For the week of November 14
Remember in Prayer
Westman Family Dale’s death
Schlecht Family Ben’s death
Gloria J At Sharon Care due to fall
Craig Family Claudia’s death
Carrie A MS Pain
Cyndi (Marth) Stroke
Mark M Not specified yet
Kitty S Receiving Hospice care
Noreen B Back Issues—Pain
Roberta D Knee Replacement Surgery
Tom B Liver Cancer
Aveiro B Relief from Pain
Shirley J Health Concerns
Laurie D Relief from pain from CRPS
Trelani P Health concerns
Please be in prayer for the call committee and the process. Please pray that the right pastor is connected to the team and that the Call Committee is open to God’s leading them to Immanuel.
Call Committee Congregational Report
Reporting Week of November 10, 2025
The Synod has not yet presented any new candidates for our consideration. However, we have been informed to expect additional names soon. Understandably, there is a shared desire among the committee to advance this process as efficiently as possible. Nevertheless, Synod staff have encouraged us to remain patient as we continue our work.
In response to this guidance, the Call Committee remains firmly committed to not settling on a candidate merely to expedite the process. Our intention is to wait for the individual who is truly the right fit for our congregation, trusting in the Holy Spirit that we will recognize this person when the time comes.
In the interim, the committee has used our meeting time productively by reviewing the overall call process to ensure clarity and preparedness. Additionally, we engaged in a discussion regarding the qualities and characteristics of the candidate who has agreed to participate in a second interview.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025.
The Call Committee respectfully asks the congregation to continue lifting us up in prayer as we navigate the call process. We seek your support for a timely and successful outcome, trusting that with prayer and guidance, the individual who is called to serve Immanuel will become apparent.
Food Drive
Due to a multitude of reasons our area food banks are very low on supplies. At Immanuel we want to help! Starting this Sunday November 2nd we will begin collecting non perishable food for The Salvation Army Food Bank, also known as Hope Market. The goal is to collect 500 pounds of food before Christmas. The greatest need is for soups, canned protein, single serve oatmeal, cereal, chili, shelf stable milk and baby formula! If you’re able to bring something every Sunday to add to the bounty that would be wonderful! If you have any questions please ask Diane Stedham-Jewell. As of 11/11/25 we have collected 337lbs! Well over half way to out goal!
Book Club
Our book club met the morning of November 5. First, we spent some time for each of us to remember Claudia. She was a special, unique person to us all. After shedding a few tears, we moved on to discuss WEST WITH GIRAFFES, written by Lynda Rutledge. I think initially we were prepared to discount this book. However, now we all agreed it’s one of the best books we have read. It’s a gem! We recommend! Our next meeting will be December 3. Right now, we have no new book, but we hope that will change soon. Stay tuned.
Sunday School
Sunday School is meeting on Sunday mornings at 9:30 (before worship.) All ages of young people are welcome! Please join us in the Kids Corner (old nursery next to the sanctuary.) We’re experimenting with
pre-worship Sunday School so give it a try!
Holding Two Goodbyes
Recently, I have reflected on the experiences of loss and considered the contrasting impact that funerals can have. A funeral provides an opportunity for individuals to gather, share memories, express grief collectively, and honor the life of the deceased. While such ceremonies do not eliminate sorrow, they offer a sense of grounding and recognition among those who cared for the individual.
In contrast, when there is no immediate service or ceremony—merely an absence—the grieving process may feel incomplete. The lack of shared closure can leave individuals searching for personal means of saying goodbye and marking the significance of the loss. In these instances, it becomes essential to establish one's own rituals of acknowledgement and expression. Over time, I have come to recognize that commemorating someone need not require formal proceedings. Private acts such as lighting a candle, composing a letter, verbal remembrance, curating a playlist or scrapbook, or visiting meaningful places can all serve to honor their memory.
Through these dual experiences, I have learned that grief manifests in diverse forms, none of which are incorrect. It may be expressed publicly or may remain deeply private. Ultimately, creating space for enduring affection and permitting oneself to remember in genuine ways is what matters. Even without a formal ceremony, acts of remembrance can function as a form of farewell, sustaining the presence of loved ones within the routines of daily life.
As we journey together through seasons of loss and remembrance, may we continue to support one another with compassion and grace. Let us trust that, in both communal gatherings and quiet moments, God's love surrounds us and brings comfort.
With faith and hope.