Get Involved

Giving Back. Helping Others. Spreading the News!

There is no greater thrill than getting that one special present at Christmas right?

But for some in our Bristol, Connecticut community, and in other surrounding communities, there are no gifts.  In fact, for many children in Connecticut there are no coats, no hats, no scarves, no socks, no boots and no mittens for what we all know is a bitterly cold New England Winter. 

Immanuel Lutheran Church responded to this real need many years ago through our Warm-a-Child program. Church members take cut-out paper mittens hung as ornaments from a tree and purchase the item listed on the mitten and return it wrapped to the tree before Christmas with the paper mitten attached.  We've learned that these gifts are often the only gifts some children receive on Christmas morning.  What a blessing this program has been!

Our Helping Ministry was born first, for the same reasons.  Some families come upon tough times - job loss, illness - and there isn't enough money to keep the heat on.  Donations made through Immanuel Lutheran Church's Helping Ministry go to benefit families who are faced with unexpected circumstances. 

The Helping Ministry is also instrumental in conducting Food Drives that benefit local soup kitchens and in raising funds that buy food, bedding and supplies for local women's and families shelters.  100% of all funds donated to Immanuel Lutheran Church's Helping Ministry are placed back into the community.  A relationship with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has allowed us to at times double the donations coming in through a matching funds program!

The Prayer Shawl Ministry, organized by the Women of Immanuel, crafts hand-knit shawls to give to people who are hospitalized, homebound or under rehabilitation or treatment.  This is such a great gift during times of sickness or loneliness.  Each prayer shawl delivery is another opportunity to provide spiritual support and comfort. 

What would we do without the love, prayers and dedicated efforts of church groups such as these!   Learn how you can contribute in some way through one of these charitable groups.