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Message From Pastor’s DeskPr. Scott Smith, STS when what is coming up ahead shines its bright lightbackwards onto the present moment. And theScriptures encourage us to let this light of hope shineon our prayers and on our daily living in the present. I had a memorable experience of this a few yearsago while praying through the Evening Prayer liturgy.I don’t often talk about “my experiences” just becauseI don’t want to give the impression that Christianity isprimarily about having such “experiences,” ratherthan about the concrete facts concerning what Godhas done for you in the work of Jesus Christ. But Iwanted to share this one with you. As I was praying, both confessing the ways in whichI had failed to trust God that day and placing beforeHim the concerns I was carrying, I was stronglyreminded of a fact: “It won’t always be this way.” Aday is coming when there won’t be anything to repentof anymore. There will be a day when I no longer do,nor desire to do, things contrary to God’s Word. Aday is coming when I will be living, breathing, eating,and drinking, and yet my body will no longer besubject to either temptation or worry, and when thosefor whom I am currently praying will be perfectly well.And for the first time, as far as I remember, I prayedspontaneously the words we sometimes say in theliturgy, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” This coming day is God’s promise to me and toyou. It is the hope in which “we were saved,” as Paulsays above. And, much like my hopes of travelling,this hope, as Paul says in chapter 5 of Romans, “doesnot disappoint.”THE VOICE OF IMMANUELAugust 2025 ravelling has always been one of my most favoritethings. I can remember when I was a kid, the daysleading up to a family vacation were always packedwith hopeful excitement. My imagination would beflooded with all the amazing things that were bound tobe just around the corner. And unlike Christmases orbirthdays, the hopes of travelling never disappointed.(I know that sounds spoiled and selfish, but as I grewup I had to learn what the right things to hope forwere in these events. In travelling, it was alwaysobvious.) This love for travelling continued on as Igrew older, expanding to excitement around takingshort exploratory trips either on my own or with acouple good friends to closer places like Indianapolisand St. Louis. The bright hope of travelling alwayscast its light backwards onto the days and weekspreceding it; and the experience was always as good orbetter than hoped for (even the problems andchallenges were enjoyably exciting). “Hope” in the Scriptures, as you may have heardbefore, is not the weak and nebulous thing wesometimes mean when we say “hope” today; as in “Ihope you get better soon,” or “I hope it doesn’t raintoday.” Hope, like my expectation of travel, is whenyou know something good is right around the corner--when what is coming up ahead shines its bright lightbackwards onto the present moment. And theScriptures encourage us to let this light of hope shineon our prayers and on our daily living in the present. “Hope” in the Scriptures, as you may have heardbefore, is not the weak and nebulous thing wesometimes mean when we say “hope” today; as in “Ihope you get better soon,” or “I hope it doesn’t raintoday.” Hope, like my expectation of travel, is whenyou know something good is right around the corner-- For we know that the whole creation has beengroaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who havethe firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we waiteagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of ourbodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hopethat is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what hesees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we waitfor it with patience.Romans 8:22-25

