Youth and Family Mission
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,
Immanuel Together Program
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.
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:
“Being a mother who brought her own children to this group many moons ago; I so appreciate being a great-aunt to bring my great nephew. He lights up the minute he sees the church and realizes he will play with the children. It is such an enriching time, and we are so grateful to have this safe place and group to learn songs and socialize with other people and kids.”
“Ms. Michelle is a gem. Edgewater has its own Mister Rogers and she’s simply a treasure. My little girl has grown leaps and bounds with the positive and social atmosphere that is created in Playgroup. Wouldn’t know what we would be doing without this outlet.”
“We began coming to the playgroup in December after families at Senn Park suggested it. I feel that Michelle and her Playgroup are a real blessing to our family and our community. Our son looks forward to his times at the group and excitedly puts his coat and shoes on willingly beforehand (a true miracle). We are thankful for the social and physical exercise he enjoys in the group.”
Playgroup meets in the Olin Center (otherwise known as the church basement) at 10:30 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Most attendees are currently between infancy and 4 years, but all ages are welcome. Subscribe to the Immanuel Together mailing list to get the most up-to-date information on meeting times!
For more information on how you can get involved or to be added to the mailing list, call 773-743-1820 or e-mail churchonelmdale@gmail.com.
Edgewater Tutoring
(Grades 1-8)
Each Monday and Tuesday, 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 all over the neighborhood. Tutors and students are paired one-to-one. The tutors work with the students academically and establish mentoring relationships with them.
For more information on Edgewater Tutoring (as a prospective student or a tutor), contact Edie Lange at: 773-732-7553
Confirmation
Confirmation at Immanuel is a 2-year program for 7th and 8th 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 or Minister for Youth and Households Dri Rivera at 773-743-1820.
Getting Here
Public Transportation: We are conveniently located one block east of the #22 Clark bus, three blocks east of the Metra UP-N Peterson station, and a ten-minute walk west from the Thorndale red line station.
Parking: Unrestricted street parking on Elmdale, Norwood, and Thorndale Avenues. An accessible drop-off location is located directly in front of the church entrance on Elmdale Ave.