Immanuel Church
manager Erik Amnå, former chairman Jan-Erik Wikström, youth leader Ellen Ågren.
Room for hope
2024 was the year Immanuel Church celebrated 50 years since the building of the church. We wanted to celebrate the anniversary both by looking back at what shaped us while looking forward to what awaits. When deciding on the theme for Immanuel Church’s 50th anniversary, we thought about what the world around us looks like and the needs we see. Many of us have had the experience of meeting people who feel hopeless in the face of the reality we live in, from climate crisis, violence and polarization to loneliness and mental illness. What can Immanuel Church contribute in a time characterized by hopelessness? We then realized that our longing and prayer for this church is that it will be a place for hope. A hope that determined our theme for this year.
In 2024, we wanted to create room for hope through music, discussions and meetings. After leaving our anniversary events, I have also felt more hopeful. Hopeful of the music that has touched me and many times felt healing. Hopeful of the discussions about the church, faith and society with experts and committed people who have challenged, nuanced and reminded us of the many good forces that exist.
Most importantly, I have felt hope from meetings with many old and completely new friends of our congregation. Many of whom have never been to Immanuel Church before and who found themselves here because of our anniversary year. All this has filled me with hope, also for our church that we have something important to contribute.
Leaving the anniversary year behind us, we take the good responses from our celebration into the future as we continue to offer room for hope. We want to be a church where people, regardless of their life situation, can find hope and meaning for their lives and the world that God loves. While we shall use all we have to do it, we should also rest on Paul’s words in 1 Cor 3:6 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow”. We will do what we can, think, plan and act. But ultimately, it’s not about us. It is God who makes it grow. In it, there is a great rest and hope.
God with us!
Carin Dernulf Senior Pastor
Former seniorpastor Åke Hedström and current seniorpastor Carin Dernulf.
Immanuel Church is in constant change. History and tradition intertwines with innovation and development. Thus, a common ground becomes important.
All activities are based on the Immanuel Church vision:
Immanuel Church is a Christian fellowship for people from all over the world. We are one congregation, but are invited to worship in multiple languages and traditions. We value diversity and want our church to be characterized by warmth, love and respect. We seek to create an environment where children and youth can develop, where people receive support and where faith can grow. Everyone should feel at home here.
This is where I belong – no matter who I am or where I come from
• in a community without borders
• among believers from all over the world
• in a fellowship that touches and inspires people
• in a place where my faith can grow
Mission
Our mission is based on Jesus’ call to spread the Gospel to all. We want to do that with sensitivity. Each person should be treated with respect for his or her integrity, searching and dignity.
Our approach
Immanuel Church wants to be a welcoming and loving community. We are unified by our faith in Christ and have a non-dogmatic approach towards theology, spirituality and view of the Bible. Everyone is unique and we want to provide a culture of respect and trust for ways of interpreting, seeking and expressing Christian faith.
Immanuel Church is a congregation with a mission. But also a fellowship that worships in multiple languages and
that gathers a diversity of people from all over the world. Sectarianism, judgmental behavior and devaluing others do not belong in our church. It is our continual ambition to strengthen people’s fellowship and to bridge cultural and social barriers both in our church as well as in society.
A viable church is in constant change. It is important to us that everyone – regardless of age and situation – can feel at home in Immanuel Church. History and tradition is joined together with innovation and development. This can only be realised by reciprocity and love, by a culture that is accepting and that takes the other’s experiences into consideration.
We want to respect diversity in all contexts. This permeates our view of devotion, theology, language, church, marriage, sexuality, music, youth ministry and many other aspects in our worship life and ministry. We assume a we, not a ‘we and them’.
The congregation’s mission and vision guides us in our ministry. We value volunteerism and participation – lay involvement is indispensible and something we always work to strengthen. Our decision-making is democratic and transparent and we value communication and dialogue. We are part of society and through our approach, we are seeking to respect and support people in their life situations. We are an open and welcoming church.
The Jubilee year 2024
50 years after the building of the church, we wanted to celebrate with gratitude by looking back but also by looking ahead and curiously try new ways of expression for the future.
Hollering bricks
Already at the opening weekend and the following week, we got to meet some of the people who were there from the beginning. We were reminded of the vision that the new church shall above all meet the needs for premises for the youth.
Stunning rooms
We heard stories about the aesthetic ideals and construction techniques that formed the uniqueness of the church building. In the photo exhibitions, some of the constructions were presented and the artistic installations from new perspectives.
A tradition to develop further
But not everything was new. The photos on the coffee house’s walls tell of a tradition where the free church broke down the priesthood and let people manage the faith themselves with their Lord – without intermediaries. In free congregations, democracy was anticipated which today we must protect from weakening and decay. Freedom of religion needs democracy – and vice versa. Neither can be taken for granted, not even in Sweden in 2025.
Eye-opening learning
Theologians, social scientists, musicologists and other experts in various social and cultural fields to culture cafés with their knowledge of contemporary issues updated us on the situation in the world including the environment, wars, culture, faith and music. Sometimes what we feared was confirmed, sometimes our prejudices were punctured and sometimes nuanced our insights about ourselves, others, society, the world and life in general.
Challenging commitment
We were also visited by writers and activists who explained what they are passionate about and what they hope for – and most importantly regarding the church’s social involvement. People from various organizations in civil society talked about their commitment, their concerns and their hopes. Through our committees for sustainability, diaconal ministry as well as mission and development respectively, we expressed our need to take responsibility for peace, poverty reduction, justice and the environment.
Cross-border community
We were able to provide safe spaces for meetings at eye level that could even transform long coffee queues to contact-creating meeting places. To some extent, across language and generation boundaries, we could jointly manifest the freedom in Christ and the belief in a common future. We met in Future Café with curiosity, and talked about sorrow and respect.
