May 13, 2021

Worship at 9am Sunday, May 16, 2021 Scripture focus: Colossians 3:1-17

As we Widen Our Welcome with in-person worship our services will continue to be live-streaming on YouTube www.youtube.com/immanuelucc and Facebook www.facebook.com/immanueluccpa. Registration is not required, though it is helpful. This allows us to best prepare to extend our hospitality to all. RSVP for in-person attendance using the link here.

FAITH FORMATION

Friends of all ages are invited as we begin our New Life in Nature series in Faith Formation! We will learn that after Easter we celebrate resurrection through the new life that surrounds us in spring. Each week we will meet at a different outdoor location and this week we are at NOLDE FOREST. Parents should stay with their students during this time to join in on the fun. Watch for an email from Kelly with more information. Questions? Contact Kelly at barnettkellym@gmail.com

LET'S MAKE MUSIC TOGETHER

From Stephen's desk....... June 13th - Summer Sunday Gathering: “Music Made Locally” The first of three “Summer Sunday” outdoor gatherings, you and your family and friends are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and your own refreshments to Immanuel’s outdoor stage for an evening of music and fellowship hosted by Cara, Stephen, and other local musicians.   Additional details and performers will be announced over the next two weeks.  If you aren’t already receiving our weekly e-mails, contact the office today so you don’t miss important updates about this event! Worship Musicians Needed! Do you have a musical talent? Are you in a local group or organization that is looking for opportunities to perform?  Are you willing to share your time and talent with our Immanuel worship community? Contact Stephen to connect about participating in summer worship!

Love nature? Don’t have a garden of your own?  Looking for an act of service that your children can participate?  Immanuel is establishing a new team – the Hope Blooms Crew – to maintain our Hope Blooms planters and Pollinator garden. The crew will be essential for watering (and light weeding) during the high-heat summer-early fall months with minimal commitment the rest of the year. Like offering counters or greeters, the Crew will be assigned set week or day(s) rotation so the time investment is shared. If you are interested in joining the crew, please call Kathy Arnold or email karnold@immanuel-ucc.org to provide your name and contact information.

SPECIAL MISSION OFFERINGS

UCC churches of all size benefit from pooled generosity while navigating the pandemic. The United Church of Christ’s special mission offering during Pentecost – Strengthen The Church – allows people across the UCC to cooperatively build and renew the UCC. Grants provided technology to congregations that had no way to connect during lockdown and will support churches as they pivot toward renewal in reopening. If you are moved to give, please write STC on your memo line and mail or drop off at the church office (special offering envelopes are available in the parlor and outside the office), OR list under “other” when giving online.

Are you an Amazon shopper? Did you know that Immanuel UCC has an Amazon Smile account? Log in using https://smile.amazon.com/ and search for “Immanuel United Church of Christ” – select the one with location Reading, PA – shop as usual and support Immanuel UCC at the same time. How AMAZ-ing is that?!?!?

Should you or someone you care for be in need of pastoral support at any time please contact the church office, secretary@immanuel-ucc.org, 610-777-7107.