DeKalb,IL 60115 Russell 511 Road Special Services & Times December 2—27, 2020 LutheranImmanuel &Church Student Center

*** REQUESTED SERVICE RETURN *Midweek Advent Services

*7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 2, 9 & 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. 2020

*Advent Worship Series—“Prepare Ye”

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. —Isaiah 60:1 ***** 2021

*8:00 a.m. Sunday, December 6, 13, 20 & 27 Worship Services (Holy communion offered December 6, 20 & 27) Sunday worship services are broadcast on WLBK 1360 AM at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning;

*7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) at 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service

Friday, December 25 (Christmas Day) at 9:00 a.m. Christmas Day Worship Service

10:30 a.m. Christmas Day: Broadcast of Christmas Eve Service on 1360AM WLBK radio

*Broadcast on Facebook Live/available for viewing at any time on our web site. Limited in person worship available—Reservations may be required.

Visit our web page , www.ImmanuelDeKalb.com, or contact the office for details.

U.S.POSTAGE

PermitNo. 143

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DeKalb,IL

PAID

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PROFIT

All are welcome!

The Mission of Immanuel Lutheran Church December,is connecting 2020/January people 2021 to Jesus Christ. Page 24 December 2020/January 2021 Page

The Lutheran Hour WORSHIP & OTHER SPIRITUAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES: Bulletins and Portals of Prayer are available each week after 12:00 noon on Thursday. The Lutheran Hour® which began in 1930, is the world's longest- You can find them in a plastic tote outside the front doors of the church or on our web site. Constant Contact bulletins and inserts are made available at 9:00 on Saturday running Christian outreach radio program. It proclaims the message of mornings. If you would like bulletin mailed to you, contact the office and we will be Jesus Christ to more than 12 million people each week over 800 radio happy to mail you a copy! stations across North America. It is also broadcast on the American Worship Schedule Until Further Notice: Forces Network to reach military personnel and their families around (see back cover for Advent & Christmas schedules) the world, as well as on XM's Family Talk Radio 170 each Sunday at 8:00 a.m. In Person Worship by registration only. Contact the office to sign up. 1:00 p.m. EST. 815-756-6669 or [email protected]. In this article find a list of topics that will be heard for this month on 8:00 a.m. Facebook Live The Lutheran Hour. We have also included a listing of area radio sta- 10:30 a.m. WLBK Radio Broadcast tions that carry the program, along with their scheduled time to air. • Holy Communion is also offered by appointment— following social distancing guidelines December 6 "Seek My Face" • 2:00 p.m. Tuesday: Zoom Adult Bible Study Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler • 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study with Carolyn McQuillan. We sometimes hear MUST REGISTER to attend—attendance limited to 10 participants. the voice before we • Sunday school/ additional Bible Study opportunities will be offered in see the face that goes Station City, State Freq Band Day Time various ways, including remotely, this fall. with it. Seek God's WGN Chicago, IL 720 AM Sun 6:00 AM (See page 9 for Sunday School details) face where you hear WMCW Harvard, IL 1600 AM Sun 9:05 AM God's Word. WGSL Rockford, IL 91.1 FM Sun 4:30 PM Thank you for your continued support and suggestions as we strive to make connec- WKKD Aurora, IL 1580 AM Sun 9:30 AM tions each week. (Daniel) WRMN Elgin, IL 1410 AM Sun 9:00 AM The office hours: WKRS Waukegan, IL 1220 AM Sun 11:00 AM Monday—Thursday from 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m. December 13 "The WGVE Gary, IN 88.7 FM Sat 10:00 AM Friday (when Little Lambs is in session) 8:30 a.m. —12:15 p.m. Prophet's Paradox" WJOB Hammond, IN 1230 AM Sun 11:00 AM Your continued prayers and patience are appreciated. Speaker: Rev. Dr. Woman To Woman Michael Zeigler Station City, State Freq Band Day Time WRMN Elgin, IL 1410 AM Sun 7:30 AM (Daniel: 10, 11 and WGVE Gary, IN 88.7 FM Fill WGVE Gary, IN 88.7 FM Thurs 1:00 AM Pastor: Rev. Marty Marks Elders: 12) WGVE Gary, IN 88.7 FM Tue 1:00 AM 815-501-3951 (c) Chris Cook, Gary Gresholdt, WJOB Hammond, IN 1230 AM Sun 11:30 AM [email protected] Dan Lohmeier, Roger Maas December 20 William Michels, Brian Pringnitz Preschool Director: "Experience God" Carolyn Panozzo Faculty Advisor to LSF: Speaker: Rev. Dr. [email protected] Amanda Ferguson Michael Zeigler

