DAILY DEVOTION: MONDAY, May 18, 2020
DAILY DEVOTION: TUESDAY, May 19, 2020
DAILY DEVOTION: WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020
DAILY DEVOTION: tHURSDAy, May 21, 2020
DAILY DEVOTION: fRIDAY, May 22, 2020
DAILY DEVOTION: MONDAY, May 25, 2020
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
"Now a man named Lazarus was sick...So his sisters sent word to Jesus, 'Lord, the one You love is sick.'" Jn. 11:1-3
Most of the time our lives are calm. Our hearts are light. God seems to be smiling upon us. He daily provides us with all we need to stay alive and thrive. He brings joy to our hearts with His Gospel.
Things had been going well for Mary and Martha and Lazarus. But suddenly Lazarus became seriously ill and died. Jesus had permitted trouble to come into the lives of His friends.
But has Jesus ever promised those who believe in Him trouble free lives? No, He has not. Since the fall of mankind into sin evils of every kind are found in this world.
The Lord Jesus in His infinite wisdom may not immediately subdue every trouble that comes into our lives. May He grant us the grace to accept all things with patience and with confidence in His mercy, as did His three friends in Bethany.
Let us pray:
"Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life's tempestuous sea.
Amen.
Sursum Corda,
Pastor Swyres
"Now a man named Lazarus was sick...So his sisters sent word to Jesus, 'Lord, the one You love is sick.'" Jn. 11:1-3
Most of the time our lives are calm. Our hearts are light. God seems to be smiling upon us. He daily provides us with all we need to stay alive and thrive. He brings joy to our hearts with His Gospel.
Things had been going well for Mary and Martha and Lazarus. But suddenly Lazarus became seriously ill and died. Jesus had permitted trouble to come into the lives of His friends.
But has Jesus ever promised those who believe in Him trouble free lives? No, He has not. Since the fall of mankind into sin evils of every kind are found in this world.
The Lord Jesus in His infinite wisdom may not immediately subdue every trouble that comes into our lives. May He grant us the grace to accept all things with patience and with confidence in His mercy, as did His three friends in Bethany.
Let us pray:
"Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life's tempestuous sea.
Amen.
Sursum Corda,
Pastor Swyres
DAILY DEVOTION: TUESDAY, May 26, 2020
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
"Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jn. 11:4
Lazarus's sickness was to bring glory to Jesus. That response constituted a promise on the part of Jesus, a promise that all would be well with Lazarus - also a promise that God would be glorified. What comforting promises we, too, have, when we turn to Jesus for help: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
The Lord Jesus assures us that He is both willing and able to resolve all our problems. True, His response to our call for help may not always be what we would like it to be. But Scripture assures us that "all things work together for good to them that love God."
Let us Pray:
"What God ordains is always good
He never will deceive me
He leads me in His own right way
And never will He leave me.
Amen"
Sursum Corda,
Pastor Swyres
"Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jn. 11:4
Lazarus's sickness was to bring glory to Jesus. That response constituted a promise on the part of Jesus, a promise that all would be well with Lazarus - also a promise that God would be glorified. What comforting promises we, too, have, when we turn to Jesus for help: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
The Lord Jesus assures us that He is both willing and able to resolve all our problems. True, His response to our call for help may not always be what we would like it to be. But Scripture assures us that "all things work together for good to them that love God."
Let us Pray:
"What God ordains is always good
He never will deceive me
He leads me in His own right way
And never will He leave me.
Amen"
Sursum Corda,
Pastor Swyres
DAILY DEVOTION: WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
"And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." Jonah 2:10
"I'll do it myself," is often the contention of little children learning about life. And often frustration results because he has not yet learned the value of needing and accepting help. Needing help, accepting help, with appreciation is not a sign of weakness. In the Christian, it is evidence of faith.
"My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." As people of faith, by the grace of God, we are not at all ashamed to admit, in fact, we declare it loudly, "I had a lot of help along the way." God is our help and stay. So, we look to the future with the words, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" That is not a cry of weakness. That is a hero talking - a hero of faith!
Let us pray:
"Dear Father, even as You have helped me in the past, graciously help me in the days to come. Amen."
Sursum Corda,
Pastor Swyres
"And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." Jonah 2:10
"I'll do it myself," is often the contention of little children learning about life. And often frustration results because he has not yet learned the value of needing and accepting help. Needing help, accepting help, with appreciation is not a sign of weakness. In the Christian, it is evidence of faith.
"My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." As people of faith, by the grace of God, we are not at all ashamed to admit, in fact, we declare it loudly, "I had a lot of help along the way." God is our help and stay. So, we look to the future with the words, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" That is not a cry of weakness. That is a hero talking - a hero of faith!
Let us pray:
"Dear Father, even as You have helped me in the past, graciously help me in the days to come. Amen."
