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Welcome to the International
Protestant Church of Zürich!
It is a pleasure to introduce you to our church. We would like to invite you to experience worship, fellowship, study and service with other English-speaking Christians. If circumstances permit, we hope that you will join with us during your stay in the Zürich area and make IPC your church home. Your participation will enrich and strengthen our ministry in this part of Switzerland and to the wider world.
WHY IPC?
In 1961 a group of English-speaking Protestant Christians living in and around Zürich joined together to form a local congregation. Their objective was to associate themselves in fellowship for the worship of God together, to provide mutual encouragement in Christian living, and to undertake active service to the parish and community.
IPC provides an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance, with the English language as its medium of communication. The Church helps people feel "at home" in Switzerland by affirming their individuality, by being aware of their cultural needs, and by providing a place of worship for the international citizens.
WHAT IS IPC?
IPC is people loving and caring about others in a variety of ways.
IPC is an independent congregation supported solely by the tithes and offerings of its members and friends.
IPC is a member of the Association of International Congregations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (AICEMEA). It is governed by a council of elders elected from among the membership and entrusted to administrate the ongoing ministries of the church.
IPC has a tradition of quality music, biblical preaching, and God-centered worship. Local musicians, both professional and amateur, bring excellence and variety to our Sunday morning and evening worship services.
IPC is family-friendly. A nursery is provided for younger children, and there is Sunday School for ages three through teens. Small groups, Bible studies, prayer groups, retreats, and frequent special events bring people into an inter-generational fellowship.
IPC is people reaching out for Christ. In addition to our individual witnessing and giving, church monies are designated for mission. An emergency fund is maintained for sudden disasters or urgent needs, with priority being given to caring for refugees, the poor, and the hungry.
WHO IS IPC?
IPC is an international congregation composed of members from a wide range of nationalities and denominational backgrounds. No one nationality represents more than 30% of the membership, but the largest representation comes from Switzerland, North America, Africa and Asia. In terms of denominational composition, our traditions include Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, and Swiss Reformed. Although the theological perspectives of the congregation are varied, the emphasis is within the framework of mainstream Protestantism, with a commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of the Holy Scriptures.
WHEN AND WHERE DOES IPC MEET?
IPC offers two worship opportunities each Sunday. Our morning worship is held at 11:30a.m. In the building of our host church, the French Reformed Church, on the corner of Schanzengasse and Promenadengasse, on the hill above the Stadelhofen train station on the northeast corner of Lake Zürich. Our Sunday evening service begins at 6:30pm (18:30) (with no service on the last Sunday of each month) in the Methodist Church across from the French Reformed Church on Promenadengasse. We offer other opportunities for small group fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and spiritual growth on a weekly basis and at special times throughout the year both at the church facilities and in private homes. Retreats, dinner gatherings, mission outings, and joint activities with other Christians in the area occur on a regular basis. We at IPC strive to live out our commitment to unite in Christ by loving each other in the midst of our adversity. We worship in many styles and encourage mutual caring and Christian outreach into the wider world.
HOW DO WE GIVE TO OTHERS?
IPC sets aside at least 10% of it's annual income for missions and outreach projects. Most of this money goes "abroad" (outside of Switzerland) and is distributed in more or less equal shares as follows: Child Care and Health Support, Inter-church Projects and Community Development, Education and Youth Ministry, Evangelism, Relief Work (food, clothing, shelter), Holiday offerings and all-church events during the year serve to raise money for special projects and other needs as determined by the Missions and Outreach Committee. This committee invites written suggestions from the congregation and tries to help as directly as possible through projects known to someone in the congregation.
THE IPC CONGREGATION
The International Protestant Church of Zürich is unique in that it is completely international, with members from over 55 nations around the world. In addition, there are a number in the congregation who represent an inter-or cross-cultural background, especially Swiss married to non-Swiss. This helps break down cultural and racial barriers and provides a richness in fellowship found in few congregations elsewhere.
IPC is a spiritually rich and exciting place to be, with people coming from many experiences and finding themselves drawn together by a shared loyalty to Jesus Christ. Consider this your personal invitation to come and share in our enthusiasm and Christian growth. For more information, please contact the Rev. Richard Davis at the church office.