Office Support Staff: Office Hours: (John 1:1-18) Darlene Hillman (office manager) Monday—Thursday Carla Siddall (secretary) 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m December 27 "Welcome to the Family!" Custodian: Craig Dybas Friday 8:30– noon (when Little Lambs is in session) Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Anthony (Tony) Cook The book of Galatians gives us a glimpse inside the family of God. It describes the Christian family as one that stands firm in Christ's free- Immanuel Lutheran Church & Student Center Little Lambs Preschool dom, walks united in the Spirit, and bears one another's burdens in love. 511 Russell Road; DeKalb, IL 60115 (Galatians 4:4-7)

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November Voters Meeting Some thoughts on the Christmas story for 2020: By the time you read this, Thanksgiving and Black VOTER’S MEETING: The Voter’s Meeting Friday will have passed. Christmas ads will be was held Sunday, November 22. Missed the running on all available media outlets, in the meeting? — November Voters Meeting newspapers, on radio, television and every internet screen you click Packets Available in the Narthex or can be on. downloaded from our web site. While our cultural idea of Christmas may be ever in front of us with Santa, candy canes and flickering lights, the actual story still Newly elected officers: seems a bit far off. Connecting with a lonely Mary and Joseph who traveled rough terrain while knowing the birth of their special baby Position Newly Elected Officer was imminent. They were alone, without family or friends to look to Chair-elect Brian Pringnitz for support. While it was not uncommon for Paletieian women to Financial Secretary *C-J Motisi deliver their babies on their own, that didn't change the difficulty and fear that something might go wrong, despite the angel’s promises of Bd. of Christian Ed Rita Goodwin favored status. Alone, sheltering in a cave/stable and disconnected Outreach Board *Linda Hursh Bd of Christian Ed Krista Marks (Continued on page 20) Elders Keith Nelson, Roger Nelson *elected to a second term Those who continue to serve: Chair Jim Pfotenhauer Treasurer Justin Dooley Secretary Jacob Cook Trustee Tom Sawyer/Darlene Hillman Campus Ministry Dennis Maakestad Human Care Carol Nelson Elders: Chris Cook, Will Michels Dan Lohmeier, Roger Maas All council members, including those newly elected, will be sent a Zoom link and are encouraged to attend the next Zoom council meeting on December 16 following the midweek advent service.

Installation of ALL council members and elders will be announced. Prayers for a Blessed Christmas from the staff at Immanuel: Thank you for your time of service! Those completing terms: (left to right) Carla Siddall, office assistant; Rev. Marty Marks; Jen Allen, past chair & acting chair; Brian Pringnitz & Gary Jessica Molitor, preschool teacher; Darlene Hillman, office manager; Gresholdt, elders. Carolyn Panozzo, preschool director/teacher; Cara Leadingham, preschool aide; Craig Dybas, custodial/maintenance; Hannah Turk, preschool co-teacher.

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LITTLE LAMBS SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST Immanuel Fiscal Year-to-date at a Glance • CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Due to the rising Covid numbers, Little Lambs Christmas Program has been cancelled TOTAL BUDGETED FISCAL YEAR TO DATE INCOME or (LOSS) for this year. Total Budgeted Receipts: $142,125.73 • Special gifts from Immanuel: Advent calendars and devotion Total Budgeted Disbursements $(123,362.96) Fiscal YTD Budgeted Net Income or (Loss) $ 18,880.83 books will be sent home the beginning of December and Total Non-budgeted Receipts: $ 3,053.74 “Christmas Celebration Bags” will be coming home at the Total Non-Budgeted Disbursements (15,299.95) beginning of Christmas break. TOTAL NET INCOME or (LOSS) $ 6,634.62

• Our “Scrip” fundraising second wave! This The Fourth Quarter is upon us! easy fund-raiser offers you the opportunity to • 2021 Giving envelopes will be available by mid-December. purchase gift cards, with a percentage of the purchase price coming back to the school. The • End of the year statements will be available in early January. cards look just like the ones you purchase in the Both items can be picked up in the church narthex. store, and they even offer a package of “gift As you anticipate the upcoming holidays, pause to consider your gifts to the jackets” to go with the cards! On line ordering is available at: Lord. Often this is a time when one makes year-end charitable donations. Your shopwithscrip.com contributions to the work of the church is both welcomed and appreciated. Use enrollment Code: DD7427D154116 Opportunities to consider in helping you meet your first fruits giving goal to the church:  Orders/Payments turned in by noon, December 14 • Debit/Credit card payments – processing machine can be found in the narthex on will be here by December 17. Sunday and in the office during the week. • December 23—January 5: No School—Christmas Break • Use your bank bill pay program to set up recurring contributions or one time payments. • January 18—No School: Martin Luther King Day • Joyful response e-giving – The church sets up an automatic debit from your bank • January 24—29: Lutheran Schools Week. Look for details on account on a recurring basis based on your preferences. Giving cards are available fun activities throughout the week. in the office to be placed in the offering plate. • Sunday, January 31: Little Lambs video presentation at the • **For those over 70 ½! Under the provision created in 2006, retirees age 70.5 and worship service. older can donate up to $100,000 tax-free from their IRA each year to charity. **We suggest you consult your tax advisor before making this type of gift.**

