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Latest Immanuel Newsletter!

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 19:36:25 GMT

Weekly Newsletter

Look here for the latest Immanuel newsletter!

Grace Notes ~ 2026

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:51:17 GMT

Weekly 'Grace Notes' articles

November 15th

WORSHIPPING WITH OUR YOUNG ONES

When Jesus’ disciples found themselves in the middle of a storm at sea, they were terrified. Jesus was asleep in the boat, and they had to wake him up. “Don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” Jesus got up and commanded the torrent to be quiet, leaving his friends with a new question: “Who is this man, that even the wind and sea obey him?”

This was the theme of our Faith Adventures and Confirmation service on Oct. 28, led by Angie and Pastor Paul. Who do we turn to when the storms of life threaten to throw us overboard? Who can we trust? As guardians of our children’s faith and trust in Jesus, you are invited to join these young evangelists as they share the message of God’s saving love. Your participation reminds them that they have a boatload of supporters!

The next youth-led worship will be Dec. 16, from 4:30-5:00. We look forward to seeing you!

~ Nancy Lund

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November 8th

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON

This week Daylight Savings Time ended. Lots of our summer bird friends have flown away to warmer climates and the colored leaves we've been enjoying are flying away too, leaving a very different landscape. Birds that stay here (and squirrels) are feathering and fixing their nests to make them cozy sanctuaries for the winter.

We at Immanuel have the gift and responsibility of our Parish House. A long standing tradition in rural areas has been to designate "Storm Homes" where school children can go if a winter storm prevents them from getting out to their farm homes. Our hope and prayer for this house is that it will be a "storm home" of hospitality...a resting place for a pastor and/or guest speaker and a place for classes and small groups to meet. Thank you to Steve & Annette Pomahatch and a crew of helpers for the wonderful structural and remodeling changes they have made there and for the much needed new windows.

As Helen Keller said "alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much." If you want to be a part of this ministry you are most welcome to join the Gratitude, Stewardship and Outreach Committee. Onward we go together...with God's Gracious love.

~ Martha Winter and Mary Deneen

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November 1st

COMMUNITY & COMMUNION

Sunday October 18 ^th was the Affirmation of Baptism for the confirmands from Immanuel and Sabylund Lutheran churches. Our churches have combined confirmation instruction at Immanuel each Wednesday, along with the Faith Adventures program for younger kids.

There were 7 teenagers confirmed at this service. Pastor Paul from Sabylund led the service and recognized the confirmation guides from both churches and Angie Vetsch from Immanuel for their contributions to the Christian education of these beloved children.

The church was full of families who took time out of a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon to be part of this event; showing their love and commitment. It was inspiring.

Also on Sunday, after the 9 am service, Immanuel held an event to discuss together in small groups, thoughts and dreams about our church family and future pastoral leadership. There was a good turnout enjoying great food and warm conversation. The group that I sat with discussed how to engage more young people in our congregation.

This is a common concern among Lutheran parishes, especially in small towns and I’m sure many of the small groups had similar discussions.

I’d like to encourage us to give thanks for and build on what we already have as we look toward the future with Good Courage.

~ Mary Ehrlichmann

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October 25th

SINGING AT IMMANUEL

I have loved singing and listening to music my entire life, especially hymns and songs of praise. I love how fully our church family at Immanuel participates in worship through raising its voice in song in praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So many individuals contribute to making that wonderful sound possible every time we gather in person, whether directing, printing song sheets, playing instruments, expounding on the meaning and history of a piece, or simply raising voices in song. Thank you, Immanuel, for the energy and enthusiasm brought to worship every time and place we gather. May God continue to enable us to gather as a church family, to sing praises to Him in our physical church home, to grow in wisdom and stature in the sight of our God. God bless us, God with us: Immanuel. Come on, let’s sing!

~ Ann Dunn

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October 11th

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Recently I led morning devotions for the boys at Hope Farm School. My theme was “Simple Pleasures.” Wanting to know what their idea was of a simple pleasure, I passed out paper for them to write. Some ideas were simple, some ridiculous. Mixed in were: sleeping, reading, video games and cinnamon rolls. We had fun discussing it for days.

Two of my treasured simple pleasures are reading and watching movies. One of my favorite films is A Room with a View (1985, novel by E.M. Forster). Young George Emerson, plagued with questions regarding the “why” of life, has placed in his room a placard with a large “?”

For every aspect of living . . . WHY? When I reflect on the WHY of life I remember my much younger self thinking on Jesus and feeling sorry for folks who did not have Jesus in their life.

