Emmanuel Episcopal Church

The Reverend Pamela Webb Visits Emmanuel

The Reverend Pamela Webb visits with Virginia Chapin and Vic Millner.

For the second time in two weeks, Emmanuel welcomed a visiting priest on Sunday, May 6 as we continue the search for a fulltime priest. The Reverend Pamela Webb and her husband, Dan, joined the Emmanuel family to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and enjoy an extended coffee hour.

Reverend Webb’s sermon was a discussion of Jesus’ identity, beginning with “I am the true vine...” which began the morning’s gospel reading. Vine, light, bread, gate, shepherd... all these familiar, earthy, “I am” metaphors were used by Jesus, Reverend Webb explained, to help us to know better that which, ultimately, cannot ever be fully understood by man.

As in the previous week’s visit with the Rev. Gary Barker, we all enjoyed the opportunity to become more familiar with Rev. Webb during an extended coffee hour beautifully hosted by Alice Coles, Beth Coles, Janice Cheney and Janis Simpson. Afterwards, Pam joined the vestry in a closed-door session.

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:  

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

12:00 pm -      Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall

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Recent News

May 6 -      The Reverend Pamela Webb Visits Emmanuel

Apr 29 -     The Reverend Gary Barker Visits Emmanuel

Apr 24 -     The Pruden Parish Press for May 2012 Is Now Online

Mar 9 -    Celebrating St. Patrick - Chatham Concert Series Finale

Feb 22 -    Emmanuel Welcomes Sally Ford as Organist

Feb 21 -    Pancake Supper Draws Large Crowd

Jan 29 -    Emmanuel Welcomes Visiting Priest - The Rev. Wayne Kinyon

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Emmanuel Seeks New Rector

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

Click here to download or read a copy of the Parish Profile.

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

The Reverend Gary Barker Visits Emmanuel

The Rev. Gary Barker (second from right) visits with parishioners.

By Susan Paynter

On Sunday, April 29, the Reverend Gary Barker joined us to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and to become acquainted, afterward, during an extended coffee hour.  The visit was one step in the Rev. Barker’s quest to find a new church family and Emmanuel’s simultaneous search for a priest to fulfill our pastoral needs.

In his sermon, Gary confessed that Good Shepherd Sunday has not historically been one of his favorites.  He has felt it’s an interruption in the continuity of the Sundays of Easter.  But he said that he’s beginning to come to terms with it, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation. 

He reminded us that sheep don’t go willingly where the shepherd bids.  There’s a reason, he said, for the shepherd’s crook, with its hook on one end and sharp prod on the other.

He further related our difficulty in leading a Christ-like life to the poetry of the Victorian poet, Christina Rossetti, whose feast day had fallen two days before on the liturgical calendar.  Gary read the final stanza of her poem, “A Better Resurrection”:

 My life is like a broken bowl,

A broken bowl that cannot hold

One drop of water for my soul

Or cordial in the searching cold;

Cast in the fire the perish'd thing;

Melt and remould it, till it be

A royal cup for Him, my King:

O Jesus, drink of me.

There’s no doubt that Gary Barker drew us into his deeper understanding and appreciation of Good Shepherd Sunday.

Coffee hour was a pleasure as always, with good food and good company.  There was a lot of talking, telling of tales, catching up and laughing.  Parishioners provided mushroom quiche, ham biscuits, tabouli salad, fresh strawberries, cakes, cookies, brownies, bars and peach pie! 

Gary took the time to visit with us individually and in groups of two, three or four.  Certainly he must have gotten a good feel for who we are, and vice versa:  all in all, a successful day.

The Pruden Parish Press for May 2012 Is Now Online

The May 2012 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• Parish Welcomes Visiting Priests,

• Emmanuel Begins Card Ministry,

• The Best of Times,

• Music at Emmanuel,

• Celebrating St. Patrick - Concert Series Finale,

• Remembering Our History, and

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Walter Coles, Sr.

 

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.

