Emmanuel Episcopal Church

The Pruden Parish Press for November 2009 Is Now Online

The November 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:

• Emmanuel Celebrates a Blessing of Animals,

• G2R studying The Great Emergence,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• Outreach Continues at Oak Grove,

• Calendar of Parish events for Nov. 2009 - Jan. 2010,

• Blessing of Animals in Photos,

• Keeping Our Souls Afloat by Dr. Smith, and

• Emmanuel's Treasures.

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.

The Pruden Parish Press for September 2009 Is Now Online

The September 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:

• Dr. Smith Ordained Priest,

• Morgan DePaulo to attend Mary Washington,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• Oak Grove Residents Enjoy Music,

• Calendar of Parish events for Sept. through Nov. 2009,

• Supporting the Women of Emmanuel,

• Dr. Smith's Ordination in Photos,

• Yes, I fell different by Dr. Smith, and

• Emmanuel's Treasures.

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.

Music Day at Oak Grove

Photos by Richard Camp and David Smith

As part of Emmanuel’s Outreach Program, Ron Irby and The Briar Ridge Ramblers are providing monthly entertainment for the residents at Oak Grove Residential Home. 

The first program was held on August 13th at 3:00 pm.  Betty Camp, Susan Paynter and Irma Irby served cookies and lemonade provided by the Women of Emmanuel. 

Beginning in September, Ron and his group will perform at Oak Grove on the first Thursday of each month at 2:00 pm. 

Anyone who is interested in attending is welcome. If you would like to help with providing refreshments, please contact Ruth Jones.

Dr. David Smith to be Ordained Priest - June 2nd

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.

Mother's Day Dinner - Thursday, May 7th, 6 pm

The Men of the Church will be hosting a special Mothers’ Day dinner for all the women of the church (whether you are a mother or not!) on Thursday, May 7 beginning at 6 pm in the Parish Hall.

Head chef Tred Hunt has promised a feast to remember. Wine and other beverages will be available in plentiful quantities.

Ladies, come out and enjoy a sumptuous evening meal and leave the dishes to the men!

Parish Grounds Work Day - Sat., April 11, 9 am

Work Day on the Grounds this coming Saturday morning beginning at 9 am.

Let's get ready for Easter!

The Pruden Parish Press for March 2009 Is Now Online

The March 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:

• a report on Bishop Hollerith's consecration,

• the successful Linen Drive for Oak Grove,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• Dinner Club activities,

• a calendar of Parish events for March through May 2009,

• the Chatham Concert Series is a Hit,

• Emmanuel's Treasures |Around the Parish,

• On the Road from G2R, and

• An Example For Us All by Dr. Smith.

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.

Join Us for Lenten Dinners

Lenten Dinners will be held every Wednesday during Lent at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall of Chatham Baptist Church. These weekly gatherings are being sponsored by the Chatham Main Street churches. The meal will be provided for a minimal charge and will be followed by a brief Bible lesson and special music.

*****

"Lent offers a time of self-examination, a time to slow down, to draw in a deep breath and ask ourselves: How is it between God and me?

Lent offers us a season of brutal honesty. A time to strip away the pretensions we hide behind to cope in this world from day to day - a time to be real, to be open, to be honest before God and with ourselves.

This day gives us the time and space to hear the truth, to speak the truth, to acknowledge the gritty, utterly frank truth – of who we are, and whose we are."  - The Rev. Fred Poteet, Ash Wednesday Sermon (2008)

The Rev. Herman Hollerith Consecrated Tenth Bishop of Southern Virginia

The Right Rev. Herman Hollerith IV smiles with his wife, Elizabeth Salmons, as other bishops applaud him Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, following his consecration at William and Mary Hall on the College of William and Mary campus in Williamsburg. Hollerith is the tenth bishop for the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Hollerith was ordained to the priesthood in 1983 and was elected bishop on Sept. 27, 2008.  (Courtesy www.wtkr.com)

Dinner Clubs' Winter Cocktail Party - Jan. 31st

Please join us for a parish-wide Dinner Clubs’ Winter Cocktail Party on Saturday, January 31^st beginning at 6 pm, co-hosted by Mary Hicks Heitzler and Alice and Wayne Wilson.

