A NEW-CHURCH-START ... WITH A HISTORY
Emmanuel UCC was founded in October, 1903 and ministered to the city of York for 101 years from its location at the corner of Sherman and Market Streets. In October, 2004, the congregation sold its property and set about recrafting its vision and ministry.
In November, 2004, the congregation was transformed into a progressive, learning new-church-start with strong ties to the core UCC positions of advocacy and social justice.
We welcome you to share in our congregational tradition that is over a century old ... and has the vision and passion of a new-church-start.
November 26, 2012 (the first Sunday of Advent) marked our 8th Anniversary!
Emmanuel United Church of Christ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Emmanuel different from other churches?
We at Emmanuel strive to stretch theological inquiry in a non-threatening, relaxed way. The atmosphere is non-judgmental, allowing each person to explore his or her personal beliefs freely and without fear. We focus on the journey, not the destination.
What is the style of worship? Is it contemporary or traditional?
The members are involved, and there is much singing. The sermon is based on a scripture chosen for that day. All of the songs, readings and prayers that are included in the service represent the same themes that are found in the scripture. Our services do not focus on one particular set of beliefs but allow for interpretation and independent thought. It is possible for each person attending the services to take a different meaning from the sermon and service content.
I see you have a discussion hour after church. What do you talk about?
The discussion following each service gives everyone the opportunity to talk about what they took from the service. For example, we talk about the scriptural passage for the basis of the sermon and the sermon itself; the relevance of the message to our lives and the world as we believe we know it; clarifying questions to increase understanding; how we can make scripture relevant to our lives today. We also try to apply the lessons of scripture to current events. The over-arching goal is to listen thoughtfully and respectfully to each other’s reactions and insights so that we may learn from each other.
What do people wear? Can I wear jeans?
Many folks wear jeans and other informal attire, e.g. shorts in the summer. Others prefer the more typical attire often associated with church. The facility lends itself to informality; casual and comfortable are the essentials.
How many people attend services?
On average, 14-17, more on special occasions like Christmas Eve and Easter.
Why is the church so small?
In our 103-year history, Emmanuel has gone through many changes. Originally, Emmanuel had a large church building and years ago was a thriving, inner-city neighborhood church. Four years ago, the church building was closed for economic reasons. At that time, some members chose to attend churches closer to their homes. The pastor and a small group of original members were interested in doing a restart at a new location that would be a reflection of the philosophy of the larger United Church of Christ: an open and affirming congregation with a progressive theology, engaged with the social issues of the day.
For the last few years, Emmanuel has been redefining itself and working with public relations to inform the community of our existence and our goals as a spiritual community.
What does being an “open and affirming” congregation mean?
“Open and affirming” means that our doors are open to everyone, no matter their sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, mental and physical ability, as well as racial, ethnic or socio-economic background. We welcome all to participate in the study, ministry, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of the congregation that together we might each grow toward personal spiritual maturity. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey – you are welcome here.
Do any openly gay people attend your services?
Yes, and they actively participate in the life of the church.
How about people who represent minority groups?
Yes, and they too are active participants.
Do any children attend? What programs do you have for them?
Currently, we have a few children, although at this time we do not have a program specifically developed for them. As we grow and more families with children attend, we hope to build a program for children that supports the progressive thoughts of the congregation and the UCC. Parental input would be invaluable in the development of this program.
What kind of activities keep you connected to the local community and the rest of the world?
Emmanuel tithes our weekly offering to Penn Central Conference UCC, which provides support to many programs locally, nationally, and globally. Secondly, our congregation currently supports an orphanage in Maseno, Kenya
by raising funds to pay educational fees for the girls who attend secondary school. On a local level, we have conducted “trash pickup” days on the property surrounding the community center where we meet. The Praxis committee has also conducted various public interest programs such as “The Many Faces of Domination”, “Understanding Human Sexuality”, and "Many Paths: An Interfaith Learning Experience" as well as presentations on the environment and the political process in order to help us become us better citizens of our community.
Blessings to you all!
Additional resources:
Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism by John Shelby Spong
A New Kind of Christian by Brian D. McLaren
The Center for Progressive Christianity – www.tcpc.org
Living the Questions – www.livingthequestions.com
We encourage anyone to submit any questions about Emmanuel UCC using the e-mail link provided on the home page.
