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The In Stitches ministry uses simple loom knitting to share Christ’s love in practical ways. Together, participants create hats for those in need, including individuals experiencing homelessness; cancer patients served through Phil’s Friends, families connected with the Giving Tree ministry, and other outreach opportunities.

Whether you’re an experienced loom knitter or have never picked up a loom before, everyone is welcome. No experience is necessary, we’re happy to teach you!

The group meets on the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 12:30–2:30 PM in Luther Hall. Join us as we create, have fellowship, and serve our neighbors one stitch at a time.

For more information, contact Pat Dziuba at patdziuba2@gmail.com.

A simple card can be a meaningful reminder that someone is remembered, prayed for, and loved. Our Card Ministry creates and sends handmade cards to our shut-ins and to church members ages 65 and older on their birthdays, sharing Christ’s love through words of encouragement and care.

The group meets on the 4th Thursday of each month from 1:00–3:00 PM in Luther Hall. Whether you’re creative or simply enjoy fellowship and serving others, everyone is welcome. No experience is needed, and walk-ins are always welcome.

The Tender Loving Care (TLC) Ministry shares Christ’s compassion by building meaningful relationships with members of our congregation who are homebound or unable to regularly attend worship. Through visits, conversation, encouragement, and prayer, these caring women remind our shut-ins that they remain a valued and loved part of our church family.

If you have a heart for caring for others and would like to become involved in this ministry, please contact Kathie Bojens at kathebojenssss@comcast.net.

Our Hospitality Ministry serves by creating a welcoming and caring environment during funeral luncheons and special receptions following worship services and other church events. Whether gathering to comfort those who are grieving or to celebrate special occasions, this ministry helps provide food, fellowship, and a warm expression of Christ’s love.

When a need arises, members of the Hospitality Ministry receive an email with opportunities to help by providing a dessert, salad, or other dish, or by assisting with setup, serving, making coffee, or cleanup. Volunteers simply respond to the opportunities that fit their schedule.

If you enjoy serving others through hospitality and are interested in being a part of the email list, please email Kay Gade at wmkay.88@yahoo.com.

Each child baptized at Immanuel receives a Baptism Bag as a reminder of God’s promises and the joy of becoming part of His family. These bags include thoughtful resources, such as a toddler Bible and other faith-building materials, to encourage families as they nurture their child’s faith at home.

This ministry is lovingly coordinated by one dedicated member, so additional volunteers are not needed at this time. However, donations of toddler Bibles or financial gifts to help purchase these resources are always appreciated and help us continue welcoming newly baptized children with these special gifts.

The SMILE Ministry provides an opportunity for families of college-aged students to stay connected, encourage one another, and support their students while they are away at school.

Once or twice each school year, families gather for fellowship and to create care packages filled with encouragement and reminders of home that are sent to college students. Through these thoughtful gifts and shared connections, the SMILE Ministry helps students know they are remembered, prayed for, and loved by their church family.

All families with college-aged students are welcome to participate as we share fellowship and continue supporting the next generation of Immanuel. For more information please contact the church office.

The Altar Guild serves behind the scenes to help prepare and care for the worship space where we gather around God’s Word and His gifts. This group of women helps maintain the beauty and reverence of the sanctuary by caring for the chancel area before services, cleaning the Communion vessels after the Lord’s Supper, and helping keep the sanctuary prepared for worship.

Members serve according to an assigned schedule throughout the year, with Communion responsibilities coordinated through sign-up opportunities. This ministry is a meaningful way to support worship at Immanuel through faithful service and attention to detail.

The Altar Guild is always welcoming new members. If you are interested in serving or would like more information, please contact the church office.

The Audio/Visual Ministry helps support worship and special events at Immanuel. This ministry helps ensure that sound, presentations, livestreams, and other technical needs run smoothly.

Volunteers assist with responsibilities such as running sound, managing PowerPoint presentations, setting up equipment, and providing technical support during services and events. Experience with audio/visual equipment is preferred, but a willingness to learn and serve is always appreciated.

If you have an interest in technology, this is a valuable way to serve our congregation. For more information about getting involved, please contact the church office.

The Garden Group helps care for the beauty and welcoming appearance of Immanuel’s grounds through seasonal gardening and landscaping projects.

The group gathers for an annual spring meeting and then communicates throughout the year by text as projects and needs arise. Many projects are completed in small groups, with partners, or individually based on availability and interest.

No gardening expertise is required; training and guidance are available for those who would like to learn more about caring for the church grounds. New members are always welcome to join this ministry of service and stewardship. If interested, please contact the church office.

Music is a beautiful gift from God that allows us to respond to His grace, proclaim His Word, and encourage one another in worship. At Immanuel, our Music Ministry provides opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to use their musical gifts to the glory of God in both our traditional and contemporary worship services.

Whether through singing, ringing, or playing an instrument, there are many ways to participate and serve through music. For more information about any of these opportunities, please contact Music Director Bill Gade at 847-428-4477 ext. 227 or Assistant Music Director Kris Bartelt at 847-428-4477 ext. 226.

