Divine Worship 9:00 AM

Fellowship Hour 10:00 AM

Adult & Youth Sunday School 10:15 AM

Christmas Eve 4:00 and 11:00 PM

Wednesday Lenten

Fellowship Meal 5:30 PM

Worship Service 7:00 PM

Holy Week

Maundy Thursday 7:00 PM

Good Friday ?7:00 PM

Easter Sunrise ?6:30 PM

Immanuel's worship may be characterized as "traditional" but not "stuffy," with some elements of contemporary music. We place a high value on lay participation, with each service having something for everyone.

Immanuel Lutheran Church

1700 19^th Street

Harlan, Iowa 51537

Heather Ploen, Pastor

Linda Hopp, Office Manager

Office Hours: 9 AM-noon; 1 PM- 3 PM

Phone: 755-5207

The Little Blessings Preschool is operated in the Immanuel church building. There are several schedules to choose from, thus offering flexibility to busy families. The preschool is designed for pre-kindergarten children, three years old or older. For more information, contact Little Blessings Preschool at 755-2771 or the Church Office.

Monthly and weekly women's Bible study groups meet to enrich their lives and learn how to better serve God.

A study of the Lutheran Catechisms, beliefs, and history for our 2nd through 8th grade students.

The 5^th graders receive instruction as to the importance of this Holy Sacrament for daily living with Christ.

Several classes are offered by the pastor and lay leaders for adults on Sunday mornings. Youth classes are available for 3 year olds through High School.

The Library is located in the southwest corner of the church behind the sanctuary. It has a growing supply of books, magazines, and videos for all ages.

The first work among Lutherans in Harlan dates back to the 1880's. However, it wasn't until February 16, 1914 that a constitution was drawn up and the congregation was organized and named Immanuel Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Harlan.

The site at 7^th and Farnam was purchased, and on October 17, 1914 the ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone was conducted. On May 2, 1915, the original church was dedicated. Rev. C. Petersen was the first pastor in the church building. A parsonage was built next door in 1918.

By 1945 the original church building needed remodeling. Sunday School rooms were added in the basement at this time. In 1955, more space was again needed as the post-war baby-room swelled the congregation’s Sunday School attendance. A new parsonage was purchased at 1402 Grand Avenue so the Pastor’s old home could be converted into more Sunday School classrooms and office space.

By 1964, at the age of 50, the congregation was standing at a new and exciting point in its history. Membership was continuing to grow so a new church site of 7 ½ acres was purchased at 19^th and Willow. The ground breaking ceremony for today's church building was in March 1968. The new church was dedicated on September 14, 1969.

Members of the congregation and the entire community marveled at the magnificent "castle on the hill." Upon completion, it had a sanctuary seating capacity of 420 plus room for 150 more in the balcony. The fellowship hall could seat comfortably 350 people. The Sunday School area had 27 individual classrooms and its own chapel. In addition, the new building had a secretary’s office, two pastor's offices, a conference room, and a beautiful bell tower. Overall, the "castle" comprised 27,000 square feet.

Thanks to the hard work, vision, and dedication of many, many members of the congregation, now more than 25 years later, this building continues to be an invaluable asset to Harlan. As a result, the congregation and its more than 800 members are well poised for an exciting future of service to God and the community.

Harlan is a progressive community of over 5,000 friendly people, providing a high quality of life with ample recreational activities. Located in West Central Iowa just off Interstate 80, Harlan is the seat of government for Shelby County.

Harlan has been recognized as having one of the lowest crime rates and best public safety records in Iowa for cities and its size. Harlan enjoys the benefits that come with this type of recognition due, in part, to having one of Iowa’s finest volunteer fire departments, an expanding and progressive regional Myrtue Memorial Hospital, and excellent law enforcement protection provided by both the Harlan Police and Shelby County Sheriff Departments.

The public and parochial school systems in Harlan are also recognized as among Iowa’s finest in both academics and sports. Opportunities for higher education are available, as well, with Iowa Western Community College’s satellite campus in Harlan.

Of course, life is not all work but also play. Recreational and cultural amenities include an excellent public library, a county museum, choral and stage groups, a public golf course and a Country Club, plus twelve parks which host an entire range of features such as a "Dream Playground," walking trails, and swimming pools. Harlan is also host to the Shelby County Fair. Finally, for racing enthusiasts, there is the Shelby County Speedway.

