Unwrapping god good gifts' poster with a white background

Unwrapping God’s Good Gifts


On the last two Sundays of Epiphany—the last two Sundays before Lent begins—the Sunday Readings feature the Ten Commandments: the giving of them to Moses and Jesus expounding a few of them. This unfolded at the same time I was pondering a theme for our midweek Services of Lent, so I decided to make those Commandments the theme.

Doing so means that this year our theme will emphasize the original focus of the Season of Lent, as Lent began in the Early Christian Church as a time of instruction for those who were preparing for Baptism at Easter. The instruction of those “catechumens†focused more on Christian living than the Passion of Jesus. That will be our emphasis this year.

The wisdom of the Commandments—while Divine—can be known in part by simple human reason and should be heeded by any community, society or civilization that wishes to survive and flourish. But we see the Commandments also in the context of God’s grace in Christ, finding newer and richer meaning in them when viewed that way.

Thanks to Martin Luther and his Explanation of the Commandments in his Small Catechism, we see in the Commandments not just negative prohibitions—things we’re supposed to keep from doing—but works of love urged upon us. We can even see in the Commandments gifts God gives, wrapped in commands for their protection.

That will be my approach to the Ten Commandments on the Wednesday evenings of Lent: the gifts God gives, complete with instructions for their proper use. And the gifts are these: Family, Marriage, Life, Property, Speech and God Himself.

Please plan to gather with your Immanuel Family each of the Wednesdays in Lent—beginning Ash Wednesday, February 26—as we unwrap these good gifts God has given us and talk about their place in the Christian life. Meals will be served each Wednesday at 6:00 PM, followed by a Service at 7:00 PM.

Pastor VanOsdol

Ash Wednesday


Members & Friends of Immanuel:

The Lord be with you.

On this day the Church begins a Season of reflection on Jesus’ Passion, Cross and Resurrection. Ash Wednesday is the first day in the annual 40-day journey of Lent. Our destination is the empty tomb and arriving at Easter with glad hearts, keeping the Feast “in sincerity and truth.”

Beginning tonight, Immanuel will offer Services the next 6 Wednesday evenings. Our 2019 Midweek theme is based on the Lenten hymn, “Lamb of God, Pure and Holy,” and will explore key passages in the Scriptures that focus on Jesus Christ as the LAMB OF GOD who takes away the sin of the world. Learn more about the theme and schedule here. View the events on facebook here. Tonight’s Liturgy will offer the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion. Ashes are a sign of repentance, sorrow and our need for grace. Ashes will be available for all ages and are entirely voluntary.

Immanuel’s Church Council is preparing and serving a Pancake & Sausage Supper that begins tonight at 6:00 PM. The Ash Wednesday Liturgy begins at 7:00 PM.

Daily devotion booklets for Lent are available for your use on the desk in the Narthex. Or you can receive them in your email inbox by subscribing here: Lenten Devotions :: Lutheran Hour Ministries

Please join us as we mark the beginning of Lent.

O Lord, throughout these forty days
You prayed and kept the fast;
Inspire repentance for our sin,
And free us from our past.
(LSB 418:1)

Pastor VanOsdol

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

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.