Emmanuel Episcopal Church

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 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.

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.

The Pruden Parish Press for September 2011 Is Now Online

   The September 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:

• Chatham Concert Series to Begin New Season,

• Vestry Notes from the  Senior Warden,

• Clarinetist Alex Jones Headlines May Concert,

• Calendar Notes for September - November 2011, and

• Something New Underfoot.

 

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.

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.

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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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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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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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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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 eNews

Diocesan eNews                           October 13, 2010

EDS Webcast: The Gender Continuum Oct. 15 & 16 Episcopal Divinity School is hosting a two-day event focused on gender identity and sexual orientation. Questions concerning these subjects have become increasingly important in society as a whole. Gender is at the very core of our being -- the starting point of who we are, who we think we are, and who we and others think we should be. This workshop will give participants access to conceptualizing a new paradigm for human relatedness while the panel will discuss gender and orientation from theological, psychological, and legal perspectives. Click here to register.

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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.

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.

Emmanuel Installs New Vestry Members

New Vestry Members Beth Coles and H. Victor Millner were installed by the Reverend Dr. David Smith during the Sunday morning service on January 10th.

Elected at the Parish Annual Meeting in December, Coles and Millner will serve three-year terms on the Vestry beginning with 2010. They join continuing Vestry members Richard Camp, Ron Irby, Jayne DePaulo and Linda Swanberg.

For more information about the Vestry, click here.

The Pruden Parish Press for January 2010 Is Now Online

The January 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 2009;  Elects Coles and Millner to Vestry,

• 2nd Annual Winter Cocktail Party,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• Calling all writers and photographers!

• Calendar of Parish events for Jan.  - Mar. 2010,

• Chatham Concert Series Returns to Emmanuel,

• The Priest's Corner by Dr. Smith,

• The Briar Ridge Ramblers at Oak Grove, and

• Emmanuel's Treasures.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas, and the associated evenings of those twelve days (Twelve-tide), are the festive days beginning the evening of Christmas Day (December 25) through the morning of Epiphany (January 6). The associated evenings of the twelve days begin on the evening before the specified day. Thus, the first night of Christmas is December 25–26 and Twelfth Night is January 5–6. This period is also known as Christmastide.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Episcopal Church Fast Facts

The Episcopal Church has more than 2.4 million members in 7,679 congregations in 110 dioceses (and one similar geographic convocation) situated in 15 countries plus the United States.

                               Read the report summary at episcopal life online

                      Read the full report at: most recent parochial data, 2005