Directly after this morning’s worship service, Immanuel Congregational Church will hold this special Congregational Meeting. This meetings is to accept the Council’s recommendation to authorize life safety and other critical repairs to the 10 Woodland Street building, not to exceed $150,000. The meeting will be in-person and streamed live on Zoom.

This special congregational meeting is a follow up to Keith Powell’s presentation on April 28th of the necessary repairs needed at Immanuel.

On May 12, items identified as no longer needed by Immanuel (from the Cleaning and Decluttering process), will be on display in Fellowship Hall for your taking – the one requirement being that you must remove them from the building.  If you have any questions, email us at immanuel06105@gmail.com. If you’re available, please let Jennifer Gaudet know so that we can plan effectively (email jennifergaudet@sbcglobal.net) – but don’t let that stop you from showing up if you haven’t.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 11th from 9am to 1pm for the Annual Immanuel Plant and Flower Sale!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: On the day of the sale (set-up starting at 7:30am, selling, break-down). Donations of plants (gardeners, please keep this event in mind if you are “remodeling” or thinning out your gardens.) Help with publicity, BUYERS!

Please email Jennifer Gaudet at jennifergaudent@sbcglobal.net with offers of assistance or questions.

Tickets are $125. Scan the QR code below to register!

The event is free, and we are not asking people to register. However, it will help us plan if we have some sense of how many are attending. For that reason, we are asking people to consider filling out this online form: https://forms.gle/RfiCUjR88Xz6phwt8

To celebrate Immanuel’s 200th Anniversary this year, we have invited renowned civil rights leader, Bishop William Barber II, to speak on Sunday, May 5th at 3pm. Bishop Barber is a preacher, social activist, author and sought-after public speaker who became nationally known for his leadership with the Moral Monday movement in North Carolina. He has recently begun a new phase of his work as the founding director of the Center for Public Theology & Public Policy at Yale Divinity School.

This is an exciting opportunity for Immanuel, and we hope our sanctuary is filled to capacity to hear Bishop Barber’s powerful message of “Challenge and Hope.” There will be many ways for all of us to get involved in spreading the work before hand and welcoming visitors that afternoon. But for now, please save the date!

On May 5th, we will begin our celebration of Immanuel’s 200th Anniversary with a special service with Rev. Dr. Jay Terbush preaching on Rev. Horace Bushnell, the third minister at North Church (the church from which Immanuel is descended). Our chancel pulpit is dedicated to Rev. Bushnell.

We will be joined by our friends from Faith Congregational Church. Dr. Jay and Faith’s Rev. Cleo D. Graham will co-celebrate communion. This worship service will begin a wonderful day at Immanuel, followed at 3:00pm with an amazing speaking event featuring Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, renowned Civil Rights leader.

Y’all Drop In Choir: Join Us!

From now through April, ALL are invited on the second Sunday of each month (the first Sunday in May) to sing with our Immanuel choir. Arrive at church for rehearsal at 9am on these Sundays to be part of the action, fun and beauty of honoring God in song. No musical experience necessary; just open hearts! First drop-in date is January 14th. Hope to see you!

After being in our current church building for 125 years, it’s time to do a deep clean and declutter!  In advance of a number of special events to celebrate our 125/200 Anniversaries and the arrival of Trinity Academy, we need lots of  assistance to spruce up our beautiful church building.  Deep cleaning days have been defined:

Deep Cleaning Crews:  April 27th  10-3 and May 4th 12-4. 
Bring gloves, cleaning supplies, scrub brushes, toothbrushes, etc.

 
On May 12, items identified as no longer needed by Immanuel will be on display in Fellowship Hall for your taking – the one requirement being that you must remove them from the building.  If you have any questions, email us at immanuel06105@gmail.com. If you’re available, please let Jennifer Gaudet know so that we can plan effectively (email jennifergaudet@sbcglobal.net) – but don’t let that stop you from showing up if you haven’t.

Join our team - Immanuel Walkers in the Walk Against Hunger, Saturday, May 4th starting at 9:30 AM at Dunkin’ Stadium. Foodshare will allocate every penny of our team’s donations to Loaves and Fishes.

We hope you will WALK!

This year we are hoping many of us will walk in addition to donating. It’s a fun way to talk to our Immanuel friends. Pre-pandemic, as many as 60 people from Immanuel walked, creating a real Immanuel presence. Join our team at the stadium, and Walk with us – the whole route is 1.5 miles.

We hope you will DONATE!

1. You can drop off your donation (Cash or Check) at the table in Fellowship Hall.

2. You can put check in the collection plate putting “Walk” in the memo line.

3. You can donate on the Immanuel Web site . https://www.iccucc.org/give-online
Click on the Give Online button
Click on the “Donate” button in the “Donation” box
Choose amount
Choose “One time” button
Type “Walk” into the Note box below the calendar.

