Immanuel Lutheran

Pastor’s Page ~ June 2024

Text: 1 Corinthians 8
Hymn: LSB 850

In this world, we tend to seek our own interests. In this world we

tend to demand our rights. In this world we tend to highlight how
much we know and how little someone else knows. The ego feeds off
our desire to be right and to be on top. Ego looks to self-interest.
The Lord wants us to love our neighbor, and this means we need to
look to our neighbor’s interests.

In 1 Corinthians 8, we get a cultural illustration of how this works. In Saint Paul’s day, and in the city of
Corinth, pagan people offered sacrifices to their false god’s. The meat of these sacrifices would make its
way into the marketplace. People could buy and eat the meat. For some Christians, especially new
converts who came out of these pagan religions, that meat represented a devotion to a false belief. If they
saw another Christian eating that meat or found themselves confronted by a plate full of that meat, this
might cause them to question the faith of others or, even worse, falter in faith themselves.

Paul makes it clear that false gods are no gods. Meat sacrificed to those false gods was sacrificed to
powerless images and ideas in the pagan religion. Paul says, “We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no
better off if we do.” Eating meat sacrificed to a false god is no real offense, at least on a surface level.
The offense rises considering the people who see it and experience turmoil. Eating becomes an offense
when a “weak” Christian eats the meat and feels a guilty conscience. In this matter the stronger Christian
has sinned against Christ – not because of the meat, but because of the hurting brother or sister.

Let’s face it, by faith in Jesus, we receive salvation. By faith in Jesus, we receive the promise of life
everlasting. By faith in Jesus, we come to dwell in a family of believers. Faith saves; and the quality and
nature of that faith bears not on salvation. However, we all walk in faith differently. The Lord is at work in
our lives in different ways and for different reasons. The Lord intends that we mature in faith. He wants us
to grow. Just like no one child in a family grows in the same way and at the same rate so also Christians do
not grow in the same way and at the same rate. This truth requires compassion that blossoms from love.

For the sake of our Christian family, sometimes we need to put aside being right. Sometimes we need to
check our ego! I challenge you! How can you apply this truth in your life? How can you be a part of
bringing a fellow brother or sister in Christ along in the faith?

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Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head,
into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it
is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up
in love. Ephesians 4:15-16

Collect For Love

For Love Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son into our flesh, in whom we have a High Priest able to sympathize with us
in our weaknesses and the richest demonstration of Your divine love. Embolden Your people by Your unfailing love to
turn in love toward our neighbors. Drive out all fear, give due wisdom and caution, and set our hands to compassionate
work and our mouths gracious words, that Your name may be made known and glorified in the midst of every sorrow,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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 850 God of Grace and God of Glory

Text and tune: Public domain

Please send any updates you have regarding street

addresses, email addresses and phone numbers. You
can email them to: Immanuel@702com.net or call at
701-642-6910. We would like to update our system as
Claudia Devries (Leach Home)
well as have email addresses in case of any immediate
Mavis Enochson (Leach Home)
Orville Fenske (St. Catherine’s)
announcements such as cancellations of services or
Robert Marks meetings due to weather-related issues. Also, if you
Mary Miller (Aurora, CO) have any updates for other people, please let the office
Lorna Pistorius (Kinder Care) know. Thank you!
Jeanette Pratt (White Bear Lake Senior Living)
Bruce Rossow (St. Catherine’s)
Betty Stromberg (Twin Town Villa) Thank you to Sandra Seedorf for a
Gertie Strege (Leach Home) great job taking care of the
Charles Veflin children’s activity bags they use
Kenneth Veflin during worship services.

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 What was the first math problem? God told Adam and Eve to go forth and multiply.

June 16
Men are under continual attack. Watch a TV commercial and the man is portrayed
as the idiot who cannot figure out how to buy car insurance or sell a car. A woman
or even sometimes a tech savvy child hast to rescue him. A man gets himself cemented into a pool in his
backyard. A man tries to operate on himself. If a man is alone in the forest and makes a decision, is he still
wrong? Men are brutes, they don’t have feelings. Toxic masculinity, that is what is wrong with the world today
according to some.

The war on men starts at an early age with boys. Boys need to be mellowed out. Boys are too active and loud.
Put them on a medication to calm them down. They need to sit and be quiet like the girls. There is a
psychological taskforce launched in 2020 that recommends teachers need more comprehensive training
because boys engage with teachers the most. It seems men are not required to be the major influence in their
sons’ lives. The education system can do it better. What does Proverbs 22:6 say about this? “Train up a child in
the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” How do we train up a child? Who should
train up a child? A husband and wife should train up a child using the bible as the guide. No one understands a
little boy better than a man who use to be a little boy. Especially the man who shares genetic traits with his
son. No one can guide a boy better than a man who knows how to be the head of his household. How does a
little girl know what a good man is without a good father as an example?

