Emmanuel Hudson

Are You Absolutely Sure?

If you are asked the question: "Why is Christmas so important?" how would you answer? It may be a great conversation starter, but only in the right setting and with a group or individuals who would be willing to have such a soul searching question addressed to them. Otherwise you might be viewed as a real trouble maker and/or one who wanted to draw attention away form the seasonal celebration to yourself.
 
In our series of devotions on Wednesday evenings during Advent we have been asking some provocative questions, and at the same time offering the rock solid answers that come from the scriptures. The reason for these brief studies is to encourage each other  as we wait for the coming of Jesus.

Our text and theme for this Wednesday - 12/17/08: Wait for Jesus in Sureness, is based on the words of Jesus Himself as they are recorded in Luke 11:37-52. There we have an incident that revealed the hypocrisy of the many who gave the impression that they were godly people. It provides an occasion for some sincere introspection... join us for the evening if you have time.

We have a potluck fellowship meal at 6 PM and an evening worship service at 7 PM.

Looking ahead to our Christmas schedule  we have planned the following:

• 12/21/08 - 9:00 AM Children's Christmas service
• 12/24/08 - 7:00 PM Christmas Eve service
• 12/25/08 - 9:00 AM Christmas Day service

Please join us at these times to hear the good news about Jesus' birth and to celebrate the Advent of our Savior King. As a part of our Christmas celebration we will be gathering commercially prepared food items to be given to the local food shelf. You may bring your gifts for the less fortunate to any one of the services and they will be placed around the Christmas Tree to the right of the Altar. Simply place them there yourself, or give them to an usher who will bring them to the tree for you.

Advent 2 - Are You Excited?

Without a doubt this is the season for excitement! When I watch the little children in our preschool I can just sense that they are beginning to move and act a little differently these days. The music, the decorations, the daily lessons about Jesus, all combine to create an atmosphere of "specialness."

This week's Wednesday evening meditation: "Wait for Jesus in Seriousness" is planned around the words of Jesus recorded in Luke 29-36. "...   29 ¶ And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet..."

This is probably the darkest message of Advent. Its like suddenly falling into a pit because the message is somewhat gloomy as it provides a commentary for today's society's spiritual attitude. The darkness, however, is dispelled by the light of hope that is Christ Jesus.

Join us in fellowship and in worship Wednesday evening.  We have a pot luck fellowship meal beginning at 6 PM, our evening meditation begins at 7 PM.

In addition to our fellowship and worship plans, there are several other activities scheduled for Wednesday:

• 10:00 A.M. Bible Class
• 3-4:15 P.M. Youth confirmation instruction
• 5 P.M. Board of Elders
• 5 P.M. Board of Education

Additional activities planned:

Saturdays: 12/13, 12/20 at 9:30-10:30 Rehearsal for "Christmas at Emmanuel" (the children's service will be on Sunday 12/21/08. 9:00 A.M.)

Christmas Eve (12/24) service at 7:00 P.M.

Christmas Day (12/25) service at 9:00 A.M.

Regular Sunday worship begins at 9:00 A.M., Study forum and Sunday school beginsw at 10:20 A.M.

If you have any questions please call:church office (715) 386-9851,  of Pastor Kogler direct to mobil: (651) 283-9876.

 

The Greening of the Church

Each year there is a custom that takes place in the first week of Advent. I call it the greening of the church. It includes, among other things the decorating of the church with greens, ribbons, banners, and of course placing a Christmas tree in an obvious spot. Download 1-12 Mon beau sapin

This year the activity will take place on Saturday morning, 12/6/08 beginning at 10:30. In connection with that day's activity there will also be a rehearsal for the children Christmas service. The congregation will have its service for the children on 12/21/08 beginning at 9:00 A.M. The service will bring together both the students of the Sunday school and the little ones of the pre-school. 

This coming Sunday, the second Sunday in Advent will be built around the Epistle reading for the day: 2 Peter 3: 8-14. The Sermon theme will guide our devotion with the thought: The Lord will Come as a Thief.  Psalm 85 will be sung antiphonally and the hymn selections from Christian Worship include: 11,16,14,and 275 s.1.

As for the Kogler household, allow this personal note: The Saturday after Thanksgiving was the day set aside for getting ready for the Advent Season in our home. We gather with our children, as many as can make it, and go to the north woods to cut our annual Christmas tree.

This year you see the one pictured here. Once Pastor gets the tree in its stand and positioned in the great room of the Kogler home, grandchildren are gathered together to help with the decorating of the tree with the traditional blown glass German ornaments. Under the supervision of grandma, each child places the various shapes and sizes on the tree.  Usually there is an evening meal connected with the activity. The last thing for the day is to position the nativity scene under the tree with the approach of the Oriental Magi depicted by the figurines set at some distance away. As the various Grandchildren visit our home up to Christmas two things take place: the Magi draw closer to the manger scene, and the objects on the Advent calendar are placed on the appropriate day of the month.

You may have seasonally specific customs in your family as well, if so, we'd like to hear of them. God bless...

Advent Season Plans

The Advent season has begun at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hudson, WI. Our campus is located on Vine, next to the "Y". As a part of the special four week period before Christmas there will be special services conducted on Wednesday evenings at 7 P.M. During these evening vespers select readings of the Bible will serve as a review of the many promises of God that have been fulfilled in Chirst's coming. These readings will be offered by the young men in our congregation as a part of the preparation for the special Children's service to be presented on 12/21/08.

In addition, there will be special music throughout the season and seasonal homilies will be offered by the Pastor.

The text for the sermon on Wednesday 12/3/08 is Luke 11:27-28.

 27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out. She shouted, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."  28 He replied, "Instead, blessed are those who hear God's word and obey it."

Our Theme: Wait for Jesus in Stillness will present a two part outline: 1. Wait, despite loud cries, 2. For one everlasting compliment. The order of service will be from Christian Worship - Evening Devotion page 153.

Each of the services will be preceded by a congregational gathering meal. The public is welcome to share the time from 6 - 8 P.M.

Give us a call if you have any questions. Church office phone:715-386-9851; Pastor's mobil:651-283-9876.