
Posted on May 04, 2012 at 12:11 AM in Announcements, General Information | Permalink
Technorati Tags: chatham virginia, Episcopal church, pittsylvania county virginia
Almighty and everliving God, whose servant Thomas Cranmer, with others, restored the language of the people in the prayers of your Church: Make us always thankful for this heritage; and help us so to pray in the Spirit and with the understanding, that we may worthily magnify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Click here to learn more about The First Book of Common Prayer, 1549.
Posted on May 28, 2012 at 12:54 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on May 27, 2012 at 12:48 AM in The Collects | Permalink
O Lord our God, by your Son Jesus Christ you called your apostles and sent them forth to preach the Gospel to the nations; We bless your holy Name for your servant Augustine, first Archbishop of Canterbury, whose labors in propagating your Church among the English people we commemorate today; and we pray that all whom you call and send may do your will, and bide your time, and see your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury, 605.
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 12:42 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Heavenly Father, you called your servant Bede, while still a child, to devote his life to your service in the disciplines of religion and scholarship: Grant that as he labored in the Spirit to bring the riches of your truth to his generation, so we, in our various vocations, may strive to make you known in all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Bede the Venerable, Priest and Monk of Jarrow, 735.
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 12:39 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Lord God, in your providence Jackson Kemper was chosen first missionary bishop in this land, and by his arduous labor and travel congregations were established in scattered settlements of the West: Grant that the Church may always be faithful to its mission, and have the vision, courage, and perseverance to make known to all people the Good News of Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Jackson Kemper, First Missionary Bishop in the United States, 1870.
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:35 AM in The Collects | Permalink
O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Posted on May 20, 2012 at 12:32 AM in The Collects | Permalink
O God of truth and beauty, you richly endowed your bishop Dunstan with skill in music and the working of metals, and with gifts of administration and reforming zeal: Teach us, we pray, to see in you the source of all our talents, and move us to offer them for the adornment of worship and the advancement of true religion; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Click here and here to learn more about Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, 988.
Posted on May 19, 2012 at 12:15 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Posted on May 17, 2012 at 12:21 AM in The Collects | Permalink
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on May 13, 2012 at 12:11 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, you have revealed to your Church your eternal Being of glorious majesty and perfect love as one God in Trinity of Persons: Give us grace that, like your bishop Gregory of Nazianzus, we may continue steadfast in the confession of this faith, and constant in our worship of you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; for you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Gregory of Nazianzus.
Posted on May 09, 2012 at 12:06 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Lord God, in your compassion you granted to the Lady Julian many revelations of your nurturing and sustaining love: Move our hearts, like hers, to seek you above all things, for in giving us yourself you give us all; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Dame Julian of Norwich.
Posted on May 08, 2012 at 06:00 AM in The Collects | Permalink
The Reverend Pamela Webb visits with Virginia Chapin and Vic Millner.
For the second time in two weeks, Emmanuel welcomed a visiting priest on Sunday, May 6 as we continue the search for a fulltime priest. The Reverend Pamela Webb and her husband, Dan, joined the Emmanuel family to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and enjoy an extended coffee hour.
Reverend Webb’s sermon was a discussion of Jesus’ identity, beginning with “I am the true vine...” which began the morning’s gospel reading. Vine, light, bread, gate, shepherd... all these familiar, earthy, “I am” metaphors were used by Jesus, Reverend Webb explained, to help us to know better that which, ultimately, cannot ever be fully understood by man.
As in the previous week’s visit with the Rev. Gary Barker, we all enjoyed the opportunity to become more familiar with Rev. Webb during an extended coffee hour beautifully hosted by Alice Coles, Beth Coles, Janice Cheney and Janis Simpson. Afterwards, Pam joined the vestry in a closed-door session.
Posted on May 07, 2012 at 12:23 PM in Announcements, Photos, Recent Events, Recent Sermons | Permalink
The Collect -
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on May 06, 2012 at 12:24 AM in The Collects | Permalink
O Lord, through spiritual discipline you strengthened your servant Monnica to persevere in offering her love and prayers and tears for the conversion of her husband and of Augustine their son: Deepen our devotion, we pray, and use us in accordance with your will to bring others, even our own kindred, to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Monnica.
Posted on May 04, 2012 at 05:15 AM in The Collects | Permalink
"When one considers the various Easter accounts of the Risen Lord appearing to the disciples, it becomes clear that for the early Church the resurrection was much more complex and much richer in character than a single event fixed in time.
