“Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the common good.” I Corinthians 12:4-7.
How is God calling you to serve others? What opportunities at Emmanuel will help you grow? The following listing offers a guide to the many ministries at Emmanuel and beyond our church doors. As a vibrant faith community, we are continually updating our list of opportunities to connect—share your ideas!
Our Mission Statement:
Empowered by God’s hope and love, we can reach, teach, and serve all.
Worship Ministry
We come together to connect to God, to one another, and to ourselves. How can you play an active role in the worship experience?
Lesson Readers
Assist in church service by reading chosen scripture lessons at given time during worship.
A/V Ministry
Run Powerpoint & Sound for services or events.
Ushers
Assist with weekly services by handing out bulletins and aiding parishioners and guests. Also, collect offering and direct flow of people during Holy Communion distribution.
Music Ministry
Music lifts the heart, calms the spirit, and adds dimension to the worship experience. Consider sharing your musical talents.
Handbell Choir
Handbell ringers provide music during worship services; rehearsals occur weekly. A wide range of musical abilities is welcome, with no experience necessary.
Senior Choir
Choir members provide music during church services and other worship events. Weekly rehearsals occur Tuesday evenings. An enjoyment of music and fellowship are the only requirements.
Special Musicians
Vocalists and instrumentalists are invited to share their gifts during worship services and other special events as soloists or as a part of a small ensemble.
Acolytes
Primarily confirmation students light/extinguish candles prior to/after church services. However, others from the congregation are welcome to serve in this capacity.
Education Ministry
Learning about one’s faith is a lifelong process, intricately tied to learning about yourself. Be a part of one or more of these opportunities to grow.
Birth to age 3 Ministry
Emmanuel recognizes that faith growth begins immediately in the home. As such, for the first three years of a child’s birth, following their baptism, children receive resources for parents to use with their children to begin learning and sharing about faith in God.
Birth to 5th grade Youth and Families
Faith Connections: An intergenerational faith and Bible story hour that blends traditional teachings, music, and interactive activities to guide a child’s faith journey. Children, adult family members, and other church members engage as teachers and learners alike. Weekly sessions occur Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings.
5th grade Youth
First Communion Class: A 6-week course offered to 5th grade youth (younger allowed if parents feel they are ready) or older to prepare for the sacrament of Holy Communion. Participants begin their study in February and partake in their First Communion during Maundy Thursday services.
6th grade to 9th grade Youth
Confirmation Classes: Curriculum-based classes prepare youth for the affirmation of their faith by engaging in biblical study, building a relationship with God, and searching for relevance of faith in their daily lives. Weekly evening classes take place with the Rite of Confirmation occurring in October of the 9th grade year.
9th grade Youth to Young Adults
National Youth Gathering: Every 3 years, young people join 30,000 other youth to grow in faith together at a week-long national youth gathering. Fundraising opportunities are aimed to build group cohesiveness, as well as help defray trip costs. www.elca.org/youthgathering
Youth Class Guides
Older youth and adults can serve as guides for any youth classes. Community service hours are granted for service.
Crossways Camp Experiences
Individual youth, confirmation classes, adults, and families can experience outdoor ministry through Crossways Camps. For more information, go to: www.crosswayscamp.org
Adults
Bible Study Groups: Pastor-led exploration of specific biblical figures, topics, and/or themes, intended to expand understanding of God’s message. Meeting times vary.
Adult Forum
Pastor-led discussions on a variety of subjects from a faith perspective. Held periodically between Sunday church services.
Coffee and Fellowship
Informal fellowship among members and visitors between services.
Community Outreach Ministry
Living our faith moves us to action. By serving others, we grow closer to God. Consider these ways to share.
Endowment Committee
Transacts the business of Emmanuel’s endowment fund, which consists of donated monetary gifts that have grown through investment. Considers and acts on disbursement requests. Requires some knowledge of investment funds and confidentiality. Meets minimum of 4 times per year/3-year term—2 term maximum.
Student Aid
Oversees the giving of financial aid grants to students preparing for post-secondary education. Applications are due by August 15th of each year.
New Member Committee
Co-Coordinators: Match new members with congregational sponsor. Organize team to plan, prepare, and serve welcoming meal to new members and present gifts.
Team Members
Serve dinner to new members and provide event clean up.
New Member Sponsors
Get to know and acquaint new members with Emmanuel and community resources.
Quilters
Design and assemble quilts to be given locally and to Lutheran World Relief. Meet 2nd and 4th Fridays of month.
Prayer Shawl
Group knits or crochets shawls that are given with a blessing to individuals in need of comfort and a prayer. No experience necessary to join.
Concordia
A women’s service organization that meets for fellowship and plans service projects. Meets the 1st Thursday of each month.
Funeral Lunch Servers
Set up, serve, and clean up during funeral luncheons held at Emmanuel.
Women of Emmanuel
Includes all women of Emmanuel who have an opportunity to participate in small group Bible study (circles) and service projects, such as Lutheran World Relief, Prayer Chain, and Seafarer’s Ministry.
Wedding Coordinators
Assist couples in planning their wedding ceremony at Emmanuel.
Library/Librarian
Maintains and enhances the church library collection through purchase of new materials. Also promotes use of the library through regular articles in the Parish Visitor.
Parish Nurse
Assesses the health needs of the congregation and fosters wellness through assessment, education, and referrals such as routine blood pressure checks, Parish Visitor articles, and health-related programming.
Wedding Coordinators
Assist couples in planning their wedding ceremony at Emmanuel.
Library/Librarian
Maintains and enhances the church library collection through purchase of new materials. Also promotes use of the library through regular articles in the Parish Visitor.
Parish Nurse
Assesses the health needs of the congregation and fosters wellness through assessment, education, and referrals such as routine blood pressure checks, Parish Visitor articles, and health-related programming.
Caring Ministry
Caregivers regularly visit those who are unable to attend church or are experiencing a life challenge. Caring Ministry members meet periodically as a group for additional training and resources.
Cemetery Association
Cares for gravesites and assists families in choosing sites at Emmanuel’s cemetery near Seymour.
Dartball League
Emmanuel’s dartball team competes weekly against 7 area churches October-March.
Food Pantry
Seymour Community Food Pantry provides local assistance to those in need. Helpers are needed to collect, organize, and distribute food.
Mission and Service Team
Plan, guide, and participate in local service projects and summer mission trips to do God’s work in the community and beyond.
Lord’s House of Hope
The House of Hope Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has built a children’s orphanage in Kenya and continues to support its children’s ongoing needs. For more information go to: www.lordshouseofhope.org.