Immanuel Reformed Church

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About Us

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  • Immanuel is a congregation of the Reformed Church in America www.rca.org
  • Immanuel celebrated their 100th Year Anniversary in 2007!
“Equipping this generation for service to God and ministry in this world.” That is Immanuel’s mission from God. Immanuel exists today by God’s grace and faithfulness for 100 years. Immanuel exists today for God’s mission on earth of reaching people who are not relationally connected to God or God’s people.
 Back in 1907, a small group of Christ-followers believed God called them to start a “mission station” in the Franklin Street and Eastern Avenue area of Grand Rapids in order to meet the needs of people living in that area. They called it “Hope Mission”; later that year the name was changed to Immanuel Reformed Church. 
One hundred years later, Immanuel is still a “mission station” with a heart to serve the needs of people in our community. We don’t do “business as usual” or “the usual business”.  Instead we pray and discern what Jesus wants us to do. 2007 is a year in which many changes are occurring in our world; technology is advancing quickly, social systems are readjusting themselves, economies are interdependent, and religious institutions are experiencing decline in participation. Immanuel is discerning how to be a relevant expression of God’s presence in this changing world. 
The Immanuel of 2007 has the same heart for “mission” in our community as the Immanuel of 1907, but utilizing different methods of living that mission. For example, we have partnered with Kids Hope USA in order to be Christ’s love and presence in a local elementary school. We have partnered with Young Life in order to do the same in a local high school. We have worked with Bethany Christian Services in order to help a refugee family be acculturated to Grand Rapids culture. We are equipping people to engage in ordinary evangelistic attempts that are doable and relational. We see that we exist for God’s mission first, not for our own personal desires and preferences. 
One hundred years later – same heart, but different methods. 
This year, Immanuel celebrates God’s faithfulness through 100 years of “mission” in Grand Rapids. Immanuel connects all kinds of people to God’s grace and love. Immanuel contributes to our community in order to represent Christ’s presence on earth. 
We praise our Sovereign Lord who created our world, forgives our sin through Jesus’ death and resurrection, and empowers us by the Holy Spirit to serve others. He is the One who has preserved the witness and work of Immanuel through 100 years of human frailties and inadequacies. He is the One who continues to inspire, enrich and edify our lives. He alone is the One who is worth our praise, adoration, and celebration. Celebrate “God Is With Us”! Immanuel! 
 
With Hope & Joy in our Lord  Jesus,
 
Pastor Brian N. Smilde