Inger Smuts, 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
- Each Tuesday at Emmaus at 10:30 am, Rev. Dave Paulson supports a lay-led Bible study that picks a topic or biblical book and then meets weekly for discussion. There is also always time to share prayer requests and concerns! Contact Dave Paulson for more information.
- Deacon Judy Jernberg offers a structured 6–8 week topical series at various times during the 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. They 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. They connect over coffee and the sharing of life concerns before praying for each other. Contact Joe Cavanagh for more info.
Women’s 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. Studies come from the Gather Magazine, the ELCA women’s quarterly publication. Each session begins with coffee and goodies and is followed by the study.
- Mary Circle is particularly “fellowship”-oriented and meets periodically at various members’ homes for Bible study, dinner, and conversation.
- Eve Circle meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 10 am in the Emmaus Youth Room with a pronounced focus on Bible Study, supported by Pastor Clare.
Each women’s circle is friendly and open, welcoming new participants! Please reach out to Melinda at the church office to be connected.
Adult Forums
- Adult Forums are held each Sunday, September–May, after the service and coffee fellowship time (typically about 10:50 am). Different topics are explored each week, and may range from scripture studies to important social issues to highlighting local social service resources and education. While often prepared in “series” format, members are encouraged to participate on any Sunday they can!
Theology Bites
- This Sunday-afternoon discussion-based opportunity for deeper intellectual and spiritual engagement especially caters to our 20s–40s crowd. Come enjoy appetizers (“bites”) and conversation about pressing theological topics. Contact Kathleen Kerr for more information.
Sunday Morning Learning Time
- Children ages 5–8 are invited to enjoy Bible story time during the Sunday sermon with a pastor or Sunday School teacher.
Snacks & Stories
- At 3:45 pm on Wednesdays, kids ages 9–12 are invited to enjoy a snack and Bible story time with a member of the pastoral staff.
Confirmation
- Our Confirmation Program, hosted in collaboration with United and Central Lutheran Churches, is for youth ages 13 and up. This program provides a two-year curriculum: one year involves a journey through the Bible, exploring God’s promises to God’s people, and the other year explores the central pillars of the Christian faith and teaches confirmation students to discern how they will live out their faith in the world.
Vacation Bible School/Day Camp
Each summer, Emmaus joins United and Central Lutheran Churches to offer a VBS day camp for kids ages 3 through 5th grade. Central Lutheran hosts this week of learning. 2027 dates are June 21st–25th.
There’s an opportunity for kids of any age! Older kids and teens are amazing volunteers and role models for our young ones. We welcome volunteers who are going into 7th grade and up (through adulthood!) to help out as group leaders, kitchen helpers, and support staff.
Contact Crystal Miller with any questions.
