Welcome to Emmanuel!
8:30 am Traditional Service in the Chapel
10:30 am The ReFresh Worship Service is in the Sanctuary in person, on zoom,
and recorded on Facebook.
On the 2nd Sunday of the month during the summer and into the fall, we worship at 10:30 outside in the labyrinth, depending on the weather. Again, the service is available in person, on zoom and recorded on Facebook.
If you would like to join us on zoom for the 10:30a.m. service,
please click the button below.
If you need to be added to the email list, you may sign up for the list(s) for the items you would like to receive, by clicking on the button ("sign up for E'-News") at the bottom of this page.
Happening at Emmanuel
Something for Everyone
Join Beth Campisi every Monday
for Cardio Drumming
Cardio Drumming 4:00-5:00 pm
Soul Garden Forest Preserve Walks
See article.
Women's Interfaith Potluck
See article.
Spiritual Journeys Book Study
"Separation of Church and Hate"
Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:00am
Silent meditation practice in the
Benson Room at Emmanuel
Thursdays 5:30 - 6:15pm
All are welcome. Enter by parking lot entrance.
Questions or text Sara 815-742-0581.
Arts@Emmanuel
Flyers below
WELCA is beginning the new season on Thursday, September 17th with the Salad & Dessert Luncheon
at 11:30 am.
All are welcome @ Emmanuel!!!
Silent meditation practice
in the Benson Room at Emmanuel.
Thursdays from 5:30 – 6:15pm
All are welcome.
Enter by parking lot entrance.
Questions or text Sara 815-742-0581.
Now Showing
Until November 16, 2026
Viewing during Church-Office hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm
Sunday mornings between the Services
Women's Interfaith Potluck
Women’s Interfaith Potluck
All women are invited to attend the interfaith potlucks, listed below, which start at 6:00 p.m. Please bring a dish to pass. Plates, silverware, and beverages will be provided, but you are always welcome to bring your own plate and silverware if you wish.
- Monday, September 28, 2026:
at Christ Lutheran Church, 425 Riverside Rd., Belvidere.
The program will be about a new Rockford chapter, starting this summer of a national non-profit, "Sleep in Heavenly Peace ."
https://shpbeds.org This organization builds beds via volunteers so no child needs to sleep on floors or couches.
- Monday, October 26, 2026, at Muslim Association of Greater Rockford, 5921 Darlene Dr., Rockford.
- Monday, November 30, 2026, location TBD.
*** NO POTLUCK IN DECEMBER 2026.****
Please join us
Spiritual Journeys
Tuesday mornings 9:30 - 11:00am
The new book Spiritual Journeys is reading “Church & Hate,” by John Fugelsang.
Join us at 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 am. by zoom.
No need to read in advance. We take turns reading in our group and pause for discussion.
You can join us anytime, we read and discuss the book together. You can find more information about the book on Amazon. Contact Karen Van Howe at karenvanhowe@gmail.com for question or if you want to join the group.
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Soul Garden Forest Preserve Walks
Come hike for an hour in Winnebago Counties Forest preserves. Text Holly if you want to join the hikes: 815-543-1191. Meet at the Forest preserve entrances unless otherwise instructed.
Saturday, September 19, 10:00am
Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
5360 Mulford Road & 5801 Perryville Rd
Cherry Valley, IL 61016
Meet at Mulford Road entrance parking lot
Monday, October 19 10:00am
Deer Run - 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016
Halloween Hike! Ghosts and Goblin's!
Saturday, October 31, 10:00am
Seward Bluffs - 16999 Comly Road, Seward, IL
Wednesday, November 11, 10:00am
J. Norman Jensen - 14400 S. Bluff, Rockton, IL
Saturday, November 21, 10:00
Severson Dells - 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Saturday, December 5, 10:00am
Rockford Rotary Forest Preserve
5390 Rotary Road
Cherry Valley, IL 61063
Saturday, December 19, 10:00am
Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve
6303 Mulford Road & 5757 Blackhawk Road
Cherry Valley, IL
Link to Descriptions of all 44 Forest Preserves
https://www.winnebagoforest.org/items
All hikes begin at 10:00 a.m. Dress for the weather!
At Emmanuel's Breathe Meditation Service we gather for one hour to enter a sacred time - the "thin place" between the worlds - and Breathe. We listen to sacred scriptures and poetry from many traditions, we chant, and we sit in silence as we open ourselves to the Great Mystery.
The next Breathe Meditation Service will be Saturday, September 12th, 5:00 to 6:00 pm at Emmanuel.
Breathe In Between is being offered as a "thread" to hold us all together in the months between meditation gatherings.
It will also be a place for open-hearted soul talk. While many members know each other from other sources, we are now creating a time for us to get to know those we are not familiar with or get to know those we do know even better.
in between
Join Beth Campisi
for Cardio Drumming in 2026
Every Monday 4:00 to 5:00 pm
Cardio drumming combines cardio exercise and drumming to music to provide an easy but effective workout. Using an exercise ball, a bucket and drumsticks, cardio drumming is a fun, fast paced way to increase your heart rate, burn calories and improve your coordination. It even helps to improve brain function and you don't need to be a drummer to do it! Cardio drumming is fun, engaging and accessible to everyone. All fitness levels welcome!
