Emmanuel Episcopal Church

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

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Upcoming Events and Recent News:

Upcoming Events

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Regular Sunday Schedule:  

   9:45 am -       Sunday School for Young Children

10:00 am -       Adult Class - G2R with Dr. Smith

11:00 am -       Holy Eucharist

12:00 pm -      Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall

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March 3 – 7 pm -      Lenten Dinner

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Recent News

February 17 -      Ash Wednesday, by  Dr. Smith

February 16 -      Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Draws Crowd

February 14 -      Close Encounters with God, by  Dr. Smith

January 17 -      Emmanuel Serves as Venue for Concert Series

January 13 -      Emmanuel Hosts Chatham Main Street Churches

January 10 -      Emmanuel Installs New Vestry Members

January 4 -        Pruden Parish Press for January 2010 Is Online

January 3 -        Why are they here? by  Dr. Smith

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The Pruden Parish Press for March 2010 Is Now Online

The March 2010 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is being published this week. The current issue includes:

• Emmanuel Celebrates Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper,

• Report from Diocesan Council

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• Emmanuel Hosts Main Street Churches,

• Calendar of Parish events for March - May 2010,

• Saturn String Quartet Opens Concert Series,

• The Priest's Corner by Dr. Smith,

• More Photos, and

• Emmanuel's Treasures.

Click here to read the March 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.

Second Sunday in Lent

The Collect -

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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

By Susan Paynter

About 40 concertgoers were drawn to Emmanuel’s sanctuary on Friday, February 26, to hear Oboist Aaron Hill, of the faculty and orchestra of the University of Virginia, and Pianist and Tenor Kevin Zakresky, choirmaster & music director of Chatham Hall.

In addition to Zakresky, Chatham provided two special guests to fill out the program, proving once again how strikingly broad and deep our humanities scene is for a community of our size: Organist Elise Dugan, student, and Blake Scholar Ann Beal, faculty member; both of Chatham Hall.

This was the second of four in the 2010 Chatham Concert Series, founded and directed by Zakresky.  Mr. Hill was delighted with the intimacy of the venue and audience which proved ideal for the chamber music written for oboe and piano.

The evening opened with Hill and Zakresky on oboe and piano, delighting the audience with a sonata by Francis Poulenc, and three of Robert Schumann’s fantasy pieces.

After the intermission, Ms. Dugan brought Emmanuel’s 1865 Hamill pipe organ to life with a Bach prelude and Johann Gottfired Walther’s “Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend” (“Lord Jesus Christ, turn our way”.)  Mr. Zakresky promised her performance would be impressive and it certainly was!

Dr. Beal was the surprise guest at the concert with her enlightening introduction to ten William Blake poems, set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and sung by Zakresky with Hill on oboe.  Our sanctuary was an appropriate place for Blake’s exploration of the darkness and light of the human soul, and its creator.

Zakresky and Hill closed out the program with chamber music for oboe and piano by J. W. Kalliwoda.

The third concert of the series, the classical guitar of Justin Craig, will be held at Emmanuel at 7:00 on the evening of March 26.  It promises to be a real treat that we should make every effort to attend.

Feast of George Herbert

The Collect -

Our God and King, you called your servant George Herbert from the pursuit of worldly honors to be a pastor of souls, a poet, and a priest in your temple: Give us grace, we pray, joyfully to perform the tasks you give us to do knowing that nothing is menial or common that is done for your sake; 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 George Herbert, Priest, 1633.

Feast of Saint Matthias

The Collect -

Almighty God, who in the place of Judas chose your faithful servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve: Grant that your Church, being delivered from false apostles, may always be guided and governed by faithful and true pastors; 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.

Click here to learn more about Saint Matthias, Apostle.

Feast of Polycarp

The Collect -

O God, the maker of heaven and earth, you gave your venerable servant, the holy and gentle Polycarp, boldness to confess Jesus Christ as King and Savior, and steadfastness to die for his faith; Give us grace, following his example, to share the cup of Christ and rise 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.

Click here to learn more about Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr of Smyrna, 156.

First Sunday in Lent

The Collect -

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; 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 Martin Luther

The Collect -

O God, our refuge and our strength: You raised up your servant Martin Luther to reform and renew your Church in the light of your word. Defend and purify the Church in our own day and grant that, through faith, we may boldly proclaim the riches of your grace which you have made known in Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Martin Luther, Reformer, 1546.

Homily for Ash Wednesday

The Gospel - Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of a new Christian Season known as Lent.  Lent is one of the oldest observations of the Christian calendar.  Its purpose is one of self-examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial in preparation for Easter.  It began as early as 130 a.d. with Irenaus of Lyons. 

