WORSHIP NEWS

Easter Cantata

Rehearsals for our glorious Easter cantata are underway and ALL are invited to join this riveting ministry! Vocalists, Instrumentalists, AV, etc. are encouraged to participate regardless of musical training, age, or worship style. The music is both traditional and contemporary, which will unite all generations with powerful song. The dynamic presentation is slated for Easter morning, March 31st. It promises to inspire & proclaim the powerful Easter Gospel. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. immediately following Lenten services when appropriate. An important dress rehearsal is Saturday March 30th 10:00AM-12:00N. Learning CD's and complete schedule will be provided at rehearsals. Contact John Ivan at 262-620-2349 or johndavidivan@yahoo.com for more information.

Jubilate!

Jubilate rehearsals coincide with Easter cantata rehearsals on Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. The choir is preparing a special anthem, "Jesus Loves Me" to be presented on February 10,and a special anthem for Ash Wednesday, February 13. Winter plans also include learning special music for Holy Week! We welcome extra voices as we prepare special worship services for Lent and Holy Week. Contact John Ivan at 262-620-2349 or johndavidivan@yahoo.com for more information.  

Youth Praise Team

Immanuel's Youth Praise Team presents teens, 6th through 12th grade, a way to connect with God through fresh, dynamic sacred music. We are resuming rehearsals again! ALL teens are encouraged to join this progressive ministry, learning vibrant new Christian music to inspire our next generation! The YPT team rehearses Wednesday evenings at 5:30PM in the sanctuary. The group needs singers, instrumentalists, among others to complete the growing team. Contact John Ivan at 262-620-2349 or johndavidivan@yahoo.com for more information.

Praise Team

Praise Team members enthusiastically lead contemporary worship songs each week, special services throughout the year, and represent Immanuel in the community. Weekly rehearsals are Wednesday nights at 8:00PM. The Praise Team is learning new music to introduce to the congregation and preparing special music offerings for the upcoming Holy season.

Bells of Immanuel

Immanuel's celebrated handbell choir rehearses on Sundays, from 9:15-10:15 a.m., in the small room on the top floor of the church. Newcomers are encouraged to give this ministry a try. Director Ellen Hanson will show you how to ring and which part to read. They are preparing special anthems for Lent and Easter. Contact Ellen Hanson for more information: ellen.hanson@aurora.org.

Christmas Cantata CD's

The music department will offer CD's of the Christmas Cantata presented on December 16th. A suggested donation of $10.00 covers costs, and serves as a fundraiser to help purchase music. If you missed the event, want a keepsake, or would like to give a copy to a friend, be sure to pick one up. A booth will be set up before and after worship on Sunday.

ELCA Gift Planner Visits Immanuel

Rev. Larry G. Westfield, regional gift planner for the ELCA Foundation, will be with us on Sunday, February 3rd to help us think about fulfilling our legacy through charitable planning. Join us for worship, and conversation with Larry during the coffee hour. 

 DISCIPLESHIP NEWS

A Spiritual Growth Experience for All Ages!

"Gospel Revolution: Recovering the Power of Christianity"

All-Church Bible Study - begins the week of January 27!

The most gospel-centered books ever written are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You'll find Jesus there. Saturate yourself in the gospel every day! Dwell with Him in the Gospels for 16 weeks! Let the Gospel Prayer saturate your heart and mind in the beauty and love of Christ.

We encourage you to consider doing a couple of things with this new study.

Read through the four Gospels with us: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We have an easy-reading schedule for busy lives that you can do on your own.

Read the power-packed devotions for each week. There are 3-4 devotions for the week in the study guide, along with a couple of questions you might want to ponder.

Participate in a Small Group Bible Study, which includes superb DVD Teachings by Pastor J.D. Greear. Questions for the group will lead participants deeper into the gospel, so it becomes foundational in our lives.  

Worship weekly, to hear more teaching on the lessons we've all been studying.

Pray the Gospel Prayer daily, allowing it to saturate your heart and mind with the love of Jesus!

• "As You have been to me, so I will be to others."

• "As I pray, I'll measure Your compassion by the cross and Your power by the resurrection."

Check out the list of Small Groups below! Please sign up, and put your form in the offering plate. We need to know how many plan to attend so we have enough curriculum. The Participant Study Guides have arrived, and can be found on the table in the Overflow area.

