A newsletter for the family and friends of Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
ITEMS
Rev. David P. Constien, Senior Pastor
Rev. William C. Ryden, Associate Pastor
May 2015
Volume 57 No. 5
What is Pentecost?
For Christians, Pentecost is a holiday on which we commemorate the
coming of the Holy Spirit on the early followers of Jesus. Before the
events of the first Pentecost, which came a few weeks after Jesus’ death
and resurrection, there were followers of Jesus, but no movement that
could be meaningfully called “the church.” Thus, from an historical point
of view, Pentecost is the day on which the church was started. This is
also true from a spiritual perspective, since the Spirit brings the church
into existence and enlivens it. Thus Pentecost is the church’s birthday.
This event is recorded in the New Testament book known as The Acts of
the Apostles. Chapter 2 begins, “And when the day of Pentecost had
come, [the first followers of Jesus] were all together in one place” (2:1).
All of a sudden, a sound came from heaven, like a strong wind, filling
the house where the people had gathered. Something like tongues of fire
rested on their heads. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and
began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability to
speak” (2:4). The languages spoken by the early Christians were
intelligible (not other worldly) and were heard by thousands of Jewish
pilgrims who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the required feasts. The
content of the miraculous messages had to do with God’s mighty works
(2:11). Many who heard these messages in their own languages were
amazed, though others thought the Christians were just drunk (2:12).
At some point, Peter, one of the leading followers of Jesus, stood up and
preached his first sermon. He interpreted the events of that morning in
light of a prophecy of the Hebrew prophet Joel.
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In that text, God promised to pour out his Spirit on all flesh, empowering
diverse people to exercise divine power. This would be a sign of the
coming “day of the Lord” (Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28-32).
Peter went on to explain that Jesus had been raised and had poured out
the Spirit in fulfillment of God’s promise through Joel (2:32-33). When
the crowd asked what they should do, Peter urged them to turn repent
and be baptized in the name of Jesus. Then they would be forgiven and
would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (2:37-39). Acts reports that
about 3,000 people were added to the church that day (2:41). Not a bad
response to Peter’s first sermon!
Pentecost Sunday falls this year on May 24. But many people, including
Christians, may not know why the day is special or what is celebrated.
Unlike Easter and Christmas, when colorful eggs, Easter bunnies,
Christmas trees and Santa Claus are harbingers of the upcoming
Christian holidays, there are no such social markers by secular society
ahead of Pentecost. For those who need a quick and basic understanding
of what Pentecost Sunday is, below is listed 10 things you should know
about the holiday.
1. Pentecost Sunday marks the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon
the Apostles.
2. Pentecost Sunday occurs 50 days after Easter.
3. The Bible records the Pentecost in Acts 2:1-13.
4. Pentecost comes 10 days after the Ascension of Jesus Christ.
5. Pentecost is also known as "the birthday of the Church".
6. Pentecost fulfills Jesus' promise to send the "Counselor" and "Spirit of
Truth" in John 16-5-15.
7. Pentecost launches the large-scale spreading of the Gospel after Jesus'
ascension. Acts 2:41 records that after Peter spoke to the crowd after
receiving the Holy Spirit, some 3,000 people were baptized.
8. The Pentecostal movement derives its name from the New Testament
event in Acts 2.
9. Jews also celebrate Pentecost, but not for the same reason as
Christians. The celebration by Jews of Pentecost is to observe God
giving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai 50 days after the
Exodus. The Pentecost in Jewish tradition takes place 50 days after
Passover.
10. In Western Churches, Pentecost is usually represented with the color
red, which symbolizes the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Mark D. Roberts
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Serving the Living Lord at Immanuel
Management of life’s resources for God’s purposes
"Caring and sharing since 1850, the mission of the family of God at
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mokena
is to effectively teach the Word of God. promote the spiritual growth of the
Christian family, and continuously reach out with love and service."
April 2015
OUR OFFERINGS TO GOD: $ 27,684.85
OUR MINISTRY AT A GLANCE:
Mortgage ~ $ 2,430.62
Mortgage Balance ~ $320,115.32.
