For the week of November 21
Remember in Prayer
Elliot (Bev) 1 1/2 year with Sepsis
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
Kitty S Receiving Hospice care
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
In attendance: Jeri, Kevin, Audra, Ryan Patty and Charla. Diane joined us briefly by phone.
We continue to have constructive conversations with the Synod staff. While they offer encouragement that the right person will present themselves, they have informed us that we are one of 20 congregations in the Southwest Washington Synod currently seeking a pastor. Nonetheless, the Synod is diligently working to present additional candidates for our consideration.
As you may recall, the Synod provided us with an initial slate of three candidates:
1. Candidate #1: Withdrew before the first interview.
2. Candidate #2: Was determined to be a poor fit after the first interview.
3. Candidate #3: Has agreed to a second interview. We are currently in the process of scheduling this as a Zoom meeting.
The approaching holiday season presents scheduling challenges, but we are working hard to maintain momentum. We are hopeful to arrange the second interview with Candidate #3 and squeeze in a first interview with a new candidate in early December.
Please note that due to family obligations in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday, the Call Committee will not meet the week of November 24, 2025 (Thanksgiving week). Our next scheduled meeting is Monday, December 1, 2025.
The Call Committee wishes everyone a safe and pleasant Thanksgiving. As always, we are asking for your continued prayers for this vital process.
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!
Christmas Giving Tree
The Christmas Giving tree is trimmed with gift tags! Please take a tag (or more), go shopping and return your tagged and UN-wrapped gifts back to the tree by December 13th. We will be supporting both the Salvation Army and Lewis County Foster Parent Association this year.
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.