Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Vigil of All Saints

Be our light in the darkness, God we pray,
and in your great mercy
defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

The Pruden Parish Press for November 2008 Is Now Online

The November 2008 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:

• a report on the election of our new bishop,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• information regarding the coming Congregational Meeting,

• a calendar of Parish events for November through January 2009,

• Around the Parish update,

• The Blessings of Ordination by Dr. Smith.

Click here to read the November 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.

Feast of James Hannington

The Collect -

Precious in your sight, O Lord, is the death of your saints, whose faithful witness, by your providence, has its great reward: We give you thanks for your martyrs James Hannington and his companions, who purchased with their blood a road into Uganda for the proclamation of the Gospel; and we pray that with them we also may obtain the crown of righteousness which is laid up for all who love the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, and his Companions, Martyrs, 1885.

Bishop Hannington Memorial Church to Celebrate 70th Anniversary

Bishop Hannington Memorial Church, located in Hove, West Sussex, England will celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the laying of the church’s foundation stone on November 26^th. The festivities will include a special celebration event with lots of activities for families, along with a static display centered on the life of James Hannington.

Hove is located about ten miles from Hurstpierpoint where James Hannington lived. Members of Hannington’s family still live in the area.

Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Jude

The Collect -

O God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude; and we pray that, as they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles.

Homily for the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost - The Bottom Line

The Gospel - Matthew 22:34-46

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

The Bottom Line

 

Have you run into any bureaucracies lately?  

Not long ago, I had to call a national denomination office to secure some information. I called one morning around 9:30, and got a recording telling me the offices weren't opened.   So, I called back the following day, and got another recording telling me no one was available to answer the phone, to call back latter.  Instead, I decided to dial direct to the particular division at the National Headquarters. 

When I did that, I got another recording by the person I was trying to reach telling me that he wasn't in his office at the moment and for me to leave a message and he would call back.  I did that and also followed with another attempt to another division that might be able to get me the information I needed.  Yet another recording came on with the same message. 

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Christmas Day Latin Mass to be Performed at Emmanuel on December 6th

On Saturday, December 6 at 4 pm, as part of the festivities for Christmas in Historic Chatham, Emmanuel Episcopal Church and the Chatham Schola Cantorum will present the "Christmas Day Mass". 

All chants and readings will be sung and read entirely in Latin.  This promises to be a unique event for Chatham, and everyone is cordially invited to attend.

Feast of Saint James of Jerusalem

The Collect -

Grant, O God, that, following the example of your servant James the Just, brother of our Lord, your Church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; 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 Saint James of Jerusalem.

Homily for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost - The Crisis of Citizenship

The Gospel - Matthew 22:15-22

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

The Crisis of Citizenship

Here in the midst of an election year, particularly with an economic mushroom cloud looming overhead, it is impossible to avoid candidates’ pledges to decrease taxes and increase services.  Taxes, taxes and more taxes…each candidate accusing the other of being irresponsible with our tax dollars.

A sportswriter asked the boxer Joe Louis, "who hit you the hardest during your ring career?" His reply was, "Uncle Sam."

Oscar Wilde, play-write and cynic, once protested about the taxes on his house.  He was told that by living there, he used the protection and services of the government even while he slept.  Wilde quickly answered, "Yes, but I sleep so badly."

As the old saying goes, there are only two things in life we can't avoid...death and taxes...but we are all reminded regularly that death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets.

Taxes have been the bane of people's existence forever.  We get a taste of it in the passage we read today.  The crucial question is simple, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of St. Luke, the Evangelist

The Collect -

Almighty God, who inspired your servant Luke the physician to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of your Son: Graciously continue in your Church this love and power to heal, to the praise and glory of your Name; 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 St. Luke, the Evangelist.

Feast of Ignatius

The Collect -

Almighty God, we praise your Name for your Bishop and martyr Ignatius of Antioch, who offered himself as grain to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts that he might present to you the pure bread of sacrifice. Accept, we pray, the willing tribute of our lives and give us a share in the pure and spotless offering of your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click Here to learn more about Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, and Martyr, c. 115.

Feast of Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, Thomas Cranmer

The Collect -

Keep us, O Lord, constant in faith and zealous in witness, that, like your servants, Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, and Thomas Cranmer, 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, now and for ever. Amen.

Click Here to learn more about Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, Thomas Cranmer,

Bishops and Archbishop, Martyrs,  1555, 1556.

Feast of Teresa of Avila, Nun

The Collect -

O God, by your Holy Spirit you moved Teresa of Avila to manifest to your Church the way of perfection: Grant us, we pray, to be nourished by her excellent teaching, and enkindle within us a keen and unquenchable longing for true holiness; through Jesus Christ, the joy of loving hearts, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click Here to learn more about Teresa of Avila, Nun.

Feast of Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky

The Collect -

O God, in your providence you called Joseph Schereschewsky from his home in Eastern Europe to the ministry of this Church, and sent him as a missionary to China, upholding him in his infirmity, that he might translate the Holy Scriptures into languages of that land. Lead us, we pray, to commit our lives and talents to you, in the confidence that when you give your servants any work to do, you also supply the strength to do it; 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 Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky, Bishop of Shanghai, 1906.

