Devotion
Pray for One Another
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile also praying for us…
Colossians 4:2-3a
The apostle Paul regularly encouraged prayer in the life of Christians. Paul emphatically urged the Colossians to
keep on praying with vigilance, while also asking them to pray specifically for his fellow missionaries and him and
their work.
When he described the armor of God to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:10ff), Paul did not include prayer as part of
the armor because the armor is found in God’s Word to us (Scripture) not our speaking to God (prayer). However,
once clothed in the armor of God—truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, faith, and the Word of God—then
Paul says: “Keep on praying always.”
When Paul gave counsel to Timothy he wrote: “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men…” (1 Timothy 2:1).
Prayer is a vital part of a Christian’s life because it is our way of approaching God as His children. In
our prayers we are able to praise and thank God for all that He gives or does not give to us, and to ask Him for
anything and everything of which we have need.
When we pray for others there is no limit or restriction on those for whom we can pray and should pray. We can
pray for people we know very well, for example, family and friends. We can pray for those whom we know only by name and
face and not personally, for example, governmental leaders. We can pray for those we don’t even know at all, for
example any unbeliever whom God might bring to us so that we might share the Gospel with him.
Our prayers for others take on special significance when we pray for our fellow believers and especially those
with whom we enjoy in a close fellowship—in our congregation and church body. What a privilege to pray for those
with whom we are joined together to share the Gospel! Imagine the zeal and energy the Ephesians and Colossians must have
had in their prayers when the apostle Paul asked them to pray for him! They were thrilled to share in his ministry and
contribute in that way. Likewise, we can (and should!) pray for those who are called to preach and teach among us, but
also for the fellow believer sitting at the end of your pew—whether you know him or not.
In a congregation the size of Immanuel it may not be possible for everyone to know everyone else, but you can
still pray for them and ask for God’s blessings upon them. Ask for God to bless them and supply their needs, and
when you do know of a particular need, you can pray for that too.
Another example of how we can pray for one another within our congregation has been highlighted several times in
the past weeks through Baptism affirmation. In the order of service for affirming a private Baptism we ask the
congregation:
Members of Immanuel… Do you stand ready and promise to assist these parents in every possible
way as they seek to bring up their child in the training of the Lord? Do you pledge to remember them in your prayers
even as you do all of your brothers and sisters in the faith?
Though not every member of Immanuel will have the opportunity or circumstance to directly assist the parents in
the training of their son or daughter, yet every member can assist these parents by supporting the work of our
congregation, praying for our pastors and teachers, and praying that the Word of God continue to be taught in its truth
and purity. We are able to pray for others individually and as a congregation and thereby work together to provide
and maintain a Christian fellowship that is both God pleasing and an atmosphere in which parents can raise their
children with the support and prayers of their fellow believers.
There is much to do simply through our prayers—be vigilant in them! Amen.
— Pastor Wayne C. Eichstadt
Christian Education
The Wisdom of the Little Things
There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are a people
not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer; The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in
the crags; The locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks; The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, and it
is in kings’ palaces.
Proverbs 20:24-28
Maintaining a Christian school is not a frill, or a church custom of the 18th century, nor even a mere labor of
love. It is a practice which rests upon one of the very basic principles that, if you are little, you must make up for
your lack of size by the exercise of unusual wisdom. It is one of the laws of self-preservation. Even our Lord commended
it to His disciples when He sent them out in weakness, two by two, to face many. He told them to be wise as serpents
(cf. Matthew 10:16). A very similar suggestion is implied in our text. The holy writer mentions four things which are
little upon the earth, but wise. There are other little things upon the earth and we need to add two of them to the
list: Our children and our Christian parents. Our children are little by reason of their youth and are quite defenseless
in a world that is ruled by the Prince of Darkness. Christian parents are heavily, overwhelmingly, outnumbered by the
forces of evil, make no mistake about that. In this respect we have much in common with the ants, the rock badgers, the
locusts, and the spiders. It becomes us, therefore, to learn well their lesson of wisdom as described in the Proverbs:
“The Wisdom of the Little Things.”
The wisdom of those who lay by in the summer
“The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in summer.”
