For All Ages:
Breakfast with Jesus (October 12)
Like cars, Christian ministry needs “fuel” to run on. One fuel that we run on is “Jesus Christ” himself. Jesus comes to us during Sunday morning worship to feed and fuel us with the “Word” and his “Holy Sacraments.” Another fuel that we run on are the “financial gifts” that are placed into the offering plate every Sunday. Our Stewardship Ministry will be holding a breakfast immediately after BOTH services on Sunday October 12 (at 9:30 A.M. & NOON) that we might encourage one another in our financial giving for the coming year in response to all that Jesus has given us. And so, we will gather for food and conversation.
Borrowing Bookshelf
A recent addition to our lower elevator lobby (just outside the preschool area) is a Borrowing Bookshelf. It houses children's books, videos and CDs. Sunday school kids, preschool families, parents, grandparents and child caregivers should all take a few minutes to pick something to take home for the week to enrich your lives. Just return it when you are done so that it can be shared again.
Community Meals
Thanks to a consortium of churches and sites, a free hot meal is served somewhere in the city of Elyria every single day of the year. Volunteers from Emmanuel provide two of these meals at Saint Andrew Episcopal Church on the first and second Mondays of every month. We started out serving about 40. Now the numbers can get up into the 90s. Each time it takes a crew of about five or six under the direction of one of our experienced crew chiefs. This is a wonderful community service project for anyone from kids on up to senior citizens. Contact the church office if you would like to be a part of this satisfying ministry. Pictures of it are here.
For Kids:
Kids of the Kingdom
Kids of the Kingdom is for preschool and elementary aged children who like to gather in the name of Jesus and have fun with their friends. Each event features food treats and creative play. Kids of the Kingdom is not for members only. Guests from the neighborhood or other churches are always welcome. It's just like VBS only much shorter. The next event will be on Friday, November 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Joyful Noise! Children's Choir
Jesus loves to hear children sing. Our Joyful Noise! choir is for preschoolers on up through sixth grade. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. The choir starts in October 15 and goes to May. Contact Jennifer Koba or the church office.
Boy Scouts
Boys scouts meet on Thursday evenings. For information contact the church office.
For Youth:
2009 ELCA Youth Gathering
An estimated 36,000 youth and adults will head to New Orleans July 22-26 2009 for “Jesus Justice Jazz.” This Gathering will be different than Gatherings before in that planners are working with local congregations and the city to pay attention to what makes The City of New Orleans unique, as well as the changes it is going through as the entire Gulf Coast region continues to recover from Hurrricans Katrina and Rita. Emmanuel wants to send as many youth as possible. See the Jesus Justice Jazz web site frequently for developing information.
Youth Group
Emmanuel's Youth meet every Sunday to plan events and hang together. The high school kids meet in the lounge between services over most of the year and after worship in the summer. Check it out.
Faith Lens
Faith Lens is a free online weekly Bible study for youth. It is posted every week and connects a current news story with the bible readings for the upcoming Sunday. It is written by a different writer every week and is usually posted by Tuesday. Check it out at www.elca.org/faithlens.
For Adults:
My Life, My Plan (Oct 7)
Are you living your life by design or default? Now’s the time to take control and maximize your potential. Come and attend “My Life, My Plan,” a one-hour workshop designed to help you discover your dreams, list your priorities, highlight your potential and plan for greater fulfillment. Exercises help you evaluate your present state and initiate connections among your time, talents and resources. No products will be sold at this informational event. This free informational workshop is sponsored by the Lorain County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and hosted by financial representatives, Howard Chavalia and Jeffrey Hamilton. The workshop will be held Tuesday, October 7, 6:30–8:00 p.m., Spitzer Conference Center Room 207/208, 1005 North Abbe Road, Elyria, OH. A light supper will be served at 6:30 p.m. followed by the presentation. Call Trudi Jennings at (440) 323-0079 by October 1 to reserve a place for yourself and a guest. Leave your name, phone number and number of reservations.
Why the Liturgy Matters (Oct 10-11)
How does the liturgy convey the Word of God? How can ancient texts and rites speak to 21st century people? Why do we do what we do when we worship?? Whose work is it? Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be leading a one weekend course on the liturgy Friday October 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday October 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9201 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, OH. The cost is $50. This is part of Trinity (Seminary) Academy for Congregational Leadership, which is a program of courses that seek to equip lay people to be more effective in their congregations. For information or to register: Ken Reinoehl (330) 866-2452 or reinoehl_k@neo.rr.com.
Fall Bishop's Gathering (Oct 16)
Bishop Eaton will be holding a Fall Gathering for parish leaders on Thursday, October 16 at Redeemer Lutheran church in Brookpark, 6151 Smith Road from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. She will be addressing “Keys to Sunday Morning Excellence” and the evening will include three concurrent workshops on “Property Hospitality,” “People Hospitality,” and “Worship Hospitality.” Worship ministry members, property ministry leaders and outreach ministry members are especially encouraged to attend. Register with Kathy Lender klender@neos-elca.org or (330) 929-9022.
Prayer Quilts (Prayers & Squares)
The idea is simple, yet powerful. As small lap-sized quilts are made, a heavy thread is at used at certain points to hold the layers together. The ends of this thread are tied with a double, double square knot. As each knot is tied, a silent prayer if offered for someone in special need. The finished quilt is then given to that person. A group of crafters meets monthly in Room One from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. for quilt creation. They take a break over the summer and resume in the fall. They welcome all who wish to lend a hand even if it is simply cutting out fabric.
Communion Ministers to the Homebound
We are seeking mobile adult persons to take Holy Communion to the homebound about once a month or every other month. There will be a short “orientation session” to instruct those going out, but no extensive training is necessary?just a willingness to greet others in the name of Jesus Christ.
For Seniors:
Golden Buckeyes
This group meets on the second Friday of each month. Activities vary. Many times they share a potluck lunch in the Fellowship Hall, followed by a program.