CONNECTIONS

Newsletter November 2014/January 2015

M a rk Yo u r

CALENDAR NOVEMBER 9 Reel Faith

NOVEMBER 15

Winter Evening Café

NOVEMBER 24 Joint Service

DECEMBER 14

Children’s Christmas Pageant

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer. - Acts 2:42

DECEMBER 24

Christmas Eve Candlelight

DECEMBER 25

Open House at the Fondells

EQUMENIAKYRKAN IN STOCKHOLM

www.immanuel.se Kungstensgatan 17, Stockholm

From the Pastors

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, It seems only appropriate to begin this Connections message to you in this kind of manner, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.” (Phil. 1:3-6) This was Paul, speaking in the 1st century A.D. to the church in Philippi, but it surely reflects our thoughts about you as a community of faith here in Stockholm. We have treasured the years we have spent with you as partners in the Gospel. As we think about the people we have encountered over the past 17 years, both those who have come and gone, and you who remain, we can only give thanks to God. As you have heard, we will be leaving our pastoral posts at the end of December 2014. We will then return to California at the end of January 2015. What then? We will wake up, breath, thank God for the day, pray for any concern that God places on our hearts (including you as a church) and then simply trust that God will guide our next steps. As for Immanuel International, we have no doubt that you will- in good time- be very open to receiving new pastoral leadership. Whoever you call is going to be blessed with the privilege to minister to an outstanding group of people. Keep loving each other. Remember you are partners in sharing the Gospel of Christ with others. Trust that the road ahead, though never easy, will prove to be a blessing to you and others. You’ve heard us say this to you- as your pastors we are in the people business, called to really love the people entrusted to our care. We haven’t done this perfectly, but we trust that you have experienced something of the love of Christ through us. We have surely experienced it through you. When the day comes for us to leave Immanuel, there is no question...it’s going to be met with many tears, but we are mindful of the words of Jesus

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when he said to his disciples, “Now is your time of sorrow, but I will see you again. And on that day, you will rejoice and no one will ever take away your joy again.” (John 16:22) We will see you again, either on this side of heaven, or the other. In the meantime, let’s be about the business of God’s Kingdom work, until that day when we hear the words of our Saviour saying, “Well done, well done my good and faithful servants.” (Matt. 25:21) We are both very sure that “he who began a good work within you, will see it through to its completion on that day when Christ comes back again!” (Phil. 1:6) It has been our joy, blessing and privilege to serve as your pastors. May God bless us all in the memory of the times we have shared with you!

With all our love, Pastors Doug and Jodi

Confirmation Update We regret to inform the congregation that due to the Pastors’ departure, Immanuel International will not be able to offer a Confirmation experience this year. Students who are of the right age to participate (born in 1999 or 2000) are free to contact Pastor Tobias Frelin, E-mail: [email protected] to inquire about joining the Swedish Confirmation class in January. Ben Tatlow is also available to answer any questions you might have in this regard. E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: 0707 23 23 92

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Preaching Schedule November - December

Making Sense of Revelation!

Few books of the Bible create more interest, inspire more curiosity, and conjure up more fear than the Book of Revelation. But what’s the meaning of Revelation? How are we to read it? And how does its message speak to us today? If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the book of Revelation join us throughout the month of November as we seek to gain an overview of John’s letter to the churches in Asia Minor. NOVEMBER 2 Context Is Everything! Revelation 1:1-4; 3:14 Pastor Jodi preaching Communion NOVEMBER 9 A Tale of Two Kingdoms! Revelation 13:1-4; 16-18 Pastor Doug preaching NOVEMBER 16 Paradise Found! Revelation 21:1-7 Pastor Jodi preaching

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NOVEMBER 23 Joint Service of Worship with a focus on Our Mission to the World. Preaching: Pastor Ulla Marie Gunner Special Guest: Kerstin Bergeå of the Christian Peace Movement. Translation to English will be provided. There will be a congregational meeting following the joint service to discuss the church square re-construction.

** The Preaching Schedule for January has not yet been set. Information regarding the worship services will be available on the website and in the program as soon as the schedule has been set. Thank you for your understanding.

The Hopes and Fears of All The Years! Back in 1865, Phillips Brooks penned the lyrics to “O Little Town of Bethlehem” after a visit to the Holy Land. Nearly everyone knows the first verse:

“O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light: the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight!

