Volunteer service in a church is more than simply helping the church get things done. Volunteering helps a Christian discover and utilize their specific and special God given spiritual gifts. One’s faith walk with Christ gets exercised when we express that faith through useful service to God’s glory!

Immanuel Lutheran Church Women (ILCW)
ILCW is a service organization within Immanuel that helps organize many different facets of our women’s ministries. From circle groups that focus on fellowship and Bible study, to service groups that assist grieving families through hospitality, ILCW’s many different ministries bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to both members and non-members. Through fund-raising, ILCW also dedicates a majority of its gifts to various mission partners like Salem Lutheran Home and Riverside Bible Camp. All women of Immanuel are automatically members of ILCW; but if you would like specific information on activities please call the church office.

Men’s Ministries
There are many opportunities for men (and women!) to use their God given skills by keeping our building and maintenance costs to a minimum. Work days and special projects are announced through the weekly bulletin and monthly newsletter. A men’s Bible study is also offered from time to time, as well as various fellowship activities. Each year a group of men sponsor the annual “Fishers of Men” event, a day of fishing and fellowship at Prairie Rose for kids and their families.

Music Ministries
“Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints!”  Immanuel offers many opportunities to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, including:
Adult Choir
Praise Worship Team
Vocal Groups and Soloists
Cantering for Worship
Bell & Chime Choir
Instrumentalists (Brass, wood wind and string)
Most of Immanuel’s choirs meet on Wednesday nights throughout the school year.

Education and Bible Study
A pastor’s Bible study is held on Sunday mornings from 10:15 to 11:15, following fellowship. Small group Bible studies are held at various times at church and in member’s homes. 

Missions
At Immanuel we believe mission ministry should be as hands on as possible. Whenever possible it is our goal to offer our time and our talent, along with our treasures, to our mission partners. Immanuel’s choice of mission partnerships follows the pattern of Acts 1:8 – “But you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”
Local Missions (Jerusalem)
West Central Development (Food, Clothing and Utility Assistance)
Shelby County Ministerial Fund (Food, Gas and Emergency Assistance)
State or Area Missions (Judea)
Salem Lutheran Home
Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp
National Missions (Samaria)
Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ
International Missions (Ends of the earth)
Compassion International
Tanzania Mission Committee

In addition, the Immanuel Trust Fund, the ILCW, Sunday School and LYO all raise money to support various mission endeavors.

Stephen Ministry
Because Christ cares, we care, is the theme for our Stephen Ministry program. Stephen ministers are trained care givers who provide a listening ear and support for members and non-members who are experiencing life crisis, loss or change. Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of intensive training before being commissioned to serve in one-to-one ministry with their care receiver. Immanuel is currently training its first group of Stephen Ministers with the goal of commissioning them into service in May of 2010.

Administration
The ministry of administration through our lay leadership enables the pastor and other professional staff to focus on proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, rather than wait on tables (Acts 6:1-4). Immanuel’s administrative head is its Congregational Assembly (voters) who meet at least annually to approve the budget and provide overall direction for the church. The Church Council, composed of an Executive Committee and chairs of program committees provides monthly oversight for both the programming and staff. Six program committees, Worship, Education, Mission and Outreach, Property, Stewardship and Fellowship organize activities and recruit volunteers. Various other committees, including the Trust & Memorial Fund, Tanzania Committee and Nominating Committee assist in specialized areas of ministry.

Worship Ministry
At Immanuel, every member is literally a minister on Sunday morning.  Here are just a few opportunities for helping make our worship truly glorifying to God!

Greeter
Usher
Lector
Children’s Message
Communion Assistant
Altar Guild
Projectionist
Sound Technician
Fellowship Coffee
Banner Committee
Vocalists/Instrumentalists (see above)