Sun., 9:30 AM meets in the Youth Room Upstairs at the church. Middle School Confirmation Group. Facilitators: Rich Howes, 262 723-1144, Sami Moehling, 262 949-1472.

Sun., Eve, rotates between the home of Carol and Marty Smith, 330 Oakwood Lane; and Eileen and Brian Weyrauch, W3405 McDonald Rd. in Lake Geneva. Shared facilitation: Smiths, 262 348-0961; Weyrauchs, 262 248-4802.

Mon., 4:00 PM at church. Women's Group, Facilitator: Susan Krinn 262 245-5579.

Mon., 5:00 PM at the home of Judy Huemann, 245 Elmwood Ave. in Lake Geneva, 262 248-7572. Facilitators: Todd and Erin Huemann, 262 206-0386.

Mon., 6:30 PM at the home of John and Margie Danno, W1203 Beechwood Road, Genoa City. Facilitators: John and Margie, 262 279-9668.

Tues., 9:00 AM in the Youth Room Upstairs at the church. Facilitator: Kathy Culp, 262 903-5527.

Tues., 10:00 AM at the home of Bev Sepp, 701 S. Lakeshore Drive in Lake Geneva, 249-0844. Facilitator: Bev Sepp. Group is Full.

Tues., 9:00 AM at church by the nursery. Parents and Tots. Shared childcare. Facilitator: Brianna Deering, 262 203-6237.

Tues., 6:30 PM, High School Youth Group (CHAOS) meets in the Youth Room Upstairs at the church. Facilitators: Eric and Jeni Benz, 262 742-3180, 262 949-2286.

Tues., 6:30 PM at the home of Earl and Joyce Vorpagel, 180 Monica Ave., Burlington. Facilitators: Ellen Hanson 262 210-1001 & Earl and Joyce, 262 763-6713.

Wed., 10:00 AM at the home of Jennifer Kramp, 460 Oakwood Lane, Lake Geneva. Facilitator: Jennifer Kramp, 262 348-6245.

Wed., 10:30 AM at Arbor Village, 201 Town Line Rd. in Lake Geneva. Facilitator: Marcia Gunderson, 249-9554; 215-3178.

Wed., 6:30 PM at the home of Kristin and John Larkin, W3675 Hartshorne Lane in Lake Geneva. Facilitators: Kristin and John, 414 491-1969 & 262 248-7720. Kids are welcome.  

Wed., 6:30 PM in Junker Lounge in the basement of the Church. Facilitator: Grace Peterson, 414 322-0388 or 262 245-5921.

Wed., 6:30 PM at the home of Sean and Sharon Payne, 404 Elmwood Ave., Lake Geneva. Facilitators: Sean and Sharon, 262 745-1471 or 745-9341.

Thurs., 6:30 PM at the home of Dan and Edith Draper, 1440 Linda Lane in Lake Geneva. Facilitators: Dan and Edith, 262 248-1861, or 903-5333.

Thurs., 6:30 PM at the home of Jeri and Buz Bozovsky, 1800 Lasalle St., #5, Lake Geneva, 262 203-5400. Facilitators: Carol and Scott Warner, 262 744-3858, 847-809-2329.

Thurs., 6:30 PM at the home of Pastors Mary Ann and Mark, 395 Oakwood Lane in Lake Geneva. Facilitators: Pastors M & M, 262 215-3177, 262 215-5214.

Thurs., 7:00 PM at the home of Rich Howes, 41½ North Lincoln St., Elkhorn. Facilitator: Rich Howes, 262 723-1144, 262 729-5444.

Fri., 6:45 AM at Caribou Coffee in Lake Geneva. Facilitator: Ken Field, 262 374-1795. Men's Group.

Fri., 9:30 AM at church. Facilitator: Mickey Tolar, 248-0506. Women's Group.

Fri., 6:30 PM at the home of Brandon and Jenny Jones, 38334 - 87th Place, Twin Lakes/Burlington. Facilitators: Brandon and Jenny, 262 537-2377, 262 206-2969. Family friendly group; kids welcome.

Sat., 6 PM, Couple's Group meets twice a month in rotating homes. Facilitators: Lisa and Greg Bunge, 248-4804. Group is full.