Outreach ~ $ YTD $ Education ~$YTD $
Mission ~ $570
YTD $570
Personnel ~$26,727.57
Utilities ~ Electric $1006.17; Gas $2902.04
Phone $415.42; Garbage $194.62; Water $243.43
Total Expenses: $34,489.87
Bulletin & Items Publishing
Bulletin articles are due on Wednesday by 1 p.m.
Articles for the June/July Items are due May 22nd and will be
on our website/e-mailed/available in narthex after
May 27th.
We post Items Newsletter
on the Website!
www.immanuelmokena.org
If you plan to move or have already moved,
PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE with your new
address!!
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Official Acts
Removed: Moved Away No Transfer: Kira Budd, Rebecca Budd
No Known Address: Dudeck Family, Gramont Family, Lisa Mansmith,
Andrew Mansmith, Michener Family, Toth Family, Linda Riley,
Trader Family
Weekly Attendance March 25-April 26, 2015
March 25
March 28-29
April 2
April 3
April 5
April 12
April 19
April 26
5:00 pm 7:00 p.m.
44
106
57
86
63
40
44
48
Baptized Membership
8:00 am 10:30 am
86
91
91
28
52
43
138
41
42
53
Total
44
283
57
86
292
109
138
144
814 Confirmed Membership 689.
Immanuel has elders who assist the pastors during the worship service
and outside of worship. Their job is to be of service to you in any
cares/concerns you may have with the congregation and within your
family. Here are your elders:
Elder 1: Marty Olsen 815-464-4373
Elder 2: Jim Bowlds 708-479-3757
Eder 3: Jim Bubeck 708-479-7573
Elder 4: Kyle Klode 815-723-5933
Elder 5: Nick Whittier 815-485-9269
Elder 6: Jerry Vrshek 815-469-5059
Please
contact
these
Elders
needs/concerns/questions.
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should
you
have
any
NEWS
THANK YOU! To the couples and families of the Board of
Fellowship for the wonderful meals – from providing the food to
set up and serving - on the Wednesdays throughout the Lenten
season. Their labor of love is truly appreciated and enriched our
fellowship and worship time together!
Thank you to everyone for their well wishes, cards and prayers
during my recent hospital stay. Jo Wilhelmsen
Join us for the Immanuel Camp Discovery Church
Picnic Sunday, June 7th, immediately after outdoor
service. Bring a dish to pass and a friend or neighbor.
……Mark Your Calendars!
Clean Up Day-Saturday May 9th and 16th. It is
time for the congregation to join forces and come out
and help with the church’s honey do list. It is a great
time to get to know the “guys” and enjoy fellowship. A Project list
will be posted in the Narthex.
Confirmation Day- Sunday May 17th
Church Picnic- Sunday June 7, 10:30 a.m.
Immediately following the outdoor service. Main dish
and beverages are provided. Last name A-K, please
bring a side dish. Last name L-Z, please bring a dessert.
Vacation Bible School- June 15-19, 2014, 9-11:30
a.m. Register online at www.immanuelmokena.org.
Link is on home page under News and Events. Fee is
$13/child or $45.50 for 4 children or more for one
family. This can be dropped off at office from 9 am-3 pm Monday
thru Thursday and 9 am-2 pm Friday.
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Fireworks- Saturday July 4th Meet in the parking lot
of the church. We are looking for volunteers to help with
this year’s float and 4th of July festivities. For more
information, contact Lyn Thorne 708-805-4456.
Wanted: Quilters! The Quilters meet the fourth Friday of the
month from 9am to 1:30pm. If you can tie a knot, we can use your
help. The only items to bring are a large eye needle, scissors and a
lunch. Please join us in this mission of serving to others. We look
forward to seeing you. The next meeting is May 22 at 9am.
Immanuel Youth Group
“Connecting youth to Christ and each other”
Check out our web site at www.immanuelmokena.org and click on the
“youth” link.
