Program
DECEMBER–JANUARY
The Hope of Christmas Amidst the Chaos of Everyday Life
In December, the church hall at Immanuel Church will be adorned with a beautiful nativity scene. A nativity scene may appear idyllic, featuring the newborn child, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the animals. However, it was probably anything but idyllic over 2,000 years ago when God’s son was born into the world. Not many people would choose to give birth to their child
on a dirt floor in a filthy stable after a long and exhausting journey. Yet that is how it happened when God’s son entered the world. At the same time, this very scenario tells us something: We have a God who is not afraid of what is messy, chaotic, or dirty. God’s son is not born in a palace, not among heroes, and not into a happy, harmonious family. Rather, he is born in an ordinary, dirty stable, to
a young mother who must have felt that life was quite chaotic at that moment.
What does this say about God? Well, it shows us that amidst the simple, the everyday, and even in the dirt – that is where the miracle happens. That is where God is.
God does not shy away from our lives, even if they may feel far from perfect. To us, who are far from ideal people, God comes. To us, the angel’s voice resounds: A Savior is born for you! There is much darkness in our time. In our world, but perhaps also in our own lives.
In the midst of this, we can place our hope in the words of John 1:5: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
If there is anything that this season needs, it is hope. The innermost essence
of hope is trust. For me, it is about putting my trust in the fact that there is someone who, despite everything, holds this world, you, and me in their hands. Someone who once came as a vulnerable child and who meets us in what is our lives, often beyond our images and ideas.
Welcome to celebrate Advent and Christmas at Immanuel Church.
CARIN DERNULF Senior Pastor
Meeting Places
FAITH AND LIGHT
•For people with disabilities
A Christian ecumenical movement for people with disabilities, as well as their families and friends. In communion with each other we experience God’s love which helps us to accept ourselves and others as we are. Then our lives deepen and our faith grows. Founded in 1971 in France. Available today in approximately 80 countries with 1,500 groups.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 10 AM–2.30 PM
CHRISTMAS MARKET
•Christmas Market for a Better World
On November 30, at 10 am, we open our doors for everyone who wants to buy homemade saffron buns, Christmas cookies, flowers, second-hand items, enjoy an Advent coffee, or eat a good lunch. There will also be gifts, lotteries, and lots more. The Christmas market is a true celebration!
But it is more than that. Everything you buy at the Christmas market contributes to making life a little better for people. All proceeds go to our international work, including our partner congregations and other important projects in countries where our denomination, Equmeniakyrkan, operates.
So come and buy delicious treats and meaningful Christmas gifts! It matters, not only for you but also for all those who get a chance for a meal for the day, education, and better health – things that make life easier to live. Immanuel Church’s mission and aid work are involved in the efforts for a better world. Thanks to the Christmas market and – you!
Photos from Immanuel’s Christmas Market 2023
Photos from Immanuel’s Christmas Market 2023
CONCERTS
•A Musical Meeting Place
For many, music is a way to feel God’s presence. We want to offer all Stockholmers a quiet and beautiful space where you with others can experience music together.
DIACONAL
•Lunch in Community
You can meet us on certain Saturdays when we serve free lunch from 12 noon to 2 pm. You can see in the program below which days we are open.
•Breakfast in Community
You are invited to join us for breakfast in Immanuel Church before our Sunday service at 11am. The dates for breakfast this autumn are announced on our web calendar at Immanuel.se. We offer breakfast from 9.30 to 10.30 am. These are open to everyone, completely free of charge.
•Christmas in Community
A warm welcome to Christmas celebrations in community on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day with Christmas food, music and community.
DID YOU KNOW THAT
Immanuel Church runs its very own music school? We have around 15 teachers, all with degrees in music education, who teach with us. We offer lessons for all ages. Scan the QR code to see our wide range of offerings and to express your interest, or give the Music Office a call at 08-587 503 03, and we can tell you more.
Bo Sundström and Frida Öhrn perform at Hotel Birger Jarl’s Christmas Concert 2023.
Sara Stignäs, Deacon, welcomes people to Immanuel’s Christmas Market.