Emmanuel UCC was founded in October, 1903 and ministered to the city of York for 101 years from its location at the corner of Sherman and Market Streets. In October, 2004, the congregation sold its property and set about recrafting its vision and ministry.
In November, 2004, the congregation was transformed into a progressive, learning new-church-start with strong ties to the core UCC positions of advocacy and social justice.
We welcome you to share in our congregational tradition that is over a century old ... and has the vision and passion of a new-church-start.
November 26, 2012 (the first Sunday of Advent) marked our 8th Anniversary!
Emmanuel United Church of Christ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Emmanuel different from other churches?
We at Emmanuel strive to stretch theological inquiry in a non-threatening, relaxed way. The atmosphere is non-judgmental, allowing each person to explore his or her personal beliefs freely and without fear. We focus on the journey, not the destination.
What is the style of worship? Is it contemporary or traditional?
The members are involved, and there is much singing. The sermon is based on a scripture chosen for that day. All of the songs, readings and prayers that are included in the service represent the same themes that are found in the scripture. Our services do not focus on one particular set of beliefs but allow for interpretation and independent thought. It is possible for each person attending the services to take a different meaning from the sermon and service content.
I see you have a discussion hour after church. What do you talk about?
The discussion following each service gives everyone the opportunity to talk about what they took from the service. For example, we talk about the scriptural passage for the basis of the sermon and the sermon itself; the relevance of the message to our lives and the world as we believe we know it; clarifying questions to increase understanding; how we can make scripture relevant to our lives today. We also try to apply the lessons of scripture to current events. The over-arching goal is to listen thoughtfully and respectfully to each other’s reactions and insights so that we may learn from each other.
What do people wear? Can I wear jeans?
Many folks wear jeans and other informal attire, e.g. shorts in the summer. Others prefer the more typical attire often associated with church. The facility lends itself to informality; casual and comfortable are the essentials.
How many people attend services?
On average, 14-17, more on special occasions like Christmas Eve and Easter.
Why is the church so small?
In our 103-year history, Emmanuel has gone through many changes. Originally, Emmanuel had a large church building and years ago was a thriving, inner-city neighborhood church. Four years ago, the church building was closed for economic reasons. At that time, some members chose to attend churches closer to their homes. The pastor and a small group of original members were interested in doing a restart at a new location that would be a reflection of the philosophy of the larger United Church of Christ: an open and affirming congregation with a progressive theology, engaged with the social issues of the day.
For the last few years, Emmanuel has been redefining itself and working with public relations to inform the community of our existence and our goals as a spiritual community.
What does being an “open and affirming” congregation mean?
“Open and affirming” means that our doors are open to everyone, no matter their sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, mental and physical ability, as well as racial, ethnic or socio-economic background. We welcome all to participate in the study, ministry, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of the congregation that together we might each grow toward personal spiritual maturity. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey – you are welcome here.
Do any openly gay people attend your services?
Yes, and they actively participate in the life of the church.
How about people who represent minority groups?
Yes, and they too are active participants.
Do any children attend? What programs do you have for them?
Currently, we have a few children, although at this time we do not have a program specifically developed for them. As we grow and more families with children attend, we hope to build a program for children that supports the progressive thoughts of the congregation and the UCC. Parental input would be invaluable in the development of this program.
What kind of activities keep you connected to the local community and the rest of the world?
Emmanuel tithes our weekly offering to Penn Central Conference UCC, which provides support to many programs locally, nationally, and globally. Secondly, our congregation currently supports an orphanage in Maseno, Kenya
by raising funds to pay educational fees for the girls who attend secondary school. On a local level, we have conducted “trash pickup” days on the property surrounding the community center where we meet. The Praxis committee has also conducted various public interest programs such as “The Many Faces of Domination”, “Understanding Human Sexuality”, and "Many Paths: An Interfaith Learning Experience" as well as presentations on the environment and the political process in order to help us become us better citizens of our community.
Blessings to you all!
Additional resources:
Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism by John Shelby Spong
A New Kind of Christian by Brian D. McLaren
The Center for Progressive Christianity – www.tcpc.org
Living the Questions – www.livingthequestions.com
We encourage anyone to submit any questions about Emmanuel UCC using the e-mail link provided on the home page.
