Immanuel Lutheran Church is proud to announce that Pastor Andrew Nyren is joining our church family.

Pastor Andrew is the son of David and Judy Nyren from Iowa City, Iowa.
 

Pastor Nyren received a bachelor of Arts Degree as a high school history teacher from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.  He received his Masters of Arts, studying church history, in Theological Seminary from the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa.

Following his studies in Dubuque, Pastor Nyren received his Master of Divinity from Lutheran Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota May, 2008.  Pastor Andrew Nyren was ordained Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa.  He began his work with Immanuel  October 1, 2008. While he was working as Director of Education for 6th grade and under at Bethesda Lutheran Church, the Nyrens traveled to their companion church in Tanzania.  Pastor Andrew and his wife Amy both enjoy traveling, they have also visited Iceland, Russia and Ethiopia.
 

Please join Immanuel on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008 at 3:00 pm for the installation of Pastor Andrew Nyren.  Bishop Warren Freiheit will be presiding with Communion being served.  There will be a reception following the service in the church parish hall.

Street Signs Point the Way to First Presbyterian Church

New street signs now direct travelers to The First Presbyterian Church at Pekin and Ottawa Streets. Founded in 1857, First Presbyterian Church has undergone at renaissance under the leadership of the Reverend Phillip Blackburn who came to Lincoln four years ago.

With previous service to churches in Scotland, Texas, Oklahoma and Indianapolis, Indiana, Phillip Blackburn brought new style of preaching to First Presbyterian Church. His sermons are delivered "away from the pulpit" and at the congregation's eye level. Blackburn's preaching style is relevant, direct and often filled with humor.

First Presbyterian Church's worship has been enlivened by the rebuilding of its historic pipe organ. The rebuilt organ complements the church's choir, which is led by Ms. Julie Kasa. Both organ and choir will have a central role in a special Christmas cantata that will be sung at 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 21.

Not content with its revitalized worship and preaching, First Presbyterian Church has also reached out the community through service to flood-battered western Illinois and to Lincoln through the recent "Together for Lincoln" project. First Presbyterian Church members helped new students move into Lincoln College and members are tutoring students at Washington-Monroe School again this year. The church will host dinners for the Lincoln Lady Railers basketball team and members are actively involved in the Pink Shutter and the Lincoln-Logan Food Bank.

One of the most exciting ventures at First Presbyterian Church is its "In Joy" and "Celebration" programs. People from through the community gather at 6 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in the church at 301 Pekin Street to worship in a contemporary service filled with skits and spirited music. Participants then enjoy a meal prepared by First Presbyterian members. The Celebration program builds relationships through interactive discussion of the parables of Jesus. Everyone is welcome to participate in the Wednesday night program

Jeff Hills has been hired as Vice-president of Development for Christian Homes, Inc.

Hills will oversee the Office of Development, which is responsible for raising funds for the ministry of Christian Homes.

After serving 19 years as vice-president of marketing and sales for Syst-A-Matic Tool and Design Company in Meadville, PA, Hills graduated from Lincoln Christian College and Seminary in 2007. While earning a degree in general ministries, Hills was selected as the LincUp honor student for the class of 2007.

“Hills comes to us at a crucial time,” noted CEO Tim Phillippe. “A growing number of older adults are unable to pay for the skilled nursing care they need. “We rely on gifts from our donors to assist our residents who can no longer pay for their care. Christian Homes is committed to allowing residents to remain in our skilled nursing facilities, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Christian Homes, headquartered in Lincoln, has been a leader in Christ-centered services to senior adults since 1962. The company employs a staff of 2,400 and provides independent and assisted living, rehabilitation therapy, dementia care and skilled nursing care to more than 2,500 older adults at 14 senior living communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri.
 

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1409 Pulaski Street, Lincoln
Proudly presents
A Walk through The Old Testament
 

Sunday, October 26, 2008 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Immanuel is excited to host this day trip through the ancient Scriptures as they come alive! This seminar, presented by Mount Carmel Ministries from Minnesota, will lead you and your family on a fast-moving, entertaining, and enriching journey as you discover how the people, places, and events of the Old Testament fit together.

Youth from grades five through adults will be drawn into a 21st century encounter with the ancient Scriptures while you broaden your Biblical understanding and deepen your relationship with God. Everyone will be on their feet actively moving through the books of the Old Testament. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

Cost: $20.00 for adults
$12.00 for grades 5 – 12
There is a $45.00 minimum for family
Cost includes the workbook and a light supper. Make checks payable to:
Immanuel Lutheran Church
To register, or if you have any questions, contact the church office at 732-6777