You can also find out about upcoming events, view pictures and connect
with other youth through our group on Facebook.
You can sign up for a free account and join our group.
Get your M&M Minis! The Senior Youth Group will be doing their
annual M&M Mini fundraiser again this year. Pick up your tube of
minis beginning on March 1, 2015 and return tubes with your
donations by May 31st. Thank you for supporting our youth!
Preschool News
May 14 and 15 closing programs
May 21 and 22 last day of school
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Read The Bible In One Year
These Bible readings walk you through the Bible over the course
of one year. If you miss a day or want to read ahead, just use the
calendar to navigate to the next reading. Order of Family worship,
Luther's Morning and Evening Prayers, and mealtime prayers may
be found in any Portals of Prayer in the first pages.
You may also use this simple order:
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy
Spirit.
Response: Amen
A Psalm may be read.
Morning Psalms:1,2,8,19,27,45,62,67,72,84,98
Evening Psalms:4,23, 91,110,111,114,133,134
Scripture Reading and Reflection
Prayers (Grow out of Word of God and reflection)
Leader: May the almighty and most merciful God, Father, Son
and Holy Spirit, bless and preserve us.
Response: Amen
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Read The Bible In One Year
May Verses
This outline is a devotional reading plan that covers the entire Sacred
Scriptures in one year. The selections are based on ancient models and
are generally in harmony with the liturgical church year. The daily
reading is 1 to 4 chapters daily. A seasonal canticle is assigned for each
month and is scheduled to replace the Psalm on the first and last day of
the month.
1. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 & Titus & Philemon
2. Psalm 121 & Hebrews 1-4
3. Psalm 122 & Hebrews 5-7
4. Psalm 123 & Hebrews 8-10
5. Psalm 124 & Hebrews 11-13
6. Psalm 125 & James 1-3
7. Psalm 126 & James 4-5
8. Psalm 127 & 1 Peter 1-2
9. Psalm 128 & 1 Peter 3-5
10. Psalm 129 & 2 Peter
11. Psalm 130 & 1 John 1-3
12. Psalm 131 & 1 John 4-5
13. Psalm 132 & 2 John & 3 John & Jude
14. Psalm 133 & St. John 1-2
15. Psalm 134 & St. John 3-4
16. Psalm 135 & St. John 5-6
17. Psalm 136 & St. John 7-8
18. Psalm 137 & St. John 9-10
19. Psalm 138 & St. John 11-12
20. Psalm 139 & St. John 13-14
21. Psalm 140 & St. John 15-16
22. Psalm 141 & St. John 17-18
23. Psalm 142 & St. John 19
24. Psalm 143 & St. John 20-21
25. Psalm 144 & Acts 1-2
26. Psalm 145 & Acts 3-4
27. Psalm 146 & Acts 5-6
28. Psalm 147 & Acts 7-8
29. Psalm 148 & Acts 9-10
30. Psalm 149 & Acts 11-12
31. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 & Acts 13-14
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May Birthdays
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Alyssa Johnson, Sofia Kukelhan, Kevin Taylor,
Kaitlyn Zohfeld
Kelly Magierski, Jaxson Switak
Elise Sommerfeld
Abigail Fox, Joseph Mayer, Nathan Seputis,
Sharla Wojno
Rachel Klode, Caden Malley, Jack Michener
Mason Licatesi, Laura Threewit
Cynthia Phelps
William Baker, Doris Moutrey, Joshua Welzen
Ruth Fetzner, Sincere Johnson
Hannah Conley
Jacob Eble, Jackie Fetzner, Tiffany Oswald
Lin Roberts
Scott Malm, Greg Marnul
Lynne Beeler, Kyle Klode, Kim Kocur, Brett Seivert,
Emily Wilson
Dan Foiles
David Snedden
Jonathon Miller, Lindsay Strobel
Tom Bartnik, Caity Constien, Meredith Kocur,
Lucas Liberty, Curt Martini
Ray DeVivo, Jacob Miller, Gayle Snedden,
Jenna Welzen
Donald Jeffery, Robert Krause, Bella Ringenberg,
Carole Sluis
Joseph Farnham, Lucas Schmidt, Jo Wilhelmsen
Laverne Cohen,
Lucas Carpenter
Ashley Johnson
Lillie Burkhardt, Sharon Durkin, Grace Dyer, Eric Engel,
William Phelps
Sarah Limanowski, Coletta Pollack, Jamie Smith
Daniel Bayles, Jessica Welzen
John Horneij; Darcy Zielinski
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May Anniversaries
6
7
8
10
14
18
25
26
29
31
Marita and David Navratil
Douglas and Teri Hutson
Ty and Jill Kaiser
Nick and Beverly Whittier Jr.