In 325 the Council of Nicea discussed a 40-day Lenten season of fasting.  In 540, Gregory the Great moved the beginning of Lent to a Wednesday to secure the exact number of 40 days…not counting Sundays…and it is Gregory who is credited with giving Ash Wednesday its name. 

Ash Wednesday

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; 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 Ash Wednesday.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Draws Crowd

(Photo by Rosemary Nichols - More photos in the Photo Gallery)

By Susan Paynter

On February 16, about 45 parishioners and guests found refuge from the cold in Emmanuel’s Parish Hall.  It was a good night to enjoy the hot pancakes and warm fellowship of our traditional Shrove Tuesday Supper.

Shrove Tuesday -- also known as Fat Tuesday or, in French, Mardi Gras -- is, by custom, the last chance for Christians to indulge before the abstinence of Lent. 

The Emmanuel family happily indulged in the hot spiced apples, pancakes, and ham cooked up by a squad of men and boys under the direction of Tred Hunt and Richard Camp.  Beth Coles, hostess for the evening, had decorated with winter greenery and, with her team of servers, made sure everyone was well fed.

By the way, “shrove” is the past tense of “shrive,” which concerns the atonement for and pardon of sins.  The name was given to the day before Ash Wednesday, as Christians were traditionally “shriven” so they could enter the Lenten season in a state of purity.

Still, after our pancake supper, most of us would agree that Fat Tuesday fits us best!

Feast of Thomas Bray

The Collect -

O God of compassion, you opened the eyes of your servant Thomas Bray to see the needs of the Church in the New World, and led him to found societies to meet those needs: Make the Church in this land diligent at all times to propagate the Gospel among those who have not received it, and to promote the spread of Christian knowledge; 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 Thomas Bray, Priest and Missionary, 1730.

Homily for the Last Sunday after Epiphany - Close Encounters with God

The Gospel - Luke 9:28-36

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

Close Encounters with God

Today’s readings take us into close encounters with God: the kind that don’t seem to happen too often, but when they do, they are the ones that change us. Today’s gospel reminds us to search our past to find times when we have already experienced transfiguration, and calls us to be open in the present to transfiguring experiences in unexpected places and times.

In the natural world, the metamorphoses of tadpole to frog, of caterpillar to butterfly, of acorn to oak tree, of bulb to tulip, depend on a complex and miraculous combination of factors coming together: genetic, environmental, seasonal, and more. What’s amazing about these natural processes of transformation is that each being’s biological potential has already been programmed by God into their very genes.

Last Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect -

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Absalom Jones

The Collect -

Set us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear; that, honoring the steadfast courage of your servant Absalom Jones, we may show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of the children of God, which you have given us in your Son our Savior 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 Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818.

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect -

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of The Martyrs of Japan

The Collect -

O God our Father, source of strength to all your saints, you brought the holy martyrs of Japan through the suffering of the cross to the joys of eternal life; Grant that we, encouraged by their example, may hold fast the faith we profess, even to death itself; 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 The Martyrs of Japan, 1597.

Feast of Cornelius the Centurion

The Collect -

O God, by your Spirit you called Cornelius the Centurion to be the first Christian among the Gentiles; Grant to your Church such a ready will to go where you send and to do what you command, that under your guidance it may welcome all who turn to you in love and faith, and proclaim the Gospel to all nations; 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 Cornelius the Centurion.

Feast of Anskar

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, you sent your servant Anskar as an apostle to the people of Scandinavia, and enabled him to lay a firm foundation for their conversion, though he did not see the results of his labors: Keep your Church from discouragement in the day of small things, knowing that when you have begun a good work you will bring it to a fruitful conclusion; 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 Anskar, Archbishop of Hamburg, Missionary to Denmark and Sweden, 865.

Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

The Collect -

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by 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 the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Feast of Brigid (Bride)

The Collect -

Everliving God, we rejoice today in the fellowship of your blessed servant Brigid, and give you thanks for her life of devoted service. Inspire us with life and light, and give us perseverance to serve you all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about St Bridget of Kildare, Abbess, 523.

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your 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 Thomas Aquinas

The Collect -

Almighty God, you have enriched your Church with the singular learning and holiness of your servant Thomas Aquinas: Enlighten us more and more, we pray, by the disciplined thinking and teaching of Christian scholars, and deepen our devotion by the example of saintly lives; 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 Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Friar, 1274.