Throughout the Advent/Christmas season, we will be taking an in-depth look at the hopes and fears manifested in the promise of Bethlehem’s Child. Join us each Sunday as we wrestle with our fears and draw near to the hope that is only Christ’s to give! NOVEMBER 30 Homecoming and Abandonment! Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44 Pastor Doug preaching Mission Offering DECEMBER 7 Peace and Punishment! Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1-12 Pastor Jodi preaching Communion DECEMBER 14 Vision and Blindness! Isaiah 35:1-10, Matthew 11:2-11 Pastor Doug preaching ** Children’s Christmas Pageant to follow the service at 14.00

DECEMBER 21 Birth and Betrayal! Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25 Pastor Jodi preaching DECEMBER 24 NOTE: 11.00 a.m. A Special Christmas Eve Candlelight service! Pastor Doug preaching See page 20 for information DECEMBER 28 Benediction Philippians 1:3-11 Pastors Jodi & Doug preaching Mission Offering

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M i n i s t r y FAITH BUILDERS Sunday School for ages 12-14 born 2000-2002 Faith Builders: Each Sunday during the worship service, Faith Builders gathers in the youth room to dig into God’s Word, share from our lives and have fun! Youth in this group will stay in the service until we finish the praise and worship time. They are then invited to leave the service through the main exit and make their way to the youth room which is located directly behind our sanctuary. Class will finish no later than 12.30. During this winter, we will be looking at some of the big questions that we often face about God, and learning practical lessons to help us live fruitful lives for Him. We will ask questions such as What if my friends aren’t Christian? Why should I pray when God doesn’t answer all my prayers? Why does God let bad things happen?

NOTICE:

Faith Builders Sunday school will take a short break during the holidays. The last Sunday will be on December 14 and the class will resume on Sunday, 11 January 2015.

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FAITH BUILDERS SCHEDULE FOR THE COMING MONTHS

NOVEMBER 2nd NO FAITH BUILDERS (Autumn break)

23rd NO FAITH BUILDERS (Joint Service)

9th Is it OK to be angry at God?

30th Could God ever stop loving me?

16st What if my friends aren’t Christian?

DECEMBER 7th Why does God let bad things happen? 14th Final Faith Builders before Christmas (Christmas Fun!)

JANUARY 2015 11th Can it be proven that God exists? 18th Can I be a Christian without going to church? 25th Is the New Testament more important than the Old?

Save the Date LOCK - IN For all teens 12-18

27th - 28th February!

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CLUB 24 Fortnightly Friday evening ministry for ages 12-14 born 2000-2002 We meet every 2nd and 4th Friday evenings of the month for combined events with Digging Deeper. The aim of this ministry is to seek to grow in relationship with each other and with God. We begin at 18.00. Youth are informed by SMS where we are meeting. There will be a light snack before the main event starts. The evening ends at 21.00.

DIGGING DEEPER Weekly Friday evening ministry for ages 15-19 year olds born 1995-1999 Digging Deeper meets at 18.00 every Friday evening. On the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of a month, we will share a meal together (prepared and served by volunteers), followed by a time of getting to know each other through fun games, exploring the word of God while learning how to apply our faith into our daily lives. The evening ends at 21:00. On the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, we will join with Club 24 for joint planned events.

FRIDAY, 12 DECEMBER Club 24 & Digging Deeper Youth Christmas party at Pastors Doug & Jodi’s house on Tegnergatan 4 from 18.00-21.00.

Text or e-mail Ben for the door code. 0707 23 23 92 // [email protected]

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DIGING DEEPER & CLUB 24 SCHEDULE

NOVEMBER Friday 7th

NO YOUTH EVENT! (Youth Conference)

Friday 14th

Club 24 & Digging Deeper Bowling

Saturday 15th All Church event Winter Café with Salt Of The Sound Friday 21st

Digging Deeper

Friday 28th

Club 24 & Digging Deeper Express Yourself Café

DECEMBER Friday 5th

Digging Deeper

Friday 12th

Club 24 & Digging Deeper Youth Christmas Party at Jodi and Doug’s house from 18.00-21.00: Tegnergatan 4. NOTE: Digging Deeper & Club 24 will be on

a holiday break between December 12 & January 9.

JANUARY 2015 Friday 9th

Digging Deeper

Friday 16th

NO YOUTH EVENT (All invited to the church all event on Saturday.)

