Week of May 10, 2026

May 10, 2026 Bulletin

LiveStream of Immanuel's Services

Watch a livestream of our services. Search for Immanuel Luthean Church St. Ansgar on YouTube ChannelYouTube or go to our website and click the YouTube icon located at the bottom of the page. We now have a more friendly address https://www.youtube.com/@ImmanuelLutheranChurchStAnsgar

We remember in prayer those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this week:

Birthdays: Lexi J, Jaylen A, Mark B, Payton G and Brian S.

Anniversaries: Sam & Stephanie B

Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms, Grandmas, Aunts, Sisters – and to all women who nurture God’s precious children. 

Thank you!

Donations towards the Immanuel Cemetery Tree Fund. This fund covers more than planting new trees – it is also used to cut down and clear away dead trees and debris – an expensive task. It also helps fund overall maintenance of the plantings at our beautiful cemetery. Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to Thrivent members for designating Choice Dollars to Immanuel.

Baby Bottle Campaign

Immanuel will again participate in the “Baby Bottle Campaign” through Hope Family Resource Center in Charles City. The fundraiser begins on Mother’s Day and ends on Father’s Day. Please take a bottle and fill it with coins and/or paper money – or a check. Your donation goes to help serve women and families with needs related to pregnancy and raising children in northeast Iowa. For additional information, or to learn more about Hope Family Resource Center, contact Theresa Jenkins, Charles City Site Director, 705 North Main St Suite 3, Charles City, Iowa 50616 #641-715-1537 theresa@hopeforlifepc.com

A reminder from the Prayer Shawl Ministry group:

Prayer shawls that are knitted or crocheted by us are intended to be given to your loved ones who are struggling with illness or loss. (It isn’t required that the recipient be a member of Immanuel.) If you know someone in need of comfort, please chose a shawl, enter your name and date into the log book, and give it with our prayer that God will restore His peace in their time of need. Some families are struck by disastrous fires, tornadoes, or floods and experience great loss. Others face illness or death of a loved one. Each shawl is prayed over by our group – we offer our love and support.

Fall Goodness Day

The Fall Goodness Day Committee will meet after Adult Bible Study, Sunday, May 17. All are welcome – bring your ideas and suggestions - join us!

Addresses

If your address has changed, please leave a note with updated information.  Also, the most recent update to our E-mail list was done in 2020 so please share new information if you’ve changed your email address. 
Snail mail and email correspondence to members isn’t done very often.  It is most important that we have your current cell phone number on the Church’s contact list. 

 Eternal Light

We welcome new ‘sponsors’ and additional sponsors.  Most months have multiple families donating.  Currently the cost of each candle is $7.35 – each candle is supposed to last eight days, but it’s more likely they will last only seven.  Using 4 candles each month costs about $30.  Thank you to all who donate.
As Christians, we know the Light of Christ will never go out and cannot be extinguished. The Eternal Light reminds us of that truth.

Flags at the cemetery

US flags at Immanuel Cemetery will likely last around 90 days.  The lifespan of a flag depends on many factors, including weather conditions, how often it's flown, and how well it's cared for.  Our thanks to Jerry Beaver for spearheading Immanuel Cemetery’s Flag Fund.  Jerry works with the American Legion to get the best price for our flags (approx. $20 each.)  If you’d like to make a donation to the fund please do so by talking with Jerry personally, or you may leave your donation in the church office with a note indicating “flag fund”. Thank you.

Immanuel’s 150th Anniversary was in 2024

Yesterday, Today, and Forever Hebrews 13:8

   “Yesterday, Today and Forever”, a phrase that celebrates our history even as we move forward, takes reference from Scripture verses “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.  Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.   Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  (Hebrews 13:7-8) Review our anniversary year 2024   

A book was written about the building of the church building. The book "Brick by Brick" (PDF format) can read online.

A short history of Immanuel's bell and photo gallery of the recent 2025 renovations to the bell tower is available to review.

Christian Education Opportunities at Immanuel

Please remember to provide the church office with new or changed addresses.

We especially need addresses for those who are off to college so they can be remembered with correspondence. Thank you.

Immanuel's Good Samaritan Account

Donations are welcome to replenish Immanuel's Good Samaritan Account. Immanuel maintains its own Good Samaritan Account and we contribute to the account in which all churches in St. Ansgar participate, (kept at City Hall).

Offering envelopes

Offering envelopes may be left at the church office. Please remember to give.

Your help is needed to make sure offerings are designated according to your wishes.  Write "missions" or "home" on the memo line at the lower left corner of your check with a corresponding dollar amount.

For example:  Memo: $50 missions, $50 home.  ("Missions" is designated to Synodical purposes and missions. "Home" is designated to salaries and expenses). If you have questions, please talk with Connie Groth, Kay Groth or a member of the Finance Committee.  Thanks.

Ten percent of the offerings are put in the Repair and Maintenance budget up to a balance of $15,000.

Special envelopes are used as follows:

2026 Church Council

Church Council members for 2026 are: Randy Marcks – President, Erik Gerdts - Vice President, Julie Bless – Secretary, Ariel Schulmeister – Treasurer, Keith Horgen - Head Elder, Paul Hannam - Trustees, John Groth – Financial Sec’y, Wayne Rowcliffe – Education, and Michele Heimer – Community Outreach.

Facebook

The Evangelism Committee invites you to join Immanuel’s Facebook page. Look for us at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church – St. Ansgar Iowa, then LIKE IT. Once you LIKE IT, all posts will come directly to your Home Page.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church - St Ansgar Iowa

Your Offerings…

Direct Deposit is available for your weekly offerings.  Contact your local bank if you are interested in using this option.

Bibles, Sunday School materials, Portals of Prayers and CHRISTIAN literature

of all kinds are being collected by the Naomi Circle.  These will be sent to Love Packages in Butler, Illinois. Love Packages is a ministry aimed at putting CHRISTIAN LITERATURE and BIBLES into the hands of people around the world who are hungry for the word of God.  Place these materials in the specially marked basket in the Gathering Area.  No hymnals or Quarterlies can be used.  Thank you for caring and sharing.