The meaning of the resurrection was revealed not all at once, but gradually, with each appearance adding more depth to the rich texture of the disciples' personal and community experience of the risen Jesus.
The beauty of the Easter season as we celebrate it in our tradition is that each Sunday we too learn a little more about the miracle - a little more about its startling implications for our lives."
You can also access the Bishop's reflection on the Diocesan website.
Posted on May 02, 2012 at 10:52 AM in Reflections | Permalink
Uphold your Church, O God of truth, as you upheld your servant Athanasius, to maintain and proclaim boldly the catholic faith against all opposition, trusting solely in the grace of your eternal Word, who took upon himself our humanity that we might share his divinity; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Athanasius.
Posted on May 02, 2012 at 05:07 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, who gave to your apostles Philip and James grace and strength to bear witness to the truth: Grant that we, being mindful of their victory of faith, may glorify in life and death the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about St Philip and St James, Apostles.
Posted on May 01, 2012 at 12:58 AM in The Collects | Permalink
The Rev. Gary Barker (second from right) visits with parishioners.
By Susan Paynter
On Sunday, April 29, the Reverend Gary Barker joined us to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and to become acquainted, afterward, during an extended coffee hour. The visit was one step in the Rev. Barker’s quest to find a new church family and Emmanuel’s simultaneous search for a priest to fulfill our pastoral needs.
In his sermon, Gary confessed that Good Shepherd Sunday has not historically been one of his favorites. He has felt it’s an interruption in the continuity of the Sundays of Easter. But he said that he’s beginning to come to terms with it, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation.
He reminded us that sheep don’t go willingly where the shepherd bids. There’s a reason, he said, for the shepherd’s crook, with its hook on one end and sharp prod on the other.
He further related our difficulty in leading a Christ-like life to the poetry of the Victorian poet, Christina Rossetti, whose feast day had fallen two days before on the liturgical calendar. Gary read the final stanza of her poem, “A Better Resurrection”:
My life is like a broken bowl,
A broken bowl that cannot hold
One drop of water for my soul
Or cordial in the searching cold;
Cast in the fire the perish'd thing;
Melt and remould it, till it be
A royal cup for Him, my King:
O Jesus, drink of me.
There’s no doubt that Gary Barker drew us into his deeper understanding and appreciation of Good Shepherd Sunday.
Coffee hour was a pleasure as always, with good food and good company. There was a lot of talking, telling of tales, catching up and laughing. Parishioners provided mushroom quiche, ham biscuits, tabouli salad, fresh strawberries, cakes, cookies, brownies, bars and peach pie!
Gary took the time to visit with us individually and in groups of two, three or four. Certainly he must have gotten a good feel for who we are, and vice versa: all in all, a successful day.
Posted on April 30, 2012 at 02:31 PM in Announcements, Food and Drink, Photos, Recent Events, Recent Sermons | Permalink
The Collect -
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:58 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, by the hand of Mark the evangelist you have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:46 AM in The Collects | Permalink
The May 2012 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:
Click here to read the May issue online.
Earlier issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.
To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.
Posted on April 24, 2012 at 05:11 PM in Announcements, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
The Collect -
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 12:58 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, you raised up your servant Anselm to teach the Church of his day to understand its faith in your eternal Being, perfect justice, and saving mercy: Provide your Church in every age with devout and learned scholars and teachers, that we may be able to give a reason for the hope that is in us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Anselm.
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 12:36 AM in The Collects | Permalink
O loving God, your martyr bishop Alphege of Canterbury suffered violent death when he refused to permit a ransom to be extorted from his people: Grant that all pastors of your flock may pattern themselves on the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for the sheep; and who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Alphege of Canterbury.
Posted on April 19, 2012 at 12:34 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on April 15, 2012 at 12:23 AM in The Collects | Permalink
We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Posted on April 14, 2012 at 12:21 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:19 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on April 12, 2012 at 12:18 AM in The Collects | Permalink
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:16 AM in The Collects | Permalink
O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 12:15 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with awe the Paschal feast may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Posted on April 09, 2012 at 12:13 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Left to right: Kevin Matheson, Kenyon Scott, William Plail, and Bryan Matheson
By Susan Paynter
Pipes and more pipes! One week before St. Patrick’s Day, the Chatham Concert Series’ Season Finale -- of chamber music concerts hosted by Emmanuel -- was a spirited tribute to St. Patrick.
On Friday evening, March 9, a crowd of 86, many in green, turned out to hear former Emmanuel Organist Kenyon Scott and Bagpiper William Plail salute the Irish saint with a Celtic-themed program.
