We have thought on Thy steadfast love, O God, in the midst of Thy temple.

Psalm 48:9

Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church began as the Ridgewood Heights Lutheran Mission in 1899, and was chartered as a congregation of the Missouri Synod in 1904. The new parish took its name from the Biblical village of Emmaus, where the risen Christ appeared to "Cleopas and his companion" on the evening of the first Easter Sunday.  Significantly, our Lord made Himself known to these two disciples through His exposition of the Scriptures and "in the breaking of the bread"  (St. Luke 24:13-35).  By these same means -- the preaching of the Word and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist -- the living Savior continues to come to us,  renewing our faith and gladdening our hearts with His abiding presence.         

We are a small parish, but we offer everything necessary for a healthy spiritual life:

• vigorous, liturgical worship grounded in God's Word and Sacraments;
• pastoral care in times of illness or crisis;
• serious Bible study for adults;
• a two-year catechism course for pre-teens;
• adult membership classes (scheduled as needed); and
• fellowship activities, including our deservedly popular luncheons and suppers. 

We also take seriously our responsibility to the church at large and to those in need. 

• We conduct a year-round collection of canned goods and other non-perishable food items to help feed the hungry.
• We contribute financial support to Martin Luther High School in Maspeth, Queens. 
• We offer tuition assistance to one seminarian each year at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 
• Special offerings received at various times support the work of our Synod's Ministry to the Armed Forces .

The pastor of Emmaus is the Reverend John Anwyl Stoudt, who has led our parish since 1995.  He received his education at Susquehanna University (B.A. in Latin and Greek), Fordham University (M.A. in Latin and Greek), and Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario (M.Div.).  Before coming to Emmaus he was the pastor of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Croydon, Pennsylvania.  He has served the Synod's Atlantic District as counselor of the Western Queens/Lower Manhattan Circuit, chaplain to the pastoral conference, vacancy pastor, and presenter at various workshops.  He is married to Faith (nee McElvain), who teaches second grade at St. John's Lutheran School in Glendale, Queens.