I'M NEW
Rev. Dr. John C. Tittle, Traditional Worship Service photo
We know it’s not easy to walk into a new situation, but we want you to know you are welcome here — whether or not you’ve ever gone to church before. Come as you are to learn new ideas and perspectives and to meet new friends.

What is the worship service like?

At Immanuel, we pray, read scripture, sing worship songs and hymns, listen to the Word of God as preached by our Pastor and as sung by the Sanctuary Choir or our Alternative Worship Band. Each service lasts about an hour, and we gather in Witherspoon Hall or on the patio after worship for coffee and refreshments. Our 8:30am Alternative Worship Service is led by our Alternative Worship Band comprising vocalists, guitar, keyboard, bass guitar with other instruments added on occasion. The 11:00am. Traditional Worship Service is led by the Sanctuary Choir with organ, piano, and other instruments. Both services have a similar flow following the Reformed order of worship.  All the lyrics to the songs are projected onto our video screens so it is easy to sing along.

What about the offering plate?

As members of Immanuel, we give joyfully back to God in gratitude for all we have been given, to support the work of our church.  When the offering plate is passed, you are invited, but not obligated, to give as you are called or able to do.  We hope you will fill out the Connection Card that’s in the bulletin, drop it in the offering plate, and let us know how we might serve you.

How will I know what to do during Holy Communion?

At Immanuel, we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion usually on the first Sunday of each month, and on other special occasions such as Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter Sunday) and at the 11:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve.

The Alternative Service always takes communion by intinction. The Traditional Service serves communion on trays, except during special services and summer services where communion is served by intinction. In both services we provide gluten free bread for those with food sensitivities.

When communion is served by intinction, there will be one or more communion “stations” at the front of the sanctuary, with one person holding the bread and one person holding a cup of juice at each station. Ushers will direct you to the front. When you approach the communion servers, take a piece of bread, dip it into the cup of grape juice, and then eat it as you return to your seat.

When communion is served on trays, take a piece of bread and hold it until everyone has been served. Then the pastor will direct us all to eat the bread at the same time. Then trays will be passed with small cups of grape juice. Please hold the cup until everyone has been served. Then the pastor will direct us all to drink from the cup at the same time. Ushers will pass baskets to collect the empty cups after communion.

We know it’s not easy to walk into a new situation, but we want you to know you are welcome here — whether or not you’ve ever gone to church before. Come as you are to learn new ideas and perspectives and to meet new friends.

What should I wear?

Wear whatever you like, whatever you’re comfortable in. There’s no spoken or unspoken dress code here. Hey, this is Tucson. You’ll see folks in jeans, shorts, T-shirts, gym shoes, as well as suits and ties. What matters to God and to us is that you are here.

What about my kids?

We love to have kids be in the worship service.  We have a comfort room available in the sanctuary, but if you prefer, our nursery is available for infants and kids up to age 3. In addition, each Sunday during the second half of the worship service, activities are provided for 3 year olds through 1st graders in a different room. They are led by an adult and a member of our Youth Group. During the school year, we have Christian Education classes and activities for kids ages 3 through 12th grade.  And your teens will want to come back for our Sunday evening Youth Group as well.

What about handicap accessibility?

Immanuel’s campus is disability-friendly. We have ramps from our parking lots, a ramp to the upper level for entry into Witherspoon Hall, wide doorways, covered walkways, and equipped restrooms on all levels. Although we do not have automatic door openers, there are usually plenty of people around to assist with opening doors. For those who use wheelchairs, we have reserved seating in different places in our sanctuary (front and back). The City of Tucson’s Sun Van service is available and knows where we are located if you want to schedule transportation to and from church.

Anything else I should know?

We would love it if you would stay awhile after worship and enjoy coffee and snacks with us in Witherspoon Hall. And we hope you’ll come back again next week. The people of Immanuel follow Jesus by loving God, loving people, and serving the world. We hope to see you soon!