Slowing Down – and Discovering God’s Presence
Last week the staff group in Immanuel Church went to Vadstena, one of Sweden’s most important pilgrimage sites. Saint Birgitta lived here in the 14th century and we had the opportunity to walk “in her footsteps” along the coast of Lake Vättern, together with a guide. During our walk we were given some quotes from Birgitta to meditate on. The first quote was: “It is not fitting for the wise to be in a hurry.”
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As I walked there and thought about those words, I smiled to myself. They almost felt like a mockery considering how most of us live these days.
But during our walk it became so clear to me how much you discover when you actually slow down. Things that are there all the time. One of the staff said afterwards: It’s like everything here breathes God’s love. That’s actually how it felt to walk there among dancing butterflies and blooming poppy fields. The realization that you are a small part of something so much bigger and that there is a Love that seeks us in the beauty of creation.
Summer is a time to slow down and perhaps discover the beauty, that is often closer than we think. There is something wonderful about days without demands, but summer is also a time to share the community with others. Therefore, there will be opportunities to meet in church throughout the summer. Of course in our three services every Sunday at 11:00 but also many Wednesdays when various activities are offered.
Under the title “Summer days with the deacons”, the deacons invite everyone who has the opportunity to various gatherings. The program is varied and we will, among other things, try out pilgrimages, listen to lectures, read poetry and sing together. For everyone aged 13 and up, we have a summer hangout every Wednesday between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM during weeks 26-32 with various activities and conversations about God and the questions of life.
I would like to mention our joint service on September 7 at 11:00 a.m. with confirmation for this year’s confirmands. Plan to be there!
As we head out into the summer, let’s not be in too much of a hurry but stop and enjoy creation and the Creator. “For in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28)
Carin Dernulf
Föreståndare
Faith, Friends & Fun with Immanuel Unga!
Every Wednesday from week 26 to 32, between 16:00-19:00, everyone 13 and up is warmly welcome to join the summer hangouts with Immanuels Unga!
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We’ll have fun activities like swimming, games, snacks, and relaxed hangouts – and in the middle of it all, we’ll take a moment to talk about life and God.
Some Wednesdays we’ll be outdoors, other times indoors – but always with a focus on community, joy, and a living faith.
No sign-up needed – just show up as you are and feel free to bring a friend!
More info about each week’s activity can be found on our instagram! @immanuelunga
Summer Services in the Swedish Fellowship!
From June 22 to August 10, we will celebrate Summer Worship every Sunday at 11:00 AM. Each service includes music, Holy Communion, and a sermon. Please note: Summer services will not be streamed online, and Children’s Church will be closed during this period.
Schedule:
10:45 AM – Music in the sanctuary and time for personal reflection
11:00 AM – Summer Worship with Holy Communion
12:00 PM – Fellowship with coffee in the church foyer or outdoors.
Summer Days with the Diaconal Team
Isn’t it wonderful with lazy, carefree summer days? But our fellowship doesn’t take a vacation. We want to offer opportunities to meet throughout the summer — and we do that every Wednesday! On the Immanuel Seniors page, you’ll find the summer activities and program. We hope there’s something for everyone. Unless otherwise stated, all activities will be held in Swedish. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
For more information click on the button below, visit the calendar on our website or pick up a printed program at the information desk in the church lobby at Immanuel Church.
Hi Hanna! Meet the New Music School Director!
Get to Know Our New Colleague! She’s led choirs at Kulturama, loves following all kinds of sports — and bravely made the move from Småland to the big city. Here, she shares a bit more about herself.
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What did you do before coming here?
Among other things, I worked as a vocal coach and choir conductor at Kulturama.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I enjoy watching all kinds of sports.
What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
I think it was really brave of me to move to Stockholm—especially as someone from Småland!
Ecumenical Week: August 18–24
We Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Historic Ecumenical Stockholm Meeting of 1925, With its strong focus on peace and unity, the anniversary week includes 60 seminars, two worship services with praise and music, and a grand celebration service with international church leaders and guests — including members of the Royal Family and the Prime Minister. We celebrate ecumenism, gather young adults for a festival, and invite children, youth, and seniors to a public celebration in Kungsträdgården. There’s something for everyone!
Meet David – Our New Pastor with a heart for Youth
From a little cottage outside Värnamo to Immanuel Church in Stockholm – David is our new pastor with a heart for youth. When he’s not playing floorball or talking about life and the world, he’s caring for baby Gösta together with his wife. Here, he shares about courage, moving to London, and the fear that became a calling.
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What did you do before coming here?
I worked as a pastor focusing on youth at Värnamo Missionskyrka, became a father, and lived with my wife and our son in a small cottage in the countryside just outside Värnamo.
What do you do when you’re not working?
Together with my wife, I take care of our three-month-old son Gösta. Otherwise, I enjoy playing floorball, cycling, and talking with people about faith, life, politics, society, and world affairs.
What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
Tough question, I think. When I was 22, I went to London to live and work for three months—without having a job or place to stay sorted in advance. And when I was 25, I started working as a youth leader in Jonsered’s Equmeniakyrka, even though I was afraid of young people.
Do you like to bake?
On Saturday, August 23, we celebrate an ecumenical service in Kungsträdgården. The group that plan for the day would like to invite everyone who participates to church coffee. For that, we need both volunteers and baked goods!
