Friday Prayer & Fasting + This Sunday at Immanuel
Good morning, Immanuel. The God who is the creator, sustainer, ruler, and the essence of love is with us!
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).”
When my children were little and afraid of lightning and thunder, it was no comfort to them if I said something like, “Oh, that’s just a normal electrical reaction accompanied by a loud noise. Happens all the time.” Or even worse, “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”
What did comfort them? Being with them. Holding them. Showing them that they were not surviving the storm alone.
We don’t change all that much as we get older. We just get overwhelmed by different kinds of storms, storms of soul and circumstance rather than thunder and lightning. And we still aren’t comforted by explanations or platitudes. This is why Isaiah 41:10 is so beautiful.
God says those most comforting words: “I am with you.” Who, exactly, is with us? Well, he reminds us that he is our God–he is the creator, sustainer, ruler, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, holy, and the essence of love. That is who is with us. So when he says he will strengthen us, help us, and uphold us he isn’t promising to give us a hand or just be by our side. He is the source of strength and help. He is the power that upholds.
God is the one explanation, the one logical conclusion that actually brings comfort. Why should we not be afraid? Because of God. Because of God’s presence and power, and love. And because God has promised that he is with us.
Invitation To Fasting & Prayer
We are beginning a season of fasting and prayer as we seek a long-term home in Nashville. Though we are seeking a long-term home, our deepest desire in fasting and praying is for our joy in Jesus to grow deeper. Here’s how you can get in on this.
Every Friday morning from 6 am to 7 am, the doors of Immanuel will be open for prayer and fasting in the cafe. We realize this time may not work for everyone, so we encourage you to be creative in your approach. Here are some ideas to get in on this:
Skip one meal and set aside that time for prayer. If you are at work, you could take a walk and pray. You could skip breakfast if you are gathering with us at the church at 6 AM.
Forego social media or other entertainment and set aside that time for prayer. Not everyone can skip meals for health reasons. But we all have daily habits of comfort and pleasure that we can abstain from to prompt us to pray.
Sacrifice small and pray big. Fasting does not have to be a major endeavor. It is not performative. It can be a relatively small sacrifice that prompts you to pray big prayers to a God on whom we wholly depend.
This Sunday at Immanuel 📅
Sunday Morning 🎉
WORSHIP - Join us at 9 or 10:45 am for worship as Pastor Sam Allberry continues our series, “The Good News in Three Dimensions.”
Seminars
9 am: Studying the Bible Together, led by Dr. Tom Cox in the Church Office
9 am: Exit Signs: The Gospel of Christ in the Book of Exodus, led by Dr. Russell Moore in the Cafe.
9 am: Student Seminar, led by Pastor Vince Greenwald in the gymnasium (grades 5-12)
10:45 am: Discover Reception led by Tony Shepherd in the Cafe. RSVP here.
On the Horizon
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: FRIENDSGIVING POTLUCK - Our next monthly Young Professionals Fellowship is November 16 at 6:30 pm. Come and enjoy some food, fellowship, and friends together in the cafe. There will be individual and group games available. Did we mention this gathering is potluck style? Sign up to bring a meal here.
WED NIGHT SPECIAL GUEST - Mark your calendar for Wed. November 29th! Our friend and special guest, John Dixion will continue our “Trending Questions” series to address the question, “Has the church done more harm than good?” This is a great opportunity to invite your friends and family to attend.
CAROLFEST - Save the date! Carolfest is coming up on Friday, December 8th! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. More info is forthcoming. Invite a friend, and let us rejoice in the Lord together!
Engage…
GIVE - Looking for ways to give to Immanuel? Consider partnering with us towards our Tenth Generation Campaign. Learn more and give here.
PARK AVENUE ELEMENTARY GIFT CARD DRIVE - One of the ways we welcome all kinds of people into our orbit is through our generosity and hospitality. Please join us again this year to provide the means for families to have a Thanksgiving meal by donating, preferably, a $25 KROGER gift card (or a cash donation to be used to buy them). We will collect these cards on November 5, 12, and 19 at the connect desk in the lobby. This will enable us to serve those needing extra help this season to provide for their family in a special way. We appreciate this so much! Please direct any questions to carolineegreenwald@gmail.com.
So thankful 🙏🏼