Evangelism & Outreach
August 20, 2006
If we could actually
see in front of us everything that we members of Immanuel are doing right now,
we’d understand as never before what an enormous difference our church is
making in the lives of our members and in the well-being of the community it
serves.
Outreach to members, newcomers and the larger community is important in creating, sustaining and nurturing the life of Immanuel. New members learn about Immanuel through orientation activities; all members benefit from Church-wide activities such as Sunday coffee hour, the recent dedication of our new space, Rally Sunday, and the Thanksgiving meal and party. There are many ways for members to be involved – in outreach and ministry, education and service opportunities, and ongoing social activities.
The heart of all evangelism and outreach efforts is welcoming members into the Immanuel family, bringing us all together through shared, meaningful moments. One example –
Mabel Pappenfus loves to cook -- her baked goods are legend at Immanuel. Since the mid-‘90s, visitors to Immanuel have received a delivery of Mabel’s famous cookies. Until recently, Mabel made the deliveries herself, extending a personal invitation to visit Immanuel again and learn more about the congregation. “It’s been such a thrill to see some folks who I first met years ago over cookies become active, vital members of the congregation. I’ve enjoyed watching their families grow, their children grow in the church, and their talents employed in the growth and development of our church family.” She credits those who first welcomed her as a new member 1994 with her interest in outreach, “People just took me under their wings and made me feel at home right away.”
Evangelism and Outreach – A Vision for the Future of
Immanuel…
The Membership & Evangelism committee’s vision is to continue evaluating and adding member activities so that they remain fresh, meeting the changing interests of the congregation over the coming years. This might include:
§ Expanding mission and ministry opportunities for all age groups, including support groups and an expanded Care Team Ministry program.
§ Offering workshops that enhance the lives of members and non-members, perhaps including topics such as Wellness (health/exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation), Parenting, and Stewardship (financial planning, debt recovery, estate planning)**, among others.
§ Increasing community use of our newly renovated facility – for community-based groups to meet, perhaps on-site child care and/or or pre-school programs, musical events, community education classes and support groups.
§ Upgrading equipment and streamlining processes to enhance Immanuel’s capacity as a community gathering space – facility scheduling software, multi-media equipment such as digital video recorders and projectors, more mobile microphones, televisions, white boards and lightweight, moveable tables and chairs.
**See back side for exciting promo!
This Fall, Immanuel
Lutheran Church will offer –
Are you and your money
working out?
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans announces a new “fitness” club that can help you build a stronger financial future and be more confident managing your money.
Absolutely no sales pitches.
Once a week, participants get together in energizing, one-hour sessions led by a personal trainer to develop healthy financial habits. Learn ways to spend less and worry less, while you work toward financial balance. Get started with simple steps, celebrate success, and share in a fun, supportive group.
Sessions will begin at
Immanuel in October.
For more information call 1-800-596-4225, log on to www.thriventffc.com, or contact Sue Klevan, 651-227-3837.