Saturday 17th All Church Event: Farewell for Pastors Jodi & Doug Friday 23rd

Digging Deeper

Friday 30th

Club 24 & Digging Deeper Laser Dome

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Children’s Ministry As we approach the end of 2014, we find ourselves looking back at all the ways that God has blessed us this past year. We have seen God at work in so many wonderful ways. We said goodbye to our 12 year olds as they graduated to the teen group, realizing that it seemed like only yesterday that they belonged to our toddlers group. It seems at the end of every year that we are amazed each and every time we shift our children into their appropriate age groups, all along thinking... “Were they always this small?” At the same time, we admire our 11 year olds, and how big and mature they seem to be in comparison to the rest of the group. And once again we remember how we say the same thing each and every year. Our classes continue meeting in three different age groups: 2-5, 6-8, and 9-11. As God makes us all diverse, with different gifts and abilities, He shows us that same diversity within our Sunday School classes as well. The youngest group with their limited development and concentration, spend the majority of their time singing, dancing, listening to and participating in the bible story time, as well as doing crafts and activities. The middle group at this present time is our largest group, and developmentally finds itself somewhere in between the maturity level of still being little children, with limited concentration and understanding, to really wanting and being able to both make themselves understood and verbalize their cares and concerns. Our oldest group are, as most teachers say, ” a joy to work with.” They can both express their concerns, as well as understand and verbalize the ways in which God is at work in their lives. The teachers often come away feeling blessed by the ways that the children continue to grow in their faith, and for the unity that this group shares with one another. We continue to use the curriculum that we have used in the past. The younger children follow a lesson plan that is produced by Promised Land/ Willow Creek.

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This term, the little one’s will hear true stories of Old Testament kids: Miriam, David, the Little Girl who helped Naaman, and Josiah. The children will learn that kids can do hard things. As we move closer to the Christmas season, the children will discover Christmas is the time we celebrate the good news of Jesus’ birth. The Christmas story is retold for a number of weeks, but with a slightly different focus each time. Following the Christmas season, the children will hear true stories about Jesus when He was by the sea: Jesus calling His disciples, Jesus calming the sea, Jesus walking on water, and the miraculous catch of fish. The 6-8 year old group will use the younger material provided by our kidssundayschool.com provider. They will spend the first part of the term in the Old Testament hearing about the stories of King Saul. This series about King Saul teaches us that we should live obedient lives and walk in the Truth. We can trust God in all things because He is our King. It will inspire the children to have the courage needed to do what God asks them to do. They will also hear that God knows and calls each of us by name. The lessons teach children to live and walk in Truth by trusting God and obeying His commands. The children will also discover how God knows all and sees all. As we approach Christmas the children will celebrate the birth of Christ by hearing the story of our saviour. The children discover the joy and wonder of the birth of Jesus, and how they can worship Him as our Lord and Savior. To start the new year, the children will return to the Old Testament and spend a five week series on the Life of Moses. Children will discover the many ways God protects and provides for His people.

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Our older children (9-11), will spend some time on a three lesson series on Joshua that stresses the importance of not relying on our own strength. Those that accomplish anything of significance for God will trust Him and obediently follow where He leads. During the month of December the children will do four Christmas lessons that teach about the marvelous events that took place during the birth of Jesus.  The children will start the new year with a unit on Prayer, where they will learn about communicating with God through the power of prayer. They will hear of the importance of prayer in their daily lives, the different ways in which we can pray, and the purposes of prayer. 

HELP: We find ourselves in a season of change within our teaching staff, and are in need of new teachers/helpers. If you feel as though God has put it on your heart to step in and help teach, please contact Geri at: [email protected]

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The Christmas Pageant SUNDAY, 14 DECEMBER 14.00 In the Sanctuary (Congressen) This very moving little musical cleverly interweaves two stories: Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Match Girl’ and the story of the Nativity.

Everyone is at the fair, rich and poor alike, and most are watching the traditional Nativity play. Meanwhile, Old Tom, the chestnut seller, tells a group of children the story of ‘The Little Match Girl’. She herself appears, barefoot, grubby and poor, trying to sell her matches – but no-one acknowledges her. Starving and penniless, her only hope lies with the baby in the manger. This powerful short musical reminds us of the need to care for the poorest in our society, as well as pointing to the love and hope that Christmas brings.

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Winter Evening Café With live music from Salt of the Sound

• Original songs from

Salt of the Sound (Anita & Ben Tatlow)

• Warm drinks & snacks • Worship music • Times for prayer NOVEMBER 15 // 18.30 // 20 kr at the door IMMANUEL CHURCH ON LEVEL K1

Salt Of The Sound is the musical collaboration of husband and wife duo Anita and Ben Tatlow. Their aim is to create songs that encourage spiritual reflection both in church environments and in times of personal quiet, while also exploring musical styles and expressions that bring a freshness to the Christian music scene. Their 2013 debut album, Journeys, was regarded by Cross Rhythms as an “unquestionably strong first album”, and songs by Salt Of The Sound have been widely featured on Christian and secular media, from radio (BBC, UCB) through to a variety of eminent podcasts.