The Scriptures think quite highly of the ants. Solomon took occasion to refer lazy people to the ant, from whom
they might learn the wisdom of diligence. Here a similar virtue is extolled—the wisdom of the ant in making up for
its weakness by gathering its food in the summer. When the frost turns water to stone, when in the stark whiteness of
the winter moon the wolves howl and seek their prey, the ant may live upon its store, but its time of harvest is past.
There are beasts which may face the blizzard and find food even in the bleakness of a winter world, but the ant is
simply not one of them. It is her weakness that she is not clad in fur and that the source of her food is cut off by the
cold. What, then, does she do? What else but yield to the wisdom of necessity and cram her larder with great energy
before the leaves begin to fall?
Do we wish our children to live? It is hardly a question of vitamins and calories as with the ant; for man does
not live by bread alone. The question is: Shall our children live by every Word which goes forth from the mouth of God?
Let us face the fact that our children, like the ants, are a people not strong. They have this weakness in particular,
that what they store up within them of the bounty of the living bread from heaven in the summer of their youth must be
had by a time of boundless, ceaseless activity of training in the Word of God. The storehouse of their active memory
shall be laden row on row with the life-giving gems of the Bible, Catechism, and Hymnal. Their minds must be bent to the
ways of the Lord. We may not be unmindful of the injunction of the Lord: “Train up a child in the way he should
go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
The parents must recognize this obligation. They, too, are weak in their limitations. In the summer of their
child’s life they can give him the training he needs. When the winter comes, the children age into manhood and
womanhood, the providing days are past and no parent can then make up what was neglected in youth. But parents are
confronted with the fact that the school days take their children from them during the years of storing. If the children
receive only a secular education there will be no Catechism, no Bible, no divine Truths from them there. The precious
summer will go by and the spiritual cupboard will remain empty except for the meager store assembled in a few hours of
Sunday School work or through the limited efforts of other agencies.
Faced with this situation, we take refuge in wisdom. We endeavor to establish and maintain our own schools.
There, in the very process of schooling, our children are being led to stock their spiritual pantry. Heavenly provision
is made for the journey of life. And what a comfort, what a blessing it will be to them when they must go out into the
cold world, to remember that they and their parents were diligent in the summer. A Christian school is a monument to the
wisdom of the little things.
Perhaps someone is not greatly impressed by that insect, the ant, and seeks an example of greater intelligence.
Then let us turn to the conies…
… to be continued in the next issue.
—From the Archive
Pastor Egbert Schaller
Graduation Address
May 1955
New to the ILHS Faculty
Meet Mr. Kyle Ochsner
Mr. Kyle Ochsner has joined the Immanuel Lutheran High School faculty primarily as our math and science teacher.
The following interview will provide you with an introduction to our newest faculty member. We encourage you to also
meet him personally.
Q: Tell us about your family background:
A: I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Most of my family still lives there. I have three older
sisters. I am the only son in our family—my sisters would say I am a slightly spoiled baby brother. My folks were
originally from South Dakota. My father grew up in Faulkton, while my mother grew up in Sioux Falls.
Q: Where were you educated?
A: I went to grade school at Grace Lutheran School in Fridley, Minnesota. I then attended
high school at Immanuel Lutheran High School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I spent one year in the BS program at Immanuel
Lutheran College before finishing my undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire where I
graduated with a Major in Applied Mathematics and a Minor in Physics. After moving to Colorado I took course work at
Metro State College in Denver in order to secure Teacher Licensure.
Q: Are you married?
A: Yes, I married Kim Williams on June 11, 2005. Kim grew up in Fond du Lac, WI, where her
father served as an Air Traffic Controller. Her family later moved to Eau Claire, WI. Kim was one of my classmates at
ILHS.
Q: What were you doing before coming to Immanuel?
A: After graduating from UW-EC in December, 2005, we moved to Denver. I got a job at Ground
Engineering Company, where I tested materials and inspected building projects. During the 2006-2007 year I taught eighth
grade math at Horace Mann Middle School, an inner city school for at-risk kids in downtown Denver.
Q: What led you to accept your call to Immanuel?
A: I felt it was the Lord’s will that I serve His Church through Christian education. I
also really like young people.
Q: What are your special interests?
A: I love both sports and music. I especially like basketball, and I play piano, acoustic
guitar, and percussion.
