Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Schola Cantorum Performs at Emmanuel

Chatham's Schola Cantorum, under the direction of Kevin Zakresky, performed  Passio Domni nostri Jesu Christi secundum Matthaeum (The Passion According to St. Matthew) during today's service of the Holy Eucharist at Emmanuel Church.

Performing today were Kate Burns, Grace Fulop, Wayne Millan, Rosemary Nichols, David Smith, and Kevin Zakresky.

Chatham Schola Cantorum is a medieval singing group specializing in Gregorian Chant. The group focuses on various styles and forms of Latin chant in the Middle Ages through  the beginning of the Renaissance.

Kevin Zakresky is the Music Program Director at Chatham Hall.

Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter - Love One Another

The Gospel - John 15:9-17

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

Love One Another

Next Sunday is Ascension Sunday when we will celebrate Jesus’ ascension into Heaven to be with the Father. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is preparing his disciples (friends) for his imminent departure.

When we leave this life, we will leave things behind. Jesus also left things behind. Three of those things are mentioned in today’s Gospel.

First, Jesus promised his followers the Father’s Love. We might be saying to ourselves, “That’s great; we would like some of that too please.” But are you sure that you know what Jesus meant by the “Father’s Love”?

Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter - Abide In Me

The Gospel - John 14:15-21

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

Abide In Me

Theologians through the ages have written about Christians’ penchant for a “milquetoast Jesus,” who is, in today’s parlance, something of a wimp. Dorothy Sayers, better known for her Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries than her essays, wrote in exasperation in her book The Greatest Drama Ever Staged:

“We have very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certified him ‘meek and mild,’ and recommended him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies.”

We don’t have to look very far to see this image played out in liturgy and song. Think of the hymn:

Awake, awake to love and work!
The lark is in the sky;
The fields are wet with diamond dew;
The world’s awake to cry
Their blessings on the Lord of life,
As He goes meekly by.

Jesus is depicted here as meekly passing by.

Mothers' Day Dinner was a Rousing Success!

Approximately 40 Emmanuel parishioners and friends enjoyed a sumptuous meal of prime rib roast beef with plentiful vegetables and beverages at the Parish's Mothers' Day Dinner on the evening of Thursday, May 7.

The ladies were the guests of the men who assisted Chef Tred Hunt in the kitchen and with the set up and clean up.

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter - The Good Shepherd

The Gospel -  John 10:11-16

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

The Good Shepherd

 I am the Good Shepherd.

People who live in sheep raising countries such as England, Australia, and New Zealand have a different notion of and appreciation for sheep and shepherds than most people would here in our own country.

The Bible is filled with stories about shepherds and herding sheep. Think of the Psalms – especially Psalm 23.

The children of Israel had been a nomadic people whose livelihoods and sustenance relied on sheep. Sheep provided meat and milk, wool for clothing, and hides for making tents. Sheep were even used as a form of money or exchange.

Our own image of shepherds watching their flocks by night often seems peaceful, even idyllic. But the life of a shepherd was not like that. It was hard, dirty work, often without sleep.

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