Chained to a Roman guard and facing a possible death sentence, Paul wrote a letter overflowing with joy. How could Paul remain so joyful in such suffering? We are baffled by Paul's ability to deal with suffering. We marvel at his joyful thoughts amid such hardship. But grace infuses Paul's heart - it moves him to suffer, strive, and share Christ at every opportunity. His heart is full, his mind is focused, and his joy is radiant. Truth pours from Scripture with the clear message that we are also given the privilege of living in the joy of Christ.

This study will meet at the home of Jeanette Eggers, 606 Wyman St, from April 3 to May 1, 1-2:30 p.m. Call our office to register. There is a limit of 12 ladies.

Navigating the challenges of grief? Join our GriefShare support group – a caring space where understanding hearts gather. Over 13 weeks, you'll explore the journey of grief, finding guidance for the days ahead and discovering the "normal" in grief's unpredictability. No fixed stages, just practical coping strategies, and unwavering support. Sessions are self-contained, welcoming new participants anytime. We meet Tuesdays from February 6 to April 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., in the Community Room. Seek comfort and support with GriefShare.

Commandments. Festivals. Sacrifices: all of these summarized the Israelite way of life and worship in the Old Testament. God wanted full obedience from his people in all of these things. God also used the worship life of the Israelites to point them to a Savior who would restore the broken relationship caused by sin. Join us in the community room for a new study between our Sunday services.

Mark your calendars for Emanuel's Fine Arts Fair on Friday, April 19th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

This year's fair will be an open house-style event, so families can arrive and stay whenever works best for them. Come admire amazing art projects created by all our students, displayed in the gymnasium.

But the fun doesn't stop there! We'll have six interactive art stations set up, perfect for families to create art together.

Please note: Due to ongoing renovations, we won't have our usual all-school music performance this year. However, enjoy the sounds of talented upper-grade students performing solos throughout the evening.

Join us for a night celebrating the artistic talents of Emanuel's students!

Chained to a Roman guard and facing a possible death sentence, Paul wrote a letter overflowing with joy. How could Paul remain so joyful in such suffering? We are baffled by Paul's ability to deal with suffering. We marvel at his joyful thoughts amid such hardship. But grace infuses Paul's heart - it moves him to suffer, strive, and share Christ at every opportunity. His heart is full, his mind is focused, and his joy is radiant. Truth pours from Scripture with the clear message that we are also given the privilege of living in the joy of Christ.

This study will meet at the home of Jeanette Eggers, 606 Wyman St, from April 3 to May 1, 1-2:30 p.m. Call our office to register. There is a limit of 12 ladies.

Navigating the challenges of grief? Join our GriefShare support group – a caring space where understanding hearts gather. Over 13 weeks, you'll explore the journey of grief, finding guidance for the days ahead and discovering the "normal" in grief's unpredictability. No fixed stages, just practical coping strategies, and unwavering support. Sessions are self-contained, welcoming new participants anytime. We meet Tuesdays from February 6 to April 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., in the Community Room. Seek comfort and support with GriefShare.

Commandments. Festivals. Sacrifices: all of these summarized the Israelite way of life and worship in the Old Testament. God wanted full obedience from his people in all of these things. God also used the worship life of the Israelites to point them to a Savior who would restore the broken relationship caused by sin. Join us in the community room for a new study between our Sunday services.

Chained to a Roman guard and facing a possible death sentence, Paul wrote a letter overflowing with joy. How could Paul remain so joyful in such suffering? We are baffled by Paul's ability to deal with suffering. We marvel at his joyful thoughts amid such hardship. But grace infuses Paul's heart - it moves him to suffer, strive, and share Christ at every opportunity. His heart is full, his mind is focused, and his joy is radiant. Truth pours from Scripture with the clear message that we are also given the privilege of living in the joy of Christ.

This study will meet at the home of Jeanette Eggers, 606 Wyman St, from April 3 to May 1, 1-2:30 p.m. Call our office to register. There is a limit of 12 ladies.