All adult parishioners and friends are invited. Just bring a heavy hors d’oeuvre to share. Beverages will be provided. Please call Mary Hicks Heitzler or Alice Wilson to confirm your attendance or to learn more about the Dinner Clubs.

Emmanuel’s Dinner Clubs Program allows groups of 8 to 10 adults, singles and couples, to meet on a monthly rotating basis for an evening of potluck, fun and fellowship.

Outreach Committee Sponsors Linen Drive

The Emmanuel Outreach Committee is sponsoring a Linen Drive to benefit the residents of Oak Grove Assisted Living Lodge. Parishioners and friends may participate by donating blankets, quilts, and sheets for the twin beds at Oak Grove. Collection boxes have been placed in the Narthex and the Parish Hall. The Linen Drive will continue through January after which all donations will be delivered to Oak Grove.

Oak Grove is a non-profit assisted living facility housing approximately 52 men and women from all over Virginia. The facility is staffed 24/7 and supported by residents' Social Security checks and private donations. All donations are greatly appreciated.

The Pruden Parish Press for January 2009 Is Now Online

The January 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:

• a report on Dr. Smith's ordination,

• invitation to a Winter Cocktail Party - Jan 31st,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• updates from the recent Congregational Meeting,

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

• announcement of the Chatham Concert Series

• Around the Parish updates with pictures,

• Starting a New Year by Dr. Smith.

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.

Chatham Concert Series presents High Strung January 16th

The Chatham Concert Series presents “High Strung,” January 16^th at 7 pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Join us for an evening of classical music, featuring The Classic Strings Duo Kevin Matheson, Violin, and Brian Matheson, Viola. Hailed as “two perfect virtuosos” at their international performance debut, and as winners of the Ibla International Competition in Italy, Kevin and Bryan Matheson are awakening audiences to music for the violin-viola duo. A combination written for since the 17^th century, and with duos being written today, the repertory is vast and varies, including works by Mozart, Beethoven, Sibelius and Schickle.

Guest musicians include: Rebecca Oh, Violin, and Kevin Zakresky, piano. Admission is by donation.

Click here to learn more about the Chatham Concert Series.

Dr. Smith Ordained to Episcopal Church Diaconate

On Friday evening, November 14, before a full St. Mary's Chapel at Chatham Hall, the Rt. Rev. John Buchanan, Interim Bishop of Southern Virginia, ordained the Rev. Dr. David Smith to the Sacred Order of Deacons in the Episcopal Church.

Dr. Smith has served as Pastoral Vicar of Emmanuel since January 2008. Ordination to the transitional diaconate is a necessary interim step to Dr. Smith’s ordination as Priest in the Episcopal Church, expected in May 2009.

Chatham Concert Series Begins January 16th at Emmanuel

Spring of 2009 will see the beginnings of a new cultural event in our town.  The Chatham Concert Series, directed by new Chatham Hall choirmaster Kevin Zakresky in collaboration with Emmanuel Episcopal Church, will bring professional musicians to the area for four entertaining recitals of classical music. 

Intended mainly as a new venue for art music in Pittsylvania County, the Chatham Concert Series will also serve as a stage for the young emerging artists of our town.  Each concert will include “opening act” performances by young people from Chatham, followed by a “headlining act” professional musician from out of town.

The concerts will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Main Street in Chatham, with the finale concert being staged in St. Mary’s Chapel at Chatham Hall.  Admission is by donation.

Performance details and musicians scheduled to appear are as follows:

High Strung - Friday, January 16 , 7 pm at Emmanuel

            Kevin Matheson, violin

           

            Bryan Matheson, viola

 

There’s always room for Cello -  Sunday,  February 22, 8 pm at Emmanuel

            Ben Wyatt, cello

 

The Magic Flute - Friday, March 27 , 7 pm at Emmanuel

            Janet Phillips, flute

 

The 1 Tenor - Saturday,  May 9, 7 pm at St. Mary’s Chapel, Chatham Hall

            Kevin Zakresky, tenor

            Katherine Dowling, piano

Annual Congregational Meeting & Luncheon Set for December 14th

Emmanuel's Annual Congregational Meeting and Luncheon will be held on Sunday, December 14th, in the Parish Hall immediately following the 11 am service of Holy Eucharist.

