Joanna Palmer, Congregation Council Liaison
The mission of the Learning Ministry is to facilitate engaging, faith-centered learning experiences in a welcoming environment that meets the needs of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Learning Opportunities:
Bible Study
- This group meets each Tuesday at Emmaus from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. This is a lay-led Bible study that picks a topic or biblical book and then meets weekly for discussion. But there is also time to share prayer requests and concerns! Many Tuesdays conclude with joyful laughter and all go home encouraged. Contact Dave Paulson for more information.
- Judy Jernberg offers 6-8 week topical classes several times a year, typically on Monday mornings. Reach out if you’d like more information!
Men’s Spiritual Formation Group
- This group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 am at Emmaus in the Fellowship Hall. We enjoy breakfast together and focus our discussion on how the classic traditions of Christian spirituality can inform our own lives of discipleship. Contact Pastor Andrew for more info.
Men’s Prayer Group
- This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 am at Emmaus in the sanctuary. We connect over coffee and the sharing of life concerns before praying for each other. Contact Joe Cavanagh for more info.
Circles
- Naomi Circle meets on the third Thursday of every month at 10:00 am in the church library for Bible study, treats, and conversation. Our studies come from the Gather Magazine, which is the ELCA women’s quarterly publication. Each session begins with coffee and goodies and is followed by the study. This friendly group of ladies is open for others to join! Please come check it out. Contact Carol Lodl with questions.
- Mary Circle meets periodically at various members’ homes for Bible study, dinner, and conversation.
Adult Forums
- Adult Forums meet each Sunday, September – May after the service and coffee fellowship time. Different topics are explored each week. For example, we recently did a series on housing, welcoming speakers from organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Hosea Youth Services, St. Vincent de Paul, Square One Villages, Better Housing Together, and the Eugene Mission.
Sunday School
- Emmaus offers Sunday school classes for ages 3 through 5th grade each Sunday, September – May during worship (while the congregation hears the readings and sermon). Sunday school includes Bible stories, games, music, and crafts.
Vacation Bible School/Day Camp
- Emmaus has teamed up with United and Central Lutheran Churches to offer VBS for kids ages 3 through 5th grade. Central Lutheran hosts this week of learning. There’s an opportunity for kids of all ages! Older kids and teens have been amazing volunteers and role models for our young ones. 2026 dates TBD. Contact Crystal Miller with any questions.
- We welcome volunteers who are going into 7th grade and up (through adulthood!) to help out as group leaders, kitchen helpers, and support staff.
During worship we encourage all children to be a part of our worship services. During indoor worship, we offer a child friendly space in the sanctuary where kids can play quietly, color, or work on crafts.
All of our teachers and adult helpers in the classrooms undergo background checks and two adults are always present in every room.
