For All Ages:
SonQuest Rainforest VBS
Be sure to put Vacation Bible School on your summer calendar! The dates are August 1–4 and the time is 6 to 8:30 pm. The theme is SonQuest Rainforest.
Fun Day (Aug 7)
Emmanuel is hosting its fifth annual “Fun Day” for the community on Saturday, August 7, from 11 am to 2 pm. The day will include the amazing drawings of caricature artist Mike Leuszler, face painting by Cupcake the Clown, Elyria Firefighters and their Tornado House, a magician, the Yummy Treat Raffle, a water balloon toss, games, Ruth Exstrom’s World Famous Hot Dogs, and more. Ten (10) free tickets is given to each child, five (5) free tickets to each adult. There is hardly a better deal it town.
Service of Healing (Aug 22)
On Sunday August 22, we hear of Jesus laying hands on and healing a crippled woman. This makes this a perfect opportunity to include another "Service of Healing" as part of our Sunday morning worship. A few moments will be given for those who choose to come forward to the altar for the healing laying on of hands and anointing with oil.
Blessing of Teachers & Backpacks (September 12)
We ask all children and youth to bring their school backpacks with them to worship on Sunday, Sept. 12. Worship that day will include the “Commissioning and Blessing of Teachers” and the “Blessing of the Backpacks” to demonstrate God’s concern for teachers, students and their learning.
Blessing of Animals (October 2)
The Saturday closest to the commemoration of Saint Francis of Assisi is a fitting time for the Blessing of Animals. Pets are one of God’s great gifts to us. They are good companions, and they can be very therapeutic. Watch for details next month on the time and manner to gather.
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 from September through May. The nursery is on the lower level in Room #4 where there are appropriate books, toys, a sink and a bathroom.
Boy Scouts
Boys scouts meet on Thursday evenings. For information contact the church office.
For Youth:
Muffins for Mom (May 9)
Emmanuel's youth will be offering muffins for mom (or grandma, aunt, friends, teacher) for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 9 after both services. The cost of the muffins are any donation that you feel comfortable giving. All money earned will go towards special youth activities.
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:
Golf Outting (August 15)
Start swinging those clubs. A golf outting for folks from Emmanuel and frieds is on the schedule for August 15 at the Brentwood Golf Club. More details will be coming soon.
Women's Breakfast (August 17)
Women from Emmanuel are invited to have Breakfast together monthly at Sugarcreek Restaurant. The next date is Tuesday, August 17. A sign-up sheet is posted on the table in the Gathering Area or call Evelyn in the church office (440-323-4552). Friends are also welcome to attend.
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. On May 14 the Buckeyes will be enjoying lunch at Oberlin Inn, 7 North Main Street in Oberlin. Meet at the restaurant at 11:30 am.