“I say to you, ‘This is all you shall do. In my name, you shall Love. You shall touch, you shall heal…
you shall Love’” –Leela Grace, song lyric
Involvement
We called Emmanuel a “congregation”—not a “church”—from the beginning. One of the things we mean by that is that the congregation, with the help of God, takes responsibility for the things that need to be done, organizes itself to achieve common goals, and thereby becomes an example of what the love of Christ is all about. At Emmanuel we feel that when we serve on a Committee we are doing Christ’s work, and thus the act of serving becomes a Ministry of God.
Emmanuel functions because of the talent and time its members give. We need your help. To find out more you can print and mail in our Opportunities to Volunteer form, send an e-mail, or call the church office at 815-963-4815., please call the church office at 815-963-4815.
This page lists the committees and groups that do that work. In addition to the groups listed here, also see Four Winds Center for Spiritual Ecology and Spiritual Journeys.
Committees
Building and Grounds Committee
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” –Robert Louis Stevenson, author (1850-1894)
The purpose of the Building and Grounds Committee is to maintain the church building, the mission house, the parking areas, and all the green areas on the church property. The members meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. at the church. If you are interested in becoming a member or volunteering, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or send an email.
Caring Connections Committee
The identity of the Caring Connections Committee centers around meeting the needs of the congregation, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. We want to serve the Emmanuel family by bearing one another’s burdens, building bridges between the generations, and providing transitional support during significant life events.
Emmanuel's Caring Connections Committee also monitors and responds to Prayer Requests. Volunteers for this responsibility are always welcome. Call the church office, 815-963-4815, e-mail the Caring Connections Committee Coordinator from the website to find out more.
The members of Caring Connections Committee meet on the first Tuesday of the month from 6:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. at the church. If you are interested in becoming a member or have a concern of which you would like to make Caring Connections Committee aware, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the Caring Connections Committee Coordinator.
Children's Ministry Committee
The purpose of the Children's Ministry Committee is to partner with Emmanuel families in nurturing the spiritual development of the children of Emmanuel. The members meet as needed at a time convenient to the members at the church. If you are interested in becoming a member, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the Children's Ministry Committee Coordinator.
See the Children's Ministry Calendar online, or call the church office, 815-963-4815, to find out about upcoming activities and events.
Finance and Stewardship Committee
The purpose of the Finance and Stewardship Committee is to provide financial management of Emmanuel’s investments, and to provide oversight of expenditures. Members meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. at the church. If you are interested in becoming a member, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the Finance and Stewardship Committee Coordinator.
If you need an Expense Form, go to the Expense Form page.
Membership Committee
The purpose of the Membership Committee is to be the driving force behind projects to increase, support, and retain Emmanuel Lutheran Church membership. The members meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the home of one of the members. If you are interested in becoming a member, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the Membership Committee Coordinator.
Outreach Committee
The purpose of the Outreach Committee is to respond to the physical and Spiritual needs of Emmanuel's neighbors and the wider community by providing support and resources. The members meet on either the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m., or the first Sunday of the month after the worship service. Meetings take place at the church. If you are interested in becoming a member, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the Outreach Committee Coordinator.
Outreach Ministry activities are explained in more detail on the website's Outreach page, and scheduled events can be found online on the Outreach Calendar.
Publicity, Web Presence, and Oversight Committee
The purpose of the Publicity, Web Presence, and Oversight Committee is to build resources and tools to easily and efficiently promote Emmanuel and Emmanuel events, and to help individual Emmanuel committees promote themselves and their events. The members meet as needed at a time convenient to the members at either a member's home or the church. If you are interested in becoming a member, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the Publicity, Web Presence, and Oversight Committee Coordinator.
Sound Engineering Committee
“Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard” –Psalm 66:8
Emmanuel's Sound Engineering Committee is always ready to expand the sound crew. They are the folks who record the service on Sunday mornings. If anyone from Emmanuel is interested in learning how to work the sound equipment, they should call the church office, 815-963-4815, or send an email.
Staff Support Committee
The purpose of the Staff Support Committee is to provide human resource services for the employees of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. The members meet as needed. If you are interested in joining the Staff Support Committee, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or send an email.