• Contribute stock directly to the church’s investment account to avoid paying taxes on any capital gains and getting a tax deduction for the fair market value of Dining to Donate: the stock contributed. • January: Chipotle (tentative) • Pick up, and use, giving envelopes on a regular basis. • Buffalo Wild Wings • Cash and checks can be placed in the weekly offering plate, mailed or dropped by • April 15: Noodles the office at any time. Other Fundraisers: Indirect Gifts: • December: Five Below; Gift Card fundraiser • Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Immanuel Lutheran Church • February: Plant Sale • March: Spaghetti Dinner; Used Book Sale; Noodles • Sign up for AmazonSmile; a small percentage can be rebated directly to Immanuel. • April/May: Silent Auction

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(Continued from page 3) Little Lambs Preschool with fear for physical health. I think Mary and Joseph know the feeling of 2020. Little Lambs preschool has had a very busy fall! Enter the Shepherds, also alone and disconnected. Sure they had each other, but, by and large, their life was a solitary one. Their profession In November we had our thanksgiving feast. It was was respected because it was necessary, but the individuals who actually different this year but we made the best of it and cooked our feast at school and enjoyed it with our watched the sheep were often shunned. Personal grooming was not a class and teachers. The families were missed and we hope to strong suit for those who spent their nights sleeping in fields with animals return to our usual family thanksgiving feast next year. as their companions. Very often even the revered synagogue gatherings were absent of those out watching their flocks, causing them to receive the Thank you to all the families that brought food and gift cards for mildly disapproving glare of the local Rabbi. Did anyone, including God our Salvation Army food drive. We were able to make several himself, even care about these “lost souls?” The shepherds “get” 2020. bags to add to the churches total. Yet to these less than esteemed members of the Bethlehem community, God sends His heavenly messenger with “...good news of great Little Lambs Preschool will be on Christmas break from joy that will be for all the people.” The actual Birth of Jesus changed very December 23, 2020-January 5, 2021. When we come back we will little for the shepherds and only complicated the life of Mary and Joseph, be learning all about winter. Hopefully we will have a lot of snow including a nocturnal escape to the far away land of Egypt. Life went on, so we can play in it! shepherds stayed stinky, rabbis continued to glare at them on the day after We still have some openings if you know of anyone who is sabbath for their absence. Mary and Joseph eventually returned to Nazareth interested in preschool have them give us a call at 815-756-6669. and to the daily grind of carpentry, raising a family and undoubtedly live the exhaustion of daily life. From all of us at Little Lambs Preschool have a blessed, safe, and Where is the Good News? Where is the joy for the unlikely heroes happy holiday season!! of our story? Where is the joy for those of us enduring the end of 2020 with Carolyn Panozzo the start of 2021 looking to continue more of the same? It comes in what Director this season has always been about… HOPE. The birth of Jesus brings hope not that our 2020 or 2021 will magically be without struggle and fear. But through it all we have HOPE. Why does that change things? Because with HOPE in our hearts, we know we are not alone. With HOPE we are not second-class citizens, at least to the God who made us and loves us as our Father. With HOPE we have a purpose and a meaning to the daily struggles and difficulties that we endure. With the HOPE that comes from the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, 2020 and 2021 become not a time to dread, but an opportunity to be the messenger of the HOPE that we have and can share with others. Thank you 2020 for providing yet another opportunity for us to receive, remember and BE the HOPE that comes from Jesus. Blessed Top left: The four-year old holidays to you all! class making a turkey In the sure HOPE of Jesus, Top right: The three-year-old class makes fruit salad Pastor Marty Bottom left: Enjoying a tradi- tional Thanksgiving Feast!

