23rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST November 16, 2025
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
Wisconsin Synod
Pastor Rev. Christopher Oehlke Pastor’s Phone: 1-262-909-7827
Organist Mindy Kane, Karen Davis, Church Telephone 763-682-4573
Lorraine Roush Email pastor@myimmanuel.org
WELCOME, VISITORS: We are glad you could be with us and we welcome you back any time. Please sign our “Welcome” card found in the pew holders or sign the guest book in the narthex/entry.
Prayer before Communion
Most gracious Lord, you bid me to approach your altar in confidence and hope. O sweet and friendly word in a sinner’s ear, that you, Lord God, invite the needy and the poor to the communion of your body and blood! You, the Lord of the Universe, have willed to come to me, a poor and lowly sinner, to live in me. Grant me grace at all times and in all places to give you hearty thanks for this marvelous gift. Amen
THE COMMON SERVICE
Beginning on Page 15 in the Hymnal.
HYMN (#25) “The King Shall Come”
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (Sung) Amen.
CONFESSION OF SINS
M: Beloved in the Lord: let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.
C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and
actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good.
For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity.
But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior
Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
C: (Sung) Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (Sung) Amen.
PRAYER AND PRAISE
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
GLORY BE TO GOD
C: (Sung) Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace,
good will toward men.
We praise you, we bless you, we worship you,
we glorify you, we give thanks to you, for your great glory,
O Lord God, heav’nly King, God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
You take away the sin of the world; receive our prayer.
You sit at the right hand of God the Father; have mercy on us.
For you only are holy; you only are the Lord.
You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high in the
glory of God the Father. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: The Lord be with you.
C: (Sung) And also with you.
M: Let us Pray. Lord God Almighty, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that we may always look forward to the end of this present evil age and the day of your righteous judgment. Keep us steadfast in true and living faith, and present us at last holy and blameless before you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (Sung) Amen.
THE WORD
FIRST LESSON Malachi 4:1-6
4 Look! The day is coming, burning like a blast furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble. The day that is coming will set them on fire, says the Lord of Armies, a day that will not leave behind a root or branch for them. 2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise, and there will be healing in its wings. You will go out and jump around like calves from the stall. 3 You will trample the wicked. They will surely be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I take action, says the Lord of Armies. 4 Remember the law of my servant Moses, which I commanded to him at Horeb to serve as statutes and judgments over all Israel. 5 Look! I am going to send Elijah the prophet to you before the great and fearful day of the Lord comes! 6 He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with complete destruction. (EHV)
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PSALM OF THE DAY (Sung) Psalm 98 (page 103)
SECOND LESSON 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10
5 This is evidence of God’s righteous verdict that resulted in your being counted worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you also suffer. 6 Certainly, it is right for God to repay trouble to those who trouble you, 7 and to give relief to you, who are troubled along with us. When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his powerful angels, 8 he will exercise vengeance in flaming fire on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 Such people will receive a just penalty: eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from his glorious strength, 10 on that day when he comes to be glorified among his saints, and to be marveled at among all those who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. (EHV)
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
VERSE OF THE DAY
M: Alleluia. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Alleluia. (Revelation 2:10)
C: (Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
GOSPEL Luke 21:5-19
After the announcement of the Gospel, the congregation sings:
C: (Sung) Glory be to you, O Lord!
5 As some were talking about the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and offerings, Jesus said, 6 “These things that you see here—the days will come when there will not be one stone left on another—every one will be thrown down.”
7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? And what is the sign that these things are about to happen?”
8 He said, “Watch out so that you are not deceived! For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 Whenever you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end will not be right then.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be horrifying sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, handing you over to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 It will turn out to be your opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand how to defend yourselves, 15 for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all people for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By patient endurance you will gain your lives. (EHV)
M: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: (Sung) Praise be to you, O Christ!
NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
and became fully human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who in unity with the Father and the Son
is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
HYMN (#207) “The Day Is Surely Drawing Near”
SERMON TEXT Luke 21:5-19
SERMON THEME “When? Do Not Fear–”
After the sermon, the congregation stands and sings:
C: (Sung) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with your free Spirit. Amen.
OFFERING – Please leave offering in the plate as you depart.