The agenda for the meeting will include the delivery of Annual Reports by the Vestry and Dr. Smith, as well as the Election of two new Vestry members for a three-year term beginning in 2009.

All members of Emmanuel are invited and encouraged to attend. Fried chicken and beverages will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass.

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.

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.

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

The Rev. Herman "Holly" Hollerith, IV Elected 10th Bishop of Southern Virginia

The Rev. Herman "Holly" Hollerith, IV, Rector of  Bruton Parish in Williamsburg, has been elected the Tenth Bishop of Southern Virginia. He was elected on the sixth ballot from among six candidates presented at a Special Meeting of Diocesan Council called for the purpose on September 27th.

The Rev. Hollerith received his BS degree from Denison University and his Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School. Ordained to the priesthood in 1983, the Rev. Hollerith previously served as Rector of Prince George Winyah in Georgetown, South Carolina; Associate Rector at  St. John’s in Lynchburg; Priest in Charge of Christ Episcopal Church in Roanoke;  and Assistant to the Rector at Christ Episcopal Church in Roanoke.

The Rev. Hollerith will be consecrated the 10th Bishop of Southern Virginia on February 13, 2009 at 7 pm at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Chatham Schola Cantorum Begins October 2nd

Chatham Schola Cantorum, a new medieval singing group specializing in Gregorian Chant, is looking for participants.  No previous musical experience is necessary.

Where: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Chatham VA.

When: Thursday evenings 8:00-9:30pm (starting October 2nd)

This singing group will focus on various styles and forms of Latin chant in the Middle Ages through  the beginning of the Renaissance.  Rehearsals will be a mixture of singing and scholarship.

For more information, contact Kevin Zakresky at kzakresky@chathamhall.org.

Parish Potluck Dinner to Consider Nominees for Bishop on September 20th

The Vestry of Emmanuel invites all Emmanuel parishioners to a potluck dinner at Emmanuel Church on September 20^th, beginning at 6:30 pm, to discuss the nominees for 10^th Bishop of Southern Virginia and vote on the nominee of our choice.

Six nominees will stand for election. Biographical sketches of the nominees along with their responses to two questions have been printed in the Jamestown Cross. Pictures, profiles and responses to additional questions for all six nominees are available on the diocesan website at http://www.diosova.net/walkabout.html

The Pruden Parish Press for September 2008 Is Now Online

The September 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 recent Parish Hall renovations,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• information regarding the election of our new bishop

• a calendar of Parish events for September through November 2008,

• a memorial gift in honor of Bob Plaster,

• Stewardship is Fun! by Dr. Smith, Pastoral Vicar.

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.

St. Mary's Choir to Sing at Emmanuel

During the coming academic year, St. Mary's Choir from Chatham Hall, under the direction of Kevin Zakresky, will be singing at Emmanuel worship services on the following Sundays:

- October 12, 2008

- November 16, 2008

- January 18, 2008

- March 29, 2009

- May 17, 2009

 

 

 

A native of Saskatchewan and British Columbia, Kevin recently joined the faculty at Chatham Hall as Coordinator of the Music Program and Choirmaster following the completion of his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia and graduate work at Yale.

Please join us for these special musical occasions.

Sunday School Class for Young Children Begins September 7th

A Sunday School class for children four to eight years old will begin September 7th starting at 9:45 am in the Parish House. The Class will be taught by Sharon Taylor, a life-long Emmanuel parishioner with many years of experience teaching young children in the public schools. Interested parents of four to eight year olds should contact Sharon directly regarding available space in the class.