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DO YOU USE GIFT CARDS International Student News DURING THE HOLIDAYS-- The month of October brought a wonderful outpouring of food for otherwise food insufficient international students at NIU. These foods Thank you to all who ordered gift cards to be delivered in were delivered by Network of Nations on Tuesdays each week with November! EACH order makes a difference!!! Orders were some 26 families impacted. Some other churches are contributing each available by Thanksgiving! The next wave will be due Monday, month now to meet these needs. December 14 and will be available by Thursday, December 17th. Thank you for your support!! In January a new means of delivering foods to these students is to be set up with a kind of food pantry in our Fellowship Hall in one Wave # 2 Opportunity: Do you give gift cards as gifts? Want to avoid corner. Shelves will be stocked with donated foods and students (or student families) will be able to come and pick up what they can running from place to place to get your gift cards? —Why not just use. The Intercultural Market will be open on Friday nights from 7 til 9 pick them up at the church! and will be well-monitored by Immanuel members and individuals from Are there certain stores where you “always” shop? Why not use a Network of Nations so as to meet all COVID concerns. gift card—giving back a percentage to the preschool? Through our Campus Ministry Committee Immanuel Little Lambs Preschool has partnered with “Shop with Scrip” this was able to secure a mini-grant from United Christmas season to give our families the opportunity to support our Way . Monies from that grant were distributed to some organization while doing your Christmas shopping. We earn 2%-15% for Nigerian students for help with rent, utilities and fees at Little Lambs on gift card purchases to common places. These gift cards NIU. will look just like the ones that you would purchase in the store or you The greater gift given along with the delivery of foods and monies for can order e-cards!! For more information pick up an order form in the other needs is the love of Jesus. How blessed WE are to be able to give entry, or in the tote with the Sunday bulletins. (Order forms are now and to share Christ with those from other nations. available.) We also have a pdf form on our Constant Contact page and on our web site, as well as a link to order on line. 2nd Annual Wreath Making Day at WalCamp! December 5—Various Times Available Orders can also be placed directly on the link to our Scrip page. You can also pay on line. If you would like to avoid processing fees you can pay Virtual Experience Available—incudes supplies! See the website for complete details: walcamp.org Cost: $35 by check or cash directly to the office BY THE ORDER DUE DATE. On-site Experience: Sign-up for a guided Wreath making session with a Orders turned in by noon December 14 will be distributed to skilled local artisan. Each crafter receives their own workspace where they preschool families by December 17 & 18. They will be available for can work on their projects mask-free if desired. pick up in the office To stay COVID-aware, we are implementing the following precautions: • Class Sizes will be limited by the 17th or at the Little Lambs • Our staff and guest presenter intend to wear a mask during interactions with service on December GIFT CARD FUNDRIASER INFO our crafters. There may be periods where directions are provided mask-free at 20th. TO ORDER ON LINE: shopwithscrip.com a safe distance. Thank you for your Enrollment Code: DD7427D154116 • Each guest crafter receives their own craft space where they can work mask- December Deadline: Monday, December 14 free if desired. continued support of PAYMENT MUST BE MADE ONLINE OR • All guests and team members are asked to maintain current safety protocols Little Lambs BROUGHT TO THE OFFICE BEFORE THE (masks, safe physical distance, washing hands) when interacting socially with ORDER WILL BE PROCESSED. others. If you have any questions, please Paper order forms are available in the narthex • All workspaces will be cleaned between sessions to current health safety standards. contact the church or call the office. • Guests are asked to schedule in advance. Each session is expected to take office. about an hour and a half.

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Prayer Team CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM MEMBERS TO MEMBERS TO ENEFIT And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all B kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind WALCAMP CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES be alert and always keep on praying for all the Christmas greetings from members to members Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18 will be inserted in the December 20 bulletin. This long-standing custom originated when members decided to convey “You are in my thoughts and prayers” is something that we say fre- quently and though our expression is heartfelt, the weeks slip past Season’s Greetings to fellow members via a special insert, donating and we forget to pray for the person. Ephesians 6:18 reminds us to what would otherwise have been spent on postage to a separate fund. pray and keep on praying. Sign your name on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex, call the office or Some of you may have a regular devotion and prayer routine. If you use our sign-up Genius. Deadline is December 13 in order to be in- don’t, here are some steps that you can follow to develop it. cluded on the Greeting, Print your names exactly as you would like to have them put on the Christmas Greeting. You may turn your do- 1) Make a commitment to pray on one, two, three days a week or nation in to the office or place it in the offering plate and designate every day. “Christmas Greeting” on the memo line. Payment can be made on 2) Set aside a time to pray; a time when you are not rushed with the line on our web site. schedule of the day; In the morning, after your evening meal, or at bedtime. Encourage your family or your spouse to join you. POINSETTIA PLANTS 3) Have a quiet place to pray. Turn off the TV, radio, computer, and your phone. Once again this year we are planning on decorating the 4) Begin with a short devotion such as Portals of Prayer or begin in sanctuary with poinsettia plants for Christmas ser- the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. vices. The florist shop wants to be sure they can get 5) Use the most recent Sunday’s list of prayer requests to pray for plants for us, so deadline to order plants is very early this year: December 6th! your church family, Pastor, community, and our country. Keep a list of friends and family who need prayer or have reason to give If you would like to purchase one or more, call the of- thanks. fice to sign-up, sign up in the entryway or use our sign up genius. (Link on the Constant Contact page) You can indicate if you will be 6) Pray specifically by name and by need. taking your plant home or if you would like to have it taken to a shut- 7) Close by commending everything to God’s will and in the name in. There will be a choice of pink, red or white. You can pick up your of Jesus. plant after services on Christmas Day or request that it be delivered to