4. Or you can go to https://donate.ctfoodshare.org/event/walk-against-hunger/e553428.
Click donate now.
Select amount.
Type in “Immanuel Walkers” in the Search box.

Hunger continues to be a serious problem in Connecticut. Let’s walk together to help our neighbors.

Hermes Croatto sings to culture all year round! Enjoy Puerto Rican folk music in the voice and melodies of this beloved singer-songwriter.

Tickets available at www.boritix.com

This artistic tour is part of BoriCorridor, an initiative of Agora Cultural Architects with the support of the Mellon Foundation, which seeks to connect artists from the island with diasporic audiences in the northeastern United States and the organizations that serve them. BoriCorridor is the first virtual map that brings together cultural spaces, presenters, festivals and promoters of Puerto Rican culture.

The Service of Installation for Rev. Cleo D. Graham will take place at Faith Congregational Church in Hartford, 2030 Main Street on April 28th at 3:00pm.

Let’s strengthen the connection between Faith and Immanuel by being present at this important event in the life of Faith Congregational Church.

On Sunday, April 28th, Keith Powell will present an Informational Session highlighting some much needed repairs to extend the life of our church building and provide critical safety repairs important for Immanuel members and the children of Trinity Academy.  This important Informational Session will be a precursor to the Special Congregational Meeting scheduled after our May 12th service.

Background: The Immanuel Church building is turning 125 this year.  In February, Church Council authorized hiring Tiger Home and Building Inspections to perform an inspection of our building, something that has not happened in recent memory. We know that we have deferred maintenance on our historic building for too long. That, along with the collapse of the church in New London was an impetus to do this inspection, as was the decision to have Trinity Academy lease our second floor beginning in August.  

Church Council quickly realized the extent of the work required and the coordination to solicit bids to perform that work would not happen if we did not hire a Project Manager. Given that former Property Committee Chair, Keith Powell, was one of the four Tiger inspectors and that he has extensive knowledge of the building, a vote was taken to approve hiring Keith to oversee completion of this work through September. 

“Concert for the Earth” by In Trine, with Special Guest Lee Callahan

Brought to You by Immanuel’s Environmental Action Committee

Advance tickets may be purchased via Eventbrite at $25/ticket and $30/ticket at the door the afternoon of the concert. Ticket Link: https://bit.ly/ConcertForTheEarth

Invite your family and friends to Immanuel at 4pm on April 27th. In Trine is original folk music in alignment and harmony and was formed by Kate Callahan, Cynthia Wolcott, and Michelle Begley. Kate served as the 16th CT State Troubadour and is one of the most awarded singer/songwriters in Connecticut. Cynthia enjoys doing many different things in her life; one of her absolute favorites is singing with these two women. Michelle sings regularly with a variety of small and large choral groups and is blissed out when singing with her kids and friends. In Trine’s latest CD Lay it Down includes songs that urge us all to preserve and protect our Sacred Earth. Song titles include World War Zero, Spin Again, and Waiting to See, with lyrics that include “The earth will open up and spin again.”

The “Concert for the Earth” will first, celebrate Earth Week and our Sacred Earth, and second, raise funds for the Immanuel Church Green Fund to further green Immanuel and lower its carbon footprint.

Church and community members who feel moved to support the concert production and the mission of the Green Fund are invited to become “Earth Steward Donors,” by contributing at the Bronze Level - $100, at the Silver Level - $300, or at the Gold Level - $500. “Earth Steward Donors” will be given VIP seating at the concert. For info, contact Roland Axelson: rgaxelson@gmail.com or 860-817-2915

This very special concert is being widely promoted throughout the state of CT and beyond, especially reaching out to the numerous Environmental Organizations and non-profits, and multiple faith communities, all concerned for the environment and advocating for action to address the Climate Crisis. Rev. Dr. Jay Terbush will give the official welcome, on behalf of Immanuel Church.

After being in our current church building for 125 years, it’s time to do a deep clean and declutter!  In advance of a number of special events to celebrate our 125/200 Anniversaries and the arrival of Trinity Academy, we need lots of  assistance to spruce up our beautiful church building.  Deep cleaning days have been defined:

Deep Cleaning Crews:  April 27th  10-3 and May 4th 12-4. 
Bring gloves, cleaning supplies, scrub brushes, toothbrushes, etc.

 
On May 12, items identified as no longer needed by Immanuel will be on display in Fellowship Hall for your taking – the one requirement being that you must remove them from the building.  If you have any questions, email us at immanuel06105@gmail.com. If you’re available, please let Jennifer Gaudet know so that we can plan effectively (email jennifergaudet@sbcglobal.net) – but don’t let that stop you from showing up if you haven’t.

Open to those in 6th - 2th grade, born in 2006-2012, youth receive an extravagant welcome and hospitality in a safe, affirming place.

