Programs and Ministries

The Worship, Music and Education Ministry is an active part of the church life here at Immanuel UCC. The main objective for this ministry is focusing on the worship services as well as giving everyone the opportunity to express their spirituality through worship. This ministry also works to provide Christian Education for all ages, whether it is through our Children’s Ministry or Book Study for adults.

Throughout the year, the Worship Ministry offers Mimosas and Cupcakes on Easter Sunday, Muffins for Mom on Mother’s Day and Donuts for Dad on Father’s Day. Before heading back to school, the Worship team hosts a “Blessing of the Backpacks” Sunday in which students of all ages can bring in their backpack for a special blessing for the new school year. During the Advent season, the ministry hosts an Advent Workshop as well as a Blue Christmas service, because Christmas can be difficult for all of us.

Music plays an integral role in the worship experience at IUCC. Our music is typically traditional in nature but sometimes we let our hair down. Preludes and Postludes and most hymns feature the pipe organ leading into the congregation.

The Vocal Choir shares music spanning many musical genres and periods. Sometimes, there is a joint effort between both Vocal and Bell Choirs to offer up a rousing anthem. The Vocal Choir also sings at various special services, such as: Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Christmas Eve.

The Bell Choir is a beautifully melodic addition to IUCC's music offerings. It features a 4-octive set of Schlumerich Bells and a 3-octive set of Malmark Handchimes in its music ministry. Bell Choir provides music during worship once per month.

The Women's Guild is a committed group of IUCC women whose goals are to serve the church, as well as the wider world around us and to provide social opportunities for our members. It is open to all women in the church. We currently are a group of about 25. The Guild meets every other month January through November, culminating in a Christmas party in December. Our meetings are held in Volkening Hall at noon. Through fundraising and offerings we provide for needs within the church and provide support for many worthy entities beyond our walls. We also coordinate funeral lunches at the request of church families.

Congregational Care equips the congregation to care for each other as Christ cares for the Church. If a member is in need of a ride to church, the doctor or grocery store, or a visit from the pastor or one of our group, we're there to help.

The Fellowship Ministry helps provide fun and exciting functions for members and friends of the church to participate in during the year. Functions that have been held include the Men's Breakfast, Pasta Dinner, Team Trivia Night, Spring Tea, Hawaiian Luau, Wine and Painting Party, and Holiday Cookie Walk.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

On the first Wednesday of each month, children from Pre-K to 6th grade have gathered from 5:00pm to 6:00pm in the West Classroom where we share the Word through songs, crafts, readings, and games.

The Children's Program of IUCC has been a very active group. They participated in the Abundance Orchard curriculum, a series that took them on a journey through the scriptures that speak of food and food justice for all. They also experienced Compassion Camp, a five-week Virtual Vacation Bible School Program to learn about having compassion for others, for themselves, and for the world, through bible lessons and reflection, crafts, songs, and even a little yoga!

The Children's Program was also part of a virtual study, The Beatitudes: An Illustrated Curriculum, a twelve-session, verse-by-verse study of the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew. Together, through art, reflection, discussion, and activity, they explored Jesus' vision of God's inclusive kingdom, how Jesus turned expectations and traditional beliefs about being blessed upside down, and how to live into the promises of Jesus' Beatitudes.

The children of IUCC have been involved in many events and missions at the church and in the community, including Souper Bowl of Caring, ABC Promise Partnership Program, Advent Workshop, Christmas caroling to homebound members, and even a trip to a pumpkin farm for some good old-fashioned Fall fun!

The fourth Sunday of every month is also Family Sunday and the youth of IUCC are especially invited to attend and help lead worship.