Every Sunday Morning 9:00am

The Lutheran church believes, teaches and confesses that the Lord’s Supper is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,under the bread and wine, given to us Christians to eat and to drink. We hold that the bread and the wine in the Supper are the true body and blood of Christ and that these are given and received into the mouths of all who commune. Those who believe the promise: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,”receive forgiveness of sins,life and salvation. This promise, along with the bodily eating and drinking, is the main thing in the Sacrament.

Our Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations offers the following helpful explanation of why we practice close or closed communion: “Close communion seeks to prevent a profession of confessional unity in faith where there is, in fact, disunity and disagreement. It would be neither faithful to the Scriptural requirements for admission to Holy Communion (1 Cor. 11:27ff; cf. 10:16–17) nor helpful to fallen humanity if the Christian Church welcomes to its altars those who deny or question clear Scriptural teachings. “The reasons for the practice of close Communion are often misunderstood by Christians who have been accustomed to an ‘open Communion’policy. In a tract titled, Why Close Communion? the rationale for the practice of close communion is explained in this way:

‘So it is not that a Lutheran congregation wants to bar fellow-saints from the blessings of the ucharist when they practice Close Communion. It is not that they want to be separatistic, or set themselves up as judges of other men.The practice of Close Communion is prompted by love and is born of the heartfelt conviction, on the basis of Scripture alone, that we must follow Christ’s command.This means refusing the Lord’s Supper to those whose belief is not known to us. It is not showing love to allow a person to do something harmful, even though he may think it is for his own good. It also means if they are members of a Christian body which departs from the full truth of the Scripture in some of its doctrines, that we must not minimize the evil of this false teaching by opening our fellowship to any and all Christians who err in the faith’ [Deffner,Why Close Communion?,p.14].

On the basis of God’s Holy Word, our Lutheran church continues to practice the ancient, Biblical and confessional practice of close communion as an opportunity to give joyful witness to our unity in the true faith. We practice close communion with the belief that this is what the Lord would have us do as we faithfully administer His body and blood in His holy Sacrament. 

Hopefully,this brief explanation will help you, or someone else,understand that our love for our Lord and His Sacrament, and our love for the individual, is the reason why we practice close communion.

What about...?

How should I dress?  

Come as you are or dress in your Sunday Best.  Jesus looks at the heart, not at what you are wearing.

Where should i sit?  

Seating at our church is open, and we don't assign specific seats. Regular attendees often have preferred areas they choose each week, but everyone is welcome to join them. On occasions when our choir participates, you'll find them in the back few pews on the left. They'll have their belongings in the pews to indicate they're singing that week. Feel free to find a comfortable spot and join us for worship!

What about my kids?  

Children are most welcome to attend our worship services.  

Where Do i park?

There is parking on the West and South side of the church. There is handicap parking closest to the church. Some people park on E Liberty Street. 

What if i'm late?

No worries at all! Being in the right mindset for church is more important than being on time. Even Jesus faced criticism for arriving late, like the time he was supposed to heal his sick friend Lazarus. By the time Jesus got there, Lazarus had already passed away, but being Jesus, he brought Lazarus back to life – no big deal. You can find this incredible story in John 11:38-44. While it's valuable to be present for the entire church service and all the teachings, it's not worth stressing over to be there right on time. So, make sure to wake up early enough to give your family ample time, but if you find yourself running late, take a deep breath and chill. 

will i be expected to give money?

Money can be a sensitive topic. Many have been turned away from Christianity because of religious leaders’ attitudes toward money. It is not uncommon to hear things like these:

• I don’t go to church because when I do, they want me to empty my pockets. They make me feel guilty if I don’t donate.

• For once I’d like to see a church where they didn’t ask for money as soon as I walk in the door.

• Why do churches keep asking for money all the time? Frankly, it turns me off and I think it does a lot of other people, too.

Jesus was angry with such abuses in His day (Mark 3:5). True Christians oppose this as strongly—if not more so—than those on the outside. Bad apples and false teachers block the path for people to find God’s love, grace, and truth. 

While an offering plate will be passed down your pew, at Immanuel Lutheran, guests are never expected to give. Would you invite someone to your house for dinner then expect them to pay for their meal? 

If you do decide to give, confidentiality will be maintained to avoid two spiritual problems: shaming the poor and elevating the rich. James insisted that churches respect the poor (James 2:1–5). VIP treatment—special seating, publishing names—violates the rule of not giving to be seen of men (Matthew 23:5; Acts 5:1–10).  Jesus did not praise big offerings; He praised great faith.

What happens when the service is done?

After the final hymn the ushers will escort the rows out starting from the front of the church. You are welcome to keep your bulletin, but if you don't wish to keep it the usher will collect it from you. Pastor will be at the back greeting and shaking hands with each person. If you are on a time crunch and need to leave sooner, you are welcome to sneak out one of the side doors in the back. 

We also welcome all guests and members to join us for coffee and treats in our fellowship hall after the service. Just follow the smell of yummy treats and fresh coffee!