Immanuel Lutheran Church

What are services like?
Immanuel uses and follows a traditional Lutheran liturgy. The organ is used, the pastor is a well-known worship leader, people open the hymnal and sing out, aided by splendid acoustics and the tracker organ in the rear balcony. The choir sings a variety of musical styles within a classical church music The sermons will be based on the readings in the lectionary and will grapple with the contexts of both the texts and the contemporary situation of the people. Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday. It is open to all baptized Christians, including young children. Children are welcome in worship, and the pastor usually addresses them specifically.

What is the community like?
Visitors will be greeted by many people, not just designated greeters. Our members will be interested to know more about you and invite you to the coffee hour after the Service. In the Swedish tradition this is a sit-down event with sweet refreshments, not eat and run. It functions as community time in which birthdays and anniversaries are recognized, announcements are made, and people share information about themselves and community events. Our people enjoy being together at church and will often linger for conversation. They also have a reputation for looking after one another in sickness and trauma. It is, by all accounts, a caring Christian community.

What if I'm not a Christian?
Non-Christians are welcome in Immanuel's worship and fellowship. We have a handful of people from Jewish and non-religious backgrounds who regularly attend worship and participate in learning opportunities. Non-Christians will not be badgered into being baptized. But should such a person express interest, solid instruction will be provided by the pastor and adults baptisms are greeted with great joy.