Adult Faith Formation
Through Adult Faith Formation programs at Immanuel, we seek to deepen our relationship with God, and grow in our understanding of God’s vision for us and our world. These programs are designed to give us the insight and wisdom necessary to be a church that loves and works for justice. Programs are open to friends and members of Immanuel Church and the wider community.
Book Studies
Each year, Immanuel offers the winner of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Prize as an all-congregation book to read and discuss. The Stowe Prize recognizes a U.S. author whose written work has made a tangible impact on a social justice issue critical to contemporary society.
This year we are reading Viral Justice by Ruha Benjamin. In addition to follow-up discussions of these important books, Immanuel hosts the authors’ discussions with the public, as part of the Stowe Foundation’s celebration of each year’s award.
In 2022 we read How the Word is Passed by Dr. Clint Smith and we explored Laudato Si, On Care for Our Common Home Encyclical Letter by Pope Francis.
Other book discussions are held regularly throughout the year, as Immanuel seeks to enlarge our understanding of issues critical to our mission.
Movie Nights
Movie nights are periodically held, showcasing such movies as Breaking Boundaries about the scientific journey of world-renowned scientist Professor Johan Rockstrom, and PBS documentary John Lewis: Get in the Way.
Book studies and movie nights deepen our faith. They have been sparked by Immanuel’s members’ ongoing involvement in social justice issues, and they have also led to the formation of new task forces that reach beyond the church walls to act on our deepened understanding.
Lenten Learning Series:
This is our traditional five-week learning series with various offering during Lent, typically focused on environmental issues.
Bible Study:
Fall, Winter and Spring Sundays at 8:30am in the Parlor
Our Bible Study group will take up the Acts of the Apostles this fall. Written as a history - albeit strongly shaped by Luke's theology and pastoral purpose - Acts is the sweeping story of the growth of the early church. Beginning with a small band of apostles receiving instruction from the risen Jesus in Jerusalem, it ends with Paul preaching the Kingdom of God and Jesus Christ "with all boldness" in Rome. Simultaneously, a movement that originally focused only on Jews increasingly turned its attention to Gentiles. What does Acts tell us about the message and personalities of the early church, its spread throughout the Roman Empire, and the genesis of its split with Judaism?
The Bible Study will be led by Dan Kueper, who has a Master's degree in Theological Studies. It will take place at 8:30 AM every Sunday in the Youth Room, starting on September 17. Bible Study group discussion is always spirited, with no question off-limits! Open to everyone.
Contact the Church Office, immanuel06105@gmail.com, or Dan at dkueper.ia@gmail.com to find out more!
Second Hours:
Occasional Sundays throughout the year
The Deacons coordinate the scheduling and communications surrounding presentations on topics important to our congregation, which occur after worship service on selected Sundays during the year. Topics include social action and mission, pastoral care, the environment, sermon feedback or arising issues.