The winter months and the restrictions of the pandemic give us an We will put ornaments on our Memorial Tree opportunity to start a prayer routine that can remain with us long MEMORIAL TREE afterwards. this year. There will be a book available to Soon you will be saying “I will pray for you”. You will be a blessing register ornaments. If you would like to add a to others and you will be blessed by it because God is waiting and memorial ornament to the tree, just bring it by, note it in He hears us! the book, add a tag, and put it on the tree. We will store the ornaments from year to year, and put them on the tree The Prayer Team continues to pray for the needs of our congrega- for you in coming years. tion during the week. If you have a request please notify Pastor Marty or the church office. If you would like to be a member of the If you would like to help set up the tree, please contact the Team please call Jackie Hanson 815-520-3519 or Linda Hursh 815- office for a day and time! Our goal is to have folks help to 761-8151 decorate the church, but limit the number of individuals in the church at any given time.

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“Prepare Ye” Advent Worship Series Midweek Advent Worship Services Begin Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. and will continue on Wednesday evenings, 12/01 Rosalie Landshaft December 9 & 16. 12/02 Jackson Buehler 12/03 Brian Kiel, Nolan Knutson Services will be broadcast live on Facebook. Video will also be 1/1 Jeneane Bejnarowicz 12/04 Gail Smith 1/3 Julie-Ann Fuchs available on Facebook and on our website after each service. 12/05 Amanda Banks, Mark Whitman 1/4 Bruce Whitman Everyone is encouraged to worship with us in a safe manner. 12/06 Jeremy Buehler 1/5 Jackson Harms 12/08 Max Giudice, Evelyn Kurasz 1/6 Diane Mathison, Deborah Cook, In this worship series for traditional worship for Advent, we con- 12/09 Phyllis Cress template the many ways we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Douglas Nelson 12/10 Kyla Carlson 1/7 Debbie Meier, Christ Child on Christmas, taking cues from the psalms of old and 12/11 Ava Carlson Carmelita Peterson from those whom God chose to play a part in the story of our Lord’s 12/12 Bob Dailey, Riley Marks 1/8 Ken Boldt Bradley Sorenson 1/10 Amy Aska, Carter Marks, birth. As we draw near to the manger bed of our Savior from sin and Lindsay Simonson 12/13 Norman Gilbert death, our hearts prepare him room for his everlasting love. 1/11 Sara Perry 12/14 Linda Hammes, Christine Taylor 1/12 Amy Haeseker, December 2 Week 1: Ponder (Psalm 12/15 Tiffany Kousoulas Rachael McEwan 48:9): We consider ways in which we can 12/17 Emma Goodman 1/14 Sydney McNett 12/19 Nathan Perry 1/16 Matthew Buehler, ponder the meaning of the birth of our 1/18 Alice Seitz 12/20 Jen Allen Savior through the reading of Scripture 1/19 Cody Allen, Kaitlyn Goff, 12/21 Sydney Ziola and through reflection. Mary serves as a Megan Gratschmayr 12/22 Chelsea Banks, Curtis Baumann 1/22 Blake Bushue, model for us in this pondering in the An- 12/23 Matthew Gratschmayr, Makayla Knutson nunciation. Angela Sietsema 1/23 Karen Cribben, 12/26 Kaitlynn Cook, Russell Peterson Clayton (Robby) Miller December 9: Pray (Psalm 69:13): We 1/24 Vicci Haeseker 12/27 Jacob Cook, Jacqueline Hanson, think about ways in which we can take 1/25 Ryker Hillman Roger Maas, Richard McKinley, 1/26 R. Hayes Tiggelaar more time during this season to communi- Robert Tiggelaar 1/28 Robert Clark, Patricia Lange, cate to our God through prayer as we wait 12/28 Lucia Nelson, Kylie VonSchnase 1/29 Benjamin Cintora Sadie Marks 12/29 Timothy Gilbert for Christ. Zechariah, who went to the Ryan McNett temple to pray, serves as an example for 12/30 Krista Marks, David Wiehle, Angela Schiola-Niemeyer us of how hard that waiting in prayer can Melinda Goodman, 1/30 Tom Sawyer Hunter Tiggelaar be. December 16: Praise (Psalm 30:4): We ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF THREE BAPTIZED AT IMMANUEL are celebrate the upcoming arrival of our Sav- GIVEN a $25 savings account through LCEF as a GIFT from Immanuel cradle roll. ior through songs and shouts of praise as we prepare for him. Elizabeth, in her greeting of Mary, provides a If you are a member of Immanuel, and do not see your birthday or benchmark for rejoicing with others over the good news of salvation anniversary listed, or the date is incorrect, please kindly inform the in Jesus, even as we wait. church office so that our records can be corrected. Thank you!