Emmanuel to Welcome Visiting Priests

Emmanuel will welcome two visiting priests during the coming weeks.

The Rev. Gary Barker of Christ Church, Smithfield, Virginia will be with us on April 29^th as preacher and Celebrant.

Gary earned his B.A. in English and German Literatures from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1980. He also holds an M.A. in English and American Literature from the University of Virginia. He received his M.Div. with honors from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, and was ordained a priest of the church in 1991. Gary began his ordained ministry at Emmanuel Church in Harrisonburg where he served as assistant rector and chaplain to the students of James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite College (now University) and Bridgewater College. In 1993, Gary began a new ministry as Vicar of Grace Church in the town of Stanardsville, Virginia.

On May 6^th, Emmanuel will welcome the Rev. Pamela Webb of Emmanuel Brook Hill Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia as preacher and Celebrant.

Pam graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1994 and was ordained in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. She served at two parishes in that Diocese before becoming Rector at St. John’s in Tappahannock in the Diocese of Virginia. She returned to Virginia Seminary for two years to serve as Director of Alumni Affairs and Church Relations. Pam served as Interim Rector of St. Paul’s in Wilkesboro, North Carolina in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and then as Interim Rector at Holy Comforter in Burlington, North Carolina in the Diocese of North Carolina.

A St. Patrick’s Day Prelude - concert this Friday

A St. Patrick’s Day Prelude
Friday, March 9 at 7:00 P.M.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 N. Main Street, Chatham.
Admission is by donation for the musicians.

Pipes and more pipes!  As a spirited tribute to Saint Patrick, the  Chatham Concert Series’ Season Finale this Friday evening promises to  be a performance to remember. Featuring Pipe Organist Kenyon Scott and  Bagpiper William Plail in a mostly Celtic-themed program anticipating  St. Patrick’s Day.

Mr. Plail will pipe the beloved air Danny Boy as well as other  traditional pieces such as Endearing Young Charms,The Wearing of the  Green, and Let Erin Remember.  Concert-goers can expect airs, reels,  marches, jigs and quicksteps.

Mr. Scott, who will play a modified Hamill pipe organ, has put the  lovely old Welch melody, Hyfrydol, on the program.  While the title  may not ring a bell, this is music you’re bound to know.  Several  well-known hymns, including Alleluia Sing to Jesus” have been set to  the tune.
Hyfrydol was the song the Welch coal miners sang so beautifully as  they walked home from the mines in the old movie classic, How Green  Was My Valley.

Scott will play two Irish/Celtic hymn tune voluntaries, and will also  cross into the English tradition for Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Sine  Nomine, associated with the hymn For All the Saints, which naturally  includes St. Patrick.

There will be several secular, sometimes rollicking Scots pieces for  the organ, and the medieval Organ Estampie.

Highlighting Virginia’s Celtic heritage, the program will also include  fiddle tunes from colonial-era Buckingham County, arranged for the  organ.

The program will conclude with J.S. Bach’s Little Prelude and Fugue in  G Major -- chosen to showcase the Hamill organ’s modified pedal board.  It should be fun to watch Mr. Scott dance his way through this short  piece.

William Plail lives in Amherst.  He is a pipe soloist and also a  member of Roanoke’s Warpipe and local pipe-and-drum bands in  Charlottesville and Lynchburg.  He is a composer of bagpipe tunes and  a prolific arranger of traditional carols and hymns for the pipes.

Kenyon Scott is a native of Pittsylvania County and lives with his  family on their farm east of Gretna.  He has studied music since age  five and accepted his first position as church organist at 14.  He  served 15 years as organist and choirmaster at Chatham’s Emmanuel  Episcopal Church and now serves Danville’s West Main Baptist Church.

Remember to don a bit of green as you attend “A St. Patrick’s Day  Prelude” this Friday, March 9 at 7:00 P.M. at Emmanuel Episcopal  Church, 66 N. Main Street, Chatham.  Admission is by donation for the  musicians.