Feast of John Chrysostom

The Collect -

O God, you gave your servant John Chrysostom grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching, and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; 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 Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, 407.

Feast of Timothy and Titus

The Collect -

Almighty God, you called Timothy and Titus to be evangelists and teachers, and made them strong to endure hardship: Strengthen us to stand fast in adversity, and to live godly and righteous lives in this present time, that with sure confidence we may look for our blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior 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 Timothy and Titus, Companions of Saint Paul.

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

The Collect -

O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; 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.

Click here to learn more about the Apostle Paul.

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect -

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Phillips Brooks

The Collect -

O everlasting God, you revealed truth to your servant Phillips Brooks, and so formed and molded his mind and heart that he was able to mediate that truth with grace and power: Grant, we pray, that all whom you call to preach the Gospel may steep themselves in your Word, and conform their lives 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.

Click here to learn more about Phillips Brooks, Bishop of Massachusetts, 1893.

Feast of Vincent

The Collect -

Almighty God, your deacon Vincent, upheld by you, was not terrified by threats nor overcome by torments: Strengthen us to endure all adversity with invincible and steadfast 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 Vincent, Deacon of Saragossa, and Martyr, 304.

Feast of Agnes

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, you choose those whom the world deems powerless to put the powerful to shame: Grant us so to cherish the memory of your youthful martyr Agnes, that we may share her pure and steadfast faith in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Agnes, Martyr at Rome, 304.

Feast of Fabian

The Collect -

O God, in your providence you singled out the holy martyr Fabian as worthy to be chief pastor of your people, and guided him so to strengthen your Church that it stood fast in the day of persecution: Grant that those whom you call to any ministry in the Church may be obedient to your call in all humility, and be enabled to carry out their tasks with diligence and faithfulness; 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 Fabian, Bishop and Martyr of Rome, 250.

Emmanuel Serves as Venue for Concert Series

An estimated 100 music lovers gathered on Sunday afternoon, January 17, to kick off the 2010 Chatham Concert Series, organized by Choirmaster Kevin Zakresky of Chatham Hall.         

The world-class Saturn String Quartet brought us a delightful program of music.  From the opening number -- a Mozart Divertimento -- to the encore -- the prettiest version of Charlie Daniels’ Devil Went Down to Georgia that we’re likely to hear -- the string musicians held the audience in their thrall.

Two of Chatham’s own also performed.  Representing the next generation, ten-year-old violinist Staley Lyle brought us a Vivaldi-esque concertino by Ferdinand Kuchler; and Kevin Zakresky, singing tenor, showed his dramatic flair with songs by Peter Warlock.

 

Kevin Zakresky (center) enjoying a lighter moment with

the Saturn String Quartet, (l to r) Charles Shafer, violin, Louise Grévin, cello,

Bryan Matheson, viola, and Kevin Matheson, First Violin.

Emmanuel Hosts Chatham Main Street Churches

On Wednesday, January 13, the house was packed as Emmanuel hosted the Chatham Main Street Churches for Dinner.  We were joined by Watson Memorial Methodist, Chatham Presbyterian and Chatham Baptist Churches for social hour, dinner, and David Smith’s talk on “The Episcopal Church and the New World Order.”

David wrapped up his presentation with an informative and thoughtful riff on Robin Williams’ comedic “Top 10 Reasons for Being an Episcopalian.” Look for more details in the next issue of the Pruden Parish Press coming in March.

 

Did you get the t-shirt?

Feast of Wulfstan

The Collect -

Almighty God, your only-begotten Son led captivity captive and gave gifts to your people: Multiply among us faithful pastors, who, like your holy bishop Wulfstan, will give courage to those who are oppressed and held in bondage: and bring us all, we pray, into the true freedom of your kingdom; 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 Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095.

Feast of the Confession of Saint Peter

The Collect -

Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior 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 Saint Peter, Apostle.

Second Sunday after Epiphany

The Collect -

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Collect -

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last; Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of 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 Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights Leader, 1968.

Tonight: The Episcopal Church in the New World Order

Please join members of the Main Street Chatham Churches for this evening's dinner program - The Episcopal Church in the New World Order - hosted by Emmanuel in the Parish Hall.

The speaker will be the Reverend Dr. David Smith, priest-in-charge at Emmanuel.

5:00 pm Social Hour

5:30 pm Meal

6:15 pm Program

Cost is $5.00

Feast of Hillary

The Collect -

O Lord our God, you raised up your servant Hilary to be a champion of the catholic faith: Keep us steadfast in that true faith which we professed at our baptism, that we may rejoice in having you for our Father, and may abide in your Son, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit; who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Hillary, Bishop of Poitiers, 367.

