Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, March 1st

The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is back!   And this year it is at Hunt and Company Restaurant.

Plenty of room to be physically distanced! Join your vestry as they cook a stack for you!

Serving begins at 5:30.    Come and let your vestry serve you.

Lent at Emmanuel

Quiet Mondays in Lent

5:30-6pm

Come and let the sacredness of space, music, prayers and light envelop you.

  

Bible Study in Lent  (begins this week)

Mondays 6:15-7:15pm, Wednesdays, 10 – 11 am

Embodying Forgiveness

 

Wednesdays in Lent 

Community Lenten meal and meditation on various OT prophets

Chatham Baptist Church

Meal is 5:30 PM, caterer is Gentleman's Ridge, cost is $8 per person.

Meditation begins at 6:15 PM.

Mar 11 - Chatham Baptist hosting.Chuck Warnock, meditation on the words of Malachi.

Mar 18 -Chatham Baptist hosting. Hargrave Chap. Adam Felty, meditation on the words of Habakkuk

Mar 25 - Emmanuel Episcopal hosting. The Rev.Becky Crites,meditation on the words of Hosea

April 1  - Chatham Presbyterian hosting. The Rev. Mikel Pugh, meditation on the words of Micah

 

 

The Chatham Concert Series Kicks Off Its 11th Season at Emmanuel - Friday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. with Mozart’s Night Music and Schubert’s “Trout Quintet"

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Emmanuel - 175th Year Anniversary Celebration - May 5th

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Chatham Concert Series: Virtuoso Solos, Friday, March 8 at 7 pm

On Friday, March 8^th the Chatham Concert Series continues with an exciting program featuring pianist Judith Clark and Bryan, Kevin and Elizabeth Matheson.

Over the centuries, the greatest violinists wrote or arranged music to show off their talents and dazzle the audience. Jascha Heifetz adapted Rimsky-Korsakov’s famous “Flight of the Bumble Bee” and the Mexican serenade “Estrellita” for violin, Fritz Kreisler arranged deFalla’s “Spanish Dance,” and Pablo de Sarasate wrote “Zigeunerweisen” or “Gypsy Airs."

The twentieth century violist William Primrose transcribed Weber’s “Andante & Hungarian Rondo” and “Jamaican Rumba” by Arthur Benjamin to help increase the virtuoso viola repertoire. Other works on the program are Robert Schumann’s romantic “Fairy-Tale Pictures” for viola and piano and Bela Bartok’s ever popular “Romanian Folk Dances” for violin and piano. Judith Clark will perform Franz Liszt’s Grand Etude “La Campanella” based on Paganini’s famous violin piece.

Join fellow concert fans and the musicians to enjoy a glass of wine, chocolate truffles, mini fruit kabobs and marinated mozzarella and tomato skewers. The Chatham First sponsored receptions are a tradition not to miss!

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to support the concerts. Come Friday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 N. Main St. in Chatham.

The Chatham Concert Series would like to thank all of the individual sponsors who have made this season possible! Mr. and Mrs. William Black, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore E. Bruning, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Richard Camp, Mr. and Mrs. John Collins, Mr. Rick Dixon, Capt. Cameron A. Gillespie, MD and Tomoko U. Gillespie, Dr. Peyton and Lucy Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rogers.

The concert series is also sponsored by Chatham First, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Chatham Arts, Chatham Hall, La Chaumière Bed and Breakfast, Reid Street Gallery, Callands Coffee and Brenda Brokaw music lessons.

 

Chatham Concert Series: Saturn String Quartet - Mozart, Dvorak & Gershwin, Sunday Jan 27, 3 pm

The Chatham Concert Series will continue its 10^th anniversary season this Sunday, January 27 at 3:00p.m. with the Saturn String Quartet, comprised of Bryan, Kevin and Elizabeth Matheson and Russian cellist Julia Goudimova. They will play Dvorak’s famous “American” Quartet, Gershwin’s “Lullaby for Strings,” the romantic “Nocturne” by Borodin and Mozart’s virtuosic “Divertimento for Strings.” The theme from the De Beers diamond commercial, “Palladio,” and some Chinese folk songs arranged for string quartet will transport you from the winter weather to faraway lands.

Chatham Concert Series: Christmas Traditions, Sunday, December 2 at 3 pm

Soprano Leslie Mabe will join the Rainier Trio for an afternoon of your favorite songs as a fitting addition to the Christmas in Chatham celebrations. Selections from The Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, Believe from the Polar Express, Gesu Bambino and O Holy Night will get you in the holiday spirit. A sing-along of carols will send you out with a song in your heart.

After the concert, mingle with fellow concert fans and the musicians while enjoying the delightful reception provided by Chatham First.

Sunday, December 2 at 3:00 p.m. –“Christmas Traditions” at Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Chatham Concert Series Presents Vivaldi & Piazzolla, Friday, October 5 at 7 pm

The Chatham Concert Series is pleased kick off its 10^th season with the Rainier Trio’s new program “Vivaldi and Piazzolla: The Four Seasons” on Friday, October 5, 2018, at 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 N. Main St. Chatham

Guest violinist Elizabeth Matheson will join the Rainier Trio, comprised of Kevin and Bryan Matheson, violin and viola and Brenda Wittwer on piano.

The timeless music of Antonio Vivaldi's “The Four Seasons” will be paired with passionate tangos “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla. You will also hear readings of the poems that inspired Vivaldi to write the first “programmatic music,” painting a picture with sound by imitating bird calls, thunder, insects and frigid winds.

 

After the concert, mingle with fellow concert fans and the musicians while enjoying the delightful reception provided by Chatham First.  These receptions have become a tradition not to be missed in Chatham!

Chatham Concert Series Announces Its 10th Season at Emmanuel

 The Chatham Concert Series is pleased to announce the dates for the tenth season of the series!

