Service
Worship
Worship is at the heart of our life together as a faith community. In worship we are encountered by the living God who meets us in Word and Sacrament. We are transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ, whose life, death and resurrection strengthen us in faith and hope. From worship we are sent out into our daily lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit to share God's gift of love with all.
Sunday morning
Both the 8:15 and 10am services include Lutheran Liturgy and Holy Communion. The 8:15am gathering is a quieter service in a more intimate setting of Augustana Chapel, with liturgies both spoken and sung, supported by our organist. The 10am gathering offers a livelier setting in the Immanuel Sanctuary, including traditional and contemporary song. A variety of sacred music is supported by our cantor, our choir, and our organist as well as various soloists and ensembles. The 10am service is livestreamed. There is coffee hour between the services.
Volunteering: If you would like to participate in the Sunday Worship Service, please sign up here.
Note for families: There are activity bags and children’s bulletins available during worship. Children are also invited to partake in Holy Communion as a sign of God’s grace. As they grow older, they will be taught about the meaning and significance of this Sacrament in age-appropriate classes.
Messy Church
Messy Church is a monthly, intergenerational Sunday school and worship service. Messy Church is Christ-centered, for all ages, and based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. A free lunch is included. We meet 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, usually the first Sunday of each month. Check the church calendar. Watch this video to learn more about Messy Church.
Sermons
To listen to video recordings of recent sermons, visit the video section of our YouTube page.
Midweek
During the season of Lent, we begin with an Ash Wednesday worship service. We then gather each Wednesday for worship after a community soup supper until Holy Week where we observe Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
Parking
Because our church is located downtown in the historic district, parking is limited. We have several spaces, including handicapped spots, behind the administration building, on-street parking, and in the St. Luke’s Center for Neurobehavioral Medicine lot at 608 and 610 Hays Street (Sundays only).
Service
Music
Music is an integral part of our Lutheran liturgical services and we draw on a rich history of hymns and choral pieces to enhance worship.
CHOIR: Joining the Immanuel Lutheran Choir can be fulfilling and enriching, regardless of prior choir experience. It offers a supportive community, personal growth opportunities, and a chance to express oneself through music and faith. Those ages teen and up are welcome in our adult choir. If you would like to be a part of the Choir Ministry, please contact Stephanie Santos-Owens at choir@ilcboise.org or the Church Office at 208-344-3011.
INSTRUMENTS: If you play an instrument, you are always welcome to lend your musical gifts to worship through an offering or prelude piece. During certain times of the year (like Christmas) we have a hand bell choir as well.
Join us as we make a joyful noise unto the Lord! (Psalm 98:4)
Worship Outreach
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers are those who bring Holy Communion to homebound members, those residing in care facilities, and/or the hospitalized. Before they begin this ministry they are trained by the pastor and given a portable communion kit which is replenished with the consecrated elements of wafers and wine from the Sunday worship service. Typically each minister has a relationship with one member whom they visit every 4-6 weeks at a mutually agreed date and time. Please contact our pastor at or 208-344-3011 for more information or if you'd like to be trained as a Eucharist Minister.
Worship Outreach
Prayer Chain
Several years ago, Immanuel started a prayer ministry. We pray for individuals who are ill, on hospice, who had an accident, a death, a wedding, or a birth. We have adopted a confidentiality statement for our prayer chain members and their family.
If you would like to get involved with this ministry or have a prayer need, please contact our pastor at or Holly Reynolds at . There are also prayer request cards available in the pews, which can to placed in the offering plate.
The Lord is near; have no anxiety, but in everything made your requests known to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving.—Philippians 4:6
Worship Outreach
First Time Visitor / General Information
Thinking of attending a worship service at Immanuel Lutheran Church, but not sure what to expect? We realize that visiting a new church can be a little intimidating, so we'd like to answer some common questions.
What kind of a church is Immanuel Lutheran?
The kind of church that loves all people with God's sacrificial, Christ-centered, other-centered love.
