Easter Season: Because He Lives
It is easy to become so engrossed in the details of historical events—who, when, where—that we miss their significance. For example, consider World War II. There are many compelling stories. Lots of dates and data to remember. However, for a moment, set all that aside, and just imagine the Allies had lost. How would the world be different today? What would life be like for those of Jewish heritage? Would freedom exist in Europe? Would we be speaking German? With historical events, you miss out if you focus only on the details: who, when, where. You also need to focus on what that historical event means. The Allies won. That means something!
In this season of Easter, it is good we review the details: who, when, where. That reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is not fairytale or fable. It is a historical event…the historical event. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we simply recall the historical details of Easter without thinking long and hard about Easter’s significance. Jesus won. That means something! It is our privilege and pleasure to use the fifty days of Easter to discuss this fact: because he lives, not only is our eternity secure, but we have abundant resources to face the present.
Join us this Easter Season for a new series: Because He Lives.
The Easter Season runs from Easter Sunday on April 20 to Pentecost on June 8.
Christ Through Us Ministry Plan
Discover Emanuel Lutheran Church's vision for the future! Reflecting on a remarkable 2024 marked by worship growth, strong school enrollment, and the re-dedication of our church building, our Ministry Plan 2025 outlines exciting opportunities for our congregation in the coming year. Grounded in the promise that "God is with us", this plan details our goals for a church fully engaged in worship, bible study, serving others, communication, and ministry support. Learn about initiatives like the "Peter Plan" to encourage worship attendance and "360 in 365" for family bible study. Find out how you can participate in our mission to gather, grow, and go as we look towards a future where Christ works through us.
Download the full "Christ Through Us Ministry Plan 2025" document to explore our detailed plans and discover how you can be a part of Emanuel's vibrant ministry!
We Welcome our New Pipe Organ
We art thrilled to announce the arrival of our new pipe organ from New York, a significant milestone in the church’s ongoing Forward project. The organ was carefully unloaded today and its installation will take place over the next several weeks.
Recognizing that their previous electronic organ, installed in 1990, had surpassed its expected 30-year lifespan and was in failing condition, Emanuel’s Organ Committee embarked on a thorough process starting in 2018 to find a more enduring musical solution. After extensive research and evaluation, the congregation approved the recommendation to acquire a pipe organ from Parsons Pipe Organ Builders.
Mock up of our renovated sancutary with the new organ installed.
This new instrument is a custom-built organ that uniquely incorporates numerous high-quality components from a 2003 Berghaus organ previously located at First United Methodist Church in DeKalb, Illinois. Parsons Pipe Organ Builders, a respected firm with a 100-year history, was selected for their craftsmanship and value. The decision to invest in a pipe organ reflects Emanuel’s commitment to providing a powerful and flexible instrument that can best lead congregational singing and express the full range of emotions in worship for generations to come.
The installation process is scheduled from April 27th to May 9th, with tuning and voicing to follow for three to four weeks. The dedication of the new pipe organ will be celebrated during regularly scheduled services for Pentecost Sunday, on Saturday, June 7th at 5:15 pm and Sunday, June 8th at 8:00 and 10:30 am.
This exciting addition promises to significantly enhance the worship experience at Emanuel Lutheran Church. Photos of the organ’s arrival and installation are available.
Be sure to check out our organ FAQs to learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime process!
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:19-20 EHV
