Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” is a method of meditation, reflection and prayer through a process of intentional seeing. Led by Donna K. Manocchio, during each session, we will explore some Advent Scripture passages with both words and images. Visio Divina is a guided process and does not require previous experience — just an open mind and heart.

Please join us! Tuesdays, December 3 and 17 at 6:30pm on Zoom. Register with Francene Adlam in the church office to receive the Zoom link.

Twice-monthly gatherings including a community dinner with active mentor support, fun games and hot-topic discussions.

Please visit the Youth Ministry page for more information or contact Minister Tracy Gormley.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Voce! “Lumen” will be presented in the Immanuel Sanctuary on December 15th at 1:00pm. Come and experience a warm, joyful embrace through beautiful music that shines bright amidst the cold and chaos of winter. Tickets are available on the Voce website, www.voceinc.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sundays, December 1st, 8th and 15th or online.

Gifts that give twice! During Advent, the Alternative Christmas Market gives us the opportunity to share our blessings with others, near and far. Make a gift in honor of those you love, to any or all of these four nonprofit organizations described below.

A gift to Church World Service sends the warmth of blankets to those in need around the world, and supports their lesser-known work of advocacy for LGBTQ rights and protections.

A gift to Heifer International with its global outreach will send a domestic farm animal of your choice or honeybees with hives, to a needy family in another country, to be shared with the entire village.

A gift to Loaves and Fishes will feed the hungry in Hartford, including those who come to Immanuel’s Soup Kitchen, were not only meals, but help and support are provided.

A gift to Hands on Hartford will provision a food pantry, as well as providing meals and counseling services aimed at combating hunger and homelessness in the Hartford area. Gift cards to their unique restaurant, Gather 55 on Bartholomew Avenue in Hartford, which is designed to support their mission word, will be available for purchase.

You will find church volunteers at tables in Fellowship Hall after Sunday services on December 1st, 8th and 15th. They will accept check or cash in support of any or all of these organizations.

You can also donate online using the giving page accessible at Immanuel’s website: Use the donation line and type in the name of the organization to which you are donating in the comment space.

And we may have a surprise organization to which you may contribute! Thank you for your generous giving!

Your Social Action and Mission Team

We invite you to our Festival of Lessons and Carols - a service celebrating Advent and Christmas season through congregational singing, poetry, scripture readings and performances by the ICC Chancel Choir, guest instrumentalists and the Trinity Academy Children’s Choir. 

Need a ride to Lessons & Carols? We want everyone to be able to attend this beautiful service. If you or someone you know would like to attend but needs transportation, please contact Minister Tracy Gormley at tracy.gormleyiccucc@gmail.com. We’ll do our best to match you with someone headed your way. Let’s make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience this special service together!

Sundays, December 1st, 8th and 15th or online.

Gifts that give twice! During Advent, the Alternative Christmas Market gives us the opportunity to share our blessings with others, near and far. Make a gift in honor of those you love, to any or all of these four nonprofit organizations described below.

A gift to Church World Service sends the warmth of blankets to those in need around the world, and supports their lesser-known work of advocacy for LGBTQ rights and protections.

A gift to Heifer International with its global outreach will send a domestic farm animal of your choice or honeybees with hives, to a needy family in another country, to be shared with the entire village.

A gift to Loaves and Fishes will feed the hungry in Hartford, including those who come to Immanuel’s Soup Kitchen, were not only meals, but help and support are provided.

A gift to Hands on Hartford will provision a food pantry, as well as providing meals and counseling services aimed at combating hunger and homelessness in the Hartford area. Gift cards to their unique restaurant, Gather 55 on Bartholomew Avenue in Hartford, which is designed to support their mission word, will be available for purchase.

You will find church volunteers at tables in Fellowship Hall after Sunday services on December 1st, 8th and 15th. They will accept check or cash in support of any or all of these organizations.

You can also donate online using the giving page accessible at Immanuel’s website: Use the donation line and type in the name of the organization to which you are donating in the comment space.

And we may have a surprise organization to which you may contribute! Thank you for your generous giving!

Your Social Action and Mission Team

Join us on December 8, 2024, at 8:30am in the Chapel, for a special event as students from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (HIU) visit our Bible Study!

The students are enrolled in a Master of Arts program in International Peacebuilding (MAP), a program deeply engages students in a skills-focused application of interfaith learning that changes behavior and drives lasting change. This is a great opportunity for HIU students to join our always spirited Bible Study group which is open to everyone and welcomes all questions.

A shorter Bible Study program will be followed by a Q&A and discussion with the MAP students. We invite everyone to come and participate in this unique time of learning and community. All are welcome!

Come and help us decorate Fellowship hall and the church parlor on Thursday, December 5th, from 10-12. It is fun and festive and will get you in the holiday spirit! Please let Judi Gilligan know if you can make it. Judith.Gilligan@gmail.com.

Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” is a method of meditation, reflection and prayer through a process of intentional seeing. Led by Donna K. Manocchio, during each session, we will explore some Advent Scripture passages with both words and images. Visio Divina is a guided process and does not require previous experience — just an open mind and heart.

Please join us! Tuesdays, December 3 and 17 at 6:30pm on Zoom. Register with Francene Adlam in the church office to receive the Zoom link.

Twice-monthly gatherings including a community dinner with active mentor support, fun games and hot-topic discussions.

Please visit the Youth Ministry page for more information or contact Minister Tracy Gormley.

Safe Church Training: What is it?  Individuals trained in Safe Church Training provide a safe environment for all people, especially children and vulnerable adults.  Our Insurance Company requires all members of the church who serve on a committee that works with vulnerable individuals must complete this training each year (this includes clergy, staff, council, deacons, ushers, social action committee, personnel, youth group and the board of Christian education).  Safe Church Training is offered on-line.  There is a video to watch followed by a questionnaire and a sign off page to be turned into the office (blank signature pages are available in the office).  Anyone can take the Safe Church Training (even if you are not on a committee).  To complete the training, log onto the website and follow the instructions. Safe Church Online Training

All individuals that are required to take the Safe Church Training should complete it by December 1, 2024.  If you have questions, contact Kim Powell at kpblanchard21@gmail.com 

Hanging evergreen boughs, wreaths and plants during the Advent season represents the everlasting life of Christ and the representation of hope and new life during the winter months.

Through readings and through actually decorating our beloved Sanctuary we will prepare our hearts and minds for the Season of Advent. Please join us, and bring your friends and family!

Sundays, December 1st, 8th and 15th or online.

Gifts that give twice! During Advent, the Alternative Christmas Market gives us the opportunity to share our blessings with others, near and far. Make a gift in honor of those you love, to any or all of these four nonprofit organizations described below.

A gift to Church World Service sends the warmth of blankets to those in need around the world, and supports their lesser-known work of advocacy for LGBTQ rights and protections.

A gift to Heifer International with its global outreach will send a domestic farm animal of your choice or honeybees with hives, to a needy family in another country, to be shared with the entire village.

A gift to Loaves and Fishes will feed the hungry in Hartford, including those who come to Immanuel’s Soup Kitchen, were not only meals, but help and support are provided.

A gift to Hands on Hartford will provision a food pantry, as well as providing meals and counseling services aimed at combating hunger and homelessness in the Hartford area. Gift cards to their unique restaurant, Gather 55 on Bartholomew Avenue in Hartford, which is designed to support their mission word, will be available for purchase.

You will find church volunteers at tables in Fellowship Hall after Sunday services on December 1st, 8th and 15th. They will accept check or cash in support of any or all of these organizations.

You can also donate online using the giving page accessible here on this website: Use the donation line and type in the name of the organization to which you are donating in the comment space.

And we may have a surprise organization to which you may contribute! Thank you for your generous giving!

Your Social Action and Mission Team

Remember the 2022 Power Summit? We will gather again with hundreds of leaders from across our region to ground ourselves in our shared values, to launch our new slate of issue campaigns, and to seek public commitment from elected officials and power brokers. This is a significant public action and a chance to demonstrate GHIAA’s power to win on the issues that matter in our lives.

Turnout from every GHIAA institution will be essential! GHIAA Power Summit will be held on Nov. 21, 6:30-8:30 pm, at Weaver High School located in Hartford. If you would like to sign up, please contact Francene Adlam at the church office at immanuel06105@gmail.com

Twice-monthly gatherings including a community dinner with active mentor support, fun games and hot-topic discussions.

Please visit the Youth Ministry page for more information or contact Minister Tracy Gormley.

The Stewardship Team and the Deacons invite you to an All-Church Brunch following the 10am service. It’s time to gather and enjoy each other’s company in Fellowship Hall. Food will be provided by the Deacons!

“We Are the Church!”

But, are YOU the church?

Yes, you are if you raise your voice in song and prayer on Sunday morning.

Yes, you are if you share in the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Yes, you are if you are uplifted by the Sunday sermon.

Yes, you are if you join in worship via Zoom.

Yes, you are if you join in Bible study on Sunday morning.

Yes, you are if you if you are part of the frequent book discussion groups.

Yes, you are if you sing in the choir.

Yes, you are if you serve on one of the church’s boards.

Yes, you are if you help at coffee hour.

Yes, you are if you pray—for the church, for one another, or for the world.

Yes, you are if you care about your neighbor.

Yes, you are if you are committed to loving your neighbor.

Yes, you are if you care about the children and youth in the programs our church sponsors.

Yes, you are if you support, financially or personally, Loaves and Fishes.