Worship and Music Committee
The basic goals of the Worship and Music Committee are to help deepen the faith of the members of the Emmanuel congregation through their worship experience, and the planning of the worship life of the Emmanuel congregation in conjunction with the pastor(s). The members meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:15 p.m. at the church. If you are interested in becoming a member, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the Worship and Music Committee Coordinator.
Youth Ministry Committee
The basic goals of the Youth Ministry Committee are to involve Emmanuel's youth in the work of Christ in the congregation and and community, to nurture Emmanuel's youth so they mature into beautiful, well-rounded adults, to provide Emmanuel's youth with opportunities for spiritual growth, to promote genuine Christian fellowship among Emmanuel's youth, and to encourage integration of Emmanuel's youth into congregational activities. The members meet as needed at a time and location convenient to the members. If you are interested in becoming a member, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the Youth Ministry Committee Coordinator.
Youth Ministry events can be found online on the Youth Ministry Calendar, or by calling the church office, 815-963-4815.
Education
Adult Bible Study
“Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.” –Psalm 71:17
In the manner of Jesus' own small group of disciples, Emmanuel's Bible Study offers a place to connect with other believers in fellowship; to grow in our understanding of the Bible; and to worship God together. As it says in our Vision Statement, we at Emmanuel, “Study and Practice the Spirituality of Jesus... [becoming] instruments of God's Grace by: Promoting understanding and unity between religious traditions...”
Bible Study is held in the library every Wednesday from noon to 1:00 p.m. See the Community calendar for details. All are welcome. For more information, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or send an email from our website.
Wednesday Book Study with Pastor Amy: We are currently reading Dog Psalms: Prayers My Dogs Have Taught Me. See the Worship calendar for details. All are welcome.
Adult Ed
The purpose of Adult Education is to provide the Emmanuel congregation with a wide variety of educational opportunities for adults 17 and older, such as:
- Saving Jesus Redux, a 12-episode video exploration of a credible Jesus for the 21st Century. Join 25 experts for a conversation around the relevance of Jesus for today. This series will be repeated.
- Thomas Merton: A Film Biography shown over the course of two weeks with a lively discussion following each segment.
- The free Sunday Movie Matinee scheduled for the fourth Sunday of the month, September through April.
- An occasional free Sunday Movie Matinee series.
- A weekly viewing and discussion about The Emergence of Universe, Earth, Life, and Humans video series.
The members meet as needed at a time and location convenient to the members. If you are interested in finding out more or joining the e-mail list, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the Adult Education Coordinator.
Join the e-mail list by checking the Adult Ed boxthrough our website.
Adult Ed events and details can be found listed on our Community calendar.
Reconciling in Christ Task Force
Reconciling in Christ (RIC) recognizes Lutheran communities that publicly welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender believers.
The purpose of the RIC Task Force is to research, complete, and continue the welcoming process of Emmanuel becoming a Reconciling in Christ church, as well as to educate the congregation on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues that relate to the life of the church. Reconciling in Christ (ReconcilingWorks.org/ric/) is a program of ReconcilingWorks (ReconcilingWorks.org) for congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, and other Lutheran organizations.
On March 7th, 2013, Emmanuel was officially recognized by ReconcilingWorks (ReconcilingWorks.org) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) (elca.org) as a Reconciling in Christ (ReconcilingWorks.org/ric/) (RIC) congregation. This means Emmanuel welcomes openly LGBT parishioners of all ages as well as their families and friends. For more information on how Emmanuel is involving it parishenors in this effort, see our Reconciling in Christ page.
The members meet as needed at a time and location that is convenient to the members. If you are interested in finding out more, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the RIC Task Force Coordinator.
Spiritual Journeys
Spiritual Journeys members come together to discuss books and films that delve into the different theological and philosophical perspectives of cultures from around the world. More on our Emerging Spirituality page.
Groups
Art@Emmanuel
Promoting the Creative Spirit through the Visual Arts
The purpose of Art@Emmanuel is to educate and inspire our congregation and our community through the creation and contemplation of visual art. Creativity is an integral part of the Emmanuel community, and art is just one of the many ways we think about and express Community * Creativity * Spirituality—Emmanuel's motto. We believe that art can help heal the soul.