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
That we would be kept from being led astray by those who speak lies in the Lord’s name; that we would be awakened to hear His Word with hearts to believe, even in the face of trial and trouble; and that we may be found faithful when our Lord comes in His glory to finish His new creation, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the homes in which God’s people dwell, that they would be places of blessing and peace where His Word is front and center and the faith is preserved and passed on to children and grandchildren, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For good and faithful leaders and government to serve the Lord’s purposes, defend His people, punish the evildoer and encourage virtue; for those least able to defend themselves, especially the unborn; and for those who serve the cause of peace among the nations, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the sick, the suffering, the grieving and all who have requested our prayers, that our Rising Sun might overshadow them with His healing wings and shine His light upon them, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, have mercy.
That we would receive with thanksgiving and faith the most blessed food of Christ’s flesh for the life of the world and His blood that cleanses us from all our sins, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, have mercy.
For strength, that we may not give into temptation or be caught up in evil, but endure through grace to the day of Christ’s return; and that we would be found holy and blameless by the power of His grace when we are brought to the dawn of the Last Day, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, have mercy.
Blessed Lord, You have promised never to abandon us and always to provide all that we need for this day and for eternal life. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, hear the prayers of Your people, and grant them all good things for Your mercy’s sake. To You, the eternal God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be glory now and forevermore. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.
THE SACRAMENT
PREFACE
M: The Lord be with you.
C: (Sung) And also with you.
M: Lift up your hearts.
C: (Sung) We lift them up unto the Lord.
M: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.
C: (Sung) It is good and right so to do.
M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and
everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who preserves his Church to the end of time when he will come again as king to judge all people and take his own to glory. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
C: (Sung) Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts:
heav’n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he
who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C: (Sung) Amen
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD
C: (Sung) O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us your peace. Amen.
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION HYMN (#538) “The Church’s One Foundation” (#306) “Before You, God, the Judge of All”
STAND
THANKSGIVING
SONG OF SIMEON
C: (Sung) Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.
M: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
C: (Sung) And his mercy endures forever.
M: We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this holy supper. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (Sung) Amen.
M: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
C: (Sung) Amen. Amen. Amen.
HYMN (#760S) “When Peace Like a River”
Prayer after Communion
O blessed Savior Jesus Christ, who has given yourself to me in this holy sacrament, keep me in your faith and favor. As you live in me, may I also live in you. May your body and blood preserve me in the true faith to everlasting life. Amen.
23rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST November 16, 2025
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
THE SCHEDULE
Mon., Nov. 17 7 p.m., Church Council Meeting
Tues., Nov. 18 2 p.m., Tuesday Bible Study
7 p.m., Choir Practice
Wed., Nov. 19 6:30 p.m., Catechism
Thurs., Nov. 20 FISHERS RESCHEDULED
Next Sunday, Nov. 23, Greeters: Peters Family
Visiting Shut-Ins for November: Donna Frank and Darlene Weese
OUR FATHER’S BUSINESS
VETERANS DAY AMMO CAN: Thank you to all who participated in the 2025 ammo can drive. A total of $356 will be sent to the Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG).
BIRTHDAY OPEN HOUSE: You are invited by her family to an open house for Lois Liefert’s 88th birthday on Saturday, Nov. 22, in the church basement from 1 to 4 p.m. Questions, call Sharon at 612-802-6821.
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES: Sign up on the table in the narthex if you can lend a hand.
THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP will be Wed., Nov. 26 followed by pie and ice cream, hosted by Pastor Oehlke.
CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE will begin the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29 from 9 to 11 a.m.
ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT: Mt. Olive-Delano will be hosting an “Advent by Candlelight” on Dec. 7 from 6-8 p.m. and will be a wonderful evening of the Word, music and fellowship to help prepare our hearts for the Advent Season. If you are interested or have questions, contact Julie Tomfohrde at 262-385-6298.
ATTENDANCE AT THE LORD’S HOUSE:
Sunday, Nov. 9 61
FOR THE LORD’S WORK: Nov. 7: General Fund-$1,260; Salem-$2.
Ladies Fellowship
Party and Christmas-Giving Opportunities
Congregational Christmas Party – Dec. 7
Schedule of events includes caroling and games
with a potluck lunch.
Buy-in for the dice game will be a small wrapped gift (about $5 value).
Buffalo Food Shelf Special Collection
Bring your food shelf item(s) and place in the silver buckets
(or cash is always welcome).
Adopt-A-Family—Immanuel
Watch for the arrival of the Angel Tree providing ideas for clothing and personal items for children in a specific family—items needed and sizes will be provided on each angel (Cash donations are also accepted).
Toys-for-Tots—Immanuel
Toys should be new, unwrapped and preferably in the $10 or above price range. Books are also a good idea.
(Homemade toys are also accepted.)