Contact Holly Blair-Cascio if you would like to Cardio drum with us!
815-543-1191 hollyblair@mac.com
Flu and Covid Vaccine Clinics
Walgreens Pharmacy has graciously agreed to offer various adult vaccine clinics in the community this fall. Would you consider adding these dates in your calendar & taking advantage of this health promotion activity?
Influenza & Covid Vaccines for adults:
Fri. 9/18/26 9:00 am-12:00 pm Emmanuel Lutheran Church (920 3rd Ave Rkfd)
Sat. 9/19/26 9:00 am-2:00 pm Lifescape Senior Expo at Rock Valley College (3301 N Mulford Rd, Rkfd)
Sat. 9/19/26 12:00-6:00 pm Macedonia Baptist Church Jamboree (1720 Morgan St., Rkfd)
NOTE: Bring your insurance card (Medicare B, Medicaid, or private insurance), cash or check. If your Medicaid insurance is not an approved payment source, ask re: available scholarships. No appointment necessary. Just come! Invite your friends and family! Spread the word.
Questions? Contact Sue Scott, Faith Community Nurse
WELCA Salad & Dessert Luncheon
Just a reminder that our salad/dessert potluck to START our WELCA year will be Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Celebration Room.
Sue Scott will be our special speaker.
Bring a dessert or salad to share, and try to bring a friend.
Future meetings will be at our regular time: Third Thursday of the month from 9:30 am. until 11:00 a.m. (Oct.15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, Feb. 18, Mar. 18, Apr.15, May 20)
Instead of using the Gather Magazine, I have an idea for our study topics this year—Women of the Bible. I have prepared a list of woman, where their stories are found in the Bible, and some basic questions. If we all choose to lead/facilitate one session (or you can partner up), we will share the responsibility. Everyone will know the topic ahead of time and can read the stories before our meetings. Then we will all be familiar with the topic. The facilitator can just lead the discussion with help of the questions or her own creativity.
Hope to see you all there with a friend.
Karen Van Howe
Reconciling in Christ (RIC)
In January of 2013, Emmanuel's members voted unanimously at the "Annual Meeting of the Congregation" to become an RIC member, adding this to our long-time philosophy of "radical hospitality". This designates this congregation as "open and accepting to all who come, regardless of socio-economic status, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or spiritual path", as states in Emmanuel's welcome statement. This January is the 13th Anniversary of being designated as an open and caring organization.
People who come as visitors and those who eventually stay feel the acceptance and love of Christ that Emmanuel has to give.
The Church Council Officers
& Members for 2026 are:
President: Karen Van Howe: Worship and Music
Vice-President: Kelli Luebke
Treasurer: Rich Lundin, Treasurer, Financial:
Secretary: Kathlyn Wright: Outreach, Food Pantry
Susan Hurley-Whitacre, Arts @ Emmanuel
Marcia Terrill, at Large
Taj Guzzardo, Membership, Caring Connections
Dan Goldberg, at Large
Kristie Heath-White, at Large
Dena Rasmussen at Large
140th Anniversary of Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Emmanuel celebrated its 140th anniversary on July 17, 2022 and the 100th anniversary of our second church building in November 2023. Emmanuel’s history and evolution began with the Swedish immigrants’ courage, boldness, and hard work, conserving some of their Swedish Lutheran traditions all while adapting, in a new context with a new language.
Emmanuel continues to evolve, enriching the Spiritual Life of the Community with the Arts including music, poetry, artwork, dance, communing with nature, retreats, and other expressions of our Spirituality. We meet you where you are on your journey.
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Many thanks to all who are collecting PLASTIC FILM for the Trex challenge and to keep it out of our landfill, even if we don't need another challenge.
I have an easy request for donors. If you could please put your offerings into a bag of some sort, that would be a huge help to me. When I have to dive into the box to retrieve little pieces of plastic, it is challenging and time consuming. If you don't have a plastic bag because you're using your own bags for groceries, just take one that is in the box and put your plastic film inside it. The Trex box is located in the hall as you come in the north entrance.
I so appreciate your help. And please know that we are making a difference, for sure.
Thank you, Catherine Rennert
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Serving the people who live, work,
worship, and play
in the neighborhoods of Midtown
MLP Newsletter
Check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Midtown-Lutheran-Parish-101030175425386
2026 MLP September/October Newsletter
Opportunities in Midtown Lutheran Parish—
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Katie’s Cup is open Tuesday thru Friday 8 am - 2 pm
Katie’s Walking Club—Thursdays at 9:15 a.m., weather permitting
Katie’s Choice Book Club—Second Thursday of the month, 10 am.—11:15 am. Check with Katie’s Cup of Facebook page for book selection
Katie’s Cup Conversations— noon (11:30 room open) Noon-1:15 p.m.:
*September 15, 2026—Vets Roll with Mark Finnegan, Regional Director
*October 13, 2026—Mission to Tanzania led by Ron and Debbie Gustafson
*November 10, 2026—A Compassionate Look at Suicide, featuring the premiere of a video by John Murlowski and panel discussion by local therapists and counselors, ending at 2:30 p.m.