Sursum Corda,
Pastor Swyres
DAILY DEVOTION: tHURSDAy, May 28, 2020
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
"Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham spoke up...'I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes.'" Gen. 18:22,27
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to be silent and a time to speak." There are times when we stand silent before the Lord. There are other times we have need to speak to our Father in heaven.
Our problems great and small we take to the Lord in prayer. Abraham is a great example. He says, "I am nothing but dust and ashes." The words express humility. They remind us we are sinners and need to approach Him on our knees. We are never disappointed when we plead for mercy. Through Jesus' death and resurrection we are forgiven. We have access to God.
Yes, we approach God humbly, fully persuaded He will hear us and answer us. St. Paul says, "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us - how will He not also graciously give us all good things?"
"There is a time to be silent and a time to speak."
Let us bow our heads and speak to Him in prayer:
"Heavenly Father, we treasure our conversations with you. Continue to speak to us in Your word. Hear and answer our prayers for Jesus' sake. Amen."
Sursum Corda,
Pastor Swyres
"Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham spoke up...'I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes.'" Gen. 18:22,27
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to be silent and a time to speak." There are times when we stand silent before the Lord. There are other times we have need to speak to our Father in heaven.
Our problems great and small we take to the Lord in prayer. Abraham is a great example. He says, "I am nothing but dust and ashes." The words express humility. They remind us we are sinners and need to approach Him on our knees. We are never disappointed when we plead for mercy. Through Jesus' death and resurrection we are forgiven. We have access to God.
Yes, we approach God humbly, fully persuaded He will hear us and answer us. St. Paul says, "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us - how will He not also graciously give us all good things?"
"There is a time to be silent and a time to speak."
Let us bow our heads and speak to Him in prayer:
"Heavenly Father, we treasure our conversations with you. Continue to speak to us in Your word. Hear and answer our prayers for Jesus' sake. Amen."
Sursum Corda,
Pastor Swyres
DAILY DEVOTION: fRIDAY, May 29, 2020
Informer and Bulletins Here
| june_newsletter_2020.doc |
RETURN TO WORSHIP!
Blessed faithful of our Lord,
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
As the body of Christ it has been an agonizing several weeks of separation. But, “the day is surely drawing near” when we will come together again as the body of Christ. That day is May 17th! Alleluia!
The Board of Elders and I met Tuesday May 5th, to discuss how to resume gathering for public worship, while also doing all we can to heed the orders of our governmental authorities and protecting the health and physical well-being of our members. In our conversations, we have consulted with our Synodical leadership at the District, Physicians at Phelps Health and the Rolla Health Department. What follows is a summary of our decisions. Please understand that these plans could change at any time, depending on the health situation here in our local area. Also, although we can rejoice at the opportunity to gather again soon, we can be certain that things will not be “normal” for some time. This is not simply a return to worship as it was prior to the cancellations, and you should prepare yourself for that. During this time, we will all need to work together to be patient, understanding, and flexible. Our goal continues to be both the physical and spiritual care of all our members.
Details:
1. We will resume gathering for in-person celebrations of the Divine Service on Sunday, May 17th at 9:00 am.
2. To maintain the legally required social distancing (6 feet of distance between households) within our Sanctuary, we will be using only every other pew. The pews not to be sat in will be marked. Ushers will help with seating and distancing within the pews. Please come to Church and immediately go into the sanctuary and be seated. NO gathering in the narthex. Either before or after the Divine Service. Pastor will dismiss the congregation at the end of the Service.
3. Please understand that you may not get your “traditional” seat. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
4. Holy Communion will be celebrated. However, Distribution will happen by individual family unit. In addition, we will not kneel at the Communion rail to ensure that communicants do not come into contact with each other (especially the hands). Each family unit will come forward, receive the Lord’s Supper and then go back to their seats. Only individual cups will be used. Pastor and the Elder will be wearing gloves.
5. Hymnals will be used. They will be wiped down and sanitized after each Service, as will the pews and Church.
6. We will not pass the offering plates. Rather, they will be available at the rear of the Sanctuary for you to place your tithe into upon your exit.
7. Please know that you are welcome to wear masks and/or gloves.
8. Some of you are ready to return and have no concerns about doing so. Others of you remain concerned for a variety of reasons. If you have concerns about attending public worship, please know that you are not obligated to do so under these circumstances, and that you are welcome to worship with us on Facebook, Youtube or our Website (ilcrolla.org).
9. At this time, the Divine Service is the only public activity being held at Church. No Bible Class or Sunday School will be held for a while. You can view my Monday and Thursday Bible Classes on our Website, as well as, my Daily Devotions.
We rejoice as we return to Public Worship. It will likely be an extended amount of time before our congregation returns to things as we remember them prior to the arrival of COVID-19. However, this is a start, and one for which we give thanks. May God’s blessing of peace rest upon you and yours!
