Immanuel Congregational Church

Love this church! They run a community meal once a week for anyone who needs a meal; they are always gathering clothing, personal supplies and food/produce for the folks that come in. \r 130 yr old stone church, woman pastor, loving and kind congregation, very liberal, O&A...What's not to love? They believe in putting your faith into acts, not as a way to get to Heaven, like some do. You know the type, they will feed the poor anything and things they would not feed their own families...and expect them to eat it. So they, as providers, can get to Heaven. Immanuel folks sit down and eat with ya, love ya and try to help ya. They don't proselytize, they lead by example and seem to be trying pretty hard to follow the path Jesus laid out before us. more

For 10 years during military life, we belonged to many churches. With 4 children, we always wanted a good learning experience as well as a great service. Immanuel Congregationa UCC in Oxford, Michigan provides both. First Sunday of every month, children stay in worship. This gives them the opportunity to see what their parents do, and a chance to learn more about church for themselves. Communion is served on first Sundays, and Immanuel encourages ""open communion"". Everyone is welcome to partake. (When my children were young, I felt if they knew enough to realize this is a way to keep Christ with us, they could take it.) Giving 10 % of one's income to a place where one is nourished biblically does not seem unreasonable to me. ( A child may also have his/her own envelope for tithing). Many people belonging to a small church like Immanuel, are older, been there since they were children, and are on fixed incomes. Since we feel called to participate in the community, and not just amongst our membership, we often ask for money. We must. Everyone gives as well as they can, and by their own conscience. But we have bills to pay just like everyone else. Heat, Lights, Electricity, Salaries, (and a lot of things which used to be volunteered for are not - as our mean average age goes up, our income does not necessarily keep up with the cost of living. Are there places for improvement? Certainly! If we were perfect, we wouldn't be called Immanuel --- we'd be Heaven. I realize this is almost totally opposite the other review, so all I can say is ""Come, see us for yourself. If you have concerns, questions, or comments -- please do not leave without speaking with some of us."" We want to improve to better serve God through Jesus Christ. If you've only been once, try a couple more times before deciding. You will only get out of it, what you are willing to put in. We are not a glass half-empty. We'd like you to get to know us! Thanks Kay Pros: open to ideas, progressive, always learning Cons: could grow more in terms of congregation size more

There are alot of nice people but the service is on a schedule and they stick to it no matter what, sometimes things are rushed and feels very insincere. If they are donating money for something and do not meet the goal, you get the shame on you sermon for not donating more money than last year, which I believe discounts those who did give, but never a thank you for that. No children's church , they have a 10 minute sermon during the regular sermon for the kids but this church is plenty big enough to have childrens church. Pros: Ambience, it is a beautiful historical church with wonderful congregation Cons: service seems insincere, clergy is to much shame on you re money more