Navigating the challenges of grief? Join our GriefShare support group – a caring space where understanding hearts gather. Over 13 weeks, you'll explore the journey of grief, finding guidance for the days ahead and discovering the "normal" in grief's unpredictability. No fixed stages, just practical coping strategies, and unwavering support. Sessions are self-contained, welcoming new participants anytime. We meet Tuesdays from February 6 to April 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., in the Community Room. Seek comfort and support with GriefShare.

Commandments. Festivals. Sacrifices: all of these summarized the Israelite way of life and worship in the Old Testament. God wanted full obedience from his people in all of these things. God also used the worship life of the Israelites to point them to a Savior who would restore the broken relationship caused by sin. Join us in the community room for a new study between our Sunday services.

Chained to a Roman guard and facing a possible death sentence, Paul wrote a letter overflowing with joy. How could Paul remain so joyful in such suffering? We are baffled by Paul's ability to deal with suffering. We marvel at his joyful thoughts amid such hardship. But grace infuses Paul's heart - it moves him to suffer, strive, and share Christ at every opportunity. His heart is full, his mind is focused, and his joy is radiant. Truth pours from Scripture with the clear message that we are also given the privilege of living in the joy of Christ.

This study will meet at the home of Jeanette Eggers, 606 Wyman St, from April 3 to May 1, 1-2:30 p.m. Call our office to register. There is a limit of 12 ladies.

Navigating the challenges of grief? Join our GriefShare support group – a caring space where understanding hearts gather. Over 13 weeks, you'll explore the journey of grief, finding guidance for the days ahead and discovering the "normal" in grief's unpredictability. No fixed stages, just practical coping strategies, and unwavering support. Sessions are self-contained, welcoming new participants anytime. We meet Tuesdays from February 6 to April 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., in the Community Room. Seek comfort and support with GriefShare.

After many years of planning, it’s finally time to move Forward. The sanctuary where we have gathered to worship for more than a century is about to undergo a major renovation. Over the next few months, we anticipate that the improvements are going to be a great blessing to our church. And the process of seeing it come together will be a blessing, too.

Every so often, God’s people have to answer the question, “Where do we go from here?” or “Where will we worship?” It’s a question that calls for patience and trust.

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ALL WILL BE MADE ALIVE!

The film director Woody Allen once said, “I’m not afraid to die, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”

Studies have shown that most people fear death to varying degrees. This fear is so common, that there is even a field of psychological study called thanatology. It examines the human reaction to death and dying. One of the biggest reasons people fear death is the perception of its permanency. In the normal realm of human existence, dead is dead. Someone dies, and all you have are pictures and memories. That is the way people typically think, but it is far from reality. Today, Christ proves to us that death is not final at all!

Easter teaches us that Christ is the first fruits of those who have died. Just as Christ rose, “so in Christ, all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). That changes everything: the way we grieve the death of a Christian loved one, the way we feel when our health fails, the way we look at the purpose of life right now. Let us rejoice in this resurrection reality: All will be made alive!

ALL WILL BE MADE ALIVE!

The film director Woody Allen once said, “I’m not afraid to die, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”

Studies have shown that most people fear death to varying degrees. This fear is so common, that there is even a field of psychological study called thanatology. It examines the human reaction to death and dying. One of the biggest reasons people fear death is the perception of its permanency. In the normal realm of human existence, dead is dead. Someone dies, and all you have are pictures and memories. That is the way people typically think, but it is far from reality. Today, Christ proves to us that death is not final at all!

Easter teaches us that Christ is the first fruits of those who have died. Just as Christ rose, “so in Christ, all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). That changes everything: the way we grieve the death of a Christian loved one, the way we feel when our health fails, the way we look at the purpose of life right now. Let us rejoice in this resurrection reality: All will be made alive!

WITHOUT THE RESURRECTION FAITH IS FUTILE

It would not be productive to look for help in a cemetery. A corpse can do only one thing—rot. This is the source of the crushing sorrow Jesus’ followers felt. He was the one in whom they had placed all their hope for a better reality. Now he was dead, so they thought. They were overwhelmed with sorrow, not just because they missed their friend. It now all seemed so pointless: the years and miles following Jesus, witnessing his miracles, listening to him. He was dead! And a corpse can only do one thing.

