Emmanuel Episcopal Church

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.

Homily for the Second Sunday of Easter - We Are All Thomas

The Gospel - John 20:19-31

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

We are all Thomas

The Apostle Thomas has gotten a bad rap.

Remember your days in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Thomas is almost always portrayed as “Doubting Thomas” – the disciple who would not believe that Jesus had risen from the grave unless he himself could see Jesus’ wounded hands and side.

The “Doubting Thomas” persona is seemingly reinforced by Jesus’ words near the end of today’s Gospel, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

But that’s not the whole story. Jesus in no way rebukes Thomas’ for his doubts. Instead, he welcomes his request, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”

Lessons from South Africa

Upon our return from the recent Chatham Hall service trip to South Africa, someone asked me if I would ever go back.  My answer was swift and certain - Yes, yes and more yes! 

The people on the African continent are joyful, remarkably optimistic, and spiritually vital despite the political, economic, military and cultural uncertainty that seems to be everywhere.

Continue reading at Daily Musings ...

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!

Easter at Emmanuel

Easter services at Emmanuel. The Sunday School Class for Young Children prepares and delivers Easter baskets to the residents of Oak Grove.

Photos by Rosemary Nichols

Homily for Easter Day - Go!

The Gospel - Mark 16:1-8

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

Go!

Good morning! Happy Easter and welcome to Emmanuel. We are glad to have you here.

Easter is the central festival of the church year. More people attend church on Easter Sunday than any other day of the church year – more than on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

But regardless of whether you attend church once a year or every Sunday, we are glad you are here.

Easter is also the Sunday when more words are spoken than on any other Sunday - especially by the clergy!

And our Gospel lesson for today from Mark’s Gospel is about the meaning of words.

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!

Homily for Palm Sunday - What do you want me to do for you?

The Gospel - Mark 11:1-11a

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

What do you want me to do for you?

Today is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week.

During Holy Week, we have the opportunity to experience a full range of emotions – from the joy and merriment of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem which we remember today, to the sorrow and despair we feel on Maunday Thursday and Good Friday, to the elation that comes from our celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and triumph over death which we will celebrate next week on Easter Day.

On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. It was Passover week in Jerusalem – a time of festivals, merriment and parades. People lined Jesus’ route spreading their garments and leafy branches on the road to ease his way.