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12/1/73 James & Abbie Arndt Sunday School Advent Packets have been pre- 12/9/61 Floyd & Jan Schroeder pared for each child. If you did not get one, and 12/12/09 Doug & Kara Brouwer would like one, please contact the church 12/16/72 Gary & Stacy Knutson office. Since we are currently unable to meet 12/17/88 Glenn & Julie-Ann Fuchs in person, we want to encourage each family 12/19/81 Ron & Linda Hammes to set aside some time to reflect on prepara- 12/26/87 Jim & Susan Hammack tions throughout advent. 12/26/82 Bob & Nancy Dailey 12/31/05 Mark & Kara Giudice Packets will include a family devotional, a project and an advent calendar. There will also be a separate age- 1/5/74 Gary & Holly Gresholdt appropriate packet of activities for each child. 1/6/07 Justin & Jenna Dooley There will be no “Christmas at Four” service this year. 1/19/04 Benjamin & Maria Cintora 1/23/19 Peter & Rachel Kurasz IV Salvation Army Toy Collection 1/27/90 Dan & Beth Bejnarowicz TOY DROP-OFF: We were not able to 1/30/65 Gary & Rogene Montgomery sponsor our annual Christmas in July due to Covid, so Human Care is sponsoring a Baptisms toy box for toys for children of the com- munity now! November 8, 2020 Uriah Isaac Hillman was received through Holy Baptism. Uriah is the infant son of Joel & A box will be in the Narthex to drop off a Allison Hillman. new toy or toys (un wrapped) for a child/(ren). Human Care commit- tee will deliver the toys to The Salvation Army. Please have toys to church by December 16. Any questions please contact a Human Care member. Thank you for making a child's Christmas a little better is this year. Those Serving Our Country Der- Advent Devotion Books Available rick Schoo Dr. Robert Bejnarowicz (recently promoted to Colonel) Advent Devotion Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries Brendan Spartz (son of Mindy & Bill Lynch) are available in the narthex in both regular and large print Major Christopher Denton (grandson of Carol) editions. This years theme is “God with Us” Mark Cramer (son-in-law of Pastor Ray & Theresa) In God with Us, Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Advent devo- Jacob Marx (grandson of Janet & Patrick Byrnes; US Coast Guard in Kodiak Island, Alaska) tions for 2020, we learn again what God the Father has done—He Special Agent Kaitlan Lave (granddaughter of Al & Shirley) has kept His promise. In so doing, He has announced that grace and Brad Fancsali (grandson of Judie Wright/great nephew of Pat McKinley) forgiveness are available to all, freely given in the birth of Jesus: God’s Son, our Savior. He is Immanuel, “God with us.”

The story of God coming to earth as a human child is a profound Little Johnny's new baby brother was screaming one. In God with Us, we find no aloof divinity who is unconcerned up a storm. and remote somewhere in the cosmos. Rather, He is deeply involved Johnny asked his mother, "Where'd he come in all our affairs—our joys as well as our heartaches. He knows us from?" for He became one of us. At Christmastime, we celebrate the birth of His mother replied, "He came from Heaven, Johnny!" Jesus, Lord of the universe, Savior of the world, Shepherd of our Johnny responded, "Wow! I can see why they threw him out!" lives. December, 2020/January 2021 Page 16 December 2020/January 2021 Page 9

Remember Food Pantry is Altar Flower Sponsorships December 13th & January 10th December 6: “In loving memory of my parents, my husband Bring a nonperishable item for the local Harrison, and my brother and sisters,” by Merle Sawyer. Salvation Army food pantry. December 13: “To the glory of God and in loving memory of Hugo J. and Food Pantry Sunday is a collection day to support the Salvation Army Food Pantry. Lucille Hakala during this advent season,” by their family, the Justemas. Food can be dropped off anytime during the week December 20: “To the glory of God and in loving memory of Parents, Fred as well during office hours, December 14—17 & Schroeder, Ivy Schroeder, Michael John Schroeder, and Vern Challgren,” January 11—15. by Floyd & Jan Schroeder and David & Melanie Schroeder. Add an item to your grocery list December 24: Christmas Eve Poinsettias by the congregation. and put it in our shopping cart in the church narthex! December 25: Christmas Day Poinsettias by the congregation. We Give Thanks December 27: “In Honor of Hunter Tiggelaar’s 23rd birthday,” by his family. Our collection of Thanksgiving Dinners was a great success. January 3, 10 & 17: OPEN On Monday, November 23 we were able to provide January 24: “In glory to God and in celebration of the 29th birthday of Hayes 53 completed bags Tiggelaar, on January 26th,” by his family. 60 gift cards for turkey January 31: OPEN We also had a collection of “almost” complete bags, which the Salvation Army will use to complete more bags! Thank you for your generous gifts in a very difficult time! Radio Broadcast Sponsorships

