Immanuel Lutheran celebrates 'Renewal and Revival'
To celebrate the Reformation, Immanuel Lutheran, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee, is planning a week of activities titled, "Renewal and Revival." Bill Gade, music and worship director, is planning the annual event. "This is our fourth year presenting the Fall Festival to our congregation and the community," Gade said. "Every year, we try and bring together different people who will share their love of Jesus with us."
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the Rev. Allan Buss, senior pastor at Immanuel Church in Belvidere and vice president of the Northern Illinois Missouri Synod District, will lead worship at the Wednesday piano prayer and preaching service at 7 p.m. Immanuel's small worship ensemble, along with song and worship leader Lori Anderson, will lead the music portion of this service. His message is titled "Contagious Joy."
The Rev. William Yonker, senior pastor, will share his storytelling evening at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, in Immanuel's Christian Life Center. "Wells in the Wilderness: Stories that Comfort, Refresh and Motivate in Life's Journey." Yonker frequently travels across America as an accomplished storyteller, having shared stories and the gospel with youth all over America.
On Friday, Oct. 23, Emily Woock, accomplished organist and currently a master's level student at the University of Notre Dame, will join in the celebration at 7 p.m. Woock, who is the daughter of Dale Woock, music director and organist, at St. John's in Elgin. She was recently selected with other students to travel throughout Europe and play some of the greatest organs on earth. Immanuel has a five-tiered, 36 rank Cassavant organ, specifically built on-site into the cathedral style dome of the sanctuary.
Immanuel will conclude its celebration on the weekend of Oct. 24-25 with Reformation worship services: traditional worship at 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday and contemporary praise worship at 10:45 a.m. From 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Immanuel's fine German chefs will serve a traditional Oktoberfest meal with music by Die Musik Meisters. Traditional German fare is $8 to $5 per person. The community is invited to join in the celebration. There is a fee for the Oktoberfest. All other events are free. For details, call (847) 428-4477.