mission and OUTREACH
Immanuel is a missional church. Jesus has called us, his followers, to go into our communities as well as to all the world and make disciples, loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, and love each other as he loves us. He calls us to reach out with care and compassion, to feed the hungry, visit the sick, welcome the stranger, clothe those in need, and visit those in prison. Jesus teaches us that we serve Him when we serve and care for others—the least of these.
The Ministries described below are ministries members of Immanuel are involved in and to which the Missions Council donates funds. If you wish to get involved and/or learn more about any of these please feel free to contact the Immanuel person listed for each ministry. If you are unable to reach the contact person please call the church office (252-758-1240).
Parking Lot Ministry
Maria Judge | mej1030@gmail.com | 252-903-5738
A significant amount of funds for these ministries is provided by monies collected for parking in our parking lot for all ECU home football games. Volunteers can help by greeting and welcoming the football fans, parking cars and/or collecting money.
Foster Children Outreach-LINKS
Diane Myers | | 252-355-5346
Our church works with the Department of Social Services (DSS) through the One Church One Child program to offer support for children who are in foster care. LINKS is a ministry that provides guidance/assistance for foster children who are transitioning from foster care to independence as young adults. LINKS meets monthly in Immanuel's fellowship hall.
Christmas Angel Tree and Bell Ringing for Salvation Army
Sylvia Wheless | | 252-756-0722
1) Christmas Angel Tags: In late November, a tree is placed inside the sanctuary with the Angel tags that have the first name of a child with age and sizes for clothing. These families have been interviewed and approved by the Salvation Army for assistance during the holiday season.
Volunteers take a tag and purchase clothing and a toy for each child.
2) Bell Ringing: Volunteers ring the bell during the Christmas season for the Salvation Army Kettles.
Special Population Ministry
Brian and Laurie Lietz Mrlietz52@yahoo.com 252--375-6027
This outreach program focuses on providing education, advocacy and
recreational opportunities (baseball, soccer, dances, etc.) for individuals with special needs. The city has recreational facilities for Special Populations. Volunteers assist with recreation for this population and assist with The Capernaum Group that meets every Thursday night in the Fellowship Hall.
International Student Ministry
Pat Dunn | | 252-758-1692
Beth Winstead | winsteade@ecu.edu | 252-752-5154
There are some 200 - 300 International students at ECU representing every continent. Most do not have cars and many have not been to the U.S. before. Volunteers provide local shopping transportation offered every Friday, serve as one of the hosts for sightseeing trips or host students in your home for a traditional American meal at Thanksgiving or at other times.
Tuesday Night “Community Building Suppers”
Pat Pilcher | | 252-902-4518
Each Tuesday night a supper is held in the home of Pat Pilcher, a member of Immanuel. A diversity of people (from the church, community and university) attend and are welcomed to these suppers. The group is made-up of locals, internationals, students, families/children and working professionals as well as retirees. They share a meal and develop friendships that build a sense of community. Volunteers help provide and/or prepare the food and meet/greet/welcome the diverse group of people that come to the dinners.
Belvoir Elementary School
Rod and Marlene Green | | 252-364-1388
Sylvia Wheless | sjwheless@gmail.com | 252-756-0722
Our church has adopted Belvoir Elementary School. There are five opportunities for ministry:
1. Backpack program
2. Opening of school program
3. Christmas Party
4. Appreciation and support for teachers
5. Tutoring
Free Food Mondays | 6:00-7:00pm
Eunice Zeager | | 252-353-7313
Free-food Mondays are organized by the Cooperative Baptist Student Fellowship (CBFS)—a campus ministry at ECU-- with supporting churches providing the food and Immanuel always hosting. These events are open to students in CBSF, any of the supporting churches, and their friends. International students and visiting scholars at ECU are also welcome and many have participated. Volunteers: donate some of the food, help prepare the food, set-up, clean-up and visit with and welcome the those attending.