Emmanuel Lutheran Church (ELCA), Rockford, Illinois

Welcome to Emmanuel

Photo by Steve Pitkin

When Emmanuel was founded in 1882 we called ourselves a “congregation”—not a “church.”

We are open to the uniqueness of each person's story. Our ministry is about discovering your gifts and your calling. We seek to become compassionate servants of God, reaching out through service to heal and inspire Rockford and the world. We learn together from our own Christian tradition as well as from other cultures, religions, and civilizations.

Join us and explore “God with us”—Emmanuel—a community of people devoted to Christ and to all of God's creation.

On November 18th, 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Church celebrated her 130th Anniversary.

Wednesdays in Lent, February 20th through March 27th, 2013, Noon to 1 p.m. - Subs 'n Scripture
Come and join us for lunch and Lenten study with Pastor Amy. Discussion to follow. Details on our Calendar.

Sunday, April 14th, 2013, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. -
Chakra Rhythms:
A Journey of Discovery Through the Chakras
Come and join us for this interesting workshop. Sign up in advance and save money. Details on our Calendar.

Pastor Amy Nyman
Photo by Don Heckelmiller

Art@Emmanuel presents the “Starry, Starry Night: Blessings from the Universe” exhibit beginning on Sunday, December 16th, in the Emmanuel Art Gallery. Read the Call to Artists PDF document if you are interested in taking part. Art@Emmanuel presents the “Crosses: Symbol & Form” exhibit beginning on Sunday, March 3rd, in the Emmanuel Art Gallery. Read the Call to Artists if you are interested in taking part. Friday, April 5, through Sunday, May 12th, 2013: “Controlled Accidents” Roni Golan, Solo Exhibition at Emmanuel Lutheran Church Gallery as a part of the Rockford Area Arts Council Spring Artscene.

Art@Emmanuel and the RIC Task Force present the “Shower of Stoles” exhibit beginning on Sunday, June 2nd, through Sunday, June 23rd in the Emmanuel's Sanctuary and Community Room. The Opening Reception on June 2nd is open to the public.

The Emmanuel RIC Task Force is happy to announce the creation of the Gay Men Gathering.

Come to our free Sunday Movie Matinee, the fourth Sunday of the month, at 4:00 p.m. See our Community Calendar to find out what's showing.

Sunday, January 27, 2013, 11:30 a.m.: If you are a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, please plan on attending our Annual Meeting of the Congregation. We will be voting on new church council members and other important church business.

Please keep Emmanuel and the Call Committee in your prayers as we search for a permanent pastor.

Wednesday Book Study with Pastor Amy: We are currently reading Stations of the Heart. See the Worship calendar for details. All are welcome.

On March 7th, 2013, Emmanuel was officially recognized by ReconcilingWorks (ReconcilingWorks.org) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) (elca.org) as a Reconciling in Christ (ReconcilingWorks.org/ric/) (RIC) congregation. Emmanuel has an RIC Task Force to educate the congregation on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues that relate to the life of the church.

On February 3rd, 2013, Emmanuel hosted a special guest speaker: Judith Roberts. Ms. Roberts is Director for Racial Justice Ministries for the ELCA, and is representing our Church in the promotion of the movie The House I Live In (TheHouseILiveIn.org) which is about the failure of the United States' “War on Drugs,” and the need for massive changes in our criminal justice system. The ELCA will be issuing a social statement on criminal justice this summer.

On January 27th, 2013, Emmanuel had its Annual Meeting of the Congregation, where, among other items, the congregation voted to become a Reconciling in Christ (ReconcilingWorks.org/ric/) (RIC) church. The Rockford Register Star reported it online, and mentioned it on the front page of their February 5th print edition.

Four Winds is bringing a study/discussion of the book Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche for five Sunday evenings. Details on the Calendar page.Call the office at 815-963-4815 for details.

Emmanuel is an affiliate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) (elca.org), Northern Illinois Synod (nisynod.org).

Emmanuel is a Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries (rockfordlutheranministries.com) partner.

Emmanuel is a Reconciling in Christ (ReconcilingWorks.org/ric/) (RIC) congregation and warmly welcomes openly LGBT seekers and believers of all ages as well as their families and friends. Emmanuel is also active in other social justice issues.

2013 ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson made a video for the “It Gets Better” Project^™ promising LGBT youth and young adults that they have a place in the church.

Please also see our FAQ online on our About Us page for more information about Emmanuel.

Emmanuel rents space, even to non-members and outside organizations. Find out more on our Rent Space page.