“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Rev. 5:12), who by His cross has conquered sin and death. With His blood, He has “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nations” (Rev. 5:9). This same Lord Jesus visits people of all nations and calls them to Himself by the Gospel, even as He “revealed Himself again to the disciples . . . after He was raised from the dead” (John 21:1, 14). Likewise, He revealed Himself to Saul of Tarsus and brought him to repentance, so that the persecutor of Jesus might carry and confess His name “before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15–16).

Third Sunday of Easter is known as Misericordias Domini meaning “I will sing the mercies of the Lord.” The name for each of Easter’s Sundays is from a Psalm.  Today’s name comes from Psalm 88 (not the same as today’s Introit).

“The Promising Word” Wednesday, February 24, Midweek II, 7:00 p.m.

“The Faithful Word” Wednesday, March 3, Midweek III, 7:00 p.m.

“The Compassionate Word” Wednesday, March 10, IV 7:00 p.m.

“The Suffering Word” Wednesday, March 17, V  7:00 p.m.

Holy Week Confessional Service with Individual Absolution  7:00 p.m.

“The Dying Word” Wednesday, March 24, VI  7:00 p.m.

“The Remembering Word” Maundy Thursday, April 1, 7:00 p.m.

“The Fulfilled Word” Good Friday, April 2, 7:00 p.m.

“The Vindicated Word” Easter Sunday 6:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday –February 17, this year. Our Lenten Midweek Wednesday services follow the theme of the seven words of Christ that He spoke from the cross as He offered up His life for the life of the world. Each word imparts a blessing and is a word of Gospel.

The sermons and meditations in this series will expound on these words of Christ, linking them to Jesus’ words and works recorded in the Gospel as well as the Old Testament prophesies that pointed to Him. Each word of Christ proclaims and delivers something about Him, the Word Incarnate, and delivers His saving death to us that we would trust Him for forgiveness, life, and salvation. The series will continue from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week, and to Easter Sunday.

In addition, our Sunday morning Adult Bible Study that meets in church will explore this theme. The Adult Bible Study is held weekly between services (9:15 a.m.), in the Christian Fellowship Hall.

Every Wednesday you will want to hear the Passion History and sermon, sing our beloved Lenten hymns and canticles, pray the liturgy and prayers, and ponder these matters more deeply. Our Midweek Wednesday evening Lenten services begin at 7:00 p.m.

Don’t forget soup suppers are offered each Wednesday in the school cafeteria from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30. The meals are offered by Immanuel’s Youth Group and MOST team. The menu is different each week, and is announced in the IMAGES.

I know you will want to hear the reading of the Passion History and sermons, sing our beloved Lenten hymns, and pray the liturgy and prayers as we ponder these matters more deeply. My prayer is that our dear Father in heaven, for the sake of His beloved Son and in the power of His Holy Spirit, might richly bless this Lententide for us that we come to Easter with glad hearts and keep the feast in sincerity and truth.

In Christ, Pastor Loest

Since 1997, almost 30,000 visitors have made their way to Bethlehem via this unique presentation of the familiar Christmas story.

Over 2000 visitors journeyed this year to be counted by Ceasar Augustus’ decree, listen to the sheherds tell of  the angel’s message, hear prophets recall ancient promises, and visit the town alive with villagers. Going from inn to stable, they heard and saw that God has come to us in human flesh—as a baby lying in a manger. For more information about the 14th annual presentation for 2010, click here: 2010 Living Nativity Information

Religious News Article for the Frankenmuth NewsNovember 25, 2009

By Pastor Mark Loest

 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 118:1 ESV)

Perhaps no other holiday –with the exception of the Fourth-of-July, of course –is as an essential part of our national spirit as Thanksgiving Day. It is the most American of holidays.

A classic Yankee holiday, Thanksgiving Day is religious, yet it is not connected to any saint or holy day. It is historical, yet not without myth and misconception. Private citizens are urged to give thanks to God by public proclamation –in accord to the individual dictates of their consciences. It is a national holiday with regional traditions. A whole nation finding itself home to family reunions. Its chief purpose is implied by its name, “to give thanks”, yet it is the greatest day (and eve) of excessive culinary (and material) consumption. Its interpreters include historians, Native Americans, Mayflower descendants and preachers –none of which can agree completely.