The resurrection changed everything. The disciples saw clearly that Jesus is who he said he was and did what he said he’d do. They realized their faith rested on a rock-solid foundation. Here is the resurrection reality. If Christ had not been raised, our faith in him would be futile. He could do nothing to help us. But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

About This Service

The word Tenebrae (TEN-e-bray) means “darkness.”

The service we use tonight was first celebrated in monasteries nearly 1,000 years ago. The order of worship centers on a series of Psalms and other Scripture lessons that focus on our Lord's crucifixion.

Seven candles are lit and extinguished as each of Jesus’ words are read. After the last reading, the final candle is removed from the chancel leaving the church in tenebrae for silent prayer. The service is closed by a loud sound, called the strepitus, which worshippers have interpreted in many ways throughout church history. Some see the strepitus as a symbol to remind us of the stone that was rolled in front of Jesus’ tomb to seal it shut; others see it as a statement of the tumultuous nature of Christ’s sacrifice; still others view it as foreshadowing the rending of Christ’s tomb at his resurrection on Easter morning. The final candle, which is still burning, is returned to its place at the end of the service.

The mood of the service is most solemn, encouraging the worshipers to reflect deeply upon their own lives in the light of the Passion of our Lord. No closing blessing is pronounced and the congregation disperses into the night, leaving the darkened church in silence, yet remembering the Light of life which lingers and casts hope through the gloom of Good Friday and leads us on to Easter Sunday.

RETHINKING SACRIFICE

In most religions the gods demand sacrifice. Followers are to surrender something of value to that god. Money. Time. Possessions. Some religions have even called for human sacrifice. Even people who think they aren’t religious sacrifice to false gods. Take the man whose idol is success. What he wants most is to rise through the ranks at work. So, to pursue that idol, he sacrifices his family, spending little time with them. Throughout human history, false gods have expected you to die for them.

In Christianity, you meet a God willing to die for you. Today we see that the true God does not make our relationship with him conditional on how much we sacrifice for him. Instead, we are at peace with God because he sacrificed himself for us. It is one reason why we call it “Good Friday.”

RETHINKING SACRIFICE

In most religions the gods demand sacrifice. Followers are to surrender something of value to that god. Money. Time. Possessions. Some religions have even called for human sacrifice. Even people who think they aren’t religious sacrifice to false gods. Take the man whose idol is success. What he wants most is to rise through the ranks at work. So, to pursue that idol, he sacrifices his family, spending little time with them. Throughout human history, false gods have expected you to die for them.

In Christianity, you meet a God willing to die for you. Today we see that the true God does not make our relationship with him conditional on how much we sacrifice for him. Instead, we are at peace with God because he sacrificed himself for us. It is one reason why we call it “Good Friday.”

RETHINKING OUR APPETITES

We use the word “appetite” to describe a powerful desire for something. So, what is it you crave the most? Where does your mind go in those quiet moments? What do you want? Power? What do you dream about? Prestige? For what do you hunger? Pleasure? Are our appetites healthy? A truly healthy appetite aligns with our deepest needs: forgiveness, salvation, communion with God, and loving relationships with others. The believer is ravenous for such things! And all of those blessings are on the menu of the Lord’s Supper. Some view Holy Communion as just a religious ritual. Far from it! In this meal, Christ satisfies our greatest appetites.

RETHINKING OUR APPETITES

We use the word “appetite” to describe a powerful desire for something. So, what is it you crave the most? Where does your mind go in those quiet moments? What do you want? Power? What do you dream about? Prestige? For what do you hunger? Pleasure? Are our appetites healthy? A truly healthy appetite aligns with our deepest needs: forgiveness, salvation, communion with God, and loving relationships with others. The believer is ravenous for such things! And all of those blessings are on the menu of the Lord’s Supper. Some view Holy Communion as just a religious ritual. Far from it! In this meal, Christ satisfies our greatest appetites.