The members of Art@Emmanuel meet monthly to explore ideas, and plan exhibits and workshops. We invite eveyone—children, youth, and adults—regardless of artistic experience to participate in the Creative Spirit.
Read our “Promoting the Creative Spirit through the visual arts” document which can be located under the Art@Emmanuel heading on the website Involvement page to find out more about Art@Emmanuel.
Call to Artists for any upcoming exhibits can be found online at the .
Art@Emmanuel events can be found online on the Art and Entertainment Calendar, or by calling the church office, 815-963-4815. Please check it often to see when new shows will be hung.
If you still have questions, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or e-mail the Art@Emmanuel Committee.
Faith Journey: Step into Life
This is a 12-step study group meeting in the Benson Room on Wednesdays, except holidays. Group members study the 12-steps in the context of their spiritual journey. Everyone is welcome. Use the north entrance. Questions, call Jonathan at 815-332-3741. See the Community Calendar for more information.
Gay Men Gathering (GMG)
Are you a gay man looking for a safe and supportive place where you will find friends and fellowship? Then Gay Men Gathering is the group for you. All gay men in the Rockford area ages 18 and older are invited to come join in the conversation.
While we meet at a church and any individual may talk about how spirituality has informed his life, this is not a group focused around religion. However it is a confidential group: What is said in the group, stays in the group.
Meetings are on the first and third Saturdays of the month beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Emmanuel. Please use the entrance at the North parking lot. For more information or to join the e-mail list, please call the church office at 815-963-4815.
Gay Men Gathering meetings and events can be found online on the Community Calendar.
Emmanuel is a Reconciling in Christ (ReconcilingWorks.org/ric/) congregation and warmly welcomes openly LGBT seekers and believers of all ages as well as their families and friends.
Lesbian Conversation Group (LCG)
If you are looking for a diverse group of lesbians, and women who are questioning their sexuality, who discuss their lives, local and regional events of interest, as well as topics such as lesbian marriage and families, LGBTQ anti-discrimination proposals, and lesbian culture including sports, literature, music, and art, then our Lesbian Conversation Group is for you.
While we meet at a church and any individual may talk about how spirituality has informed her life, this is not a group focused around religion. However it is a confidential group: What is said in the group, stays in the group.
Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Emmanuel. The group is open to those 17 years and older. Please use the entrance at the rear parking lot. For more information e-mail the LCG Contact on Emmanuel's website where you can also join the e-mail list, or call the church office at 815-963-4815.
Lesbian Conversation Group meetings and events can be found online on the Community Calendar.
Emmanuel is a Reconciling in Christ (ReconcilingWorks.org/ric/) congregation and warmly welcomes openly LGBT seekers and believers of all ages as well as their families and friends.
Men's Group
All men in the Rockford area are invited to Emmanuel's Men's Group. The group was started so that men from the community can get together for Spiritual brotherhood, giving each other emotional and Spiritual support, thus providing opportunities for fellowship. Group activities may include watching a movie, going out to dinner, or going to a baseball game. The members meet every other Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the church. If you are interesed becoming a member or finding out more, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or send an email.
Men's Group meetings and events can be found online on the Community Calendar.
NIA Class
NIA's purpose is to grow a worldwide community of healthy people who are empowered to do great things by engaging their senses and listening to their bodies. NIA is an acronym for Neuro-Muscular Integrative Action. Classes are taken barefoot to soul-stirring music, and taught in more than 45 countries. Email Dee Dee for further information, or come to the class on Wednesday. Everyone is welcome. See the Community Calendar for more information.
WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Church in America)
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord…” –Ephesians 6:7
All female members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church are invited to join WELCA (WomenOfTheELCA.org).
The commitment of WELCA is to grow spiritually by praying, studying the Bible, and maturing in faith. As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to growth in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.
WELCA meets on the third Thursday of the month, except July and August, at 9:30 a.m. at the church. They serve at funeral receptions and special events, and also assists P. A. Peterson in April with a resident birthday party. If you are interested in finding out more, call the church office, 815-963-4815, or send an email from the website.
WELCA meetings and events can be found online on the WELCA Calendar, or by calling the church office, 815-963-4815.