What We Do

Tabitha’s Closet

Tabitha’s Closet is First Immanuel’s newest ministry. It provides gently-used women’s clothing, free of charge to those in need. It is located in Friendship House at 1134 S. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 606070. The hours are by appointment (312-733-6886). Please bring your own bag if you can. For more information about how to get involved talk to Linda Kloess, Pat Downing or Charman Downing.

Migrant Support (in partnership with the Pilsen Food Pantry)

Under the leadership of Kathy Kuehner, First Immanuel is partnering with the Pilsen Food Pantry to help the migrant families flooding into Chicago. This ministry takes the form of collecting items the migrants need, such as seasonally-appropriate clothing and personal hygiene items, and conducting an English-as-a-second language (ESL) class for migrant adults. Donated items should be placed in the basket labeled, “Migrants,” in the Narthex. For more information, contact Kathy Kuehner.

Crop Walk

First Immanuel works in partnership with Paw Salvation and the Pilsen Food Pantry. We share our facilities and our members volunteer their help with programs and initiatives. If you know of an organization that might benefit from partnering with First Immanuel, share yourEvery third Sunday in October, First Immanuel hosts the Chicago Crop Walk to reduce food insecurity. We walk around our community to raise awareness and money. For more information, go to First Immanuel’s Crop Walk page or to http://chicagocropwalk.org. If you’d like to get involved in planning this event, talk with Pastor Anne.

Partner with Other Social Service Organizations

First Immanuel works in partnership with Paw Salvation and the Pilsen Food Pantry. We share our facilities and our members volunteer their help with programs and initiatives. If you know of an organization that might benefit from partnering with First Immanuel, share your ideas with Pastor Anne or our President, Carol Emmons.

First Immanuel works in partnership with Paw Salvation and the Pilsen Food Pantry. We share our facilities and our members volunteer their help with programs and initiatives. If you know of an organization that might benefit from partnering with First Immanuel, share your ideas with Pastor Anne or our Church Council Secretary, Carol-Ann Emmons.

African American Descent Strategy Team

First Immanuel is an active member of The Metropolitan Chicago Synod’s African American Descents Strategy Team (ADST). The purpose of this team is to support and enable majority African American congregations to connect and gather, and to carry out God’s work in their communities. For more information, contact Cyrilene Mathurin or Shirley and Christian Ukachukwu.

Health Care Connections

Health Care Connections is a new ministry at First Immanuel that involves members who are professional healthcare providers. The goal of this ministry is not to provide direct care, but rather to help members of the congregation navigate the healthcare system, which is complex and often confusing. For more information, contact Fred Brown or Rachel Lauber.

Recovery Cafe

Safe, welcoming place to share stories and connect in a sober space. Open to all supporting the journey of recovery. For more information, contact Cindy Komar or Tyrone Wallace.

Stephen’s Ministers/Spiritual Care Visitors

Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Spiritual Care Visitors are lay congregation members trained to provide spiritual care to the sick. Click here for more information about these ministries, or talk to Vicar Anne if you have an interest in joining either one of these ministries, or would like to be connected with a Stephen Minister or Spiritual Care Visitor.

Children’s Message

Children of all ages are invited to gather in front of the altar every Sunday during Worship to hear the Gospel message interpreted for them in a way they can readily understand. If you would like to present the Children’s Message on some Sunday, talk with Pastor Anne.

Second-Sunday Sunday School

Children ages 3-12 are invited to gather in Friendship Hall during the sermon every second Sunday of the month for learning and crafts. For more information, talk to Tracy Howard or Andreia Leon.

Youth Ministry

First Immanuel provides both faith formation and fellowship activities for our youth (ages 13-17). These include Confirmation preparation, participation in youth gatherings sponsored by the Metro Chicago Synod, attending the ELCA Youth Gathering, and occasional movie nights and basketball games. Contact Ray Gesiakowski if you’d like more information about, or would like to get involved in Youth Ministry at First Immanuel.

Men’s Ministry

This is a multi-generational ministry that seeks to mentor and empower all ages of male members in our congregation through shared activities and building relationships. Contact Pastor Anne for more information.

