What's New At Emanuel
For The Month of May 2008

For a full report of our church's activities, schedules, etc. please see our current newsletter! Newsletters and calendars for prior months are also available on our Archive Page.

May 2008 Newsletter
May Calendar of Events
May Birthday Calendar
Newsletter Photo Pages

Archives of Prior Newsletters and Calendars

See Photos From Our Past

MY WALK IN FAITH

At 80 plus, my Walk in Faith began a long time ago. By God’s grace I was born into a God-loving and caring family. Growing up in the depression on a farm, you seemed to have all you needed. We lived across the road from St. Mark’s Church, Defiance County, and attending church is something you jut had to do. Right now when I think about it, after a long day’s work we’d sit out in the yard in the evening, what a comfort it was to see the church, its cross and steeple and cemetery, a reminder of our faith.

Then along came World War II. We prayed for all the young men leaving and wondering will they be back.

I remember my Frank being gone in service for quite some time. He was finally coming home for a leave. What a thrill, I needed a new dress for the occasion. About that time of the year was our Mission Festival. Some of you remember what a special time in church that was. We got ready to go and when my mother saw I wasn’t wearing my new dress, she asked me why. I told her I was saving it for when Frank got home. She looked at me and said, “Isn’t this much more special than that.” I changed and found out what came first in my family’s life; and God remained first in mine. Oh, yes, the dress worked. We were married that next year.

That’s when walking in faith really begins. You pray for a successful marriage. Then when your family comes, you pray some more. Then when they leave home and on their own, the list keeps growing. Then come the grandchildren and great grand children and you find out how greatly God has blessed you through all the mountains and valleys.

It is my greatest joy to continue walking with the loving, caring people here at Emanuel.

                                      Lois Gerken

Thursday Evening Services
Weekly Worship/Bible Study will
begin on Thursday night,
March 27, at 7:30 p.m.

We need you! To do what?

To offer (oneself or one’s service) for some undertaking or purpose, to give, bestow, or perform voluntarily: to volunteer a song. This definition of a volunteer fits exactly the need we have.

At the end of the Summer 2007 Thursday evening services, the Doctrine and Worship Committee was asked to consider extending the services throughout the year. The Committee has been working to start Thursday evening services beginning March 27 to go through November 20. Here is what we have been able to accomplish so far. The assistants are ready, the Altar Guild is prepared, and we have two organists who are willing to play for the services once a month each. That leaves 2 services without music!

If you are able to lead others in song, sing praise songs, play an instrument, provide appropriate recorded music, or whatever else you might be able to do to assist with the music for the services, please contact Pastor Castello, Tom Jenny, or Susan Landversicht.

Soul Food Finale

Upcoming menus for the last 2 weeks of Soul Food:

May    7 - Grilled Chicken, Rice Pilaf
May  14 - Last Soul Food Until Fall - Emanuel Men's                 Night - Grill-Out Hamburgers & Hog Dogs,                 Mohring's Potato Salad, Macroni Salad,                 Baked Beans