What should I wear?
Join us in whatever makes you feel comfortable. What matters is that you are here!
What denomination is Immanuel Lutheran Church affiliated with?
We are affiliated with the ELCA.
How do I get to Immanuel Lutheran Church?
Immanuel Lutheran is located at 707 W Fort, Boise, Idaho 83702 [map/directions]
What time should I arrive?
There is one worship time noted at the bottom of the page. Please come early and join in the many conversations taking place!
Additional notes for visiting Immanuel Lutheran Church
Parking
Because our church is located downtown in the historic district, parking is limited. We have several spaces, including handicapped spots, behind the administration building. In addition to on-street parking, there are spots in the St. Luke’s Center for Neurobehavioral Medicine lot at 608 and 610 Hays Street (Sundays only).
Accessibility
All of our services are currently held in Immanuel Sanctuary which is on the ground level. There is an elevator available to get to the Lower Level of the main building. Any services held in Augustana Chapel are not handicapped accessible.
Children
Children and their families are vital to our life and ministry at Immanuel Lutheran. Children are always welcome in worship. In the cry of a baby, or the fussiness of a toddler, we hear a new voice that speaks to God, reminding us that children are a blessing and a joy. Activity bags and children’s bulletins are available -- ask an usher.
Seating
As you walk through the gathering space and toward the sanctuary, ushers will greet you and offer you a copy of the day's bulletin. The bulletin contains the order of the service, which includes the parts of the service, hymn numbers, and parts spoken by the congregation as part of worship.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located near the Thomas Chapel near the back door and on the Lower Level.
Worship
Members and visitors may sit anywhere they prefer. Worship is conducted similar to most mainline Christian churches. There will be some music, some singing, some readings, and a sermon/message. At times the congregation is asked to stand, but individuals may continue sitting if they prefer. Hymns are listed in the bulletin .
components of a typical worship service:
- Prelude: During this time music is played, which allows individuals to prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for worship.
- Singing: We have both the congregation and the choir sing at different points in our service. Enjoy the many instruments and the variety of old and new songs during worship. We pride ourselves in the talents of our organist and pianist who help to reinforce God’s message.
- Readings: Readings from scripture are read by a member. Sometimes "call and response" readings are used (a reader and the congregation take turns reading or singing scripture) during this time. One passage is always from the Gospels (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). The passages are selected from the church year calendar.
- Children's Message: In our service, children are called to come to the front, where out pastor provides a short message about the day's topic, geared to children. Your children are welcome to come or may stay with you if that makes them more comfortable.
- Sermon: The pastor, or sometimes a designated person, reflects on the scripture readings to help us understand and relate the messages to our daily lives.
- Offering: We glorify God in our giving. Our offering is an act of worship that makes ministry possible. This offering at the service will help support Immanuel Lutheran Church and its outreach ministries. A portion also goes to our national church body for mission and ministry around the world. Offering boxes are situated at the entrances to the sanctuary to receive freewill offerings.
- Communion: Immanuel Lutheran has an open table. This means that we do not distinguish between members and visitors. All, including visitors, are welcome to participate in our communion. You may either dip the gluten-free bread in the wine before eating, or eat the bread and drink from the cup. For those who wish not to partake of the wine, be assured that the crucified and risen Christ is fully present in, with, and under the one element of bread. Cross your arms over your chest if you wish a blessing instead. Prepackaged individual wine and bread are available in the Narthex. Anyone may choose not to participate in communion for any reason.
- Closing Hymn and Benediction: A hymn is chosen to uplift people and prepare them to reenter the world. The benediction marks the end of worship with words that remind us of the day's scriptures and links them to what we can do as we go out.
- Fellowship: Once worship is over, individuals may leave if they want, but many choose to stay in the gathering space where refreshments are served and people can get to know each other. Visitors are especially encouraged to join us to talk and ask questions.
Additional note
Considering arranging a Baptism, wedding or funeral at Immanuel? Please contact our pastor to discuss further.