The Pruden Parish Press for March 2012 Is Now Online

  The March 2012 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• Emmanuel Prepares for Lent,

• Vestry Notes,

• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper,

• Calendar Notes for March - May 2012,

• Concerts Lighten Dark Days of Winter, and

• Spoltlight on the Vestry - Bill Simpson.

 

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.

Emmanuel Welcomes Sally Ford as Organist

Emmanuel is pleased to welcome Sally Ford as our new church organist.

Ms. Ford has been involved in church music since before she could read when she begged to be allowed to join the children's choir at her home church. She began piano at age seven and organ in high school, replacing the church organist, who had retired. She has played a diverse group of various instruments in churches over the years, including reed organs, as well as directing children's and adult choirs.

Sally studied organ at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ, under the tutelage of James Litton (who later directed the American Boys Choir). While there she was also privileged to sing in Symphonic Choir with several symphony orchestras.  She earned her degree in organ with a minor in voice and a concentration in Music Education. There she met her husband (a native of Alexandria, which later led to her coming to VA.)

A former home educator, Sally has performed vocally and instrumentally in a Celtic group as well as with her husband, a professional flutist. She dabbles in hammered dulcimer and on the recorder. She has also been a presenter at various home school functions.

Ms. Ford will assume her duties at Emmanuel on Sunday, March 4.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - Feb 21

Emmanuel will hold its traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 21, 2012 at 6:00 pm in the Parish Hall.

The menu is Ham, fried Apples, Beverage and our delicious Pancakes.  All are welcome.

Songs of England Come to Chatham

On Friday evening, February 3, as the St. Petersburg Symphony visits Danville, the Chatham Concert Series continues its chamber music presentations with a program geared more to the Anglophiles among us.

“English Vocal Music from Butterworth to the Beatles” will feature Baritone Dr. David Castonguay accompanied by the popular Saturn String Ensemble: the two violins of Kevin Matheson and Martin Irving, Bryan Matheson on viola, and the cello of Lisa Wright.  Songs performed will be by George Butterworth, Gerald Finzi and England’s “fab four,” The Beatles.

In addition to the featured songs of England, there will be a nod to the continent with Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” and Dvorak’s love songs, “Cypresses,” for string quartet.

Dr. Castonguay is active in the United States and Europe as a baritone soloist, choral conductor, musical jurist and music educator and mentor.  He serves as associate professor of music and director of choral activities at Radford University.

Those who’ve been watching the PBS series “Downton Abbey” will be interested to know that George Butterworth, a friend and associate of Vaughn Williams, was killed in 1916 at the World War I Battle of the Somme.  He had been considered one of Europe’s most promising composers.

Like Butterworth, Finzi was an enthusiast and collector with Vaughn Williams of English folk music.  Unlike Butterworth, Finzi was too young to serve in WWI and survived until 1956, although his musical work was interrupted by WWII.

Both Butterworth and Finzi set to music the poetry of some of England’s finest poets.  The lyrics of this concert’s songs will be from poetry by W.E. Henley and Thomas Hardy.

Strange to think of the overlapping lives of Gerald Finzi and the four lads from Liverpool, but overlap they did, and concert-goers can expect a treat as the musical genius of The Beatles is presented in arrangements for string quartet.

As is the Chatham Concert Series’ tradition, promising young music students will also join the program for one piece, gaining valuable performance experience.  Those performing music from Super Mario will be Julian Ayers,  Alyssa Arminan, Staley Lyle and Jacob Tisdale on violin and Caleb Tisdale on viola.

“English Vocal Music from Butterworth to the Beatles” will be held Friday evening, February 3, at 7:00 p.m.; Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 N. Main Street, Chatham; Admission by donation.

Concert Today

William Parrish, Jr. will perform here at Emmanuel this afternoon at 3:30 pm as part of the Chatham Concert Series. Many of us remember The Rev. Bill Parrish, Sr., his dad, from his days as Emmanuel's rector.

Bill Jr. is principal oboist for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and will be performing "Gabriel's Oboe." This is the popular theme from the 1986 film, "The Mission."

