What's Happening at Immanuel?

The winters here at Immanuel, located in “the tall green pines” of the northwoods of Wisconsin, can wear on the spirits of the Immanuel family particularly during the long stretch of time between the Christmas break and Spring Break. To break up that time almost 30 years ago, then Professor Ron Roehl developed “Miniclasses” here at Immanuel. For a number of years Prof. Mark Kranz took over the reins and now Professor Ross Roehl organizes members of the senior high school class to plan the event. In the past, classes have been presented on subjects as diverse as sign language, automobile maintenance, woodburning, and ice fishing. Each one hundred minute class is a stand-alone unit, with a goal of giving enrollees experience in a hobby, skill, or occupation that they might wish to pursue in the future. For example, those with a curiosity about the construction trades have gotten hands-on training in skills like house framing, electrical wiring, and the installation of siding. Those who l...

Team competition, regardless of the final score, has many positives. Being part of a team and working together for a common goal, the camaraderie on and off the court, the give-and-take required to accomplish your goals, the understanding that each has a role to play, and learning to have your teammates' back are just some of the benefits. Basketball is a rough, tough sport requiring lots of hard work. Games and practices can get physical and result in injuries. Emotions run the gamut from elation to despair and everything in between. Athletes that continue in basketball through their senior year deserve more than just a "that-a-girl" or "that-a-boy". Teammates and fans recognize that fact and choose one game each year as "Senior Night." Posters of each player are designed and mounted in the gym. Prior to the introduction of the starting five for the Senior Night game, all senior players and managers are recognized and given a basket of goodies by thei...

The students have been enjoying a regular schedule of movie nights during these cold winter weekends. Normally the movies are shown Saturday nights after church. The students head to the gym to enjoy a movie on the new 16' x 10' motorized movie screen donated by CLC member Dave Aymond and obtained by Immanuel alumnus Rhiannon Roehl at a deep discount. The sound comes from the upgraded sound system installed by brothers Joel and Aaron Gullerud. The students are treated to popcorn from the Canteen provided by Nathan Lau and his family and funded by the Activities Committee. The movies have included Spiderman, Star Wars, Princess Bride, Transformers , and Super Mario to name a few. This weekend plans are to show the new Indiana Jones movie. Public displays of these movies are possible because the Activities Committee purchases a movie license from CCLI. The students seem to appreciate the chance to hang out with other students to watch movies rather than squirrel away in a smal...

The following is a condensation of a more complete review of the 2023 Immanuel Christmas Concert. One hundred and thirteen students, uniformed in chorus robes and in confession of faith, streamed into the sanctuary [of Messiah Lutheran Church in Eau Claire] singing “Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!” The selection for the service’s music had a perfect mix of each era and style. From pieces from Bach, Mozart, and Handel, to pieces like “It’s About The Cross,” each choice had a clear Gospel message and beautiful music to match the majesty of their words. Yet, the beautiful melodies and harmonies would mean nothing without the message that they proclaimed of Christ’s love and grace that came to earth to save us from our sin. This message was further reinforced by the five very special devotions interspersed throughout, and the powerful prayer that placed the focus exactly where it should be--not on the music or the choir, but on the gracious Father that loved us beyond anythi...