What’s your favorite part of Sunday morning worship? One part ofworship I appreciate is the intentionality and reverence of theliturgical service. The weekly liturgy gives melodic tunes tofoundational Bible verses. By setting apart weekly communityworship, our hearts are repeatedly tuned to Christ which is needed aswe journey through a fallen world.What’s something about playing church music that most peoplewouldn’t expect? There is method to the madness! Each service isdifferent but the goal is always to play to the congregation’s strengthsand set people up to sing confidently. The messages we let in, impactour heart, mind and soul - even more deeply if those messages are setto music. (Notice how memorizing a Bible verse or Hymn lyricsbecomes much easier once set to a memorable tune.) Hopefully, bybuilding the confidence to sing, people will find themselves with thesemelodic messages coming to mind during the week, not just onSunday.What is the biggest way you've changed since you were a child? In whatway are you still the same? As a kid I picked up the habit of runningseveral miles before going to school, I still enjoy early morning runsto kick off the day. Tell us about the most inspirational thing you have experienced?Throughout my crop science career, I am inspired by the repeatedevidence from science and nature of a creation that is deliberatelyordered and intricately designed, pointing unmistakably to apurposeful Creator. From discovering the details of the geneticmakeup of a seed or the finely tuned rhythm of the seasons, I findthis knowledge deepening my faith in a God whose divine signaturehas been etched across all creation.2498 CR 2100 EThomasboro, IL 61878Ph: 217.694.4156www.flatvillechurch.comIMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCHFLATVILLE Pastor Scott Smith, STSChurch Officers Nicole Crites, Pres. Trent Hoveln, V. Pres.Kalista Lutes, Sec.Tyler Suits, TreasurerCongregation CouncilLaveda ClemNicole CritesNeil FranzenTyler HarmsTrent HovelnKalista LutesJoyce RomineMelissa SuitsTyler SuitsParish Education CommitteeDarcy Silver - ChairmanGrace FlessnerTina Buhr/Callie HeidbrederKari Ackerman/Hailey BradenHallie HarmsMarie ReitmeierAngie SageMissy BuhrEric & Alyson SuitsBuilding & GroundsTommy BuhrBlake HedrickEvan HulsYouth CommitteeAngie & Carmen SageMissy BuhrEric & Alyson SuitsVacation BibleSchool CommitteeHallie Harms/Grace FlessnerTina Buhr/Darcy SilverSunday School StaffTina Buhr & Callie Heidbreder,Co-Supt.Kari Ackerman/Hailey Braden, Asst. Co- Supt.Cathedral Choir DirectorVacantCathedral Choir Co-DirectorsMarilyn BuhrDarla RubartsCathedral Choir PianistsLaveda ClemLois HarmsBell Choir DirectorJill FlessnerCustodian/Groundskeeper:D. Ramm ServicesParish SecretaryNathon JonesFinancial SecretaryAngie SageOrganistsAmanda PurvinesSusi HulsKat DownsThe Voice of ImmanuelImmanuel Lutheran ChurchAugust 2025Page 2Have an item to share?The newsletter deadline is August 15th.flatvillesecretary@gmail.comGetting to know...AmandaAmanda PurvinesPurvines

BirthdayBlessings8/1 Melvin Reitmeier8/3 Donna Ramm8/6 Jo Duitsman8/8 Clarissa Schluter8/10 Carolyn Flesner8/14 Robert Tuller8/16 Virlon Suits8/18 Elaine Busboom8/20 Philip Johnson8/22 Nancy Schmidt8/30 Sharon Emkes8/30 Mary BlueCornerstone Rehab - Peoria HeightsDonna FlessnerCountry Health Care & RehabEmilie SteffeyVillas of Holly Brook - RantoulJanice DuitsmanDora EhmenCarolyn FlesnerDarlene UkenSaturday5:00 p.m.Sunday9:00 a.m.Totals5/256th Sunday ofEaster191021216/1AscensionSunday261201466/8Pentecost191411606/15Trinity Sunday212082296/221st Sunday AfterTrinity441051496/292nd Sunday AfterTrinity151331487/63rd Sunday AfterTrinity191071267/134th Sunday AfterTrinity191111307/205th Sunday AfterTrinity1096106Immanuel Lutheran ChurchPage 3ShutInsThe Voice of Immanuel August 2025Church Attendance Report Natalie Mitchell and Ryan Miller were united inmarriage on July 26, 2025 at Immanuel. Theceremony was officiated by Rev. Scott Smith, STS.We pray God’s blessings upon their new lifetogether!Holy MatrimonyBELL CHOIR IS OPEN! The Immanuel Lutheran Church bell choir willhold its first meeting on August 27th at 6:15 p.m.Weekly rehearsals will be held on Wednesdays at6:15 p.m. Anyone interested in joining, contact JillFlessner at 217-418-9152. FOOD BANK REMINDER Please remember to bring food donationson Communion Sundays–leave them in thebasket in the breeze way.