Yes, you are if you support our church’s outreach to the LGTBQ+ community here at church and in greater Hartford.

Yes, you are if you care about social justice.

Yes, you are if you care about the environment. 

SEE!  You ARE the church.  Won’t you prayerfully consider your support for the church with a generous pledge for the coming year?

Please bring your pledge to church on November 17th, for Consecration Sunday. You can also mail your pledge using the return envelope enclosed.

Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity. May God bless you abundantly in all that you do.

Stewardship Team: Bob Willard, Buck Rogers, Rev. Howard Mayer, Scott Reeves, John Karrer,
Rev. Jack Zappulla, Peter Barwick, Diana Evans

STAY FOR THE ALL-CHURCH BRUNCH, sponsored by the Stewardship Team and the Deacons!

Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” is a method of meditation, reflection and prayer through a process of intentional seeing. Led by Donna K. Manocchio, during each session, we will explore some Advent Scripture passages with both words and images.

Visio Divina is a guided process and does not require previous experience — just an open mind and heart. Please join us! Tuesdays, December 3 and 17 at 6:30 - 7:30pm on Zoom.

Register with Francene Adlam in the church office to receive the Zoom link.

As you know we hired a consultant to conduct a feasibility study in our consideration about whether to do a capital campaign. The interviews were completed and that report has been sent out to all of our members. We have scheduled a Second Hour after worship on November 3rd to give us a chance to talk about the report, its honest discussion of the results and to hear from all of you about your perspectives on the conclusions and recommendations. The council urges all of us to stay and participate in an important discussion about the implications of the report and next steps we should take.

What’s important to you about Immanuel? What do you value? Do our actions, programs and budget reflect those values? What is our vision for the future and does it reflect our values? These are questions we’ll explore in a facilitated conversation / mini-retreat on Sunday, Oct. 27th from 10-2.

We’ve all been through a lot in the last couple years. And now, we have an opportunity to focus on the future, to share what’s important to us about Immanuel — to dream together!

We’ll begin with worship. Then Ted Carroll, former President of Leadership Greater Hartford, will facilitate a discussion when each of us will have a chance to express what Immanuel means to us and our hopes for the future.

We’ll take a lovely break for lunch — and not just any box lunch! Chef Rob from Gather 55 and Hands on Hartford is preparing a special meal for us — two kinds of fancy pastas, roasted vegetables and salad! He will include vegetarian, gluten free, and lactose free options! If you have ever tasted his meals, you know we’re in for a special treat!

Following lunch, we’ll begin to talk about where to go from here. We’ll explore how we reflect our values in our programs, budget and our gifts of time. And together, we will begin to look to our future.

And because we are coming together in love as a faith community, we will conclude with communion.

So come to Immanuel at 10am on Sunday, October 27th; count on a delicious lunch, and plan to leave inspired at 2pm.

Because Chef Rob wants to be sure everyone has enough lunch, please sign up Sunday, October 20, or contact Francene with your RSVP.

Join us on Saturday, October 26 at noon for a fun-filled pop-up on S. Marshall Street. We’ll have the usual cider and donuts and free children’s books. And, once again, we’ll have free pumpkins for the children. The children can paint their pumpkins or just take them home to decorate. This is always a fun day!

Sign up in Fellowship Hall or contact Nancy Rion if you want to volunteer to help with the pop-up from 12-1:30. Come, join the fun!

Twice-monthly gatherings including a community dinner with active mentor support, fun games and hot-topic discussions.

Please visit the Youth Ministry page for more information or contact Minister Tracy Gormley.

Join Immanuel friends at Hands on Hartford on Oct 17 to honor our own Barbara Shaw who is retiring after 30 years of visionary leadership at HOH. This promises to be a fun, informal evening – dress is casual, laughter is encouraged along with so many opportunities for talking with friends and meeting other HOH supporters.

Because Immanuel is a platinum sponsor this year, we have 8 free tickets for those who would like to attend. If you would like to use one, please contact Nancy Rion. Come join us for this special evening!

NOT JUST US will be having a Greater Hartford event today at 2 PM to bring the Greater Hartford community together in unison to respond to the recent desecration of the Pride Sidewalk in front of Immanuel Congregational church. There was also a past incident where someone tore the BLACK LIVES MATTER flag. While the church took appropriate reaction to restore the side walk and the flag, the communities of diversity, will be coming together in union to call for inclusion, justice, love, and for all to be invited to and heard at the table of decision making. We need to END HATE ACROSS THE STATE.

https://www.facebook.com/share/4mnwuzvs6LjPybcN/?mibextid=9l3rBW

Twice-monthly gatherings including a community dinner with active mentor support, fun games and hot-topic discussions.

Please visit the Youth Ministry page for more information or contact Minister Tracy Gormley.