Aluminum Can Recycling — December/January December 6: “In loving memory of my parents, my husband Harrison, and my brother and sisters,” by Merle Sawyer. The Board of Trustees continues to collect cans here at December 13: OPEN church. For those who wish to drop your cans off, you can December 20: “To the glory of God and in loving memory of Parents, Fred place them in front of the garage at the southwest corner of Schroeder, Ivy Schroeder, Michael John Schroeder, and Vern Challgren,” the parking lot Sunday morning, December 6 & January 3, by Floyd & Jan Schroeder and David & Melanie Schroeder. as well as the weekdays, December 24 & 25: 7:00 p.m. (Christmas Eve Worship—to be broadcast on December 7—10 Christmas morning) “To the glory of God and in loving memory of my & January 4—7 husband, and our father, Richard Buehler,” by Cheryl, Jeremy, Matthew from 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m. & Shawn. If you wish, you can also bring cans and metals to DeKalb Iron and December 27: “To the glory of God for His many blessings in 2019,” by the Metal and tell them it is for Immanuel Church and they will add it to our Tiggelaar Family. account and give you a receipt for your donation. January 5, 12, 19 & 26 OPEN

OPEN FLOWER SPONSORSHIPS: January 3, 10, 17 & 31 Due to rising OPEN RADIO SPONSORSHIPS: December 13; January 5, 12, 19 & 26 Covid-19 numbers, To be a Radio or Flower Sponsor: Call the office to reserve a date. Cost is Chill Nights will be on hold until $45 for flowers. Flowers may be taken home following the 10:30 service, further notice. or you may have them given to one of our shut-ins by a member of the Altar Guild. The beginning of an elementary Radio is $225 for a 60-minute broadcast or $125 for 30 minutes of the broadcast. social gathering will also be put on (Remaining 30 min. could be sponsored by someone else). hold at this time.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ, LWML News As members of the Lutheran Student Fellowship, "Refuge", we want to extend our sincerest gratitude for our use of the church facilities. Despite the chaos that Fifth Sunday Mite Collection 2020 has thrown our way, we have been able to find consistent support and stabil- ity at Immanuel. Through this church we have been able to strengthen our relationship with MITES On Sunday, January 31, it will be God, build new friendships, and create warm memories we can look back on for the 5th Sunday of the month. This is the many years to come. We would like to thank the congregation for provid- time Men, Women, and Children can participate in bringing their ing such an accepting community, the Campus Ministry mites (coins!) and putting them into the Big Mite Box in the nar- Committee for giving us the resources necessary to meet our goals, and Pastor Marks for his continued sup- thex. LET’S FILL THE MITE BOX! Dollars are fine too! port and guidance in this difficult time. Thank you all! Blessings, Refuge

LWML women continue to collect mites and offer prayers for the In an effort to work together to keep everyone safe during mission projects adopted by the Northern Illinois District conven- this unprecedented time, we are currently limiting the number of weekly participants. We would like to thank tion and by the last National Convention. We GET to support those who have faithfully continued to serve each week. these means for sending out the Gospel to reach some who do not yet know it and to encourage those who do! Congregation mem- Usher: Dan Lohmeier bers can join in with mite offerings on the 5th Sunday of a month Nursery: Closed at this time Acolyte: Heather Allen, Chloe Marks, various adults which means January 31 as the next such time. Of course, offer- Altar Guild: Carolyn McQuillan & Jackie Hanson ings are ALWAYS welcome--anytime... Lay Reader: Various readers Sound: Doug Nelson, Nathan Allen, Glenn Fuchs The LWML Women's Quarterly magazine has arrived and that Radio: Doug Nelson, Sue Harms, Tammy Tiggelaar, Julie-Ann Fuchs, Winter issue has been mailed to those who subscribe. Always a Chris Ewald Videographer: Krista Marks, Jen Allen good read! Music: Linda Conrad, C-J Motisi, Angela Pringnitz, Amy Haeseker, Ellen Olsen The Fall workshop for Zone 8 was held on Oct. 24 at St. Peter's Hampshire with 14 in attendance (4 Zone 8 churches were repre- If you are interested in helping to serve in any of these areas, now, or in the future, please sented). Pastor Eaves, Zone 8 Counselor, led a Bible study on contact the office at this time. To serve in the future, you can also contact the individual coordinator for more information. Psalm 46 and there was a speaker from Safe Passage. The Zone 8 Spring Rally is to be hosted in 2021 by St. John's of Sycamore. Chris Cook: Communion & Ushers Carla Siddall: Nursery Looking ahead to June the LWML National Convention is to be in Carolyn McQuillan: Acolyte & Altar Guild Pastor Marty: Lay Reader Lexington, Kentucky from June 24 to 27. The theme is "Running Doug Nelson: Radio & Sound the Race...Looking to Jesus". Newsletter Deadline for Submissions Looking further ahead, the 2023 National Convention is to be held February January 21 in Milwaukee with the NID as part of the host committee.

