MISSION STATEMENT Gathered by God as His redeemed people, in grateful response to His grace, and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of Immanuel Lutheran Church is to make known the love of Christ by word and deed among our members, in our community, and to the world.

VISION STATEMENT With our LORD leading us and sustaining us, we strive to proclaim the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ and to provide for one another and our neighbors through Christian witness, works of mercy, and in our life together.

HISTORY

Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church is one of four congregations settled by German immigrants in the Saginaw Valley sent by Rev. Wilhelm Loehe primarily as a mission endeavor. “Frankentrost” means consolation or comfort of the Franconians. Franconia, Germany was the region from which the original settlers emigrated. The congregation was founded in September 1847, the year The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was organized, and has remained a member of Synod for 165 years. By the grace of God our congregation is authentically Lutheran—subscribing to the Book of Concord of 1580 without reservation.

WE BELIEVE

• That the Bible is the inspired and unerring Word of God and the only source of instruction for doctrines and practice
• That there is only one true God, the Triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three Persons in one Divine Being
• That all people are sinners and cannot be saved by their works or merits
• That a person is saved alone through faith in Jesus Christ
• That the Christian faith expresses itself in a life of dedication in worship, love, and service to God, and in kindness and love for one’s neighbor
• That the Christian seeks to grow in Christian knowledge and faith through the use of God’s Word and the Sacraments and a lifetime of Christian education

OUR COMMUNION PRACTICE

In accordance to the Word of God our Communion practice is “close(d).” We ask all visitors desiring the Sacrament to make their intention known to our pastor before attending the Lord’s Table. Members of Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations and in good standing at their home church are welcome. All others are asked to respect our teaching and not commune, and join us in fervent prayer that someday all Christians may be united in faith and practice.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is established as follows: 1) Members of sister congregations of the LCMS are accepted by transfer; 2) Lutherans from other synods or who have been inactive are received by re-affirmation or profession of faith after meeting with the pastor; 3) Non-Lutherans are asked to prepare for membership by attending instruction classes on basic Bible teachings

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Since Christ commissioned His Church to, “make disciples by teaching and by baptizing,” the church is interested in the spiritual growth of every member. Immanuel supports and offers a Lutheran day school (pre-K–8); is an association congregation with Valley Lutheran High School, Saginaw; offers confirmation instruction; has Sunday School and Bible Classes for all ages beginning at age three.

OUTREACH

Our members seek to serve God and neighbor through a number of activities and programs. The annual Living Nativity is presented the first full weekend in December.  For 10 years our congregation has sent a MOST (Mission Opportunities—Short Term) Team to other countries. Other activities include the Men’s Club, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Vacation Bible School, Christian Outreach, and more.