Just today the scaffolding came down in the altar area in our new sanctuary.  For more than a month the scaffolding has been in place so that painting, lighting and speakers could be put into place.  Notice the arch that our historic altar will sit under.  At the top of the arch is "Immanuel" our namesake. Places for the rear projection screens are on either side of the chancel. The doorway to the right leads to the altar guild room.

We are still on schedule for an early July occupancy.  Tile has begun to be installed.  Pews are scheduled to be delivered  the first full week of June.  The lower level is nearly complete.

Immanuel's new 25 rank Martin Ott organ has begun to arrive on site.  Pictured to the left are pieces that have been refinished to match the pews and doors in the new sanctuary.  Installation of the organ will begin in a couple of weeks and will take about a month to install, tune and voice.

Dedication of the new organ will take place on Sunday, November 11 in a Sunday afternoon hymn festival featuring, Dr. John A. Behnke, from Concordia University, Wisconsin, at the organ bench.

This past week a beautiful piece of art was installed in our new sanctuary.  It is located above the choir loft at the highest point in the rear of the church.  The banner recalls the words that are spoken at the time of the Lord's Supper.  They remind us that when we receive God's gifts in Word and Sacrament, and when offer our thanks and praise spoken and sung, we do so not only with each other but with "angels and archangels and all the company of heaven."  What an uplifting thought to understand our loved ones in heaven are with us when we gather together for worship. 

This and other art in our new sanctuary were funded by the donation of Immanuel members to a special art fund that is being used to beautify our new sanctuary. Other art projects include: baptismal floor mosaic; new stained glass above the altar; "Welcoming Jesus" statue; a "Jesus with Children" statue; and the beginning of a collection of "seasonal art" to be on display in the new narthex.

Son of Immanuel, Daniel Potts, has just finished his second year at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He has been assigned his vicarage at Grace Lutheran Church in Winter Haven, FL.  He and his wife, Katie, and their daughter, Lucy, will move to Florida for their year of vicarage later this summer.

Daniel will be preaching at all services this weekend at Immanuel.  What a great opportunity to support Daniel in his progress towards the Office of the Ministry!

Also this Sunday during the Sunday School hour from 9:30-10:30 a.m. our missionary to Bangkok, Robin McCoy, will give an update on her ministry there on our behalf.  Again, what a great opportunity to be the Church and offer Robin our encouragement and support!