Good News 

Return to the Lord

God’s Peace to you all,


We have officially entered the season of Lent but before I talk about that, I first would like to revisit our theme for the month of February. As you recall, each Sunday in February we heard about specific aspects of “Stewards Living with Purpose.”  As we move through the year, I pray that you will be mindful of them and what it means to be a Good Steward of God’s gifts. We explored what it means to Do All to the Glory of God, to be a Witness for Christ, to Serve One Another, and to Be Generous in Every Way. If you missed any of these Sundays, they are available for you to view on our YouTube channel or if you prefer, I would be happy to print the sermons for you.


Now let’s talk about the Season of Lent. Lent is such an important time for Christians throughout the world. It’s all about preparation. With a somber tone and focus on repentance, we are preparing for Holy Week, the week that our suffering Savior endured our shame and punishment all the way to the Cross. It was there that God’s love for us was on display for all to see. On Ash Wednesday we begin our 40-day journey remembering that we are dust and dust we shall return as well as the call of the prophet Joel to, “Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love” (2:13). This is how we prepare for Holy Week and ultimately, Easter Sunday. We have all turned away from the Lord in our hearts, therefore, the Lord says: “return to me with all your heart…” (2:12). The season of Lent is a time for reflection and renewal; a time to reflect on and renew our devotion to God. This begins with repentance.


I invite you to join us on Ash Wednesday. Our series is titled, “Good News from the Beginning: The Gospel in Genesis.” Midweek services help us to focus more intently on our Savior Jesus Christ who came to seek and to save the lost by paying the ransom price to deliver us from sin, death, and the devil. So, let’s all “return” with true hearts to the Lord our God for forgiveness, strengthening of our faith, and the promise of life everlasting. During midweek worship we will gather to share a meal and fellowship with one another at 6:00 p.m. each Wednesday prior to worship. This too is important. Look for the sign up sheet in the narthex. You’re invited to come and be part of the family of God for both physical and spiritual nourishment. Invite a friend. I look forward to seeing you all in church as we explore the “Good News from the Beginning: The Gospel in Genesis.”


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,


Pastor Deombeleg

Informer

Using our abilities for God's purpose

By Steve Deombeleg • March 1, 2025
Using our Abilities for God’s Purpose

Keep Calm and Listen On

By Pastor Steve • November 1, 2022
Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17

God is Our Refuge and Strength

By Pastor Steve • October 1, 2022
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Psalm 46:1

Celebrating Immanuel Christian Academy’s Milestone

By Pastor Steve • September 1, 2022
Greetings in the name of Jesus, I hope your summer has turned out to be better than you expected. We now move into the fall months with more regularity in our schedules. Where does the summer go? We all ask the same question. But, that’s life, as we move through its rhythms and cycles. A return to school for students is clearly one of the most noticeable changes. For Immanuel Christian Academy, this school year is one of great achievement. ICA will reach an historic milestone. This year we will celebrate our 170th year of continued Christian education in Hillside. That is no small feat. Just think about how ICA has contributed to the community throughout its history. Imagine the thousands of students who received an outstanding education for seventeen decades. That is truly something to praise God for. “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (Psalm 32:11). ICA has been “Glorifying God and Impacting Our Community” long before our vision statement was created. Just think about the thousands of lives that have been impacted since 1852 and continue to be impacted to this day. That’s remarkable and worthy of celebrating, which will take place beginning with a big “Kick-Off Celebration” on Saturday September 17. Both school and church will come together for a time of fun, food, and festivities. Now that we are returning to a more normal lifestyle, we can actually gather with people without all the restrictions, fears, and limitations. The timing couldn’t be better. With that said, we need your help to make this a memorable and exciting event for all. Both the ICA 170th Planning Committee and Stewardship Commission have been working diligently to ensure that this celebration will be a rich and rewarding experience. As I said, we need you, the congregation of Immanuel to step forward by using your gifts of service and hospitality. Look for announcements and volunteer opportunities. What a great way to live out the vision of Immanuel. This celebration provides an opening for us to show our love and support for the most significant ministry in Immanuel’s history. I encourage you to join us for a time of community building and an overall coming together to share life in the name of Jesus. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, September 17, as we rejoice in this landmark celebration. Thank God for blessing Immanuel Christian Academy for 170 years. May He continue to bless this enduring Christian institution well into the future, guided by the Holy Spirit, all to the glory of God. In the Fellowship and Love of Christ, Pastor Steve Deombeleg

He Holds the Future

By Valerie Winston • August 1, 2022
We don’t need to fear the future because God is going to be there every step of the way.