Delightful encounters
The church still has a great potential to attract people to discussions about life
and the World. People who never set foot in Immanuel church found their way to us and most importantly after the After Work we organized together with the hotel.
Confirmed doubts
What lowered the threshold to the church is also the fact that visitors could feel that we are an open church where doubt is seen as a natural and developing part of the life of faith.
Breathtaking musicality
Access to our musicians’ network made it possible to set each Jubilee arrangement. The music and song had a value in themselves and formed an arch over the entire jubilee. It really felt like it was a party, perhaps especially during the opening weekend and when Martin Åsander’s jubilee suite was performed. In addition, the different tones of the musicians and singers helped to open our minds to all the lectures and discussions.
Exploratory Hopefulness
When the church was built, Kerstin Gustafsson wrote a poem hoping that the newly built church would become ”God’s living room”. During the first 50 years, thousands of people experienced something like this during their church visits. In the church services,
the lectures, the concerts, the more or less disordered discussions, the carpentry, the weaving shed, the knitting café...
The living room metaphor rhymes well with the greeting that today welcomes the worshiper with words about whoever you are, wherever you come from, whatever your situation… It strikes an alluring note of inclusion and participation in a global fraternity. Here you are welcome to rest and to interpret the signs of the times in the light of an unfathomable hope.
In the world – but not of the world
If we can meet people’s cry for help to understand our world and the lives that are lived, we are creating an oasis in the city that slows down this highspeed society and provides room for formation, reflection, community, and commitment, but also for rest.
The note afterwards
Jazz legend Miles Davis once said: “It’s not the note you’re playing that’s wrong – it is the note you play afterwards that makes it right or wrong.”
If we want to take advantage of the message from the Jubilee year, we maybe should continue with the culture cafés and AW but also dig further
into our history and our faith. The faith that led to the spaces and commitment that fill our church could be deepened and clarified in order for the message to go forward with greater force. That we continue to hope even though there is no reason for optimism. We believe in the power of the Resurrection. In the sunbeams that meet us from the triumphal cross of the church and about which Zechariah prophesied Luke 2:78f “He will come down to us from on high, a sunrise for those who are in darkness and in the shadow of death, and direct our feet into the path of peace.”
Erik Amnå Project Leader for the Jubilee year
Language groups 2024
Immanuel Church is full of life. Every week the church is filled with prayer, conversations, music, culture, creativity and much more. The 50th anniversary ran all through many of the church activities in 2024. Here are some highlights from 2024 showcasing the diversity of Immanuel Church, starting with the three language groups celebrating worship service every Sunday.
Swedish language group
In the fall of 2024, we were finally able to start offering children’s activities every week, alongside the worship services in Swedish after several years of more sporadic children’s activities. Simon Minnhagen started work at Immanuel Church in August, with responsibility for children & families in the Swedish language group. Since starting his position, the children’s ministry has tested a few different forms and met both in the chapel and the sports hall. Central to the children’s ministry are the Bible’s exciting stories, and various creative and fun activities such as drama, sports, music and creative activities. Together with requests from parents and children, we look forward to both the children’s ministry and new fun activities continuing to develop for children and families in 2025!
3 x 11
Already in 2023, a new form of theme evenings was started in Immanuel Church, named 3 x 11. Evenings with a theme that is highlighted from 3 different perspectives – a theologian, an expert and an activity perspective –each lasting 11 minutes. 3 x 11 has an
additional meaning as it refers to the text in the Gospel of Luke 3:11 “He who has two shirts shall share with him who has none, and he who has bread shall do the same.”
Thanks to a team of volunteers who created the concept and run the evenings, we have been able in 2024 to delve into four topics: Misinformation,
Stress, Laughter and Peace. We have also enjoyed live music and eating together. The evenings have created new meeting places for the community and not the least a way for the church to highlight and shed light on important and exciting themes.
Conversation groups In Immanuel Church, it is important to
have the smaller forums where a group gets time to get to know each other and go deeper into different issues together. In 2024, the discussion groups, Alpha – a beginner course for those who are curious about the Christian faith and Existential health have been important meeting places. These courses are also largely made possible by the volunteer leaders with their time and presence to the important discussions that take place in these groups.
Appreciated retreats
For several years, Immanuel Church has offered retreats in simplified form: a one-day retreat in Immanuel Church at an affordable price. This concept has enabled many people to discover the retreat. This applies to seekers as well as old believers. The spring day retreat had around 60 registered participants. In the autumn, we also offered mini-retreats in the evening where around 30 people registered on each occasion.
International language group
2024 has been an incredibly rich year with well-attended services. In the international language group, the Sunday school continues to thrive for children between the ages of 3–14 helped by 25 volunteers who have committed to meet the children throughout the year by getting them to participate in extra fun activities during sports and autumn holidays.
In addition to Sunday services, members of the international language group met for study and prayer both in home group meetings and in church. On Tuesday evenings, the young adults Bible study group met. Mothers in Prayer continued to meet on Thursdays, and on Thursday evenings Pastor Hugh led a series of studies on the Apostles’ Creed, about our common Christian roots.
Korean language group
The year 2024 has been marked in the Korean language group by the retirement of Pastor Cho after over thirty years at Immanuel Church. Pastor Cho, together with his wife Mi Hye Cho Kim, have meant a lot to our congregation. After the summer, we welcomed with joy Rev. Kun Mi Lee as Lead Pastor for the Korean language group.
Live With Jesus – the Korean Language Group Bible Camp
25 children together with over 30 pa-
rents, teachers and volunteers participated in the Bible camp in September. The day included lively songs of praise, preaching by Pastor Kun Mi Lee and fun activities where the children engaged in joyful games, learned about healthy competition, order and mutual respect.
In addition, the young people carried out activities in the form of board games. As they usually have little time together, the day was an opportunity for them to get to know each other better and build friendships.