HOLY COMMUNIONat Country Health onThursday, August 14th at 1:30 p.m.AN INVITIATION(Sung to the tune of “Take Me Out to theBallgame“)Take me out to ImmanuelGet me out to the choir;Get me a folder and robe and stuffI don’t care if the music is tuffFor we need some more choir membersOn Wednesday nights we will meetWon’t you come...and...join us this yearWe’ve reserved your seat!!! RUN on over of our 1 PRACTICE. We willmeet Wednesday evening, August 27 @ 7:00PM. We guarantee you’ll CATCH on quick tothe easy songs we sing.stth Don’t worry even if you don’t get the PITCHright away, we are always a HIT with our Songsof Praise to the LORD. We know all of you have sung in theOUTFIELD once or twice so give us a chanceand bet you will SCORE big with our ChoirDirector and our LORD. Remember we don’t have TRYOUTS. We justneed you so all our BASES are covered. Come on Out and Join the Lord’s TEAM.The Voice of Immanuel August 2025Immanuel Lutheran Church Page 4CONFIRMATION We’re looking forward to a new year oflearning, growth, and fellowship as Confirmationresumes this fall! Weekly classes will begin onWednesday, September 3rd. Before then, allConfirmation students and at least one parentare asked to attend the Confirmation Orientationon Wednesday, August 27th at 7:00 PM in thesanctuary. On Sunday, September 28th, we will celebrateand bless our Confirmation mentors during the10:15 AM service, with a brief training sessionfor mentors immediately following worship.Please keep our Confirmation students, families,and mentors in your prayers as we begin anotheryear of faith formation together!FOUNDATIONS CLASS HAPPENING NOW! Pastor Scott’s Foundations class is back, nowmeeting on Sunday evenings from 5:00–6:30 PM.Designed to explore the essential beliefs of theChristian faith, this class is perfect for thoseconsidering membership or anyone wanting togrow deeper in their understanding of what webelieve and why.Upcoming class dates:August 3, 10, 24, 31 (Note: No class on August 17)September 7 & 14 Whether you're new to Immanuel or just wanta refresher, you're warmly invited to join in!PACK THE CHURCH: SUNDAY AUG 3 Join us for the annual Pack the Churchcelebration on Sunday, August 3. Start with a funparade to church in your favorite casual attireusing golf carts or small vehicles. After worship,enjoy a delicious chicken dinner at Miller FarmsBarn. It's a day of fun, fellowship, andcommunity!

The Voice of Immanuel August 2025Immanuel Lutheran Church Page 5 Join us for a special serviceon Sunday, August 10th at9:00 AM, featuring theBlessing of the Backpacks. BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKSSUNDAY SCHOOL We invite all children to bring their schoolbackpacks to church to be blessed for theupcoming school year. During the service, wewill also be installing our Sunday Schoolteachers and staff. After the service, there willbe a meeting with the Sunday School teachersfollowed by an appreciation brunch. Markyour calendars for the start of Sunday Schoolon September 7th. Sunday School hours thatday will be 10:10-11:00 a.m. followed by acookout with inflatables and games from11:00-2:00 p.m.September 14th Sunday School hour willbe 10:10-11:00 a.m.September 21st Sunday School hour willbe back to the normal time 9:15-10:05a.m. Sunday School teachers are needed for the2025-2026 school year. If you are interestedin teaching, co-teaching, or substituting,please contact Callie Heidbreder(calliew56@gmail.com) or Tina Buhr(bergman757@hotmail.com).AUGUST STEWARDSHIP PROJECTSCHOOL KITS FOR ADULTS ANDCHILDREN Education is one of the strongest tools acommunity has for breaking the cycle ofpoverty. Ensuring that girls attend school,especially in places where their access isdeprioritized, has even stronger results.School kits contain essential supplies tohelp children, and sometimes adults,continue learning in the face of seriousobstacles. Four 70-80 sheet spiral notebooks(280-300 sheets total) of wide orcollege-ruled paper approximately8" x 10-1/2"; NO LOOSE LEAFPAPEROne 30-centimeter ruler, or a rulerwith centimeters on one side andinches on the otherOne pencil sharpenerOne pair of blunt scissorsFive UNSHARPENED #2 pencilswith eraserFive black or blue ballpoint pens(no gel ink)One box of 16 or 24 crayonsOne 2-1/2" eraser School kits will be our main fucus inAugust. The items in these school kits willbe available to help for a better life forthem, their families and their communities.The following items are included in acomplete kit: If you don’t have time to shop, justindicate “LWR School Kit” next to theamount you wish to donate on the outsideof your offering envelops during the monthof July and we’ll do the shopping for you.