Facilitating a Group

We are hoping for and welcome additional groups, and will add them to subsequent editions of this form. If you want to launch a Small Group, please let us know the location - at work, home, school, local business or Coffee Shop, along with the day of the week and time of your group.Thanks!

Invite your friends, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and family to join with you in this thrilling journey of spiritual growth and enrichment!

Ash Wednesday Service

The Season of Lent begins with our moving Ash Wednesday Service on February 13th at 7:00 p.m. This deeply evocative service reminds us of our frailty and God's power to raise the dead. The evening does not include a dinner.

Mid-week Lenten Series

MID-WEEK LENTEN SERIES

"Lessons from a Boy and his Horse!"

Wednesday Nights, beginning Feb. 20 - Join us for Mid-Week Lenten Gatherings!

5:30 PM Delicious Dinners: Homemade Soup and Sandwiches, along with nourishing fellowship!

Please sign up on the Worship Card if you can help make soup, sandwiches, set up, or clean up. We also hope you will sign up if you plan to attend, so we have enough food! Join us whether you can help cook or not! The meals are always sheer gift! Bring the whole family!!

6:15 - 6:45 Lenten Worship: Lessons from a Boy and his Horse!"

Brief, uplifting, interactive, child-friendly worship, based on the WW1 movie, "War Horse." A special gift is planned each week for the children.  

Wed., Feb. 20 - 6:15 PM - "Learning to Yoke"

Matthew 11:29 - "Take my yoke upon you . . ."

Wed., Feb. 27 - 6:15 PM - "Learning to Run"

Job 39:19 - "Did you give the horse its might?"

Wed., March 6 - 6:15 PM - "Learning to Jump"

Luke 10:3 - "I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves."

Wed., March 13 - 6:15 PM - "Learning to Overcome Divisions"

Luke 6:35 - "But love your enemies . . ."

Wed., March 20 - 6:15 PM - "Learning to Recognize the Cross"

Mark 8:34 - "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

New Member Discovery Orientation

If you have been worshiping at Immanuel and would like information about our congregation, its ministries, or would like to become a member, join Immanuel's Pastors and Staff for our Discovery Orientation on Monday, February 25th at 6:00 p.m. at church. A pizza dinner will be served. Please sign up on the Worship Card if you plan to attend, so we know how much pizza to order! Let us know also if you need child care during the session.

These sessions offer a great opportunity to learn about Immanuel's mission and values, God's Plan of Salvation, to discover how you can get involved in a variety of ministries, and to ask your questions! New members will be received on the date of their choice.

20 Something Ministry

Hey, are you in your 20's? If so, we have something in store for you! We are trying to get a 20 something ministry together here at Immanuel. If you are interested in being part of the shaping of this ministry, you are invited to an informational and planning meeting on Thursday, February 21st at 7 p.m. in the Overflow Area. If you have any questions, feel free to talk to Pastors Mary Ann and Mark. You may also contact Josh Warner at 224-558-3385 or via email at japwarner@gmail.com.

Men's Breakfast and Bible Study

Men are all welcome on Saturday, February 23rd at 7:30 a.m. to gather at church for a delicious breakfast, and scintillating conversation about God's Word! Bring your favorite food to share for the meal - and come with a hunger to go deeper in your relationship with Christ. 

Sunday Morning Adult Study

Adults are invited to gather on Sunday mornings at 9:40 a.m. in Pastor Mary Ann's office for adult Sunday School Class. All are welcome.

Sunday Morning Nursery Staff

A nurseryis provided during each service for children 5 and under in the basement. Children older than 5 years are encouraged to join their families during the church service or in Sunday School. We provide "Busy Bags" and "Grams" to help our older children stay focused during worship.

Early Release Day

Thank you to all our wonderful helpers during last months, double Early Release Days! We could not have done it without you. A special thank you to A Day in Time for helping us make some adorable snowman.  The next Early Release Day is scheduled for Thursday, February 14th, from 1:30 - 3:45 PM. The school bus will drop kids off at the church for this ministry. The kids enjoy crafts, games, snacks, and more. We are always looking for volunteers to help with center activities. Please contact Brianna (248-4211) if you would like to help with this amazing program.

Just for Kids Ministry

Just for Kids Before and After-School Daycare is has openings for any school aged children. We are open 6:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. with bus pick up, and 3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with bus drop off. The cost is $4.50 an hour, and includes snacks, games, crafts, cooking, and more! Contact Brianna for more information (248-4211).