Ronald and Janice Hamning
Christopher and Karri Trader
Morris and Laura Threewitt
Bonnie and Phillip Ushijima
David and Christine Constien
Norman and Nancy Kaczmarczyk
Marlene and Robert Cupp
Lee and Amy Zagrakalis
37 Yrs.
27 Yrs.
20 Yrs.
46 Yrs.
32 Yrs.
21 Yrs.
41 Yrs.
12 Yrs.
24 Yrs.
39 Yrs.
2 Yrs.
29 Yrs.
WE WISH GOD’S BLESSINGS ON ALL THESE PEOPLE CELEBRATING A
BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY. IF WE HAVE FORGOTTEN ANYONE’S SPECIAL
DAY OR IT IS IN ERROR, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE.
Memorial Day Quiz Answers
1) B. 2) B. 3) B. 4) C. 5) C. 6) True 7) A. 8) B. 9) B. 10) A.
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Confirmation Class of 2014
Kalie M DeVivo
Jacob Calvin Flesch
Kelly Anne Garcia
Sarah Jeanne Hayes
Peyton Elyse Hohl
Sebastian Timothy Malley
Aaron Michael Marcotte
Tyler Richard Obis
Jack William Roberts
Tyler Matthew Seputis
Kaitlyn Danielle Zohfeld
A Confirmation Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am a child no longer. So Dear
Father, help my faith grow stronger. Help me
work for Christ in what I say and do. Lead by
your Holy Spirit make me more like you. I love
you, Father, Amen
Because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
1 Corinthians 1:6
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Happy Mother's Day
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North Star people
In Scribbling in the Sand (InterVarsity Press), Christian
musician Michael Card notes that the north sky is relatively dark at
night. Polaris, or the North Star, is a great frame of reference, but
when most people see the North Star for the first time, they’re
surprised it isn’t brighter.
Card recommends that we strive to become North Star
people, rather than attention-seeking stars that burn out quickly.
“Seldom will people point their telescopes at us. And when
they do, they will no doubt respond, ‘Oh, I thought she was
brighter than that.’ But as North Star people, we can serve a deeper
purpose. When people need us, we can be there for them, pointing
[to] the Way. While the world is spinning at a dizzying pace, we
can remain grounded to the same spot, less dazzling but
unmovable.
“After all, Jesus was a North Star person. There was
nothing in his appearance that seemed especially brilliant,
according to Isaiah. In his time there were far more dazzling
messianic stars who came and went with a flash. But Jesus has
always remained there, rooted to the same place in the universe,
unmovable. He constantly calls out to us to turn around and behold
the dazzling dimness of his light, as it shines in this present world
— to find our way to it, and then to find our way by it.”
Bible Quiz
According to Acts 2, on Pentecost some people accused the
disciples of being drunk. Why?
A. Because they were still asleep at 9 in the morning.
B. Because all the wine was gone.
C. Because they were all speaking in foreign languages.
D. All of the above.
Answer: C (See Acts 2:4, 13.)
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Memorial Day Quiz
1. What day in May is Memorial Day Celebrated?
A. First Tuesday in May
B. Last Monday in May
C. Last Thursday in May
2. What was formerly Memorial called?
A. Veterans Day
B. Decoration Day
C. Confederate Memorial Day
3. What year (many experts believe) was the first memorial day
observed ?