Feast of Aelred

The Collect -

Pour into our hearts, O God, the Holy Spirit's gift of love, that we, clasping each the other's hand, may share the joy of friendship, human and divine, and with your servant Aelred draw many to your community of love; through Jesus Christ the Righteous, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Aelred, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167.

Emmanuel Installs New Vestry Members

New Vestry Members Beth Coles and H. Victor Millner were installed by the Reverend Dr. David Smith during the Sunday morning service on January 10th.

Elected at the Parish Annual Meeting in December, Coles and Millner will serve three-year terms on the Vestry beginning with 2010. They join continuing Vestry members Richard Camp, Ron Irby, Jayne DePaulo and Linda Swanberg.

For more information about the Vestry, click here.

First Sunday after Epiphany

The Collect -

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Feast of William Laud

The Collect -

Keep us, O Lord, constant in faith and zealous in witness, that, like your servant William Laud, we may live in your fear, die in your favor, and rest in your peace; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son 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 William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645.

Feast of Julia Chester Emery

The Collect -

God of all creation, you call us in Christ to make disciples of all nations and to proclaim your mercy and love: Grant that we, after the example of your servant Julia Chester Emery, may have vision and courage in proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our light and our salvation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Julia Chester Emery, Missionary, 1922.

Phyllis Tickle to Lecture at Chatham Hall

Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence, will lecture at Chatham Hall on Thursday, February 18th.

The following events are open to the public:

4:30-5:30 p.m. - round table Q&A (open to public) (Van Voorhis lecture hall)

5:30 -6:15 - Dinner (Open to Public) (lecture hall)

                         6:30-7:30 - address (open to public) (lecture hall)

Rooted in the observation that massive transitions in the church happen about every 500 years, Tickle shows readers that we live in such a time right now. She compares the Great Emergence to other “Greats” in the history of Christianity, including the Great Transformation (when God walked among us), the time of Gregory the Great, the Great Schism, and the Great Reformation.

Combining history, a look at the causes of social upheaval, and current events, The Great Emergence shows readers what the Great Emergence in church and culture is, how it came to be, and where it is going.

Feast of Harriett Bedell

The Collect -

Holy God, you chose your faithful servant Harriett Bedell to exercise the ministry of deaconess and to be a missionary among indigenous peoples: Fill us with compassion and respect or all people, and empower us for the work of ministry throughout 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 Harriett Bedell, Deaconness and Missionary.

Feast of the Epiphany

The Collect -

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Pruden Parish Press for January 2010 Is Now Online

The January 2010 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is being published this week. The current issue includes:

• Emmanuel Celebrates 2009;  Elects Coles and Millner to Vestry,

• 2nd Annual Winter Cocktail Party,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• Calling all writers and photographers!

• Calendar of Parish events for Jan.  - Mar. 2010,

• Chatham Concert Series Returns to Emmanuel,

• The Priest's Corner by Dr. Smith,

• The Briar Ridge Ramblers at Oak Grove, and

• Emmanuel's Treasures.

Click here to read the January 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.

Homily for the Second Sunday of Christmas - Why are they here?

The Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

Why are they here?

As roles go in the annual Christmas pageant, most girls want to play Mary, and no boy wants to be Joseph; mainly because every girl wants to be Mary. Inevitably whatever boy gets tapped to be Joseph must suffer a torrent of taunts from his buddies….”Joseph and Mary sittin’ in a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G. First comes love then comes marriage, then comes Joseph with a baby carriage.” 

Being a shepherd was O.K., but the costumes were always drab and shepherds got relegated to the background, playing third fiddle to the angels, Joseph, Mary and of course the Wise men.  The role every boy really wanted was to be a Wise man.  They had, by far, the coolest costumes, usually some fancy brocade number with a spiffy turban.  They got to carry something too, and their entrance was usually accompanied with much pomp and fanfare.  The taped music would have trumpets blowing and all the shepherds would offer a little genuflect as they approached the manger.

Interestingly enough, we really don’t know how many there were, or who they were.  We have based our assumptions of three on the number of gifts, and their names, Melchior, Gaspar, and Baltasar were more than likely imagined by the Venerable Bede, an 8^th century English monk.

But for the original readers, the story we read today was a shock.  Matthew never intended this sort of royal treatment of the Wise men to emerge.  In fact the presence of the Wise men in the story was scandalous and the first readers would have known that.

Second Sunday after Christmas

The Collect -

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.