TP
Tuesday, April 7, 2025:
Here is another roll of TP – Transitional Prayers
Prayers that we can be praying – together – during this time of transition in pastoral leadership:
- A prayer of thanks that after a careful, prayerful and thorough search, the council now has a candidate of choice to potentially serve as intentional interim pastor at Immanuel. This candidate will not be eligible to serve as Immanuel’s next full-time pastor, but will be the “bridge” in pastoral leadership toward that end. They will guide the congregation and church leadership through this time of transition and will help develop and coach a call committee and the call process for Immanuel’s next pastor.
- Pray for our candidate of choice, Pastor Steve Abend, as he and his wife will visit Immanuel on Thursday, and discuss the possibilities of offering a contract for his service to/for the congregation. Just to be clear: The interim pastor is the one who offers a contract to the church Council (on behalf of the congregation) for the services they can provide as interim pastor. The selection of an interim pastor is not a congregational vote, but rather a council decision. A congregational vote will come with the call of the next full-time pastor.
- Pray for good harmony and healthy communication among council and congregational members as we make our way through this time of transition. In this time of pastoral change and transition, it is important for all of us to remember: God is in charge; God is driving the bus; this is God’s church; and God is Immanuel (God with us) to provide peace and assurance and hope and as we together trust God to guide the next call process and help direct us toward the person God has been preparing to serve as our next pastor. These are exciting times indeed!
Thank you for your prayers!
“For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
TGIF
Friday, April 25, 2025:
Welcome to another edition of TGIF – Thank God It’s Friday! And Thank God I’m Forgiven!
Here are some things to be thankful for:
- First and foremost – for the victory of Christ over sin and death on the cross and with the empty tomb! This victory is ours through faith alone, grace alone, Scripture alone! Hallelujah!
- For wonderful attendance for all the worship services of Holy Week. Thank you for making worship a top priority as a follower of Jesus.
- For the new look in the office – fresh paint and rearranging office furniture has given the office areas an attractive and efficient office space.
- For snowbirds returning from their winter migrations! Welcome back!
- For the remaining two sessions of our congregational study “Believe” which begins again this Sunday. This Sunday and during the following week, the theme is “Gentleness.”
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)
Pastor Paul
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Crosby, Minnesota