“[Your children] are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.” –Kahlil Gibran, poet
Youth Ministry
Emmanuel’s Youth Ministry provides Christian education for its pre-teen and teenage members as well as exciting activities for our neightborhood youth. These opportunities include Youth Group, Junior High Sunday School, Confirmation classes, band camp, and other events.
Youth Group
Emmanuel’s Youth Group strives to involve the young people of the congregation in the work of Christ. Our goal is to nurture them into beautiful, well-rounded adults by providing opportunities for Spiritual growth. We endeavor to integrate Emmanuel’s youth into our congregational and community service activities, and thereby promote genuine Christian fellowship.
Emmanuel’s Youth Group provides:
| Sanctuary: | A safe place to speak, think, and listen |
| Fellowship: | Building relationships within our community |
| Exploration: | Seeking the great mystery of the Divine |
| Growth: | Nurturing our minds and spirits |
| Stewardship: | Opportunities to take responsibility for the earth and all sentient beings |
Emmanuel’s Youth Ministry hosts Youth Group meetings for individuals ages 14 to 18 on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sunday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Our Youth Group welcomes and encourages all forms of wisdom and belief.
Participants in Emmanuel's active and exciting Youth Program can make friendships that last a life-time.
Emmanuel’s youth participate in service projects and fundraising to build community and teach Servanthood.
The Youth Ministry Activities Calendar can be found below. For more information, contact the church office by calling 815-963-4815, or send an email ().
Junior High Sunday School
The goal of the Junior High Sunday School to build fellowship and community, and to nurture the Spiritual development of each youth by learning about the teachings of Jesus and how they apply in real-life situations. It is for young people grades 6th through 8th, and is one of Emmanuel’s regular Sunday morning activities.
Confirmation Classes
Confirmation in the Lutheran Church is a public profession of faith and a rite of the Church preceded by a period of instruction designed to help baptized Christians identify with the life and mission of the Christian community. Prior to receiving Communion it is necessary to be instructed in the Christian faith (1 Cor. 11:28). The rite of confirmation provides an opportunity for the individual Christian, relying on God's promise given in Holy Baptism, to make a personal public confession of the faith and a lifelong pledge of fidelity to Christ.
Confirmation classes are offered to Emmanuel's 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, September through May, one Sunday a month.
Other Activities
Intermediate and Advanced Jam Band Camp
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Intermediate and Advanced Jam Band Camp will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in July for beginners and juniors, ages 12 through 19. Camp begins at 8:30 a.m. and goes until to 3:00 p.m.
This camp is for the experienced music camper with a few years of instrument study. Enjoy a relaxed band experience and hands-on individual mentoring. Explore the exciting world of classic jazz jam tunes and world music grooves. Develop improvisational skills and work with Advanced Jam Band Camp alumni mentors. Professional instructors will lead clinics and small group instruction. Morning ensemble, mid-day clinics, and performance opportunities. Scholarships, internships, and early drop-off is available.
There is an optional afternoon visit to the Alpine Park (950 South Alpine Road, Rockford, Illinois, 815-987-8800) pool:
- Each child taking part in the pool visit will need to bring $5.00 for the entrance fee.
- We suggest each child also brings $3.00 per day for the snack bar at the park.
- Parents will need to pick up their children at 4:30 p.m. at the Alpine Park pool.
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