Worship
The worship of God is at the heart of our life together at Immanuel. Worship is the act of offering adoration, praise, and thanksgiving in recognition of God's holiness and in response to what God has done, continues to do, and promises to do for his people and for all creation. Worship is an expression of all we believe in and do, expresses our devotion to God's, and glorifies God's holy name. In worship we encounter God in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit as we hear the word of God, celebrate Holy Baptism, and receive Holy Communion.
Liturgy —The Work of God, the Work of the People
We call our form of worship a "liturgy." Liturgy is a Greek word that means "public service." It is God's service to us in word and sacrament and our service to God in our praise and prayer. Our liturgy at Immanuel is firmly anchored in the tradition of the Lutheran Church. Together with the Pastor who presides and preaches, the entire congregation participates in songs and responses. Our liturgy follows a prescribed order that varies according to the days and seasons of the church year.
Common Ground Among Worshipping Christians
The first Christians continued to participate in the Jewish synagogue service of scripture readings, psalms, and prayers, and the earliest Christian liturgies included these elements along with the celebration of the Eucharist. The various liturgical texts and responses developed over time, and have remained part of the catholic heritage we share with Christians of all times and places. During the past several decades there has been increased scholarship and cooperation between denominations, and the recent worship books of most Christian bodies include remarkable similarity in the texts and structure of the liturgy.
Worship: History and The Eternal
The Liturgy reminds us that we are a part not only of all those who worshiped in the many generations preceding ours, but also of the church on earth today throughout the world and the hosts of heaven who praise God's holy name.
The Lord's Supper
Because we believe that it is from Word and Sacrament that we receive the strength for all that we do, our worship is centered in the regular and faithful celebration of the Eucharist (also called Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Mass). Since New Testament times Christians have gathered on the Lord's Day to celebrate the presence of the crucified and risen Christ in the Lord's Supper---the meal Christ instituted by which to feed his baptized people with his very body and blood. We invite you to join us every Sunday at 10:30 am for Holy Communion, and at other times during the week for prayer.
Let The Children Come
Children are welcome at all our services and have an opportunity to participate in the service. Not only does the pastor regularly call the children forward for a lesson, but they are taught the songs and responses of the liturgy so that they can participate at an early age. Children receive communion at Immanuel after consultation between the parents and the pastor.
Come and Worship
Come and be a part of the rich heritage of music, preaching, ritual and ceremony that are offered in praise of God. As the baptized people of God, we at Immanuel take an active part in our worship.
We invite you to participate in our celebration and hope that you will want to return often.
