Emmanuel United Church of Christ

About this church

Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Bluffton worships Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in a service the congregation calls traditional yet casual. Hymns, a children’s moment, Scripture, sermon, shared prayers, confession, and monthly Communion form the service, which is also livestreamed. During the program year, children leave for age-appropriate faith formation; in summer the church pauses classes and offers nursery only. Adult faith formation follows worship, and a congregational meal is served after worship once a month.

The congregation began in 1842 as Riley Creek Church, meeting in a log schoolhouse. After a 1965 Palm Sunday tornado destroyed the church and parsonage, the community rebuilt and continued its ministry at 8375 North Phillips Road. Today its community calendar includes twice-yearly fish fries, a July ice-cream social, an Easter egg hunt through fifth grade, and an ecumenical Vacation Bible School that rotates among Bluffton churches. Fundraising returns to local and international work, while ongoing projects support the Bluffton Food Pantry, homebound members, disaster and personal-care kits, nursing-home residents, and youth activities. Families should check whether faith formation is in its summer pause before visiting.

Researched from the church’s official website and reviewed August 24, 2026. Sources: Official website, worship format, livestream, Communion, and formation · Sunday time and children’s program details · Monthly meal and community events · Vacation Bible School, food pantry, and outreach projects

Service times

Confirm current times directly with the church before visiting.

Ministries and visitor notes

• Children’s faith formation — during worship in the program year
• Adult faith formation — after Sunday worship
• Congregational meal — monthly after worship
• Nursery only, with classes paused — summer Sundays

Location