A. 1864
B. 1865
C. 1866
4. Where was the first "official" Memorial Day observed?
A. Charleston, South Carolina
B. Washington, DC
C. Waterloo, New York
5. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand
Army of the Republic, a veterans' organization, he issued a proclamation
that "Decoration Day" be observed nationwide.
Who was the former general?
A. Ulysses S. Grant
B. William T. Sherman
C. John A. Logan
6. May 30 was selected as Decoration Day first observed because it
was NOT an anniversary of a battle.

True or False?
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7. What were decorated in remembrance of this day?
A. Tombs of fallen Union soldiers
B. Cemeteries of family
C. State Capitals
8. Memorial Day was first used in 1882.
However, the name was not used until after what war?
A. World War 1
B. World War II
C. Korean War
9. On June 28, 1968, the United States Congress passed the Uniform
Holidays Bill, which moved three holidays from their traditional dates to a
specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend.
However, it is considered the start of what?
A. Holidays
B. Summer
C. Spring
10. What is one of the longest standing traditions which has been
held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911?
A. Indianapolis 500
B. Arizona Rodeo Days
C. Washington DC Apple Blossom Festival
Answers on bottom of page 10
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Family Matters
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Advice for Graduates
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to
be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some
difference that you have lived and lived well.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc.
5 Martin Luther Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825-4996
Chicago and Northwest Indiana
(includes Rockford, Central Illinois & Southwest Michigan)
Sunday 11:30 am - Comcast 138 (Total Living )
May 3, 2015 – John 15:1-8
“Our Divine Vine”
by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur,
IN
Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing in relation to God. Apart
from Jesus, we are spiritually dead. Apart from Jesus, we are
incapable of producing God-pleasing fruit. He has come, however,
and as a vine planted in the ground, He has risen, growing green
and tall. His people are His branches. By virtue of His roots, and
by virtue of His living “sap” flowing through us, we now have life
- eternal life, and we are enabled even in this life to produce fruit
to God’s glory.
May 10, 2015 – 1 John 5:4-5
“Faith Overcomes the World”
by Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Concordia Theological
Seminary~Fort Wayne, IN
We, as believers, are in a never-ending struggle with the wicked
world – that is, with unbelievers. The world wants us to believe
falsehood, and to do what is wrong, and when we don’t follow
along, the world persecutes us. However, our faith overcomes the
world because it grasps Jesus, the almighty Son of God, who arose
from the dead.
May 17, 2015 – John 17:14-15
“The Certainty of Salvation in Christ”
by Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders, District President-Iowa East
In the season of Easter, we hear the miracle proclaimed, "He is
risen, He is risen indeed, Alleluia!" Throughout Easter, the word of
God gives to us the absolute certainty which God has done for us
through His son Jesus Christ and for our sake, the gift of eternal
life we have through Him.
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May 24, 2015 – John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
“Bearing Witness!”
by Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emanuel Lutheran Church~New
Haven, IN
The work of the Holy Spirit is to “bear witness about me (Jesus).”
The Holy Spirit brings us to faith in Jesus, keeps us in the faith,
and strengthens our faith so that we, also, can “bear witness about
Jesus.” The Holy Spirit never draws attention to Himself. He
always points to Jesus, our Savior. In our life of faith, we never
point to ourselves. By the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling
within us, we always live in such a way that our lives point others
to Jesus.
May 31, 2015 – John 3:1-17
“You Shall Not Perish”
by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur,
IN
The doctrine of the Trinity permeates Scripture. In John 3, Jesus
tells us of the love of the Father, sending His Son. He tells us of
the love of the Son, willing to be lifted up on the cross for our
salvation. He tells us of the love of the Spirit, coming to us
through Holy Baptism, giving us new birth. Indeed, each is 100%
God, and yet there is but one God, one essence. We shall not
perish, for the true God, the Triune God loves us.
Tel: (260) 471-LOVE (5683) † Toll-Free: (888) 286-8002
www.worshipforshutins.org † Email: info@worshipforshutins.org
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