About Immanuel Lutheran Church
Immanuel Lutheran Church - Las Vegas, New Mexico
Immanuel is a confessional, liturgical congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. We gather around Christ’s Word and His gifts—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper—so that sinners are called, forgiven, and strengthened for life in Christ.
Come Hear Christ. Come Receive His Gifts.
What We Believe
- Scripture — We confess the Holy Scriptures as the inspired, inerrant Word of God.
- Christ — is true God and true man. Salvation is God’s free gift in Jesus Christ: His life, death, and resurrection for sinners.
- Means of Grace — God gives forgiveness and new life through the Word and the Sacraments.
- Confessions — We hold to the Lutheran Confessions (the Book of Concord) and the Creeds (Apostle, Nicene, Athanasian) as a faithful exposition of biblical doctrine.
Our Affiliation
A member congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Immanuel is part of the LCMS. We affirm the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions as the church’s doctrinal standard. For a fuller explanation of LCMS teaching, see What We Believe on the LCMS website.
We preach Law and Gospel so people hear both their need and God’s promise.
Our Pastor
Rev. Solomona Rakotonirina
“Christ’s gifts are for sinners; come and receive what He gives.”
Our History
Immanuel Lutheran Church began as a mission of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in the early 20th century and was formally organized in 1921. From modest beginnings—worshiping in other churches and private homes—the congregation steadily grew, organized a Sunday School and confirmation instruction, and established itself as a permanent Lutheran presence in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
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Mission services in Las Vegas began before the congregation’s formal organization, with regular worship first established in the 1910s. Small groups met in available spaces across town until the congregation secured property and built a chapel in the early 1920s. Those early years were marked by perseverance: services moved between churches and halls, language shifted from German to English, and a core of families committed themselves to regular worship and Christian instruction.
As the congregation matured it acquired land at the present site and planned a new church building. Groundbreaking took place in the mid-1960s, the cornerstone was laid in 1967, and the current church building was dedicated on November 5, 1967. The building was designed to serve both worship and congregation life, with a nave, classrooms, a fellowship hall and kitchen, and a distinctive chancel and altar that reflect the congregation’s reverent, liturgical worship.
Over the decades Immanuel completed building projects, paid off indebtedness, and adapted facilities to meet the needs of worship and ministry. Improvements in recent years have included upgraded parking and accessibility to better welcome visitors and neighbors.
Serving the Las Vegas community has long been part of Immanuel’s life. The congregation has hosted community groups, supported weekly food distribution programs, and provided space for recovery and treatment programs. Immanuel’s fellowship hall and classrooms have been used by local organizations as a place of service and support. During the COVID-19 pandemic the congregation adapted quickly to offer worship and Bible study online so members and friends could continue to gather.
Immanuel continues to participate in local outreach, including meal programs and partnerships with community service organizations, seeking to share Christ’s mercy in practical ways while maintaining the church’s primary focus on preaching Law and Gospel and administering the Means of Grace.
The congregation holds a long-standing connection to North Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery, land that was donated for a cemetery and set aside to serve the community. The cemetery remains a part of Immanuel’s local heritage and witness.
In 2022 Immanuel celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of faithful witness in Las Vegas. Today the congregation remains a confessional, liturgical Lutheran church gathered around Christ’s Word and His gifts—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Immanuel continues to offer the Divine Service, Bible study and confirmation instruction, and community ministries that reflect the church’s calling to serve its neighbors.
Current leadership: Ken Krusemark, President; Theresa Weathers, Treasurer; Wayne Sonchar, Financial Director; Julian Weathers, Property Trustee.
FAQ
Do I need to be Lutheran to attend?
No. All are welcome to worship and learn.
Can I receive communion?
We practice closed communion and invite visitors to speak with the pastor first before communing.
What should I wear?
Come as you are; many wear casual to business casual.
How long is the service?
Typical Divine Service runs about 60 minutes; Bible study follows.
Is there childcare?
We do not have childcare at the moment, but we welcome children and encourage children to stay in the service. If you need assistance with your child, we will gladly help.