Community meals, supportive mentorship, fun games, hot topic discussions and exploration of a variety of prayer and contemplative practices are featured at these twice monthly gatherings!

A big thank you to all of the wonderful folks who joined us this past Saturday to clean up the gardens and grounds around Immanuel. You did a fantastic job and we even finished ahead of time. We have many special events happening at Immanuel in the next couple of weeks and everything looks great, however, there is one final step to be done –MULCHING.

We need your help Saturday, April 20th from 9 AM – 12 noon (rain date, Saturday, April 27th ) to help us mulch the gardens and areas around the church. Bring a wheelbarrow, gloves and a shovel if, you have them, or we will provide tools and, of course, delicious refreshments, as an added incentive. Please let Judi Gilligan (judith.gilligan@gmail.com) know if you can help us make our
church grounds look beautiful and welcoming.

The Deacons invite you to an All-Church Fellowship Brunch Gathering!

April 14, 2024 following the 10:00am service.

It’s time to gather and enjoy each other’s company in Fellowship Hall. We hope to see you there!

Food supplied by those lovely deacons!

SAVE THE DATE!!

Y’all Drop In Choir: Join Us!

From now through April, ALL are invited on the second Sunday of each month (the first Sunday in May) to sing with our Immanuel choir. Arrive at church for rehearsal at 9am on these Sundays to be part of the action, fun and beauty of honoring God in song. No musical experience necessary; just open hearts! First drop-in date is January 14th. Hope to see you!

These masters of jazz share their perfect harmony on April 13 at Immanuel. Don’t miss these classics of Caribbean danza to the rhythm of Jazz Boricua! One show only!

Tickets: www.boritix.com.

See all the programming for the BoriCorridor at boricorridor.com

This artistic tour is part of BoriCorridor, an initiative of Agora Cultural Architects with the support of the Mellon Foundation, which seeks to connect artists from the island with diasporic audiences in the northeastern United States and the organizations that serve them. BoriCorridor is the first virtual map that brings together cultural spaces, presenters, festivals and promoters of Puerto Rican culture.

The Flower Committee is planning a spring cleanup of the gardens and plantings around Immanuel and we need your help. We will be cleaning up debris from the winter, weeding and cutting back bushes. No experience necessary. Just bring whatever garden tools and gloves you have and join us (we will have extra tools on hand).

It is a fun activity and we always provide delicious refreshments as an extra incentive!!

Please let Judi Gilligan know if you can join us — judith.gilligan@gmail.com

RAIN DATE: Saturday, April 20th, 9:00-12pm.

Open to those in 6th - 2th grade, born in 2006-2012, youth receive an extravagant welcome and hospitality in a safe, affirming place.

Community meals, supportive mentorship, fun games, hot topic discussions and exploration of a variety of prayer and contemplative practices are featured at these twice monthly gatherings!

The Second Hour presentation today will be in the parlor. The topic: How Climate Change is Affecting Africa.

There will be a special congregational meeting immediately following worship on April 7th concerning the approval of 360 Farmington Avenue.

Come celebrate the resurrection of Jesus - the triumph of life over death, love over hatred, hope over despair. Join us for this glorious time of worship and celebration.

This is the 2nd Annual Easter Sunday Bake Sale!

Purchase your Easter goodies before AND after Easter Service! Let’s make this as successful as last year’s event!!! (Remember to bring cash)

Bakers needed - bring in your baked goods to Fellowship Hall on Easter morning.

Questions? Email Senior Deacon Larry at lawrencepaterno2@gmail.com

We join colleagues and friends at Faith Church, 2030 Main Street, Hartford, to honor this most important Holy Week event.

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 event of our church calendar.

Remain after this joyous and triumphal service for a wonderful and enjoyable intergenerational activity!

Into the Wilderness of Lament: A Visio Divina Experience Marking the Beginning of Holy Week.
Facilitated by Rev. Donna Manocchio

Holy Week invites us to walk with Jesus on the way to the cross — a walk of sorry, a walk of struggle, a walk of lament. Using images from “Il Compianto”, a 13th century terracotta sculpture by Nicolo dell’Arca, we will see what might have to say about lamenting in our lives and our world.

Sign up with Sue in the office to receive the Zoom link. 860.527.8121.

There is already growing excitement within our congregation — and within the Greater Hartford Community — about our event on Sunday, May 5th, with renowned civil rights leader and preacher, The Rev. Dr. William Barber. We have a unique opportunity to show those who attend that afternoon the extravagant welcome of Immanuel Congregational Church.

To do that we will need plenty of volunteers to greet people at the door, help with a post-event reception, and get the word out ahead of time. If you’d like to help in ways small or large, please join a meeting in the Parlor after worship on Sunday, March 24th. We look forward to having you involved and hearing your ideas about how we can make this the best event we possibly can!