Emmanuel Episcopal Church

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.

Emmanuel Celebrates Christmas

By Susan Paynter

Emmanuel changed from Advent purple to Christmas red on the evening of December 22^nd as many parishioners came together for the Greening of the Church.  Fortified by hot mulled cider, the Emmanuel “elves” trimmed the church with magnolia, holly, and poinsettias.   The tree was hoisted and decorated as young John Scott kept spirits bright by playing Christmas carols on the piano.

On Friday, Christmas Eve night, the service was preceded by a festival of 14 carols, accompanied by Kenyon Scott on the piano and then the pipe organ.  The voices of the Emmanuel Choir and parishioners were joined by those of guests from the community and families visiting for the holidays.  Mark dePaulo read the Nativity Gospel of Luke. The Rev. Jim Mathieson preached the Christmas sermon and celebrated the Holy Eucharist. 

After the worship service all repaired to the parish hall -- which Beth Coles had decorated beautifully -- to enjoy good company, homemade eggnog and seasonal delicacies. 

The big snow hit on Christmas evening, and the service of lessons and carols planned for Sunday, the 26^th, was cancelled.

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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Chatham Concert Series Announces Artists and Concert Dates

Click on the image below to enlarge.

Diocesan eNews for Dec. 15, 2010

Ordination to the Priesthood Dec. 18, Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk On Saturday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. at Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk, Bishop Hollerith will ordain Robert Coniglio, Leslie Ferguson, Drew Foisie, Willis Foster, Julia Messer, and Anna Noon to the priesthood.

Vocations Exploration Retreat Deadline January 1 Jan. 21-23, Roslyn Center, Richmond This weekend retreat for grades 9-12 offers youth an opportunity to reflect on a potential call to ministry. Participants will learn about the variety of lay and ordained vocations in the church first-hand. They will explore their spiritual gifts and have the opportunity t engage in worship and program leadership. Youth will be equipped with language to articulate a call, as well as knowledge to prepare appropriately for future ministries. Deadline to apply is January 1, 2011. Application form is included in the Youth Ministry Toolkit. Retreat cost is $50. Continue reading...

Diocese of Southern Virginia - Parish News & Events

Longest Night Services Acknowledge Christmas Isn't Joyful For Everyone

Old Donation, Virginia Beach, will offer a Christmas service on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. that is designed for those who are grieving. "This time of year can be difficult for people who don't feel joyful, and to be sensitive to that, Old Donation started a 'Longest Night' service in 2008," said associate rector Elizabeth Felicetti. Christmas isn't a joyful season for everyone and it can be difficult to admit that. The service is a safe place to acknowledge feelings of anger, grief, loneliness, or fear and offer them up to God, even if God is the focus of some of those feelings. "In past years, we have invited people to write down sorrows on pieces of paper and to lay them on the altar when they come up for Communion," said Rev. Felicetti. "We also have healing prayer ministers in the back of the church for healing prayer."  

 

Good Shepherd, McKenny, will also hold a Blue Christmas service on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. "This service of healing can bring comfort to those who are in pain and offer hope of better times," said rector Rod Gordon. "Our doors are open and we want you to come as your are."

 

Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, will also hold a Longest Night Eucharist on Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. in their St. Mary's Chapel. The service will be followed by a simple supper. Tim Olbrych, a classical guitarist, will play during the service and supper. Please call to reserve space at dinner, (757) 229-2891.

 

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Vestry Election, Priest Search Among Agenda Items at Emmanuel Annual Meeting

(Dick Camp delivers the Annual Report. Click here for more photos.)

By Susan Paynter

The Emmanuel family met in the parish hall on Sunday, December 12, for our annual meeting and covered dish luncheon.

Meeting agenda items included the vestry election; updates on vestry activities, search committee efforts toward finding a new rector, parish finances, and Christmas gift-giving for Oak Grove residents.

Senior Warden Richard Camp brought us up to date on vestry activities, including search committee efforts.  As part of those efforts, a parish profile has been developed to inform potential candidates.  The committee is currently focused on two candidates.  One, the Reverend Doctor Theodore William Johnson, will visit Emmanuel on Sunday, January 16 to celebrate the Eucharist.

The Reverend Doctor Johnson, son of an Episcopal priest, was ordained in 1986 and has just reached retirement age.  His background includes congregational development and team building.

Before entering the priesthood he served in Washington as spokesman and representative for corporations, organizations, and political leaders of both parties.

Please do your best to be in Chatham on the 16th and attend.  This will be our opportunity to hear and visit with Dr. Johnson and to get a feel for his style and personality.

On the Vestry front, Janice Chaney and Tred Hunt were nominated and unanimously elected to serve on the vestry as Dick Camp and Linda Swanberg end their three-year terms.

Treasurer John Geyer delivered the year-end investment and financial report, estimating that we’d entered into the black for the year.

Sharon Taylor explained how each of us can “adopt” one or more Oak Grove residents for Christmas gift giving.

The 2010 annual meeting and luncheon were held after Holy Eucharist celebrated by the Reverend Jim Mathieson. 

Beth Coles had placed a centerpiece of fresh flowers on each table, and Tred Hunt provided moist and savory roasted turkey breast as the main course.  Parishioners provided beverages, side dishes and desserts.

Information is available for those who were unable to attend the meeting.  For copies of the parish profile or Dr. Johnson’s curriculum vitae, talk to Dick Camp.  For a copy of our 2010 investment report, talk to John Geyer.  To share the joy of Christmas by giving to an Oak Grove resident, talk to Sharon Taylor.