Sursum Corda,
Pastor Swyres
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
As the body of Christ it has been an agonizing several weeks of separation. But, “the day is surely drawing near” when we will come together again as the body of Christ. That day is May 17th! Alleluia!
The Board of Elders and I met Tuesday May 5th, to discuss how to resume gathering for public worship, while also doing all we can to heed the orders of our governmental authorities and protecting the health and physical well-being of our members. In our conversations, we have consulted with our Synodical leadership at the District, Physicians at Phelps Health and the Rolla Health Department. What follows is a summary of our decisions. Please understand that these plans could change at any time, depending on the health situation here in our local area. Also, although we can rejoice at the opportunity to gather again soon, we can be certain that things will not be “normal” for some time. This is not simply a return to worship as it was prior to the cancellations, and you should prepare yourself for that. During this time, we will all need to work together to be patient, understanding, and flexible. Our goal continues to be both the physical and spiritual care of all our members.
Details:
1. We will resume gathering for in-person celebrations of the Divine Service on Sunday, May 17th at 9:00 am.
2. To maintain the legally required social distancing (6 feet of distance between households) within our Sanctuary, we will be using only every other pew. The pews not to be sat in will be marked. Ushers will help with seating and distancing within the pews. Please come to Church and immediately go into the sanctuary and be seated. NO gathering in the narthex. Either before or after the Divine Service. Pastor will dismiss the congregation at the end of the Service.
3. Please understand that you may not get your “traditional” seat. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
4. Holy Communion will be celebrated. However, Distribution will happen by individual family unit. In addition, we will not kneel at the Communion rail to ensure that communicants do not come into contact with each other (especially the hands). Each family unit will come forward, receive the Lord’s Supper and then go back to their seats. Only individual cups will be used. Pastor and the Elder will be wearing gloves.
5. Hymnals will be used. They will be wiped down and sanitized after each Service, as will the pews and Church.
6. We will not pass the offering plates. Rather, they will be available at the rear of the Sanctuary for you to place your tithe into upon your exit.
7. Please know that you are welcome to wear masks and/or gloves.
8. Some of you are ready to return and have no concerns about doing so. Others of you remain concerned for a variety of reasons. If you have concerns about attending public worship, please know that you are not obligated to do so under these circumstances, and that you are welcome to worship with us on Facebook, Youtube or our Website (ilcrolla.org).
9. At this time, the Divine Service is the only public activity being held at Church. No Bible Class or Sunday School will be held for a while. You can view my Monday and Thursday Bible Classes on our Website, as well as, my Daily Devotions.
We rejoice as we return to Public Worship. It will likely be an extended amount of time before our congregation returns to things as we remember them prior to the arrival of COVID-19. However, this is a start, and one for which we give thanks. May God’s blessing of peace rest upon you and yours!
Sursum Corda,
Pastor Swyres
Who we are
Immanuel Lutheran Church is a congregation gathered by the Holy Spirit around the Lord's Word and Sacraments.
By the preaching of Christ crucified and risen from the dead we are given forgiveness and new life.
We believe that the Holy Scriptures are God's Divine and infallible Word. We teach God's Word through Luther's Small Catechism. We confess God's Word through the Lutheran Confessions.
At the center of our life together is the Liturgy. In the Divine Service on Sunday we are pointed to Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Through Jesus we are called out of darkness into His marvelous Light.
Our prayer is that you would be blessed and strengthened by the power of Jesus Christ and that you will live a life of abundance in fellowship, joy and liberty.
Immanuel Lutheran Church is a congregation gathered by the Holy Spirit around the Lord's Word and Sacraments.
By the preaching of Christ crucified and risen from the dead we are given forgiveness and new life.
We believe that the Holy Scriptures are God's Divine and infallible Word. We teach God's Word through Luther's Small Catechism. We confess God's Word through the Lutheran Confessions.
At the center of our life together is the Liturgy. In the Divine Service on Sunday we are pointed to Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Through Jesus we are called out of darkness into His marvelous Light.
Our prayer is that you would be blessed and strengthened by the power of Jesus Christ and that you will live a life of abundance in fellowship, joy and liberty.
Service Times
Sunday Service and Communion
9:00 AM
Bible Study and Sunday School
10:30 AM
Thursday Adult Bible Study
12:00 PM
Thursday Lutheran Student Fellowship Bible Study
7:30 PM
9:00 AM
Bible Study and Sunday School
10:30 AM
Thursday Adult Bible Study
12:00 PM
Thursday Lutheran Student Fellowship Bible Study
7:30 PM
Check us out on Facebook
Contact
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Office phone: 573-364-4525
Email address: ilc@rollanet.org Mailing Address: Immanuel Lutheran Church 801 West 11th Street Rolla, MO 65401 |
Location
Immanuel Lutheran Church
801 West 11th Street
Rolla, MO 65401
801 West 11th Street
Rolla, MO 65401