The question before me is WHY NOT? Why not Jesus? Sometimes, I recognize, I have not matured much.

~ Stuffi Stephens

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October 4th

“DEARLY BELOVED!”

How are we the "dearly Beloved" for our Sunday service? We have the gifts of music and hymns, and the gift of hearing powerful scripture that’s endured across many generations, often with candles lit and colorful banners in the sanctuary. For us Lutherans, time to listen to the proclamation from our minister of the Word who has lived with particular scripture through the week when many of us were busy trying to care-fully manage our lives and our families. Our breathing might slow down and our minds see a new view, as prayers and the offering invite us to be nourished in Holy Communion, being the Body of Christ.

Dearly Beloved indeed! Blessed for whatever will meet us as we leave our sanctuary and enter the world that seems never to stop. Named like the babies baptized last Sunday, we are Jesus’ Beloved friends, called to care for God’s so loved world!
~ Elise Graber

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September 27th

IMMANUEL'S BACKPACK MINISTRY

Our backpack ministry isn't readily visible. Yet every school week, volunteers assemble a package of weekend food - a couple of meals, fruit, snacks, and treats - for any child whose family signs up. It isn't dependent upon need! Anyone can sign up! and this removes any stigma that might interfere with a child's ability to quietly pick up a sack of nourishment at school on Friday, and stuff it into their backpack.

This ministry is connected with our Immanuel Food Bank, and it's been going on for about 13 years. If there's something volunteers can't get from Feed My People, the food bank can get it. Usually the pack weighs 3.5- 4# - more on long weekends.

When members and friends are asked what is important about us, community care and presence pops up all the time. Our church is alive in the heart of this community! By being "church" together, we get to share in ministries that bless people in real, touchable (and tastable) ways. What a gift.

~ Carol Hinderlie

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September 20th

THANKS TO GOD FOR UNFAIRNESS

I often find myself somewhere inside Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard. When I feel like I’ve received better than I deserve, I’m relieved and gratified. When someone else has worked less and unfairly received more, I’m disgruntled and envious.

But what if I remove words like “disgruntled”, “envious” and “fair” from my personal story, and insert the word “thankful.” Can I be thankful to a God who has chosen not to keep score, and instead, has claimed the right to raise EVERYONE from the dead? I just know some are less deserving.

Where gratitude abounds, fear shrinks. They are incompatible roommates. Gratitude takes over the space and shuts out fears of a ledger that doesn’t add up (yes, that’s good for me). Thankfulness fills us with good courage to confront the true enemies - injustice, cruelty, oppression - and fear itself.

~ Nancy Lund

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September 13th

HANDS, HEARTS AND PIE

The kitchen at Immanuel will be bustling with folks (mostly women) making pies to serve and sell during Laura Days this Saturday and Sunday.

Comforting and nostalgic pies are classic reminder of getting together with family and friends to share flakey crusts and delicious fillings. Our church doors will be open to all and the aroma of those freshly baked pies will send out the message of hospitality.

We will also be continuing the old fashioned tradition of the Women of the church adding to the finances that keep the lights on and the fire in the ovens.

Gratitude abounds for the apple harvest and the hands and hearts of the folks who volunteer their time and talent in the baking of these pies.

As Pastor Dean has said recently “It’s just us (nothing to get nervous about or worry too much)” …….It IS US. We are the church together.

~ Martha Winter and Mary Deneen

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September 6th

WHAT A WONDER WE HAVE IN VBS!

Tom Ahlstrom says it’s “Better than Christmas”! Our recent week of VBS proved once again to be a highlight of our ministry.

Soon after my husband Tom and I joined Immanuel, I volunteered to help with snacks at VBS. This is how I first really met Mickey Murray and many other members. In addition to the fun of serving snacks to the kids, being able to watch the great joy expressed at the opening and closing of each day was, and continues to be such a blessing.

My granddaughters became part of this joyful week too and as they learned about Jesus, they benefited greatly from and learned to adore their leaders, especially the teen leaders.

VBS has brought me and my family so much and the experience of volunteering at VBS was an introduction to so many now beloved people here in the Immanuel community.

Faith Adventures starts in October. Let’s all give ourselves the gift of fellowship with our kids and participate as we are able.

~ Mary Ehrlichmann

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August 30th

GRATITUDE FOR RESEARCH

Research contributes so much to our lives, often in ways we don’t realize we need or are aware of. As people age, keeping one’s feet firmly and safely planted on the ground can be a challenge. The consequences of each fall can be catastrophic to one’s health.