The idea of giving thanks, however did not originate with the consumer, but with the Creator. God tells us we are to show Him our gratitude. But what kind of thanks do we show him? Just going through the motions is not enough. Cain learned that, and in his anger over being rejected killed his brother Abel. Sin separates us from God and makes us ungrateful and self-serving.

Yet God’s people learned to give thanks. Noah responded to God’s protecting the eight lives on the ark from the flood by making an offering. Centuries later, Israel was commanded to make sacrifices which included Thank Offerings. The Psalmist declares in the 118th Psalm, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!”

The New Testament shows us Christ always giving thanks. And the Apostle Paul exhorts us to give thanks in all things. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

As people of God then, we give Him thanks for our bodies and souls; for the gift of faith in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. We are thankful for the blessings of family, church and community; for earthly bread (all that we need to support body and life); for authorities and protection.

None of these necessitate turkey, dressing, potatoes, sauce and pie, or football and black Friday sales. But even the blessings of Thanksgiving Day that are tied to our family and national traditions make the holiday all the more enjoyable. And in these we are also well reminded that “every good and every perfect gift comes from above.” (James 1:17)

Since it is getting to that time of the year when we need to think about getting a flu vaccine, you may be asking yourself, how can I learn more about the vaccine. Here are some questions answered by the CDC in a recent vaccine information statement. Flu season is swiftly approaching and you may be asking yourself whether or not you should get a flu shot. Here is some information regarding the flu vaccine as printed by the CDC in a recent vaccine information statement.

Influenza is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. The highest rate of infection is among children. Influenza can cause fever and seizures in children and can be dangerous for those anyone with breathing and/or heart conditions.

There are two types of influenza vaccines-
1. Live, attenuated influenza vaccine is sprayed into the nostrils and contains live, but weakened influenza virus.
2. Inactivated influenza vaccine is given by injection and is what we commonly call the flu shot.

Annual vaccination is recommended because viruses are always changing and the vaccines are updated every year. It takes 2 weeks to develop protection after vaccination.

Live attenuated influenza vaccine is approved for healthy people from 5 through 49 years of age, who are not pregnant. If you come in close contact, through work or family, with someone who has a severely weakened immune system, the inactivated influenza vaccine is preferred.

The following people should check with their physician about getting the inactivated vaccine (flu shot) -
• Adults 50 years of age and older
• Children 6 months up to 5 years
• Anyone with a weakened immune system
• Pregnant women
• Anyone with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment
• Those with long term health problems such as heart, kidney, and lung disease, asthma, blood disorders, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes

Anyone who has ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or a previous influenza vaccine or who is moderately ill should talk with your doctor before getting either vaccine. 

The influenza season is from November through May. If you decide to get an influenza vaccine, plan on getting it in October or November. Even if you get your vaccination later, it is still beneficial.

Life-threatening allergic reactions from vaccines are very rare and they usually occur shortly after vaccination. Mild problems may include fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache and muscle aches, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea or sore throat.

The vaccines are monitored for unusual or severe problems. Severe problems may include weakness, dizziness, hives, hoarseness or wheezing, paleness or fast heart beat. If you have any of these symptoms following a vaccination, seek medical treatment right away.

Source: Vaccine Information Statement – Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (7/16/07)
Published by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control And Prevention

WINTER EMERGENCIES 

Winter is here again with freezing temperatures, ice, snow and the health threats of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is defined as the freezing and crystallizing of fluids in the interstitial and cellular spaces due to exposure to freezing temperatures.  Frostbite is a result of the body’s survival mechanisms.  When exposed to freezing temperatures, the body decreases the circulation to peripheral body parts such as the feet and hands in an attempt to protect the vital inner organs.  This results in ice crystals developing in the fluid in and around skin cells.  Also red blood cells and platelets may clump and obstruct the capillaries resulting in decreased blood supply to the affected area. Risk factors include –·         Age                      Adolescents may not dress adequately for the cold                      The elderly lose heat from their skin more rapidly and impaired              peripheral circulation is often common in the elderly

