Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Welcome to Emmanuel, founded in 1844 and located in historic
Chatham, Virginia.

________________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events and Recent News:

Upcoming Events

******

Regular Sunday Schedule:  

11:00 am -       Holy Eucharist 2nd & 4th; Morning Prayer 1st, 3rd, 5th

12:00 pm -      Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall

******

Recent News

July 18 -      Emmanuel Begins Search for New Rector

June 20 -      Emmanuel Celebrates David Smith's Ministry

June 13 -      Aagards Host "Thank you" Coffee Hour

May 11 -      The Pruden Parish Press for May 2010 Is Now Online

May 2 -      David Smith Appointed Chaplain at Woodberry Forest School

April 30 -      Chatham Concert Series Stages Grand Finale

March 26 -      Justin Craig Wows Emmanuel Audience

February 26 -      Chatham Concert Series Features Oboist Aaron Hill and Pianist and Tenor Kevin Zakresky

February 16 -      Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Draws Crowd

January 17 -      Emmanuel Serves as Venue for Concert Series

January 13 -      Emmanuel Hosts Chatham Main Street Churches

January 10 -      Emmanuel Installs New Vestry Members

******

Search this site with Quick Search here or below on the left.

******

________________________________________________________________________________

Emmanuel Seeks New Rector

Emmanuel Church is currently seeking a new rector. A parish profile is being developed for sharing with prospective candidates, and additional information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Inquiries should be directed to Richard Camp, Senior Warden, or to the Deployment Office, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Feast of The Martyrs of New Guinea

The Collect -

Almighty God, we remember before you this day the blessed martyrs of New Guinea, who, following the example of their Savior, laid down their lives for their friends; and we pray that we who honor their memory may imitate their loyalty and faith; 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 Martyrs of New Guinea, 1942.

Feast of David Pendleton Oakerhater

The Collect -

O God of unsearchable wisdom and infinite mercy, you chose a captive warrior, David Oakerhater, to be your servant, and sent him to be a missionary to his own people, and to exercise the office of a deacon among them: Liberate us, who commemorate him today, from bondage to self, and empower us for service to you and to the neighbors you have given us; through Jesus Christ, the captain of our salvation; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about David Pendleton Oakerhater, Deacon and Missionary of the Cheyenne, 1931.

Feast of Aidan

The Collect -

O loving God, you called your servant Aidan from the peace of a cloister to re-establish the Christian mission in northern England, and endowed him with gentleness, simplicity, and strength: Grant that we, following his example, may use what you have given us for the relief of human need, and may persevere in commending the saving Gospel of our Redeemer Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Aidan, Bishop of Lindisfarne, 651.

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Augustine

The Collect -

Lord God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the souls that love you, and the strength of the hearts that serve you: Help us, following the example of your servant Augustine of Hippo, so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Learn more about Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 430.

Feast of Thomas Gallaudet with Henry Winter Syle

The Collect -

O Loving God, whose will it is that everyone should come to you and be saved: We bless your holy Name for your servants Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle whose labors with and for those who are deaf we commemorate today, and we pray that you will continually move your Church to respond in love to the needs of all people; through Jesus Christ, who opened the ears of the deaf, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Learn more about Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle.

Bishop Hollerith calls a new Canon for Deployment

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia:

I am pleased to announce that I have called the Reverend Michael W. Spear-Jones, rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Chesapeake, to serve as our Canon for Deployment in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Continue at diosova.org

Feast of Louis

The Collect -

O God, you called your servant Louis of France to an earthly throne that he might advance your heavenly kingdom, and gave him zeal for your Church and love for your people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate him this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Louis, King of France, 1270.

Feast of Saint Bartholomew

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, who gave to your apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your Word: Grant that your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Saint Bartholomew, Apostle.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Bernard

The Collect -

O God, by whose grace your servant Bernard of Clairvaux, kindled with the flame of your love, became a burning and a shining light in your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, 1153.

Feast of William Porcher DuBose

The Collect -

Almighty God, you gave to your servant William Porcher DuBose special gifts of grace to understand the Scriptures and to teach the truth as it is in Christ Jesus: Grant that by this teaching we may know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Learn more about William Porcher DuBose, Priest, 1918.

Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin

The Collect -

O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Learn more about Saint Mary the Virgin.

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of Jonathan Myrick Daniels

The Collect -

O God of justice and compassion, you put down the proud and mighty from their place, and lift up the poor and the afflicted: we give you thanks for your faithful witness Jonathan Myrick Daniels, who, in the midst of injustice and violence, risked and gave his life for another; and we pray that we, following his example, may make no peace with oppression; through Jesus Christ the just one, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Jonathan Myrick Daniels, Seminarian and Witness for Civil Rights, 1965.

Feast of Jeremy Taylor

The Collect -

O God, whose days are without end, and whose mercies cannot be numbered: Make us, like your servant Jeremy Taylor, deeply aware of the shortness and uncertainty of human life; and let your Holy Spirit lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Jeremy Taylor, Bishop of Down, Connor, and Dromore, 1667.

Feast of Florence Nightingale

The Collect -

Life-giving God, you alone have power over life and death, over health and sickness: Give power, wisdom, and gentleness to those who follow the lead of Florence Nightingale, that they, bearing with them your presence, may not only heal but bless, and shine as lanterns of hope in the darkest hours of pain and fear; through Jesus Christ, the healer of body and soul, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Click here to learn more about Florence Nightingale, Nurse, Social Reformer, 1910.

Feast of Clare, Abbess at Assisi

The Collect -

O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Clare, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Clare, Abbess at Assisi, 1253.

Feast of Laurence, Deacon, and Martyr at Rome

The Collect -

Almighty God, you called your deacon Laurence to serve you with deeds of love, and gave him the crown of martyrdom; Grant that we, following his example, may fulfill your commandments by defending and supporting the poor, and by loving you with all our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Laurence, Deacon, and Martyr at Rome, 258

 

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of John Mason Neale, Priest

The Collect -

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 Mason Neale, we may with integrity and courage accomplish 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.

Learn more about John Mason Neale, Priest, 1866.

Feast of The Transfiguration

The Collect -

O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Ignatius of Loyola

The Collect -

Almighty God, from whom all good things come: You called Ignatius of Loyola to the service of your Divine Majesty and to find you in all things. Inspired by his example and strengthened by his companionship, may we labor without counting the cost and seek no reward other than knowing that we do your will; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Learn more about Ignatius of Loyola, Priest, Monastic and Founder of the Society of Jesus

Feast of William Wilberforce

The Collect-

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, kindle in your Church the never-failing gift of love, that, following the example of your servant William Wilberforce, we may have grace to defend the poor, and maintain the cause of those who have no helper; for the sake of him who gave his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Learn more about William Wilberforce.

Feast of Mary and Martha of Bethany

The Collect -

O God, heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ enjoyed rest and refreshment in the home of Mary and Martha of Bethany: Give us the will to love you, open our hearts to hear you, and strengthen our hands to serve you in others for his sake; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Mary and Martha of Bethany.

Feast of William Reed Huntington

The Collect -

O Lord our God, we thank you for instilling in the heart of your servant William Reed Huntington a fervent love for your Church and its mission in the world; and we pray that, with unflagging faith in your promises, we may make known to all people your blessed gift of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Learn more about William Reed Huntington, Priest.

Feast of St James

The Collect -

O gracious God, we remember before you today your servant and apostle James, first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Name of Jesus Christ; and we pray that you will pour out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of self-denying service by which alone they may have true authority among your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Thomas á Kempis

The Collect -

Holy Father, you have nourished and strengthened your Church by the inspired writings of your servant Thomas a Kempis: Grant that we may learn from him to know what is necessary to be known, to love what is to be loved, to praise what highly pleases you, and always to seek to know and follow your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Thomas á Kempis, Priest.

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

The Collect -

Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be healed from all our infirmities and know you in the power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of Stanton, Bloomer, Truth and Tubman

The Collect -

O God, whose Spirit guides us into all truth and makes us free: Strengthen and sustain us as you did your servants Elizabeth, Amelia, Sojourner, and Harriet. Give us vision and courage to stand against oppression and injustice and all that works against the glorious liberty to which you call all your children; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

   

Learn more about Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Amelia Bloomer, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Ross Tubman, Liberators and Prophets.

