The Immanuel Messenger

February, 2020

Worship Schedule Sunday, February 2 ~ Purification of Mary and Presentation of Our Lord

9 am Bible Study and Sunday School 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday, February 9 ~ Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

9 am Bible Study and Sunday School 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday, February 16 ~ Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

9 am Bible Study and Sunday School 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion

Sunday, February 23 ~ The Transfiguration of Our Lord 9 am Bible Study and Sunday School 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion

Wednesday, February 26 – First Midweek Lenten Service 6 pm Soup and Sandwiches 7 pm Ash Wednesday With Holy Communion From the Pastor’s Pen:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Heavenly Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ –

God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 Dear Saints of Immanuel, The text cited above illustrates why our Scripture reading lectionary follows a Church Year Calendar. It’s also why fully one half of that calendar year concerns and celebrates the life of Christ. After all, as Lutherans, who believe that the way Jesus lived and died and rose here overpowers and redeems the way we have lived, why wouldn’t half the Church year be about the events in His life? We have come through the season of Advent, when the hope and anticipation of His coming lifted us into the joy of Christmas, and the promised One is here, one of us. And now, in Epiphany (shining everywhere) season, we are, as were Jesus’ first disciples, taught through His words and signs, that this man is not only sent from God, but is God. And here is the genius of the Lectionary: Epiphany season comes to a climax, when Jesus is shining on the mountaintop, worshipped by apostles militant and prophets victorious, unmistakably the LORD – In the next moment He descends to Jerusalem, where the LORD Himself not only pays for our sin, but does so by becoming our sin. God, the only one in existence that is totally alive, tastes death for every human being. The cross is the lowest, the cross is the cruelest, the cross is the nightmare, for Jesus the most unfair, but the Church Year doesn’t end there!

We take this lectionary roller coaster with Jesus, because Jesus took the real-life roller coaster with us. He came to us in Advent and lifted our hopes. He took on our flesh and made it more glorious to be human. He showed Himself to us and lit up our darkness. He was humiliated beyond our guilt and died below our mortality, to bring us back to God. He rose from our death, and by His rising we must follow, because we are the only reason He’s still human!

Enjoy Epiphany, soak up the revelation, until in deep royal purple we recall the size of Him who loved us more than His own life, pouring Himself out into our certain future . . .

Thine the life eternally, Thine the promise let there be, Thine the vision, thine the tree, All the earth on bended knee, Gone the nailing, gone the railing Gone the pleading, gone the cry, Gone the sighing, gone the crying, What was loss, lifted high! LSB 680 v 2

In Jesus’ love,

+Pastor

From the Elders…

Who is actually praying the Psalms? Well, there is King David, the congregation in Jerusalem, sometimes a troubled soul, sometimes a joyous soul, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ himself. And occasionally there are several voices in the same Psalm. Blessed Martin Luther was neither the first nor the last to consider the Psalter as the prayer book of the Bible, for both teaching and use. Some of the Psalms can be hard to pray, but then real prayer is often hard work. During the Advent season, Pastor Colageo provided a series of Wednesday evening homilies on Waiting – which in the Scriptures means a combination of receiving, accepting and hoping. I have since been reading Psalm 130 regularly. Psalm 130 Revised Standard Version (RSV) Waiting for Divine Redemption Out of the depths I cry to thee, O Lord! 2 Lord, hear my voice! Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! 3 If thou, O Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. In one homily, Pastor stated Verse 6, and no doubt many of us thought he was repeating himself as opposed to actually quoting the Holy Writ. The repetitive passage resonates with me, having stood many 04-08 watches at sea, either hungry or seasick, and waiting for the clarity of sunlight. That was my own anxiously waiting for the eventual inevitable. So often we wait for the inevitable as though it will not come. But there is more here than my mixed-emotion nostalgia. The Psalm begins “Out of the depths I cry to thee, O Lord!” Probably all of us may in response may think “Been there, done that.” Then there is the second verse: “Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!” Wow, it seems as though the author, or me if I am doing the praying, is telling the Almighty to listen to me – not asking, but telling. Now I know that prayer is not a tool whereby God becomes our obedient grantor. But nonetheless here is divine guidance to be direct and tough in our prayers to Him. In the penultimate Verse 7, we see that “with him is plenteous redemption.” I have recently thought that this plenteous redemption to mean not just the eternal redemption wrought by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but even some redemption here on earth from sins of omission and commission. Perhaps the wait is not completely forever, or as John Milton mused “What if Earth be but the shadow of Heaven and things therein - each other like, more than on Earth is thought?” Ray Brown

