Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville

Immanuel Lutheran Church is located in East Central Illinois and began in 1872 when immigrants from East Friesia, Germany, settled in Champaign County, Illinois. The immigrants drained off the swamp land and began to farm the rich soil. 


The present church structure was built in 1914 to accommodate the growing congregation. Immanuel was given the name "the mother church", as a number of neighboring Lutheran congregations grew from it. Today it is part of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). 


We are known as the "Cathedral in the Cornfield" due to our rural location. You can find out more of our church history here.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND UPDATES / highlighted upcoming events

WEEKLY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

SATURDAY - 5:00 PM in Diers Hall

SUNDAY - 8:00 AM & 10:15 AM in Church Sanctuary with Sunday School each week 9:15-10:05 AM

March 29 - Palm Sunday Worship with Holy Communion at 8:00 & 10:15. Sunday School Easter Egg Hunt at 9:15 in the Pavilion.

  • March 29 - Palm Sunday Worship with Holy Communion at 8:00 & 10:15. Sunday School Easter Egg Hunt at 9:15 in the Pavilion
  • April 2 - Maundy Thursday Worship @ 7pm including stripping of the altar and the cross being brought in for Good Friday
  • April 3 - Good Friday Worship @ 7pm featuring Bidding Prayers and Solemn Reproaches
  • April 4 - An Easter Vigil is being planned. More details soon.
  • April 5 - Easter Sunday

                   6:30AM - Sunrise Service led by the youth

                   7:00AM - Breakfast in Diers Hall

                    8:00AM - Easter Worship with Holy Communion

                    9:15AM - Sunday School

                    10:15AM - Easter Worship with Holy Communion

  • April 26 - Confirmation of the 8th grade students during the 10:15 service
  • May 17 - Last day of Sunday School for 2025-2025. 


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - June 15-19. More information can be found on the VBS webpage including a registration link.


For a full list of upcoming events, please see our calendar page of the website or our newsletters.

New winter weather policy

New policy as of 12/9/2025


At the December Council Meeting, Council approved the following new Winter Weather Policy:

  • When the weather is looking hazardous, rather than cancel services, we will call for a "Minimum Service."
  • For a "Minimum Service", all staff, other than Pastor, and all volunteers will be "released from duty," so to speak. This will include Sunday School teachers as well.
  • There still will be services, but the presumption will be that all music will be acapella, there will be no ushers or readers or greeters, no Sunday School, etc.  In essence, the presumption will be that only Pastor and his family will be fulling any duties needed for the services.
  • Pastor will coordinate with the D. Ramm Services and publish any updates regarding conditions at the church itself on Facebook and the website.
  • This will leave it to each family and individual to use their own wisdom in determining whether conditions are adequate or not for them to attend.


So, in summary, when conditions are sufficiently concerning, we will switch to "Minimum Service," wherein no one is under any obligation to serve or attend, there will be no Sunday School, and updates will be provided online concerning conditions at the church.

help wanted -- Seeking an Organist

We’re seeking a skilled organist/pianist to lead and support congregational hymn singing, provide music for Sunday worship, and collaborate with our pastor and worship committee. This role primarily serves our 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM services, with opportunities for special services like weddings and funerals.


If you have a heart for worship and a love for Lutheran liturgy, we’d love to hear from you!


Learn more and apply: Church Organist Job Description
Contact: Church Office at (217) 694-4156

Stewardship Reminder

If you missed turning in your Pledge Card or Time and Talent sheet last Sunday, you can still complete the Time and Talent form online at:
https://forms.gle/dmtAaDezTDo56Syz6


Paper copies are also available at each door for anyone who prefers to fill out a printed form.


Thank you for sharing your time and talents in service to God and our Immanuel family!

150th Anniversary Videos Now Available!

We are excited to announce that videos from our 150th Anniversary church service and celebration are now available for viewing on our YouTube channel! This special event marked a significant milestone in the history of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and we are thrilled to share it with all of you.


Watch the full service, hear inspiring messages, and enjoy the joyful celebration of our church’s 150 years of faith, fellowship, and service.


To relive this momentous occasion, visit our YouTube channel at: youtube.com/@immanuellutheranchurchil.


Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this incredible journey. We look forward to celebrating many more years together in faith!

150th anniversary - NALC Seminary fund & anniversary memorabilia

150th NALC Seminary Fund As we get to the end of the year, we thank you if you have directed funds towards our goal of $150,000.00.  As you plan for year-end charitable giving, we encourage you to consider helping us meet that goal. As of the end of November, the balance is now $90,219.43.

 

150th Anniversary Memorabilia: Gift certificates redeemable for an anniversary book are available for purchase now ~ this is a great gift idea.   Cost is $25.  We are anticipating books to be available early 2025.   We still have other items available for purchase (stainless steel mugs, magnets, key chains, Christmas ornaments) and can still order more if there is interest.  Please stop by the historical room immediately following 8:00 service through the end of December.  REMEMBER-proceeds from these sales go towards the $150,000.00 goal.  

NALC 2020 vision

Like every congregation, we want to grow, we want to be renewed, we want to serve the world around us, and we want to fulfill the vision and values that God has given us. We're excited to join the North American Lutheran Church's 2020 Vision, which is working to bring us together with 475+ other congregations to do just that. Here's a quick video about 2020 Vision to share more information about the NALC and their pathway to ensure a legacy of faith today, tomorrow, & forever.


NALC 2020 Vision Update

Scam alert

Please be aware that Pastor Scott has received phone calls and texts again about a scam where he is supposedly calling or texting around locally and soliciting money and gift cards. Please know that he is not and will not call to solicit money or gift cards from anyone. Thank you!

Immanuel Lutheran Church of flatville video

See what our members have to say about our church!

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