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Their new EP, Through The Mist, continues the unique blend of electronic synths, subtle vocal harmonies, and thoughtful lyrical messages that the duo have become known for, while incorporating a greater focus on organic sounds and evolving atmospheres. The EP has already been described as ”album of the month!” (NFN), and “a place of peace and serenity: 5/5” (M-Brio).

WINTER EVENING CAFÉ - Parents who plan to bring children under the age of 10 need to sign them up at the welcome desk. We will provide Babysitting for your children in the Youth room.

Music Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. - Ephesians 5:19

International Worship Music Team: The Worship Music Team is scheduled on a rota basis. The team for each Sunday meets for a rehearsal on Wednedays at 18:00 and then again on Sundays at 9:00. If you are interested in joining the worship team, please contact Anita Tatlow at [email protected]

Christmas Choir: We are excited that we will be forming a choir for our Christmas Eve service at 11am. Everyone who would like to make a joyful noise unto the Lord this season is welcome to join us! We need a minimum of 20 singers in order to make this happen so please let Anita know if you would like to be involved. Our rehearsals will be on the two Wednesdays leading up to Christmas: On December 10th & 17th at 18.45 - 20.30 in the Choir room where we will gather to rehearse our Christmas songs and share in a little Christmas Fika together. 15

Weekly Events Wondering where you can plug into a smaller group for fellowship and learning? Take a look at these groups that are meeting regularly and find the place where you belong! WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY This group is open to all women who would like to join. You can drop in anytime. All women are welcome and bring your friends! Tuesday Mornings 10.00 in the Youth room on K1. We gather at 09.45 for coffee and tea, and start the study at 10.00. Contact Geri Lindberg: [email protected] Last meeting for the season will be on December 16th and they start up again on January 13th. MOMS IN PRAYER We are a group of moms who meet for one hour every week to intercede on behalf of our children and schools through prayer. Tuesday Afternoons 12.30 in the Youth room on K1 Contacts: Susan Fries: [email protected] and Erin Person: [email protected] Last meeting for the season will be on December 16th and they start up again on January 13th. YOUNG ADULTS BIBLE STUDY This group is geared for students and young professionals in their 20’s & 30’s. We gather for a meal followed by a Bible study. Suggested donation for the meal is 20 kr. Tuesday Evenings 18.00 in the Youth room on K1 Contact Jacques Lombard: [email protected] Last meeting for the season will be on December 16th and they start up again on January 13th.

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EVENING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY The Evening Women’s Bible Study meets every other Tuesday at Pastor Jodi’s house (one block away from church) on Tegnergatan 4. We will share in fika followed by the study. (For more information on what we’ll be studying, see the outline for Men’s Ministry on page 18.) Tuesday Evenings 18.30 in the home of Pastor Jodi on Tegnergatan 4. Mark the dates: November 11th, 25th; December 9th & 16th Contact Jodi Fondell: [email protected] MEN’S MINISTRY The Men’s Ministry meets every other Tuesday at Pastor Doug’s house (one block away from church) on Tegnergatan 4. We meet from 18.30 to 20.00, beginning with a short fika (coffee, tea, and a snack). Then, we focus in on a Bible based discussion that pertains to our lives as men. All men are welcome to join. Tuesday Evenings 18.30 - 20.00 Mark the dates: November 4th, 18th; December 2nd & 16th Contact Pastor Doug: [email protected] WOMEN’S STRETCH CLASS Open to all women. Tuesday Afternoons 12.30 in the small gym on K3. Last meeting for the season will be on December 9th and they start up again on January 13th. WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP THROUGH EXERCISE Any woman can attend who is interested in fellowship through exercise. You do not have to be well trained. All women are welcome to join this gathering. Friday Evenings 18.00 in the small gym on K3 Contact Hannah Akuffo: [email protected]. Last meeting for the season will be on December 12th and they start up again on January 9th.

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Men’s Ministry

Every other Tuesday Evening from 18.30-20.00

The Bible...What’s it Worth to You? Ever wonder how the 66 books of the Bible came into being? Do you struggle to understand the historical timelines of Scripture? How about the relationship between the Old and New Testaments? Why four different Gospel accounts? How do we deal with the differences? And how do we meaningfully and effectively apply the Bible’s teaching to our daily lives? These are just some of the questions we will explore throughout the autumn season in Men’s Ministry every other Tuesday evening. All men are welcome to the home of Pastor Doug. (Just one block away from Immanuel Church.) Please contact Pastor Doug for directions and door code. e-mail: [email protected] NOVEMBER 4

Genre...The Rhythm of the Text

NOVEMBER 18

Interpretation...Scripture Reads Us

DECEMBER 2

Grace...Love is the Bottom Line

DECEMBER 16 On December 16 at 18.30, the The Men’s Tuesday evening study and

the Women’s Tuesday evening study will join together at the Fondell’s to enjoy a Christmas Julbord celebration together.

