Seasonal Rites for Lent
Lent is a time of renewal. We focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus—and in turn focus on our own death and resurrection found in baptism. We who have been baptized into Christ have died to sin and are righteous saints of God. At the same time, we know that we struggle daily with sin as we seek to follow Jesus. This is the wonderful Lutheran understanding of sinner and saint.
We have a rich calendar of saints in the Lutheran tradition—Christians from every age who have pointed to Christ in their living and dying. In remembering these Christians who have gone before, we find inspiration for our Christian journey. This Lenten midweek series honors the commemorations that occur during the weeks in Lent in 2023. Commemorating these individuals is a starting point for a deeper engagement with our Christian faith.
Important Message to the ILC Community
Dear Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church,
As of September 2022, members of our Church Council have reassessed the news as it has broken regarding practices that may reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The Alameda County Public Health Department lifted its recommendation that members of the “vulnerable population” (those with compromised immunity, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illness as well as those older than 60) limit their public gatherings to 20 or fewer people. Since this describes a large percentage of our regular Sunday worshipers, the Council has made the decision to join other local churches and restart Sunday worship in the Sanctuary on a limited basis.
Going forward till the end of 2022 and into 2023, we will begin holding services in sanctuary, as well as continue to utilize the Zoom and YouTube platforms. Emails will continue to be utilized for the distribution of the weekly worship and church announcements. Pastor Stephanie at Trinity Lutheran has graciously agreed to be available by telephone, (510) 846-0883 for any pastoral needs. Pastor Crystal Larson, Pastor Meg Brogan, and Pastor Carol Been have generously offered their time to lead our worship services.
Most will know from our upcoming annual meeting that Immanuel’s operational budget is stable at present, and that the church building remains in dire need of repairs. We strongly encourage those of you who would otherwise make weekly donations in church to continue to do so during the period of transition. Checks can be mailed to the church at 1910 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. If you would prefer to make a cash offering, please click HERE to make a donation by Paypal, or email us at office@immanuel-alameda.org, or call (510) 523-0659.
More importantly, please contact the church if you need assistance of any kind during this crisis. If you become sick or if you are concerned that running an errand like grocery shopping or picking up a prescription will compromise your health, we encourage you to call the church office. We will coordinate with those of us who are less at risk for complications from this virus to help others make sure they have what they need.
The leadership of Immanuel wants to reassure you that our life together is of utmost concern to us at this time of vulnerability. As Pastor Dot frequently reminds us, we are called to serve one another. We need to remain to connected even as we take proper precautions.
Yours in Christ,
Andrew Thomas, Deanna Johe, Beth Greene, Judy Blank,
Michele Thomas, Chris Kanbergs, Ruth Dow and Terry O’Connor
Immanuel Lutheran Church Council – 2022-2025
Adult Sunday Study
The Adult Sunday Bible Study discussions will start up at a date yet to be determined in the Helen Room. All are welcome, and feel free to join in on any Sunday. The journey will begin soon, God willing.
10:00am — Sunday Worship Service
Come, be refreshed and renewed. Sunday worship at Immanuel will leave you strengthened and ready to face life’s hardships. We pray, read, listen, sing, and celebrate with “enthusiastic affirmation” God’s bountiful gift of Life through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Come and experience the peace and joy of God’s creation. Come, worship with us.
Children‘s Sunday School, First Communion Classes, Confirmation Classes, & Youth Group
Our support and outreach to the youth within our congregation and the community is a major priority . We hope to hold organizing and planning meeting for parents, grandparents, and anyone else who is interested in helping to kick these events off and make them successful. Stay tuned and look for emails and invitation letters after the pandemic.
