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- Copyright © 2007 - 2009
- Emmanuel Episcopal Church
July 12, 2009
Homily for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - The Two Dances
First Lesson - 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
The Gospel - Mark 6:14-29
Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith
The Two Dances
Have you ever noticed how naturally and easily young
children dance?
I was washing my car at home recently. All the doors were open and I had my mp3 player plugged into the radio with the music cranked up on random play. Three young children – ages 2, 4 and 5 – were playing in their yards at adjacent homes.
At one point, a song by James Brown came on – I Feel Good –
and it was loud.
Suddenly, all three of the neighboring children stopped what they were doing and just began to dance. They moved and swayed easily to the music as James Brown belted it out, oblivious to how they looked or who might be watching.
Dancing seems hard-wired into young children’s make up. But somewhere between age five and later adulthood, we seem to lose that easy, uncaring ability to just dance.
Today’s Gospel lesson is about the ugly circumstances,
including a dance, leading to the be-heading of John the Baptizer. It is a
strange and unpleasant story for a Gospel reading.
But if we first look at today’s lesson from 2 Samuel, what we find are two stories about two very different dances.
Continue reading "Homily for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - The Two Dances" »
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.
July 11, 2009
Feast of Benedict of Nursia
The Collect -
Almighty and everlasting God, your precepts are the wisdom of a loving Father: Give us grace, following the teaching and example of your servant Benedict, to walk with loving and willing hearts in the school of the Lord's service; let your ears be open to our prayers; and prosper with your blessing the work of our hands; 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 Benedict of Nursia, founder of the Benedictine order.
July 05, 2009
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.
July 04, 2009
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.
June 29, 2009
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.
June 28, 2009
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.
June 24, 2009
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.
June 22, 2009
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.
June 21, 2009
Third Sunday after Pentecost
The Collect -
Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
June 20, 2009
Dr. David Smith Ordained Priest
By Alice Coles & Jeanne Reynolds
On June 2, 2009, The Right Reverend Herman
Hollerith IV, Bishop of Southern Virginia ordained Emmanuel's Vicar, Dr. David
Hayes Smith, to the Sacred Order of Priests.
Bishop Hollerith presents Dr. Smith with his Ordination certificate at the
Reception following the Ordination Service.
Reception following the Ordination Service.
Bishop Hollerith IV was assisted
by The Right Reverend A. Heath Light, Bishop of Southwestern Virginia, retired.
Visiting clergy from Danville, Suffolk, Norfolk and Roanoke dressed in
their red stoles added to the ceremony of the occasion. The Reverend Samuel
Colley-Toothaker, Priest at Epiphany Danville, preached the sermon.
Emmanuel's Choir was assisted in leading the hymns
and singing the anthems by Epiphany's large choir.
Litanists for the service were The Reverend Susan
Grimm and The Reverend Gary Butterworth. John Geyer and Alice Cromer read
special prayers. Gospeller and Deacon of the Table was The Reverend William
Jones who has served on numerous occasions at Emmanuel as Deacon.
Three of Emmanuel's young parishioners
participated in the service: Morgan DePaulo as crucifer, Johnny Hunt as Banner
Bearer and Seth Hunt as Gospel Book Bearer. Lay Presenters for Dr. Smith were
Dr. Gary Fountain, Morgan DePaulo, Lila Nelson, Richard Camp, Irene Fry,
Virginia Adkins and Charles Adkins.
Clergy Presenters included The Reverend Canon Win
Lewis and The Reverend Canon Fred Poteet.
The Very Reverend Cleon Ross served as the
Minister of the Ceremony.
Emmanuel Senior Warden Richard Camp congratulates Dr. Smith on his ordination and presents him with a gift from the Parish as parishioner Jeannette Parramore looks on.
******
Following the service a wonderful reception coordinated by Mary Catherine Plaster was held in the Parish Hall. The Church and Parish Hall were resplendent with flower arrangements, ferns and palms.