English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) Classes

Welcoming the stranger is at the heart of Christ’s Gospel message. To help non-English speakers adjust to living in Chicago, First Immanuel offers conversational English classes on Saturday mornings. For more information, contact Kathy or Mark Kuehner.

Social Ministry

Social Ministry is one of First Immanuel’s oldest ministries. It was created in the mid-90’s.  Adelle Harris has served as the Social Ministry Chair since its inception. Social Ministry sends cards to recognize the significant milestones of the members of First Immanuel’s congregation, including but not limited to: Birthdays, Sympathy, Get Well, Graduation, Thinking of You and Encouragement as well as other special events. To find out how you can get involved, talk to Pastor Anne.

Birthday Clubs & Fellowship

First Sunday Fellowship takes place immediately following Sunday Worship on the first Sunday of each month, and is catered by the Birthday Clubs. The Birthday Clubs consist of those members whose birthday falls in the current month. For example, if your birthday falls in July, then you’re a member of the July Birthday Club and would help cater First Sunday Fellowship in the month of July. Each Birthday Club has a captain who is responsible for coordinating the members of that club. To find out who the Birthday Club Captain is for each month, contact Cecelia Wilson.

Building and Grounds Ministry

The Building and Grounds Ministry works to preserve the integrity and beauty of our buildings and grounds. In addition to organizing Spring and Fall Clean-up events, the members of this group make small repairs and upgrades, consistent with their skill levels. They also identify and hire contractors for larger, more complex projects. For more information, contact Cindy Komar.

Legacy Fund Committee

The Legacy Fund Committee manages and works to grow First Immanuel’s endowment to provide long-term support for First Immanuel’s ministries to future generations. If you’d like to make a gift to the Legacy Fund, or would like more information, contact Vicar Anne, Sylvia Banks-Ross, or Gary Stringer.

Romans 8 Technology Team

Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our congregation connected by livestreaming Worship, this ministry takes its name from Romans 8:39. Its mission has since grown to include all things technology related. Training is provided. Contact Rebeca Covarrubbias to see how you can get involved in this essential ministry.

Social Media Ministry

Spreading the word on social media about our church and all its events and ministries is extremely important way that First Immanuel connects with the larger community. If you have an interest in helping with this, please contact Michele Harris, our Social Media Coordinator.

Church Council

The Church Council is comprised of the Pastor, the five Officers of the Church (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Secretary of the Church Council) and members-at-large. Members of the Church Council are elected by the Voters’ Assembly of the Congregation at the March Voters’ Meeting. The Church Council meets monthly via Zoom, and all meetings are open (see the Events calendar). At the present time, the office of Secretary of the Church Council is vacant. If you have an interest in the Church Council, talk with our Acting President, Fred Brown.

Choir

Anyone who loves to proclaim the joy of our Lord in song can join our choir. No audition necessary. Just show up to Sunday Worship, locate the choir in the back of the church near the piano, and introduce yourself to the others seated there. Be sure to also introduce yourself to our choir director, Ms. Yvonne Tabb, and our organist, Maria Kloess Noble

Youth Choir

Younger members of the congregation, ages 7-17, are invited to join our new Youth Choir. You’ll find a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. For more information, contact Tracy Howard or Jayveon Baskerville.

Readers

Readers read the first and second lessons from Holy Scripture during Worship. There is no age restriction for being a reader; anyone who can read and is tall enough to speak into the microphone can be a reader. If you are interested in being a reader, contact Linda Kloess.

Communion Assistants and Servers

Communion assistants help with the distribution of Holy Communion during Sunday Worship. Communion Servers take Holy Communion to those who are unable to come to church. Training is provided for both ministries. Click here for more information about how these ministries related to other pastoral care ministries at First Immanuel or contact Janet Crawford for more information.

Altar Care Committee

This ministry involves caring for and changing the altar linen and paraments in keeping with the liturgical calendar. Contact Carol Emmons if you are interested in joining this sacred ministry.