Garbage Disposal:

Harlan Hauling Service 755-5465

Kroger Hauling 755-7256

Scott's Hauling 755-3030

Telephones:

Farmers Mutual Cooperative 744-3131

Harlan Municipal Utilities 755-5182

Harlan Newspapers 755-311

KNOD 105.3 FM 755-3883

Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) 755-2166

Airport 755-3366

Chamber of Commerce 755-2114

City Hall 755-5137

Library 755-5934

Post Office 755-5812

Shelby County Extension Services 755-3104

Preschool:

Hillside Preschool 755-2421

Time for Tots Daycare 755-2086

Little Blessings Preschool 755-2771

Harlan Headstart 755-7537

Elementary:

New Park 755-5903

St. Michael's Catholic 755-5634

West Ridge 755-2725

Harlan Central Junior High 755-3196

Harlan Community High School 755-3101

Iowa Western Community College 755-3568

Concerned, Inc. 755-5834

Child Abuse & Neglect 800-362-2178

Fire-Police-Ambulance 911

Non-Emergency Police-Fire 755-5151

Medivac 755-3800

Myrtue Memorial Hospital 755-5161

Poison Information Center 800-272-6477

Immanuel Lutheran Church has many opportunities for its members to use their musical talents to glorify God.

The Adult Choir meets for rehearsal on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM. The Adult Choir performs during most Services and also performs special musical services for the congregation.

The Youth Sunday School Choir meets for rehearsal each Sunday during the Sunday School hour and performs periodically during Worship Services.

Two Bell Choirs perform for worship services and practices on Wednesday nights. Contact Director Sheryl Dinklage at 343-2373 for more information.

Immanuel's Sunday School for the youth broadens beyond the regular Sunday morning meetings. Children are encouraged to participate in regular church functions as well as extracurricular activities. These activities in the past have included bowling trips, Adventureland, skiing, "Jean's Storytime," and more. These activities are usually undertaken within the following groups:

An experience of fun for children 3 years old through High School. Many High School youth participate not only as students but serve as teachers as well.

This program is located at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp, which is one of the largest Lutheran Church camps in the nation. This program is for youth of all ages. It involves week-long or week-end stays filled with many activities and outdoor fun.

A study and activity group comprising of 6^th through 8^th grades.

A study group for older students in grade 9 through 12. Unique to LYO is that this group attends National Youth Gatherings held every year.

The primary group for women at Immanuel is the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Women (ILCW). ILCW is commited to helping women grow in their faith so that they may affirm their God-given gifts to engage in a ministry of action to promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. Some of the group's major areas are listed below:

ILCW offers several Bible studies throughout the week at various times.

ILCW is very active in Lutheran World Relief, sending health packets, school packs to children in Third World nations, and quilts to the needy throughout the world. All ILCW quilts are made at Immanuel.

ILCW sponsors bingo and birthday parties at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, assists with church suppers including the annual "Aebleskiver Dinner," celebrates a Fall Bazaar each year, and provides Christmas baskets to the needy families each holiday season.

Men's Supper

Male members and friends meet every third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM for supper and a brief program. Many men bring their older sons along as all strive to better serve Christ as Christian men and fathers. The group makes charitable contributions as well. For more information, contact the Church Office or Craig Olsen at 755-2517

Men's Prayer Group

A men's group meets every Wednesday for intercessory prayer. If you have a prayer request, contact the Church Office.

Week-long or weekend camps for students, adult singles, couples, single parents, and families. Ingham Bible Camp is suited for 3^rd and 8^th grades, while Okoboji Bible Camp is for 8^th grade and up. Contact Immanuel's Okoboji Ambassador or 1-800-OKOBOJI.

Non-profit service agency providing individuals and families with economic and human services. You can contact the Lutheran Social Services of Iowa Corporate Office at (515) 277-4476 or Immanuel's Office for assistance.

Servicing Shelby County residents in temporary crisis or need, regradless of income. The Pantry is a branch of the West Central Development Corporation sponsered by the Harlan Optimist Club. For more information contact the West Central Development Corporation at 755-5135.

A non-denominational Christian fund-raising event held in late September or early October. 25% of proceeds benefit the Shelby County Food Pantry. The remaining funds go to the Church World Service. For more information about Crop Walk or how to volunteer, call the church office.