Emmanuel United Church

Our Congregation

UCC crest
When people come to Emmanuel for the first time, they always comment on how friendly and welcoming the people are – that is important to us. We are diverse, accepting and inviting.
Emmanuel United Church is among the oldest congregations in Waterloo – having started before 1850. Originally Evangelical United Brethren, it joined the United Church in 1968.
We are blessed with a wide range of ages and outlooks in the congregation. There are abundant seniors, middle-agers, young families, university students, teens and children. The membership at Emmanuel is approximately 400 with an average attendance of 150 people each Sunday.
Music is very important to us and an integral part of our services. We have active choirs, a wonderful pipe organ, a bell choir and are blessed with a beautiful sanctuary with outstanding acoustics.
Emmanuel also prides itself on investing in youth and children. Members are keenly aware that the presence of so many children is a gift, and the congregation is committed to serving them well.
Emmanuel has a history of outreach projects, including programs for the homeless, refugee sponsorship, involvement with Habitat for Humanity, and other endeavours.
There are several groups within our congregation. Among them are Bible and Beers (our post-high-school and up group), Toothpix (senior’s social group), and the Youth Group. We put on many special events: dramas, music nights, square-dance, a Crokinole competition, and other gatherings that allow us to enjoy each other’s company.
Mission Statement

In response to God’s love, and guided by Christ’s spirit, we journey together; a growing, nurturing, forgiving and affirming community, joyfully reaching out to all with compassion and hope.
Affirming Community

In response to God’s love, we celebrate the diversity of creation and commit to fostering and living out a safe community where all are welcome. We acknowledge all as children of God regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, ability or economic circumstance. We embrace all in the life and ministry of the church family. We celebrate the blessings that diversity brings to our community, even as it challenges us to journey with Christ down roads we have not yet travelled.