Beginning May 16, 2021, we will resume in-person worship services in the sanctuary.
Join us each Sunday morning at 10:00am for worship, prayer, and learning the Christian Story together! Our services will also be live-streamed at facebook.com/EmmanuelSeattle
In this early phase of our transition back to in-person events, things will operate a bit differently, and we ask for your joyful patience in this process. Masks and social distancing will be required inside the building, and a staff member will take your temperature in the foyer as you enter. Children will remain with their families during the worship service (with age-appropriate activity bags provided for all kids).
Will Everyone Wear Masks?
Yes, all participants will wear masks. The new CDC and State of Washington mask guidelines do permit churches to create a system that would allow fully vaccinated individuals to remove masks, but the requirements to make that possible do not seem practically or spiritually beneficial to us at the present time. In order for churches to allow some people to remove their masks, two separate sections within the worship space would need to be created and the two groups would be required to stay in their own areas at all times, with a staff member verifying physical proof of vaccination records in the ‘maskless’ section each week. Our leadership does not believe this is a helpful step right now, so instead we will worship together as a unified body, with masks on our faces!
What is a worship service at Emmanuel like?
WHEN: We meet for a single worship service on Sundays that runs from 10:00am to 11:00am.
WHO: Our community spans the generations from infants to elders in their 10th decade. Sunday mornings are casual, welcoming, and a time for us to reconnect each week as part of the family of God. Part of the unique identity of our small congregation is our family-like atmosphere that is truly intergenerational and includes people from many perspectives and walks of life. Although it’s an inherently tricky process, we’re committed to being a community that expresses unity that is strong enough to include genuine diversity. New visitors and guests are always welcome!
WHERE: The entrance to our sanctuary is on the corner of Dayton Avenue and North 50th Street, across the street from Woodland Park Zoo.
PARKING: Emmanuel is in the middle of a residential area and parking can be difficult sometimes. Come a little early to find a spot on the street, or if you are a visitor, a family, or are unable to walk very far feel free to park in the gravel lot located next to the church building. In support of our effort to be kind neighbors, please be courteous of the residents around our church and park in ways that are mindful of their space.
KIDS: In the upcoming year we hope to unveil an expanded children’s ministry program on Sunday mornings. However, due to current COVID restrictions, we are currently asking that children remain with their families throughout the service. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our ushers who will offer you an age-appropriate activity bag for each child!
WORSHIP: Worship at Emmanuel is an opportunity to meet with God and also with each other. Every Sunday we gather as a group of believers who are genuinely interested in participating in each other’s lives and the lives of those in the neighborhood around us. Our service includes a mix of contemporary music and traditional hymns. An offering is taken each week, and we invite you to support the ministry of the church as you feel led, free from any sense of obligation, as an aspect of your personal worship to God. We also participate in the sacrament of communion every two weeks, as an ongoing reminder of the death and presence of Christ with us, until he comes again. All are invited to partake with us as part of the body of Christ. As a part of our commitment to make the communion table a place of hospitality for all people, we serve gluten-free bread.
TEACHING: Most Sundays our teaching is done by senior pastor Bob Zurinsky, with occasional messages from other guests. Our teaching method is to study through whole books of the Bible together (usually 5-6 books per year, from both the New and Old Testaments). By immersing ourselves fully into this scriptural story of life and hope, we become people who are better equipped to live as a blessing for our neighborhood and world.
FELLOWSHIP: In a non-pandemic year, we typically gather for a time of fellowship, snacks, and coffee directly following the service. We will re-start this tradition when health restrictions are lifted, but for the present time we will simply encourage good, socially-distanced conversation!
Join us!