First Church Martin Luther King Jr Remembrance Service:
One Nation, One Dream

Come join us as we celebrate the renowned preacher, civil rights activist and ‘drum major for justice,’ the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This event will take place Monday, January 20th at Faith Church at 3pm. Our guest speaker is Mr. Andre Keitt, a multifaceted Connecticut Storyteller, Educator, Performance Artists; and Greatheart Griot, who is a member of the First Church of Christ in Hartford, and serves on its history committee (among his many other callings).

This program will be IN-PERSON, and you may join us via our LIVE STREAM here or at www.faithmatterstoday.org.

As we approach the end of the year, it is time to begin preparing your Annual Reports. These reports are crucial for reviewing the year’s activities and planning for the future.

Please prepare your committee’s annual report and submit it to Francene Adlam via email at adlamf.admin@iccucc.org, by January 13, 2025, at the latest.

Your report should include an overview of the committee’s work, accomplishments, challenges, and any recommendations for the coming year. If you have any questions or need assistance in preparing your report, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your dedication and leadership in serving our church community. We look forward to your reports!

Immanuel Church has been invited by Center Church in Hartford to participate with them in a workshop focused on Transgender/Nonbinary affirmation led by the Southern New England Conference of the UCC. It will be held at Center Church on Sunday, January 12, 12:00-2:30pm.

The workshop will introduce key concepts related to gender and will help their congregations and communities. Center Church is providing lunch.

The transgender and nonbinary community has long faced discrimination and violence. This is expected to intensify as the new administration takes office on January 20. Please join others from Center and Immanuel and learn more about how we can be a more affirming and supportive congregation.

Please contact Francene Adlam at immanuel06105@gmail.com in the Church Office to register, or call 860-527-8121. And let her know if you have any dietary restrictions and if you would like to carpool.

An in-person budget discussion will take place, also featuring an overview of the proposed 2025 budget. This session will allow for similar engagement with time allocated for questions and discussion.

A final budget will be presented and proposed during the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26th. Everyone is encouraged to attend one of these two discussions to contribute their tho8ughrs and ensure a transparent budget process.

During these cold winter nights, 50 homeless folks wait for Hartford’s overnight shelter run by South Park Inn to open its doors at 7pm. Upon entering, folks are greeted with a hot meal.

On Wednesdays from January through March, those meals and desserts will be provided by Immanuel! The Social Action and Mission team will take care of alternate Wednesdays, beginning January 1. We hope you will help with the other Wednesdays!

Will you help?

• Shop for food (recipes and amounts will be provided) and deliver to Immanuel.

• Provide clementines and/or bananas for 50

• Provide cookies / dessert for 50

• Prepare food with others late Wednesday afternoons in Immanuel’s kitchen

• Deliver food to shelter on Washington St. at 6:30pm

• Donate money to purchase groceries “shelter meals”

If you are able to join us, please sign up on the social action board in Fellowship Hall or contact Nancy Rion (nancyrion2@gmail.com). We will email you to learn how you’d like to contribute and what dates for work you.

Jesus encouraged us to feed the poor. We hope you will help us in this effort.

Thank you from the Social Action and Mission Team.

This budget discussion, and the one on January 11th, are aimed at reviewing the proposed budget and gathering input from the congregation.

Tuesday, January 7th at 7pm:
A virtual budget overview will be held via Zoom, providing an opportunity for participants to learn about the proposed budget for 2025. The session will also include time for questions, comments, and discussion.

Saturday, January 11th at 9am:
An in-person budget discusion will take place, also featuring an overview of the proposed 2025 budget. This session will alllow for similar engagement with time allocated for questions and discussion.

Both sessions are designed to encourage participation and feedback. A final budget will be presented and proposed during the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26th. Everyone is encouraged to attend one of these two discussions to contribute their tho8ughrs and ensure a transparent budget process.

It’s time to put away the Christmas decorations and we can use your help!

On Monday, January 6th, at 9am, we will “de-decorate” the sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, and the church parlor. If you can join us, please let Judi Gilligan know at judith.gilligan@gmail.com

On Sunday January 5th we will celebrate Holy Communion and there will be an Epiphany Pageant (Like a Christmas Pageant only different!!).  A thoughtful, joyful and fun way to begin the new year!

Memorial Service for Carol Lee Joslin

A service celebrating the life of Carol Lee Joslin will be held on Saturday January 4th at 11am in the sanctuary of our church. She was a life long member of this church and contributed in so many ways to the ministry of Christ through our church. Brooks and the family will look forward to welcoming you to that service after which there will be a reception so that you and others can continue to share memories of her. Let us continue to pray for God's comfort to surround Brooks and Spencer and the whole extended family.

Silent Night, Holy Night

Christmas Eve at 5pm a beautiful sanctuary is decorated for a special family friendly worship service!  The service includes readings of the story of Jesus' birth, carol singing to celebrate, inspiring music to make our hearts fill with joy!  Truly one of the most wonderful worship services all year.   A Children's message for all ages and a sermon declaring "Love Knows Your Name!" will be meaningful for everyone. At the end of this beautiful service, each person will light a candle.

If you are looking for a place to celebrate the coming of Jesus, we invite you to bring your family and friends and sing praises for God's precious gift:  Love has come down for everyone!

After we celebrate Joe, continue to celebrate the holidays at Elicit Brewing Co. (165 Adams St. Manchester). Food and a variety of beverages. It’s always fun, and there’s no need to RSVP - just come!

It’s always a great way to mingle and enjoy each other’s company. If you have questions, reach out to Jennifer Gaudet or contact the Church Office at 860.527.8121.

Our beloved and long-serving Joe Joiner is retiring at the end of this month after serving our Church for more than 30 years. On December 22nd we will honor Joe in worship and then we will have an enhanced Fellowship Hour that will include toasting and roasting Joe!

We invite you to make a contribution to a purse being collected for him. Your donation should be designated for Joe - Retirement.

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.