Mr. Parrish will be joined on the program by the Saturn String Ensemble and Claudia Jones Patterson on the piano.

Admission is by donation.

Emmanuel Installs Vestry for 2012

The Reverend J. W. Mathieson installed Emmanuel's Vestry for 2012 during the service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, January 8th. Returning members Janice Chaney, Beth Coles, Vic Millner, and Tred Hunt were joined by newly elected members Walter Coles, Sr. and Bill Simpson (pictured at right).

The Vestry oversees parish finances and buildings, chooses individuals for leadership positions including the rector, and serves as an advisory council to the rector. Vestry members are elected for staggered three-year terms with two new members joining the Vestry each year.

Prayer for the Vestry

O Eternal God, the foundation of all wisdom and the source of all courage: Enlighten with your grace the Vestry of this congregation, and so rule their minds, and guide their counsels, that in all things they may seek your glory and promote the mission of your church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Pruden Parish Press for January 2012 Is Now Online

   The January 2012 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• Annual Meeting,

• Vestry Notes,

• Greening of the Church,

• Calendar Notes for Jan.  - March 2012,

• Christmas Night at Emmanuel,

• Chatham Concert Series Continues, and

• Bishop Hollerith's Christmas Message.

 

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.

Christmas Services

Please join us for the following Christmas Events:

Dec. 21, 7 pm - Greening of the Church

Dec. 24, 10:30 pm - Christmas Carols

                  11:00 pm - Holy Eucharist

                  12:00 am - Refreshments in the Parish Hall

Dec. 25 - Christmas Day - No Services

Annual Meeting Elects New Vestry Members

At the Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 11, the congregation elected the following new members of the Vestry:

* Walter Coles, Sr. and

* William S. (Bill) Simpson

Bill and Walter will take office on January 1, 2012.

The Pruden Parish Press for November 2011 Is Now Online

   The November 2011 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• Emmanuel Parish Picnic,

• Parish Annual Meeting Dec. 11,

• The Future of the Episcopal Church,

• Calendar Notes for Nov. 2011 - Jan. 2012,

• You can't take it with you..., and

• The Chatham Concert Series Schedule.

 

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.

Chatham Concert Series Sets 2011-12 Schedule

Artistic Director Kevin Matheson is pleased to announce the 2011-2012 Chatham Concert Series schedule, "We have five concerts scheduled and have added a Christmas concert for this season." All concerts are held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 North Main Street, Chatham, VA. All concerts are admission by donation at the door.

The schedule of performances follows:

Chatham Concert Series to Begin New Season at Emmanuel on November 11

Once again, Emmanuel is pleased to donate the use of its sanctuary as venue for the popular Chatham Concert Series.  The series is quickly becoming a Chatham tradition and is making a name for itself in the world of classical music.

Concert plans include, for the first time, a December Christmas concert and sing-along as well as a special tribute to Saint Patrick in March.  Artistic Director Kevin Matheson and President Bryan Matheson have been busy booking a wide variety of musical talent from near and far, and are still at work to ensure a lively, varied and enjoyable season.

The season opener, scheduled for Friday, November 11, will be an evening of classical guitar.  Some think of the guitar as little more than a rhythm instrument.  This concert, with that instrument in the hands of Guitarist Stanley Alexandrowicz, is sure to open some eyes... and ears!  Come see what the guitar is capable of doing in the hands of a master.

The Pruden Parish Press for May 2011 Is Now Online

  The May 2011 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 Easter Sunday,

• Mother's Day Luncheon - May 8th,

• Vestry Notes from the  Senior Warden,

• Saturn String Quartet "Delights" Audience

• Calendar Notes for May - July 2011,

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Tred Hunt,

• Parishioners & Guests Enjoy Pancake Supper, and

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Janice Chaney.

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.

Romantic Music for Clarinet and Strings

Mother’s Day Luncheon - Sunday, May 8th

The Men of the Parish will be hosting a special Mother’s Day Luncheon for all the women of the parish (you need not be a mother!) on Sunday, May 8th in the Parish Hall  immediately following the 11 am service of Holy Eucharist.

