Our Sesquicentennial Year
The Year of Our Lord (“Anno Domini”) 2009 marked the 150th anniversary of Emmanuel's establishment. As a Community of Faith, the Emmanuel congregation is thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on us; proud of our heritage; a willing servant of our community; and optimistic about the future.
The Emmanuel congregation recognized this milestone with events organized around the theme “Past, Present, Future” which were scheduled as follows:
- Remembering the Past held on Sunday, May 3rd
- Celebrating the Present held on Sunday, August 30th
- Building to the Future held on Sunday November 15th
During 2009, a dedicated group of people met to plan this year-long celebration. They archived a massive amount of historical materials; created displays; met with reporters; wrote press releases; planned, prepared for, presented and cleaned up after 3 major celebrations; and creatively held up those things that make Emmanuel so special.
Read the Ann Arbor News article about Emmanuel's Sesquicentennial (first published in the April 25, 2009 edition of the printed newspaper, and also on-line).
Remembering the Past
On Sunday, May 3, 2009 Emmanuel gave our current members and guests a taste of our rich liturgical past. Our worship service was based on The Order of Morning Service with Holy Communion, from the American Lutheran Hymnal, published by Wartburg Press in 1930 and used by Emmanuel's congregation from 1930 through 1958. Our thanks to our senior members and musical sight-readers for leading us in singing our praises to God!
In addition to rediscovering this worship setting, we were blessed to witness two baptisms, as well as special music from our brothers and sisters of Bethel Evangelical Church of Michigan, two anthems from our chancel choir, and Pastor's usual entertaining children's sermon. An audio recording of the sermon from this worship service can be retrieved here.
A potluck meal and social time was held afterwards where stories were shared. Photos, books, and memorabilia items were placed around the dining area for attendees to review at their leisure (these items are now stored in the display case in the Overflow area next to the sanctuary.
Visit our photo album of photos of the worship service and potluck.
Celebrating the Present
Our celebration event which took place on Sunday, August 30, 2009 focused on the spirit of celebration. The sanctuary was decorated in a festive manner, the worship service was led by the senior youth of Emmanuel, and we had clowns. Lots of clowns. Many, many clowns .... Some of you might recognize these clowns from when they participated in the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival parade and festivities which were held the previous weekend.
Following the worship service, the community was invited to join with the congregation at an ice cream social. In addition to ice cream, participants enjoyed pizza, music by jazz band Five Miles More, original music by The Maracas of Invincibility, a puppet show by Sam and Miriam Bornhorst, games, church tours and other activities.
Those of us in Emmanuel's audio ministry were puzzling over how to produce CDs/post audio files of a worship service where large portions were conducted in mime. However, several of the members took photographs of the worship service, preparations before worship, and celebration which are now posted for your enjoyment.
Building to the Future
On Sunday, November 15, 2009, we culminated a yearlong series of events commemorating our sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary. The Reverend Stephen G. Marsh, newly elected bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Southeast Michigan Synod, was the guest preacher at a special worship service held at 10:30 a.m.
Following worship, the Retired Men’s Group’s Famous Roast Beef Dinner was served. A large crowd enjoyed the meal that was prepared and served by the men, as well as the necessary pies provided by the women. This successful fundraiser included monies from Thrivent for Lutheran’s Care for Congregations.
Also part of the festivities was a “Celebration of Ministries of Emmanuel—Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, in which the many ministries that have been part of Emmanuel throughout the years were honored. These included such longtime ministries as free Hunger Coalition dinners every Tuesday, an emergency food pantry, a medical equipment loan closet, and the Clothes Closet (providing clothing, shoes, bedding and household items on Wednesday mornings). Many other behind-the-scenes or lesser-known ministries were also recognized, such as “Who Gives a Knit?” and the Mary Anna Circle (providing prayer shawls, baby caps, and other handmade goods), Habitat for Humanity home building assistance, and participation in community food gardens, to name but a few.
Pictures? Why yes, we have pictures of this event. Not to mention a recording of Bishop Marsh's sermon, too....