Back to men. God said men are to be the head of the household. Ephesians 5:21-33 is a good place to start. To
me this means men are to be the leaders of their family and be the example of how to live by following the
Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).
Men are to be a leader by following Christs’ example of sacrifice for the church. Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands,
love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Men are called to be providers but not in the extreme of putting job over family. The new cars, vacations, and
countless things cannot compare to authentic personal companionship and love for each member of a family.
Think about sitting down to comfort a child over the loss of a family pet or giving a new Play Station as a
present. Which do you think will mean more in 20 years? Men are called to be a provider of stability. Being
there when promised. Being strong but measured. Issuing proper discipline. Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not
provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Men are called to be protectors. Protecting against not just crime and violence but protecting against all the
evil forces of Satan. Protecting against the influences of media, bullying, and more. Protecting by being the
example of faith and leading our family members to Christ who is the ultimate protector. “As for God, his way
is perfect: The Lords word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30.

Can women do these things? Yes, when needed, but it is not their calling like it is for men. Men and women
are different, and God made us that way for his purpose. A purpose that, when followed, works out best for
the whole family. A purpose that works out for all in the city, county, state, nation and world.

Dean Kipp – Council Chairman

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 June Greeters

June 2nd== Laura, Tony, Avery, Emily & Luke Schanilec

June 9th == Garret, Rachel, Esther, Naomi, Abigail, Susanna &

Mary Schwinghammer

June 16th == Jon, Kim, Reid & Beth Quast

VBS 2024
June 23rd == Shaylin and Elly Stelton Keenan August 4th through the 8th
In The Evenings
June 30th == Sandy Seedorf, Aaliyha Espinoza & Natalia
Majors

June 2nd at 11:30am Pizza & Movie

"Facing the Giants" (PG)

Immanuel is hosting a Divine Service on June 4th at 3:00pm. We are inviting the Pastors and their
families from the Southeast Circuit and the Central Circuit of the North Dakota District, LCMS to
attend this worship service. Please consider attending. It is another opportunity to participate in
the sacrifice of Christ! (1 Corinthians 10:14-18) Plus, we get to welcome these visitors and
fellow Christians in our midst! The readings for the service are Ecclesiastes 12:1-14, James 4:13-
5:11; John 11:1-16.

JUNE LUTHERAN PRAYER HOUR SCHEDULE

Sundays at 8:00am on KBMW-AM 1450
2: Pastor Clark, Immanuel, Hankinson
9: Pastor Tooman, First English, Fairmount
16: Pastor Tooman, Immanuel, Wahpeton
23: Pastor Schmeling , Trinty, Great Bend
30: Pastor Fritz – Grace, Breckenridge

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 Immanuel’s External Giving for June 2024

Lutheran Island camp services the needs of children and families through their Christ-centered camp activities.
They host a full schedule of summer activities for youth and children, and families can rent cabins for
gatherings and events.
Go to the website of Lutheran Island camp for more information about their program opportunities and to learn
more about the campground and facilities. https://www.islandcamp.org/
Immanuel Lutheran Church sets aside money to help children and families attend Christ-centered camp
activities. For more information regarding these funds, please talk to Garret Schwinghammer or Pastor
Tooman.
From the Lutheran Island Camp Website: At Lutheran Island Camp, we pursue the Glory of God
through worship, ministry, giving and education. We strive to connect with Jesus Christ and to each
other, to magnify His name. At the heart of everything we do is the understanding that we must love God
with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind, and to treat our neighbors as we wish to be
treated ourselves.

Immanuel Preschool finished a great year on Monday, May 20. During the month, we
visited Dairy Queen in Breckenridge for a tour, we also invited moms and dads to come and
have a snack with us. We enjoyed outdoor play with bubbles, tricycles, parachute play and
planting flowers for our moms.
We look to another year ahead starting in September. Enrollment is full, and we have a
short waiting list. You can always contact me if you know someone looking for preschool.
Occasionally, a family may decide not to come in the fall. IN HIS SERVICE –

KRISTI

Potluck
Wednesday
June 19th 5:30pm

Hot dogs provided.

At the Langendorfer Shelter in the park.