Nominees for Bishop to Visit Diocese in September

The Nominees for the 10^th Diocesan Bishop of Southern Virginia will be presented to the people of the Diocese at a series of gatherings in September known as Walk Abouts. Five sites from west to east have been selected to meet and greet the nominees for bishop. [MORE]

The nominees are:

The Very Reverend Edward H. Harrison
Dean, St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL
Learn more about Edward Harrison

The Rev. Herman “Holly” Hollerith, IV
Rector, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, VA
Learn more about Holly Hollerith

The Rev. Dr. Ladson F. Mills III
Rector, Christ Church, Saint Simons Island, GA
Learn more about Ladson Mills

The Rev. Canon E. Daniel Smith
Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Missouri
Learn more about Dan Smith

The Rev. L. Murdock Smith
Rector, St. Martin’s, Charlotte, NC
Learn more about Murdock Smith

The Rev. Mary C. Sulerud
Canon for Deployment and Vocational Ministry,
Diocese of Washington, DC
Learn more about Mary Sulerud

The Ven. Bill Jones, Guest Preacher & Celebrant on July 13

Our preacher and celebrant for Holy Eucharist on July 13 will be the Ven. Bill Jones.  Bill was recently named Archdeacon for Deacons for the Diocese of Southern Virginia, succeeding the Ven. Patti Davis. Ordained in 1989, Bill has served as secretary, vice-president, and president of the North American Association for the Diaconate. Currently he serves as assistant secretary of the Fund for the Diaconate. His diaconal ministry has focused on work in prisons and until his new appointment, he served as deacon at St. David’s in Richmond.

Dr. Smith to Study at Merton College, Oxford

The Rev. Dr. David Smith, Pastoral Vicar at Emmanuel, will be on study leave at Merton College in Oxford, England from July 6 to July 26.

This year’s recipient of the Spencer family faculty incentive grant, Dr. Smith has enrolled in a course entitled “The History and Architecture of Oxford” taught by Christopher Day. The course description says, “Oxford has its origins in a settlement associated with a religious house founded by St. Frideswide in the 8^th century.

The history of Oxford provides a fascinating study since at most periods the great movements of English history were acted out within its confines; medieval monasticism, the Reformation, the English Civil War, the development of English art, literature and science, the grandeur of the 18^th century, the self-confident world of the Victorians, and the 20^th century technological revolution have all left solid memorials in the city and its environs.”

Dr. Smith plan's to write his research paper on "The Oxford Movement of 1833-1841 and its effect on the American Anglican Church.”

The Pruden Parish Press for May 2008 Is Now Online

The May 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:

• G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Begins at Emmanuel,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• Calendar of Parish events for May through August 2008,

• March Madness Comes to Emmanuel,

• Are You Biblically Literate?

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.

Dinner Clubs' Spring Potluck Supper - May 10

Join us for the Dinner Clubs’ Spring Potluck Supper on Saturday, May 10 beginning at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall as we celebrate the conclusion of the Winter Season and organize for the Summer Season. Bring a dish to pass. Fried chicken and beverages will be provided. All parishioners and friends of Emmanuel are welcome!

******

Special Treat

Emmanuel's own Ron Irby and the Briar Ridge Ramblers will entertain us with Blue Grass Music.

******

The Dinner Clubs have been very active over the Winter Season in a variety of settings including dinner and cocktail parties and restaurant events.

A Dinner Club meeting at the Hairstons.

The Dinner Clubs program allows groups of 8 to 10 adults, singles and couples, to meet on a monthly rotating basis for an evening of potluck, fun and fellowship. Since the format of each evening is at the discretion of that night’s host / hostess, the venue could be a cookout, a buffet, just coffee and desserts, or an evening at a local restaurant.

If you would like to join a dinner club for the coming season, please email the Parish Office for more details, or contact Mary Hicks Heitzler.

Spring Fund Raiser May 2nd – Tred Hunt’s BBQ on the Lawn

Join us on Friday, May 2^nd between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for Tred Hunt’s BBQ on the Lawn at Emmanuel. With a little north wind, the sumptuous smell will drift down Main Street, tempting everyone to follow it to the source. We expect lots of visitors in town for a beautiful spring day.

BBQ will be sold for $6 per pound, or on a plate along with all the fixin’s and tea for only $8. Please contact Dick Camp or Jeanne Reynolds to buy advance tickets or help sell tickets.

Come join us for some fun, fellowship, and good food!

