry, but also Immanuel’s future. I
am reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power
and of love and of a sound mind. 

As I noted in my last article, we must follow our faith; that is, put it into action. Make it
the priority to follow Christ every day in your thoughts, your speech, your actions, your
time, and your love for others. Our women put in many hours in preparation for the
Holiday Market, following their faith. With the many opportunities between today and
the end of the year, make it a priority to put your faith into action. Simply stated in 1
Chronicles 29:13: "And now we thank you, Our God, and praise your glorious name.”

Your Friend in Christ,
Larry Moehnke, President