Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ

ACTIVITIES & GROUPS AT EMMANUEL

Jesus founded a community of disciples which we now call the church so that people's lives would be touched, healed, and transformed by the power and grace of God. Jesus helped people learn to share their journeys with each other, spur each other on, and love each other as God loves them. He guided people to become mature, deeply committed disciples eager to serve their God.

Small groups are often where this kind of growth take place. That is why Emmanuel Church places a high value on small groups and classes that are open-ended, welcoming, emotionally safe, conversational, and encourage and values the participation and comments of each participant.

It is interesting to note that the early Christian church for 300 years had no large buildings or congregations, but rather experienced phenomenal spiritual and numerical growth through small groups!

SUNDAY MORNING

NURSERY: Superior quality nursery care is provided by our Nursery Director, Debbie Kehoe (and her staff), for infants and toddlers from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Sept through June); in the summer, 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL: We seek to provide a loving, affirming, nurturing, interesting, and Christ-centered environment to your children in which they can learn about the good news of Jesus Christ. After class, kids attend the first 20 minutes of worship to hear the Children's Sermon by the pastor; then grades pre-K through 3 go to Children's Church downstairs, and older children sit with parents. Enroll your children with Superintendent jenny Watkins (583-5143).

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT SEMINARS: On Sunday morning the pastors lead open-ended, informal discussion groups from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. In Anderson Hall, the Bible Study focuses each week on the scripture readings for Sunday worship. In the Fellowship Room, the Contemporary Issues Discussion Group explores a variety of current events from the perspective of Christ's teachings.

SMALL GROUPS & CLASSES

Emmanuel Church has a very active year-round schedule of small groups and classes. Attend any that appeal to you! In most cases, childcare is provided.

Emmanuel Youth Group provides social activities, retreats, spiritual nurture, and mission opportunities several times a month for 7-12th grade youth. Leaders: Gerald Hettick (782-9366) and Chantel Upson.

Workplace Christianity Breakfast Group:

Join lively discussions focusing on workplace and daily life dilemmas from a Christian perspective on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, from 6:30 to 7:30 A.M. in the Fellowship Room. Books on these topics, reinforced by scripture, are discussed. Leader: Rev. Ron Farr (782-2650).

Serendipity:

An intimate and fun-loving spiritual discussion group meeting twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Book Clubs are also held in the fall and spring during the Serendipity sessions. Leader: Rev. Patty Farr (782-2650).

Thursday Night Seminars:

Classes by the pastors held periodically on Thursday evening, 7:00 to 8:30, in Anderson Hall. Recent courses have been "God's Extravagant Grace," "The Heart of Christianity," "Hearing God's Call," "Social Issues in the Bible,' and "World Religion." Call 782-2650 for information.

The Gammas:

We welcome any Senior Ladies to join them the 2nd Monday of each month in the Fellowship Room at 1:00 p.m. for snacks and lively conversation. Contact: Gladys Chapman (782-0985).

Circle 4:

This group welcomes women of all ages to their meetings on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 1:30 p.m. Programs are offered from a wide variety of topics pertaining to Christian women. Contact: Ginny Zeigler (782-6857) or Sally Cornish (788-7520).

Green Church Task Force:

Explores ways in which our church can become more environmentally friendly through or use of "Green" products, recycling, and thoughtful energy consumption. Contact Michelle Maphey (779-8856).

Prayer Shawl Ministry:

Shawls are prayerfully knitted and crocheted and then given to nursing home residents, homebound individuals, and others who would be comforted by such a gift. Contact: Peggy Plumley (788-1640).

CHOIR OPPORTUNITIES

FULL CHOIR:

The Emmanuel Church Choir is a people's choir that welcomes all youth and adults who love to sing! Newcomers always welcome! Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7p.m.; Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Contact: Irene Stackel, Music Director by or telephone (315) 782-1659.

A Cappella (Barbershop):

Sings periodically throughout the year. Occasional rehearsals early Sunday morning. Contact: Tracy Robertson at krobert@gisco.net or 785-9238.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Newcomers Class: A 4-week class on Sundays twice a year to orient newcomers to the life, priorities, and activities of Emmanuel Church. Meet other new folks and explore your faith! Rev. Ron Farr (782-2650).

Drama Group: Performs short spiritually inspired skits during the Church service once a month. Speak to our Drama Director, David Cooper (767-2477).

Clown Troupe: Performs humorous pantomime with a spiritual message or morale. Speak to Gerald Hettick (782-9366).

Friday Night at the Movies: Church folks watch a motion picture (with popcorn!) in Anderson Hall. Discussion facilitated by Pastors Ron & Patty. Occasional Fridays, 7:00 p.m. Childcare usually provided.

Church Retreats: Saturday or Weekend retreats on such topics as "Letting Go, Letting God," "Inner Strength," "Men Are From Mars; Women Are from Venus," at beautiful retreat centers in the North Country!

Hands-On Mission Work Parties: Several area Habitat-for-Humanity Work Parties are organized each year in an effort to build affordable housing for families in need.

Call Pam Rajner (315) 486-7321.