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We have continued to enjoy the tradition of finding theological themes through the medium of film. While not overtly Christian in nature, the films we watch help us to interact with some aspect of culture and learn to apply in deep and abiding ways our faith in Jesus. We will continue this tradition in November, December and January through the viewing some older films whose timeless message remains relevant for us today. All films will be shown after the worship service with a start time of about 13.30. NOVEMBER 9: The Mission Set in the 18th century, this award-winning film features Spanish Jesuits trying to protect a remote South American Indian tribe in danger of falling under the rule of pro-slavery Portugal. Jeremy Irons plays a Spanish Jesuit who goes into the South American wilderness to build a mission in the hope of converting the Indians of the region. Robert DeNiro plays a slave hunter who is converted and joins Irons in his mission. When Spain sells the colony to Portugal, they are forced to defend all they have built against the Portuguese aggressors. (We recommend viewers of this film be at least 13 years of age) DECEMBER 7: It’s A Wonderful Life This classic award-winning film from 1947 is often a film that many view each and every year at Christmas time! It features an angel named Clarence who seeks to help a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. This is a film for all ages. JANUARY 11 : The Incredibles A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live the quiet suburban life, are forced into action to save the world. Itching to get back into action, Bob gets his chance when a mysterious communication summons him to a remote island for a top secret assignment. He soon discovers that it will take a super family effort to rescue the world from total destruction. This is an award-winning animated film and all are welcome.

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Christmas

at Immanuel International If you are in Stockholm over the Christmas holidays, please feel warmly invited to the following Christmas Celebrations:

NOV

29

NOV

30, DEC 14, 21, & 28

DEC

10, 17

DEC

14

DEC

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IMMANUEL CHRISTMAS MARKET // 10.00 - 14.30 Music, gifts, and food will be part of the day. All of the proceeds benefit our Mission work in N’Djili and Panvel.

SUNDAYS IN ADVENT // 11.00 Services with Advent Candle lighting and Christmas music.

CHRISTMAS CHOIR REHEARSALS // 18.45-20.30 We will be performing in the services on 21st & 24th December.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT // 14.00 The Match Girl’s Christmas, This very moving little musical cleverly interweaves two stories: Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Match Girl’ and the story of the Nativity.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE // 11.00 (NOTE TIME) The service will be held on level K1 in the sanctuary. Following the service, there will be a special Christmas Fika. **(If you are willing to donate baked goods for the Christmas Eve fika, please contact Stephanie von Ohain. Also, we are looking for people who can serve on that day as well.)

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Christmas Day Open House At the Pastors’ home

All are welcome on December 25th, Christmas Day, to join together in the home of Pastors Jodi & Doug Fondell to enjoy good food and warm company. Our home will be open from 17.00-20.00 The specialities of the house include hot apple cider, homemade chocolate chip cookies, Mexican layer dip, and spicy meatballs. Come and join the fun as we celebrate Christmas with our church family. RSVP: It is helpful to us if you can send an e-mail or text by December 22 to Pastor Jodi letting us know that you’d like to attend. We will send you the door code when you RSVP. [email protected] or 0733 24 53 31

The Pastors live on Tegnérgatan 4

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Office Hours over the Christmas Holidays

Please be aware that the church office will be closed on the following days: DECEMBER 24: Closed all day for Christmas Eve

DECEMBER 25: Closed all day for Christmas Day DECEMBER 26: Closed all day for Boxing Day DECEMBER 31: Closed for New Year’s Eve

JANUARY 1, 2015: Closed for New Year’s Day JANUARY 6: Closed for Epiphany

Staff will be out of the office on the holidays. Stephanie von Ohain: off December 23 - January 7, 2015 Geri Lindberg: off from December 22 - January 7, 2015 Ben & Anita Tatlow available via e-mail and cell phone. Pastors Doug & Jodi available via e-mail and cell phone.

The Staff of Immanuel International wishes you a blessed Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. 22

Christmas Eve FIKA Following the 11.00 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. * If you are willing to donate baked goods for the Christmas Eve fika, please contact Stephanie von Ohain at 587 503 62 or [email protected]. Also, we are looking for people who can serve on that day as well.

SAVE

THE

DATE

Please reserve SATURDAY, 17 JANUARY as we say farewell to

Pastors Jodi & Doug Details will follow. 23