Current Publications

The Emmanuel Weekly

April 21, 2018
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The Emmanuel Epistle

April 2018
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News & Events
Calendar
Publications

Emmanuel's 1st Baptism

James Matthew Wagner, infant son of Matt and Megan Wagner and little brother of big sister Anna, entered the Body of Christ through the washing of regeneration and renewal on Saturday, October 12, 2013.

LBW #194
"All who believe and are baptized shall see the Lord's salvation; baptized into the death of Christ, they are a new creation. Through Christ's redemption they shall stand, among the glorious heavenly band of every tribe and nation!"

Bible Reading Class

Four Week Bible Reading Class for grades 3-5 was held on Wednesdays in October, 2013. Materials & a simple meal were provided each week. Youth participated in family devotions during the month of November, reading 20 Devotions from the Gospel of Mark and practicing Bible Reading in the home. Youth read Scripture at worship on Oct. 26 and also provide a gift of music. They received their "sword of the Spirit" (Bible) on Oct. 26, 2013--see picture.
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Saturday School 2017-2018: 
Weekly, we come together in celebration of Christian Education for all ages. Julie Steffenson is once again coordinating Saturday School for our young people each week in the Oasis Fellowship Hall from 5:10-5:50pm. Weekly lessons coincide with the Scripture Lessons being used in weekly worship. The adult offering of classes is called G.I.F.T. - Growing In Faith Together! Each Saturday, we will be providing 40 minutes (5:10-5:50pm) for adults to engage in a faith conversation with each other, which hopefully will extend into the homes, families sharing faith talk with each other.
“Race to Rally Day!” Rally Day for Saturday School and G.I.F.T will be on Saturday, September 9th. Our theme this year for Saturday School is “Run Toward the Goal” and is based on Philippians 3:14. We will kick off our year in the Oasis Fellowship Hall where you can race the clock with a number of “Minute-to-Win-It” style games. We will also enjoy root beer floats (after worship, during the fellowship time). All kids and adults are welcome to come as we off kick-off another great year of Christian education. We’ll see you at 5:10pm on September 9th!!
G.I.F.T. Adult education this winter and spring includes a discussion on "The Truth about Islam". 

Confirmation Class: "The Chronicles of Narnia"
Pastor Dave finished a class on C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe” this past fall during Saturday School. This class explored the message of Redemption in the name of Jesus. On Saturday, January 13 a new class began, focusing on Creation and Fall - using Lewis' book, "The Magician's Nephew". Youth in grades 3-8 are invited to participate. Deb Vomhof will be assisting Pastor Dave with this class. Julie Steffenson will lead the younger children in Saturday School, teaching them Bible stories. 

Women's Bible Studies:

Women of Emmanuel and their friends enjoy two offerings of engagement in God's Word. The Afternoon Group has completed their study of the Book of Acts. Study notes are available by email request. A new study, at a new time and location, on the "Great Commissions" of the Bible begins on Thursday, April  19. The location of this study will be at the Bridgemoor Pavilion (Bldg. #5520) of the Homestead Complex (home of Nancy Stanley). The dates for this study are: Thursdays at 10am on April 19 & 26; May 10, 17, & 31; and June 7. Everyone knows the Great Commission, but it isn’t the only Commission found in the Bible. All four Gospels, plus Acts and St. Paul, contain God’s Call to Make Known the Gospel. Resurrection People want to get the WORD out! Join us. Bring a friend! NOTE: April 26--Meeting at Oasis Church!
The Evening Group - Lady Light - is looking at “Holy Christian Marriage & Family” through the lens of Scripture and the lives of Martin Luther and his wife Katie. Women meet at the home of Katie Siebenaler once a month for 60 minutes. The date for our next session is pending.

Men's Bible Study

The Men of Emmanuel began a new study on the Book of Acts on January 9, 2018. We're reading & discussing one chapter of Acts each week. We meet on Tuesdays at 8am at Oasis Church. Participants are invited to take turns providing treats. Invite a friend. Be evangelical! The Men's Bible Study was launched on Sept. 10, 2013.
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Council Highlights - from March 22, 2018  
Members of Emmanuel continue to give generously and our congregation continues to distribute benevolences as first fruits offerings. YTD we have already received $444 in Thrivent Choice Dollars. Pastor is busy serving as pulpit supply and sharing the gospel with Madonna Towers and other congregations. Acolyte robes have been ordered & received. Robes will be dedicated through use in the Season of Easter. Several items are pending: organ loft camera, church musician, insurance review, & church retreat. Four Thrivent Action Team grants have already been received in 2018. We are looking at hosting a booth at the Olmsted County Fair in 2019. Watch for implementation of Dinners for 6 or 8 in the next couple of months. Building Fund Launch: April 2 -- Goal: $100,000. Emmanuel has received gifts of $114,000+ from supporting congregations, the NALC , and non-members in past 6 years. Thank you notes have been received from Dorene Vomhof, the NALC Seminary, & Johanna Heidorn. We are helping a seminarian fulfill a class requirement by having Dallas Groten serve as our worship leader on April 21 & 28. Our next Council Meeting will be on Friday, April 13 at 10am.

MEMBERSHIP: DISCIPLESHIP at EMMANUEL - 2018

“Now you are the Body of Christ and individually members of it”—I Cor. 12:27. Baptized members are servants of Emmanuel, living out their God-given faith in congregational life; committed to the walk of discipleship, growing up into the full maturity of Christ. Each December, Christians desiring membership at Emmanuel Lutheran of Rochester for the upcoming year are invited to sign up (be enrolled for the calendar year) on our Servant Roster. To be a member is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, baptized and committed to the Marks of Discipleship. If you desire to “praise, proclaim, and practice Emmanuel—God With Us—in daily life,” then complete the 2018 Emmanuel Membership Covenant and walk with us to the glory of God! Members are eligible to hold office and vote.  37 signed covenants were signed in 2014. 54 discipleship covenants were signed for 2015. 58 Covenants were signed for 2016. 62 Covenants were signed for 2017. 63 Covenants were signed for 2018. We're growing, slow, but sure!
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Emmanuel's Annual Meetings

Emmanuel's first Annual Meeting was held on January 25, 2014. 25+ people were in attendance. An excellent Chili Supper was enjoyed by all. Council Members elected for 2014 were Kari Richards, Arne Nelson, Lee Pearce, & Kalo Lockerby. A 2014 Mission Plan Budget of $88,560.00 was approved along with Goals and Mile Markers for 2014. Other action items included: approval of Emmanuel’s Logo, Brochure, Mission Statement, and Child Protection Policy.

Emmanuel's second Annual Meeting was held on January 24, 2015. Highlights available!
Emmanuel's third Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, January 31, 2016. Highlights available!
Emmanuel's fourth Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, January 29, 2017. Highlights available!
Emmanuel's fifth Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, January 27 at 3:30pm followed by a potluck meal at 4:45pm.

annual_report_january_2018_final_draft.pdf
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