To Know Christ and Boldly Make Him Known

Emmanuel E-News

November 22 - 28, 2024

Dear Siblings in Christ,

This Sunday, we stand at a threshold—the end of the liturgical year and the beginning of Advent. On this Feast of Christ the King, our scripture readings lift our eyes to the majesty and sovereignty of Jesus, reminding us that He reigns over all creation, even as He prepares to come again in glory.

The prophet Daniel’s vision of the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14) reveals a throne room filled with awe and power, where dominion, glory, and kingship are given to the Son of Man. This eternal kingdom is unshakable, a beacon of hope in a world that often feels unstable. Amid uncertainty, this passage reassures us: God is on the throne, and Christ is King.

Revelation (1:4b-8) echoes this truth with a doxology proclaiming Christ as “the Alpha and the Omega.” He is the beginning and the end, who was, who is, and who is to come. Jesus’ kingship is not distant or abstract but marked by love and sacrifice. He is the faithful witness who gave His life to make us a kingdom of priests, a people set apart to proclaim His name and live under His rule of grace and truth.

Finally, the Gospel reading (John 18:33-37) invites us into Pilate’s courtroom, where Jesus redefines kingship. His kingdom is not from this world, yet it transforms this world through truth and love. Jesus’ words challenge us to align our lives with His reign, living as citizens of His heavenly kingdom even as we dwell on earth.

As we move into Advent, this Sunday invites us to reflect on what it means to live under the reign of Christ. It calls us to ask, Who or what is ruling our hearts and lives? Is it the fear and busyness of this world, or is it the peace and purpose of Christ our King?

Advent is a season of watching and waiting, not just for Christmas but for the coming of the King in fullness. Let us prepare our hearts and homes, not just with decorations and traditions but with prayer, repentance, and acts of love that testify to the reign of Christ.

May this Feast of Christ the King fill you with hope and courage, knowing that Jesus is Lord over history, over this moment, and over our future. And may the coming season of Advent draw us closer to Him as we prepare to welcome His light anew.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Will

PLEASE BRING YOUR BIBLE

The Weekend Schedule:

Worship Saturday @ 5:00pm

Worship Sunday @ 8:30 & 10:15am (FaithBridge Family)

Children's Church @ 9:30am

Youth Group @ 11:30am

Emmanuel Forum Episode 38

November Outreach Emphasis:

Loveland Center

Established in 1962, Loveland Center is a nonprofit serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They support individuals to have as independent of a life as possible through a person-centered approach and programs as unique as the individuals that they serve.

Click the picture below to watch the video:

Lectionary Preview

Christ the King

November 24, 2024

Even after Israel had experienced the vagaries of kings, the people still longed for a true king to set things right. He would have the king’s title of Anointed One (Messiah); he would be the “one like a human being” (Son of Man) given dominion in Daniel’s vision. Jesus is given these titles, even though he is nothing like an earthly king. His authority comes from the truth to which he bears witness, and those who recognize the truth voluntarily listen to him. We look forward to the day he is given dominion, knowing his victory will be the nonviolent victory of love.

Click the picture below to watch the video:

Come enjoy a free concert before

Thanksgiving Worship

Ignacio “Nachito “Herrera Hot Classic Cuban Piano Latin Jazz stunned Cuban audiences at the age of 12, performing Rachmaninoff s Concerto No 2 with the Havana Symphony Orchestra. He later joined the famed “Cubanismo ” as the lead pianist, arranger, and Musical Director. He was also a special guest for “Afrocuban All Stars “.

Nachito has played at many of the world’s finest concert halls and prestigious jazz festivals. He has had many awards, including City Pages Best Jazz Artist for 4 years, Emmys, Grammys, Minnesota Music Awards, the Immigrants of Distinction Award, among many others.

Nachito has been playing with his own band, as well as with different projects and orchestras, including the Minnesota Orchestra, The Wayzata Symphony Orchestra (Marlene Pauley, Music Director), Youth Symphony, Metropolitan Orchestra, Cuban National Symphony, Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, Chippewa Valley Symphony, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Big Band, and many others. Nachito’s musicianship continues to wow audiences everywhere.

Last weekend to donate!

Advent Devotional Now Available in the Library and Office

Good News, Great Joy explores, shares, and celebrates that joyous good news by continuing a centuries-old Christian tradition of setting aside time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and to anticipate his return. The Advent season of preparation then unfolds in the joy of the twelve days of Christmas and the day of Epiphany. Each day is marked with a scripture reading, a “To Ponder” section, a reflection, and a prayer from Dec 1

to Jan 6. Take a moment each day to pause, breathe, reflect, and connect with the joy of the season, either alone or gathered together.

Good News, Great Joy is available in pocket sized and large print.

The good news of great joy is here for all people—the Messiah is born. Let us reflect. Let us anticipate. Let us rejoice!

Click here for a guide on how to use this devotional.

CANCELLED FOR NOVEMBER 28TH

Don Berg

Barbara Cocchi

Cynthia Cristian-Greene

Kay Deming

Barbara McLauchlin

Mike Ray

Rita Thompson

Family & friends of Kathy Brink who passed away Thursday, November 14th. Services were held on November 19th at Emmanuel.

Daily Bible Readings

(Click each day to read)

Friday, November 22

Saturday, November 23

Sunday, November 24

Monday, November 25

Tuesday, November 26

Wednesday, November 27

Thursday, November 28

EMMANUEL PRAYER CHAIN

This is a reminder that Emmanuel has a group of powerful prayer warriors among us.

Anyone who would like prayer for themselves, family, or a friend can email me at cmarie146@aol.com. I will forward your request to the 50+ members of this group.
Also, if you would like to become a part of our prayer fighters you can email me your address to be added to the list.

Prayer is powerful! Cindy Reynders

YOU are Needed!!

Hospital visitors needed for visiting members who are in Venice SMH.

For details about volunteering for the Spiritual Care Ministry, please contact Barb Spenks at the office 941-488-4942. "

Coffee & Fellowship

in Fellowship Hall

Saturdays 4:30pm &

Sundays 9:30-10:15am

If you are willing to help with either of these fellowships, please contact the office!

Drop Off Collections All Week Long!

Door will be unlocked to drop items off during staff hours

Monday-Friday 8:30am-3:00pm and

Saturday and Sunday before and after services

Click the appropriate button below to sign-up. You may scan the QR code to pay online or place the payment with dedication in the offering. Indicate the date and if for flowers or candle.

2025 Altar Flowers

2025 Eternal Candle