Our goal as a church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by teaching the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. Simply put, we believe God’s Word. And it is God’s Word that tells us plainly that all the genuine disciples of Jesus are to be involved in ministry to one another!
The ministries of Elim strive to provide times of encouragement, fellowship, learning, training and service for those in our church as well as those to whom they are ministering. Our people attempt to live out God’s Word by being there for one another, and by remembering always to point each other to the Word of God for answers. They also put their faith into action by serving the whole of our church and our community in a variety of ways.
There are many avenues of opportunity at Elim:
Sunday School
Our Sunday school provides weekly opportunities for learning about the events, personalities and truths of God’s Word. And we have two different tracks in which people may choose to be involved. One uses a consistent curriculum throughout age-specific classes (children through adults) so that every age group is studying the same lesson but in an age-appropriate way. It is our desire that the family will take these things and build upon them throughout the week. Our other Sunday school track involves a class for entire families to attend and learn together with no age separation.
- Nursery (3 years of age and under)
Nursery care for the little ones; beginning Sunday school for 2-3 year olds, meeting in the Nursery playrooms. - Beginner (4-5 year olds)
This active group meets in the larger room of the Nursery, outside of the playrooms. - Primary (6-8 year olds)
Meeting in the Fireside room of the church building, this class is taught by four young adults who teach on a rotating basis. - Junior (9-12 year olds)
We are privileged to have a wonderful husband and wife lead this class in the upstairs room on the west end of the church building. - Youth (13 through high school)
This discipleship class has its own meeting room on the east end of the church building. This group also meets for other activities. - Adults: You have a choice of 2 classes!
Adult Class: Each of the classes above follow the same curriculum that surveys the entire Bible on a 3-year cycle. An adult class following this same material meets in the Gathering Place, which is a living room setting in the back of the church building auditorium.
Family Class: We are pleased to offer this class for families who desire to attend Sunday school together, and for adults who want an alternative curriculum. This group meets in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday morning worship
On the first day of each week, the believers who make Elim their spiritual home gather at 10:30 in the morning for a time of corporate worship. It is our understanding that this is time to gather as disciples of Jesus for the purpose of worshipping the triune God according to the dictates of the Bible. We sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. We read God’s Word publicly. It is our joy to pray together as we seek to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who are sad. A shared goal is to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. And, of course, we are ministered to from a verse-by-verse exposition of Scripture. In all of this we desire greatly to remember that God is the object of our worship, and that we come before Him to honor Him according to His Word, not according to our desires.
Awana Clubs
Every Wednesday evening at 6:30 we are glad to host Awana clubs for kids aged 3 through High School! This is a high-energy and high-impact time where some great people give themselves to the kids who attend with love and a desire to see each child know Jesus Christ personally! Our Awana workers are dedicated to the idea that even kids can be approved workmen before God.
Weekly Bible Studies
It is our great joy to host weekly Bible studies at various times so that those who are able to do so may really get into God’s Word together. These studies provide in-depth concentration on Scripture with the full awareness that understanding God’s Word means applying it to daily living! There is a Tuesday morning study that meets each week at 10:30 am. Every Thursday evening at 6:30 the Thursday Night Toolkits explore God’s Word with a deeper emphasis on application and obedience. Each of these studies are open to people of all ages.
Special Activities
It is almost impossible to worship together and pray for one another without learning to really love! And so Elim also has a great bunch of activities meant to let those who attend enjoy being together! Each spring and summer Elim sponsors a team in the Rockford Area Church Softball League. Although we play for the fun of the game, we find that our team is often very competitive! Elim also sponsors a fall and winter church bowling league that is co-ed and a lot of fun! There is usually an annual picnic, hot dog roast or two, and all kinds of special concerts, meals, outings and events planned throughout each year.
Also, in a day of seemingly confusing roles, we know that God speaks clearly about the roles of men and women in the home and in the church. Because of this, both the men and the women of Elim plan times geared toward helping them become better friends, better husbands, better wives, and better parents! Our desire is to honor what God says about the roles of men and women and, in this, use each and every one who will serve in a way that will bring glory to His great name.