Head chef Tred Hunt, in a return engagement, is planning a hardy but light luncheon for all the women of the Church.

Ladies, come out and  enjoy a sumptuous meal while leaving the dishes to the men!

Two "New Wine" Regional Meetings Remaining

Diocesan eNews

It's not too late to participate in one of our New Wine regional conversations. Two sessions remain, both on Saturday, April 9: St. John's, Chester, from 9 a.m. to noon and Trinity, South Boston, from 1 to 4 p.m. 

 

Register to attend by clicking on the meeting of your choice:

St. John's, Chester, April 9, 9 a.m. to noon
Trinity, South Boston, April 9, 1 to 4 p.m.

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Brunswick Stew & BBQ!

Diocese of Southern Virginia - Parish News & Events

If you're in the mood for some good BBQ, then Saturday, April 9th is your lucky day. For folks in the western part of our diocese, head over to St. John's, Mt. Airy, for Brunswick stew and BBQ served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can get a pound of BBQ to go for $5 or stick around and enjoy a meal ($5) or just a quick sandwich ($2.50). Brunswick stew will be available at $4 for a quart, $2 for a bowl or $5 for a meal.

If you're in the eastern part of the diocese, head over to St. Mark's, Hampton, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and enjoy some Carolina style BBQ and help raise money for Japan earthquake relief. A meal is $6 or you can get a pint to go for $10. 

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Pianist Maria Yefimova in Concert

St. Michael's, Bon Air, is pleased to host a concert featuring Russian-born pianist Maria Yefimova on Sunday, April 10 at 4 p.m. The concert will feature works by Chopin, Rachmaninoff and others. A free will offering of $10 is suggested. Ms. Yefimova graduated with honors from Moscow State Conservatory and came to the US on a full scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned both Master's and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. She is currently on the piano faculty of the College of William & Mary. 

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Parish News & Events - Diocese of Southern Virginia

Epiphany, Danville, Hosts Habitat for Humanity Volunteers

For several weeks, Epiphany, Danville, is hosting students from Villanova University, The University of Miami and other universities who are in Danville working on a project for Habitat for Humanity. The volunteers come to Epiphany three days a week and are served lunch in the cafeteria at Epiphany Episcopal School. The volunteers and Epiphany's students gather at tables and share lunch together - go to our Facebook page for a photo. This is a creative way for Epiphany to share in the work of Habitat for Humanity and to share that ministry with the students of Epiphany Episcopal School. This should prove to be the beginning of a wonderful new ministry for Epiphany as they are preparing to form a chapter of Habitat for Humanity in Danville.

  

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Pray for Those Devastated by the Japan Earthquake

The Pruden Parish Press for March 2011 Is Now Online

The March 2011 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, was published this week. The current issue includes:

• Janet Phillips, Carmella Fisher Play Emmanuel,

• Bishop Hollerith Addresses 119th Council,

• Vestry Notes from the New Senior Warden

• Calendar Notes for March - May 2011,

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Vic Millner,

• December Outreach at Oak Grove,

• Bishop Hollerwith Calls Us to Action, and

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Ron Irby.

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.

New Wine: A New Vision & Mission for the Diocese of Southern Virginia

"Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the wine pours out and the wineskins are ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved." - Matthew 9:17 The parishes of Southern Virginia are a diverse group-urban and rural, small and large, contemporary and traditional. Together we are the Diocese of Southern Virginia. We are enriched, and at times challenged, by our differences. Yet we share a common mission and each of us brings particular, vital gifts to that mission. The world is changing at an unprecedented pace and our diocese hasn't been immune to that change. It's time to take a look at our mission, to listen and talk about who we are and what we are called to do and to be.   The first step in this process is listening to the members of our congregations. Six regional meetings will be held. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. The information gathered at the meetings will be reported back once all the meetings are complete and will be the material from which our new mission will be developed. Come, listen and be heard. In order that host churches may plan appropriately, please register to attend by clicking on the meeting of your choice.  March 12, 2011 Emmanuel, Virginia Beach - 9 a.m. to noon Holy Trinity, Onancock - 1 to 4 p.m. March 19, 2011 St. Christopher's, Portsmouth - 9 a.m. to noon St. Stephen's, Newport News - 1 to 4 p.m. April 9, 2011 St. John's, Chester - 9 a.m. to noon Trinity, South Boston - 1 to 4 p.m.

