Our vision is to glorify God and make a profound impact on our community. We believe that everything we do should reflect the character and love of God, and through our actions, we strive to bring glory to His name.

​We are committed to creating a community that is rooted in faith, unity, and compassion. We seek to foster an environment where individuals can experience the transforming power of God's love and find support, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

​Our mission extends beyond the walls of our organization, as we actively seek opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. We are dedicated to addressing the needs of our community, whether it be through prayer, a listening ear or by providing practical assistance to the social concerns of our times.

​Through our various programs, projects, and outreach efforts, we aim to bring hope, healing, and restoration to individuals and families in need. By embodying the teachings of Christ and demonstrating His love in action, we aspire to be a beacon of light in our community, inspiring others to follow Christ and a path of love, compassion, and service.

​Ultimately, our vision is to see lives transformed, relationships restored, and our community flourishing as a result of our commitment to glorify God and impact the lives of those around us.

A Brief History of Immanuel Lutheran Church

Immanuel Lutheran Church has a rich and remarkable history spanning more than 165 years.

It all began in 1852, when fifteen students gathered to take classes in the home of a local teacher. Later that same year, a small schoolhouse was built, and by 1858, Immanuel’s congregation had officially formed.

By the early 1900s, Immanuel had grown into a thriving congregation of 125 families. During this time, the church became a voting member of the Missouri Synod, dedicated a cemetery, and introduced English-language services—transitioning from its original German traditions.

In 1954, the congregation approved plans to build a modern new school. Later that year, the building was completed and dedicated to serving the growing community.

Over the following decades, Immanuel experienced both challenges and renewal. After a devastating fire destroyed the church, a new sanctuary was constructed, this time connected to the existing school. The original schoolhouse was moved across the street, where it now stands in the Prairie of Westchester. Today, that historic building serves as the center for the Franzosenbusch Heritage Project and the Save the Prairie Project, hosting lectures, tours, exhibits, and community gatherings.

The second school building, known as the Old Schoolhouse, still stands at its original location on Cermak Road and is home to the Old Schoolhouse Community Garden, continuing to bring people together in learning and fellowship.

Today, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Immanuel Christian Academy are united not only by beams and a prayer garden, but by faith, service, and a shared mission. The school thrives through the dedication of the congregation, whose time, talents, and generosity nurture both the education and spiritual growth of Immanuel’s children.

The Bible is the true Word of God

The Bible shows us our sins and shows there are consequences to our sins

The Bible shows us God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ and how we are restored into a right relationship with God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus

The Bible shows us that there is only one true God, who manifests himself in three persons Father, Son and Holy Spirit

The Bible shows us that there is only one way to salvation and eternal life and that is through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

We accept the Sacrament of Holy Baptism as a means of grace and that the Holy Spirit comes to reside in the baptized person

We accept the Sacrament of Holy Communion as a means of grace whereby we are assured of the forgiveness of our sins, promised eternal life and strengthened in our faith. We believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in communion in, with and under the bread and the wine

We accept the common statements of belief, known as the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed

We find that the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church are a true exposition of Biblical Truth and so we walk together with the congregations of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod

That sharing the the Gospel is the personal responsibility of every believer

That we are to follow the commands of Jesus Christ: 

• To Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind (Mt22:37)
• To Love your neighbor as yourself (Mt22:39)