Feast of Macrina

The Collect -

Merciful God, you called your servant Macrina to reveal in her life and her teaching the riches of your grace and truth: May we, following her example, seek after your wisdom and live according to her way; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Macrina, Monastic and Teacher, 379

Emmanuel Begins Search for a New Rector

Many parishioners turned out for a potluck luncheon held in the parish hall following Morning Prayer on Sunday, July 18.  The two draws were the wide variety of dishes brought in and shared by all, and a group discussion covering the ongoing search for our new priest.

The food, as usual, was spectacular.  Fried chicken was provided and was supplemented with homemade casseroles, heaping dishes of garden-fresh vegetables, and freshly baked pies and cakes and cobblers. 

Once we were all well fed and had visited with our table mates, Senior Warden Richard Camp brought us up to date on the search committee’s efforts.  He said a parish profile is being developed for potential candidates, describing the Pittsylvania, Chatham and Emmanuel communities. 

He also told us about two leads: a priest out of Orange County that Choirmaster & Organist Kenyon Scott had heard was considering relocation, and another in Greensboro, North Carolina that the Diocese of Southern Virginia believed might be leaving that city.

Finally, Richard presented a generic “wish list” of attributes as the starting point for a discussion about what we hoped for in a priest.  Those present discussed that list and many other ideas.  Richard took the consensus opinions “back to the drawing board” to incorporate into our listing for the position opening.

The vestry search committee was scheduled to meet again with a diocesan official the following Sunday, July 25, after Holy Communion, celebrated by The Reverend Jim Mathieson who is kindly filling in for us twice a month until we call a permanent priest.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of William White

The Collect -

O Lord, in a time of turmoil and confusion you raised up your servant William White, and endowed him with wisdom, patience, and a reconciling temper, that he might lead your Church into ways of stability and peace: Hear our prayer, and give us wise and faithful leaders, that through their ministry your people may be blessed and your will be done; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about William White, Bishop of Pennsylvania, 1836.

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Independence Day

The Collect -

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul

The Collect -

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Learn more about St. Peter and St. Paul.

Feast of Irenaeus

The Collect -

Almighty God, you upheld your servant Irenaeus with strength to maintain the truth against every blast of vain doctrine: Keep us, we pray, steadfast in your true religion, that in constancy and peace we may walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Learn more about Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, c.202.

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Nativity of St. John the Baptist

The Collect -

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about St. John the Baptist.

Feast of Alban

The Collect -

Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyr Alban triumphed over suffering and was faithful even to death: Grant us, who now remember him in thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to you in this world, that we may receive with him the crown of life; 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 Alban, First Martyr of Britain, c.304.

Celebrating David Smith's Ministry

Louis DePaulo greets Dr. David Smith at the conclusion of Dr. Smith's final service at Emmanuel. Click here for more photos.

(Photo by Susan Paynter)

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving­kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Bernard Mizeki

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your love in the heart of your holy martyr Bernard Mizeki: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in his triumph may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Bernard Mizeki, Catechist and Martyr in Rhodesia, 1896.

Feast of Joseph Butler

The Collect -

O God, by your Holy Spirit you give to some the word of wisdom, to others the word of knowledge, and to others the word of faith; We praise your Name for the gifts of grace manifested in your servant Joseph Butler, and we pray that your Church may never be destitute of such gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Learn more about Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, 1752

Feast of Evelyn Underhill

The Collect -

O God, Origin, Sustainer, and End of all your creatures; Grant that your Church, taught by your servant Evelyn Underhill, guarded evermore by your power, and guided by your Spirit into the light of truth, may continually offer to you all glory and thanksgiving and attain with your saints to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have promised by our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Click here to learn more about Evelyn Underhill, 1941.

Feast of Basil the Great

The Collect -

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 Basil of Caesarea, 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.

Learn more about Basil of Caesarea.