Welcome to Emmanuel

A century and a quarter ago, when Emmanuel began we called ourselves a "congregation"—not a "church." We are open to the uniqueness of each person's story. This is a ministry for today. It is not about being good and doing things right. It's about discovering your gifts and your calling. We seek to become compassionate servants of God, healing relationships, reaching out to Rockford and the world. We learn together from our own Christian tradition as well as from other cultures, religions, and civilizations.

Jesus came into the world with a message and life that was so different, so new, and so revolutionary that now everything is changed. The community of people called Emmanuel (which means "God is with us") also does things differently, lovingly, in fresh and ancient ways that awaken everyone and bring us to a new life in Christ.

Most of us have been drawn together because Emmanuel reminds us that we are all ministers. Ministry is a celebration and a joy, not a duty. As a community we explore this inspiring ministry of compassion that transforms lives.

Emmanuel's message comes from a passion for searching and studying sacred scriptures. Wisdom and inspiration is also drawn from a variety of other traditions, prophets, and unknown or forgotten men and women who have a deeply personal and intimate relationship with God. Join us and explore "God with us"—Emmanuel—community of people devoted to Christ and to all of God's creation.

What is our mission and purpose?

"The Grace of God has brought us together

to become Christs
to become the New Community
to be Light and Leaven for the World."

The Vision Statement casts our Vision:

We are called to...

Study and Practice the Spirituality of Jesus.
Live as a Safe & Healing Spiritual Community for all who come, regardless of economic conditions, race, sexual orientation, or Spiritual struggle.
Become instruments of God's Grace:
- promoting understanding and unity between religious traditions, encouraging healing of the soul and the community through sacred arts (chant, ritual, dance, poetry, visual arts, music) and Spiritual Practice
- Reaching the suffering ones among us through ministries of the food pantry, soup kitchen, addiction recovery, half-way housing, and holistic counseling
- Work toward healing and protection of God's Sacred Creation.

welcome calendar of events adult ed outreach children’s ministry youth

Welcome to Emmanuel A century and a quarter ago, when Emmanuel began we called ourselves a "congregation"—not a "church." We are open to the uniqueness of each person's story. This is a ministry for today. It is not about being good and doing things right. It's about discovering your gifts and your calling. We seek to become compassionate servants of God, healing relationships, reaching out to Rockford and the world. We learn together from our own Christian tradition as well as from other cultures, religions, and civilizations. Jesus came into the world with a message and life that was so different, so new, and so revolutionary that now everything is changed. The community of people called Emmanuel (which means "God is with us") also does things differently, lovingly, in fresh and ancient ways that awaken everyone and bring us to a new life in Christ. Most of us have been drawn together because Emmanuel reminds us that we are all ministers. Ministry is a celebration and a joy, not a duty. As a community we explore this inspiring ministry of compassion that transforms lives. Emmanuel's message comes from a passion for searching and studying sacred scriptures. Wisdom and inspiration is also drawn from a variety of other traditions, prophets, and unknown or forgotten men and women who have a deeply personal and intimate relationship with God. Join us and explore "God with us"—Emmanuel—community of people devoted to Christ and to all of God's creation. What is our mission and purpose? "The Grace of God has brought us together to become Christs to become the New Community to be Light and Leaven for the World." The Vision Statement casts our Vision: We are called to... Study and Practice the Spirituality of Jesus. Live as a Safe & Healing Spiritual Community for all who come, regardless of economic conditions, race, sexual orientation, or Spiritual struggle. Become instruments of God's Grace: promoting understanding and unity between religious traditions, encouraging healing of the soul and the community through sacred arts (chant, ritual, dance, poetry, visual arts, music) and Spiritual Practice Reaching the suffering ones among us through ministries of the food pantry, soup kitchen, addiction recovery, half-way housing, and holistic counseling Work toward healing and protection of God's Sacred Creation.