With doors open for young people, Immanuel continues a tradition of deep connection with the surrounding community. We engage our neighbors and help those in need around us. Our youth and family ministries empower young people be responsible for both themselves and for their families, schools, and neighborhoods,

The Immanuel Together Program or “Playgroup” has been a part of the Immanuel community for 35 years. The mission of this ministry is to reach out to young children and their families in the Immanuel Community.

The playgroup is broken up into 3 terms, a Winter Term that runs from the beginning of January until Holy Week, a Spring Term that runs from after Easter until Mid-June and a Fall Term that runs from the beginning of September until right before Christmas.

The Playgroup for babies, toddlers, and their parents or caregivers, meets at 10:15am on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The Playgroup for children 16 months to 2+ years, and their parents or caregivers, meets at 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Playgroup for children ages 2.5 and older, and their parents or caregivers, meets at 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

A small suggested donation is asked of the families that helps pay for honorariums to the playgroup leaders and helpers, as well as pay for supplies. Scholarships are always available.

Some recent words on the Playgroup from regular attendees:

“This Playgroup is not just a playgroup for me. It’s a home away from home. Awesome!”

“Educational and fun! An Oasis.”

“A safe place to connect with other great people. The kids play well together.”

“Playgroup is where friends get together and come to be a family.”

It’s a wonderful, peaceful and happy place that every parent should bring their children to!

“Casual, safe, supportive connection.”

“Playgroup has been an amazing resource for a new parent like me. We’ve made great friends here, and it helps my son take a big nap!”

For more information on how you can get involved, email churchonelmdale@gmail.com.

Edgewater Tutoring

Each Monday, Edgewater Tutoring meets from 6:30-8:00pm. This is a safe learning environment for Edgewater students to get individual help from Immanuel members and church neighbors. Additionally, Edgewater tutoring employs Loyola University work study students and appreciates the dedication of volunteer tutors from Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northwestern University. Tutors and students are paired one-to-one. The tutors work with the students academically and establish mentoring relationships with them.

Compass

Compass Tutoring meets every Tuesday night from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Students enjoy a meal that is generously provided by Immanuel members. Following the meal, students are tutored by Loyola students. During the early spring we take time to work with the students to apply for summer jobs.

For more information on either Compass or Edgewater Tutoring, or to apply for a space in either program, contact Edie Lange at: 773-732-7553

Confirmation at Immanuel is a 2-year program for 7^th and 8^th Graders from Ebenezer, Unity, and Immanuel Lutheran Churches. The program is taught by the Pastors from each congregation. The students are combined in a single class, alternating between one year of learning about the Bible, and a year focused on Lutheran Theology. Throughout each year, confirmands participate special projects, leading a shared Ascension Day service including all three congregations, various Metro-Chicago Synod youth activities, and attend a retreat at Lutherdale Bible Camp in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.  Youth in Confirmation are also encouraged to fully participate in a shared youth group that meets bi-monthly throughout the year, including a service trip each summer and, once every three years, attending the ELCA National Youth Gathering.

For more information, contact Pastor Monte Johnson at Pastormonte@immanuelchicago.org  or Pastor Emily Heitzman at pastoremilyh@gmail.com.