Diocesan eNews

Annual Council Reminders 

Our 119th Annual Council convenes at Williamsburg Lodge Feb. 11 & 12. Registration gets under way Thursday, Feb. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Delegates please be sure to print and bring your Delegate Packet with you. You can find the packet on our Annual Council website.

All delegates are asked to check in at Annual Council Registration as soon as they arrive at the Williamsburg Lodge so that we can determine when a quorum has been achieved. Council cannot convene unless there is a quorum.

Council Choir - Anyone who would like to sing in the choir at the closing Eucharist at Council is invited to do so. You will need to be in the Virginia Room at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12 for rehearsal. The service begins at 2:30 p.m.

Clergy vesting for the closing Eucharist are reminded that stoles are to be festival or white.

  

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Diocesan Parish News & Events

Watoto  Children's Choir in Danville Tonight

Epiphany, Danville, will host a performance of the Concert of Hope by the Watoto Children's Choir tonight at 7 p.m. Members of this internationally renowned choir include children of Uganda who have been orphaned by war and disease. The concert will feature music, stories and multi-media presentations and testimonies.

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Diocese of Southern Virginia - Parish News & Events

Longwood Camerata Singers to Perform

Christ & Grace, Petersburg, will host a concert by the Longwood University Camerata Singers, the university's select chamber choir, with singers from Colonial Heights High School, on Thursday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature a variety of sacred and secular music. The choir is touring the region and will conclude their tour at the National Cathedral in Washington DC on January 29. There is no admission fee, but a freewill offering will be taken to help with the group's travel expenses.

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Vestry Installed for 2011

(Left to right: Beth Coles, Vic Millner, Jayne dePaulo, Tred Hunt, Janice Chaney, and Ron Irby)

The Reverend J. W. Mathieson installed Emmanuel's Vestry for 2011 during the service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, January 9th. Returning members Beth Coles, Vic Millner, Jayne dePaulo, and Ron Irby were joined by newly elected members Tred Hunt and Janice Chaney.

The Vestry oversees parish finances and buildings, chooses individuals for leadership positions including the rector, and serves as an advisory council to the rector. Vestry members are elected for staggered three-year terms with two new members joining the Vestry each year.

Prayer for the Vestry

O Eternal God, the foundation of all wisdom and the source of all courage: Enlighten with your grace the Vestry of this congregation, and so rule their minds, and guide their counsels, that in all things they may seek your glory and promote the mission of your church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Theodore William Johnson - Visiting Priest on January 16th

Please join us on January 16th as we welcome the Reverend Doctor Theodore Johnson, visiting priest, as the preacher and celebrant for the Holy Eucharist.

Dr. Johnson is a congregation developer who has specialized as an interim priest and pastor for congregations in transition in the Episcopal Church. He is also a consultant and coach strengthening leaders and congregations.

An Episcopal priest for over twenty years, Dr. Johnson received his Doctor of Ministry degree in Congregational Development from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary and his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary.

For more information, please visit www.theodorewilliamjohnson.com.

The Pruden Parish Press for January 2011 Is Now Online

The January 2011 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:

• Parish Gathers for Annual Meeting,

• Chatham Concert Series Returns,

• Calendar Notes for January - March 2011,

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Beth Coles,

• Spring 2011 Chatham Concert Series,

• The Epiphany,

• Emmanuel Celebrates Christmas, and

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Jayne dePaulo.

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.

