About Us
Immanuel is an active, growing, and energetic congregation. We offer two different worship times, Sunday mornings at 9 am and Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm. Each service offers something a little different, so we invite you to try out both! We keep all of our youth busy and continue to find new ways to involve all generations.
We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (www.elca.org) and the Northeast Iowa Synod. (www.neiasynod.org)
Immanuel Lutheran Church was founded in 1861 and first met in a schoolhouse. The first building was built in 1871 and cost a whopping $600 for the building and the lot. In 1976, Immanuel moved into her current building.
Our Beliefs
We believe that in His infinite power, God created all that was, is, and ever will be.
We believe that in His infinite love, God sent His son Jesus to live among us, die for us, and defeat the power of sin and death so that we might know forgiveness and have eternal life.
We believe that in His infinite wisdom, God gave us His Holy Spirit to guide us, lead us, and give us faith.
We believe in the Triune God.
We believe that God gave us the Holy Scriptures.
We believe that the Communion Table is Christ's Table. If you are baptized, believe that Christ died for you, and that Christ's body and blood are present in the bread and wine then Christ has set a place for you at His feast.
We believe that Holy Baptism is where people receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and Christ's promise of eternal life.
It is our desire that what we believe shows up in how we Love, Live, and Give. We have learned to love through the love God has shown us. We try to live in a way that gives thanks and praise to God. We give of ourselves and our stuff, knowing that none of it is ours but all belongs to God.
And we believe that God isn't finished with us yet.
Our Staff
Rev. Brian Moeller
Pastor
Pastor Moeller was called to Immanuel in March of 2026, having previously served rural congregations in Illinois.
He is a contributing writer for the Crossings Community, a global network of preachers and theologians who focus on the proper distinction between Law and Gospel. He has deep roots in the historical documents of the Lutheran faith and seeks to connect that theological framework to the experiences of everyday modern life.
If you would like to speak to Pastor Moeller about baptism, receiving holy communion, becoming a member of Immanuel, private counseling/confession, or would like him to make a home/facility/hospital visit, please contact him through the church office or by email.
Shelly Hanson
Faith Formation Director
I believe that you teach best what you need to learn the most. God has an amazing way of placing you exactly where he wants and needs you to be at different points in your life. I have had the privilege of working professionally within churches for the past 15-20 years. I have held many different titles and had the opportunity to learn about God, deepen my faith, and share what I gained with those around me while doing so. Here at Immanuel as the Faith Formation Director, I look forward to working with all members as they explore their Christian education journey. We have so much to learn from each other, from preschoolers to the patriarchs of the church.
I am currently serving three churches part-time. I am also a part-time Reflexologist and certified Reiki Master. I am a full-time mom and wife who lives in Jesup. We stay very busy with different school sports and activities, planning for my daughter’s return to college to further her education, and my son’s continuing to take advantage of all that high school has to offer. We have crazy schedules, but we sure do enjoy our family time together when God provides it.
If you would like to speak to Shelly about Faith Formation, including confirmation and first communion classes, please contact her through the church office or by email.
Ashlee Wilgenbusch
Youth Director
More info coming soon!
If you would like to speak to Ashlee about our Youth Groups, Summer VBS Program, or Summer Stretch program, please contact her through the church office or by email.
Janny Budzine
Parish Nurse
More information coming soon!
Julayne Muller
Office Manager
More info coming soon!
To speak to Julayne, please contact her through the church office or by email.
Kathy Hemsath
Custodian
More info coming soon!
To speak to Kathy, contact the church office.
Join Us
Welcome to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Are you looking for something different? A place to belong? Join us at Immanuel Lutheran Church. We would be happy to have you join our church family.
Scrip Cards
Shop with Scrip to support the many ministries at Immanuel. Order online at www.shopwithscrip.com or through the RaiseRight app. Contact the church office for the enrollment code so Immanuel gets the credit when you're shopping!