2025!VBSImmanuel Lutheran Church Page 6The Voice of Immanuel August 2025DAILY RECAP:Day 1Bible Story - Abraham & Sarah Follow God (Gen.12:1-9)Mile Marker - God is with us on the journey.Day 2Bible Story - The Israelites Take the Scenic Route(Exodus 13:17-22)Mile Marker - God is with us when we go off course.Day 3Bible Story - Mary & Elizabeth’s Family Reunion(Luke 1:39-56)Mile Marker - God is with us when we're joyful.Day 4Bible Story - Jesus Visits Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)Mile Marker - God is with us when we're lonely.Day 5Bible Story - On the Road with Paul (Acts 18:1-11)Mile Marker - God is with us near and far.Green Light Verse - The LORD your God is with youwherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) We would like to thank all of the adult & youthhelpers for being with us all week, we couldn’t havepulled this off without you!! We appreciate all the helpfrom parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, & siblings formaking sure the children were able to attend! We knowit takes a lot of coordinating schedules to make it workfor each family! This year we had 97 children registerfor VBS & we actually had 92 attend throughout theweek, which is 20 more children compared to 2024. Wehad a very successful week & learned about how God isalways with us. This year we raised money for the“Canteen Run”, which is a Christian ministry thatpartners with the Salvation Army. They feed andclothe the most vulnerable living on the streets ofChampaign Urbana without discrimination yeararound. It is operated by volunteers of all faiths & issupported by donations from private parties & manylocal churches. We were able to donate over $600 &also our 3-5th graders made 12 blankets to donate aswell. We learned throughout the week how God wantsus to show kindness to others. We felt our donationshelped those people who are not as fortunate as us. Thank you to Pastor Scott for being with us eachday for opening and closing & being our Bible Storyteller for two days. Thank you to Nathon Jones forhelping with our technology needs/emergencies! Thankyou to all the volunteers for answering the call to serveGod and for guiding children to work together to serveGod and one another! We would like to thank all thosethat donated offerings, snacks, material for blankets, &treats for our volunteers! We hope everyone enjoyed ourprogram on Sunday! We look forward to VBS 2026!!Grace Flessner, Hallie Harms, Tina Buhr, Darcy Silver, &Amy McElroy More Photos Available on our Facebook Page!facebook.com/ILCFlatville

Immanuel Lutheran Church Page 7The Voice of Immanuel August 2025For years, King David showed special kindness to the sonof King Saul’s son Jonathan, because David and Jonathanhad been dear friends. Which of the following statements isnot accurate?A. The name of King Saul’s grandson was Mephibosheth.B. He was lame in both feet.C. His feet had been injured when he was 5.D. He was injured while playing with his brothers.(Answer on page 13)“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela

