About Us
,Immanuel is an active and growing congregation! We offer two different worship times, Sunday mornings at 9:00 am and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 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 $600 for the building and the lot. In 1976, Immanuel moved into our current building.
Our Beliefs
This congregation confesses the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This congregation confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.
- Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom everything was made and through whose life, death and resurrection God fashions a new creation.
- The proclamation of God’s message to us as both Law and Gospel is the Word of God, revealing judgment and mercy through word and deed, beginning with the Word in creation, continuing in the history of Isreal, and centering it all its fullness in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
- The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God. Inspired by God’s Spirit speaking through their authors, they record and announce God’s revelation centering in Jesus Christ. Through them God’s spirit speaks to us to create and sustain Christian faith and fellowship for service in the world.
This congregation accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life.
This congregation accepts the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the faith of this congregation.
The congregation accepts the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as true witness to the Gospel, acknowledging as one with it in faith and doctrine all churches that likewise accept the teachings of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.
This congregation accepts the other confessional writings in the Book of Concord, namely, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles and the Treatise, the Small Catechism, the Large Catechism, and the Formula of Concord, as further valid interpretations of the faith of the Church.
This congregation confesses the Gospel, recorded in the Holy Scripture and confessed in the ecumenical creeds and Lutheran confessional writings, as the power of God to create and sustain the Church for God’s mission in the world.
Our Staff
Rev. Brian Moeller
Pastor
Pastor Moeller 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.
Kelly Williams
Office Assistant
Kelly was born and raised in Independence and recently moved back after almost 30 years of being in the Pacific Northwest to be near her family. She handles all the administrative tasks that make Immanuel go. Additionally, Kelly has a son who is a barista at Gedney. They are both very excited to be here and be a part of our community of faith!
If you would like to speak to Kelly, please contact her through the church office or by email.
Ashlee Wilgenbusch
Youth Director
Ashlee leads our youth of various ages in activities, fellowship and prayer!
SWAG is the 5th and 6th grade youth group at Immanuel. They meet every Wednesday from 3:30-5:00pm. Transportation from West Elementary is provided.
BLAST is the 7-8th grade youth group. They meet every Sunday at 10:30 am with an emphasis on serving and growing together.
FORCE is Immanuel's High School youth group. They typically meet on Wednesdays after worship from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. They also have scheduled service projects and recreational activities throughout the months.
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.
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.
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.
Janny Budzine
Parish Nurse
A retired Family Nurse Practitioner, Janny serves as our Faith Community Nurse, helping others maximize their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being! She is also in the process of completing the Lay Ministry Program through the Northeast Iowa Synod.
To speak to Janny, contact the church office.
Courtney Frush
Accompanist
Courtney is an accomplished pianist, piano instructor, and tuner. She grew up with seven sisters who also played piano, currently teaches 17 students, one being her daughter, and loves sharing her gift of music with everyone around her.
To speak to Courtney, please contact the church office.
Linda Kress
Financial Secretary
Kathy Hemsath
Custodian
Kathy is married to Scott and has two adult children - Ashlyn and Shawn. She keeps the church building looking great, and shares the love of Christ with a servant's heart!
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!
