God's Peace

The greatest blessing I know of is God's Peace. There may be greater blessings that I am unaware of at this stage of my life, but currently I know of no greater blessing than living in God's Peace.

What is God's Peace?  God's Peace comes when our worries and fears fade from our existence. The Bible gives us these verses to contemplate and meditate upon.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Psalm 62:8 "Trust in Him at all times; O people, pour out your heart before him, God is our refuge for us."

Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Most fear comes from the assumption of loss; loss of life, loss of health, loss of wealth, loss of love, loss of freedom, some even fear loss of salvation. The list varies from person to person but fear robs us of peace. So the big question is, "How can I receive God's Peace?" I wish I could give you a simple prayer or blessing that would allow you to connect with this awesome gift but the truth is, God's peace is only found by remaining in a close relationship with Jesus and His teachings. God's Peace is in direct correlation to the closeness of relationship with Him. I did experience what I will call an anointing of God's Peace when I first surrendered my life to Him many years ago, but it did not remain on me. It has taken me time to develop the relationship of trust to walk in God's peace as I do now most of the time. Yes I did say most of the time. If I allow myself to wander from our relationship for very long, I quickly find my peace wandering also. I find that God's peace allows me to have deeper understanding of the scriptures which in turn gives me deeper understanding of the events of this life. My suggestion is that you read the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit and pray for God's peace and understanding in all things.  Love, pastor kent

Our updated Prayer list:

Allen Kunz MRI and tests for pain in legs and back.

Barb Weiss continued healing from back surgery.

Linda Cassens diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Cynthia Bastholm heart failure and other complications.

Cathy Watson going through chemo therapy for breast cancer.

Gary Watson for strength and peace as he helps Cathy through the chemo treatments.

Emily Norris, Donna and Will Bowers Daughter, has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Faye Heuchert will be having tests for pinched nerves in her back causing leg pain and weakness.

Stan Rutkowski continues to battle pressure wounds.

Lee Knapp healing from infection and hip surgery.

John Shear, pastor Jackie's husband for kidney healing.

Brad Fultz, Faye Heucherts nephew in ICU on life support.
Bonni Rutkowski for continued strength and healing.

Worship schedule for August

August 13th, Pastor Jackie leads worship

August 20th, pastor Jackie leads worship PCF provides music

August 27th, pastor Kent and the PCF worship team

Announcements:

Community Children’s Ministry Brunch

Each year we are happy to be part of a great church ministry to help supply winter coats for some of our area children. This year we will again be serving a Brunch in our Fellowship Hall on Sunday, August 13 from 9:45 am until 12:15 pm. 

A $7.00 donation will be collected for the Brunch. ($4.00 children 6-12, and Free for children age 5 and under). This money will be used to purchase 20-30 coats and perhaps help our families in need in the Edwards- ville area. Join us after Contemporary ser- vice at 9:45 am—serving until after Tradi- tional service until 12:15 pm.

We need some of our good cooks to donate and prepare breakfast foods such as, Sweet Rolls—Coffee Cakes—Sweet Breads—Fruit trays or cut fruit—Egg Casseroles—Potato Casseroles—Quiche and other items. We will also be serving Biscuits & Gravy. There are sign-up sheets on the table in the Hospitality Room.

If you do not or cannot cook or bake you may make a monetary donation—just mark your check “Brunch” or call Sharon at 633-2659. If you would like to make a donation to purchase winter coats, pick an envelope from the Christmas Tree in the Hospitality Room to put your check in and drop in the basket. Thank you for your generosity in helping the Community Children’s Ministry. Hope to see you at the Brunch. Always good food and good fellowship! 

Blessing of Backpacks

On Sunday, August 13th we will have our annual Blessing of the Backpacks for all students at both morning worship services. Students from preschool through college are urged to bring your backpacks for a special blessing on the school year. Invite your friends to attend this special service with you! 

Bible Sunday

It is our tradition at Immanuel to give Bibles to students who are entering the 3rd grade. We will give these Bibles to the students at both services on Bible Sunday, August 13th. If your child will be going into the 3rd grade and you did not receive a letter from us, please notify the church office as soon as possible so that a Bible can be ordered for your child. We don’t want to miss anyone!! 

If you need prayers or pastoral care please call the church office at 618-656-4648.

See you soon. Love pastor Kent and pastor Jackie