Volunteers prepare for Christmas in Community.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
1st Sunday in Advent
11 am Worship in English
11 am Worship in Korean
11 am Worship in Swedish
Theme: Christmas – a Story of Peace
Sermon: Carin Dernulf
Music: Immanuel Nova, Vox Immanuel
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2
1 pm Knitting Café
7.30 pm Hotel Birger Jarl’s Christmas Concert
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
7 pm Young Adults Bible Study Group
7.30 pm Hotel Birger Jarl’s Christmas Concert
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
5.30 pm Wednesday Mass in the Chapel (Swe)
6 pm 3x11 Theme: Peace (Swe)
Will there ever be peace on Earth? What does the concept of peace really mean? What does the Bible say about peace? Why do we differentiate between peace and tranquility? And how can we create peace in the world?
Immanuel Vox
Frida Öhrn
Tomas Andersson Wij
Hotel Birger Jarl’s Christmas Concert
Immanuel Nova
The Theologian: Karin Wiborn
Photo: Equmeniakyrkan
3 x 11 Theme: Peace
Wednesday, December 4, 6 PM
Welcome to an evening at Immanuel Church with different perspectives on peace. Come as you are after exams, work, or before bedtime and socialize while gaining new insights to take home! Soup, sandwiches, and something extra will be served in the church. Drop-in from 6 pm. The program starts at 6.30 pm.
Expert:
Lotta Sjöström Becker is the Secretary-General of the Christian Peace Movement. She has worked with human rights and peace issues for a long time. She will talk about the concept of peace, provide us with a world analysis, and suggest how we can be light in the darkness.
Theologian:
Karin Wiborn is a theologian and works as the Church Leader for the Uniting Church in Sweden. Karin will speak about what the Bible says about peace, the real difference between ‘peace’ and ‘inner peace,’ and the role we as Christians have in the peace movement.
Fellowship:
During this 3x11 meeting, we are in Advent. We maximize the Christmas atmosphere with choir singing!
What is a 3x11 at Immanuel?
3x11 is an evening where we learn something new and socialize together. 1 theme, 3 perspectives, 11 minutes. Each time we eat together and listen to live music.
Luke 3:11, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
3x11 always has three perspectives: knowledge, faith, and community, on the same subject.
Expert: Lotta Sjöström Becker
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
12 noon Moms in Prayer
6.30 pm Information Meeting with refreshments for parents ahead of confirmation.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
6.30 pm FREDA: Taizé Evening
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
6 pm Christmas Concert Immanuel Gospel “You oughta know!“ Cost: 150 SEK. Buy ticket via the QR-kode.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
2nd Sunday in Advent
11 am Worship in English
11 am Worship in Korean
11 am Worship in Swedish with Communion Theme: Christmas - a Story of Expectation
Sermon: Charlotte Höglund
Music: Victor Bodell with Band
1 pm Congregational Meeting
6 pm Advent concert Immanuel Nova
Immanuel Nova with musicians sings Advent with music by Otto Olsson, Ørjan Matre, Martin Åsander, Gunnar Eriksson and others
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
5.30 pm Wednesday Mass in the Chapel (Swe)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
12 noon Moms in Prayer
CHRISTMAS CONCERT DECEMBER 15, 4 PM
Welcome to an atmospheric Christmas concert! The church choirs, orchestras, and music school invite you on a musical journey into the warmth and joy of Christmas. Experience the sounds of Christmas with a fantastic variety of musical expressions that only Immanuel can offer! Come and share the joy of Christmas with us!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
5 pm Piano Institute Christmas Finale
6.30 pm FREDA: Christmas Party
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
3rd Sunday in Advent
11 am Worship in English
During the Worship Service, the children will perform their annual Christmas Musical. During the production of ”Uncertain Poor Shepherds”. We will follow along as the angels and shepherds who were there on that very first Christmas night tell their story. This musical takes a look at what the shepherds were feeling during that starry night over 2000 years ago . From seeing bright lights to hearing the angels sing, these characters will take us to Bethlehem to tell the story of Jesus’ birth.
11 am Worship in Korean
11 am Worship in Swedish
Theme: Christmas – a Story of Focus
Sermon: Esther Kazen
Music: Students from the Music School
2 pm Faith and Light Christmas Concert
4 pm Music School, Vox Immanuel, Immanuel Brass
5 pm Coffee
5.30 pm Christmas Concert: International Choir, Youth Choir, Big Band
International Choir
Immanuel Brass
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
1 pm Knitting Café
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
6 pm Christmas Concert “Star in Winter Night”
The Children’s Choir and students from Immanuel Music School will perform our most beloved Lucia songs and Christmas music.
