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This little child, lowly birth shall be the joy of all the earth.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

 

December is a very busy month, filled with so many things to do by Christmas Eve. That
the Church would have additional Services during the month of December would seem
to add to the busyness. But that is not the intention of our Midweek Advent Services:
they are designed to be a refuge and to help us keep some perspective on the Season.

At 7:00 PM on the Wednesday evenings of Advent we will gather for Evening Prayer and
direct our thoughts to the message in the music: what we pray and proclaim when we sing
the beloved Christmas carol, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.â€

This carol is 900 years old and its use in the Early Church and origin in the Scriptures is
even older. The carol has not only a glorious message but a long history as a way
Christian pilgrims on the Advent journey have prepared their hearts and minds to
celebrate Christ aright, by contemplating the work of the One who is hymned by us as:

Emmanuel
Wisdom
Lord of Might
Branch of Jesse’s Tree
Key of David
Dayspring from on High
Desire of Nations

Journey with us each Wednesday evening in Advent (December 4, 11, and 18) as we
prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Christmas aright, praying:

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

Pastor VanOsdol

Poster of so many faces of people looking towards upward

What Do Lutherans Believe?

 

Have you ever wondered what Lutherans really believe? Or, what does it mean to be “Lutheran?”

What is a Confessional Lutheran? What are the Lutheran Confessions anyway?

What is the Reformation and why is it so important to Lutherans?

How is the Lutheran Church different from American Evangelicalism, the Roman Catholic Church, or Orthodox Church bodies? What is The Lutheran Church Missouri-Synod?

Whether you are new to exploring the Christian faith in the Lutheran tradition or are already a Lutheran, it is good to step back and ask the basic questions. Fortunately, there are answers. You can find a lot of good resources about what Lutherans believe at lcms.org, on the beliefs page, in the Frequently Asked Questions about the Bible, Doctrine, and Lutheran Confessions. You can even get a good primer on the history of the Reformation at LutheranReformation.org.

Once you’ve done all that, there may still be some things you ponder on and question. This is where Pastor Will Weedon comes in. He is formerly the Director of Worship and Chaplain of the International Center of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Pastor Weedon gave Matt Whitman of  YouTube channel The Ten Minute Bible Hour a wonderful and informative introduction to the Lutheran Church at Saint Paul Lutheran Church and School in Hamel, IL where Pr. Weedon serves as Assistant Pastor and Catechist. Pr. Weedon sat for a detailed theological Question & Answer session with Matt, and probably answered some of your questions too. Whether you are new to Lutheran beliefs or have been a life-long Lutheran, you may learn something. Watch and listen:

Part 1:  An Outsider Visits a Lutheran Church

Part 2:  An Outsider Talks With a Lutheran Theologian (What do Lutherans Believe?)

Part 3:  Is Lutheranism the True Catholic Church? (and other stuff with a Lutheran Theologian)

If you want to hear more of Pastor Weedon teaching about Jesus, check out his daily podcast The Word of the Lord Endures Forever on Lutheran Public Radio or at thewordendures.org.

Matt Whitman shared thoughts about his visit with Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth during The Coffee Hour on KFUO Radio. Check it out.

Matt demonstrated the best way to learn about Lutherans is to visit a Lutheran church. So, if you are in the greater Greenville-Spartanburg area of South Carolina, please stop by Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Five Forks, a part of Simpsonville, SC, and visit us. You can get directions here, or just type 2820 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC into your GPS. Be sure to subscribe to Immanuel’s YouTube Channel and Pod With Us Podcast to listen to the latest sermons.

Trust in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ when He says:

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

Peace be with you.

 

Joy / fully lutheranism.

2019 LCMS National Convention Review

 

Immanuel member Jonathan Anderson presented a review of the 2019 LCMS National Convention at Immanuel Lutheran Church-Five Forks in Simpsonville, SC on Sunday, August 18, 2019 . Jonathan served as the Lay Delegate for Circuit 19 of the Southeastern District at The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod triennial convention held July 20-25, 2019 in Tampa, FL. The Rev. David Hammer of Eternal Shepherd Lutheran Church in Seneca, SC served as the Circuit 19 Pastoral Delegate.

Video of the presentation is available on Immanuel’s YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/hIsNYmIyD-Q

A Podcast of the presentation is available on Immanuel’s Pod With Us! podcast at: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-kfb3v-bc2bde

Presentation slides (PDF) are available here: 2019 LCMS National Convention Review – Jonathan Anderson – FINAL

Please contact Jonathan below if you have comments or questions or visit lcms.org/convention for comprehensive coverage of convention proceedings.

