A Community Gathering for Hope
Hope
Gathering Together for Hope
“All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Acts 2:45
From the very beginning the church has offered hope to those within its reach. The “Hope” Area of ministry is composed of members of our community who work closely with our Pastor and Board of Ministry to plan, oversee and extend the compassion of Christ locally, nationally and throughout God’s greater world. Through direct care, financial support and strategic collaborations Immanuel becomes part of God’s compassion reaching out to those in need and acting for the common good. Ours is a world in need of hope on many fronts and while we cannot do everything we seek to offer tangible hope and make the difference we are called to make.
Hope
Together for our Local Community
“Truly, truly I tell you, just as you did it to the least of these who are members of my family, you did it unto me…” Mathew 25:40
The Immanuel Food Pantry
In front of the Sanctuary on Park Avenue you will find the Immanuel Food Pantry. Our community brings non-perishable food items on the first Sunday of every month to stock the Pantry. (Often folks bring items throughout the week as well.) Anyone in the neighborhood is welcome to take whatever they need whenever they need it.
Area Artists
Every day of the week our church is home to our friends under the “Area Artists” umbrella as they provide confidential and anonymous support to those battling addictions and to their loved ones. They meet at various times throughout the day in Vick Hall (downstairs) and their daily schedule is included on our monthly calendar. We are glad they consider Immanuel a safe place to find healing and hope.
Other Area Support Groups
Other support groups also meet at Immanuel. Some offer Yoga for those facing physical challenges. Other groups offer support to those who are supporting the recovery of family members. Still others focus on pursuing and instilling serenity. Immanuel is glad to offer hope to all of them.
Hope
Together for our Greater Community
“And you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea…” Acts 1:8
Community Forums
The Immanuel Community is pleased to meet the needs of our Greater Community by hosting forums to address the needs and concerns of our neighbors. Local neighborhood Associations as well as broader concerns can be addressed at Immanuel.
Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School
Rochester is home to the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. It is a seminary in the Baptist tradition that is faithful to its distinctive Christian identity and becomes a seminary of and for the community in its commitment to practices of peace, service and justice. Immanuel is pleased to have multiple members of our community attending CRCDS and taking advantage of offerings extended to the wider community. We are also pleased to include CRCDS as part of our Mission in the community.
Camp Vick
Camp Vick is a large rustic camp located in Freedom, NY. The camp provides family or seasonal camping, and event facilities for groups. Immanuel has strong historic ties to the camp through the Vick family. Camp Vick is also a great location for volunteer working projects for clubs, co-workers, scouts or teams looking for a service project. Immanuel includes support of Camp Vick as part of our Mission.
Hope
Together for God’s World
“And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
International Ministries
The Immanuel Community extends Hope cross the globe through our relationship with International Ministries. International Ministries, also known as the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, works cross-culturally to invite people to become disciples of Jesus Christ and to proclaim, through both word and deed, God’s reign of justice, peace and abundant life for all creation. Their work focus of three impact areas:
- Inviting people to be disciples of Jesus Christ
- Proclaiming God’s reign of justice, peace and abundant life and
- Equipping the body of Christ to engage in God’s mission
We are honored to partner with international global servants around God’s world.
Special Offerings
The Immanuel Community extends hope far beyond our community through four Special Offerings each year: the America for Christ offering , One Great Hour of Sharing offering, the World Mission Offering and the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering.
Missionary in Residence Weekend
One of the special events on our “drawing table” is the opportunity to welcome this currently serving in the Mission field to come and spend time here with us and bring us a perspective that will keep our love and understanding broad. We look for that to happen in 2026.
The Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America
As followers of Jesus, the “Prince of Peace” the Immanuel Community is pleased to be a partner of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. BPFNA equips individuals, groups, and congregations with resources and information for the hands-on work of peace rooted in justice in their local contexts. The Fellowship mobilizes individuals, groups, and congregations in response to pressing concerns, serving over 260 pastors and activists from the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and Europe with funds for education, material expenses, and tools for awareness of justice issues and organizing.