*December 8, 2026—Orthodox Notes on the Christmas Story, presented by Father Jonathan Bannon.
Midtown Market on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Indoors, with live music
Holiday Market—Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there.
Cars and Coffee—9 a.m. til noon, October 3, 2026
October 9-10 Mike and Sue Blair speak on their Spiritual Journey. At Zion Lutheran Youth Center. Begins Friday, at 6 p.m. with dinner and continues Saturday with continental breakfast at 9 am.
RVC Lecture Series—Please Register early through RVC’s CLR (Center for Learning in Retirement) If places available, may pay $5 at the door.
Call Tammy Lewis at 815-921-3933 or email T.Lewis@rockvalleycollege.edu
*October 15, 1:00-2:30pm – Mike Thomas on “Doctrine of Discovery & Columbus Day”
*November 5, 10-11:30a.m – Michael Beert on The Musical History of Rock & Roll
Acoustic Music and Open Mic—1st Thursdays, September-May from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Christopher Lewis and Bob Lindstrom
Crafternoon & Craftswap—September 19, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Coffee with a Co-responder—September 16, 2026, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Come meet the CCRT. (Crisis Co-Responder Team)
Boardgames on Fridays 9 a.m. -1 p.m.
French Club—Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
First Lutheran Naomi Circle meets the 1st Wednesday of the month at Katie’s Cup lower level, 11:30 am-2:00 pm, using “Gather” Magazine devotion. Buy a beverage or lunch, if you wish.
Soul Garden Hikes—Come hike for an hour in Winnebago Counties Forest preserves. Text Holly if you want to join the hikes: 815-543-1191. At Forest preserve entrances unless otherwise instructed.
Link to Descriptions of all 44 Forest Preserves
https://www.winnebagoforest.org/items
Dress for the weather.
Saturday, September 19, 10:00am
Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
5360 Mulford Road
Cherry Valley, IL 61016
Meet at Mulford Road entrance parking lot
Monday, October 19 10:00am
Deer Run - 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016
Halloween Hike! Ghosts and Goblin's!
Saturday, October 31, 10:00am
Seward Bluffs - 16999 Comly Road, Seward, IL
Special Events at Emmanuel Lutheran Church:
Clothing Swap &Rummage Sale Saturday September 19 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Sunday, September 20, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
For the following Emmanuel events, contact Holly Blair-Cascio 815-543-1191
*Special Art Exhibit: “Echoes of a Changing Planet” through November 16.
Featuring mixed media art—Open when church is open. T,W,Th 8 a.m.—2 p.m. Sundays 9 a.m. til noon.
*Cardio-Drumming (Mondays— 4:00-5:00 p.m. To sign up, contact Holly 815-543-1191
Emmanuel Lutheran Church Pantry— Fridays 9:30-11:30 am (closed the Fridays after Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Emmanuel Lutheran Spiritual Journeys Book Study, Tuesdays, 9:30-11 am. by Zoom. We read together and discuss, so no need to read ahead.
New book starts July 21, 2026: Separation of Church and Hate, John Fugelsang.
Join Zoom Meeting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89838350099?pwd=O4Hu08ruXp2VHLOZLm9lsHyRKypPv9.1
Bible Studies:
Salem Lutheran: Tuesdays at 9:30 am in the Founders’ Room
Emmanuel: Wednesdays at noon by Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89356888344?pwd=dEw2NHVsS0JzYWdxUWdGVVk3OE5XZz09
Emmanuel Clothing Swap
& Rummage Sale
Saturday, 9/19 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm
andSunday, 9/20 from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Emmanuel Lutheran is looking to rehome a variety of furniture and decor, including some antique pieces from the 1920s! Items include solid wood buffets, tables, and chairs; mid-century modern pieces; French-provincial and Jacobean pieces; instruments; centerpieces; and more!
The clothing swap will take place from 11:00 am-1:00 pm on Saturday and 1:00-3:00 pm on Sunday with a suggested donation of $5 to participate. We will have a variety of items available, including masculine and feminine options, and encourage you to bring your own items to swap!
Please come by to see what we have to offer, and follow this event for updates on what will be available. Check out our beautiful prairie and labyrinth garden while you are here!
Special Notice to all Emmanuel Members and Friends:
Emmanuel will be open on Friday, September 18th from 10:00 – 2:00pm for you to come and check out what we will be selling at the rummage.
Volunteer Sign Up Form:
We ask that the Emmanuel Community considers signing up for a shift to assist with the Rummage Sale. More information is on the form!
Email awallacenoble@gmail.com with questions.
SERVICE TIMES
Sunday
9:00am - Traditional Worship (Chapel)
10:30am - ReFresh Worship (Sanctuary)
Breathe Meditation Service:
(Breathe is held four times a year)
All are welcome to come as you are to our worship services!
Parking is available on Third Avenue or the parking lot north of the church.
Why Emmanuel?
What's Coming Up at Emmanuel?
Keep Up With Us on Facebook!
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