I heard of an elderly gentleman who was falling repeatedly. It was recommended to his family they keep track of the times he was falling. After a couple of weeks, they had the data collected. Interestingly, their loved one was falling most frequently at 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Looking back over his life, they remembered that, starting at age 12, those were the times he had gone out to the barn to milk the cows. Those times were still triggering him to get up to move as they were so deeply ingrained in his mind. From that time forward, 95% of his falls were prevented by someone being with him at those hours, thus preventing more falls.

Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for showing us the value of research in our lives. Help us to be open to being lifelong learners, especially of Your Word. Who knows what we could learn if we developed an openness to quietly researching who You are in the “Good Book?” Discovering Your wisdom might keep us from falling with catastrophic results in our lives. Thank You, Father God. Amen

~ Ann Dunn

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August 16th

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

I took 90-94 last Friday afternoon to visit friends in Madison; I was drawn tight into my lane, white-knuckling the steering wheel, and doing my best to keep it under 80 mph.

I searched for a different route home on Sunday – one where I wasn’t rushed while replaying the events of the weekend and could recognize the beauty of the things along the way: like glimpsing the “rough road ahead” sign in my rearview mirror, and finally catching on to my parents’ fondness for every-Sunday-afternoon drives.

While I missed being at church, the slow ride home helped me rediscover how grateful I am that at Immanuel we have this graceful way of pulling alongside and meeting each other where we are—with a sincere hug, a gentle squeeze of the hand or a kind nod—on our way to communion.

~ Lori Clark

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August 9th

LEADING WITH THE HEART

Choosing, chosen, choices. Being a member of the congregation and community in Christ at Immanuel has been an endless gift in my life. Many years ago I made a decision to live in Pepin and worship at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Through several decades, the care of prayers, support and love (as family) has sustained me through the joys of life, through illness, and more recently, grief. More often than not we lead with our heart, sharing the love of our Lord with each other. To each of you I say, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
~ Stuffi Stephens

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August 2nd

INVITATION

Good Courage House is holding a very special gathering Aug 4th at 4 , when the Gratitude and Hospitality committee invites YOU to come and share a conversation about hopes, history, dreams or concerns for our congregation . This is the first of several opportunities we will have to talk together during this interim time with the help of our Interim Pastor Dean.

Thank you for marking your calendar and joining others as we enjoy this time to look ahead together, thankful for Immanuel’s presence in our community as we follow Jesus Christ’s calling for his church here and now. With good courage!

~ Elise Graber

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July 26th

OUR CALLING

Vocation, or Calling is a big part of our faith. In our weekly prayer together, we say outright that God calls us, and that it's a venture. (I like to think "adventure, too).

This can be scary, because if God calls it's clear we need to rely on God - and I'm never quite sure what God is "up to."

What if God wants something for me I'm not quite ready for? I'm glad to be surrounded by Lutherans, and reminded that "my faith" comes from Jesus. It's not something I produce. God will not abandon me, no matter what adventure I'm in.

However we look at it, we are in for a ride! I'm thankful for my Immanuel family, and that we are in it together.

~ Carol Hinderlie

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July 19th

GRATITUDE AND THE CALL TO GOOD COURAGE

“God love your cotton socks!” That’s one way people in Gander, Newfoundland say “thank you.” They were called to welcome the stranger (Matt. 25:35, Heb. 1:2) on Sept. 11, 2001, when American air space was closed after the terrorist attacks. Thirty-eight planes were diverted to Gander, doubling its population as it became a refuge for 7,000 international travelers unable to reach their U.S. destinations. Our Canadian neighbors rounded up food, shelter and friendship during five days of fear and uncertainty. The story later became a Broadway musical, “Come From Away.” It’s currently playing in Minneapolis, a city recently called to override fear by feeding, clothing and protecting families cruelly torn apart. Love intertwines gratitude, courage and community. Even if our call never hits the stage, we are all invited to listen and join the music!

~ Nancy Lund

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July 12th

PRAYER OF GOOD COURAGE

At the end of our worship service each Sunday we recite together the Holden Prayer of Good Courage. We invite you to look up at the words that circle the front of the sanctuary and remember that each word was written by a different hand, some young and others old, who are all a part of this congregation. We hope you enjoy this visual reminder that we are in this faith community together and that we don’t go out alone.

