Immanuel Weekly Newsletter

Dear Immanuel Family,

World Communion Sunday! We have so many ways to think of our world. When Jesus teaches us to pray, part of that prayer says, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven.”

Two truths to remember today: There are Christians throughout the world and across time who share this meal. And likewise, the world is not our own and does not belong to us. This is not our home.

When I was thinking about this Sunday, I began thinking about the Wicked Witch of West as she’s melting crying out: “Oh, what a world, what a world! Who would have thought a good little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness?”

I have loved this movie since my childhood. But the books have so much more of the story to them.

The world the Wicked Witch is trying to rule is not her own; neither does it belong to the Wizard. In the books, the people gave their world over to the Wizard, who turns out to be a charlatan. Dorothy says, “I think you are a very bad man!” And he corrects her: ““Oh, no, my dear; I’m really a very good man, but I’m a very bad Wizard, I must admit.”

The Land of Oz actually belongs to King Pastoria. The king-shepherd. It is the people who give the land over to “The Wizard” when he dazzled them by landing his hot air balloon in their midst.

Our world is much the same. As Christians, we are in it and not of it, because we serve the true and rightful king. Our scripture this week is about a master who entrusted his lands and vineyard to tenants to care for and work the vineyard. But they deny the master what they owe, beating the master’s servants and ultimately killing the master’s son.

The world has rejected God’s Son, our Lord. The rightful King and Shepherd. However, today we remember this world is the Lord’s. And the faithful take communion, bend to Christ, give, and serve God and together, even across time, claim the name of Christ our Lord as our Lord.

“Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that… I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel” Phil. 1:27

Sincerely Yours in this Shared Love of Christ,

Pastor Duane

News and Events

In honor of World Communion Sunday, the decor in the sanctuary reminds us of our connection to the world-wide community. The tablecloth on the communion table was donated as a thank-you to the Immanuel congregation by Dr. Migs Muldrow for its support of her charity (Village Health Partnership) which works to improve maternal health in Ethiopia. The Afghan wood crosses on the plant stands and the free-standing pulpit were a gift from Mike and Ann Pastric. The tray on the communion table contains a variety of breads representing various regions of the world.

A thank you is extended to all the people who have prepared the communion elements during the past year - Barbara Ayer, Merrily Davis, Jessie Hampton, Susan Hampton, Louise Poehlman, Amy Burton, Judy Dunn, Debby Johnson, Kathy Parker, Paula Rich, and Cheryl Wood. If you might be interested in assisting in communion preparation, please contact Merrily Davis or Debby Johnson.

Guitarist Wanted For Worship Band! Are you a talented guitarist with a heart for worship and want to join us in leading our congregation in praise each week. We are looking for:

An experienced guitarist comfortable playing in a worship band setting.
A heart for ministry and a desire to use your musical gifts to glorify God.
Ability to commit to weekly rehearsals (Wednesdays at 6:00pm) and Sunday morning 8:30am worship services.

Auditions are required. Please contact Lori Stuckey, Interim Director of Music Ministries at lorstuckey@hotmail.com for more information.

Register Today for the Presbyterian Women's Gathering on October 10 - Keynote Speaker is Selina Jesus, from the Native American Advancement Foundation. Cost is $17.00 and includes lunch. Registeration form is HERE.

Save the Date – The Service of Installation of Rev. Duane Mullen will be held on Sunday, November 8 at 3:00pm with a reception afterwards. More details to come.

Southwest Shepherd Showdown on Saturday, October 10. Join us from 4:00-7:30pm for the YAVs and Companeros Fundraiser held at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church. Here is the correct link to purchase tickets. View the flyer HERE.

October 7 - Potato Soup Gathering - Join us for a wonderful time of midweek fellowship! A warm and delicious potato soup will be provided by Madra and Kevin. All are welcome to come and enjoy a great meal together.

October 21 - Annual Chili Cook-Off! Things are heating up! Mark your calendars for our upcoming Chili Cook-Off. Whether you are bringing your famous recipe or just coming to taste and judge, it’s going to be a fantastic evening of food and community. No charge for this event.

Dinner is served from 5:30-6:30pm. Meals are $10.00 per person, $5.00 for kids 12 and under. Meets in Witherspoon Hall.

Church Campus Clean Up Day - Saturday October 17 from 8:00am - Noon

The monsoon season has blessed with wonderful rain! But we need to do some clean-up around our campus. If you are able to come, even for half an hour, we would greatly appreciate it! We are looking for help with:

Playground - clean up debris, weeding and raking rocks for even playing surface
Courtyards - clean up debris, sweeping leaves/mesquite pods from planted areas
Trimming branches and bushes, light weeding
Walkways and concrete areas - sweep, rinse mud spots away
Windows - clean outside windows of dust, rain spots

Please bring gloves, brooms, rakes, trimmers, a leaf blower if you have one and wear sunscreen! If you have questions, please email Kate at kate@immanuelpc.org.

Help Us Make this a Spooktacular Success! We are asking for donations of candy, small prizes, bottled water and individually wrapped snack cakes. Please bring to church or the office - thank you!

Connect, Grow and Have Fun

Sunday School Classes for All Ages at 9:45am:

Preschool and Kindergarten - Room 3
1st through 5th grade – Room 6
6th through 12th grade - Youth Room
Adult Class meets in Witherspoon Hall Rooms 12/13

Youth Group Sundays at 5:00pm, includes dinner! View youth events HERE

Bible Studies:

Men’s Bible Study on Mondays - We are a great group of guys who gather for a time of fellowship, digging deeper into God’s Word and sharing life together. Currently studying Romans. Meets in Witherspoon Hall.
Women’s Bible Study on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 10:00am in Witherspoon Hall. *Note: not meeting on October 7.
Agape Women’s Circle meets on Wednesday, October 14. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 9:00am, held off campus. Contact Mary Kay at ausmbush3@gmail.com for more information.
Lydia Women’s Circle on Monday, October 19 at 6:30pm. Join us for refreshments and the Horizons Book Study. We meet on the third Monday of each month at 6:30pm in Towner Hall.

Fellowship Groups:

Join the Immanuel Choir! Participation in choir is open to all (ages 15+) who desire to serve through sacred music. No prior choral experience is necessary, and no audition is required. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at 6:30pm. Questions? Email Lori Stuckey, Interim Director of Music Ministries at lorstuckey@hotmail.com
Desert Sages Games on Tuesdays from 10:00am – 12:30pm. Come make new friends, play a variety of card and board games, Mahjong and dice games too. Eat popcorn and then top it off with dessert! Held in Witherspoon Hall.
Crafters Group on Thursdays from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Want to unleash your inner artist? Express your creative talents? Join our Crafters Group and bring your favorite project or try something new – adult coloring, painting, sketching, crochet and knitting – all skill levels and craft projects welcome. Meets in Witherspoon Hall 12/13.
Wednesday Night Meals – Let us do the cooking! Join us on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 5:30 -6:30pm. Meals are $10.00 each/$5.00 for kids 12 and under. Meets in Witherspoon Hall.

Mission:

Casa Maria Sandwich Day on Saturday, October 31 from 8:00 - 9:00am. If you want to participate - each brown bag lunch should include two sandwiches (no mayo please); one fruit item, and two cookies. Special note: If making a sandwich without meat, label the bag (PB&J for example). Donations of hygiene products and other non-perishable food items are welcome too! Drop off area is back parking lot by Withespoon Hall Kitchen. As of today, we have donated 2,661 lunches this year.