For All Ages:
Lenten Midweek Worship (February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24)
During Lent there is a brief midweek service each Wednesday night at 7:45 pm. These services are built around the thoughtful and centering calm of “Evening Prayer.” Early in its history, the Lenten season became a time of education in the basics of the Christian faith. And so, our Lenten Midweek services will include some readings and reflection on Luther’s Small & Large Catechisms as we review the six chief parts of faith: Ten Commandments, Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer, Holy Baptism & Sacrament of the Altar.
Benefit Dinner (March 6)
Emmanuel is participating in a benefit dinner for Todd Amspaugh on March 6 at the Amvets (1087 Middle Ave in Elyria) from 6 to 10 pm. Todd lost his job and medical insurance last year due to layoffs and then was diagnosed with Level 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. To top things off Todd's wife was just notified that her job will be eliminated on May 1. There will be dinner, wine & beer, silent auction, raffles. Pre-sale tickets are $20 per person. Send checks payable to "Todd Amspaugh Benefit Fund," 38435 River Ridge Road, Grafton, OH 44044.
Trinity Organ Series (March 19, April 23)
Historic Trinity Lutheran in Akron presents an outstanding organ series featuring internationally acclaimed organists performing on their Berghaus organ. Concerts early this spring will include (1) Friday, February 12: CLAY CHRISTIANSEN, organist for the Mormon Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, UT; (2) Friday, March 19: KEN COWAN, organist for the Westminster Choir of Princeton, NJ; & (3)Friday, April 23: CHELSEA CHEN of New York City. All concerts begin at 8 pm and include a free will offering. Trinity is located at 50 N Prospect Street in Akron. For further information phone (330) 376-5154.
Spring Concert (May 16)
First Lutheran in Lorain also invites you to celebrate Spring with all of First Lutheran's choirs on Sunday, May 16, at 3:00 pm. First is located at 603 Washington Ave in Lorain. For additional information call (440)-244-6286 or go to www.firstlutheranlorain.org.
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 agencies, 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:
Staffed Nursery
Emmanuel provides a staffed nursery during each service. The nursery is on the lower level in Room #4 where there are appropriate books, toys, a sink and a bathroom.
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 on November 18 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:
Sunday Class
There is a Sunday class specifically designed for high school youth. The content and format is informal and is guided by the group's interests. The gang meets in the undercroft during the education hour from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. during the school year.
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 blogs.elca.org/faithlens.
For Adults:
Adult Retreat — "Bursting Out of the Bible" (March 20)
Emmanuel’s annual adult retreat returns to a familiar book — the Holy Bible. Two years ago we encouraged participants to “burrow into the Bible,” to be intentional about reading this great Book of Faith. What now? "Bursting out of the Bible," of course. Join us in considering how we can burst out of the Bible and spring into action. You do not need to read the entire book in advance (nor have attended the previous retreat, “Burrowing into the Bible”) to benefit from this retreat. But you may want, at least, to review Colossians 3:16-17.
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.
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.