Conductor: Anna Rosén. Pianist: Bo Wannefors
Lydia Eriksson cello, with students Kristina Ålåker flute, with students
7 pm Young Adults Bible Study Group
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
5.30 pm Wednesday Mass in the Chapel (Swe)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
4th Sunday in Advent
11 am Worship in English
11 am Worship in Korean
11 am Worship in Swedish Theme: Christmas - a Story of Trust
Sermon: Anna Berndes
Music: Alwar Almkvisth and others
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
11 am Christmas Music and Story (Swe)
Start your Christmas Eve at Immanuel Church! Orchestra and choir led by Peter Eriksson
Pastor: Charlotte Höglund
4 pm Christmas in Community
Students from the Music School
Christmas in Community
Hello Frida Fritzon, deacon at Immanuel Church and coordinator for Christmas in Community!
What is Christmas in Community?
Christmas in Community is Stockholm’s largest Christmas celebration open to everyone. It offers Christmas food, music, worship, and, above all, a focus on community. Christmas in Community is celebrated in several churches in Stockholm in collaboration with the organisation Ny Gemenskap (New Community). At Immanuel Church, we celebrate Christmas in Community on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Who is welcome to Christmas in Community?
Everyone is welcome! Some people think it’s a Christmas celebration for those facing hardship, but people from all walks of life attend. Yes, we have people who are homeless or otherwise vulnerable, but we also welcome those who have no one to celebrate with and those who simply choose this celebration over another.
How many people usually attend?
We usually welcome around 450–500 guests per day, with approximately 90 volunteers each day.
How can people support this wonderful and important celebration?
You can become a volunteer. Applications can be made through Volontärbyrån; volontarbyran.org/org/jul-i-gemenskap-immanuelskyrkan. You’re also welcome to support financially if you’re able.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a volunteer?
Volunteering is incredibly rewarding. And we
have a lot of fun, both within the team and with our guests. Some volunteers have been part of it for fifteen years. That says something. Helping others makes you feel good, but I often hear from volunteers that the conversations and encounters they experience are gifts in themselves. To use a church phrase, I believe you feel blessed when you contribute to building a warmer community.
Do you have a favourite memory from Christmas in Community?
I have two! One is the sense of community among the volunteers and those of us working with Christmas in Community. One year, at a quarter past seven in the morning, we were peeling and cutting egg halves, laughing and having a wonderful time.
Another favourite memory is of a teenage girl who hadn’t expected to receive a Christmas gift and was surprised and overjoyed when she received an H&M gift card. We always have a Santa on Christmas Eve, with a selection of presents to hand out. We try to find out the names and preferences of the children and teenagers so we can pick gifts that suit them. The look on this girl’s face when her name was called was priceless. By scanning the QR code next to this, you can send a donation via Swish to support the work of Christmas in Community!
CONTACT WITH DEACON OR PRIEST
For many, but not for everyone, Christmas is eagerly awaited, and even though we wish for a peaceful Christmas, things can happen that create a need to talk to someone from the church.
We would like to remind you that every day, year-round, between 10 am and 7 pm, you can get in touch with the serving pastor or deacon by phone: 08-587 503 65. If we cannot answer directly, feel free to leave a message, and we will call you back. We also remind you that through 112, you can contact a duty priest during the night (9 pm - 6 am).
IMMANUEL SENIOR starts its activities for spring on January 21 at 1 pm, and they have their annual meeting in Waldenström Hall on March 4 at 11 am.
WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER
9 am Christmas Day Service in English
11 am Christmas service in Korean, with lunch!