In his opening remarks, the series’ Artistic Director Kevin Matheson graciously thanked Emmanuel for hosting the series, to the applause of music-lovers in attendance.
Continue reading "Celebrating St. Patrick - Chatham Concert Series Finale" »
Posted on April 08, 2012 at 08:54 PM in Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
Emmanuel will welcome two visiting priests during the coming weeks.
The Rev. Gary Barker of Christ Church, Smithfield, Virginia will be with us on April 29th as preacher and Celebrant.
Gary earned his B.A. in English and German Literatures from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1980. He also holds an M.A. in English and American Literature from the University of Virginia. He received his M.Div. with honors from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, and was ordained a priest of the church in 1991. Gary began his ordained ministry at Emmanuel Church in Harrisonburg where he served as assistant rector and chaplain to the students of James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite College (now University) and Bridgewater College. In 1993, Gary began a new ministry as Vicar of Grace Church in the town of Stanardsville, Virginia.
On May 6th, Emmanuel will welcome the Rev. Pamela Webb of Emmanuel Brook Hill Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia as preacher and Celebrant.
Pam graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1994 and was ordained in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. She served at two parishes in that Diocese before becoming Rector at St. John’s in Tappahannock in the Diocese of Virginia. She returned to Virginia Seminary for two years to serve as Director of Alumni Affairs and Church Relations. Pam served as Interim Rector of St. Paul’s in Wilkesboro, North Carolina in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and then as Interim Rector at Holy Comforter in Burlington, North Carolina in the Diocese of North Carolina.
Posted on April 08, 2012 at 08:06 PM in Announcements | Permalink
Emmanuel recently began a card ministry for members of our parish and friends in the community which includes prayers at the altar each week and cards to individuals remembering birthdays, wedding anniversaries, prayer concerns, and death dates for family members.
If you wish to participate in this ministry, please take a moment to fill out your list here and return it to us by clicking on the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page. Please feel free to submit multiple forms as needed.
Posted on April 08, 2012 at 05:31 PM | Permalink
The Collect -
O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Posted on April 08, 2012 at 05:35 AM in The Collects | Permalink
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the
crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and
rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the
coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of
life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on April 07, 2012 at 12:36 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your
family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be
betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer
death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on April 06, 2012 at 12:31 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before
he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood:
Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in
remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy
mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.
Posted on April 05, 2012 at 12:29 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be
whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the
sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on April 04, 2012 at 12:18 AM in The Collects | Permalink
O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an
instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to
glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the
sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on April 03, 2012 at 12:13 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but
first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified:
Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none
other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Posted on April 02, 2012 at 12:18 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Palm Cross was drawn by Emmanuel parishioner, Gloria Thompson.
Posted on April 01, 2012 at 12:52 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, the root and fountain of all being: Open our eyes to see, with your servant John Donne, that whatever has any being is a mirror in which we may behold you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 12:59 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Grant, O God, that in all time of our testing we may know your presence and obey your will; that, following the example of your servant John Keble, we may accomplish with integrity and courage what you give us to do, and endure what you give us to bear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about John Keble, Priest, 1866.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:40 AM | Permalink
Heavenly Father, whose Son prayed that we all might be one: Deliver us from arrogance and prejudice, and give us wisdom and forbearance, that, following your servant Charles Henry Brent, we may be united in one family with all who confess the Name of your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 12:55 AM in The Collects | Permalink
The Collect -
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Posted on March 26, 2012 at 12:52 AM in The Collects | Permalink
The Collect -
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 12:46 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, you called your servant Oscar Romero to be a voice for the voiceless poor, and to give his life as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope: Grant that, inspired by his sacrifice and the example of the martyrs of El Salvador, we may without fear or favor witness to your Word who abides, your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen.
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 12:48 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty God, whose will it is to be glorified in your saints, and who raised up your servant Gregory the Illuminator to be a light in the world, and to preach the Gospel to the people of Armenia: Shine, we pray, in our hearts, that we also in our generation may show forth your praise, who called us out of darkness into your marvelous light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop and Missionary of Armenia, c.332.
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:42 AM in The Collects | Permalink
Almighty and everlasting God, the source and perfection of all virtues, you inspired your servant James De Koven to do what is right and to preach what is true: Grant that all ministers and stewards of your mysteries may impart to your faithful people, by word and example, the knowledge of your grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about James DeKoven, Priest, 1879.
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 12:59 AM in The Collects | Permalink