The Pruden Parish Press for March 2008 Is Now Online

The March 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 116th Annual Diocesan Council Meeting,

• a message from the Senior Warden,

• a calendar of Parish events for March through May 2008,

• a retrospective for Helen James,

• A New Dawn, by Dr. Smith, Pastoral Vicar.

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.

March - May Online Calendar Updated

Emmanuel's Online Calendar has recently been updated for upcoming events during the Easter Season and through May 2008 including:

• Mar 16 - Palm Sunday Services
  

• Mar 20 - Maunday Thursday Services

• Mar 21 - Good Friday Services

• Mar 22 - Great Easter Vigil

• Mar 23 - Easter Sunday Services
  

• Apr 6 - G2R with Dr. Smith Begins at 10 am
  

Visit the Online Calendar for additional details and other events.

Emmanuel's Online Calendar has recently been updated for upcoming events during the Easter Season and through May 2008 including:

• Mar 16 - Palm Sunday Services
  

• Mar 20 - Maunday Thursday Services

• Mar 21 - Good Friday Services

• Mar 22 - Great Easter Vigil

• Mar 23 - Easter Sunday Services
  

• Apr 6 - G2R with Dr. Smith Begins at 10 am
  

Visit the Online Calendar for additional details and other events.

Join Us for Lenten Luncheons

Lenten Luncheons are being held every Wednesday at noon in the Fellowship Hall of Chatham Baptist Church. The food is good and local ministers offer a brief Lenten meditation.

*****

"Lent offers a time of self-examination, a time to slow down, to draw in a deep breath and ask ourselves: How is it between God and me?

Lent offers us a season of brutal honesty. A time to strip away the pretensions we hide behind to cope in this world from day to day - a time to be real, to be open, to be honest before God and with ourselves.

This day gives us the time and space to hear the truth, to speak the truth, to acknowledge the gritty, utterly frank truth – of who we are, and whose we are."  - The Rev. Fred Poteet, Ash Wednesday Sermon

The Pruden Parish Press for January 2008 Now Online

The January 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 profile of Dr. David Smith, Pastoral Vicar,

• reports from the recent Congregational Meeting,

• a calendar of Parish events for January through March 2008, and

• a letter from Dr. Smith, Pastoral Vicar.

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.

January - March Calendar Now Online

Emmanuel's Online Calendar has recently been updated for upcoming events through the 2008 Easter Season including:

• Jan 6 - Epiphany

• Feb 1 - Annual Diocesan Council Meeting Begins

• Feb 5 - Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Supper

• Feb 6 - Ash Wednesday - Imposition of Ashes

• Mar 16 - Palm Sunday

• Mar 20 - Maunday Thursday

• Mar 21 - Good Friday

• Mar 23 - Easter Sunday

Visit the Online Calendar for additional details and other events.

Emmanuel's Online Calendar has recently been updated for upcoming events through the 2008 Easter Season including:

• Jan 6 - Epiphany

• Feb 1 - Annual Diocesan Council Meeting Begins

• Feb 5 - Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Supper

• Feb 6 - Ash Wednesday - Imposition of Ashes

• Mar 16 - Palm Sunday

• Mar 20 - Maunday Thursday

• Mar 21 - Good Friday

• Mar 23 - Easter Sunday

Visit the Online Calendar for additional details and other events.

Emmanuel Calls Dr. David Smith as Pastoral Vicar

The Vestry of Emmanuel is delighted to announce that beginning January 1, 2008, The Reverend Dr. David H. Smith will assume the role of pastoral vicar at Emmanuel. Dr. Smith is the chaplain at Chatham Hall and will serve Emmanuel simultaneously. As pastoral vicar, Dr. Smith will lead worship every Sunday and assume all rights and responsibilities of a rector except consecrating elements for the Eucharist. He will lead worship at Emmanuel for the first time on January 6.

Dr. Smith has been an ordained Presbyterian minister for nearly 30 years and has recently undertaken a one-year process leading to ordination as a priest in the Episcopal Church next November. In the meantime, area priests have volunteered to celebrate communion with us on a regular basis. Dr. Smith received his B.A. in political philosophy from St. Andrews Presbyterian College and his theological training from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond.