Sacred Choir

The Sacred Choir welcomes singers with high school experience and older who enjoy using their voices in worship. The choir sings throughout the year at various services and special occasions.

Rehearsals are typically held twice before each scheduled performance, making this a wonderful opportunity for those who would like to participate while balancing other commitments.

Praise Team

The Praise Team weekly leads music for our contemporary worship services and provides an opportunity for singers and musicians to share their gifts in a more contemporary style.

Open to those high school age and older with experience in singing and instruments, the team receives music ahead of time and practices during the hour before the service. Scheduling is coordinated approximately 1-2 weeks in advance.

Sacred Ringers

Sacred Ringers is an adult handbell choir that uses the unique gift of handbell music to enhance worship throughout the year. This group welcomes adults who enjoy making music together and sharing their talents with the congregation.

The group rehearses on Thursdays from 5:30–6:40 PM in the church balcony and rings at multiple services and events throughout the year.

Joyful Noise

Joyful Noise is a high school handbell choir that gives teens an opportunity to develop their musical gifts while serving in worship. No prior handbell experience is required, just a willingness to learn and make a joyful noise to the Lord!

The group practices on Sunday evenings from 7:00–8:00 PM and participates in worship throughout the year.

Immanuel Brass and Woodwind Ensembles

The Immanuel Brass and Woodwind Ensembles provide opportunities for musicians to use their instrumental gifts in worship and special events throughout the year.

Open to musicians high school age and older, this group welcomes those who play brass or woodwind instruments and would like to share their talents with the congregation. Rehearsal dates are scheduled ahead of time and may vary throughout the year.

Prayer is one of the greatest ways we can care for one another and bring the needs of our church family before our gracious God. The Prayer Chain Ministry provides an opportunity for members to support one another through faithful prayer.

Prayer requests are shared through an email chain each week, allowing participants to pray on their own time and wherever they are. Through this ministry, we surround one another with prayer, encouragement, and the reminder that we are never alone in our joys or challenges.

If you would like to be part of the Prayer Chain email list and join others in praying for our congregation and community, please contact Jeanne Valerie Miller at jeannevaleriemiller@gmail.com.

Worship Aides is an opportunity for individuals and families to serve during our worship services by helping create a welcoming and orderly environment for all who gather at Immanuel.

Volunteers are assigned to a team and can choose the worship service time that works best for their schedule. Throughout the year, Worship Aides assist during various church services and special worship opportunities.

This is a simple yet meaningful way to serve your church family and contribute to the worship life of our congregation. All are welcome to participate.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Russ Diven at rdiven@live.com.

The Comfort Dog Ministry is a unique opportunity to share Christ’s compassion, care, and presence with others through the gift of a trained comfort dog. While we are currently awaiting our comfort dog, our ministry team is already preparing to serve and connect with our community.

We are looking for ministry partners who can help build relationships by talking with and encouraging people while the handler focuses on caring for the dog. This ministry is about more than the dog, it is about creating opportunities for conversations, connection, and sharing God’s love with those we encounter.

The team meets on the first Monday of each month and will gather for additional events and opportunities as they become available.

If you are interested in being part of this ministry or would like more information, please contact the church office.

Feed My Lambs shares the love of Christ by providing food and care for those in need throughout our community. Through preparing meals, serving others, and building relationships, this ministry provides opportunities for people of all ages to put their faith into action by caring for our neighbors.

Volunteers have several ways to participate. On the second Saturday of each month from 9:00–11:00 AM, volunteers gather in the church kitchen to prepare freezer-friendly meals. These meals are delivered to local soup kitchens in Elgin that serve those experiencing hunger, homelessness, and other needs. No cooking experience is required, and regular participation is not necessary, come when you are able!

Volunteers also have the opportunity to help serve breakfast at Vineyard Church in Elgin on the fourth Saturday of each month from 6:45–8:15 AM.

Feed My Lambs is open to everyone, including families and children. Whether preparing food, serving meals, or donating needed items, there are many ways to join in this ministry of compassion and service.

Please check out this link to sign up to join us, or to see our current list of needed food donations. It’s always a good idea to check the link to make sure we are scheduled to meet. Sometimes our dates/times change due to conflicting church events. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

The FISH Food Pantry provides an opportunity for Immanuel to care for our neighbors by helping provide food and essential items to those in need within our community. Through generous donations from our congregation, we are able to support the local food pantry as they serve individuals and families who may be experiencing difficult seasons.

A list of the pantry’s most needed items is available near the collection area in the atrium. Donations may be dropped off anytime the church building is open.

Thank you for helping share Christ’s love through generosity and compassion as we provide for those in need. For more information please contact the church office.

The Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) provides an opportunity for Immanuel members to serve others in times of disaster and need. Working through Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Office of National Mission and receiving training through Lutheran Church Charities, LERT teams respond with compassion, practical assistance, and the hope of Christ during difficult circumstances.

LERT is open to all adults who are willing to serve. Members complete required training and are then able to participate in deployments based on availability and the needs of disaster response efforts. Our team specializes in chainsaw work, helping with cleanup and recovery following storms and other natural disasters.