During the year, the joint services continued to develop and were well attended.
After the morning’s activities, it was time for a joint lunch prepared by the different families. The Bible camp was a valuable day we pray will bear fruit in the future.
Fellowship across language groups
Promoting a fellowship across language groups is a key priority for the congregation. During the year, the joint services continued to develop and were well attended.
A celebration for all involved
At the heart of Immanuel Church are all
the hundreds of volunteers who contribute with their gifts and time in Immanuel Church’s rich flora of services and activities of various kinds. On November 23, it was time for the staff to give back and pay tribute to all the volunteer commitment during a festive full day of dinner, fellowship, games, raffles and a talk about the importance of volunteering with pastor Tomas Sjödin. A warm thank you to all the volunteers in Immanuel Church for all the love, time and commitment.
Youth
During the year 2024, the youth activities have had a fantastically eventful year. In January, we started the confirmation with a record-breaking group.
During both the spring and autumn semesters, we have had the church open almost every Friday with FREDA, a meeting place for teenagers. The volunteer leaders for youth and young adults have done activities such as bowling, movies and theme nights, and above all, the community has grown stronger. Each meeting includes coffee, fellowship, activity and devotion, and also the opportunity to talk with a pastor or deacon for those who want to.
During the summer, we had the opportunity to participate in two nice camps. With lots of games, fellowship and Bible study, the confirmands enjoyed a week in Holsby just outside Vetlanda. Shortly afterwards we took a bus down to Taizé in France. There,
A warm thank you to all the volunteers in Immanuel Church for all the love, time and commitment.
the week was spent at a monastery together with thousands of people from all over the world.
In September, the big confirmation trip ended with a nice ceremony where around 40 young people were confirmed in a joint service.
During the autumn, a number of young people went to Jönköping to take part in “Boost”, a national festival conference arranged by Equmenia riks. With lots of singing, prayer and workshops, we learned more about both God and each other.
During the autumn, several of the confirmands continued to meet at the activity K2, which is a continuation of the confirmation – Konfa year 2 – where we meet for food, fellowship and deepening the faith.
Immanuel Senior
Immanuel Senior is focused on the elderly, although people of all ages who have a free day are welcome.
The activities are organized as an association. Half of its affiliates are members of our congregation. Others come from other churches, and some seniors who rarely or never visit a church but find this forum welcoming and rewarding. Both the newly retired and the elderly participate.
Seniors want to contribute by raising current issues in society, thoughts about faith and existence. Culture in various forms is also given a large place. The subsequent coffee hour often leads to continued discussions about the day’s theme or just a good chat. Immanuel Senior sometimes becomes a way to step into other congregational activities. For some, the continuity, that there is a senior program every Tuesday, means security and the weekly opportunity to meet others.
Immanuel Senior sometimes becomes a way to step into other congregational activities.
During 2024, 30 Tuesday meetings were held and, in addition, several hikes and trips. The longer trip during the spring went to the scenic Höga Kusten (High Coast) and Härnösand.
Diaconal ministry
Increased costs and food prices mean that more people seek help from the church diaconal ministry. The deacons offer support when contacting authorities, but also have the opportunity in special situations to give smaller financial assistance in the form of hand-out gift cards for food, shoes, etc.
Lunch and Breakfast in Community fulfill an important function, both as a meeting place and for those who might otherwise have difficulty getting a cooked meal. Offering fellowship during our major holidays is also important, and together with, among others, the association Ny Gemenskap and Hela Människan, Easter and Christmas in Community were also organized this year.
This year, during the diaconal weeks, we focused on volunteering. Among others, we had a well-attended cultural café with the theme “Does it make you happy, and is it healthy to help others?”, and at the congregational fellowship services on diaconal Sun-
day, the opportunity to get involved as a volunteer in the diaconal ministry was raised.
Diaconal investigation
During the year, the board appointed a future investigation into the diaconal work of the church. The goal of the investigation is to obtain a decision-making basis for the development of the diaconal work in the next ten years, concerning both the “inner” diaconal ministry (toward members of the congregation) and the ”outer” diaconal ministry (towards vulnerable people in the church’s immediate community). The investigation is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.
Ecuador and Pakistan – new countries for Immanuel Church’s mission and development
Immanuel Church’s congregation is involved in a global effort to influence the living conditions of individuals and contribute to a better and safer world. To a large extent, this work is made possible by money that come in through the congregation’s annual Christmas market. The congregation’s international commitment has long been focused on contact with our sister congregations in the DR Congo and India. This relationship still remains. However, we are faced with the challenge of finding ways to channel
money to Panvel and their development projects, as new laws have been introduced in India regarding this.
In addition to previous cooperation, Immanuel Church’s international support was extended in 2024 to projects in Ecuador and Pakistan. In Ecuador, violence is escalating, especially violence in close relationships. The United Church has joined in with support for the project “Wings to Freedom” and Immanuel Church is now happy to be part of the youth section of the project ”Believe in Yourself”. The project raises awareness among the youth and equips them to face their dramatic and harsh reality.
In Pakistan, the Christian Study Center in Rawalpindi has been working for many years to bridge differences between different religious groups. Pakistan is seen from a religious perspective, as a highly polarized environment. In order to move forward with the question “how can we live together”, organizations are trained in conflict management, human rights, and in freedom of religion. Immanuel Church is now part of this cooperation with the United Church and the Swedish aid agency Sida.
A green commitment
Immanuel Church is part of the Uniting Church in Sweden´s project Green Church and has a committed sustainability committee with a wide network of contacts. Several major events were organized during the year. Before the EU parliamentary elections, Immanuel Church together with several other organizations invited seven political parties to a climate hearing, whose answers to the questions were commented on by an expert panel.
During the global action week, a panel discussion, together with other environmental actors was organized under the theme Ecological crisis, what needs to be done in these times of war?