CHURCH COUNCILImmanuel Lutheran Church Page 8The Voice of Immanuel August 2025Council Minutes - July 1, 2025Treasurer’s Report: The council is waiting toapprove expenditures via text, as financialstatements just became available. A decisionwas made to renew CDs—one at GSB (3.5%)and two at Busey Bank (not less than 3.5%)—to maintain diversification and minimize risk.The motion was approved.Pastor’s Report: Pastor Scott has beenplanning next year's Adult Sunday Schooltopics, leaving room for special or expandedsessions. Guest speakers will include MaryBates (Saturday and Sunday mornings) andKeith Forney (Sunday night). Immanuel willhelp plan a youth lock-in at AmericanLutheran in Rantoul on October 17–18 forages 12–17, with hopes of making it a district-wide event. Pastor will be on vacation October14–20, with Pastor Andy from SJO availablefor emergencies. An additional $2,000 wasapproved to cover under-budgeted continuededucation expenses. Usher concerns aboutsanctuary and kitchen speaker systems may beaddressed once new computer equipment is inplace. The transfer of Danny and LauraEhmen from Prince of Peace, SJO, was alsoapproved.Volunteer Services: The committee reviewedfeedback from the recent usher meeting and isbeginning to plan a volunteer appreciationevent.Property: Recent work included planting onthe church workday and greasing the bell inthe tower. New damage was discovered insidethe bell tower, with bricks breaking and thebell wheel in need of seal coating. The committee is working on getting an engineerto evaluate whether the roof can support slatematerial. There is also an issue with aplexiglass cover on the stained glass windows,though it’s unclear which one is damaged.Old Business: The council reviewed 2025goals, focusing on inviting new volunteers,hosting interest-based events, and planningfamily gatherings with speakers. Plans for theMission Festival include assembling 100disaster buckets and 51 hygiene kits forNALC Disaster Relief and Cristo ReyLutheran Church, with donations encouragedthrough offering notes and sponsorships. TheGolf Cart Parade and Chicken Dinner raised$1,400–$1,600, with strong volunteer supportand a fun morning of setup and games. Forthe church van, a $500 insurance policy wasapproved, and driver requirements are beingfinalized. During the recent staff relationsmeeting, office organization, scheduling, andcontent concerns were discussed. Pastor Scottnoted he feels settled into his role.New Business: The council is exploringoptions for a new Cathedral Choir director.Jill Flessner is willing to help, but others arewelcome to step in. Paying a director may beconsidered if needed, and choir members mayrotate leading on Sundays. The council alsoplans to review ongoing donations to LifeStream Church during the annual budgetingprocess.The next council meeting will be August 12,2025 at 6 pm.

For the latest updates and upcoming volunteer schedules,please visit our website: flatvillechurch.com

For the latest updates and upcoming volunteer schedules,please visit our website: flatvillechurch.com

August 2025Convocation weekPack the churchGolf Kart SundayBlessing of theBackpacks5pm Bible Foundations5pm Bible Foundations5pm Bible Foundations5pm Bible Foundations7pm Choir Rehearsal615pm Bell Choir

CHRISTIAN SYMBOLALTAR — This central furnishing in a Christian worship space isusually large, with a solid front that may be decorated withsymbols or words. The flat surface, often covered with a cloth, iswhere the Communion elements are prepared and placed,reminding us of Jesus' sacrifice as the Lamb of God. In somechurches, the altar looks more like a table, with open legwork. Weremember that Jesus invites us into fellowship with God now andto the heavenly banquet for eternity. We place offerings on thealtar to symbolize our sacrificial response to God's redeeminglove.

Jeff and Shari Hoveln will represent Immanuel as delegates at the 2025 NALCMission Convocation, held August 6–8 in Pittsburgh, PA as part of Lutheran Week.They will be joined by Pastor Scott Smith and seminarian Ryan Sage for this annualgathering of North American Lutheran Church leaders and members. TheConvocation includes worship, prayer, theological reflection, and decision-making asthe NALC celebrates 15 years of ministry and looks ahead to the future. Please keepour attendees in your prayers as they travel and serve on behalf of our congregation.Answer: D (See 2 Samuel 4:4; 9:1-7; 21:7.)

What Will Be In Next Month’s Issue:Mission Festival 2025 is coming this September—aspecial Sunday focused on celebrating andsupporting the mission work of the Church, bothnear and far. The two-day event will feature avariety of activities!MISSIONMISSIONFESTIVALFESTIVALFrom the Seminarian — Ryan Sage will have a newarticle detailing his experience on his spiritualjourney. Back to Sunday School — Sunday School classesreturn September 7 ! We’ll have everything youneed to know to prepare for this upcoming schoolyear!thWhat is the Canteen Run? We will engage in adiscussion with a family who shares theirexperiences with a Christian ministry dedicated toproviding clothing, toiletries, and food toindividuals in need.

Immanuel Lutheran ChurchImmanuel Lutheran Church150th Anniversary150th AnniversaryCommemorative BookCommemorative Book