Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
OUR MISSION
As children of God and marked with the cross of Christ forever, we, the members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, will proclaim the good news and spread the word of our Lord and His loving kindness by ministering together to our church family and to our community and to the Church at large.
Church Concerns
Worship Hours:
8:45 and 10:30 a.m.
Our weekly services continue with the Drive-In Service at 8:45 a.m. and the Sanctuary Service at 10:30 a.m. Masks are no longer required for the second service, though people who have not been vaccinated or who choose to be extra cautious are encouraged to wear one. The choir has returned; hymns are sung; and though the service continues to be somewhat abbreviated there is a sense that we are getting back to "normal".
If you have not been in worship, there is still a place for you and our prayer is that you will choose to claim it.
August 1-3
After 18 months of Covid restrictions, we are opening up for regular activities and the first is a summertime favorite - VBS. We will begin after worship on August 1 and continue on Monday and Tuesday nights from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. We will enjoy lunch together on Sunday and a light supper on Monday and Tuesday.
A nursery will be provided for infants and pre-K children. Activities are planned for older children and youth and there will be a class for adults taught by Pastor Karen. Arts and crafts, music, learning, food and fellowship will mark our time together.
To register all you need to do is to email your name and the number of children and adults who will be participating to Pastor Dudley at dudleyweaver@gmail.com.
Pastor Nominating Committee Elected
A six-member Pastor Nominating Committee has been elected by the Church Council and has been commissioned for their service. Members of the Committee are: Mary Ann Eargle, Jean Banco, Matt Fecas, Jolene Gillis, Mark Fuller and Tiffany Dupree who has been elected as chair. Please remember the committee in your prayers asking that they may be led by the Holy Spirit and be of one mind in the task that has been entrusted to their care.
Sunday school for children, youth and adults begins each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.
Preschool through fifth grade will be taught by Elaine Donaldson. Sixth through Twelfth grade will be taught by Dorie Sanders. Additional teachers are being recruited for both classes.
Adult 1 will be taught by Rick Kingry and Lois Sills. Adult 2 will be taught by Pastor Dudley.
Corporate Worship
Gathering in Faith
Emmanuel currently offers two opportunities for corporate worship each Sunday. At 8:45 a.m. we offer a drive-in service for those who choose not to gather in person in the sanctuary. Park in the church parking lot or the ball field, tune your radio to FM 98.1 and participate in the service using the bulletin distributed by a volunteer. Members of the congregation who choose also receive the bulletin by email.
We gather at 10:30 a.m. in the church sanctuary. We still seek to practice social distancing in the sanctuary, but otherwise worship continues as usual. Facemasks are not required but if you have not received the immunization you make consider wearing a mask.
The video of the service for the day is ordinarily available later on Sunday or by Monday on the church YouTube Channel: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, West Columbia, SC.
Church-Wide Activities
Growing in love
The congregation gathers for dinner and programs during Advent and Lent, as well as occasional other meals such as the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, the Christmas Banquet, and more. We gather not simply for the food, but equally as important for strengthening the bonds of love that bind us together as a community.
Christian Fellowship
Building upon longterm relationships and creating new relationships, the people of Emmanuel come together on a regular basis to enjoy food, fun, conversation, and the gift of life. Visitors are always welcome
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
WELCA offers four circles (small groups) for women who meet monthly for mutual encouragement, study, prayer, and refreshments or a meal. In addition there are occasional gatherings for all the women of the church. The Altar Committee is a part of the WELCA ministry, as well as the Bereavement Committee which provides meals to families following Funerals or Memorial Services.
Lutheran Men in Mission
The men of Emmanuel gather on the first Wednesday of each month for a meal, program, and fellowship. It is a time to build new relationships and to enrich old ones. All men of the church and friends, too, are welcome to participate.
ESP (Senior Adult Fellowship)
Enjoying the Gift of Vital Living
ESP (Emmanuel's Special People) gather on the third Thursday of the month for a variety of activities - apple picking trips, visiting local historic sites, special programs and, of course, lunch.
Whenever you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Emmanuel is involved in reaching out into the community in a number of tangible ways:
The Food Bank is made possible through the gifts of Emmanuel's members and provides bags of food for those in need in our community. It is open the third Tuesday of each month.
Monthly Community Meal is provided once a month for members of the community and also members of Emmanuel who join in food and fellowship.
Boy and Girl Scout Troops are available for children and youth in our community.
Meals on Wheels - members of Emmanuel participate in this community-wide ministry. Additional volunteers are always needed.
Blood Drives - offers two Red Cross Blood Drives annually.
Health and Wellness Fair brings together a wide variety of organizations within the community who provided displays and interact with all participants, community members and church members.
A Fuller Life honors the memory of Barbara Jane Corley Fuller, a life-long memory of Emmanuel and a woman who touched the lives of many childen in our community. A Fuller Life hosts events and fundraisers thoughout the year to gather monies to help provide students have a more positive school experience. Money raised assists with school debts, as well as the purchase of yearbooks, dance tickets, sporting event tickets, and more for those who cannot afford them. This year one high school senior was able to receive his diploma because A Fuller Life paid a school debt he could not afford to pay. The committee hosts quarterly Socials immediately following worship. A variety of desserts are served and donations accepted. Other fundraising events have included a silent art auction.
Christian Education and Formation
Is for all ages
Learning more about who we are as the disciples of Jesus Christ is a lifelong endeavor. Emmanuel offers educational opportunities for children, youth, and adults through weekly Sunday School classes at 9:15 a.m. and special groups for the younger among us.
Children's Ministries
Children's Ministries are a vital part of our church life. Programs include:
Sunday School for children of all ages
Children's choir
'Lil Lutherans
Nursery Care for our youngest
Youth Ministry
Our sixth through twelfth graders meet each Sunday evening for supper, recreation, study, and fellowship. In addition the young people enjoy retreats and other special activities. There is also an annual Confirmation Class for youth.
Pastoral and Music Staff
Pastor Karen Hawkins
Interim Pastor
Pastor Karen Hawkins is a 1980 graduate of the College of Charleston and a 1994 graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. She has served congregations in Columbia, Charleston, and Mt. Pleasant. Prior to seminary Pastor Hawkins taught school in Dorchester County School District Two in the area of special education at the middle and elementary grade levels. She is married to Dr. Robert Hawkins.
Mary Whiteley
Organist and Choir Director
Mary, a graduate of Newberry College, has served as the organist and choir director for several churches. She has been with Emmanuel for more than a decade as our organist/choir director. She also serves accompanist for the Children's Choirs.
Program and Support Staff
Contact Emmanuel Lutheran Church
2491 Emanuel Church Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA
(803) 755-9857