Diocese of Southern Virginia - Parish News & Events

Feasts, Fools & Festivities at Bruton Parish

Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, will host a New Year's Eve Vespers service on Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. This is an interfaith service offered by the Williamsburg Clergy Fellowship. Dr. John S. Morreall, Professor of Religious Studies at The College of William & Mary, will give a homily on "Feasts, Fools and Festivities: Recovery and Humor in Christianity." All are welcome!

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Chatham Concert Series Announces Artists and Concert Dates

Click on the image below to enlarge.

Diocesan eNews

Saturdays With God: Holy Men & Women of Advent

December 4, St. Martin's, Williamsburg

 
Saturdays With God are a quarterly series of silent retreats offered by the diocesan Commission on Prayer & Healing. The series continues with Holy Men & Women of Advent. The Rt. Rev. Holly Hollerith will lead retreatants in meditations on some of the saints of Advent. The retreat will be held at St. Martin's, Williamsburg, on December 4th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Coffee and fellowship will be available beginning at 9:30 a.m. A simple lunch will be provided by the Commission on Prayer & Healing. The day will end with Eucharist. Contact Rev. Gary Barker to register, (757) 357-2826 or garyjmbarker@verizon.net. Registrations will be accepted until November 30th. Click here for more information on this retreat.

  

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Chatham Concert Series Returns to Emmanuel

Emmanuel is pleased to once again serve as venue for the Chatham Concert Series.  The popular monthly chamber music performances will begin in January and run through May of 2011.

New Artistic Director Kevin Matheson is excited about taking the reins from Founder Kevin Zakresky who has returned to his native Canada.  Matheson will be selecting talent in the weeks to come, assisted by his brother Bryan who will organize the schedule.

As in the past, talented young music students will join the professional musicians for one or two pieces at each evening concert.  In this way the series achieves its mission: to foster a love of classical music in our community as well as to create opportunities for young people to perform alongside processionals.

We’re looking forward to seeing who the Brothers Matheson have in store for us this season!

The kick off concert for the 2011 Chatham Concert Series will be held on Friday, January 7, 2011 at 7:00 PM featuring Olesksandra Vydria, violin, and Brenda Wittwer, piano. Winner of the Competition of Young Violinists in Kiev and a graduate of the Tchaikovsky Ukrainian National Music Academy, Olesksandra is a talented violinist visiting from the Ukraine.

Former director Kevin Zakresky performed in the Rainier Trio with Bryan and Kevin Matheson. Last spring they recorded a CD of trios at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Danville.  The CD was just released. To obtain your copy, please contact Kevin Matheson: kstrings@vt.edu  540-382-9624.

Diocese of Southern Virginia - Parish News & Events

Concerts at Bruton Parish

Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, Peter Pelham Concert Series presents The Christmas Rose: Advent & Christmas Msuic of Michael Praetorius, The Christmas Story by Heinrich Schutz. The concert features the Choirs of Bruton Parish and orchestra, Dr. JanEl Will and Rebecca Davy, directors. The concert will be presented Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15, $5 for students. Tickets are available by calling (757) 345-2947 or at the door.

 

In addition, Bruton continues a tradition begun by their 18th-century organist, Peter Pelham, and presents more than 120 recitals and concert programs annually in its Candlelight Concert series. Concerts are held at 8 p.m. every Saturday throughout the year and also on most Tuesdays and Thursdays from March through December. There is no charge for the concerts, but a freewill offering is received at each program. Parking is permitted on Duke of Gloucester Street during concerts. See the full schedule of concerts for December here.

 

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Diocese of Southern Virginia eNews

Happening Alumni Reunion Offered Reconnection & Refreshment

Thirty-five Happening Alumni gathered for a reunion weekend at Chanco on the James November 12-14.  The weekend was a great success and helped build excitement for the future of the Happening program in the Diocese of Southern Virginia.  The community hopes that the reunion may become an annual retreat.  Happening #56 will take place March 11-13, 2011 at Chanco on the James.  Details and staff applications are included in the 2010-2011 Youth Ministry Toolkit.