Navigating the challenges of grief? Join our GriefShare support group – a caring space where understanding hearts gather. Over 13 weeks, you'll explore the journey of grief, finding guidance for the days ahead and discovering the "normal" in grief's unpredictability. No fixed stages, just practical coping strategies, and unwavering support. Sessions are self-contained, welcoming new participants anytime. We meet Tuesdays from February 6 to April 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., in the Community Room. Seek comfort and support with GriefShare.

Commandments. Festivals. Sacrifices: all of these summarized the Israelite way of life and worship in the Old Testament. God wanted full obedience from his people in all of these things. God also used the worship life of the Israelites to point them to a Savior who would restore the broken relationship caused by sin. Join us in the community room for a new study between our Sunday services.

Navigating the challenges of grief? Join our GriefShare support group – a caring space where understanding hearts gather. Over 13 weeks, you'll explore the journey of grief, finding guidance for the days ahead and discovering the "normal" in grief's unpredictability. No fixed stages, just practical coping strategies, and unwavering support. Sessions are self-contained, welcoming new participants anytime. We meet Tuesdays from February 6 to April 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., in the Community Room. Seek comfort and support with GriefShare.

Commandments. Festivals. Sacrifices: all of these summarized the Israelite way of life and worship in the Old Testament. God wanted full obedience from his people in all of these things. God also used the worship life of the Israelites to point them to a Savior who would restore the broken relationship caused by sin. Join us in the community room for a new study between our Sunday services.

Navigating the challenges of grief? Join our GriefShare support group – a caring space where understanding hearts gather. Over 13 weeks, you'll explore the journey of grief, finding guidance for the days ahead and discovering the "normal" in grief's unpredictability. No fixed stages, just practical coping strategies, and unwavering support. Sessions are self-contained, welcoming new participants anytime. We meet Tuesdays from February 6 to April 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., in the Community Room. Seek comfort and support with GriefShare.

Peter's first letter is a magnificent inspiration for Christians who struggle. Join your fellow sisters in Christ as we look at the great acts of God and apply them to living Christian lives. We will meet at the home of Cindy Platz, 1404 Pinewood Court on Tuesdays from 9:30 - 11:00, February 13 to March 12. Please call our office to register.

THE LUTHERAN CEILI ORCHESTRA is a group of Christian musicians that specialize in a Celtic perspective on Christian worship. Pairing bagpipes, tin whistle, fiddle, harp, accordion, and other classic sounds of Celtic music with the worship format, traditions, legends, and characters of Celtic Christianity, the group has led their series of historically inspired Celtic Liturgies in churches across the United States. Founded by Pastor Mark Jeske of St Marcus Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and headed now by Joey Schumann, a featured Celtic performer for 7 years running at Carnegie Hall in New York City, TLCO welcomes and invites you to attend A Celtic Service with The Lutheran Ceili Orchestra. This Christian worship service is free and open to all.

THE LUTHERAN CEILI ORCHESTRA is a group of Christian musicians that specialize in a Celtic perspective on Christian worship. Pairing bagpipes, tin whistle, fiddle, harp, accordion, and other classic sounds of Celtic music with the worship format, traditions, legends, and characters of Celtic Christianity, the group has led their series of historically inspired Celtic Liturgies in churches across the United States. Founded by Pastor Mark Jeske of St Marcus Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and headed now by Joey Schumann, a featured Celtic performer for 7 years running at Carnegie Hall in New York City, TLCO welcomes and invites you to attend A Celtic Service with The Lutheran Ceili Orchestra. This Christian worship service is free and open to all.

Navigating the challenges of grief? Join our GriefShare support group – a caring space where understanding hearts gather. Over 13 weeks, you'll explore the journey of grief, finding guidance for the days ahead and discovering the "normal" in grief's unpredictability. No fixed stages, just practical coping strategies, and unwavering support. Sessions are self-contained, welcoming new participants anytime. We meet Tuesdays from February 6 to April 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., in the Community Room. Seek comfort and support with GriefShare.