Emmanuel's Annual Picnic Enjoyed by All

Emmanuel parishioners and friends enjoyed the Annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, October 12th following the 11 am service of Holy Eucharist. The food was plentiful and the weather inviting until the yellow jackets came calling!

Homily for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost - I'm Too Busy

The Gospel - Matthew 22:1-14

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

I'm Too Busy

This lesson today has two parables for the price of one.  Matthew has sewn two stories together.  Since both had weddings as their setting, the combination worked.  The first parable had to do with sending out the invitations, and the response of the people.

Some of you who are teachers are blessed with receiving some of the greatest excuses of all time.  The Atlanta Constitution invited teachers to submit excuses they had received from their students.

A student explaining why he was late: "I was kidnapped by aliens and interrogated for three hours."

Another, telling why she had failed to turn in her essay: "The bus driver read it and liked it so much he kept it to show the other passengers."

Yet another, "I got mugged on the way to school.  I offered my money, my watch, my new shoes, but all he wanted was my essay."

And Mike, a 14-year-old came up with a water tight excuse for arriving at school an hour late with his pants soaked to the knees: "I was just about to board the buss when I found I'd lost my ticket.  Since it would take too long to walk to school, I hopped a fence onto a golf course.  I headed for a creek that crisscrossed several fairways until I found a likely spot for lost balls.  Retrieving three balls from their watery graves, I made for the clubhouse...where I sold the balls for bus fare.” And that's why I'm late."  That was the winning entry.

Twenty Second Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Parish Workday a Huge Success!

As a group of energetic parishioners weeded, pruned, raked, planted, and mulched, another few folks repaired downspouts and gutters on Emmanuel’s property on a workday held on October the 11th. 

After a morning of vigorous exercise and after being served a wonderful lunch by Jane and Morgan DePaulo, the work was completed as planned and all pronounced the Churchyard fit for the annual picnic the next day. 

Previously to the planned day, Richard Camp and Tred Hunt reseeded the grass around the Church.

Feast of Philip

The Collect -

Holy God, no one is excluded from your love, and your truth transforms the minds of all who seek you: As your servant Philip was led to embrace the fullness of your salvation and to bring the stranger to Baptism, so give us all the grace to be heralds of the Gospel, proclaiming your love in Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click Here to learn more about Philip, Deacon and Evangelist.

Feast of Vida Dutton Scudder

The Collect -

Most gracious God, you sent your beloved Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Raise up in your Church witnesses who, after the example of your servant Vida Dutton Scudder, stand firm in proclaiming the power 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 Vida Dutton Scudder, Educator and Witness for Peace, 1954.

Feast of Robert Grosseteste

The Collect -

O God, our heavenly Father, who raised up your faithful servant Robert Grosseteste to be a bishop and pastor in your Church and to feed your flock: Give abundantly to all pastors the gifts of your Holy Spirit, that they may minister in your household as true servants of Christ and stewards of your divine mysteries; 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 Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln, 1253.

Feast of William Tyndale

The Collect -

Almighty God, you planted in the heart of your servant William Tyndale a consuming passion to bring the Scriptures to people in their native tongue, and endowed him with the gift of powerful and graceful expression and with strength to persevere against all obstacles: Reveal to us your saving Word, as we read and study the Scriptures, and hear them calling us to repentance and 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 William Tyndale, Priest, 1536.

Homily for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost - Moving On

Text - Philippians 3:14-21

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

Moving On

He was one of the greatest soldiers of his time.  He lived at a time when our country needed great soldiers.  However, his past so discouraged him that he almost never became the great leader his country needed.

Hiram's father was so harsh and cold that he would always see his son as a failure.  His mother was not a great source of comfort either.  He never saw her so moved by any life event that she cried. 

At age 17, his father pushed him into West Point.  Hiram was only 5'1" and 120 pounds.  He feared failing.  He hated the school but he didn't dare buck his father's decision.  In fact, when the academy listed his name wrong, Hiram was too timid even to get the error corrected.  He went through the rest of his life under a partly erroneous name.

Twenty First Sunday after Pentecost

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession 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 Francis of Assisi

The Collect -

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; 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 Francis of Assisi, Friar, 1226.

Emmanuel Fall Clean-up Day Set for Saturday, October 11

Parishioners and friends of Emmanuel are invited to join us for our annual fall clean-up workday on Saturday, October 11 beginning at 9 am. A Job List including tasks and sign-up sheet are posted on the Bulletin Board in the Parish Hall. Please sign up for a task and don't forget to bring any necessary tools or cleaning supplies.

"But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you."

- Luke 11:37-54

Feast of Remigius

The Collect -

O God, by the teaching of your faithful servant and bishop Remigius you turned the nation of the Franks from vain idolatry to the worship of you, the true and living God, in the fullness of the catholic faith: Grant that we who glory in the name of Christian may show forth our faith in worthy deeds; 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 Remigius, Bishop of Rheims, c. 530.