Welcome is more than just a word, it’s a feeling everyone should have when coming to church.
It’s the feeling of being wanted and accepted, of belonging, of being part of a community.
At Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC), everyone is welcome ‘no matter where they are on life’s journey? or who they are, according to Pastor Rev. Karen Moeschberger.
Whatever you’re age, race, sexual orientation, denomination of faith, you can find a spiritual home at Immanuel Congregational UCC ? a safe place to ask questions and explore your personal faith without fear of prejudice or exclusion.
‘Jesus didn’t exclude anybody and neither do we,? Rev. Moeschberger said. ‘We’re all about inclusivity.?
Immanuel Congregational UCC turned 128 years old this year, making it ‘the oldest church building in Oxford,? according to the reverend.?
Immanuel Congregational Church was chartered out of a Feb. 27, 1877 revival meeting held at the corner of Pontiac and West Burdick streets, where the yellow apartment building stands today.
The actual sanctuary has stood at the corner of Hovey and Dennison streets for 127 years.
Immanuel Congegational added the UCC to its name in 1957 following the merger of four Christian denominations including
n The Congregational Church which traces its roots to Puritans and Pilgrims who came here from England.
n The Christian Church which was formed in the 1800s out of United Methodism.
n The Evangelical Church which came from Switzerland and derived its teachings from Calvin, the founder of the Presbyterian Church.
n The Reformed Church which was built out of the Lutheran tradition.
‘The idea is we’re all one in Christ,? Rev. Moeschberger said. ‘Our motto is, ‘They may all be one.??
Immanuel Congregational UCC doesn’t just pay lip service to that motto, it lives it through its ecumenical partnerships and work with other churches uniting Christ to help others.
From supporting Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to house the needy to participating in the annual CROP Walk to feed the world’s hungry, Immanuel Congregational UCC is a big proponent of helping humanity.
Locally, the chuch gives Oxford/Orion FISH a home and supports Clubhouse Inspiration, Crossroads for Youth, Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance and the Baldwin Warming Center in Pontiac.
And it does all this with a congregation of about 150 members. ‘We’re a small congregation, but we’re mighty,? Moeschberger said.
Every Sunday at 11 a.m. Immanuel Congregational UCC holds worship services which Rev. Moeschberger described as an upbeat blend of traditional and contemporary elements. ‘There’s something for everyone.?
Stop in some Sunday morning to hear the beautiful voices of Immanuel’s 14-member choir led by its new director Marcia Wieland, a student at Oakland University who teaches voice, piano and bassoon.
Prior to the Sunday services, an adult bible study group meets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
On the second Sunday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m., the church offers a ‘service of healing and wholeness,? a meditative/reflective prayer service dedicated to helping heal the mind, body and spirit of the afflicted.
For Oxford’s youth, Immanuel Congregational UCC offers two groups.
The first is the ‘Kids to Kids? group, which is for sixth-graders through 12th-graders. Led by Liz Wilson, it meets Wednesday nights for devotions and to discuss what’s going on at school and in members? home/family lives.
The group also plays music and performs skits akin to short morality plays during certain church services.
‘Some are humorous. Some are serious. They are designed to enhance the worship service and people’s understanding of it,? Rev. Moeschberger said.
Kids to Kids also reaches out to other youth in the community who are in need of help, guidance and friendship. For instance, the group recently threw a Christmas party for the kids and families involved with Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance.
The second group is for kids in first through fifth grade. It focuses on learning music and drama skills, and engaging in fun activities that build a sense of togetherness.
There’s something for everyone at Immanuel Congregational UCC because everyone is who the church is for. ‘I think every church will tell you they’re friendly and welcoming, but I’ve heard too many stories from people who’ve been hurt by churches and burned by churches,? Rev. Moeschberger said. ‘Now we’re in the third generation of people who are not going to church.?
‘To those people, I say check us out,? she said. ‘We’re a place you can ask questions. You can be a thinking person here. We’re not going to tell you it’s all black and white. We’ll walk with you on the journey and be your partner.?
‘Wherever you are, whoever you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.?
Immanuel Congregational UCC is located at the corner of Hovey and Dennison streets in the Village of Oxford, one block west of Starbucks.
For more information call (248) 628-1610 or log on to www.icucc.org.