Week of December 7, 2025

Church Center – Online Giving Platform - If you are currently using the online giving platform through our website, you'll see that the donation form has been updated. You can now split your donations to different funds at Immanuel! For example, let's say your regular giving is $100 to the general fund, but you also want to donate $25 to Christian Ed - Youth. This can now be done in one transaction. The ACH bank transfer has also been enhanced, and the fees are only $.30 for this donation option. If you are set up with a credit card, you may want to switch to the ACH option. Finally, as with many updates, improvements have been made to provide more security for guests and recurring donors.If you are interested in setting up online giving, visit our website at immanuelsc.churchcenter.com. Choose GIVE and follow the steps. If you need assistance with your online giving, please reach out to Jodi Kriesch.
Annual “Giving Tree”
Once again, we have the opportunity to provide Christmas gifts
for the children of some local families who are struggling financially. You will find the tags with the gift items needed on the Giving Tree in the Narthex. If you participate, choose your tag(s), purchase the gift, and return it wrapped, with the blank tag attached, to the church no later than Wednesday, December 17.
We will also gift the families with a Neiman’s gift card instead of collecting food for their Christmas breakfast.
If you would like to donate toward the gift cards, or don’t have time to shop for a gift, please submit cash or a check to “Immanuel Social Ministries.” In the memo line, please write “Giving Tree.”
The Social Ministries Board thanks you in advance for participating in this God-given opportunity.
Order your Poinsettias Today (Deadline: December 14) They will be used to decorate the altar area on Christmas Eve/Day and the names of those placing flowers will be in those bulletins. All plants may be picked up after the 10:00 AM Christmas Day service. Make checks payable to: Immanuel Lutheran Church with Poinsettias in the memo area, and hand them into the Church Office or place them in the offering basket, along with a form (located at the “Next Step” Station) If you choose to bring your own plant (please deliver it by December 22 and put your name on it), we must still have the form by December 14 (to have your name in the bulletins). After that deadline, you may still bring your own plant, but your name will not be included.
Tuesday – Ladies’ Bible Study We will be doing a special study during the 3 weeks of Advent leading up to the celebration of the birth of Christ. So please join us in the Immanuel Room from 10:00-11:30 AM.
- December 2 – “Why Christmas?”
- December 9 – “Christmas in Prophecy”
- December 16 – “Christmas in Us”
Wednesday – Advent Dinners / Worship Services Join us for a meal before the mid-week Advent Services! Dinner is served at 5:45 PM followed by a Worship Service at 7:00 PM.
- Wednesday, December 3 – Build a Sandwich
- Wednesday, December 10 – Breakfast…for Dinner
- Wednesday, December 17 – Italian Night
Christmas Caroling 10 Minutes Prior As has been the tradition for many years at Immanuel, please come to the Sanctuary at 6:50 PM on Advent Wednesdays to sing some of your favorite Christmas carols accompanied by Charr. A truly special time!
Thursday – Drop-in Volleyball Game Nights Volleyball Nights are resuming this week from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Family Life Center. Questions? Please reach out to Eric or Julie Liniarski at 810-434-8434.
Ladies “Advent by Candlelight” Please join us on Tuesday, December 9, at 7:00 PM (and bring a guest!) as we prepare for the season of Advent. Appetizers will be provided this year – no desserts are needed. Please sign up at the “Next Step” Station outside of the Pastors’ Offices or on the bulletin board outside the Church Office.
Christmas Worship Schedule Christmas Eve
- 5:00 PM (Contemporary/Candlelight)
- 7:00 PM (Contemporary/Candlelight)
- 10:00 PM (Traditional/Candlelight/ Holy Communion)
- Christmas Day: 10:00 AM (Traditional with Holy Communion)
Immanuel’s Book Club Immanuel's Book Club does not meet in December. But please join us on Tuesday, January 27, for our next discussion. And watch the bulletin for further announcements.
Mid City Nutrition Soup Kitchen
Tammy Stocker is looking for an ambassador from Immanuel to communicate back-and-forth between the Soup Kitchen and our congregation. This person would also recruit volunteers to help out at the Soup Kitchen along with organizing any type of food/money collection needed.
Spero Pregnancy Center Annual Ministry Gala Save the date! Spero is hosting their Annual Ministry Gala this year on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Through the supporters that attended last year, the Lord provided 20% of Spero’s need for the year. There will be the choice again this year to attend either the luncheon or the evening event. More information to follow…
Immanuel’s Library Immanuel's Library has many wonderful Christmas books and DVDs for all ages. Select a beautiful picture book to read with your child or grandchild and share the true meaning of Christmas. Or choose a book for yourself to immerse yourself in the joy of Christmas.
- New in the Children's Library
  - Arch Book: The Names of Jesus
  - DVDs: Alabaster's Song, The Crippled Lamb, and Jacob's Gift (All by Max Lucado)
- New in the Adult Library
  - Because of Bethlehem (By Max Lucado)
  - Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas
Pastor Jim’s “Take 5” Devotions Every Christian needs a daily break from life in order to spend a few minutes of focused, uninterrupted time with God. Each week, Pastor Jim writes a new “Take 5” which is based on that Sunday’s Sermon and intended to provide a 5-minute daily devotion. The “Take 5’s” provide a Bible reading along with 3 thought-provoking questions about the reading and our faith-life. Pick one up at the “Next Step” Station near the Pastors’ Offices and consider making it a daily habit.

Classes Offered at Immanuel (check the calendar to updates)

Pastor Jim’s Bible Study: “All About the Bible” - Sundays 9:30-10:15 AM
Pastor Dave’s Class: “First Step to Understanding” - Sundays, beginning in January 9:15-10:15 AM
Pastor Dave’s Bible Study - Mondays 10:00-11:30 AM
Ladies' Bible Study - Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 AM
Thursday Bible Study: 1st & 2nd Timothy - Thursdays 10:00-11:30 AM
Monthly Men’s Ministry - 1st Fridays 6:30-8:00 PM