Music and culture
It has been a unique musical year for the music in Immanuel Church, where much has revolved around the Jubilee Year. We arranged reunions for Candela and Vox Immanuel with concerts and services. We also looked ahead by trying new forms of interactions such
as Afterwork at Hotel Birger Jarl and Culture Cafés where conversation and music have worked together, as well as a cultural festival that ended with the concert “Songs of Freedom”.
The biggest highlight of the year was the anniversary concert with the premiere of Martin Åsander’s jubilee suite “So may it be with this room” where 150 singers and musicians from the congregational choirs, orchestras and ensembles participated under the direction of Christoffer Holgersson. It was an evening filled with newly written music created particularly to celebrate Immanuel Church’s 50th anniversary.
Concurrently with the Jubilee year, regular music activities have continued in the form of church services, lunch concerts, the various groups’ individual concerts around holidays, recordings of Songs from Immanuel, as well as Culture Night Stockholm, which
was our single most attended event of the year.
We are grateful for the diversity and breadth of the congregation’s musical life and for the opportunities that were made possible by the Jubilee Year for the choirs and orchestras to meet and make music together. There have been unusually well-attended events to the joy and comfort of many people in our church and city.
Music school
2024, was a jubilee year for the music school, with extra everything. Extra many concerts and game opportunities for students, big and small. Tours, new collaborations, project weeks and much more, in addition to the core activities where roughly 5 000 lesson hours have been completed.
In the fall of 2024, the music school moved into new and renovated premises on floor K1. This is a boost for the
work environment and fellowship as a large part of the activities is now housed on the same creative floor in the church.
Round the world: A climatesmart trip
With a tingling in the students’ stomachs and with a mighty expectant audience of 300 people, the Music School contributed as part of the church’s jubilee with a mighty journey “Round the World” in Congressen on September 29.
About 70 students from Immanuel Music School together with Katarina Kyrka’s Music School, Gagnef and Borlänge Cultural School offered music from all corners of the world. Congressen was filled to the brim with the joyful musicians and audience.
We are grateful for the diversity and breadth of the congregation’s musical life.
STAFF CHANGES
New permanent staff members in 2024
Erika Ershammar, Senior Advisor
Margret Josefsson, Deacon
Kun Mi Lee, Lead Pastor Korean Speaking Group
Simon Minnhagen, Children & Families Ministry Coordinator (Swedish Speaking)
Christian Lindskog, Social Media Strategist
Markus Fredenvall, House Technician
Ulrica Carnell, Food Service and Event Coordinator
Employees who have left:
Choong Il Cho, Lead Pastor Korean Speaking Group
Bernadette Ebenholtz, Accountant
Maria Eriksson, Food Service and Event Coordinator
Helena Erkenborn, Ministry Coordinator Swedish Speaking Group
Katarina Andreasson, Principal, Music School
Johan Edberg, Administrative Manager, passed away after a long illness.
MEMBER INFORMATION
The number of members at the turn of the year 2024/2025 was 1 352. During the year, 46 new members were admitted to the congregation, 47 members have left the congregation. Of these, 26 have died, 11 have moved to another congregation and 10 have left for other reasons.
CHURCH REGISTER EXCERPT
During the year eight children have been baptized into Christ, five children have been brought forward to receive the Lord’s blessing and ten people have been baptized into Christ after confession, according to the church register excerpt.
With reverence and gratitude, we mention those who passed away during the year.
Anthony Nakabanda 8 January
Bojan Ivarsson 12 January
Lars Linder 3 February
Ingrid Olson 19 February
Anita Lundberg 15 March
Johan Edberg 15 March
Vivi-Anne Bergman Runby 17 March
Solomon Zegay 23 March
Alvar Värmå 25 March
Lennart Ericson 19 May
Erik Fernqvist 22 May
Kerstin Bjerhagen 25 June
Kyllikki Asikainen 28 June
Jan-Erik Wikström 1 July
Olle Rydgård 3 August
Hyo-sik Lee 8 September
George Mengo 19 September
Karin Larsson 25 September
Birgitta Sandahl 5 October
Katrina Arcalas Llull 5 October
Elly Danneholm 25 November
Gun Karlsson 25 November
Maud Persson 28 November
Sven-Göran Samuelsson 28 November
Christer Magnusson 29 November
Carl E Olivestam 9 December
Missing: Evado Arfs, Erika Ershammar in service, secretary.
ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATION
The Probitas company group operates in the business areas of property, hotel, elderly care and equity management. The group is wholly owned by Immanuel Church and the aim is to create co-financing for the church’s activities.
The group’s assets consist mainly of the properties owned by Probitas AB. All group operations are run in Probitasowned properties. The assets in financial instruments are directly owned by Immanuel Church but are managed by
the company group. In a normal year there are approx. 180 full-time employees in the group, 150 of whom work in the Probitas group. Most of the employees work in the hotel business (about 70) and in the home for the elderly (about 60).
IMMANUELSKYRKAN
Immanuel Church is a Christian congregation in central Stockholm with about 1 350 members. The congregation has church services in three different languages, Swedish, English and Korean. Immanuel Church is part of the Uniting Church in Sweden community.
Acting senior pastor Carin Dernulf
Probitas owns and manages property in central Stockholm. Its property holdings amount to an area of just over 90 000 square metres. The properties are mostly offices, hotels and residential homes. About one quarter of the area is let internally within the group.
President/CEO Samuel Borg
Hotel Birger Jarl is a four-star hotel located in central Stockholm (Tulegatan 8). The hotel has 271 rooms, a conference centre for up to 550 people, lobby bar and restaurant.
CEO Anna Nielsén
Probitas Lagern 6 AB
Manages the property Lagern 6 which is part of the Probitas company and was acquired via a company 2022.