Q: What are you doing for housing here in Mankato?
A: We had a home constructed at 105 La Costa Court up behind the Menard’s Building Center.
We will be finishing the basement ourselves.
Q: What are your goals for teaching at Immanuel?
A: First of all, I want to help students achieve their academic potential. Secondly, I want to
be a strong spiritual role model for the student body.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Besides playing sports and music, I like building furniture.
140th Anniversary
On Sunday, September 16, 2007 we will celebrate the 140th Anniversary of Immanuel
Lutheran Church and School. Immanuel’s school was opened in the fall of 1867 with the constitution of the
congregation being signed on September 14 of that year.
A special history of the congregation will be presented at the Sunday morning Bible Class.
Pastor Gordon Radtke, who served Immanuel from 1955 to 1966, will be our guest speaker at the Sunday
morning service.
A hog roast will follow the service. The Senior class at Immanuel Lutheran High School and their parents
will prepare and serve the meal. A free-will offering will be taken at the meal to cover the meal expenses and help the
Senior class as they raise funds in preparation for their class trip next spring.
Displays of historical artifacts, including many pictures of old confirmation classes will be set up in the
Multi-Purpose Facility. We invite everyone and anyone to join us in this remembrance of God’s continuous grace!
Youth Conference 2007
I HV A PLN 4U
We were blessed by God’s Spirit at Youth
Conference 2007 held from August 7-12 at Camp Como in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains! Not only did we have perfect
weather—sunny warm days and cool crisp nights, but the spiritual growth enjoyed by both the youth and staff was
evident for all to behold!
The theme this year was taken from Jeremiah 29:11 and summarized in text message form: I HV A PLN 4U! (I Have a
Plan for You—Details Are Mine)
88 students from 23 congregations within the Church of the Lutheran Confession [CLC], together with 18 staff
members representing 15 different CLC congregations gathered amidst God’s natural handiwork to study His Word in
eleven different sessions. Participants and staff considered how God creates each individual and gives gifts to those
individuals in special ways. They studied what Scripture means when it says we are “in Christ!” They
considered the fact that God’s plan for them included placing them in families, helping them to become more
Christ-like, overcoming temptation, worshipping and serving Him, and sharing the Gospel message of salvation with
others.
CLC President John Schierenbeck, Pastor Jim Sandeen, and Mr. Phil Radichel—all members of the CLC
Coordinating Council, joined the group Wednesday evening for a “Heritage Building” session in which they
recalled the history of our synod. The men were also questioned by the conference participants regarding our synod, its
past, present, and future.
Pastor Todd Ohlmann, member of the CLC Board of Missions and two students, all three of whom recently returned
from the Mission Helper Trip to India, addressed the assembly about the recent trip and future opportunities available
through the Mission Helper Program. An extra session regarding God’s plan for dating and relationships was
attended voluntarily by approximately seventy-five students on the final full day of the conference.
Matins and Vesper services were held each day, and the youth sang their praises to God in choir every day in
preparation for our closing worship service held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in suburban Denver.
The conference, however, was not all work. Participants had opportunity to exercise while mountain biking, rock
climbing, and playing roller hockey, along with basketball, Frisbee golf, and entertaining themselves on a giant
playground. On Thursday the conference enjoyed a splendid half day white-water rafting trip on the Arkansas River.
Saturday evening’s skit night allowed the students and counselors to express their creativity. The only
real requirement for their three-minute skits was the use of a text message—how everyone laughed!
What were some of the student responses? Regarding the program, Mitch Horrillo from Sunnyvale, CA said: “I
really enjoyed all the sessions, but specifically I found the ‘in Christ’ session to be incredibly
encouraging!”
Pre-theology student, Daniel Pfeiffer, from Lake Crystal, MN wrote: “The program that hit me the most was
the Mission Helper Program. That really moved me to do more to further God’s Church.”
Kyle Aymond of Inver Grove Heights, MN stated: “I enjoyed hearing about the heritage of our church body. It
is very important to know where we have been and what we’ve gone through in the past in order to move forward in
the future.”
Becky Gerbitz from Milton, WI stated: “Absolutely amazing! I thought nothing could top last time, but it
did! All of the presenters brought their different gifts and styles to us, and it was so uplifting!”