4 pm Christmas in community 6 pm Christmas day concert
THURSDAY 26 DECEMBER 4 pm Christmas in community
SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER
11 am Service in English
11 am Service in Korean
11 am Service in Swedish Theme: Christmas – a story about the future Sermon: Esther Kazen Music: Björn Gäfvert
TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER
11 am New years Prayer Esther Kazen, Björn Gäfvert
11 pm New Year Service in English
January
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5
11 am Worship in English
11 am New Year’s Worship in Korean
11 am Worship in Swedish
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 2 pm Lunch in Community
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 9.30 am Breakfast in Community
11 am Worship in English
11 am Worship in Korean
11 am Worship in Swedish with Communion
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15
5.30 pm Wednesday Mass in the Chapel (Swe)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
11 am Worship in English
11 am Worship in Korean
11 am Worship in Swedish
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
5.30 pm Wednesday Mass in the Chapel (Swe)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 26
11 am Joint Worship Sermon: Carin Dernulf. Confirmands are welcomed.
6 pm Release: Songs from Immanuel
In this concert, we will encounter all expressions of Songs from Immanuel. Everything from choir and solo singing to meditations and improvisations.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29
5.30 pm Wednesday Mass in the Chapel (Swe)
Songs from Immanuel
Newly composed music for worship, mass, devotion, meditation, and retreat. Experience a completely new musical treasure that unites biblical texts and prayers with the creativity of young people.
Songs from Immanuel has been created in close collaboration with theologians, where youth have had the opportunity to delve into and interpret the texts in their own way. This music is not just an artistic experience – it is also an invitation to community, reflection, and faith.
The music will be available on streaming services like Spotify and more platforms. Printed copies will be available for purchase at cost price.
Songs from Immanuel Choir.
Photo from ’So Let It Be with This Room’ – Martin Åsander’s Jubilee Suite.
Immanuel Brass
Children and Families
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Children of all ages have a special place at the Immanuel Church. Every Sunday there are plenty of activities. Welcome!
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
•Synday fun for all kids
Children’s Sunday School takes place during the worship services on Sundays, in English, Korean, and Swedish.
PLAY & SPORTS
• Tuesdays from 4–6 pm, the gymnasium is open.
All children up to 12 years old with their families are welcome.
• No registration required.
• No cost.
• A simple snack is provided.
• There is always trained staff on site.
The gym is large and can accommodate both play and various sports at the same time.
Questions about children’s activities in English? Contact geri.lindberg@immanuelskyrkan.se
Youth
YOUTH CHOIR
•Do you love to sing?
HELLO YOUTH!
Follow us @immanuelunga on Instagram
IMMANUEL YOUTH
•A safe place in the middle of town
FREDA is a place where you as a teenager can meet new friends, have fun, hang out and have the opportunity to talk about life and faith. We meet every Friday at 6.30–10 pm.
CONFIRMATION
•Do you want to be confirmed at Immanuel Church? Come to the information meeting for parents on Thursday, December 5, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm, or read more on the website.
The Youth Choir is for youths between 13 and 25 years old. Each term, we choose different themes for services, concerts, music cafés, and other events at Immanuelskyrkan. Everyone has a say in the repertoire, so we sing songs we all enjoy.
You don’t need to be able to read sheet music, but it’s a plus if you know a little – if not , you’ll learn as you go. We often sing in three or four parts and we are always challenging ourselves to develop musically.
We frequently perform concerts with a band and with other choirs or groups in the congregation. Warm welcome!
Age: 13–25 years
Rehearsal: Mondays 6–7.15 pm. No audition required
Contact and info: therese.borjesson@immanuelskyrkan.se
YOUNG ADULTS
•Bible Study
For Bible studies, we meet at Kungstensgatan 17 (Immanuelkyrkan, youth room) on Tuesdays 7–9 pm, we enjoy a small dinner, dig into the Bible together, and end with prayer. For latest updates, pleace follow us @immanuelsthlm.ya on instagram
CONTACT DETAILS IMMANUEL CHURCH
Kungstensgatan 17, Stockholm, T-bana Rådmansgatan www.immanuel.se
08-587 503 00
info@immanuelskyrkan.se
@immanuelskyrkan
@immanuelskyrkan stockholm
www.youtube.com/immanuelstockholm
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO BECOME A MEMBER: immanuel.se/en/about-the-church/membership/
IS THIS CONTEXT NEW TO YOU? It can be difficult to know where or who to turn to. Do you want us to contact you? Scan the QR code below and fill in your details and we’ll be in touch. Absolutely unconditional, of course. Welcome to our community!