Children’s Laughter, the World’s Tears – and the Church’s Responsibility
The other day, I helped prepare lunch at my son’s preschool and got to be part of his everyday life for a few hours. Through the doorway to the kitchen, I could hear laughter, mischief – and sometimes a little crying – interspersed with the calm, reassuring voices of the wonderful teachers, before all the children settled down at their places around the table.
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I wish every child could grow up in a safe environment, surrounded by caring adults and with enough food to eat. But as we all know, far too many children in the world face completely different circumstances. At times, it may be tempting to justify or excuse war, violence, and injustice by pointing to the complexity of adult conflicts. But every time a child goes hungry, lacks a home, lives in constant fear, or is killed, the adult world has failed.
I often have to lean on Jesus and his clear stance in favour of children. ‘Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ It gives me at least a glimmer of hope to be part of the church – a place where we truly want to protect the infinite value of children. Even though we also sometimes need to be reminded that the conflicts of the adult world must never be taken out on children – no matter how complicated they are.
Just as Jesus blessed the children the disciples tried to send away, the Church must always be a voice that stands up for children. In our own church, every week we hear laughter and the joyful footsteps of children and young people from all parts of Stockholm – with roots in many different parts of the world. It’s a beautiful thing! A child is equally a child of God, whether born in Stockholm or Gaza, Russia or Ukraine, South Sudan, Yemen, Korea, or any other place in the world.
On Sunday, 10 August, we followed the example of the Church of Sweden and rang the bells of Immanuel Church for an extra long time for the people of Gaza. Our bells Gloria (Glory to God), Kyrie (Lord have mercy) and Immanuel (God with us) rang for peace, for the future and above all for the children. A bell ringing from Stockholm may not change much in the world situation, but at least for me it gave hope and renewed strength to act for a future where all children are fed and safe. Let us continue to pray together, for all the children of the world.
Jesus Christ, you who walked the path of peace and love, help us to follow it. We pray for an end to war and violence. We pray for comfort for all who mourn and for hope that light will prevail. We pray for justice and that we humans may learn to respect one another. Christ, we pray that in your love you will lead the whole world to unity and reconciliation.
Amen.*
*Prayer taken from the website of the Christian Council of Sweden
Esther Kazen
Pastor
3×11 at Immanuel – Theme: Gang Violence
As a society, we face serious challenges when it comes to gang violence. The media often presents a one-sided image of the gangs and those who commit the violence. Fear is widespread—but what happens if we take a deeper look? Who actually ends up in gangs? What draws children today into a world of violence? And what can we, as the Church, do to be a counterforce?
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Welcome to an evening at Immanuel focused on different perspectives on gang violence. Come as you are—whether it’s after an exam, work, or before bedtime—and spend time together while gaining new insights to take home. Soup, sandwiches, and a little something extra will be served in the church.
Drop-in from 18:30. The program begins at 19:00.
What is 3×11 at Immanuel?
3×11 is an evening where we learn something new and spend time together. 1 theme, 3 perspectives, 11 minutes. Each time, we share a meal and enjoy live music.
The name comes from Luke 3:11:
“Whoever has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”
3×11 always offers three perspectives—knowledge, faith, and community—on one and the same topic.
The Expert:
Paulina Fröling works as a psychologist at a SiS home (Swedish National Board of Institutional Care) in Stockholm. Her daily work involves meeting children and young people who are, in various ways, involved in gang-related environments.
Paulina will share a picture of a typical youth she encounters. Is it just anyone who ends up at a SiS facility? And what does it mean for a young person to be locked up?
The Theologian:
Olle Jonasson is a chaplain at a detention center and also works with the community Rastplats Söder. In his role as detention chaplain, Olle meets children suspected of crimes. He will focus on how gangs operate and their process of normalizing serious offenses. How do gang strategies work? And can the Christian faith help us understand gang violence?
Sharing a meal and nurturing meaningful relationships is an important form of resilience against violence. We engage in conversations around the tables and foster a sense of togetherness in the room.
See you on September 3rd at kl 19!
Daniel Wramhult, New Director of Operations
In the spring, we posted an advertisement for the newly established position of Operations Manager, who will work closely with the Senior pastor on the internal organization and part of the staff. Previously, there was a management support role next to the director, but this new position replaces that role.
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We are now pleased to announce that we have hired Daniel Wramhult, 51 years old, for this position. Daniel comes most recently from the position of Senior pastor at Immanuelskyrkan in Jönköping, where he has served for 6 years. In addition, he has extensive leadership experience from Södra Vätterbygdens Folk High School, Wettershus retreat center, and two other congregations. Daniel will assume his position on October 1st.
Young Adults: Join Us for Pilgrim’s Autumn Gathering!
From October 24th to 26th, a group of young adults from Immanuel Church will be traveling to the Pilgrim Autumn Meeting in Linköping—a weekend for those longing for fellowship, tranquility, fresh perspectives, and deeper faith.
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You can register through the Pilgrim website:
The cost is 595 SEK. We will also be traveling there and back together and staying overnight as a group during the weekend. If you want to join us and stay with us, you need to fill out this form. You can also find more information about our trip to the Pilgrim Autumn Meeting at that link:
We plan to coordinate travel and accommodation at a cost of approximately 1,500 SEK.
The price is cost-based and may be slightly higher or lower. The exact amount will be communicated once all bookings are confirmed.
Would you like to join but need financial assistance?
Contact:
Pastor Esther Kazen – esther.kazen@immanuelskyrkan.se .
If you have any other questions regarding our trip to the Pilgrim Autumn Meeting, please contact:
Alice Forss – alice.forss@immanuelskyrkan.se .