CEO Samuel Borg
Probitas Resedan 3 AB
Manages the property Resedan 3 which is part of the Probitas company and was acquired via a company 2018.
CEO Samuel Borg
Löjtnantsgården runs a home for the elderly with Christian values on Östermalm in central Stockholm (Löjtnantsgatan). The home has 55 places of care, 28 of which are for geriatric care and 27 for dementia care.
CEO Johanna Ramstedt
Immanuelskyrkans Förvaltnings AB has the task of managing the church’s assets that are invested in financial instruments.
CEO Samuel Borg
Financial stability is a prerequisite for Immanuel Church to be able to continue to do good work in many different areas.
Below is a summary of the financial result for 2024. The complete annual report can be found on pages 17 onwards.
SOME KEY FIGURES FOR THE CONGREGATION (tkr)
Årsredovisning
A formatted version of the annual report and the auditor’s report follows on pages 17–42. The board of directors submitted the annual report in March 2025. The auditor’s report was submitted in March 2025 and only covers pages 38–40.
The board of directors of Immanuel Church
hereby submits its annual report and consolidated accounts for the 2024 financial year. The administration report is based on the board’s responsibility for the congregational operations, its personnel, its finances and overall responsibility for the congregation’s corporate group.
MANAGEMENT REPORT
Information about activities
Immanuel Church is a Christian community for people from all over the world. The Congregation’s vision “This is where I belong, whoever I am, wherever I come from” is the starting point for our pastoral and diaconal work.
Four church services are held each Sunday in three languages: English, Swedish and Korean. The church premises are open almost every day of the week, and many people meet regularly in different activities and contexts. Much of this activity relies on the commitment of a large number of volunteers.
The Congregation runs children’s and youth activities, a music school, prayer groups, cultural events, substantial diaconal work, extensive music activities, discussion groups, Bible study groups, senior citizen activities, etc. The Congregation is also involved internationally and has, among others, two sister congregations, one in India and one in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Congregation also owns the corporate group, Probitas AB, with operations within property, hospitality, senior citizens and student accommodation as well as nursing care home sectors.
Significant events during the financial year
Immanuel Church was built in 1974 and will thus celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024. This has been the focus throughout the year and many events have been created during the
year which have been marked by the Jubilee Year. A new logo was developed for the anniversary year, which has been widely used.
The board’s work has been characterized by a large number of recruitments, including the recruitment of Kunmi Lee, lead pastor of the Korean worship group in the congregation.
During the year, the board decided to start an investigation in order to provide a basis for developing the congregation’s future diaconal work.
During the financial year, the board has continued to work on the organization and structure of the congregation and has taken initiatives to promote and support various forms of operational and congregational development.
The board has also continued to work on reviewing the congregation’s constitution and bylaws this year, which resulted, among other things, in the congregation deciding on various changes and clarifications in conjunction with two congregation meetings.
The board has made a decision this year to oversee the premises on floor K3 in order to adapt them to different types of activities.
Promotion of the Congregation’s aims
A church needs to be faithful to its message and must do diaconal work that takes care of not only its members but also other vulnerable people in society at large. In 2024, Immanuel Church ran the “Lunch in the community” initiative, which is organised and served in different churches on Sa-
turdays. The event takes place in Immanuel Church once a month. The day after these events, “Breakfast in the community” is offered as a new initiative this year. During Christmas, the congregation invited about 900 guests to “Christmas in the community” for three days.
The care home at Löjtnantsgatan 8 has also continued to make an important contribution to the community and to combat loneliness. There, our church musicians also organised much-appreciated concerts for both the care home and others.
Children and young people are a prioritised group in Immanuel Church. Several camps have been organised with a focus on children, youth and families.
The Congregation’s sustainability work
The Congregation’s sustainability work is based on the sustainability policy that was updated in autumn 2024.
In 2024, the Congregation continued hosting several environmental and climate network meetings, where a well-attended event was a political hearing ahead of the EU elections at the end of May.
In the spring, the church was visited by the bishop of the Diocese of Stockholm, who spoke about his climate commitment. In the autumn, a themed church service was held, followed by a workshop for the congregation to gather ideas for the ministry plan.
The collaboration with the Centre for Theology, Ecology, and Culture (CTEC) established by University College Stockholm has been further developed during the year.
Profit/loss and position
The Congregation’s expenses totalled SEK 52.2 million, which is 17.1% higher than the previous year. Gifts including earmarked gifts amounted to SEK 4.8 million, of which SEK 4.2 million was used in the Congregation’s activities.
Multi-year review (SEK thousand)
The asset portfolio has also seen a very good value growth this year. The difference between the book value and the market value, excluding liquid assets, on the closing date was SEK 76.5 million compared to SEK 68.2 million a year earlier.
For several years, Immanuelskyrkans Förvaltnings AB has been tasked with managing the Congregation’s assets invested in financial instruments. The management is regulated by an agreement drawn up between the Congregation and the company, in which the objectives, investment rules and ethical guidelines have been laid down by the Board.
Immanuel Church’s assets in securities are to be invested to support the Congregation’s activities and to safeguard its long-term liquidity and funding. Management shall concentrate on securities that provide a high direct yield and can easily be converted. Investment shall not be placed in companies whose operations contravene the faith and ideological principles of the Congregation.
The Congregation is financially dependent on returns from its own companies as well as on general developments in the financial markets and of course on donations from members.
Corporate Group
The Group’s property business shows a very good operating result for 2024. Rental income has continued to grow due to rent increases on both premises and housing, but also because the newly acquired (2022) property Lagern 6 has gradually been filled with new tenants.
During the year, the extensive renovation of the facade, courtyard, ventilation and stairwell, etc., was completed at the Lagern 6 property. Design work for a new building in the Nebulosan courtyard containing 20 apartments has also been completed and a building permit was obtained at the end of the year.
