Immanuel Lutheran Church

Immanuel Lutheran Church is a nonprofit organization within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a mainline Protestant denomination. The ELCA is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and is known for its diverse and inclusive community, welcoming people from various cultural backgrounds.

Background

The ELCA, formed in 1988 by the merger of three Lutheran church bodies, is the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States, with over 2.79 million baptized members as of 2023[2]. The ELCA is recognized for its ecumenical efforts and membership in the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and the Lutheran World Federation[2].

Mission and Beliefs

Immanuel Lutheran Church, as part of the ELCA, adheres to Lutheran theological teachings, emphasizing grace alone, faith alone, and scripture alone[3]. These principles, rooted in the Reformation and the teachings of Martin Luther, highlight the significance of God's grace in salvation and the authority of the Bible. The church is committed to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, fostering a community that is concerned, loving, tolerant, and forgiving[1].

Activities and Worship

The church typically offers worship services on Sundays, often with additional events such as Bible studies and community programs. Worship services are conducted in accordance with the ELCA Lutheran liturgical tradition, which emphasizes communion with believers past and present[1]. The ELCA's approach to worship and community engagement includes welcoming diverse leadership, including women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting its progressive stance among Lutheran denominations[5].

Social Involvement

Immanuel Lutheran Church likely participates in various forms of community service and social justice initiatives, in line with the ELCA's broader mission. These activities often focus on addressing social issues, caring for creation, and serving those in need, reflecting the Christian values of love and service[3].

[1] https://immanuelsj.org [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelical_Lutheran_Church_in_America [3] https://imluchurch.org/what-we-believe/ [4] https://ilcsaratoga.org [5] https://www.immanuel-lc.org