👉 Keep an eye on our Instagram (@immanuel_ungavuxna) to see more about what’s happening this fall!
You’re warmly welcome to join us!
After Worship!
This fall, we’re launching a new activity after the Wednesday service called After Worship. After Worship is a place where you can come after work, after picking up the kids, or maybe after an exam to hang out with others. We have a variety of activities planned just for you!
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Floorball – Every Wednesday – Take the chance to join a floorball team! Open to everyone!
Café/hang-out – Every Wednesday – No pressure! Bring your own lunch or buy a snack at our café, play games, or just hang out!
Note – Every Wednesday – This is for students and young adults (read more about it in the text below).
Creative Sessions – A few times this fall, we’ll get together to be creative! Activities will range from sewing with a sewing machine to working with clay.
Registration is required, and more information will be coming soon. Keep an eye on our Instagram!
Book Club – A few times this fall, we’ll meet to read Lila by Marilynne Robinson. Registration is required.
Welcome to the Congregational Meeting!
On September 14th, after the service, we invite you to the first congregational meeting of the fall at 13:00. More information about the agenda will be posted on the website calendar during week 37.
Equmenia is active again!
A big thank you to the young people who have worked incredibly hard to get the Equmenia association up and running again.
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There is a great deal of research on what happens when trust is given—how self-esteem is strengthened, how the mutual desire to support and help grows, how collaboration and efficiency increase within an organization, and more.
I’m sure many of us remember, in a very special way, the people who gave us that important trust—when we were given a real responsibility and felt the confidence to carry it out. Personally, I probably wouldn’t be working in the church today if it hadn’t been for those real tasks I was entrusted with. I got to try, fail, and learn, again and again. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now, we finally have an active Equmenia association again at Immanuel Church. I truly hope that the young people involved there feel that trust. You deserve it, and we need you. A big thank you to the young people who have worked incredibly hard to get this Equmenia association up and running again. Thank you!
/Simon, Children and Family Coordinator
Confirmation Celebration – Joint Service on September 7
Welcome to a joint service where this year’s confirmands will participate and conclude their confirmation year. We will hear stories and see glimpses of their experiences, welcome new members, and celebrate communion together.
You are warmly invited!
True North 2025: Trusting in Jesus!
During the 4-8 of August, 43 children and 25 volunteers gathered for a week of sharing fun times while learning about the truths of Jesus through the Gospel of Matthew. Through our program called “True North,” with our background in Alaska, we spent the week exploring God’s creation by learning more about nature, and the animals who live there, but most importantly about His greatest creation of all….. Us.
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We learned that no matter what comes our way in life, we can trust Jesus. We learned that God is with us through the good times and the bad. Through our different stations we focused on one particular theme and bible story for each day. Our time together started in our big group gathering with songs, skits and introduction of the theme and Bible verse for the day.
After this, the children broke up into their smaller groups and went off to experience a time of Bible stories, Crafts, gym time, sticky scriptures, and snacks.
Each station was led by amazing volunteers who were ready to meet the children with plenty of love and energy. We closed our days off by gathering in our large group again for our closing songs, discussion and prayer. We are thankful to God for the many ways His presence was felt throughout the week. God has blessed us all richly, and we look forward to seeing the fruit that grows from our week together.
/Geri Lindberg Children’s director
NOTE – a choir for students and young adults
Looking for a fun break in your everyday routine – a chance to recharge and connect with others? You’re warmly welcome to sing with us, whether you’re an experienced choir singer or just curious to give it a try! Our repertoire is diverse, ranging from simpler pieces to more advanced arrangements. But our main focus is on the joy of singing and creating a sense of community.
The choir is a collaboration between Immanuelskyrkan and the University Chaplaincy in Stockholm.
For questions or to sign up: asa.bosdotter@immanuelskyrkan.se
Ekumenical week in Stockholm,
August 18-24
The Week of Christian Unity is now in full swing as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the great ecumenical movement Stockholmsmötet från 1925 and its focus is on peace and unity. The churches within the Christian Council of Sweden are hosting over 70 seminars, a worship night, and a grand ecumenical service with invited international church leaders and guests—including members of the royal family and the Prime Minister.
We are celebrating ecumenism, gathering young adults for a festival, and inviting children, youth, and seniors to a joyful public event in Kungsträdgården.
There’s something for everyone!
Swedish Service at 11.00 in the big Sanctuary
10:45 Quiet Music · 11:00 Worship Service
Children’s Church every Sunday
You can also watch the services online on Facebook, our website, and YouTube.Every Sunday, we serve coffee and refreshments after the service in the church foyer.
Welcome!
Korean Service at 11.00 in the Waldenström Hall
The services are also available to watch online on our website.
Sunday School in Korean is offered every Sunday for children aged 2–14.
Join us for coffee and fellowship after the service in the café. Welcome!
International Service 11.00 in Congressen on level K1
All Sunday services can also be viewed online on our website and on YouTube.
Sunday School in English is offered every Sunday for children ages 3-14.
Faith Builders Sunday School for ages 12-14 will be on a summer break.
Join us for Fika after the service in Paus on level K1. Welcome!
Högtidsdagar
Kerstin Fränne 80 år 1 september
Ziad Abu-Ali 60 år 1 september
Pierre Sandwall 60 år 3 september
Alice Gatonga 70 år 15 september
Nighesti Worede 70 år 15 september
Rozina Juliet Farhat 60 år 19 september
Nya medlemmar
Minjee Park
Hyunjin Kwon
Karl Spets Blomberg
Anna Johansson Krigholm
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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.
Thank you for all gifts through money, time and commitment.
모든 헌금에 감사 드립니다.
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