During the year, the hotel business has had strong demand and increasing average prices for accommodation but also
seen an increase in terms of sales for conference and restaurant.
The elderly care centre with 24-hour care has continued to be a popular choice of accommodation with very high occupancy rates.
The Group has also had the task of managing the financial assets owned by the Immanuel Church Congregation (the owner). Even though the economic situation resulted in a volatile stock market during the year, the asset management result was positive.
The various companies report the following profit after financial items, Hotel Birger Jarl AB SEK 13.8 million (SEK 10.3 million). Hotel Tegnérlunden AB SEK 0 million (-SEK 0.3 million), Immanuelskyrkans Vård AB SEK -1.1 million (-SEK 0.7 million), Immanuelskyrkans Förvaltnings AB SEK 0 million (SEK 0 million), Resedan 3 AB SEK -1.7 million (-SEK 1.4 million), Probitas Lagern 6 AB SEK -11.0 million (-SEK 20.2 million) and Probitas AB SEK 93.1 million (SEK 180.5 million)
The results of all companies mean that the Corporate Group can report a surplus after financial items of SEK 93.1 million (SEK 168.3 million). The group with the Congregation as its parent association, reports this year a surplus of SEK 42.2 million (SEK 136.5 million) after tax.
Change in equity
The profit/loss and position of the group and the Congregation in other respects can be seen in the subsequent profit and loss account, balance sheet, cash flow statements and additional information.
Future development of the Congregation
Immanuel Church is a congregation in the centre of Stockholm with various opportunities and challenges. Our activities need to be constantly developed and renewed in line with the development of people and the surrounding community. But regardless of what our activities look like over time, our basic mission is always at the centre – to spread the gospel, to give people the opportunity to worship together, to do diaconal work for the most vulnerable in our society, and to offer people a warm and loving community.
The Board would like to thank all members, volunteers and employees who made it possible for the Congregation to run its activities in 2024. May the love of God be with you all.
Immanuel Group
Income Statment
Immanuel Group
Immanuel Group
The Congregation
Income Statment
The Congregation
The Congregation Balance sheet
The Congregation Balance sheet
The Congregation
Cash flow statement
Adjustments for items not included in the cash flow - depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Dividend from group company/Probitas - result from disposals of tangible fixed assets
THE
Notes
Not 1 Accounting and valuation principles
Unless otherwise stated the figures are reported in thousands (tkr). The figures in brackets refer to the previous year.
In the annual report the figures are rounded off to the nearest thousand which means that the totals can differ slightly from the amount specified in the accounts
The Immanuel Church accounting and valuation policies comply with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act, the Swedish Accounting Standards Boards rule BFNAR 2012:1 (K3).
The accounting principles are unchanged since the previous year.
Consolidated Accounts
The Immanuel church prepares consolidated accounts. Companies in which Probitas AB holds the majority of votes at the annual shareholders meeting is a subsidiary company and is consolidated in the financial statements. Information about the group companies is contained in the note to the financial assets. Subsidiaries are consolidated fully from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and are excluded from the consolidated financial statements from the date that control ceases.
The Consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the acquisition method. The acquisition date is the date on which control is obtained. Identifiable assets and liabilities are valued initially at their fair values at acquisition date
Any balances between Group companies are eliminated in full.
Revenue
Revenue relating to church operations are recognized when payment is received. Net revenues consist of rental income, income from the hotel and restaurant businesses and income from the home for the elderly Rent is classified as operating lease because it relates to leases where economic benefits and risks attributable to the leased item essentially remains with the lessor.
Rental income is recognized in the period of the lease, and not at the time of notification.
Payments, including an initial reduced rent, as agreed are reported on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Revenues from billed expenses are reported gross. Revenue relating to hotels and conferences are reported in the period in which the services are provided. Costs for Internet sales are deducted from total sales. Care revenue is recognized in the period in which the contributions
relate. Interest income is recognized in the period they relate to.
Foreign currencies
Currency gains and losses on assets and liabilities are recognized as other operating income or expenses.
Borrowing expenses
Interest on loans acquired for the purpose of on-going construction is included in the acquisition cost of buildings for the period in which the construction took place. All other interest expenses are accounted for in the period in which they occur
Impairments of fixed assets
At the end of every financial year, an assessment is made in order to determine whether there is any indication that an asset's fair value is lower than its book value. If such an indication is true, a formal estimate of the assets recoverable amount is calculated and recognized in the balance sheet.
Income tax
The income tax for the year is based on the current tax rates and tax rules that apply on the 31st December Deferred taxes are based on tax rates and tax rules, which apply before 31st December.
Deferred tax liabilities recognized from the temporary differences in calculating depreciation on investments in the subsidiaries are not consolidated into the annual accounts as the parent company in all cases controls the reversal of these temporary differences and this is unlikely to occur in the near future
Deferred tax assets relating to loss carry-forwards or other future tax deductions are recognized to the extent that a probable deduction can be offset against future taxable profits.
Assets and liabilities are only offset when there is a legal right to do so.
Current taxes, as well as changes in deferred taxes, are recognized in the income statement unless the tax transaction is directly related to equity. In which case the tax effect is also recognized in equity.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. The cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset.
When a component of a fixed asset is replaced or disposed of, it is scrapped and the remaining parts are activated together with the new components acquisition value. Scrapping is reported as depreciation of tangible
fixed assets. Additional expenses relating to tangible fixed assets that are not broken down into separate components are capitalized to the extent that the asset's performance increases relative to the value of the asset at acquisition date.
Costs for ongoing repairs and maintenance are recognized as expenses.
Capital gains or losses on the disposal of an asset is recognized as other operating income or other operating expenses.
Tangible assets are systematically depreciated over the asset's estimated useful life. When the depreciation amount is determined, the asset's residual value is taken into account where appropriate. The company's land has an unlimited useful life and is not amortized. Linear depreciation is used for other types of tangible assets.
