Serve

For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve...

Mark 10:45

Being a member of Immanuel means you are part of a team, and our members don't just sit on the bench; they get in the game!!  We have lots of opportunities for you to be involved.   There is not better way to be connected to the body of believers than to work beside them.  

outreach coordinator

Julia Gardner

Julia has been an Immanuel member for over 20 years and has been our outreach director for the past 6 years.  She is involved in many community events in Riverside and helps keep Immanuel connected to the needs around us.  

Photo:  Julia helped organize a "basket drive" for foster youth with Riverside Social Services.  
(Julie is pictured on the far right.)

Serve in our church

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ."  I Cor 12:12 (ESV)

Immanuel relies on volunteers to fill the mission of the church (Experience, Equip, and Engage) and we would love to find a place for you!  

Choir

We love a variety of music at Immanuel, from hymns to praise songs and we have choirs that sing both types.  No matter your style, we have one you will enjoy. 

Tech

Lights, camera, action!  With our added elements we need others to help keep our live stream Sunday worship up and running! 

Ushers and Greeters

Warm and welcoming are all that is needed to be this first contact to someone attending worship or events on campus.  

Altar Guild

Our beautiful sanctuary needs care and careful handling of the paraments that cover the altar.   The altar guild keeps the right colors on and the candle oil filled. 

Meals for Military

We care for Veteran's by providing them with a meal twice a month.  Join one of the teams for this meaningful ministry to those that have served our country. 

Foster Team

Some teens are in foster care through no fault of their own and we want them to know they are loved and cared for.  We make monthly plans to get to know the ones that live in a group home and support them as much as we can. 

core Ministries

Immanuel believes that God is calling us to be a part of His Kingdom work.  That’s why we have established Six Core Ministries that flow directly from our Vision 2025.  We encourage each of our members to sign up to serve in at least one of our Core Ministries!

Center For Christian Faith

Immanuel will become a center for Reformation theology in the Inland Empire, offering a variety of resources for equipping the saints.

Discipleship

Immanuel will equip our youth and adults through a robust study of God's Word.  

Hospitailty

 Immanuel will be an inviting, loving congregation that welcomes and connects new people into our community.

Outward Focus

Immanuel will be a light to our community, with a city-wide reputation of showing God’s love in tangible ways to foster children, seniors, and homeless veterans. We will also try to change our world by supporting Mission-Haiti.

Schools and Family

Continuing to strive toward excellence, Immanuel schools will be a place of learning as well as a doorway to welcome all families into the Body of Christ.

Worship Arts

Immanuel will touch not only the mind, but the heart through the sacred arts, offering inspirational expressions of the faith to our members and community.

Serve Others on campus

Music 

Dr. Elvin  Rodriguez
Dr. Elvin Rodriguez is our Worship Arts Director.  He plans music for worship services as well as directs the choirs and instructs the elementary students in music.    

Small Groups

Pastor Robert 
Pastor Robert is our Discipleship Pastor and wants to help others discover their passion and mission in life.   Small group involvement is a big part of that. 

Vacation Bible

Jean Kempe
Jean has been our VBS Director for over 20 years and loves working with volunteers to put on one of our biggest events of the year. 

Quilters

Carol Kessler
Carol is a volunteer and long time member of Immanuel as well as a quilter.  The quilters enjoy their time together and donating quilts to families. 

serve others off campus

Immanuel loves to serve the community and is always looking for community partners to join in ministry.  

Beds and Blessings

Julia Gardner
When broken families try to unify sometimes a lack of furniture for the children become a stumbling block.  We help provide beds so they can reunite.  

Veterans 

Vern Goodwalt
Food insecurity is a stress for many Veteran's and their families.  To help fill the need we bring meals twice a month to the Veteran housing in the Inland Empire. 

Foster Teens

Kenya Buchanan
Do you have 2 hours out of your month to spend being the "family" of a teenage boy in foster care?   We plan outings and activities so the boys can have fun and get a taste of normal in their month.  

Shut in/Hospital  visits

Carol Luther
We know not everyone can come to us so we have trained and caring members who are able to make visits to those that can't leave home.  Let us know if you desire a visit.  

Volunteer FAQ

How do I volunteer?

More than any special skills a volunteer needs a willing heart.   We will put you in touch with leadership that will provide any necessary training and do a simple background check.  We value volunteers! 

How do I volunteer with kids?

We have lots of opportunities for you to serve children!!  We have weekly needs (nursery and Sunday School) as well as seasonal needs (Vacation Bible School) and special events.  

How do I volunteer with music?

Wither you play an instrument or sing we would love to know about it!  Our Director of music, Mary R., would love to meet with you and hear about your talent.   

How do I volunteer with students?

Due to COVID precautions we are not accepting volunteers in the school at this time.  Hopefully things will resume as they once were and we can allow visitors once again to assist our students.  

Questions about volunteering?

We love to clarify volunteering requirements. Please reach out if you still have questions.