Dear members and friends,

During this transitional time, it is important that all of us do what we can to make Immanuel Church stronger. No matter where the Holy Spirit leads us in the future, it is important that we do what we can to strengthen the congregation NOW.

How, specifically?

First by praying for your congregation every day. Even the most infirm among us can do that. Pray always that Immanuel becomes stronger. Prayer works! Then become the answer to your own prayer by backing up your petition with your presence at worship. That will strengthen Immanuel and put us in a much better position to call the next pastor.

My reading tells me that it takes about 100 - 125 people at worship each week for a congregation to be able to afford a full-time pastor. During Lent, the average Sunday attendance (both services) totaled between 50 and 60. If the above statistic is correct, then Immanuel Church is only at the half way mark.

Where can additional worshipers come from? From you! The membership roll lists 227 persons as active members. That means that on any given Sunday only 25 percent show up to worship God. We can do better than that and we need to do better than that.

So do your part, please. Attend worship regularly. It will make Jesus smile. It will strengthen Immanuel as we begin a search for a pastor. And it will strengthen your own love for the Lord as well.