Welcome to Immanuel! We want you to know that we are a warm and friendly gathering of people who will do everything we can to make you feel at home. This page is meant to answer a number of questions that you might have as a first-time guest at Immanuel.

 

 

When are worship services held?

Our services are at 5:00 p.m. Saturdays, and at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. There is a coffee and donut gathering time in the gym between the Sunday services, and Bible classes run from 9:30 to 10:15.

 

 

Is the church easy to find?

Immanuel is on a main east-west thoroughfare (Olive Blvd). It is located about 1-1/2 miles west of I-170 and 3 miles east of I-270. Its central location is a blessing as we draw from a wide circle of communities.

 

 

Is there easy parking?

Yes! Our lot is immediately adjacent to the church building and is ample for the number of cars parked each week.

 

 

What can I expect when I come through the door?

Our main doors off the parking lot bring you into an atrium that leads you up to the sanctuary. You will likely meet a number of friendly people who are genuinely happy to have you with us, and would be more than happy to lead you to the worship service upstairs. For those who have need, we have an elevator to save some wear and tear on the knees!

 

 

Where is the worship service held?

All of our services are held upstairs in the nave (worship space), which is one flight of stairs above the main entrance and is easy to find. Having entered the doors, proceed straight through the Atrium and up the stairs to the sanctuary.

 

 

What kind of dress is acceptable at Immanuel?

You will find a wide range of dress at worship. Those who dress more casually appreciate that God certainly is near to us and receives us “as we are.” On the other hand, many enjoy dressing up for church, reflecting an understanding of God’s “otherness” and majesty. In all cases, a Christian modesty appropriate for God’s people is appreciated.

 

 

Will I be singled out as a guest?

We welcome our guests near the door, and you may be warmly received walking to or from the service, but we do not ask our guests to stand or be acknowledged individually at worship.

 

 

What is the worship like?

Immanuel uses the traditional liturgy in a variety of settings. On Sundays, we are accompanied by a beautiful organ that has been upgraded through the recent purchase of trumpet pipes. On Saturday evenings, we make use of the piano. The focus of our worship is always Jesus Christ and His cross and resurrection, and our sermons and hymns reflect it. The liturgy is often enhanced through choirs, hand bells, and both vocal and instrumental soloists. We strive to reflect the creativity of our God in service to the Gospel.

 

 

Is the service easy to follow?

Yes! Our services are completely printed out in a worship folder and our hymns are sung from the hymnals. We strive to make the order of service easy to follow regardless of how familiar you may be with the liturgy.

 

 

Will I be asked to say anything?

Only as a part of the entire congregational response.

 

 

Are children welcome?

Absolutely! We believe it is important for children to be present in the worship service, and on non-Communion Sundays, we include a “children’s message” by the pastor. We encourage our parents to assist older children with the responses, prayers and hymns. Should a younger child lose control, we encourage our parents to take him/her to the back of the church or to the nursery downstairs for a short time.

 

 

How is the offering collected?

Ushers move down the aisles with offering plates. You are free to place an offering in the plate and pass it to the nearest neighbor.

 

 

If there is communion, should I go forward?

While only those who are confirmed members of an LCMS congregation ordinarily commune, anyone may come forward to receive a blessing (indicated by folding arms across the chest). Those who are not communing are invited to participate during distribution through prayer and the singing of hymns. Please see one of the pastors before the service if you have a question.

 

 

What happens after the service?

There is no formal (bench by bench) dismissal. Worshippers are free to rise and leave as they wish. Often a pastor will greet you as you leave the nave or downstairs. And we invite you to return and join us for worship again as soon as you are able!