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Diocese of Southern Virginia - Parish News & Events

Tickets Still Available for Brian McLaren

Brian McLaren will appear at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach, this Thursday, November 18, at 7 p.m. as part of their Chapel Series lectures. Tickets are $25 and are still available. Purchase in advance by calling (757) 428-6763 or at the door. Click here for more information about Brian McLaren or The Chapel Series. Follow The Chapel Series on Facebook.

 

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The Pruden Parish Press for November 2010 Is Now Online

The November 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 Family Gathers for Fall Picnic,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• Thank you Dick Camp!

• Calendar Notes for Nov. 2010 - Jan. 2011,

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Linda Swanberg,

• Fall Parish Picnic in Pictures,

• Four Habits of Highly Effective Churches - Part 2, and

• The Green Doors of Emmanuel Church.

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.

Diocese of Southern Virginia eNews

Diocesan eNews                           November 10, 2010

New Episcopal Church Video Series on Stewardship Features Walter Brueggemann

A new video series from the Episcopal Church features internationally known theologian and author The Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann speaking on money, discipleship, stewardship,  and taking a spiritual journey from anxious scarcity to abiding in God's abundant generosity. Companions on the Way: Conversations on money, discipleship and stewardship is a series of four videos, each just eight minutes long. The series is available online on the Episcopal Church's stewardship page: www.episcopalchurch.org/stewardship.

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Diocese of Southern Virginia eNews

Diocesan eNews                           November 3, 2010

Prayer for Virginia Theological Seminary On Friday, Oct. 22, the chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary was lost to fire. Please keep the students, faculty, staff and alumni in your prayers as they grieve their loss and begin to move forward. Holy and gracious God, who redeems all things:we remember before you the administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Virginia Theological Seminary as they grieve the loss of Immanuel Chapel.Comfort them as they mourn, strengthen them as they rebuild, and grant them the peace and healing that only you can give.Be their light in the darkness, O God, and, as you have so many times before, bring new life out of the rubble.This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen. Continue reading...

Diocese of Southern Virginia - Parish News and Events

Parish News & Events - October 12, 2010

 

Welcome to our NEW Parish newsletter!

The parishes of our diocese have so much good news to share and so many events to communicate that we've created this new weekly email newsletter to help facilitate that communication. You'll still receive your weekly Diocesan eNews each Wednesday. To share news and events from your parish, send them to Ann Turner, aturner@diosva.org. Deadline is Monday of each week.

  

Introduction to the Enneagram

Emmanuel Church, Virginia Beach, will hold an Introduction to the Enneagram on October 16 from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. The Enneagram is a powerful, ancient, spiritual wisdom describing nine points in the circle of wholeness. Each point identifies an individual style, marking out a path of growth. Different from other personality systems, the Enneagram is not primarily about behavior; rather it reveals our inner motivations, pointing out the basic energy we seek in order to feel alive and good. Its insights allow us to tap into our essential wholeness and live our lives more authentically. The class will be led by Teri Osborne. Cost is $10. Register by emailing your name, address and phone to eec@emmanuelvb.org.

  

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The Pruden Parish Press for September 2010 Is Now Online

The September 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 Begins Search for New Priest,

• Jim Mathieson Returns to Emmanuel

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• June 13th at Emmanuel

• Calendar Notes for Sept. - Nov. 2010,

• Outreach Continues to Oak Grove,

• Around the Parish in Pictures,

• Four Habits of Highly Effective Churches - Part 1, and

• Emmanuel Christmas Card Reprinted.

Click here to read the September 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.

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.

The Pruden Parish Press for May 2010 Is Now Online

The May 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:

• David Smith Appointed Chaplain at Woodberry Forest School,

• Chatham Concert Series Stages Grand Finale

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• Calendar Notes for May - July 2010,

• Around the Parish

• Looking ahead...

• Thank You! by Dr. Smith, and

• A Coffee Hour Birthday Party.

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.

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.