Worship in Community
Sunday morning worship is the central shared experience of our life together as a congregation. Your presence matters! Come as you are, joyful or sad, relaxed or stressed, ready to give or longing to receive. We all know situations when we don’t feel “up for church” – too tired, too pressured, not in the mood. And yes, it can be hard to get out of the house on Sunday morning, leaving behind a leisurely breakfast, postponing a walk in the woods or getting the children dressed and ready. Yet our congregation invites and urges you to follow the call of your inner church bell, to follow the call to worship God within our faith community!
We gather for worship at 10am on Sunday mornings. A typical service lasts about an hour. We hope you’ll remain for a few minutes following worship to enjoy fair trade coffee, a cold drink and some refreshments in our social hall. You’ll have a chance to meet people and pick up a swag bag that includes information on our church.
There will be 60-70 of us present on a typical Sunday. Dress formally or casually, as you prefer. Most of us will be dressed somewhere in the middle.
Children of all ages are welcome in the sanctuary during our worship services. If you need a quiet place to sit with your child during the service, there is a “Family Room” located in the rear of the church, furnished with comfortable chairs and a bathroom. We have a fully staffed, recently renovated Nursery for children ages 6 months to 4 years old, also at the rear of the sanctuary. A deacon or usher will gladly direct you there.
There is a Children’s Message early in each service. Children are then invited to leave the sanctuary to attend Church School. Church School for Pre-K and older is offered during the school year, with outdoor children’s activities offered on select summer Sundays. Children may begin Church School anytime.
Worship at Immanuel is the most public and common experience of our life together as a community of faith. Through vibrant music, provocative and prophetic messages for people of all ages and strong congregational participation we seek to open ourselves to the movement of God’s Spirit in our world.
Sunday Worship
At Immanuel Church we worship at 10am. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month, and children are most welcome to participate in this sacrament.
Sacraments
Like most Protestant denominations, the United Church of Christ recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and Communion
Baptism
Baptism at Immanuel celebrates one’s belonging to the family of God. Parents and the congregation give thanks to God for the gift of new life in the community of faith. We give witness to the fact that we are related to this person and have a responsibility for his or her growth in faith. The most important meaning of infant baptism, however, is not about the child and the congregation, but it is about God. It is about God’s act that before the child can make anything of his or her life, before the child can say yes or no, God has already claimed and accepted this child. Baptism is a visible reminder that our salvation comes as a gift of a loving God who chose us before we chose God, who has loved us unconditionally with a love that will not let us go. Although infant baptism is typically celebrated at Immanuel, people of all ages can receive the sacrament of baptism.
Communion
Communion is also a sacrament that celebrates our identity and calling. For, in this sacrament, we are reminded of our identity as a member of the body of Christ, the Church. We receive our Lord’s gift of himself, his life, his love and forgiveness in order that we may live this gift and be his body in the world. Communion is a sacrament of love. It is an offer from Christ: to share life with us, to share ministry with us.
(from Do This to Remember Me!, by Rosemary Turner)
Additional Services
Collaborative Worships with Faith Congregational UCC: Held periodically throughout the year
We gather with members of Faith Congregational UCC in an ongoing relationship of love and collaboration with this historic North End congregation. We take turns hosting, celebrating communion together and continuing our partnership, seeking to work for justice and love in our world.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Joint Worship at Faith Congregational Church: Held annually on Martin Luther King., Jr., Day
We join with Faith Congregational Church and other area congregations to commemorate MLK Day, and to recommit to the work of racial justice. This is an opportunity to continue to build our partnerships in the community and to continue to work for a more just world.
Ash Wednesday Worship
We follow the tradition of Ash Wednesday with a solemn, intimate service in our Chapel, setting our minds and hearts for the Lenten season.
Maundy Thursday Worship
Join us for the Service of Tenebrae, led by church clergy and deacons. Many in our congregation find this service to be among the most touching and deeply moving events of our church calendar.
Good Friday Community Worship
We join together with Faith Congregational Church and Riverfront Family Church at noon. The diversity of the worship styles and participants makes the Good Friday service a memorable blend of people and praises.
Easter Sunrise Worship
For early risers, the community Sunrise Service, held at the Elizabeth Park Overlook is a tremendous way to join in the celebration of Easter across area Christian churches.
Easter Sunday Worship
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Pentecost Intergenerational Worship Service
Celebrate the birthday of the church, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, in this interactive, intergenerational, Spirit-filled Sunday. We worship with great joy and see where the Spirit leads.
Homecoming Sunday
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Book of Remembrance Worship: First Sunday in November
This lovely service remembers departed loved ones from the past year.
Annual Service of Lessons and Carols: First Sunday in December, 4pm
This beautiful service is a hallmark of the Music Ministry at Immanuel! The Immanuel Chancel Choir and guest musicians present a moving array of anthems, congregational carols and appropriate readings for the season of Christmas. Dinner is often provided after the service for a nominal fee.
Christmas Eve: December 24th, 5pm
An annual celebration of Christ’s birth, held at a time convenient for families. This time-honored event caps the holiday season with beautiful scripture and music that melts your heart.
If you have any questions about arranging baptisms, wedding ceremonies, or funeral services, please contact Susan Fisher, Church Administrator.