What do you call a cat on the beach on Christmas Day?

Locally: our January meeting is to be a hybrid one on Satur- Sandy Claws!

day, January, 16 at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall with NO (For Jeff and Sherry R. brunch, NO speaker, NO Bible study, just business. Plans for and all those enjoy some warm Florida sunshine!) the spring will be decided then.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 2 PM Two for Tuesday Bible 5:30 PM Jr. Confirmation 8:30 AM Bulletin Deadline December 2020 Study 7 PM Advent Worship (In per- 5:30 PM N of N liaison Mtg son & FB Live) January 2021 7 PM Peer Minister Inyerviews 7:45 PM Zoom Elders Meeting 9 PM Refuge Zoom Bible Study

6 Deadline to order poinsettias 7 8 9 10 11 12 Can recycle drop-off No Dec Bd of Trustees 1 PM Staff Meeting 5:30 PM Jr. Confirmation 8:30 AM Bulletin Deadline Council Meeting Reports Due 8AM Worship/FB Live Worship 2 PM Two for Tuesday Bible Study 7 PM Advent Worship (In person & 3-5 PM Parents Care & Share Drive 10:30 AM Worship Broadcast on WLBK 9 PM Refuge Zoom Bible Study FB Live) Through 1360

Aluminum Can Recycling Drop-Off 13 14 15 16 5:30 PM Jr. Confirmation 17 18 19 Deadline to sign up for Member to Mem- 12 Noon Script Orders Due 1 PM Staff Meeting 7 PM Advent Worship (In person & 8:30 AM Bulletin Deadline ber Greeting Sign Up 2 PM Two for Tuesday Bible Study FB Live) 12 Noon Script Orders Available Food Pantry Sunday 7:45PM Council Meeting 8AM Worship/FB Live Worship Deadline to donate toys 10:30 AM Worship Broadcast on WLBK Salvation Army Food Pantry Collection

20 21 22 23 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day 26 8AM Worship/FB Live Worship 1 PM Staff Meeting Little Lambs Begin Christmas Break/ Office Closed Offices Closed 10:30 AM Worship Broadcast on WLBK 2 PM Two for Tuesday Bible Study Return to classes January 6 7 PM Candlelight Worship 9 AM Worship Service 1360 12:30PM Offices Close 10:30 AM Broadcast of Christmas Eve Service on WLBK 1360 AM

27 28 29 30 31 January 1 2021 January 2 2021 8AM Worship/FB Live Worship Offices open 8:30 –12 noon Offices open 8:30 –12 noon Offices open 8:30–12 noon New Years Eve New Years Day 10:30 AM Worship Broadcast on WLBK 2 PM Two for Tuesday Bible Study Offices Closed Offices Closed 1360

Little Lambs on Christmas Break 3 Can recycle drop-off 4 5 6 7 8 9 8AM Worship/FB Live Worship No preschool No preschool Little Lambs Resumes Classes 8:30 AM Bulletin Deadline 7-9 PM International Food Pantry Pick Up 10:30 AM Worship Broadcast on WLBK 6 PM Bd of Trustees 9 AM—12 Noon Winkle 7 PM Elders Meeting 1360 2 PM Two for Tuesday Bible Study 5:30 PM Jr. Confirmation

Aluminum Can Recycling Drop-Off 10 Food Pantry Sunday 11 12 1 PM Staff Meeting 13 14 15 16 8AM Worship/FB Live Worship NIU Resumes Classes 7 PM Campus Min Com Mtg. 5:30 PM Jr. Confirmation 8:30 AM Bulletin Deadline 7-9 PM International Food Pantry Pick Up 10 AM LWML Business Mtg 10:30 AM Worship Broadcast on WLBK 2 PM Two for Tuesday Bible Study 12 Noon Council Reports Due 1360 9 PM Refuge Zoom Bible Study

Salvation Army Food Pantry Collection

17 8AM Worship/FB Live Worship 18 19 20 21 22 23 10:30 AM Worship Broadcast on WLBK No Preschool MLK Day 1 PM Staff Meeting 5:30 PM Jr. Confirmation 8:30 AM Bulletin Deadline 7-9 PM International Food Pantry Pick Up 1360 2 PM Two for Tuesday Bible Study 7 PM Council Meeting February Newsletter Deadline 9 PM Refuge Zoom Bible Study

January 24/January 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 8AM Worship/FB Live Worship 1 PM Staff Meeting 5:30 PM Jr. Confirmation 8:30 AM Bulletin Deadline 7-9 PM International Food Pantry Pick Up 10:30 AM Worship Broadcast on WLBK 2 PM Two for Tuesday Bible Study 1360 9 PM Refuge Zoom Bible Study 1/31 5th Sunday Mite Box Lutheran School’s Week December, 2020/January 2021 Page 12 December 2020/January 2021 Page 13