Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Parishes offer "Ashes to Go" in their communities

Rev. Becki Dean at the Powhatan YMCA

On Ash Wednesday St. Luke's, Powhatan took their ashes on the road. The Rev. Sandi Kerner, rector, and the Rev. Becki Dean, deacon, spent most of the day offering ashes to folks in the surrounding community in places like the YMCA, assisted living and memory care facilities, restaurants who invited them to please come, and even to a local hospital ICU Unit.

"We heard wonderful stories on the road and had some incredible theological conversations with some who wanted to know what we were doing, where we were from, and what were these ashes all about anyway," said Becki. "Others were aware that it was Ash Wednesday and were unable to go to church. They were grateful for the opportunity to receive the imposition of ashes."

Revs. Gillian Barr & Win Lewis in Norfolk

The Rev. Win Lewis of Christ & St. Luke's in Norfolk and the Rev. Gillian Barr of the ODU Canterbury Center offered "ashes to go" on Ash Wednesday morning, and again at lunch time, outside a busy Starbucks in Norfolk. "The rules are: We don't accost anyone," Win told Gillian, "Just see if anyone comes," as the two stood on the sidewalk next to a small sign reading: "Welcome. Ashes to go." And people did come. About 40 stopped to receive ashes. Some just stopped to watch or ask questions.  Drivers slowed down to check out what was going on. 

 

At both of these "Ashes to go" events, they also handed out a simple flyer with church location, service times, and contact information. The flyer distributed in Norfolk also offered this explanation for "Ashes to Go": "We are here, outside Starbucks, because this is a place of warmth, welcome and community - a place where, over a cup of coffee, we share our stories, our struggles, our beliefs, our need, in short, our humanity."     

"It was evangelism at its best. We all returned pleasantly exhausted and profoundly blessed," said Becki. "God truly imagined more for us than we ever could have imagined for ourselves on this most Holy day."

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Source: Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, Parish News and Events, February 28, 2012

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.

Pancake Supper Draws Large Crowd

Over 40 parishioners and friends came together on February 21 in Emmanuel’s Parish Hall for a fabulous Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. The outstanding pancakes were accompanied by country ham, baked apples, strawberries and several choices of beverages.

Garrie Thompson, along with Seth Hunt, Janice Chaney, Beth Coles, Martha Jane Rush, Martha Scearce, Sharon Taylor, and Susan Paynter, ably assisted Head chef Tred Hunt.

Second servings were readily available, and many participants lingered for extended conversations.

Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Tuesday, Pancake Day, Mardi Gras, and Fat Tuesday) is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Pancakes are eaten on Shrove Tuesday because they are made from the main foods available (sugar, fat, flour and eggs) whose consumption was traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with Lent.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - Feb 21

Emmanuel will hold its traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 21, 2012 at 6:00 pm in the Parish Hall.

The menu is Ham, fried Apples, Beverage and our delicious Pancakes.  All are welcome.