The choir experience at the conference was described by the students with adjectives such as
“amazing,” “awesome,” and “da-bomb!” The results included all of the students
singing two anthems at Sunday’s closing service and volunteers singing a John Rutter benediction.
Regarding the general atmosphere of the conference, Nathan Heinze of Lake Crystal, MN wrote: “Everyone made
me feel very welcome,” while Vanessa Meyer of Eau Claire, WI, stated: “I was surprised how easy it was to
talk to people.”
Regarding the staff and her overall experience, Kymberly Stelter of Kasota, MN concluded: “An amazing group
of counselors and staff. Of my three years I think I have been blessed the most by this conference. Thank you!”
Lord-willing, our next Youth Conference will be held in the summer of 2009. Its location and theme are yet to be
determined, but by the grace of God and with His Spirit’s help, we hope to experience again His distinct blessing!
Pastor Paul D. Nolting
Boundary Waters Canoe Trip—’08
The two youth groups at Immanuel are considering a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in the summer of
2008. For planning purposes, it is important to have an idea of how much interest there would be in such a trip. The
trip would be open to those who will be in seventh grade or older next summer. A brief informational meeting (15-30
minutes) will be held after church on September 9 and September 23 (the meetings will be identical). After
September 23, a decision will be made about the trip. If you may have interest in this adventure, please come to one of
the meetings.
A CLC regional Parenting Seminar at Immanuel—Saturday, November 3.
Watch the bulletin for details!
Please share your ideas for topics with Pastor Eichstadt.
It’s easy
to think,
“not my kid.”
Just know that 70% of “not my kid” used alcohol last year. Past perceptions are dangerous.
Education and open communication with your child is part of a good defense against teenage drug and alcohol
abuse. Which is what the program, How to Drug Proof Your Kids® (DPYK), is all about.
Here’s how it works:
How to Drug Proof Your Kids is a small-group study program. Together with other parents, you’ll go
through one of the best drug prevention curriculums around. You’ll learn why kids use drugs, strategies for
communication, how to identify warning signs, tools to help your kids respond to peer pressure, how to deal with current
drug use and more. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to strengthen relationships with your kids that act as a
constant preventative against drug use. By putting it all into practice, you’ll be closer to saying “not my
kid” with confidence.
Pastor Eichstadt and Mr. Libby will facilitate a series of How to Drug Proof Your Kids sessions
for Immanuel members and the community on Wednesday evenings, beginning September 26th. More information will be
provided shortly through the bulletin. Please contact Pastor Eichstadt with any questions.
Sunday Bible Study—Fall 2007
On Sunday, September 9 we will begin a study of worship in our morning Bible Study. We will consider,
first of all, the nature and meaning of worship. We will then consider the Bible passages within Scripture concerning
worship and go on to examine Biblical examples of worship. We will then trace the development of worship within
Christian church history, including the development and meaning of our own traditional, Lutheran, liturgical form of
worship. We will finally examine our worship here at Immanuel and consider how we might use our individual gifts
to advance the worship life we enjoy together. Come! Be a part of this important study and discussion!
Sunday School also begins September 9!
Reformation Festival
October 31
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Followed by the 7:00 p.m. Reformation Day Worship Service
Come and remember the Reformation and celebrate the heritage God has given us with an enjoyable evening of
Christian fellowship and fun.
Details to be released soon!
Volunteers requested: Part of the Reformation Festival will involve characters from the Reformation
“coming to life” from the past. If you are interested in portraying a Reformation character, please speak to
Pastor Eichstadt.
Food Support Program
Blue Earth County has asked us to provide information on the federal Food Support Program to those of our members
who are 60+ in age. This program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is intended to provide nutritional
assistance for seniors faced with increasing energy and medical expenses, while living on low, fixed incomes.
According to census date only 33% of eligible seniors take advantage of the Food Support funding available to
them. If you are over 60 years of age; if your household assets (cash on hand, money in a checking or savings account or
an Individual Retirement Account) are less than $7,000, and your monthly income is below $1,062 for one person or $1,430
for two people (amounts are higher with larger numbers of dependents), you may be able to get Food Support. If you are
interested, please call (651) 431-4050 or toll free (800) 657-3698.