• Environment

          People who work outside in the winter are at increased risk

• Dehydration

                Hydration helps prevent frostbite                Avoid caffeinated drinks because they constrict blood vessels and can                    impair peripheral circulation                Also avoid alcohol because alcohol reduces shivering which is the body’s                    attempt to keep warm

• Altered mental status

                Altered mental status may result in careless behavior or                       the inability to recognize the warning signs of frostbite

• Cigarette smoking

                Smoking causes vasoconstriction

• Insufficient or restrictive clothing

                Areas most prone to frostbite are fingers, toes, hands, feet,                   chin, tip of the nose, earlobes and cheeks – these areas                    should be protected.  Boots that are too tight may also                    impair circulation.  Mittens are more effective for keeping                    warm than gloves.  Wet clothing should be changed                    immediately. Degrees of frostbite –

• First degree frostbite involves the outer layer of skin, the epidermis –

      the area may be pale, prickly and may also be painful

• Second degree frostbite involves the epidermis and the next layer of skin, the dermis – the area may be yellowish, gray or white in color with large filled blisters and severe pain.  Swelling may also be present
• Third degree frostbite involves freezing of all layer of skin extending to the muscles, tendons, nerves and bone – the area is cold, numb, painless and bloodless

 The main priority in treating frostbite is to re-warm the area affected as soon as possible.  Do not use direct heat such as fire or a heating pad.  Do not rub the affected area.  Do not put snow on the affected area or immerse it in cold water and do not thaw the area if refreezing is at risk. What you should do is get the person into dry clothing and remove any jewelry from the affected area.  Warm the frostbitten area by immersing in a tub or basin of lukewarm water (105 F), immersing the affected body part for periods of 20-30 minutes.  If the nose, cheek or ear would be involved use a warm compress.  A burning sensation typically occurs as the area warms.  Rehydrate the victim with de-caffeinated beverages, keep the affected area dry and clean.  If an extremity is involved keep it elevated and as still as possible.  To prevent infection and for medical management you should follow up with your physician as soon as possible. Progressive signs of frostbite are – ·         Coldness·         Numbness·         Stinging, burning and throbbing·         Loss of fine muscle dexterity·         Loss of large muscle dexterity such as ambulating·         Complete loss of function and sensation Frostbite is preventable, if you have to be out in the extreme cold, check your skin every 10-20 minutes for signs of frostbite. Source:  Growing Up With Us…, Inc January 2003 Winter Emergencies- Frostbite

Bone is a living tissue made up of minerals and protein. Bone continuously changes in a process called remodeling. During remodeling new bone is made and old bone is replaced. When you are young you make new bone faster than you break down old bone until you reach a peak bone mass in your 30s. After that, the pace of remodeling changes, and you lose a little more bone than you gain.

After menopause, women experience a dramatic increase in bone loss due to the sudden drop in estrogen. By age 65 or 70, men and women have similar bone loss rates. As you age, calcium isn’t absorbed as well, and it isn’t retained as efficiently. In addition, Vitamin D isn’t produced as well by skin from sunlight exposure.

By age 75, the percentage of people with osteoporosis is the same in both men and women. However, women have more fractures because they have smaller bones, and they have lost bone over a longer period of time.

Risk factors for osteoporosis besides sex and age include:

• Family history
• Body type – thin or small framed people are at higher risk
• Taking certain medications
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Inactivity
• Low calcium and Vitamin D intake

How can I limit bone loss?

• Eating a calcium rich diet (dairy products, spinach)
• Get enough Vitamin D (sunlight)
• Get enough protein (meat, dairy legumes, nuts)
• Weight bearing exercise (walking, jogging, stair climbing)
• Weight lifting exercises
• Adequate Vitamin K intake (green leafy vegetables)
• Avoid excessive alcohol
• Stop smoking

Taking some simple steps may delay or even prevent osteoporosis.

Source: Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Feb. 2003 & June 2006 issues