Happenings February 7, 2020

Many years ago, I knew a family member who was rather anxious and worried about many things as she became more and more self-centered and isolated.  I could foresee a downward spiral of emotional and spiritual health.  My prescription was to go out and get a volunteer job somewhere.  I suggested going to the local hospital and volunteer to sit at the reception desk.  I encouraged her to find an elementary school and read to children.  At the very least, I told her to go and fold bulletins at her church.  The point – do something for someone else.

Today, my advice was affirmed. 

This morning on the Today show Dr. Oz made suggestions about ways to reduce the risk of heart disease.  Offering choices to the anchors about diet, exercise, stress, Dr. Oz asked the anchors to rate the options as good, better and best.  For instance, the anchors were given broccoli, nuts, and dark chocolate.  After making their choices, Dr. Oz revealed that dark chocolate was good, nuts were better, and broccoli was the best. 

Regarding stress, Dr. Oz offered the options of meditation, spending time with family, and doing something for others.  After the anchors took their guesses, Dr. Oz revealed studies have shown that meditation, doing for yourself, was good.  He said, spending time with your family, doing something for people close to you, was better.  He concluded professing doing something for others was the best choice.  The doctor said it has been proven that doing things for other people reduces stress more than doing things for yourself or the people closest to you. 

In the words of Billie Eilish, “Duh?”  (My apologies to go anyone over 35 or without contact to teenagers.)

Is this not the message which is at the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ?  In Luke 10:25-27, we hear, “Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”  When the lawyer didn’t like Jesus’ answer, he pressed him, and Jesus went further, and in the parable of the Good Samaritan, told the self-righteous man we are called to care for all people.

This is the Great Commandment.  Our love and praise for God is demonstrated in our love for others and even Dr. Oz says this reduces stress!  Once again, “Duh!”

Peace be with you!

Lessons from Scripture

Isaiah 58:1-9a

1 Corinthians 2:1-12

Matthew 5:13-20

Pastor Dale

THIS SUNDAY’S LEADERSHIP TEAM:

Presiding:  The Rev. Dale Krotee

Music Director and Organist: J. Curtis White

Immanuel Church Chancel Choir

Pianist:   Lynne Breil, Tina Lyte        

Acolyte:  Collin Bair

Ushers:  Kathy Kelly, Dennis & Lou Jones, Terry Melius

Nursery Staff:  Stephanie Carmine

Nursery Assistant:  Tammy Luthy

Sound System:  Jack Breil, Keith Malkus, Tom Wilkison

This Week at Immanuel:  (Office hours  M-F, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)

  Sunday                 9:00am                        Sunday School

          9:15-11:30am            Nursery Care

        10:00am                        Worship

        11:00am                       Fellowship in the Narthex

                                                  Host: Cassie Burton

    Tuesday            12-1pm                         Bible Study   

    Thursday            6:30pm                        Choir Practice

    Friday                 9:30am                        Flower Show

FINANCIAL SECRETARY:  Sandy Dodson will be retiring from this position at the end of 2020.  We are seeking someone, hopefully from the congregation, to fill this vacancy.  For job description, contact the office.

BIBLE STUDY:  We will be continuing the Bible study on “The Lord’s Prayer” for 4 more weeks. It will be from 12-1pm with soup provided. We will meet

in the Council Room.  Please contact me or Claudia if you are interested.  The book we have chosen is “The Lord’s Prayer” by Douglas Connelly, one of the Life Guide Bible Studies series.   Claudia McDonald-410-463-4055 Donna Campbell-443-521-0112

PANCAKES:  We will serve our pancake lunch following worship on Sunday, February 23rd.  Everyone is invited.

ASH WEDNESDAY:  Worship service at 6:30pm on February 26th.

LADIES PRAYER BREAKFAST:  March 21st, 8:00am at IUCC in Fellowship Hall

FEEDING THE COLD WEATHER SHELTER:  IUCC will be preparing food and serving it at the shelter on Thursday, February 13th.

Janice Haller, Church Secretary