Faith Formation
At Immanuel, we offer many different ways to become part of our church family beyond Sunday worship. Take a moment to look at the list below and see if there is a way for you to share your time and talent – a way for you to join Immanuel’s family. We welcome all and have a place for you.
Immanuel Preschool of Shillington
Click here if you would like to learn more about our Immanuel Preschool.
Youth Ministries
Faith Formation for children in grades PreK through 6th meets Sunday mornings from 10:00-10:45am. Each class will begin together in the music room for a whole group welcome and song. For more information contact Faith Formation Director, Kelly Barnett, barnettkellym@gmail.com
Visit our Faith Formation resource site for lessons and ideas for nurturing your spirit at home.
Immanuel UCC’s confirmation classes begin each fall for those students in 7th grade or older.
You are about to embark on an exciting journey, the journey of Confirmation. Through group gatherings, mission/service projects, worship and retreats, you will have the opportunity to build strong friendships with one another, explore God’s presence in our lives and world, and ponder questions of faith and living faithfully each day. At the end of this journey, you will be invited to officially affirm your baptism and state your commitment to following Christ’s example.
The journey of Confirmation is both fun and rewarding, but it also takes dedication. As the old saying goes, “the more you put into something, the more you get out of it”. That saying is certainly true when it comes to Confirmation. Whether you decide to be confirmed at the end of the two years, you owe it to yourself to put everything you can into the Confirmation process. That’s the only way you will know for sure what the church strives to be and how it seeks to serve others.
Furthermore, Confirmation is an intentional time for personal reflection and growth. It is a common understanding that a mature person is balanced in mind, body, and spirit. We trust that your mind and body are being enhanced and stimulated through your academic and extra curricular activities. As the church we seek to nurture your spirit and cultivate your overall well-being. Our hope is to partner with you, your parents and the community to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for your God-given gifts and ways in which to share them to make the world a better place.
IUCC Confirmation Schedule
Contact Rev. Megan Huesgen, revmeg@immanuel-ucc.org, for a current schedule.
We’re all on a journey. Searching for answers, wrestling with who we are, why we’re here, figuring out what life is all about. Home: family, expectations, and rules. School: teachers, classes, and grades. Friends: everyone, no one, parties, and relationships. With so much going on, and so many different voices competing for attention, it’s hard to determine what is really important and what life is all about. Is there something that reaches deeper, that doesn’t expect or require things of us, a compass that can help us on our journey?
RISE Sunday Morning Teen Fellowship is the gathering place for those students in grades 9-12 that have been confirmed and are now young adult members of Immanuel. Through relational ministry, focusing on being a Christian, and service opportunities, RISE provides support for this amazing journey we call living a Christian life. RISE is designed to create and nurture authentic community amongst high school students and provide them with the foundation for being a Christian in the greater community, while becoming connected with other high school students who are asking similar questions and are attempting to navigate through high school life and being a Christian.
Each Sunday, we explore how our Faith plays into our daily lives – whether at school, on the athletic field, in the music room, or at home. This is a great time for youth to develop meaningful friendships while discussing life and faith issues. We explore our Faith and relationship with God by volunteering within our community and church family, having engaging (and fun!) dialogue, and bonding as a group to explore the ways for which we can practice our Faith. The RISE leaders encourage the youth to help guide activities for which they feel inspired and called to do. Through games, activities, videos, music, service opportunities, small group discussions, and fellowship time we will explore how the bible applies to our everyday life. RISE isn’t necessarily dedicated to just Sundays after church services – we often leave campus to enjoy a meal or participate in other activities as a group! This is for youth that do not just want to hear about God’s word, but live it too! Join us every Sunday from 10:15 to 11:00 in the IUCC Youth Room.
Adult Ministries
At its best, Christianity is not a belief system but a way of life. The Adult Faith Formation team strives to bring people of great faith, little faith, or no faith together for thoughtful conversation, to provide interesting learning opportunities, and to develop a feeling of community. No matter where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here.
Adult Forum engages various topics connected to Christian life. Each meeting is unique, no fear of “missing something” if you pop in and out of the group. Group meets Sunday mornings at 10:15am in the lower level multipurpose room.
Returning Winter 2023!
Thirsty for meaningful conversation and authentic community? Bring your curiosity and pull up a chair!
Pub Theology is an opportunity for people of various religious traditions, philosophical perspectives and life experiences to be in community with one another. Our mission is to cultivate conversations on faith, meaning, identity, and culture around the table with good food and drink in hand.
January 18 – 6:30pm at Oakbrook Brewing Co.
January 25 – 6:30pm at Oakbrook Brewing Co.
February 1 – 6:30pm at Windsor Inn
February 8 – 6:30pm at Windsor Inn
February 15 – 6:30pm at Windsor Inn
Oakbrook Brewing Co. 628 Park Avenue Reading, PA
Windsor Inn, 38 W Lancaster Ave. Shillington, PA
Each Monday morning, except for holidays, a group of women (and sometimes men, who are also welcome) meets in the church conference room for Bible study from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Typically, we study the scripture text for the coming Sunday service, often exploring its context, content, and meaning in anticipation of the pastor’s sermon application on Sunday morning. It is also a time of sharing joys, cares, and prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as for the world. For information please contact Larry Nallo through the church office.
Seniors are vital to the mission and ministry of Immanuel UCC. Recognizing that following Jesus is a life long journey, Seniors continue to study scripture and pray together. This ministry provides time for fellowship, service, continued learning and faith formation.
When: 3rd Wednesday of the month, September – June, 1:30pm-3:00pm
Where: Fellowship Hall, unless noted otherwise
Book Babble is a monthly book club that fosters fellowship while broadening our horizons and sharing our thoughts on a variety of topics through our love of reading. Book Babble meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 in the office conference room. Books for the year (October through May) are selected at our initial meeting at Barnes and Noble Book Store. All are welcome for informal, thought -provoking and always interesting discussions. For more information please contact Barb Springer at 610-777-3439, bbspringer@comcast.net, or the church office.
Ladies In Faith and Fellowship Together provides diverse offerings to explore our faith and grow in community. Events have included creating home decorations, hosting local authors, visiting gardens, and so much more. Contact the church office for more information.
Throughout the year the Spirituality Team hosts intentional gatherings for deep reflection and spiritual development. Gatherings include Advent Prayer Services, Longest Night Service, Labyrinth Prayer Walks, Breaking Bread (lunchtime chats on scriptures)
