From the Desk of Pastor Brandt

A Note from the Pastor...

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matt. 1:23

Immanuel Lutheran Church is named for her Lord who came as “God with us.” She continues to share the Lord’s presence by proclaiming His name in word and sacrament.

This name is a great promise, because by nature we are sinful, and that sin separates us from God and corrupts us to the core.  We are sinful not just in thoughts, in words and in actions, in things we do and things we leave undone, but in our very nature. Our connection to God and His creation is broken and we can’t fix it. However, God, in His mercy, sent His Son, Jesus Christ,Immanuel, to atone for the sin of the whole world.   Jesus suffered and died on a cross to restore our relationship to God.  Therefore, as we gather for worship, we gather to receive the gifts that Christ has won for us,  the gifts of His mercy, love and forgiveness.  We gather to receive God’s grace.  We receive that grace when we hear the absolution pronounced upon us and know that forgiveness is ours.  We receive that grace we receive Jesus’ body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins at the Lord’s table.   We receive that grace when in baptism the sinful nature of the old Adam is drowned and a new person arises clothed with Christ.  Using the historic liturgy of the Church, we at Immanuel gather for one reason, that God be with us in Christ, the One who by His blood has given us a restored relationship with God.

Jesus is risen and sits at the right hand of the Father, that we too will rise and be with Him. God says, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away,” is fulfilled in Christ. We gather in His presence here as we await His promise’s final fulfillment

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Pastor Wade Brandt