The following depreciation periods apply:
Buildings:
Frame and Structural additions 60-150 years
Facade, roof, and windows 30-100 years
Interior surfaces, appliances, fixtures 30-75 years
Heating, Plumbing, electrical systems and Elevator 3055 years
Equipment:
Building equipment 15 years
Other equipment 5 years
Financial items
Accounts receivables and other receivables
Receivables are included in current assets, except for those items that fall due 12 months after the 31st December which are classified as fixed assets.
Receivables are recognized at the amount expected to be paid after deductions for individually assessed doubtful debts.
Receivables, which are interest-free or have an interest rate which deviates from the market rate with a maturity date exceeding 12 months are recognized at a discounted present value and is recognized as interest income in the income statement.
Borrowings and payables
Borrowings and payables are initially reported at cost, less transaction costs. If the loan at the time of repayment differs from the carrying amount the difference is reported on a straight-line basis over the life of the liability as an interest expense using the effective interest rate instrument at due date. This reconciles the carrying amount and the amount to be repaid at due date.
Financial instruments
Other securities consist mainly of shares and interestbearing investments. These are long-term holdings Initially the assets are reported at cost. In subsequent accounting years the shares are assessed to decide if any impairment requirements are necessary. An impairment test is made on a portfolio basis.
In order to manage the financial risk of the borrowings portfolio, the Group has interest rate swap agreements. This means that floating rates are exchanged for fixed interest and this protects the group and the parent company against fluctuations in the interest rate. Any interest receivable and interest payable as a result of interest rate swaps, are recognized as an interest expense and other similar items, and are amortized over the term of the agreement. Interest rate instruments meet the criteria for hedge accounting and are therefore not measured at fair value at the financial year-end. The fair value is stated in the note to the balance sheet item Liabilities to credit institutions. The accrued interest expenses are recognized in the balance sheet.
Inventory
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net value on the 31st December Appropriate obsolescence is deducted
Cash Flow Analysis
The cash flow statement for the parent and group companies are prepared using the indirect method. The cash flow includes only transactions involving cash payments.
Estimates and assessments
The company makes estimates and assessments about the future. These estimates which are made för accounting purposes and as a result are, by definition, seldom realized. The estimates and assumptions that have substantial risk för essential accounting adjustments on the value of the assents and liabilities for the current accounting period are outlined below.
Impairment testing of property
Each year the company reassesses the impairment needs of the properties. There is no indication that the valuation has altered since the previous assessment
Provisions
Provisions have been recognized for obligations towards third parties related to the financial year or previous financial years, which on the balance sheet date are either certain or probable in terms of occurrence but uncertain in amount until they are settled
Note 2 Net turnover/operating result per company
Net turnover and net operating result för the different companies are as follows:
and rental contracts
Leasing agreements in which the group company is the lessor Future leasing fees for non-cancellable leasing contracts fall due as follows:
THE
Note 15 Tangible fixed assets contd.
Specification of the Groups real estate
Property namn and designation
Provisorn 4, Kungstensgatan 17
Hälsan 4, Tegnérgatan 4
Hälsan 5, Tegnérgatan 6
Facklan 5, Tegnérgatan 40
Nebulosan 33, Dalagatan 32-34
Nebulosan 32, Västmannagatan 41-43
Resedan 5, Odengatan 80-82
Pelarbacken Större 32, Högbergsgatan 31
Berget 1, Västmannagatan 15
Mullvaden Andra 43, Krukmakargatan 34
Mullvaden Andra 44, Krukmakargatan 36
Svea Artilleri 15, Löjtnantsgatan 8
Resedan 3, Dalagatan 13
6, Vasagatan 52
Note 15 Tangible fixed assets cont.
Investment Property
All the property owned by the Immanuel group is for long-term rental by businesses (commercial property) and for private individuals (rental property). All the properties are classified as investment properties
For information purposes a valuation of the properties is carried out annually to determine the fair value of the properties.The fair value is determined by the market value of active property prices, adjusted, if necessary for any deviations due to the location and condition of the property in question. If this information is not readily available, other valuations methods are used for example property prices on less active property markets are considered or discounted cash flow forecasts are used. An external valuation of the properties is carried out when the conditions have changed in ways that are likely to significantly affect the properties fair value.
All the investment properties were valued in December 2024 by an independent valuer. The valuation took into account both the present value of estimated future cash flows and the recent transactions between independent parties in a market with substantially the same conditions.
For the purpose of the annual accounts 2024 corporate management concluded that the investment properties amount to the same value as the external valuation which took place in December 2024. In the överall assessment, the groups investment properties are therefore valued at SEK 5,298,000 tkr.
Note 15 Tangible fixed assets cont.
Note
Summa
The market value of Berling Media is unavailable as it is not quoted on any stock market.
Note 20 Prepaid expenses and
Not 21 Designated funds 2023-12-31 Group/Congregation
Note 22 Provisions
Note 23 Long-term
Note 24 Interest rate instruments
The interest rate swaps which are being held meet the criteria for hedging against future risks and are subsequently not recognized at their real value in the balance sheet. The
Not 27 Contingent liabilities
The
to the benefit of the subsidiaries:
Reseden 3 AB, 91.000.000 kr
Stockholm the date shown in electronic signatur
Greger Hjelm, chair men
Stockholm
Peter Dobers
Greger Hjelm, chair men
Ingrid Eiken
Desireé Petrus
Östlund
Johan Sahlén
Tobias Ejeby
Evado Arfs
Barbro Ericsson Karin Pettersson
Ulrika Thunström Mats Bernö
My audit report has been delivered the date shown in electronic signatur
Martin Nääs
Authorised
Ingrid Östlund
Tobias Ejeby
Peter Dobers
Johan Sahlén
Evado Arfs
Ingrid Eiken
Barbro Ericsson Karin
Ingrid
This is a translation of the Swedish language original. In the event of any differences between this translation and the Swedish language original, the latter shall prevail.
