About Immanuel
Immanuel United Church of Christ
“Where progressive theology meets traditional worship.”
We are a congregation of enthusiastic Christians who seek to share the love of Christ with all who enter. We have a heart for social justice and a commitment to audacious welcome and radical inclusion. We hold fast to the idea that, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!” Immanuel is a place where heart and mind can be engaged in worship. It's not a place that subtly mandates a specific creed or political affiliation. Nor are we uncritical of all things Christian. We're a place where your views and opinions are deeply respected and taken seriously.
Our service begins at 10:30 a.m. Feel free to dress casually or wear your Sunday best. Upon When you arrive, you will be greeted with a handshake offered a bulletin so that you can follow with the service. Seating is open and you can choose where you want to sit. As the service opens we share the peace of Christ with one another through handshakes, hugs, fist bumps or whatever is most comfortable for you. On the first Sunday of every month we offer communion, which is a sacrament that embodies God's grace to all of God's children. At Immanuel, we observe an open table which means that all people are welcome to participate, including children.
In 2001 Immanuel intentionally went through a discernment process concerning the congregation's views on homosexuality and the church. As a result of this experience, the congregation voted to become an open and affirming congregation. The open and affirming designation means that we fully support LGBTQQIP2SAA+ people as siblings in Christ without hesitation or restriction. We seek to embody this commitment in a variety of ways including overt inclusion in our worship and in all aspects of the life of our church.
Receiving new members into this fellowship coheres with the basic requirements of the United Church of Christ. If you are already baptized, you may join the congregation through confirmation, profession of faith, or letter of transfer. We have two forms of membership. 1.) Full membership in which your church membership is exclusively here. 2.) Associate membership in which you maintain ties with another church while also becoming a member here.
Members have two privileges that non-members do not. 1.) You can vote in official church meetings. (As a non-member you can attend and participate in all meetings. You just can’t vote. 2.) You may serve on consistory, the governing body of the church. (See committees.)
If you seek baptism or have questions about baptism, please contact the pastor. She will be glad to schedule a service for the sacrament of baptism or to help you if you are considering being baptized.