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If you want to contribute with some home-baked rolls, you can drop them off at the church in the weeks leading up to the event. We’ll store them in a freezer and make sure they’re delivered to the team in charge at Kungsträdgården.
If you’re willing and able to help out as a volunteer for a little while, please contact Elisabeth Lindgren at the Equmeniakyrkan office. You can reach her by email: elisabeth.lindgren@equmeniakyrkan.se
We Say a Warm Thank You to Oliver
– an invaluable youth leader
Oliver Mulder Nuorinko, who has served as a youth leader here at Immanuel Church, has now concluded his time with us. Oliver has been a rock in our youth ministry — a dependable, present, and deeply committed leader.
Thank you Oliver for everything you’ve contributed! We’re deeply grateful for your work and hope our paths will cross again in the future. Wishing you all the best in what lies ahead!
Churches at Pride July 28 – August 3
Each year during Stockholm Pride, Equmeniakyrkan collaborates with the Church of Sweden, the Christian Rainbow Movement, and others under the name “Churches at Pride.” Together, we offer space for conversations, worship services, and meaningful encounters. Within Equmeniakyrkan, we coordinate our events and will gather this year at Immanuel Church. Everyone who wishes is warmly welcome to walk in the Pride Parade with Churches at Pride.
Tuesday, July 29 – Worship Under the Rainbow
Thursday, July 31 – Brunch and Film Screening
Konfa at Immanuel 2026 – Take the Step!
Are you or your child interested in confirmation? Then it’s time to sign up for Konfa Immanuel 2026!
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Konfa Immanuel is a place where you can explore the Christian faith through creative expression and conversation. You’ll have the chance to meet new people, go on camps, and try out a variety of activities. We work with music, dance, art, sports, role-playing, collaborative projects, and more. You get to choose what interests you most. No prior knowledge is required. Everyone is welcome to join — whether you believe in God or not, whether you are baptized or not.
Everyone is welcome here.
Konfa Immanuel aims to be a safe space that values diversity and is characterized by warmth, love, and respect. We believe that differences are a strength and an opportunity. We want confirmation to be a place where you feel, “This is where I belong — whoever I am, wherever I come from.“
Our teaching and values are based on Immanuelskyrkans vision and approach.
“We are united in a belief in Jesus but have no categorical answers to theology, spirituality and biblical views. We recognise that everyone is unique and want to offer a culture of respect and trust for ways of interpreting, seeking and expressing Christian faith.”
“We want to embody respect for diversity in all our contexts. It permeates our approach to piety, theology, language, congregational vision, marriage, sexuality, music, youth work and much more in worship and ministry.”
Need to Talk? We’re Here for You This Summer
Every day, one of the congregation’s pastors or deacons is on duty and can be reached at 08-587 50 365. We are happy to answer questions or schedule a time for a conversation if needed.
Young Adults Head to Pilgrim’s Fall Retreat!
Pilgrim’s Autumn Meeting is an ecumenical gathering focused on spiritual guidance for our time. The weekend includes worship services, seminars, conversations, culture, and concerts. While the event is mainly aimed at young adults, it is open to anyone interested in participating. We will be traveling there together—more information will follow. For now, SAVE THE DATE: October 24–26!
Swedish Fellowship service – 11:00
From June 22 to August 10, we celebrate Summer Worship with music, communion, and preaching every Sunday at 11 AM. Summer services are not streamed online, and the children’s church is closed during this period.
- 10:45 – Music in the church hall, time for personal reflection
- 11:00 – Summer Worship Service with Communion
- 12:00 – Coffee and fellowship in the church foyer or outdoors
Korean Fellowship service – 11:00 in the Waldenström Hall
- Sunday School in Korean for children aged 2–14
- Coffee and fellowship afterwards in the kafestugan
International Fellowship service – 11.00 i Congressen
- Sunday School in English for children aged 3–11
- Faith Builders Sunday School is on a summer break
- Coffee and fellowship in Paus on level K1
Celebrating birthdays
Ulf Heimdahl 80 yrs July 1
Bengt-Enar Andersson 75 yrs July 8
Gunilla Bradshaw 75 yrs July 8
Ragnhild Wester 80 yrs July 15
Monica Braennstroem 70 yrs July 15
Mildred Westin 85 yrs July 19
Dag Elmér 80 yrs July 20
Gunilla Hjelmåker 75 yrs July 23
Håkan Martinsson 80 yrs July 24
Eunice Fenteng 60 yrs July 30
Susanne Staffansson 75 yrs August 1
Jae-Sook Kang 65 yrs August 2
Eva Hagén 80 yrs August 8
Lennart Wennberg 80 yrs August 18
Lennart Sjöholm 80 yrs August 21
Jamie Bolling 70 yrs August 23
Anita Hansbo 65 yrs August 25
Kyung-Ae Park 80 yrs August 28
New members
Gun-Britt Ottosson
Jan-Erik Ottosson
Baptism
Tilde Haglund
Gone to be with the Lord
Iréne Löfgren
* February 8, 1938 † June 9, 2025
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Svenska Swishnr: 123 418 32 24
International Swish nr: 123 189 13 08
Korean Swish nr. 123 184 98 43
Tack för alla gåvor i pengar, tid och engagemang.
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