Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Focused outward, Falls Church parish re-groups

Lay ministry highlights continuing community's growth

By Mary Frances Schjonberg January 14, 2009 [Episcopal News Service] – excerpts:

Just more than two years after the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia parish of the Falls Church split in a theological dispute, the remaining Episcopalians…are learning that a church is more than a building.

"You definitely feel the Holy Spirit moving through the place," said Matt Rhodes, who joined the parish with his wife and two young daughters about six months [ago]…. "There was a tremendous sense of fellowship" and "this overwhelming sense of vitality."

Members of the parish, who now average about 80 in attendance on Sunday, have pledged $250,000 for mission and ministry this year, according to priest-in-charge, the Rev. Michael Pipkin. Ten percent of that budget will go to work with local outreach agencies….

…"the driving focus," as Rhodes called it, is on outreach and how the parishioners can serve the wider community of Falls Church, Virginia.

Read the complete article.

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.

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.