About Us

Emmanuel Lutheran Church is a body of believers made up of people from different backgrounds and stories joined together because of the gospel of Christ. We are in Beresford, SD. Our faith is based on the Bible and centered on Jesus Christ.

We invite you to come and check us out this weekend at one of our worship services. We know that going to a new church can be intimidating, so we try to do things in a way where you’ll feel welcome and not like an outsider. When you come, you may participate or just sit back and observe. You’ll discover warm atmosphere, practical teaching from God’s Word and lots of friendly people serving God’s mission together.

At Emmanuel we value the family, and we believe church is a place for people of all ages. Every Sunday we provide children’s ministries alongside our regular worship services. Our Sunday School Program provides an age-appropriate environment for kids to encounter Christ.

Celebrating over 125 years of God’s Grace.

June 21, 1893

New Congregation charter was formed with 14 members and affiliated with the Hauge Lutheran Synod.

July 8, 1894

They dedicated Emmanuel Lutheran Church, a name chosen because it means “God with us.”

1907-1910

The church building was expanded. The Lady’s Aid was organized in 1891 and they worked hard toward the growth of Emmanuel Lutheran.

1917

Emmanuel Lutheran changes affiliation to become a congregation of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America. Today Emmanuel Lutheran is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

1944

The Ladies Aid purchased the land adjacent to the church property for a parsonage and parish house.

1946

The church building was expanded. The Lady’s Aid was organized in 1891 and they worked hard toward the growth of Emmanuel Lutheran.

April 25, 1948

The cornerstone of Emmanuel Lutheran Church was laid, and baptized membership totaled 376 members.

1956

The pipe organ was purchased.

1960

Stained-glass windows were installed.

1966

Emmanuel Lutheran broke ground for the new Parish Education Unit which included 17 classrooms, offices, and library.

1968

Emmanuel celebrated its 75th anniversary with 733 baptized members.

1987

Land north of the church was purchased and became the church parking lot.

1994

The lower Narthex structure was added to accommodate street level access and an elevator was added to the sanctuary level and up to the balcony level and down to the fellowship hall.

1997

The Bell Choir began.

2007

The Parish Nurse Team began.

2010

Emmanuel purchased a grand piano to enhance the music ministry of worship.

2020

Emmanuel began using FACEBOOK live to stream worship services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Live streaming of worship has continued to serve both members of the congregation and to reach out to the community.

2021

Emmanuel updated a new website that is again being updated in 2024 to meet the growing needs of the congregation.

Church Council and Staff

Elected Leadership Team: Emmanuel Lutheran Church Constitution outlines our leadership process. Our Church Council is made of an Executive Board: President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Council is made of Chairperson for: Membership, Mission and Outreach, Worship, Music, Education, and Property. These are all elected members by the church members during the annual meeting.

Emmanuel Lutheran is blessed to have a leadership team who are truly dedicated to Christ and accomplishing His will. The following are brief biographies of our paid staff.

Council President - Troy Anderson
Council Vice President - Junelle Hansen
Council Secretary - Amber Sorensen
Council Treasurer - Abby Sorensen

Music Committee Chair –
Marilyn Carlson Aronson
Worship Committee Chair –
Amanda Jensen
Membership Committee Chair –
Darcy Christensen

Christian Education Chair –
Abby Halvorson
Mission & Outreach Chair –
Janice Coleman
Properties Committee Chairs –
Stan Peterson

EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH