Outreach
Take advantage of our many different opportunities to learn, serve, and form friendships with others who share your faith. Get involved today!
Zomba Parish, Malawi
Our Northwest Synod of Wisconsin has a companion relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi.
We began our relationship about the time Immanuel established its foundation and had a tithe to spend. Pastor Harold and Kathy went to Malawi to visit with Bishop Bvumbwe. They were asked if Immanuel could pay for part of their trip in exchange for our being able to call them our "missionaries." We commissioned them before they left and asked them to look for opportunities for a more permanent connection between our churches. Pastor Harold says that being commissioned changed the way they looked at the purpose of their trip and the rest is history. In 2002, Immanuel Lutheran Church was officially matched with Zomba Parish.
The first congregation in Zomba Parish was Mbidi, established in August of 1985. In June, 2000, the Sadzi Parish Center was built with funds from our Eau Claire Lutheran Church. In October, 2007, we received the first official delegation from Zomba Parish at our church. In April, 2010, we will have the opportunity to meet face to face with women from Zomba to explore how we can continue to join together in ministry.
Beacon House
We partner with the Beacon House, a local shelter for homeless families.
Beacon House relies on volunteers providing meals for the residents, and staying overnight so that no staff member is needed for the overnight shift. Each year, Immanuel Lutheran Church covers more than two weeks with meals and overnight volunteers. This ministry gives our church members an opportunity to be the hands of Jesus to our neighbors in need.
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