Through this ministry, volunteers bring not only physical help but also a reminder of God’s care and presence to those experiencing hardship.

If you are interested in learning more about LERT or becoming part of the team, please contact the church office.

The Giving Tree Ministry shares the love of Jesus by providing Christmas gifts and other needed items to families in our community who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Through the generosity of our congregation and support from other Immanuel ministries, this ministry helps bring joy, encouragement, and hope to families during the Christmas season.

Each year, approximately 12–15 families receive children’s Christmas gifts, grocery items, and other necessities to help supplement their Christmas celebrations. Donations are collected throughout the month of November, with items delivered at the beginning of December.

Be on the lookout for the Giving Tree and donation tags each November and prayerfully consider how you can help share Christ’s love with others during the holiday season.

For more information or to learn how you can be involved, please contact Lindsay Laas at Lindsay.Laas@yahoo.com or Lisa at 847-767-1796.

The Go Fish 5K Run is an annual community event that supports the FISH Food Pantry and helps provide resources for neighbors in need. This fun event brings together runners, walkers, volunteers, and members of the community for a great cause.

The race takes place each August, with registration opening ahead of the event. Watch the weekly bulletin each July for registration details and opportunities to participate.

Whether you are interested in running, walking, or helping behind the scenes, there are many ways to be part of this ministry. Volunteers are needed to help with planning and organizing the event.

For more information about volunteering, please contact Sarah Schiltz at sschiltz20@yahoo.com.

The Prayer Vigil provides a dedicated time for our congregation to come together in prayer, lifting up the needs of our church family, community, and world before our gracious God. Held twice each year in April and November, the Prayer Vigil invites everyone to submit prayer requests and spend time in prayer in Immanuel’s sanctuary. Be on the lookout for the Prayer Box.

Volunteers are needed to help keep the sanctuary open throughout the day by committing to be present for one-hour time slots between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Whether you come to pray for a few minutes, spend an hour in quiet reflection, or help provide a prayerful presence, all are welcome.

Join us as we trust in God’s promises and bring our prayers and praises before Him.

For more information, please contact Gail Groneman at gaildusek@yahoo.com.

The Veterans Dinner is an annual community outreach event held each November in Luther Hall to honor and thank those who have served our country. This special evening provides an opportunity for veterans and their families to enjoy a meal, fellowship, and a heartfelt expression of gratitude from the Immanuel community.

This event is made possible through the dedication of a planning committee and the many volunteers who help make the evening a success. Each year, the dinner welcomes veterans and their families, serving approximately 200-300 people, creating a significant need for volunteers to assist with preparation, serving, setup, cleanup, and many other areas.

Be on the lookout for volunteer sign-up opportunities in the weekly bulletin and through Constant Contact each fall. We invite you to be part of this meaningful evening of service and appreciation.

For more information, please contact the church office.

Serve and Shine is an annual week in April dedicated to celebrating and encouraging the many ways God’s people serve one another and our community. During this special week, we highlight the service opportunities already happening through our ministries and shine a light on the many ways Immanuel members share Christ’s love through their time and talents.

This week is a wonderful opportunity to discover ways to get involved, learn more about the ministries of Immanuel, and be encouraged by the many hands and hearts serving throughout our congregation.

If you would like to help spotlight ministry opportunities, encourage others to serve, or be part of planning Serve and Shine, please contact the church office.

Compassion in Action is an opportunity for our congregation to put Christ’s love into action by caring for one another in times of need. Through a special door offering on the last weekend of each month, members are invited to provide financial support that directly helps individuals and families within our own church community who are experiencing hardship.

This ministry reflects the care and compassion we are called to share as members of the body of Christ. Through the generosity of our congregation, we are able to come alongside one another with practical assistance, encouragement, and the reminder that no one walks alone.

Thank you for helping us continue to care for one another through acts of kindness and generosity.

Immanuel Kids Sunday Morning provides an opportunity for children to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus through learning God’s Word, building friendships, and growing together in faith. This ministry is made possible through the faithful volunteers who share their time and gifts by teaching and encouraging the next generation.

If you have a heart for children and would like to help teach or support a Sunday morning class, we would love for you to be involved. Volunteers can choose how they would like to serve by visiting the Children’s Ministry page on our website and completing the volunteer form indicating how you would like to help. For more information, please contact dmeier@immanuel-ed.org.

The Disciple Makers team exists to prayerfully seek ways to strengthen and support the ministry of Immanuel by identifying needs within our congregation and exploring opportunities to share the love of Christ with our community.

Through conversation, brainstorming, and collaboration, this group helps discover new ways to serve, welcome, and connect with others. By looking for opportunities to meet people where they are, Disciple Makers seeks to encourage discipleship, build relationships, and share the hope we have in Jesus through outreach.

If you have a heart for serving others, helping identify ministry opportunities, and finding creative ways to connect people with Christ and His Church, we invite you to be part of this ministry. For more information, please contact our church office.