Understanding Stewardship

Members of Immanuel -

Stewardship is a topic which rarely provokes a positive reaction; unfortunately, it typically brings disdain because it makes those who hear the message uncomfortable. Let’s face it: when someone says “stewardship,” we often hear “money!” Well, I am pleased to report that this association is not totally true. Sure, money is important, but only insofar as it is a portion of our lives. The LCMS defines stewardship as “the free and joyous acting of the child of God and God’s family, the Church in managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes.” As Charles Lane notes in his book Ask, Thank, Tell, it is necessary for the Church to repent of the idea that stewardship and paying the bills are connected. Matthew 7:17 - a good tree bears good fruit. If we are living as good stewards, the bills will take care of themselves.

So what is a steward anyway? Funny enough, “steward” is an old English word derived from the term sty-warden, whose job was to manage the ruler’s meat supply. A steward is simply one who manages or administers someone else’s household affairs, as we are managers of God’s resources. Pretty awesome responsibility, if you ask me! We may think of time and money as ours, but in truth, they are really His. The basic form of stewardship is our daily work, and one of the best places to see what stewardship looks like is in Luther’s Table of Duties in the Small Catechism. A good steward is not necessarily the person who throws the biggest cheque in the offering, but the faithful servant who is found by his master doing what is expected of him. Faithfulness is not marked by extraordinary effort but rather by consistency in the execution of the day to day duties which the master has given to his servants.

One of our recent movie nights featured a faithful steward. Joseph managed both Potiphar’s house and the dungeon of Pharaoh, going about the tasks assigned to him, carrying out his faithfulness. Eventually, his stewardship was remembered by those who benefitted from it, and it allowed Joseph to save Potiphar, Pharaoh, and eventually his brothers. I think I read this story in a book somewhere, but being a millennial, I preferred the film!

This year, I’m looking forward to writing about the biblical principles of stewardship, and I hope that will help the congregation, (myself certainly included!), respond with good stewardship of our lives and resources.

God bless! Richard Malaby

Lift Every Voice February 2020 Edition

O Rejoice, Ye Christians Loudly LSB # 897 Text: Christian Keimann (1607 – 1662 ) Music: Andreas Hammerschmidt (1611 – 1662) Tune: Freuect Euch Ihr Christen Scripture Ref.: Lu. 2: 10-14; 2 Cor. 8:3; Phil. 2: 5-8

This year, February starts out Liturgically with some notable exceptions. No, I don’t mean with the usual clamor over some somnolent marmot being aroused too early to be frightened (or not) by his shadow to be driven back into his den (or not) for another few weeks of winter. The 2nd of February this year lands on a Sunday. For Christian observances we have some commemorations that otherwise would fall on weekdays . Here is what they are:

The Presentation of our Lord; ( the 40th day after his Birth and the 33rd day after His Circumcision and Naming. The Purification of Mary; the required time for women by Jewish law after giving birth. Both events were marked by bringing an offering in the Temple. Candlemas; an ancient calendar day of the Christian Church on which candles would be presented to be blessed for use in both churches and in homes for use in family devotions. The day also marked the end of the Christmas/ Epiphany season. Further, it also signified the 50th day of the Birth of Jesus who is declared “The Light of the World”.

Our hymn this month celebrates this brightness. It is one that has been sung in our Lutheran tradition for a very long time having its origin in the mid-17th century. It has, at times, been sung as a Christmas hymn but is more suited to the Epiphany season and the New Year.

“Fan to flame faith’s glowing embers; Grant all Christians far and near, Holy peace, a glad new year!”

Listen to its gladsome refrain, repeated after each verse:

“Joy O Joy beyond all gladness, Christ has done away with sadness, Hence all sorrow and repining, for the Sun of Grace is shining!”

Isn’t that enough to chase away the doldrums of gray days and boring cabin fever. What JOY we have as Christians what the very Light from Heaven has come to bring HOPE into our fallen world, that he “deigns” to dwell with us !

“Neither crib nor cross refuses, all He suffers for thy good. To redeem thee by His blood”

Through succeeding Sundays and throughout the days of this month we follow events of His ministry concluding with the Sunday before Ash Wednesday when we view the event of His Transfiguration and begin following events leading up to his Passion through the days and Sundays of Lent.

“Lord, how can I thank Thee lightly, I acknowledge that by Thee I am saved eternally. Let me nor forget it lightly, but to Thee at all times cleave, and my heart true peace receive.”

