COVID-19 Relief For Immanuel Friends and Neighbors

Dear neighbors and friends, 

The current COVID-19 crisis has left many without work or a steady income. We anticipate this need will continue to grow.  

That's why we're asking you to help raise us $5,000 for neighbors and friends to purchase groceries, medicine, toiletries, and other items.  Whether you donate $10 or $500, every little bit helps!  Perhaps you might consider donating a portion of your stimulus check.

You may also donate directly to Immanuel Lutheran Church (rather than through GoFundMe), by clicking here  and designate your gift to the "Pastor's Discretionary Fund."  

This summer, at Vacation Bible School, children learned about the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.  They talked about ways to share God's love to our neighbors.  They created a cardboard city where everyone is a neighbor to ALL.  (See part of it in the photo above.) 

The children included skyscrapers and apartment buildings. They added the Thorndale redline station, a fountain, a haunted house, trees, homes, shelters, animals and people.  One special element in the neighborhood was created by a 6 year old boy.  It was a man who was falling off a bridge and another person below him ready to help in his time of need. When asked to explain why he included this, the boy said he wanted to create a helper, just like the Good Samaritan.  Because that is what we are all supposed to do.  We are supposed to be the helpers.  

A few weeks later  we received an email from this boy's mom.  It was a picture of him with a big smile holding a large sign over his head that read: "Luke 10:25-37: We should be the helpers."  He was holding this sign as he marched downtown with 10,000 other Chicagoans to call for an end to the criminalization, detention, and deportation of our immigrant neighbors.  

"Who is my neighbor?"  Maybe the better question to ask is "Who is being my neighbor?"  I think the children and youth in and around the neighborhood of Edgewater have set a good example for us.  

So - in whatever ways you are able - let us work together "to go and do likewise."  

Peace, 

Rev. Emily Heitzman, Pastor with Youth and Households
Rev. Monte Johnson, Immanuel Pastor
Chuck Carper, Immanuel Council President 

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Immanuel Lutheran Church is part of the ELCA and has been a Reconciling in Christ congregation since 1996.  We are located in the neighborhood of Edgewater in the city of Chicago.  Because we believe that God's grace is so amazing, we are committed to welcoming all people to this place.  No matter where you come from, no matter what age, race, socio-economic, family, or immigration status, no matter your gender identity or sexual orientation, you are welcome here.  

To find out more about our congregation, ministries and outreach programs, go to our website: immanuellutheranchicago.org .