During his remarks at the Reception, Dr. Smith thanked the Vestry, the members of the Parish, Bishop Hollerith, and all of the priests and deacons in the Diocese for their unfailing support and assistance during his ordination journey over the past eighteen months.
(There are many more photos in the Photo Gallery.)
June 18, 2009
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.
June 16, 2009
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
June 15, 2009
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.
June 14, 2009
The Second Sunday after Pentecost
The Collect -
O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
June 12, 2009
Feast of Enmegahbowh
The Collect -
Almighty God, you led your pilgrim people of old with fire and cloud: Grant that the ministers of your Church, following the example of blessed Enmegahbowh, may stand before your holy people, leading them with fiery zeal and gentle humility. This we ask through Jesus, the Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
Learn more about Enmegahbowh.
June 11, 2009
Feast of St. Barnabas
The Collect -
Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the wellbeing of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; 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 St. Barnabas.
June 10, 2009
Feast of Ephrem of Edessa
The Collect -
Pour out on us, O Lord, that same Spirit by which your deacon Ephrem rejoiced to proclaim in sacred song the mysteries of faith; and so gladden our hearts that we, like him, may be devoted to you alone; 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 Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon, 373.
June 09, 2009
The Feast of Columba
The Collect -
O God, by the preaching of your blessed servant Columba you caused the light of the Gospel to shine in Scotland: Grant, we pray, that, having his life and labors in remembrance, we may show our thankfulness to you by following the example of his zeal and patience; 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 Columba.
June 07, 2009
First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday
The Collect -
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
June 05, 2009
The Feast of Boniface
The Collect -
Almighty God, you called your faithful servant Boniface to be a witness and martyr in Germany, and by his labor and suffering you raised up a people for your own possession: Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your Church in every land, that by the service and sacrifice of many your holy Name may be glorified and your kingdom enlarged; 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 Boniface, Archbishop of Mainz, Missionary to Germany, and Martyr, 754.
June 04, 2009
Feast of The First Book of Common Prayer
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.
June 03, 2009
Feast of the Martyrs of Uganda
The Collect -
O God, by your providence the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church: Grant that we who remember before you the blessed martyrs of Uganda, may, like them, be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ, to whom they gave obedience, even to death, and by their sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest; 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 Uganda, 1886.
June 02, 2009
Feast of The Martyrs of Lyons
The Collect -
Grant, O Lord, that we who keep the feast of the holy martyrs Blandina and her companions may be rooted and grounded in love of you, and may endure the sufferings of this life for the glory that shall be revealed in us; 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 Blandina and the Martyrs of Lyons.
May 31, 2009
Day of Pentecost, Whitsunday
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.
May 26, 2009
Feast of Augustine
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.
May 25, 2009
Feast of Bede the Venerable
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.
May 24, 2009
Schola Cantorum Performs at Emmanuel
Chatham's Schola Cantorum, under the direction of Kevin Zakresky, performed Passio Domni nostri Jesu Christi secundum Matthaeum (The Passion According to St. Matthew) during today's service of the Holy Eucharist at Emmanuel Church.
Performing today were Kate Burns, Grace Fulop, Wayne Millan, Rosemary Nichols, David Smith, and Kevin Zakresky.
Chatham Schola Cantorum is a medieval singing group specializing in Gregorian Chant. The group focuses on various styles and forms of Latin chant in the Middle Ages through the beginning of the Renaissance.
Kevin Zakresky is the Music Program Director at Chatham Hall.
Seventh Sunday of Easter
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.
May 21, 2009
Ascension Day
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.
May 20, 2009
Feast of Alcuin
The Collect -
Almighty God, in a rude and barbarous age you raised up your deacon Alcuin to rekindle the light of learning: Illumine our minds, we pray, that amid the uncertainties and confusions of our own time we may show forth your eternal truth; 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 Alcuin, Deacon, and Abbot of Tours, 804.
May 19, 2009
Feast of Dunstan
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.
May 17, 2009
Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter - Love One Another
The Gospel - John 15:9-17
Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith
Love One Another
Next Sunday is Ascension Sunday when we will celebrate Jesus’ ascension into Heaven to be with the Father. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is preparing his disciples (friends) for his imminent departure.
