December at immanuel
Join us throughout this month as we observe the four Sundays of Advent, celebrate with special worship services, and worship our newborn King on Christmas Eve and Day.
A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS
Sunday, December 14 at 4pm
Join us for a great Immanuel tradition! Under the direction of Dr. Elvin Rodriguez, this service celebrates the birth of the Savior through orchestra, choir, organ, and special soloists. Come sing some of your favorite carols, hear beautiful music that stirs your soul, and listen once again to the promises of God for you in Scripture. The theme, "Christmas Paradox", will help us focus on the wonderful miracle of the Son of God becoming flesh for us.
This is a free event that will include a door offering to support the arts at Immanuel.
This is a free event that will include a door offering to support the arts at Immanuel.
THE WHOLE PICTURE: Seeing Christmas through the Prophet Isaiah
Over 700 years before Christ was born, the prophet Isaiah spoke about the coming Messiah. Join us each Sunday through Advent to hear his prophecies, and how Jesus embodies and fulfills them.
November 30 -- The Mountain: Christ comes to restore us as God's people.
December 7 -- The Shoot: Jesus is the Son of David, and everlasting King.
December 14 -- The Highway: Jesus is The Way that brings life to barren places.
December 21 -- God With Us: The Savior, born to a virgin, is our Immanuel.
November 30 -- The Mountain: Christ comes to restore us as God's people.
December 7 -- The Shoot: Jesus is the Son of David, and everlasting King.
December 14 -- The Highway: Jesus is The Way that brings life to barren places.
December 21 -- God With Us: The Savior, born to a virgin, is our Immanuel.
CHILDREN'S ADVENT SERVICES
See the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of our children. Our elementary school students will be leading us in two special midweek services.
Wednesday, December 3 at 6pm: Christmas Tree Lighting Service
Our Kindergarten and 1st Graders will help us light our Christmas trees for the very first time.
Wednesday, December 10 at 6pm: Sing With Us - The Christmas Story
Grades 2-6 will lead us through the story of Christ's birth through song, handbells, and story telling.
Wednesday, December 3 at 6pm: Christmas Tree Lighting Service
Our Kindergarten and 1st Graders will help us light our Christmas trees for the very first time.
Wednesday, December 10 at 6pm: Sing With Us - The Christmas Story
Grades 2-6 will lead us through the story of Christ's birth through song, handbells, and story telling.
Worship with us
Sunday Mornings
9:30 AM either in-person or online.
preschool and elementary School
Our Preschool provides education and care for toddlers up to PreK children. We offer many scheduling options and we will work with you to find just the right one for your child.
Our Elementary school provides K-6 children with the Christ-centered education that will help them grow into productive adults.
Our Elementary school provides K-6 children with the Christ-centered education that will help them grow into productive adults.
About Us
Serving Riverside since 1908
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School is a vibrant community of believers. We believe God has a purpose for us, and by His grace, we are making a difference in the lives of our members and our community.
Interested in joining us on this adventure? Contact Us and we'll take care of the rest!
Interested in joining us on this adventure? Contact Us and we'll take care of the rest!
Meet the team.
Rev. Steven Borst
Senior Pastor
Pastor Steven has been at Immanuel since 2008. He and his wife, Kim, have 5 sons and enjoy traveling -- especially to the beach. He's an avid reader, enjoys sports, and really loves serving God's people.
Rev. Robert Jones
Discipleship Pastor
Pastor Robert came to Immanuel in 2019. He and his wife, Alison, have one daughter and one son, and enjoy having family adventures. He enjoys drawing and crafting new ways to share the Gospel with others.
Rev. John McCombs
Special Ministries Pastor
Pastor John has been serving Immanuel in various capacities, but decided he wanted to serve the Lord as pastor as he nears retirement. Upon completion of the SMP program from Concordia Seminary St. Louis, John was ordained and installed in 2024. As a long time resident of Riverside, John enjoys the many beautiful and unique things that our city has to offer.
Dr. Elvin Rodriguez
Director of Worship Arts
Dr. Elvin Rodriguez and his wife, Linette, are both gifted musicians and teachers who have a heart for the Lord and His people that is rarely matched. He loves creatively bringing music into the hearts and lives of the saints.
Gina Bertaina
Director of Christian Education Intern
Originally from Hawai'i, Gina moved to Irvine to study in Concordia University's DCE program with hopes to specialize in youth and children's ministry. After graduating in May, 2025, Gina came to Immanuel for her DCE internship. She loves animals, the ocean, reading, and sewing.
Reform
What is Discipleship? How can you connect with Christ and others? At Immanuel, you will be equipped to grow in your faith and be shaped by God.