[contact-form to=’[email protected]’ subject=’2019 LCMS Convention Comment-Question’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Subject’ type=’url’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

 

A blue background with a stained glass picture of a lamb.

Lamb of God – Midweek Lenten Services

The Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6.

You are invited to join your Brothers & Sisters in Christ on this annual 40-day pilgrimage with Jesus to His cross. The theme of our midweek meditations will be Lamb of God and will be structured around the Lenten hymn, Lamb of God, Pure and Holy. Dinner will be served each Wednesday at 6:00 PM. All Wednesday Services begin at 7:00 PM.

Ash Wednesday, March 6
Lamb of God, Pure and Holy
1 Peter 1:18-19

Wednesday, March 13
Lamb of God, Crucified
1 Corinthians 1:21-25

Wednesday, March 20
Lamb of God, Patient
1 Peter 2:21-24

Wednesday, March 27
Lamb of God, Lowly
Philippians 2:5-11

Wednesday, April 3
Lamb of God, Suffering Scorn
Psalm 22:6-8

Wednesday, April 10

Lamb of God, Bearing Our Sins Away
Genesis 22

Lamb of God, pure and holy,
Who on the cross didst suffer,
Ever patient and lowly,
Thyself to scorn didst offer.
All sins Thou borest for us,
Else had despair reigned o’er us:
Have mercy on us, O Jesus! O Jesus!
(LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK 434:1)

Pastor VanOsdol

Good News on a Wintry Day – The Second Sunday in Advent

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Everywhere you go…â€

That is true in Greenville this morning. Which means we’re not going anywhere.

Had we been able to get to Immanuel this morning to observe the 2nd Sunday in Advent, we would have been greeted by John the Baptist.  John’s appearance every year on this Sunday announces that Christ and Christmas is drawing near.

The Church makes an interesting choice to feature John the Baptist at this time of year because John is not at all jolly.  But think of those God has pressed into His service: Barren women.  Old priests.  Babies.  Wild-eyed prophets.  Itinerant preachers.  Executed criminals.

God isn’t done working that way.  He continues to work through unlikely characters to announce to the world the Good News of His salvation.

God is now at work through US, His priesthood.  Every single day.  In our time and place.  To our family, neighbors, friends and coworkers.  Even on days when we can’t leave the house.  Because it’s News too Good to keep to ourselves:

“A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.  And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’† (Isaiah 40:3-5)

God grant you warmth and safety in this weather, all the while praying for those whose vocation calls them to get out and work in it.  We will look forward to seeing you Wednesday for Advent Evening Prayer.

On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry

Announces that the Lord is nigh;

Awake and hearken, for he brings

Glad tidings of the King of kings!

(LSB 344:1)

Pastor VanOsdol

New Choral and Handbell Director


Please welcome Mr. T. Dave Pugh to Immanuel Lutheran Church as Choral and Handbell Director.

Mr. T. Dave Pugh is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he earned both his Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees. He taught band, orchestra, and choir in Michigan for 24 years and in South Carolina for 3. While in college he served his church as the music leader and choir director. Dave has served musically in churches in Michigan for 24 years, including the LCMS denomination. Dave also enjoys teaching personal finance and has led Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University classes since 2006.  Dave is married to Anna Pugh and has 4 grown children and 3 step children.

When you see Dave, please give him a warm welcome and let him know how you can serve Immanuel with your vocal and musical talent. He can be reached by email in the contact form below or call the church office at 864-297-5815 to obtain his cell phone number.

[contact-form to=’[email protected], [email protected]’ subject=’Music Program Inquiry’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

A bell with the words now hiring handbell director.

Handbell Director Job Opening


Immanuel Lutheran Church & School

Simpsonville, South Carolina

Job Description: Handbell Director

Goal of the position:

Support a church music program that includes at least one offering of special music (vocal choir, handbells, instrumentalists, soloists, etc.) each Sunday from September-May.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Direct a handbell choir in weekly rehearsals in preparation for participation in Sunday Services from September through May.
  2. Prepare the choir for participation in special Services throughout the Church Year, including: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (as determined by consultation with Pastor, Organist and Choral Director).
  3. Recruit members to the choir, providing an atmosphere of community and musical learning.
  4. Cooperate with the Pastor, Organist and Choral Director to accomplish planning tasks and provide leadership to the music program.
  5. Perform these duties under the direct responsibility of the Board of Elders and in keeping with the congregation’s annual budget.

Skills and Qualifications:

  1. Experience in handbell conducting, knowledge of appropriate church music and ability to relate to others with good interpersonal skills required.
  2. Music degree and knowledge of the role of music in Lutheran worship preferred, but students and new graduates are invited to apply.

