Immanuel Lutheran Events

Hops & Hope

Family Beach Party

Parents Night Out Fundraiser

Wednesday Recharge

Sunday Worship

Hops & Hope

January 27, 2025

Hops and Hope: Book and Discussion Group

Join us each month as we read a book on faith, justice and what it means to find hope in Christ amid a messy and complex world. Each month we will read a book and will gather at a local brewery to discuss and explore how the words we read impact the lives we live. All are welcome to join, whether you finish the book or not. Meetings are usually the last Monday each month - locations and books will be posted here. Contact Deacon Savannah for more information.

January - March 2025

The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe by Richard Rohr

NEXT meeting Monday, January 27th, 6:00 - 7:30pm in the Library at Immanuel

For the next few months we will be discussing The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe by Richard Rohr. Jerry Fig will be leading the discussion on this book for January, February and March and will send out discussion questions in advance to help provide opportunities for reflection. The first gathering for this book will be on January 27th from 6-7:30pm in the ILC Library and we will be reading/discussing Chapter 1-5. You are invited to bring along snacks or beverages to share (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic options welcome). As always, you are more than welcome to join, whether you’ve read the book or not!

In his decades as a globally recognized teacher, Richard Rohr has helped millions realize what is at stake in matters of faith and spirituality. Yet Rohr has never written on the most perennially talked about topic in Christianity: Jesus. Most know who Jesus was, but who was Christ? Is the word simply Jesus's last name? Too often, Rohr writes, our understandings have been limited by culture, religious debate, and the human tendency to put ourselves at the center.

Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God's constant, unfolding work in the world. "God loves things by becoming them," he writes, and Jesus's life was meant to declare that humanity has never been separate from God--except by its own negative choice. When we recover this fundamental truth, faith becomes less about proving Jesus was God, and more about learning to recognize the Creator's presence all around us, and in everyone we meet.

Thought-provoking, practical, and full of deep hope and vision, The Universal Christ is a landmark book from one of our most beloved spiritual writers, and an invitation to contemplate how God liberates and loves all that is.

Podcast Option: https://cac.org/podcast/another-name-for-every-thing/
This podcast is hosted by Richard Rohr and explores the world through the lens of the “Universal Christ.” The first season discusses the book and later seasons connect to themes brought up in the book.

Ordering Books

Savannah will be ordering a copy of each for the Immanuel library if you’d like to borrow it, or if you prefer to buy a copy of your own, here are a couple links that help you support local bookstores through your purchase. If you’re looking to support a Native owned bookstore, Birchbark Books in Minneapolis is a great option!

Bookshop - online book retailer with lots of inventory, and you choose the bookstore that will be supported through your purchase
Book Store Link - helps you order directly from local bookstores (can either have them delivered or picked up)
Take a look at a list of some possible books, but there are many more options out there!

Some ideas for topics include (but aren’t limited to):

Racial Justice / Womanist or Black Theology
Liberation Theology
Mujerista Theology
Native/Indigenous Theology
Immigration and Welcoming the Stranger
Asian Theology
Interfaith / Global Perspectives
Faith and Sexuality
Environmental Theology
Women’s Rights / Feminist Theologies
Food or Economic Justice
Theology and Mental Health

Questions?

Please contact Deacon Savanah Olaphson, savannah@immanuel.us

Family Beach Party

January 31, 2025

Friday, January 31, 2024 5:30-7:30pm

Looking for a fun way to snap out of the winter blues? Join the fun at the family beach party in Immanuel's 'sunny' atrium!

Wear your beach clothes, and bring a towel. We will transform our atrium into a tropical paradise featuring:

real sand beach and pool
beach balls
beach bingo
Surf music
a limbo competition!

The Evangelism Committee will provide hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, beans drinks and treat for dessert.

NO CHARGE for this fun evening. REGISTER

Parents Night Out Fundraiser

February 08, 2025

February 8th, 5pm-8pm*

Register now- deadline is January 31st! REGISTER

*children can be dropped off/picked up at any time, as long as it is noted on the registration.

Drop your kids off at Immanuel while you take the night off; have a date night, visit friends, or just relax!

OPTIONAL: Meet with other parents at Unmapped Brewing Co!

Youth from the congregation will be helping to take care of children of all ages as we eat dinner, make crafts, play games, and more! The youth will be earning money for their church activities, like summer camp and service learning trips.

ALL families are invited- tell your friends!

Wednesday Recharge

January 15, 2025

Wednesday Night REcharge!

At Wednesday REcharge we gather to recharge our faith batteries, by connecting, supporting and encouraging one another. Start with a low-cost dinner and then find an education or music opportunity. Staffed nursery care is available during dinner. Kids activities are available after their choir rehearsals so parents can participate in education and music.

5:15 - 6:15 p.m. - Wednesday Night Cafe'

5:30 p.m. - Holy Commotion Youth Band (gr 6-12)

5:45 - 6:15 p.m. - Cornerstone Youth Choir (gr 6-12)

6:00 p.m. - Adult Handbells

6:15 p.m. - Ascension Choir (gr 3-5)

6:15 p.m. - 7:40 p.m. - Confirmation

6:15 p.m. - Adult Bible Study (Walk through the NewTestamanet - Fall 2024)

7:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Servant Song Worship Team (adults)

7:30 p.m. - Reformation Choir (adults)