When we leave this life, we will leave things behind. Jesus also left things behind. Three of those things are mentioned in today’s Gospel.
First, Jesus promised his followers the Father’s Love. We might be saying to ourselves, “That’s great; we would like some of that too please.” But are you sure that you know what Jesus meant by the “Father’s Love”?
Continue reading "Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter - Love One Another" »
Sixth Sunday of Easter
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.
May 10, 2009
Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter - Abide In Me
The Gospel - John 14:15-21
Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith
Abide In Me
Theologians through the ages have written about Christians’ penchant for a “milquetoast Jesus,” who is, in today’s parlance, something of a wimp. Dorothy Sayers, better known for her Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries than her essays, wrote in exasperation in her book The Greatest Drama Ever Staged:
“We have very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certified him ‘meek and mild,’ and recommended him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies.”
We don’t have to look very far to see this image played out in liturgy and song. Think of the hymn:
Awake, awake to love
and work!
The lark is in the sky;
The fields are wet with diamond dew;
The world’s awake to cry
Their blessings on the Lord of life,
As He goes meekly by.
Jesus is depicted here as meekly passing by.
Continue reading "Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter - Abide In Me" »
Fifth Sunday of Easter
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.
May 09, 2009
The Feast of Gregory of Nazianzus
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.
May 08, 2009
The Feast of Dame Julian of Norwich
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.
May 07, 2009
Mothers' Day Dinner was a Rousing Success!
Approximately 40 Emmanuel parishioners and friends enjoyed a sumptuous meal of prime rib roast beef with plentiful vegetables and beverages at the Parish's Mothers' Day Dinner on the evening of Thursday, May 7.
The ladies were the guests of the men who assisted Chef Tred Hunt in the kitchen and with the set up and clean up.
May 04, 2009
The Feast of Monnica
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.
May 03, 2009
Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter - The Good Shepherd
The Gospel - John 10:11-16
Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith
The Good Shepherd
I am the Good Shepherd.
People who live in sheep raising countries such as England, Australia, and New Zealand have a different notion of and appreciation for sheep and shepherds than most people would here in our own country.
The Bible is filled with stories about shepherds and herding sheep. Think of the Psalms – especially Psalm 23.
The children of Israel had been a nomadic people whose livelihoods and sustenance relied on sheep. Sheep provided meat and milk, wool for clothing, and hides for making tents. Sheep were even used as a form of money or exchange.
Our own image of shepherds watching their flocks by night often seems peaceful, even idyllic. But the life of a shepherd was not like that. It was hard, dirty work, often without sleep.
Continue reading "Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter - The Good Shepherd" »
Fourth Sunday of Easter
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.
May 02, 2009
The Feast of Athanasius
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.
May 01, 2009
The Feast of St Philip and St James
The Collect -
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.
April 29, 2009
Feast of Catherine of Siena
The Collect -
Everlasting God, you so kindled the flame of holy love in the heart of blessed Catherine of Siena, as she meditated on the passion of your Son our Savior, that she devoted her life to the poor and the sick, and to the peace and unity of the Church: Grant that we also may share in the mystery of Christ's death, and rejoice in the revelation of his glory; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Catherine of Siena, 1380.
April 28, 2009
The Pruden Parish Press for May 2009 Is Now Online
The May 2009 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:
- Sunday School Carries Easter to Oak Grove Residents,
- Mothers' Day Dinner - May 7th,
- Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,
- Oak Grove Residents Enjoy Spring Weather,
- Calendar of Parish events for May through July 2009,
- Dr. Smith to be ordained Priest on June 2nd,
- Easter Weekend at Emmanuel Church,
- G2R Adult Class explores Gospel of Mark, and
- Lessons from South Africa by Dr. Smith, and
- Emmanuel's Treasures.
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.
April 26, 2009
Third Sunday of Easter
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.
April 25, 2009
The Feast of Saint Mark
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.
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