~ Mary Deneen and Martha Winter

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July 5th

GOD WITH US IN COMMUNITY, THROUGH CONTINUITY AND CHANGE

Our congregation holds within itself our history, our present and our future. Members and others who join with us in so many ways come from varied backgrounds. Lifelong members, years long members and newer people join in our community, perhaps in their later years, all sharing their gifts. Our children’s ministries serve members and non-members alike. Although we are a Lutheran congregation, many of us were brought up in Catholic or other faith traditions, or no faith traditions at all.

So many changes have come over the years and many are sure to come. We will continue to be rooted in Jesus’ love for us and our love for all our neighbors near and far as we live out “All Are Welcome Here” .

~ Mary Ehrlichmann

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June 28th

GRATITUDE IN THE MIDST OF CHALLENGES - 4

How do we hear from God in our struggles? What is the point of gratitude? 1 Kings 19:11-12 While hiding in a cave, the prophet Elijah experienced God not as a violent wind, an earthquake, or a fire, but as “a still, small voice or whisper.” I find when I am intensely upset, I am often not quiet enough to hear any whisper. I know at times I do not hear God’s voice, or receive His loving comfort; I feel terribly alone. Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the original Hebrew, this means to relax, to let go, to let God quiet one’s mind to find peace in God’s sovereignty. In the challenges, I often am not quiet but I rail against what God has allowed to happen in my life. But I keep hearing about being thankful, having an attitude of gratitude.

Gratitude shifted my attitude towards God. Instead of focusing on what was lost, God helped me start to look at what was good, what was still there. I am healthy; I have a roof over my head. My husband was well cared for; he lit up like a candle when he saw me. We could spend hours together everyday. Again, “it’s not perfect, it’s not everything; but being together we were home.” Praise be to God.

~ Ann Dunn

Prayer

Thank You, Father, for giving Jesus to walk with us, feeling and suffering as we all do. We have a Savior who learned obedience here on this earth. Thank You for never giving up on us. Thank You for giving us all we need; we can’t earn or buy our way home to You. Amen

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June 21st

GRATITUDE IN THE MIDST OF CHALLENGES - 3

In our long journey through life’s struggles (don’t they always seem so long and intensely overwhelming), we often feel so alone, even abandoned, by God. I know I needed His wise counsel. I needed to lean on Jesus. I knew I could not make it through this by myself; I needed Him to be with me, to guide me, to give me strength.. Looking through the Bible, I found some examples of people who had to wait for God’s promises, who faced great odds. Joseph–13 years in prison, Moses–40 years in the desert, Abraham–25 years for Isaac to be born. So was God listening to their, and my, cries for help and mercy?

The word God gave to me: Psalm 138:3. “As soon as I pray, You answer me. You encourage me by giving me strength.” I did receive God’s strength to make it through each day, one day at a time, sometimes one breath at a time. Looking back, I can see His faithful gift of endurance for which I am thankful and can offer praise, even though He did not take the disease away, restoring Stephen’s health.

~ Ann Dunn

Prayer

Thank You, Jesus, for giving me Your word to cling to. Please give us a meaningful personal word which addresses our own situation; we need Your help.

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June 14th

GRATITUDE IN THE MIDST OF CHALLENGES - 2

Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018, the disease kept a steady downward progression changing every facet of our lives. After three years of being his carepartner (still during Covid), my husband Stephen was no longer able to safely live in our home, so we had to move him to a care facility. He kept asking to go home, which was not medically feasible. I did not have an honest, yet comforting, reply, which tore me apart. Praying for some wisdom, God finally did give me a response to his need, “Honey, it is not perfect; it’s not everything, but isn’t home when we’re together?” Stephen mulled it over, then agreed our being together brought us “home.” I would have to repeat God’s words to him, and to myself, in order to keep the main thing the main thing: we were grateful to be home together no matter where we were.

~ Ann Dunn

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for walking with us through all of our struggles. You keep us sane, giving us hope and comfort. It was so difficult for us not to live together, but You kept our love alive. Thank You for never forgetting or caring for us.

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June 7th

GRATITUDE IN THE MIDST OF CHALLENGES - 1

We live in a fallen, broken, sinful world. When we face life’s challenges we often turn to the Bible, God’s word, to search for support, for answers to our questions, for His wisdom and guidance, for a word of peace or encouragement.

