Immanuel
" "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)." (Matthew 1:23 ESV) |
Evangelical
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel [εὐαγγέλιον], for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16 ESV) |
Lutheran
"...a person who believes the truths of God’s Word, the Holy Bible, as they are correctly explained and taught in the Book of Concord." (Rev. Dr. A.L. Barry, What About "Being a Lutheran") |
Church
"I believe in .... the holy, Christian Church, the communion of saints ...." (Apostles' Creed, 3rd Article) |
About Immanuel
Immanuel is a confessional, liturgical, sacramental, catechetical, Lutheran congregation. What does this mean? It means that we are sinners who are gathered around the Lord and His free gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.
Our lives are centered around God’s Word and His promise of the forgiveness of our sins. The two-fold focus of what we say and do here at Immanuel is to live by faith in God, and in fervent love for our neighbor.
Our lives are centered around God’s Word and His promise of the forgiveness of our sins. The two-fold focus of what we say and do here at Immanuel is to live by faith in God, and in fervent love for our neighbor.
To explore deeper into what we as Lutherans believe, teach, and confess to be God's truth; then you might want to take a look at the Book of Concord. We believe these confessional statements to be a true exposition of Holy Scripture and a correct exhibition of the doctrine of genuine Lutheranism. You might begin by studying the Small Catechism and Large Catechism of Dr. Martin Luther, and then continue with the Augsburg Confession, etc.
...but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:31 ESV)
The Lord's Supper (Holy Communion)
The Lord's Supper is a gift and as with all our Lord’s gifts, we desire to give and receive them as He intends. The Lord’s Supper is for our benefit, but it can be received unworthily. “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 11:27 ESV). Therefore, in faithfulness to our Lord, and in love for you, Immanuel follows the historic practice of closed communion.
All guests must visit with our pastor before coming to the altar to receive the Lord’s Supper. If you do not have opportunity to visit with Pastor prior to the service, he is more than willing to visit with you during the week.
All guests must visit with our pastor before coming to the altar to receive the Lord’s Supper. If you do not have opportunity to visit with Pastor prior to the service, he is more than willing to visit with you during the week.
Private Confession & Absolution
In the reformation of the Church, the Lutherans emphasized that Private Confession and Absolution is to be maintained, specifically because of the absolution. The absolution is the Gospel – the good news of forgiveness, life, and salvation – all because of Christ. Individual Confession & Absolution is available by appointment. If you have questions about this practice, you can learn more in Luther's Small Catechism, Confession & Office of the Keys. A Rite for Individual Confession and Absolution can be found in Lutheran Service Book page 292. If you have questions, and/or desire to receive the Gospel in this manner, please contact Pastor Porath.