Stewardship Minute

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There are some people who are very good at being thankful. They diligently pay attention to everyone who acts
in a selfless way on their behalf or even on behalf of someone else. For others it’s more difficult. Taking a few
moments to stop the daily routines and chores to write a thank you note or even stop and say “thank you”
consumes precious time. Is it really worth it?
Page through your Bible’s concordance. Look at the number of times that the word “Thanks” or
“Thanksgiving” is used. Here is one example.
Ephesians 5:20-21 ...giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Let’s look at this important passage.
The first thing to note is that the Lord desires His people to submit to one another. Saying “Thank you” is a part
of that submission. The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed says, “I believe in the…Communion of Saints.”
The “Communion of Saints” is the body of Christ. Part of being in that body is recognizing that we cannot do it
all, and we need each other. Saying “thanks” is a simple way to submit and honor our brothers and sisters in
Christ for their unique contribution to our lives and life of the whole church. Giving thanks is a way of
admiring each other.
The second thing to note is the ultimate direction of our thanksgiving. Expressions of thankfulness are
submission out of reverence not for each other but out of reverence for Christ -- the head of the church.
Ultimately, when we say “thanks” for another person’s loving act, we are acknowledging God’s work in and
through that person’s life. Thumb through your concordance again and look up a few of the verses that speak of
Thanksgiving. Every time, you will find that the eyes of a thankful heart are turned up to the Lord. Let’s face
it! God gives us life. Without him we could give and receive nothing.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have
eternal life.” What a marvelous and selfless act and the foundation for all our thanksgivings!
In the Name of Jesus our Lord,
Your Stewardship Board

We have scholarship money set aside for

going to LCMS summer camps and
retreats this year. If you would like to
send your kid to a camp, a district
retreat, or participate in a family camp,
contact Garret Schwinghammer or
Pastor Tooman.
WITH SUMMER HERE, increased traveling often takes us out of town on Sundays and/or at other times when
our congregation’s worship services are normally being held. And yet, our need for the spiritual nourishment of
God’s Word and Sacrament - as well as the blessing of gathering together with fellow believers in Jesus -
remains as much as ever! With this in mind, please find a sister LCMS congregation wherever you find
yourself; and also remember our LCMS “Main Street Living” media ministry broadcast each week.

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 “MSL North” Programs for June 2024:

June 2nd: Rev. Chad Berg, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Park Rapids, MN, presents the message: “Why do you
pray?” based on Luke 11:1-13. “This Is the Life” program: "Some People Need Help" - An amputee from a
Veteran's hospital must learn that hurting others will not help him.
June 9th: Rev. Edwin Borchardt, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Frazee, MN, presents the message: “I was naked
and afraid, but not anymore” based on Genesis 3:8-15. “This Is the Life” program: "Jeremy" - Deals with the
relationship between a mother and a mentally challenged son who lives in a home.
June 16th: Rev. Ross Fritz, Grace Lutheran Church, Breckenridge, MN, presents the message: ”The Secret of
the Slacker Sower & the Sickled Seed” based on Mark 4:26-34. This is the Life” program: "Flight Plan" - A
man has to deal with the death of a young boy with a terminal illness. Will it strengthen his faith or destroy it?
June 23rd: Rev. Brett Hartwig, Trinity Lutheran Church, Sabin, MN, presents the message: “Why are you so
afraid?”, based on Mark 4:35-41. This is the Life: program: “Amazing Grace" - A man who has come from a
poor beginning to a rich and full life must learn not to forsake his Christian faith.
June 30th: Rev. Andrew Ratcliffe, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School, Perham, MN, presents the message:
“Joy in Giving” based on 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15. “This Is the Life” program: "The Selling Price" - A father
and son face the issue of ethics, and how it relates to God's law.

“MAIN STREET LIVING” is a locally-produced TV program that includes a 30-minute worship service led by
participating pastors of the Minnesota North and North Dakota Districts of our LCMS, along with a 30-
minute Lutheran Hour program (normally “This Is the Life,” along with occasional church-season specials).
Programs are broadcast starting at 9:00am Central time on the following FOX stations:
Fargo-Moorhead: KVRR Channel 15.1
Programs are broadcast starting at 10:00 am Central Time 9:00 am Mountain time on the following WDAY .

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) North Dakota

District invites you to the 41st Biennial Convention in Bismarck,
June 14-16, 2024. The convention theme is “Lord of All Creation”
based on the verse “For by Him all things were created, in heaven
and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions
or rulers or authorities – all things were created through Hima and
for Him.” Colossians 1:16.

Attendees will join in worship, Bible study, servant events, and

fellowship. Delegates will elect new officers, approve the mission
goal and select the mission grants for the 2024-2026 biennium.

The convention speakers are Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy
Cross, Lidgerwood and Immanuel, rural Lidgerwood and author of “Life in Christ – Rooted, Woven, and
Grafted into God’s Story”; Rev. Steve Schulz, Assistant Director of Mission Central; Rev. Max Phillips,
Executive Director of Lutheran Family Service, LWML Representative, Pres. Eden Keefe. More information
and Convention Registration forms are available http://www.ndlwml.org
Please join us and bring a friend!

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church Non-Profit

420 3rd Avenue North U.S. Postage
Wahpeton, North Dakota 58075 PAID
A Caring Fellowship of Faith Wahpeton, ND

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 Permit No. 85

Return Service Requested

June 2024 Newsletter sent with blessings to:

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH – WAHPETON, ND

Mission Statement:
Uniting generations by Word and Sacrament
ministry so all people might believe
in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

June 2024 LINKLETTER