Both Old Testament and New Testament authors addressed expressing gratitude while we suffer pain and loss. As Christ’s followers we are told not to be surprised when we experience trials and tribulations. Jesus learned obedience through suffering so we can expect the same; we are to take up our cross and follow Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Briefly, this verse does NOT say to be thankful FOR all circumstances which would not be real or possible. No matter what we are experiencing we are to be thankful (since we belong to Christ) that He will accompany us through the trial, never leaving us behind or abandoning us in it. If we let Jesus in, challenging times will transform us into becoming more like Jesus, long and painful as that process can be.

We may not appreciate the circumstances we find ourselves facing; we may get lost in the turmoil and emotional stress. Finding our way to gratitude will continue to be addressed here during the month of June.

~ Ann Dunn

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Thank You for wanting an interactive personal relationship with me. I’m grateful You know what is best for my life. Help me trust You, even when You say NO.

Northwester Newsletter - September 2026

office@immanuelpepin.org (Office Administrator) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:35:28 GMT

September 2026 Northwester Newsletter

Click here to download the Northwester newsletter.

Faith Adventures - Registration is Open!

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:45:37 GMT

Registration is open for Faith Adventures 2026-2027

Join us for an afternoon of activities… Bible stories… sharing, caring and kindness… experiencing God’s love… and Fun, Fun, Fun!

WEDNESDAYS

The first day of Faith Adventures will be October 7 and will go From 3:30 – 5:00 p.m

for Kindergarten to 5TH grade in the church Parish House at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Snacks, Bible Story and Activities

5:00 p.m. Pick-Up Time

Pepin students will be bussed from the school to Immanuel every Wednesday. **Please let your child(ren)’s teachers know that they can ride the bus to Immanuel on Wednesdays.

All are welcome!!

Can’t come every week? No problem! Join us when you can.

We will follow the Pepin School District Calendar. When they have school, we have Faith Adventures. When they do not, we do not. For example, if school is canceled or released early due to weather, we will not meet.

We are also looking for teachers!! All lessons and materials will be provided. This is a great way to share your faith. Any questions? Contact Angie at: angie@immanuelpepin.org

**All children who wish to attend will need to be registered prior to attending Faith Adventures. Thank you! :)

Click here to Register .

Confirmation Registration is Open!

office@immanuelpepin.org (Office Administrator) — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:07:10 GMT

Confirmation begins Wednesday, October 7th

Dear Middle School Households,

We are gearing up for another great year of confirmation and we hope your 6th, 7th, and/or 8th grader will join us.

Confirmation is a collaborative ministry between Immanuel and Sabylund Lutheran Churches.

The first day of Confirmation class will be Wednesday, October 7th. Students come directly to Immanuel Lutheran Church right after school is dismissed. We will give them a snack and some time to relax and unwind from their day at school before we begin at 3:50 PM. Our goal is to wrap up at 5:00 PM. (Our apologies in advance when we get caught going a few minutes over.)

Our focus this year will be the Old Testament. We are asking for a $25 donation for each student to help with the cost of materials and snacks. We are asking that all students register online to help us update contact information. You can also pay online at this time.

We follow the Pepin School District Calendar. When school meets, confirmation meets. When they do not, we do not. For example, if school is canceled or released early due to weather, we will not meet.

Click here to Register .

Warm Regards,

Pastor Paul Oppedahl, Sabylund Lutheran Church

Angie Vetsch, Director of Christian Education, Immanuel Lutheran Church

Lutheran World Relief - Summer 2026 Special Reports

office@immanuelpepin.org (Office Administrator) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:11:34 GMT

Lutheran World Relief Update

To view Lutheran World Relief ~ Summer 2026 Special Reports click here

Truth Seeking & Truth Telling Initiative on Indian Boarding Schools

Thu, 21 May 2026 18:55:24 GMT

ELCA Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative – Join the work

Indian Boarding Schools: ELCA Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative – Join the work

The Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is leading a coordinated effort to research Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding and day schools dating back to the 1820s. We are seeking both clergy and lay volunteers who want to be part of this initiative. All are welcome, including those with skills in research, data collection, organizing, education, and leadership. The goals are to find and gather information in order to share it with impacted Indigenous individuals, families, and communities; for our church members to know our history of church-sponsored Indian boarding schools and their devastating impacts on Native communities; all as part of an ongoing truth and healing process.

We started in 2022 with 15 synods across four states. In May 2023, we expanded to 27 synods across ten states. We are now expanding to all synods across all states. We welcome you!

To learn more and to get involved, click HERE.

Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry ~ News

office@immanuelpepin.org (Office Administrator) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:12:22 GMT

Recent News Link

Click here for recent news from Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry.