A Lutheran Church on Highway N
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School sits on the east side of Wentzville, Missouri, at 632 East Highway N, a short drive south of the town's older center. The congregation identifies itself as a member church of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) and traces its roots to the years shortly after Wentzville was settled as a village. Today it shares its faith and its day school with families across St. Charles County through a worship schedule that runs five services a weekend across two campuses.
Since 1874: From German Roots to a Wider Mission
The congregation's history begins in 1874, when the Rev. Fredreich W.G. Matuschka of New Melle founded it as The German Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wentzville. The word "evangelical" in that original name means "Good News" or "Gospel," and remains the church's aim. In 1889, the congregation joined the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, entering a wider community of LCMS churches that support one another and hold one another accountable.
Immanuel dedicated its first building on November 12, 1899, followed by a schoolhouse in 1900. The first commissioned teacher was called in 1947, marking a deep commitment to Christian education that continues in the present-day school. After more than a century in the original building, the congregation moved south of town in 2009 to its current facility, built on land donated by a generous church family. The move opened up more space and broader ministry opportunities than the older site could offer.
Worship in Word and Sacrament
Worship at Immanuel centers on Jesus through what the church calls an "order of worship," drawing on the historic liturgy of the Christian church. Services follow a familiar pattern: confession and forgiveness, responsive readings, scripture passages, confession of faith through the creeds, a sermon, the Lord's Prayer, the receiving of Holy Communion, and a final blessing. Organ hymns and piano-led praise songs tie the service together, uniting the congregation in thanks to God. Services typically last between 55 and 70 minutes.
Holy Communion is part of nearly every service. The church teaches that the Lord's Supper, along with Holy Baptism, is a "means of grace," a way God acts through ordinary water, bread, wine, and his Word to grant forgiveness, pardon, and peace.
Weekend worship takes place at the Wentzville campus on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. A second campus in New Melle holds a Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. Services are also livestreamed on YouTube. Snacks and coffee are available most Sundays in the Fellowship Hall from 7:45 to 9:30 a.m.
Two Campuses, One Congregation
Beyond the main Wentzville facility, Immanuel maintains a worship site in New Melle, where a Sunday service is held at 9:30 a.m. The New Melle campus shares the same pastors, beliefs, and overall ministry of the Wentzville location, and gives the people of western St. Charles County a closer place to gather for Word and Sacrament.
Equipping Every Age: From Preschool Through High School
Immanuel believes that families belong together in worship. Children are not dismissed for children's church or for the sermon, because the church teaches that such a practice would communicate to children that worship is only for adults. Instead, every Sunday morning service includes a short children's message, and Sunday School runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. for children from preschool through 8th grade. High school youth have their own opportunities, at times joining adult Bible classes.
Adult Bible classes also meet during the Sunday school hour, with sessions held in both the Fellowship Hall and the school cafeteria. Recorded Bible study audio is archived online for those who want to revisit a lesson or catch up.
The church's commitment to Christian education runs through Immanuel Lutheran School, located adjacent to the church and led by Principal Dr. Allison Dolak. The school continues the tradition begun with the first commissioned teacher in 1947, providing academically and theologically trained teachers and an atmosphere where children can grow in their unique gifts.
Embraced, Equipped, Engaged
The ministry of Immanuel is organized around three words: Embraced, Equipped, and Engaged. Together they capture how the congregation understands its life together and its reach into the world.
The Embraced side gathers newcomers and members around the gifts of God: the Gift of Worship, Holy Baptism, Grief Share, LINC (Love In the Name of Christ), and Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri. The Equipped side focuses on growth: Children's Ministry, Middle School Ministry, High School Ministry, Bible Classes and Christian Education, Small Groups, and Women in Mission (WIM/LWML). The Engaged side sends the congregation outward: Disaster Response, Lutherans for Life, the Mary Martha Thrift Shop, Hearts and Hope of Uganda, support for Lutheran High School families, a Meal Team, Prayer Groups and Prayer Chain, Worship Support, Music Ministry, the Worship Technology Team, and Facility Support and Maintenance.
Music is woven through both worship and ministry. Jordan Glock directs traditional music, Mike Schlipp directs praise worship, and Richard Garrison leads the choir. Together they support both the organ-led liturgical pieces and the piano-led praise songs of the weekend services.
Reaching Out in Wentzville and Beyond
Beyond regular ministry, Immanuel channels outreach through the Mary Martha Thrift Shop, which gives the community a way to donate and purchase clothing and household goods, and through Hearts and Hope of Uganda, a mission partnership. The Disaster Response ministry mobilizes volunteers when neighbors are affected by storms or other events. Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri extends care in the wider region, and Lutherans for Life represents the church's commitment to upholding the value of human life.
Pastors and Ministry Leaders
Immanuel is served by two Senior Pastors, Rev. Jason Auringer and Rev. Tom Roma, along with Associate Pastor Rev. Sam Pitsch. Rev. Don Matzat serves in Pastoral Education. Dr. Allison Dolak leads Immanuel Lutheran School as Principal. Bonnie Schulte coordinates Sunday School. Jordan Glock directs traditional music, Mike Schlipp directs praise worship, and Richard Garrison directs the choir.
Planning a Visit
Visitors are welcomed at the main sanctuary doors under the portico, where greeters are present and the Information Center Desk is staffed. A weekly newsletter rests on a small wooden table just inside the entrance. The church recommends arriving about ten minutes before the service begins. Dress is whatever feels appropriate: polo shirts, shorts, or jeans are as welcome as dresses, suits, and ties. Worship, learning, and fellowship all happen on the same campus, with the school, Fellowship Hall, and sanctuary sharing one location along Highway N.