Auditor’s report
To the annual meeting of Immanuelskyrkans församling, corporate identity number 802001-5668
Report on the annual accounts and consolidated accounts
Opinions
I have audited the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of Immanuelskyrkans församling for 2024. In my opinion, the annual accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the parent congregation and group as of 31 December 2024 and their financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act. The statutory administration report is consistent with the other parts of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts.
I, therefore, recommend that the annual meeting adopts the income statement and balance sheet for the parent congregation and the group.
Basis for opinions
I conducted my audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. My responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities section. I am independent of the parent company and the group in accordance with professional ethics for accountants in Sweden and have otherwise fulfilled my ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion.
Other information than the annual accounts and consolidated accounts
It is the Board of Directors who has responsibility for the other information. The other information comprises of the congregation’s report on operations (but does not include the annual accounts, consolidated accounts and my auditor’s report regarding these).
My opinion on the annual accounts and consolidated accounts does not cover this other information and I do not express any form of assurance conclusion regarding this other information.
In connection with my audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, my responsibility is to read the information identified above and consider whether the information is materially inconsistent with the annual accounts and consolidated accounts. In this procedure, I also take into account my knowledge otherwise obtained in the audit and assess whether the information otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
If I, based on the work performed concerning this information, conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, I am required to report that fact. I have nothing to report in this regard.
Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts and that they give a fair presentation in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act. The Board of Directors is also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of annual accounts and consolidated accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, the Board of Directors is responsible for the assessment of the congregation’s and the group’s ability to continue as a going concern. They disclose, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting. The going concern basis of accounting is however not applied if the Board of Directors intends to liquidate the congregation, to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibility
My objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the annual accounts and consolidated accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes my opinions. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs and generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these annual accounts and consolidated accounts.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, I exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. I also:
• identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinions. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
• obtain an understanding of the company’s internal control relevant to my audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control.
• evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the Board of Directors and the Managing Director.
• conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors’ and the Managing Director’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual accounts and consolidated accounts. I also draw a conclusion, based on the audit evidence obtained, as to whether any material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the company’s and the group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If I conclude that a material uncertainty exists, I am required to draw attention in my auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the annual accounts and consolidated accounts or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify my opinion about the annual accounts and consolidated accounts. My conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of my auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause a company and a group to cease to continue as a going concern.
• evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, including the disclosures, and whether the annual accounts and consolidated accounts represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
• obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the group to express an opinion on the consolidated accounts. I am responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. I remain solely responsible for my opinions.
I must inform the Board of Directors of, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit. I must also inform of significant audit findings during my audit, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that I identified.
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
Opinions
In addition to my audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, I have also audited the administration of the Board of Directors of Immanuelskyrkans församling for 2024.
I recommend to the annual meeting that the members of the Board of Directors be discharged from liability for the financial year.
Basis for Opinions
I conducted the audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. My responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities section. I am independent of the congregation in accordance with professional ethics for accountants in Sweden and have otherwise fulfilled my ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinions.
Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for the administration.
Auditor’s responsibility
My objective concerning the audit of the administration, and thereby my opinion about discharge from liability, is to obtain audit evidence to assess with a reasonable degree of assurance whether any member of the Board of Directors or the Managing Director in any material respect has undertaken any action or been guilty of any omission which can give rise to liability to the congregation.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden will always detect actions or omissions that can give rise to liability to the congregation.
As part of an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden I exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. The examination of the administration and the proposed appropriations of the company’s profit or loss is based primarily on the audit of the accounts. Additional audit procedures performed are based on my professional judgment with starting point in risk and materiality. This means that I focus the examination on such actions, areas and relationships that are material for the operations and where deviations and violations would have particular importance for the congregation’s situation. I examine and test decisions undertaken, support for decisions, actions taken and other circumstances that are relevant to my opinion concerning discharge from liability.
Stockholm the date shown in my electronic signature
Martin Nääs Authorized Public Accountant
Immanuel Senior
Auditor's report
I have audited Immanuel Senior's annual accounts for 2024 and having completed the assignment submit the following audit report:
I have read the minutes of the meetings held by the members of the Board and examined the accounts.
Undertecknade, som utsetts att granska Immanuelskyrkans Immanuel Seniors räkenskaper och förvaltning för 2015, får efter fullgjort uppdrag lämna följande revisionsberättelse.
My objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance that the annual accounts are free from error or fraud.
Vi har tagit del av styrelsens protokoll och granskat räkenskaperna.
On the basis of my audit I propose that
Vid revisionen har inte framkommit anledning till anmärkning beträffande redovisningshandlingarna, bokföring eller förvaltning i övrigt.
Med anledning av den verkställda revisionen föreslår vi
- the balance sheet and profit and loss account as of December 31, 2024 be accepted and
- att balans- och resultaträkningarna per 31 december 2015 fastställs. samt att
- the members of the Board be discharged from liability for the financial year, 2024.
Stockholm den 10 feberuary 2025
Sven Skogwik
Stockholm den 28 januari 2016
februari 2018 2017 19 februari 2018
- styrelsens ledamöter med tacksamhet beviljas ansvarsfrihet för räkenskapsåret 2015.
Maud Ackeberg Sven- Evert Rönnedal räkenskapsåret 2016.
Immanuelskyrkan
Kungstensgatan 17 113 83 Stockholm tel 08-587 503 00, info@immanuelskyrkan.se www.immanuel.se
Production: PQM AB, Lubber AB. Text: Carin Dernulf and Erika Ershammar.
Photo: Marco Helles, Johan Bohman and Arcive Pictures. Translation: Evade Arfs.