Get to know us!
Our Values
Love
We are committed to loving God and loving others, and to be known for our love for one another.
Worship
We strive to glorify God through worship that is rooted in scripture, and that draws us closer to Him.
Service
We are called to serve our community and those in need, through both physical and spiritual acts of love and kindness.
Evangelism
We seek to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all people, and to share the gospel through both deed and word.
Discipleship
We prioritize the practice of discipling others in the faith, helping them to grow in their understanding of the Bible and their relationship with God.
Stewardship
We strive to be wise stewards of the resources God has given us, using them to meet the needs of the church and community.
Unity
We seek to foster unity in diversity, standing together as a church family united in our purpose of sharing God’s love.
Holiness
We strive to be a holy people, living in obedience to God’s Word and in surrender to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Mission
We seek to fulfill the Great Commission, making disciples of Jesus Christ in our region and beyond.
Love
We are committed to loving God and loving others, and to be known for our love for one another.
Worship
We strive to glorify God through worship that is rooted in scripture, and that draws us closer to Him.
Service
We are called to serve our community and those in need, through both physical and spiritual acts of love and kindness.
Evangelism
We seek to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all people, and to share the gospel through both deed and word.
Discipleship
We prioritize the practice of discipling others in the faith, helping them to grow in their understanding of the Bible and their relationship with God.
Stewardship
We strive to be wise stewards of the resources God has given us, using them to meet the needs of the church and community.
Unity
We seek to foster unity in diversity, standing together as a church family united in our purpose of sharing God’s love.
Holiness
We strive to be a holy people, living in obedience to God’s Word and in surrender to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Mission
We seek to fulfill the Great Commission, making disciples of Jesus Christ in our region and beyond.
Our Guiding Principles
We invite you to explore our guiding principles and join us in our pursuit of living out our faith in boldness and passion.
Prayer
Prayer taps into God’s renewing power.
Word & Sacraments
Faith is renewed through Word & Sacraments.
Many voices but one heart
Worship that renews is done with many voices but one heart.
Leaders committed to God’s vision
Renewing mission is best supported by leaders committed to God’s vision.
Welcome and Care
Renewed lives welcome and care for one another.
Live and Serve
Renewed, we live and serve within a greater community.
Witness to Others
Renewed lives witness to others.
Our Purpose/Mission Statement
God’s grace doesn’t have barriers.
We welcome all to our active and committed family of Christ.
Immanuel, God with us, renewing lives in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Immanuel’s History
The congregation of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church began worshiping together in 1887 on the second floor of a wooden school building purchased at an auction for $433 from the City of Negaunee. This structure was moved to a lot on Park Street and Mitchell Avenue, which was purchased from the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company. This building served the worship needs of the congregation for 35 years.
In 1921, faced with many needed repairs to the old building, the congregation decided to construct a new church. Volunteer labor began dismantling the old church in March 1922. The cornerstone for the new church was laid on September 22, 1922 and construction was finished a year later. The brick structure was a true Gothic architecture, its spire pointing to heaven.
In 1938, the congregation entered into an agreement with Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company under which the company took possession of the church property. Cleveland Cliffs was to maintain the property until such time when it would be necessary to move the church because of possible subsidence due to mining operations at that location.
In the spring of 1951, Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company informed the congregation that the church would be moved. The contractor removed the brick veneer and part of the steeple. The church was literally put on wheels and moved to its present site on the corner of US Highway 41 and Baldwin Avenue.
During the move, church services were held in the old Jackson School.
Immanuel’s Sunday School was organized in September 1890, with instruction in the Finnish language. Because of declining enrollment, English was introduced in October 1940.
In 1944, the congregation adopted the name Immanuel Lutheran Church to affirm its concern for the whole community.
The Sunday School went from 85 to 300 students by 1959. Construction of a two story education building began in May of that year to accommodate the growing Sunday School.
In 1990, Immanuel Lutheran Church voted to provide barrier-free access to all activities. The parsonage was moved north on Baldwin Avenue and then sold. The fellowship hall was constructed on the lot where the parsonage was located and was dedicated on June 23, 1991.
A new entrance to the front of the church, along with renovations to the west wall, classrooms, and offices was completed in 2010.