New Here?
Visiting a new church can be intimidating:
What should I wear?
Where do I park?
How about childcare?
HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS TO SOME OF THOSE QUESTIONS.
IF YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS, DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT US!
Will I fit in here?
We are an “open and affirming church,” which means we are committed to welcoming people of every race, language, age, gender and gender identity, ethnicity, economic status, mental or physical ability, and sexual orientation into the full life and ministry of the church. At Immanuel you’ll worship with single people and married couples; families with two moms and those with a mom & a dad; seniors and twenty-somethings; recent immigrants and those whose heritage in North America goes back generations.
We recognize, celebrate, and give thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us. We hold that discrimination is incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We commit ourselves to honor all people and to work diligently to end all oppression and discrimination that afflict God’s people in our society. We affirm all relationships founded on the principles of God’s love and justice.
When are services?
Our worship service is held on Sunday morning at 10 am. Worship lasts, on average, about an hour and a quarter. Fellowship happens during coffee hour immediately after worship.
What should I wear?
God doesn’t care what you wear to church, and neither do we! Dress as casually or formally as you feel comfortable. Most folks are somewhere in the middle.
How do I get there?
Immanuel is at the corner of Farmington Avenue and Woodland Street in Hartford. Click here for more information. You may enter the church from either the side entrance nearest Farmington Avenue (in the semi-circle), by the front doors facing Farmington Avenue, or by the side entrance marked “10 Woodland Street.” In the summer we worship in Fellowship Hall, so please use the 10 Woodland Street entrance.
Where should I park?
Parking is available in several locations around Immanuel:
Behind Town & County at 22 Woodland Street (except for Palm Sunday & Mother’s Day)
Behind the Medical Building at 19 Woodland Street
Along Woodland Street
Handicapped parking is available in the small parking lot in front of the 10 Woodland Street entrance.
Is there childcare for younger children?
Children of all ages are welcome in the sanctuary during our worship services. We also have a fully staffed and newly renovated Nursery for children ages 6 months to 4 years old also at the rear of the church. A deacon or an usher will gladly direct you there.
Is there Church School?
We offer Church School for Pre-K - 8 during the school year. Children may begin Church School at any time. Church School is held following the Children’s Message during the service.
What about other programs for young people?
Our Youth Group welcomes all youth in grades 6-12. Our mission is to bring our youth together, to provide a loving, encouraging environment where youth feel they are heard, and to support them as they grow in their faith.
I have a physical disability and/or hearing problem. Is there any special assistance?
There is wheelchair accessibility from the Woodland Street entrance and restricted mobility parking in the circular drive next to the church building (Woodland Street). An usher can set you up with a device for hearing assistance.
What sort of music will I hear?
Immanuel prides itself in offering high quality music from a wide range of genres and styles. We are proud of our organ and enjoy the traditional sacred music written for it. But on a typical Sunday morning you also might hear a gospel anthem, a jazz combo or a bluesy solo accompanied on the piano.
What about Communion?
At Immanuel, Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. All are welcome to receive Communion; there are no preconditions or age requirements.
What about after the service?
We invite you to stay for our coffee hour immediately following the service. Fellowship Hall is located through a door to the left of the pulpit – just follow the crowd! There, you can meet some of our members and our pastor. We understand that you might not be able to stay or feel comfortable staying at first, so don’t feel bad if you need to rush off!
