Didache [Did′ –ah-kay] is a term the early Christian Church used for “The Teaching.” It covered the main parts of Christian doctrine and was used to prepare persons for Holy Baptism and membership in the Church. Today we use the term to describe adult catechetical instruction.

Who should attend?
• Anyone interested in exploring the beliefs and practices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
• Anyone wishing to prepare for Baptism or Confirmation
• Members of Immanuel who want to review what they learned in children’s catechesis
• Spouses of members or other family members
• Members who wish to accompany any interested persons

How long is it?
• Twelve weekly sessions
• 60-70 minutes each

When does it meet?
• Sundays, 4:30 PM
• October and November, with a break for Advent & Christmas, resuming in January

At other churches, I can join after one or two sessions. Why does it take so long at Immanuel?
• Jesus commanded His ministers to make disciples “by baptizing and teaching all the things that I commanded” (Mt. 28) – to teach “all the things” requires a serious effort and commitment
• We strive to make doctrinally literate members, that is, those who have been thoroughly catechized in Biblical teaching (Acts 2.42).

How much does it cost?
• Nothing! It’s free! We ask only that you register so that we know how many materials we need to provide for our class. We will provide lesson books as well as hymnals and Bibles.

What will I learn?
• The chief parts of Christian doctrine as taught in the Bible
• The basics of liturgical worship, why we worship the way we do
• Scriptural, Christ-centered prayer
• Some church history
• What is means to live as a Christian in this world [Christian vocation]

What if I have to miss a class?
• The Pastor will make up missed material with you by reading assignments, pre-recorded classes, or a personal meeting
• We ask that you commit to finish all the classes so that you can hear all that is presented

What about holidays?
• We will not meet from Thanksgiving through Advent and Christmas. We’ll resume in January. A schedule will be handed out at the first session

What do I need to bring?
• Your willingness to learn
• Your questions!

What happens when we finish the classes?
• Those who complete the classes will have the opportunity to make a public confession of the faith they have learned, thus being invited to become members of Immanuel through Holy Baptism or Profession of faith [previously baptized Christians]
• The candidate has shown a desire to hear God’s Word, receive His gifts, worship Him, and has given evidence thereof by faithful, weekly participation in the Divine Service
• By demonstrating your desire to live as a Christian by renouncing sin and seeking to be free of its bonds in your life

If I become a member, what will be expected of me?
A member in good standing of Immanuel Lutheran Church:
• Attends Divine Service every Sunday, whenever possible
• Seeks to continue growing in the Christian Faith by taking advantage of opportunities such as weekly Bible Studies led by the Pastor and/or Vicar, midweek prayer services, and reading Scripture and praying at home
• Struggles against personal sin
• Strives to aid, support, and comfort all people, especially members of the Immanuel community who are troubled, tempted, sick, or in distress
• Supports the ongoing work of Christ’s Church through “time, treasure, and talent” according to the blessings God has given

What if I’m not sure about this?
• There is no cost, no commitment, no pressure. We are happy to share the Gospel with you!
• The best response to this question is the answer the Apostle Philip gave to his brother: “Come and see!” (Jn. 1:46)

To register, speak with Pastor Meyer, 812.232.4972, or send him an email: pastor.pgm@verizon.net