May the lilting refrain of this wonderful old hymn cheer and warm you heart and soul through the more somber days of Lent until the bright dawning of Easter. May the Love of the Living Christ of God “fan to flame faith’s glowing embers” throughout your whole being in a faithful walk in His Name.

Bios: Christian Keimann; Born in Pankratz, Habsburg Bohemia a son of Zacharias Keimann, a Lutheran pastor. He studied at the University of Wittenberg and after graduation worked in the gymnasium of Zittou. It was in that city that he collaborated with Andreas Hammerschmidt who put his hymn words to music. His hymns and poetry were described as strong, and full of faith and deeply spiritual. Much of his work was used by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Andreas Hammerschmidt; Born in Brux Bohemia, he was a German/Czech composer and organist . In 1626 during the 30 years’ war, his family fled to Frieberg Saxony to avoid persecution. A writer of church music, much of his work was destroyed in the city of Zittou in the 7 years war by the Austrians. His work was representative of the concerto style made popular by Heinrich Schutz. Andreas and his family were followers of the Reformation.

Blessings to all and sing boldly ,

Dick Campbell

Valentines and Lasagna Sunday, February 9

You can never outgrow the fun and joy valentine cards! On Sunday, February 9, following services, the Activities Board is sponsoring a make your own valentines party! All sorts of creative supplies will be provided to make valentines for those we love, and rarely see: our Immanuel members at home who rarely make it to church. Let’s remind them of our love with homemade cards, crafted with love and fellowship! The creative endeavors will be followed by a “hearty” Italian feast of lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and dessert. So, please join us, as we glue and glitter and feast. Crafts can be relaxing and nostalgic! Anyone can make a valentine, if it is done with love! There is a sign-up sheet in the entry hallway to plan the amount of food. We want you to can eat lasagna to your hearts’ content! Any questions can be referred to Cindy Grenier.

Inside Beauty Susan Kamacho, Simple Faith Today

I had an apple the other day. Nothing special. I'm sure many of us feast on this fruit often. Yes, I was a bit ravished and was very much looking forward to this apple. It was bright and shiny red on the outside - looking oh so yummy. I have to share, the apple didn't disappoint. As I munched away, it truly was delicious. Until I hit the core. I munched a little too far and hit the core! Not as yummy as the rest of the apple. I looked at that core, and certainly didn't see the beauty I had seen when I first started. No beautiful color. No yummy goodness. In fact, pretty ugly - until I saw the seed!

I looked at that seed and thought for some time. With that seed, another tree grows. With that seed, the sun and water will give it strength. With that seed, the tree will sprout leaves and buds. With that seed, hundreds of apples will be produced. One seed!

So often, I see the world, and myself, like that apple. I may see others, and myself, as bright and shiny on the outside, portraying an image of happiness, well-being and confidence. As we "munch" away at self and others, we still have a sense of "yummyness". We believe that things are fine and an air of perfectionism and awesomeness may ring through our lives - everything is under control and all is well.

Then we go a little further. We begin to feel the agony of a soul that is strained. The guilt of past mistakes haunt us. The ugliness of lies and deceit may envelope us. On the outside all is well, life is bright and shiny. Yet, as we peel away, we begin to see the "ugliness" of our core. When I reflect on areas of my life such as that, it scares me. The mistakes that may have been made and the decisions that I knew were wrong - all leading to a core that isn't bright and shiny.

Then there is the seed - our hearts. This is where our God lives. It is in our hearts that we know the love God gives us. It is in our hearts that we feel God's greatest sacrifice for our sins. It is in our hearts, our seed, that we grow through His grace and mercy. Our hearts - that will produce new lives for us, and for those around us. Our hearts that can sprout new beginnings, new choices, new adventures in His love. One seed - one heart. All that ugliness of our core really reaches further to a heart filled with love. Yes, that may be a lot from one little apple. Our God making so much from our one heart!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for reaching past our shiny exteriors to our ugly cores into our grateful hearts. Help us to always know that you have taken our difficult cores and have made them beautiful with your love and grace. May our souls rejoice in your goodness! Amen.

Church Notes:

1. Council Members: The Annual Report is due this month. Please submit your reports by the February 15 Council Meeting.

2. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, February 26th. There will be a Soup and Salad, Bread and Light Dessert Dinner at 6pm followed by our service at 7pm. Please sign up on the bulletin board outside the Fellowship Hall for planning purposes.

3. Please check the Lost and Found box in the Narthex. It’s rather full. I’ve hung what items will hang for easier viewing. Items not claimed in a few weeks will be donated. Thank you!

