Emanuel Lutheran Church, Council Bluffs

09/08/2026

Today is 988 Day — a reminder that help, hope, and support are only three numbers away.

At NAMI Central Iowa, we believe that no one should have to face a mental health crisis alone. The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, substance use concerns, or thoughts of su***de.

💙 Call or Text 988
💙 Chat online at the 988 Lifeline
💙 Available 24/7
💙 Free and Confidential

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and support is always available.

Today, we encourage our community to save the number, share it with others, and help spread awareness. One conversation, one connection, and one act of compassion can make a difference.

***dePrevention

09/07/2026

09/07/2026

Today we give thanks for the people whose work helps our communities thrive: teachers, farmers, healthcare workers, first responders, tradespeople, office workers, caregivers, small business owners, volunteers, and so many others. ❤️

Work is more than a paycheck. It can be an expression of our gifts, a way to serve our neighbors, and a way to contribute to the common good.

Today, may we also remember those whose work is often overlooked or undervalued, and pray for workplaces where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

So whether you’re working today, enjoying a well-earned day off, or wondering how Monday became a holiday again... 😄

Happy Labor Day!
May your day include rest, gratitude, and maybe a little barbecue. 🌭☀️

09/06/2026

You’re Invited to Worship!

Join us today at 9:30 a.m. as we gather for worship, prayer, music, and community. ❤️

After worship, stick around for coffee and fellowship. There’s always room at the table and a place for you!

Can’t be with us in person? No problem! Join us online over on YouTube and worship with us from wherever you are. 💻📱

Everyone is welcome. We’d love to see you!

16th Sunday after PentecostRev. Cara KnutsonMusical Director Cind...

09/05/2026

🧔🎉 **Happy World Beard Day!** 🎉🧔

Beards. They’re biblical-ish, historical-ish, and definitely worthy of a day of celebration! 😂

Did Jesus have a beard? The Gospels don’t give us a physical description, but as a first-century Jewish man, it’s quite likely he did. And Isaiah 50:6 even speaks of the suffering servant having his beard pulled out, a passage Christians have long connected with Jesus’ suffering.

So today, we celebrate the beards among us: the magnificent, the modest, the scruffy, the perfectly groomed, and even the *“I tried to grow one but it just didn’t happen”* variety. 😆

And because traditions around facial hair differ across cultures and religions around the world, let’s remember the bigger picture: **we can have different practices and beliefs, and still treat one another with peace, respect, and love.** 🕊️❤️

Now go forth and **beard boldly!** 🧔‍♂️✨

Happy World Beard Day!

09/05/2026

💛 International Day of Charity 💛

Today is a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Charity isn’t always about writing a big check. Sometimes it looks like sharing a meal, donating a pair of socks, checking on a neighbor, volunteering your time, or simply noticing someone who could use a little extra care.

Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, and there are countless ways to put that love into action. ❤️

Today, ask yourself: Who could use a little kindness from me?

Give generously. Serve joyfully. Love abundantly.
Because a little kindness can go a long way. 🫶

09/04/2026

When church people refer to “Matthew 18,” it is the gospel for this coming Sunday that they are thinking of, with its advice about how Christians are to deal with controversies within the believing community. The good news in the reading is especially the last line: that Christ is among us always. Come to receive Christ’s gift of himself in word, sacrament, and community. Join us Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for worship followed by coffee and fellowship.

16th Sunday after PentecostRev. Cara KnutsonMusical Director Cind...

09/03/2026

Since our first confirmation class was last night, we are taking a trip back to the first confirmation class at Emanuel. The students were confirmed at Emanuel on May 13, 1894. This doesn't seem to correlate with any particular liturgical season or event, and has you look through all the dates there has been at least one confirmation group confirmed in each month of the year over Emanuel’s 135 year history. For the last several years, we have had confirmation on Reformation Sunday or sometimes the following week, on All Saints Sunday. Many members remember confirmation being held around Palm Sunday or Easter. Share your memories in the comments below.

09/02/2026

Have you joined us over on the Band app yet? While some of the content is similar to Facebook, members are able to also post announcements, questions or prayer requests, that would only be viewed by members in the app. Right now there is a poll regarding Christmas Eve services over there. You can join by visiting