Pastor’s Corner“ Deepening Relationships with Jesus and Each Other”

Our Vestry is an elected body of faithful lay leaders that provides oversight for the business affairs, activities, and property of Immanuel; that prays regularly for the congregation and engages our mission; and that provides the Rector godly counsel, biblical wisdom, and support for living out our vision: God with us…for the sake of others.

Vestry members serve three-year terms, but occasionally an instance arises when a member is unable to complete his or her term. When that happens, the Vestry prayerfully discerns, calls, and appoints a qualified member of the congregation to complete that term. I am very grateful to announce on behalf of the Vestry that Bob Mann has been appointed to fill the vacancy left by our dear brother Jack Sova, who passed away earlier this year. We will commission Bob this upcoming Sunday. Please pray for him as he steps into this important role, which will conclude in January of 2028.

September approaches, and we have several opportunities for you to deepen your relationships with members of the Immanuel family and with Jesus. I encourage you to sign up for one or more of the small groups and classes below. If you have trouble signing up, please contact Tyra at office@iachurch.org, or leave a note on her desk.

·       Life Groups: Abide in Christ Together! Weekly small groups where we connect with each other, engage Scripture, and integrate the words and life of Jesus into our own lives. Life Groups begin the week of September 13. Sign up!

·       Confirmation Class: Preparation for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, culminating in the Bishop laying hands on candidates to be renewed, empowered, and welcomed by the Holy Spirit. Sundays 9:15am-10:15am in Classroom 4. Begins September 13. Sign up!

·       Book of Judges Study: A video-based bible study on the book of Judges and the story of Deborah led by Dr. Julie Wash. Sundays 9:15am-10:15am. Begins September 13 in Classroom 1. Sign up!

In addition to the above new offerings, you can participate in one of the following ongoing gatherings:

·       Women’s Monday Night Bible Study: Every Monday evening at 7pm, women gather via Zoom to study of the Gospel According to Mark, using N.T. Wright’s Mark for Everyone. Contact Kathy Oravetz (koravetzdpt@gmail.com).

·       Women’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study: Long standing, caring group of women who gather at the church every Tuesday at 10am. They’re currently studying the prophet Isaiah using Melissa Spoelstra’s book and video, Isaiah: Striving Less and Trusting God More. Contact Barbara Finney (blynn56@verizon.net).

·       Saturday Morning Men’s Discussion: This decades-long conversation about Scripture and life returns Saturday, September 12^th and meets every Saturday morning at Immanuel at 8am. Third Saturdays all men are invited for breakfast. Contact Bill Harding (billharding65@verizon.net) or David Robertson (drobertson1952@verizon.net).

·       Sunday Night Men’s Bible Study: Beginning September 27 at 7pm, men will gather at Immanuel to study the apostle John’s three letters to the churches under his care. Contact Mike Harpster (MikeHarpster@comcast.net) or Scott Finney (ScottSFinney@verizon.net).

·       Cruciform: Every third Sunday at 5pm, join the men from Immanuel and the community for dinner and a deep dive into men’s decision-making paths. Real talk. Real faith. Real growth. Participate in in-depth conversations about the challenges men are navigating in today’s world. Contact Denny Schnack (denny.schnack@gmail.com) or Nick Makrides (nickmakrides@yahoo.com).

Your Pastor in Christ,