August

The ministry has been very busy getting ready for the big Streamwood Celebration. This is one of the most popular events of this town. Once again, the Music Ministry of Immanuel took part in the parade while others walked passing out the fans that our ministry made saying “Breeze On In To UCC”. We also took charge of the inflatable pinball game at the celebration. This allowed the children to have fun while giving exposure to our church. Pictures from Immanuel were posted and pamphlets were distributed so people could find out what Immanuel is all about. Thanks to those who took the time to volunteer at the game at this event.

It is the plan of this ministry to redesign new brochures of Immanuel after the Appreciative Inquiry is completed. We will then be able to look at what direction Immanuel is going and design the brochures appropriately!

Nancy Pappa
Ministry Area Coordinator

July

What is Evangelism?

Just what is Evangelism? In the Church we use the word quite often, but seem to understand it as the province of a certain kind of Christian sect. I remember ten or fifteen years ago the National offices of the United Church of Christ ran a campaign around what they were cleverly referring to as “the E word.” We were supposed to understand that mainline Christians didn’t like using the word “evangelism,” and needed instead some kind of euphemistic reference. We needed to be tricked into talking about evangelism, so uncomfortable did it make us. Well, maybe that is an accurate portrayal of the Church after all. Maybe we really don’t like talking with strangers about God and Faith.

Part of the resistance might be that we have a very particular notion of what that talk looks like, because we have seen it in our neighborhoods, or our families, when someone “goes off the deep end,” and becomes a religious zealot of one flavor or another. We have all been accosted by earnest individuals doling out their share of religious literature, or cornered by enthusiastic converts while they try and convince us that they alone have the secret of eternal life. How many of us have hidden behind the couch until the Baptists/Mormons/Jehovah’s Witnesses have stopped ringing the doorbell? Evangelism, seen in a certain light, does have an unwelcome taint to it.

While one understanding of Evangelism revolves around the idea of shoving your religious beliefs down the unwilling throats of others, that is not a terribly biblical, helpful, or hopeful practice. In truth Evangelism ought to be about living witness, about living a life of faith so full that your life simply becomes an invitation to others. I don’t know many people who have ever been pushed, “guilted,” cajoled, browbeaten, or threatened into faith in God, but I do know people whose lives are sufficiently admirable that I sought to emulate them. To make the Gospel real in the world is the true goal of the Evangelist, and that, after all, is also the goal of the Church as a whole. We should be afraid neither to talk about it, nor to enact it. Maybe we should just call it BE-vangelism.

Pastor Tom
Nancy Pappa
Ministry Area Coordinator

June

Did you know that you don’t have to be on a whole ministry? You can help out on one part of many ministries. For example, vocal choir and bell choir are a part of the Worship Ministry. That doesn’t mean that you have to go to the Worship Ministry meetings or even join that ministry. You can help out when you are interested in doing so. The Evangelism Ministry will be meeting to make fans. If this interests you, come and help!

A bulletin board will be displayed in Volkening Hall that describes the different Ministries. If you want to join you can sign up. Otherwise, there will be a list of ongoing and upcoming events that you may wish to lend a helping hand.

Presently, the Evangelism Ministry is working on printing up different fliers. If you have ideas or know how to create a flier on the computer, we could use your help!
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Your enthusiasm and involvement in the ministries will help bring visitors and newcomers in and help to make them excited about the ministries and involvement of Immanuel! It is important that we take the lead so that others will want to follow!

Nancy Pappa
Ministry Area Coordinator

May

The last few days finally felt like spring. The tulips are coming up, the air is warm, and it smells so good. It is during this time that my thoughts often go to the Easter season and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These things make me think of New Beginnings.

We have many people who are using their gifts in the seven existing ministries. The addition of new ministries is always open and I feel that we are in need of adding more gatherings and functions for people to enjoy and take part in. For example, instead of having a mall walking group why not form a church walking group. Let’s get some exercise and walk together. How about a singles group (I’m in!), a bocci ball group, gardening group or a mom & tots group.

Immanuel already has the Women’s Guild that meets during the afternoon but what about a group that working women can go to during the evening hours! Maybe we can form a group that meets to exercise with a DVD during the evening. And what are you men interested in? Let’s form a group that you guys can enjoy. The ideas are endless!

All that is needed for these is a little organization and a beginning! I would like to invite people to come forward with any new ideas or gifts to create more gatherings and missions. They can be done on any day of the week. These ideas can be a weekly, monthly or a one time meeting. Your interests may be the same as many others in the church and what fun it would be to do them together!

Let us know what your passion or interest is. We need people to take action and then all can work together! I would love to see our church make NEW BEGINNINGS here at Immanuel. So LET’S DO IT!!

Nancy Pappa
Ministry Area Coordinator