Our Song + Ray Ortlund This Sunday!
Good morning Immanuel. One day, all the saints will sing the praise of Christ together! But until that day, we are invited to sing today for the glory of God and for our own benefit.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).
When people come to Nashville, it’s almost impossible to ignore the fact that we are 'Music City.' And lest you forget, a quick stroll down Broadway will remind you that music is in our veins. It’s in our history. It’s in our culture. Indeed, every culture has its own expressions of joy, sorrow, love, and hope woven into the tapestry of its music. The musical traditions that shaped me growing up were black gospel and soul. In that context, a skilled singer may hear the enthusiastic cries of their peers shouting out, 'You betta sang!' And what a gift it is to sing - especially when it is the voices of the saints.
It’s been said that the people of God are a singing people. Singing is in our history. It flows through the veins of the new humanity in Christ. We rejoice as ones who have already been rejoiced over. Singing is fitting for the redeemed. C.H. Spurgeon reminds us, 'Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song. By grace, we learn to sing, and in glory, we continue to sing.'
One day, all the saints will sing the praise of Christ together! But until that day, we are invited to sing today for the glory of God and for our own benefit, so the Word of Christ would dwell richly in us. Praise be to God!
October 1, 2023 - This Sunday at Immanuel
Sunday Morning 🎉
WORSHIP - Join us at 9 or 10:45 am for worship as our very own Pastor Ray Ortlund continues our series, “The Good News in Three Dimensions.”
Seminars
9 am: Studying the Bible Together, led by 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 Vince Greenwald in the gymnasium (grades 5-12)
On the Horizon
BAPTISM AND DEDICATION SEMINAR - Our next Infant Baptism & Dedication parent seminar is this Wednesday, October 4th at 6:30pm! We are meeting in person and kids' classes will be open. Before the meeting, feel free to read through our booklet on infant baptism and child dedication. We hope to see you there!
NEXT STEPS DAY - Interested in learning more about membership at Immanuel? Our Next Steps Event is for you! Join us on Saturday, October 21, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the cafe as we cover four sessions on membership at Immanuel. Coffee and lunch will be provided. You may RSVP here.
DISCOVER RECEPTION - New or newish to Immanuel? Formerly known as the Discover Luncheon, the new Discover Reception is an opportunity to connect at 10:45 am in the cafe for an overview of Immanuel and a time for Q&A. Our next Discover Reception is October 8th. RSVP here.
Member Ministry Spotlight 🔦
HOPE SMILES DENTAL OUTREACH - Hope Smiles is an organization that exists to develop leaders who transform lives through dentistry in underserved communities in Nashville and far beyond. One of Immanuel's very own members, Ryan Shinska, is an integral part of the Hope Smiles team and is happy to invite you to an exciting new opportunity! Join us on October 28th from 7 am to 2 pm at Immanuel Nashville's gymnasium for a Dental Outreach event. They will be offering essential dental services such as extractions, fillings, and cleanings to our Nashville neighbors. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve our community and to make the real Jesus non-ignorable in our city. There are various ways to get involved:
Spanish Translator(s): If you are fluent in Spanish, your language skills can make a significant impact by helping us bridge communication gaps.
Arabic Translator: We are also looking for an Arabic translator to assist patients who speak Arabic.
Patient Escorts: Volunteers to guide patients from station to station, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
Patient Experience Volunteers: Join our team to provide comfort by distributing water, food, and other essentials to patients.
Community Engagement: For those who want to connect on a personal level, consider spending time with patients, offering prayers, or sharing the message of hope through Jesus.
This outreach is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who may not have access to dental care or know someone in need.
Let's come together as a community to spread smiles, compassion, and the love of Christ. Your involvement can truly make a difference.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Ryan Shinska at ryan@hopesmiles.org.
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Praise be to God indeed!