What the world needs right now – not more statements, but more Christlike lives
I am one of those people who find wonderful delight in watching the olympic version of sports I otherwise never watch. Over a few days in the summer or winter I become an expert in archery, weightlifting, curling and, as of last night, Big Air Snowboarding! Who would have thought it!
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I had never even heard of “Big Air” until I discovered it on the TV (admittedly drawn by the hope of a British medal) but the courage and skill of these young women was breathtaking and soon I was ‘up’ with the names of the various ‘tricks’, who the top athletes are and…..perhaps surprisingly, the vital importance of the coaches. Several times the commentators highlighted the role of the individual coaches who had mentored and guided the young athletes and made it possible for them in their different ways to attempt (what for me would be) the impossible! I was struck by the importance of a good coach to give the athletes the best chance.
The same of course is true in most sports. In the case of my own football team, Manchester United, the change of manager from Ruben Amorim to Michael Carrick has brought a complete change in the way the team has been playing, leading to four victories in a row, including over the top two teams in the league. Something about Carrick and his coaching team – their confidence, their vision or their strategic skill – has completely transformed the way the team plays. It’s the same players on the pitch, it’s the same game rules and the same supporters but the way they play has completely changed.
What it means to be an athlete with a coach is not a million miles away from what it means to be a Christian. The early Christians weren’t called ‘Christians’ at first. They were called followers of ‘The Way.’ Not a religion. Not a set of rules. Not a label to categorize them. But a Way – a path, a journey, a direction. And the one who showed them that way and led them on it was their rabbi, their teacher, Jesus the Messiah. The first Christians, and indeed all Christians ever since, are above all disciples. A disciple would live with their rabbi, listen to his teachings and try to put into practice not just what they heard but what they saw. The rabbi would show them what following the path looked like.
Nothing has changed! Rabbi Jesus shows his disciples what humility means, because we see how he gave up glory, power and safety to share our finite, creaturely lives. He shows us what devotion and worship mean because he was so completely at one with the mind of God. He shows us what it means to love because he gave space to everyone who needed him, whatever their age, gender, nationality, social background or religious outlook. He shows what it means to live a good life because Jesus embraced life to the full, even while never defining himself by what he owned, enjoyed or did.
I have been inspired by the winter Olympics – not to take up Big Air snowboarding you will be relieved to hear – but by the need to focus again on what being a Christian is really about…becoming a Christ-like human being. For that I need to draw close to my coach, my teacher, the truest and most complete human being who has ever lived, and to be present, humble and willing enough to learn from him. The world is going through a dark time, the most unsettling and challenging I can remember. What the world needs, I think, is not more ‘statements’ from the churches, but more Christ-like people “shining like stars in the world” (Philippians 2.15). Time to start training!
Huge Doyle
Lead Pastor at Immanuelskyrkans
International Fellowship
Motions for the 2026 Annual Meeting
All members of Immanuel Church are welcome to submit motions for the annual meeting. Please submit your motions to the church office or via email at motioner@immanuel.se no later than Sunday, February 15 .
If you’re unsure how to write a motion, click below.
Welcome, Elsa Nobuoka!
Elsa Nobuoka started as a pastoral assistant on Tuesday,
February 3. During February, David and Elsa will work together, after which David will begin his full-time parental leave. Elsa works part-time while continuing her studies in theology.
1. What did you do before you came here?
I have been studying theology for the past three and a half years, mainly within the Uniting Church in Sweden’s pastoral education program at University College Stockholm (UCS). During the last six months, I have been on an exchange semester studying in Ljubljana, Slovenia. I am back at UCS now alongside my work in Immanuel Church.
2. What do you do when you are not working?
Most of the time, I am studying, but when I have free time I like to play board games and have people over for coffee or dinner. Having guests at home is one of the things I value the most. I am also part of a book club that meets once a month and I love going to the theater, cinema and concerts when I get the chance, but it does not really happen as often as I would like.
3. What is the bravest thing you have done?
After I graduated high school, I attended a discipleship school and during that time, one of my friends and I were asked if we wanted to move to a small village in Skåne and work in multiple congregations in the area. We did not know anything about what it would involve but both felt something stirring within us and said yes. It turned into eight amazing months where we did not have any other choice but to trust that God would carry us, and He truly did.
Thursday Prayer for Our Worship Services and All Who Serve
Welcome to Thursday’s Prayer Meeting.
In March, we will focus on praying for our services and everyone who participates.