*Please note that Just for Kids will be closed Friday, February 15th for Winter Break.

Sunday School

Everything is a "buzz" at Sunday School! We started off the new year with Group Publishing's Buzz Curriculum for Sunday School Kids. This is the same company we use with our Vacation Bible Camp Curriculum. Each week there is a bible story that goes with the overall theme for that grade level. Thank you to our amazing group of teachers for this smooth transition from The Story Program.

We are also very excited to be singing again! Tami Buntrock is leading us in song each week, and we will be sharing our beautiful voices on: February 3rd, March 17th, and May 12th. Mark your calendars for these special days.

Thank you to Jim Dresher and Frank Guske for donating food and milk to help all of Immanuel's Programs for Kids. What an amazing gift and such thoughtful hearts!

Thank you to everyone who made our Children's Christmas Program such a wonderful tribute to the Christmas Season! Thank you to all the parents who helped with costumes and all those who donated juice and snacks. A special thank you Jan Bice, the Moehling Family, Rick Ruby, John Ivan, Bruce Reek, Vijay Narayanan, the Hodkiewicz Family, Rich McWherter, Hawk Taylor, Trish Fry-Misener, Pastors Mark and Mary Ann,  and all our wonderful Sunday School Teachers for all they did to make our program so special!!

Bicycle Helmets

Immanuel has free children's bicycle helmets available. Contact Pastor Mark if you are interested.

R.E.A.D.S Mentor Program

Would you be willing to volunteer one hour a week to read with a child? The R.E.A.D.S program is Tuesday- Thursday from 7:45- 8:45 am. If interested, contact Haley Leasure at haley.leasure@badger.k12.wi.us.

Youth Quake in Wisconsin Dells

Please remember to turn in your $50 deposits for Youth Quake! Remaining balances are due on Wednesday, March 6th. Youth Quake is April 12-14.

Captive Free West Lakes Team

Captive Free West Lakes Team is coming to Immanuel February 16-17 for a concert on Saturday night and to spend time with our Youth Group and the rest of the congregation on Sunday morning. Please invite your friends! They always put on a great interactive show, sharing in music, skits and more. Captive Free is a group of 4-5 college-aged students who travel around our region for an entire year, sharing their love of God. This group relies on donations and the goodness of the people they visit to provide housing for the time they are here. If your family is interested in hosting a member or two, the evening of February 16th, please contact Sami Moehling at 262-949-1472 or samantha.moehling@gmail.com . It will be a great experience for everyone!

Grades 6-8:

Please join us Sunday mornings @ 9:45 for Confirmation Class! We are studying The Catechism. Class is held in the Youth Room upstairs. Also, please join us Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 for 3:16 Youth Group and invite your friends! We will be exploring the New Testament, playing games, and enjoying music. It's the perfect way to get involved and make new friends as you develop your faith!

C.H.A.O.S. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP

High School Youth Group....C.H.A.O.S.

MISSION   

Summer Mission Trip: Domestic

We are in the initial stages of reserving space for a Mission Team to go to New York to provide relief and rebuilding from the ravages of Hurricane Sandy. The Tentative dates are July 13-21. We will serve at the site July 13-21 but need the extra days for travel. The next meeting is Monday, February 4th at 6:30 p.m. We will need to make our reservation immediately and a deposit for each participant will be due within a month. Contact Pastor Mary Ann for more information.

Biller's Body Fund Raiser

1 Kidney at a Time... Re-Building Biller's Body Fund Raiser Friends of the Biller family have organized a fund raiser for their Kidney transplant to take place 2/7/13. Join the Biller family and friends at Pier 290, Sunday, January 27th from 4-8 pm. A chili, salad & baked potato buffet will be served with a portion of ticket proceeds going to the family. Dinner tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and $10 for children 12 and younger. A 50/50 cash raffle drawing will take place at 8 p.m., need not be present to win! Tickets are currently available at Clear Waters Salon & Day Spa, Yunker Industry and through Jamie Kluge 608-778-3646 as well as the day of event. This is a family event so bring your ice skates as Pier 290 has an ice arena, a craft table will be available for children entertainment and the Karlz will be performing live music from 4-7pm.