4. The deadline for the next Immanuel Messenger newsletter is Sunday, February 23rd.

5. Beth Scaer asks, “Please Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/ImmanuelLutheranManchester, even if you think you have already liked it, and please join our private Facebook group "Supporters of Immanuel Lutheran, Manchester NH".”

6. Cindy Grenier said because of the great success of the Advent Giving Calendar future In- Gathering projects will be undertaken to benefit Real Options, Liberty House, and Families in Transition. THANK YOU for your contributions.

In Christ’s Service, Marcia Newell

Secrets from the Kitchen

FREE! FREE! FREE!

Over stocked items, giveaway Sweeteners Tea Hot cocoa Coffee filters Canned items Certain paper goods And more could be yours Look on the window counter by the Church Office for your chance to take home overstocked items Keep them for yourself, give to a co-worker or friend Don’t let these items be thrown away! The Kitchen Manager

~ February ~

Birthdays Baptismal Birthdays Wedding Anniversaries

2 Claire Flaherty 3 Joshua Stanton 18 Laura and Tony Wagenaar

11 Marcia Blakeman 23 Richard Campbell 26 John & Angela Klingler

17 Brenda Melendy

18 Phillip Zimmerman

19 John Hamann

20 Masabo Alphonse

21 Daniel Blakeman

24 Kevin Mange

26 Paul Scheuner

February 2020 Calendar of Events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 am Sunday School and Adult Bible study 7pm Elders’ Mtg. Choir 6:30pm 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion

The Purification of Mary & The presentation of Our Lord 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9 am Sunday School and Adult Bible study Choir 6:30pm 7pm Heritage 8:30am to Quilt Guild (FH) 11:30am Church 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion Council Meeting Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (FH) 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 9 am Sunday School and Adult Bible study Choir 6:30pm 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

23 24 25 26 Ash 27 28 29 Wednesday 9 am Sunday School and Adult Bible study 6:30pm Stamp 6pm Choir 6:30pm Club (FH) Soup and 10 am Divine Service with Holy Communion Salad The Transfiguration of Our Lord 7pm Worship

*Note: The LCMS rate sheet for February was not available at the time of publication. I’ve included January, 2020’s Investment rates. February will be posted shortly at https://lcef.org/investment-rates/

Servants of Our Lord

Communion Date Usher Acolyte Assistant Lector Greeters Altar Care

Donna Houle, Katie Palmer, Jim Mange, Dick Lee Sanderson, Marcia Blakeman, 2 James Wilkie Volunteer Rick Otte Buechsenschuetz Maria Love Karen Colageo Dan Dick and Lyn Blakeman, Buechsenschuetz, Gabriel James and Donna Houle, 9 Rick Otte Robinson James Wilkie Doug Gootee Wendy Wilkie Marina Kirsch

Chris Robinson, Doug John and Ed Flaherty, Jim Gootee, Kent Pauline Cynthia Grenier 16 Mange Volunteer Freshour Jacine Robinson Hamann Rita Hennessy Marie Love, Steve Scaer, Wendy Wilkie, Marilyn Plummer, David Doug Gootee, Renee Stanton, 23 Kent Freshour Kevin Mange Sanderson Ed Flaherty Jim Mange Beth Scaer Ash Wednesday 26 Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer

Lutheran Trivia

On what Article of the Augsburg Confession Apology have Lutheran theologians long held the church “stands or falls?”

1. God 2. Original Sin 3. Christ 4. Justification 5. The Office of Ministry 6. The New Obedience 7. The Church 8. What the Church Is 9. Baptism 10. The Holy Supper of Our Lord 11. Confession 12. Repentance

There are a total of 28, but the answer is among the above.

Pastor Rev. Donald Colageo Church Council Immanuel Lutheran Church Congregational Chairman: James Wilkie Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Administrative Assistant Congregational Vice Chairman and 673 Weston Road Marcia Newell Chairman of the Board of Finance: Hans Larsson

Manchester, NH 03103 Elders Treasurer: Kathy Mange (603) 622-1514 Doug Gootee Financial Secretary: Wendy Wilkie secretary@ immanuel-mnh.org Kent Freshour Congregational Recording Secretary: Karalyn Malaby Dan Blakeman Board of Preschool: Bonnie Bell www.immanuel-mnh.org Ray Brown Board of Property: Don Bell David Sanderson Board of Evangelism: Vacant Stephen Scaer Board of Stewardship: Richard Malaby Board of Activities: Cindy Grenier

www.facebook.com/ImmanuelLutheranManchester/ Answer: Article 4. It is the longest Article and is an elongation of “By grace are we saved by faith, not of works, lest any man should boast [Ephesians 2:*].”