– Thursday, March 5 kl. 19.00, Waldenströmsalen
The prayer meeting is held in Korean. Everyone who wishes to join in prayer is welcome..
The Korean Fellowship’s Discipleship Program – Step 1
– An invitation to life of abundance
A 4-week Christian discipleship program exploring the Gospel anew. The program will take place in February on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 in the morning.
Open to new believers and anyone who wishes to reflect more deeply on the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
The course is offered in small groups or individually, using Korean study materials.
TO REGISTER, contact: kunmi.lee@immanuelskyrkan.se
Sunday, April 26 – Worship Service and Annual Meeting
Sunday, April 26 at 11:00 – Joint Worship Service
Join us in the sanctuary (upstairs) for our service, followed by coffee in the Church Square. During coffee, you can collect your voting card and ballot in Paus, one floor down. Please pick up your voting card early to avoid queues.
Note: Please collect your voting card personally; it cannot be picked up for someone else.
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13:15 – Annual Meeting begins in Congressen
Your presence at the annual meeting is important, so please come and join us! You can prepare by reviewing the documents, which will be gradually added to the “Annual Meeting Documents” folder on the member page of our website.
Price: 80 SEK
Tickets will not be sold on the day of the annual meeting and are available only through advance purchase. The last day to buy tickets is Sunday, April 12.
Those who purchase a lunch ticket can collect their lunch after the worship service, before the annual meeting.
Childcare (ages 4–11)
Childcare will be provided for participants of the annual meeting. Registration for childcare will be available soon.
Free Hot Dogs for the Kids – Welcome!
Probitas Annual General Meeting
We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to the company group’s annual general meeting, which will take place on April 16 at 18:00 in Congressen at Hotel Birger Jarl.
You are warmly invited to hear about the past year from each company’s CEO. After the annual general meeting, a buffet will be served in Paus. The meeting is open to everyone, but to help us plan for food, we kindly ask that you RSVP at anmalan@probitas.se.
/Sophia Hober
Sport Vacation – for children ages 7–12
Welcome to two fun and action-packed days with us!
This activity will be held in English.
Tuesday, February 24 and Thursday, February 26
10:00 – 15:00
Cost: 50 SEK per day (lunch and snacks included)
Feel free to bring a friend, a water bottle, gym clothes, and lots of energy!
Drop-off and pick-up will take place at the Church Square at Immanuel Church.
The last day to register is Sunday, February 22
Lock-In – February 27–28 for ages 13 and up
Want to have an amazing evening during the sport break?
Join us on Friday, February 27 at 18:00 at the Church Square.
It will be an evening full of friendship, fun activities, community, food, and much more!
Cost: 100 SEK (dinner, breakfast, and snacks included)
Ends: Saturday, February 28 at 8:30
Registration: by Sunday, February 22
Information from the Book Table
For several years, the Archbishop’s Lenten book Stigminnen has been available for sale during Lent. This year, the book is written by the photographer, filmmaker, and author Mattias Klum.
In Stigminnen, we encounter texts and images that, in a time marked by concern for the future, war, and environmental destruction, aim to inspire wonder and presence. The book is a meditation on the transience of existence, humanity’s dependence on creation, and our responsibility to care for all life. Stigminnen is available for purchase at the book table by the information desk.
Save the date!
Welcome to Summer Camp in Åre – August 12–16
Registration opens March 1. Limited spaces available.
Swedish Service at 11.00 in the Sanctuary (upstairs)
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 can also be viewed online on our website, Sunday school
in Korean is offered every Sunday. Join us for coffee after the service. 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.
Join us for Fika after the service in Paus on level K1. Welcome!
New Members
David Ollennu
Jin Jang
Jiman Yoo
Sigrid Torssander Janarv
Celebrating Birthdays
Suchitra Sumitran 65 yrs February 19
Michael Sundström 65 yrs February 19
Kyung-Hi Lee 70 yrs February 22
Christina Eriksson 70 yrs February 25
John Davies 65 yrs March 3
Viola Engström 90 yrs March 5
Sven g j Fernqvist 85 yrs March 14
Kajsa Olofsgård 70 yrs March 14
Gone to be with the Lord
Christer Lohrdén
* April 13, 1942
† January 3, 2026
Ann-Marie Persson
* May 4, 1939
† January 9, 2026
Elisabeth Korndahl-Ericson
* March 12, 1952
† January 13, 2026
Chul-Yon Yu
* January 19, 1940
† February 3, 2026
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GE DIN GÅVA / GIVE YOUR OFFERING / 헌금안내
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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