Immanuel Lutheran Church

For the apostles, nets were not just tools; they were livelihood, identity, security, and future. Leaving them behind meant risk. Following Jesus still involves leaving nets behind—habits, identities, comforts, assumptions, or fears that keep us tethered to what feels safe. The gospel does not merely add something to our lives; it reshapes what we cling to. The question is not whether Jesus is calling—but what nets we are willing to leave behind in order to follow. Come, foll

There are moments in scripture when heaven seems to lean close to earth—when the ordinary is suddenly flooded with glory. The gospel story of Jesus’ baptism is one of those moments. Jesus steps into the Jordan River, not to repent, but to identify . Not to be exalted, but to enter fully  into the human story. And as He does, the heavens open. The Spirit does not arrive with thunder or fire, but as a dove—peaceful, present, empowering. It’s a reminder that God’s power often co

A child is born where no one expected a throne. Laid in a manger, Jesus arrives without spectacle, power, or protection. And that is the wonder: God does not wait for ideal conditions to draw near. He comes close in vulnerability, meeting us where we actually live—busy, uncertain, and weary. The familiar Christmas story also asks a gentle question of us: Where might God be showing up quietly in your life right now? " Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause gr

The Advent story reminds us that faith often begins where understanding ends. The seasons' message reframes everything: what appears broken is holy; what seems impossible is God at work. As Christmas approaches, we are reminded to listen for God’s voice when our plans unravel, to act with mercy even when clarity is incomplete, and to trust that Emmanuel still enters the world through willing, faithful hearts.

Preparation is not about polishing our image or elevating our worthiness—it is about opening our hearts. God does the heavy lifting. He fills the valleys of despair, levels the mountains of pride, straightens the crooked places where we wander, and smooths the rough edges of our lives. What we cannot repair, God restores. What we cannot overcome, God transforms. As you move through the Advent season, ask yourself: What in my life needs to be made straight or smooth for Christ

This is the heart of the Gospel—Jesus offering forgiveness before anyone asks for it, before anyone understands it, and even as He suffers. In His final moments on the cross, we see a Savior who forgives the undeserving, welcomes the repentant, and opens the door of hope even at life’s end. No one is too far gone. No prayer is too late. No heart is beyond the reach of Christ’s mercy. Where do you need to hear Jesus’ words of forgiveness today?

Work, whether seen or unseen, sacred or ordinary, is part of our discipleship. We reflect Christ when we offer our time, energy, and gifts for the good of others. There will be days when serving feels unnoticed, days when our work feels small. Yet God sees. Our steady faithfulness, lived in daily tasks, becomes an offering of love. Today, we are invited to recommit ourselves to the good work God places before us—loving, serving, contributing—trusting that in all things, Chris

Absurd! Yet sometimes we also get caught asking the wrong questions about faith. Instead of trying to make the image of eternity fit into the limits of this life, we need to remember eternal life is a transformed life! A life where death no longer casts shadows. A life where love is not threatened by loss. A life no longer shaped by survival or scarcity. A life grounded in God’s fullness.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 reminds us to stay grounded in faith even when the world feels uncertain. Today, these words continue to speak encouragement to us. The world can feel uncertain, and voices of fear are easy to find. But Paul’s reminder still holds true: God is in control. His promises stand. Our call is to remain grounded in His Word and steady in our faith. When we keep our eyes on Christ, we find peace that no rumor or turmoil can shake. May we hold fast to Christ, confi

At the heart of the Reformation lies the freeing truth that we are justified by grace through faith—not by what we earn, but by what God gives. This timeless message from Martin Luther is still radical today! It challenges all of us who live in a world where worth is measured by productivity, performance, or approval. On this day, we reclaim the good news: we are loved not because we are perfect, but because God is gracious.

“Always pray and never give up.” — Luke 18:1 When answers feel delayed and prayers seem unheard, remember the persistent widow. She refused to give up—and so should we. Jesus promises that God, unlike the unjust judge, hears and responds to those who keep calling on Him. Even when you can’t see the answer, keep praying. God is working in the silence. Don’t lose heart—your faith and persistence matter.

In our hectic daily life, we often need reminders…a calendar event, text, email, or that obnoxious phone alarm. Even the apostle Paul...

In Luke 17:5, the apostles plead with the Lord to "Increase our Faith"! Why? Because they realized Jesus was making tough demands when he...

Today we're reminded in 1 Timothy 6:7 " For we have brought nothing into the world so we cannot take anything out of it either " Reflect...

Immanuel Lutheran Church Giving Thanks for Autumn