May 2023
Under the watchful eye of LCMS Northern Illinois District (NID) President Allan Buss, Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee burned it’s 20 year mortgage on a building which added over 200% space for its Word and Sacrament ministry. The church addition was first dedicated by then-NID President, Bill Ameiss, in 2003. During this mortgage burning, the congregation was accompanied by trumpets while the congregation sang “Jesus Loves Me” and the Doxology and then were aided in singing “Rock of Ages” with guitar. The 160 year old church bells rang out during the actual burning.
Recessing out of the sanctuary during all three services, being led by the cross, Immanuel’s members witnessed the burning of the accelerated paid off mortgage (which saved the congregation 1.9 million dollars).
Pastor Yonker, Immanuel’s Senior Pastor said, “God is ever faithful. 161 years ago, He provided us with this great church and we added on to it a number of different gathering sites, namely: Luther Hall, the Pre-school rooms and bathrooms, the Jeremy Faga music room, the Vine – coffee and fellowship area, updated vestry/sacristy, 
executive conference room, full-sized kitchen and prep room, church nursery, 5 full sized bathrooms and all administrative offices. Now, only by God’s doing, it is fully paid for. We hope to continue to proclaim Jesus’ saving grace, teach His word and administer the Sacraments here for at least another 161 years or until Jesus returns.”
Source: Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee, Illinois
A church mortgage burning is a celebratory event to mark the final payment and retirement of a church’s mortgage debt. When a church successfully pays off its mortgage, it not only eliminates a significant financial obligation but also represents a testimony to the faithfulness and provision of its members, the blessings they have received from God, and serves as a testimony to God’s love for His people. By eliminating the mortgage burden, the church can focus more resources on furthering its mission, expanding its ministries, and impacting the community it serves.
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