Compensation:

  1. Salary is negotiable and will be based on an expected number of hours per week (September-May) in preparation, rehearsal and performance.
  2. Compensation is paid on the 15th and last day of each month.
  3. Church musician continuing education will be reimbursed up to $250 annually.

Please copy and paste your cover letter and resume below to submit an inquiry about this position. You may be asked to email an electronic copy of your cover letter and resume once your inquiry is received. You may also contact the church office at 864-297-5815.

[contact-form to=’[email protected], [email protected]’ subject=’Handbell Director Job Inquiry’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Cover Letter’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Resume’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

Now hiring choral director.

Choral Director Job Opening


Immanuel Lutheran Church & School
Simpsonville, South Carolina

Job description: Choral Director

Goal of the position:

Support a church music program that includes at least one offering of special music (vocal choir, handbells, instrumentalists, soloists, etc.) each Sunday from September-May.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Direct a vocal choir in weekly rehearsals in preparation for participation in Sunday Services from September through May.
2. Prepare the choir for participation in special Services throughout the Church Year, including: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (as determined by consultation with Pastor, Organist and Handbell Director).
3. Recruit members to the choir, providing an atmosphere of community and musical learning.
4. Cooperate with the Pastor, Organist and Handbell Director to accomplish planning tasks and provide leadership to the music program.
5. Perform these duties under the direct responsibility of the Board of Elders and in keeping with the congregation’s annual budget.

Skills and Qualifications:

1. Experience in choral conducting, knowledge of appropriate church music and ability to relate to others with good interpersonal skills required.
2. Music degree and knowledge of the role of music in Lutheran worship preferred, but students and new graduates are invited to apply.

Compensation:

1. Salary is negotiable and will be based on an expected number of hours per week (September-May) in preparation, rehearsal and performance.
2. Compensation is paid on the 15th and last day of each month.
3. Church musician continuing education will be reimbursed up to $250 annually.

Please copy and paste your cover letter and resume below to submit an inquiry about this position. You may be asked to email an electronic copy of your cover letter and resume once your inquiry is received. You may also contact the church office at 864-297-5815.

[contact-form to=’[email protected], [email protected]’ subject=’Choral Director Job Inquiry’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Cover Letter’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Resume’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

 

The Gospel In 7 Words-continued


“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.†(1 Peter 3:15)

Lenten Journey

The Church’s annual 40-day Lenten journey to our Lord’s Cross and Empty Tomb continues. We continue our sermon series “The Gospel in 7 Words” for the next 3 weeks, culminating in “The Gospel in Your Words.” Join us!

Death & Life
Wednesday, March 7
Midweek Lent 4

Isolation & Community
Wednesday, March 14
Midweek Lent 5

The Gospel in Your Words
Wednesday, March 21
Midweek Lent 6

Learn more about The Gospel in 7 Words series.

The Gospel in 7 Words


“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.†(1 Peter 3:15)

Brothers & Sisters in Christ:

Imagine that a friend or family member who is unfamiliar with your Christian faith asks you to summarize the Gospel, the Good News about Jesus. She isn’t looking for a laundry list of doctrines. She has no interest in hearing you recite the Athanasian Creed. She wants you to get to the heart of the matter. “In seven words or less,†she says, “tell me what you believe as a Christian.â€

What would you say? How would you put it? Are you be prepared to confess your faith in Jesus?

To be a Christian is to “believe with your heart†and “confess with your mouth†the Good News of God’s love for us in Christ (Romans 10:9–10). Peter calls us to be prepared always to give a reason for the hope we have as Christians (1 Peter 3:15). Christians have the best news in the world to share! But are we prepared to share it?

During the season of Lent that begins with Ash Wednesday on February 14, we are going to prepare to observe all the events of Holy Week by thinking about why Christianity’s Good News is so important. In our Wednesday evening Services, we will consider many of the ways in which the Scriptures proclaim the Good News about Jesus. And, in the weeks between the Services, everyone will have an opportunity to put into their own words their own brief summary of that Good News that we all might be more prepared to share the Good News of Jesus.

The Divine Service, with the Imposition of Ashes, will be offered on Ash Wednesday at 7 PM. Vespers will be prayed each Wednesday thereafter at 7 PM. Meals will be served each Wednesday before the Services. Come and join us this Lent!

Pastor VanOsdol

The Gospel in Seven Words
Wednesday, February 14
Ash Wednesday

Preparing to Confess
Wednesday, February 21
Midweek Lent 2

Captivity & Freedom
Wednesday, February 28
Midweek Lent 3

Death & Life
Wednesday, March 7
Midweek Lent 4

Isolation & Community
Wednesday, March 14
Midweek Lent 5

The Gospel in Your Words
Wednesday, March 21
Midweek Lent 6