Please join the Vestry in welcoming Dr. Smith and his family to Emmanuel.

Diocese Accepting Nominations for Bishop

The Diocese of Southern Virginia is now accepting nominations for its 10th Diocesan Bishop. The nomination process, which began December 1, will continue until the end of January 2008, after which the Nominating Committee will begin the process of screening and interviewing candidates.

Anyone, clergy or laity, may nominate a candidate. Copies of the Diocesan Profile and the Nomination Form are available at http://www.svabishop.org/docs.html.

Emmanuel Featured in Churches of Chatham

Emmanuel is one of twelve churches featured in this year's  Churches of Chatham 2008 calendar, a project of Chatham First, Inc. Including the cover photos, twenty-one area churches are represented.

Calendars are available at various local businesses or by calling Betty Camp, Chairman of the Calendar Development Committee, or Langhorne Jones. All proceeds from calendar sales will benefit the lighting project at the Frances Hallam Hurt Town Park.

Chatham First is a non-profit organization of volunteers who work to improve the quality of life in the community.

2007 Congregational Meeting Held December 9th

Emmanuel held its 2007 Congregational Meeting and Luncheon following the 11 am Service on Sunday, December 9th. After a delightful lunch, parishioners:

• Elected two new members of the Vestry for three-year terms beginning in January 2008:
  • Linda Swanberg and
  • Richard Camp

• Heard annual reports from:
  • Langhorne Jones, Senior Warden,
  • The Reverend John S. Ruef, and
  • John Geyer, Treasurer.

The Parish Luncheon

Emmanuel to Call New Priest

The Vestry of Emmanuel has issued a call to a new Priest. The Reverend Cleon Ross, Dean of the Convocation, will visit Emmanuel on Sunday, November 18th, to formally announce the call and provide additional details following the 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist.

All parishioners and friends of Emmanuel are invited to hear the details of this important announcement.

Emmanuel Launches the Pruden Parish Press

The first 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 a calendar of Parish events for November and December 2007 and a copy of the recently revised Parish Directory.

If you would like to receive future issues of The Pruden Parish Press, please call or email the Parish Office.

Emmanuel's 2008 Every Member Canvas/Pledge Drive Commences

The 2008 Every Member Canvas/Pledge Drive commenced this week with the mailing of letters to all Emmanuel parishioners from the Vestry. The letters included pledge cards and the preliminary operating budget for 2008.

The Vestry asks that each parishioner give prayerful consideration to increasing your giving for 2008 as we seek to sustain and enhance God's work in this place.

Pledge cards should be returned to John Geyer, Treasurer, by November 25th so that the Vestry may finalize the 2008 Operating Budget before our December 9th Congregational Meeting.

November - December Calendar Now Online

Emmanuel's Online Calendar has recently been updated for upcoming events through the 2008 Advent Season including:

• Nov 1 - 2008 Every Member Canvass & Pledge Drive Begins
  

• Nov 22 - Community Thanksgiving Service

• Nov 25 - 2008 Pledge Cards Due

• Dec 1 - Cookie Exchange

• Dec 9 - Congregational Annual Meeting

• Dec 23 - Hanging of the Greens

• Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Service

• Dec 30 - Lessons & Carols and Pageant

Visit the Online Calendar for additional details and other events.

Diocesan Contributions to Katrina Clean-up Offering Exceed $40,000

Parishioners of the Diocese of Southern Virginia have contributed over $40,000 (as of September 17th) to the House of Bishops Katrina Clean-up Fund, well in excess of the Diocesan goal of $10,000.

During their recent meeting in New Orleans, members of the House of Bishops also participated in a Work Day project as part of the Katrina recovery effort.

Diocese Commences Search for New Bishop

On August 17 and 18, clergy and lay people from across Southern Virginia gathered at our diocesan camp and conference center, Chanco on the James, to organize the search for a new bishop.  The group consisted of one lay and one clergy person elected from each of the nine convocations, along with six people appointed by the Standing Committee. 

The search process leading to the consecration of a new bishop is expected to take approximately 18 months.

Click Here to learn more about the Search Process.