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Emmanuel Calls the Reverend Becky Crites as Priest-in-Charge

The Vestry  of Emmanuel is pleased to announce the calling of the Rev Becky Crites as Priest-in-Charge at Emmanuel and Asst. Chaplain for Episcopal Life at Chatham Hall. 

 

Her first Sunday to preach and celebrate will be August 19th with a reception to follow. Becky+ comes to us from an interim position at Holy Comforter, Burlington NC.

 

Bishop Hollerith Confirms Eight at Emmanuel

 On April 23rd, the second Sunday of Easter, Bishop Hollerith visited Emmanuel, Chatham. He celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the Rev. Dr. Regina Christianson and confirmed eight: four from Emmanuel Church and four from Chatham Hall where Regina+ also serves.

The service was followed by a reception in the Parish Hall for the confirmands, their families, guests, and fellow parishioners.

See more photos in the Photo Galleries.

Chatham Concert Series presents the Saturn Piano Quartet, Sunday, Feb. 26 at 3 pm

The Chatham Concert Series is pleased to present the Saturn Piano Quartet this Sunday, Feb. 26 at 3:00pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Chatham. Kevin Matheson, violin; Bryan Matheson, viola; Julia Goudimova, cello, and Judy Clark, piano, will play the great C Minor Quartet by Gabriel Fauré.  Considered one of Fauré’s finest early works, its dynamic rhythms and engaging melodies will delight music lovers. 

Opening the program will be the fourth premiere performance of Virginia Composer James Lego’s Piano Trio No. 1.   Lego is a former apprentice artist for Opera Roanoke and a composition graduate from the University of North Carolina.  The trio was composed especially for Kevin and Bryan Matheson and fully exploits the resources of both the string instruments and the piano.

Goudimova will perform two works for cello and piano: Song Without Words by Mendelssohn and Allegro Appasionato by Saint-Saens. You can hear them in a previous performance of the Faure: https://youtu.be/ZiTxO3HAUKM 

Local music student Layne Larson, of Danville, will perform Beethoven’s famous Für Elise on piano.

Please join fellow music lovers and the musicians afterwards for a reception provided by Chatham First.

Burns Night, Sunday, February 12 at 3 pm

Burns Night is an event that honors the Scottish poet laureate Robert Burns. Celebrated sometime near Burns’ birthday, it is an opportunity to celebrate all things Scottish.

Emmanuel parish will host a Burns Night, Feb. 12, at 3 PM, as a benefit. Accompanied by Celtic harp and guitar, Stephen & Regina will sing Scottish songs, including several by Robbie, recite Robbie’s poetry, and play Scottish dance tunes.

A reception of light Scottish fare will follow. No haggis, we promise. The concert will benefit the music program at Emmanuel, with a portion going to Episcopal Relief and Development to fund the Millennial Development Goals.

When	Sun Feb 12, 2017 3pm – 5pm Eastern Time
Where	Emanuel Episcopal Church, 66 Main St, Chatham, VA 24531, USA (map)

Ecumenical Gathering, Watson Memorial United Methodist Church, Sunday, Jan. 22 at 3 PM.

Bishop Will Willimon will deliver a lecture on “small church ministry and discipleship” at Watson Memorial United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 22nd beginning at 3 p.m.

The service begins with a Joint Choir, followed by the Lecture by Dr. Willimon, and at 4:15 pm a question & answer time.  This will be followed by a fellowship time with refreshments. 

Rev. Dr. Willimon served as a bishop in the Methodist Church after a long and distinguished career as a theologian, professor, and Dean of the Chapel at Duke University.  He has published over 60 books. 

Please call 434-432-0161 if you would like to sing in the choir.

Save the Date - Emmanuel Parish Picnic

Save the Date – September 25, 2016 for the annual picnic.

This year the picnic will be held on the lawn of the Chatham Hall Rectory following the service in St. Mary’s Chapel. The Chatham Hall students will be with us at the service in St. Mary's Chapel. 

Details to follow.

SAVE the DATE - Parish Picnic: Oct. 18th

Walter and Alice Coles will host the annual picnic on the lawn at Coles Hill on October 18, 2015.

Eucharist Service will be held at Coles Hill at 11:00 am prior to the annual picnic.

2015 Annual Meeting on January 11

 

Chatham Thanksgiving Service, Wed., Nov. 19 at Chatham Baptist

Please join us for the ecumenical Chatham Thanksgiving Service to be held at Chatham Baptist this Wednesday, November 19th. The meal begins at 5:30 (catered by Kim Chumley at $6 per 12 and up and $4 under 12).  The service around the tables is 6:15 to 7, with the Rev. Bill Mackey-Wisor of Watson Memorial UMC preaching and the Chatham Baptist Church providing music. 

The offering will benefit the CHATHAM MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION, which is sorely in need of additional funding to help those who are in need right here in our community. If you are unable to attend, you can still make a donation (payable to Chatham Ministerial Association) and Fr Chris will deliver it to Glen Shelton who serves as treasurer.  You may call Erica, Chatham Baptist (8 a.m. to noon) at 432.8003. Indication of number of adults and children is needed by noon Monday, November 17th.

Stop Hunger Now ships meals to Dominican Republic

Stop Hunger Now indicates shipment of the ten thousand meals we purchased and packed has been sent to the Dominican Republic.  Thank you for helping.

 

Fr R Christopher Heying

 

 

Friends of Stop Hunger Now,

 

We are delighted to announce that meals from your meal packaging event have been shipped in a container with 285,120 meals from our Lynchburg warehouse. The meals will be received by our in-country partner CitiHope International.

 

With 42% of the population below the poverty line, food shortage is prevalent throughout the Dominican Republic. CitiHope provides food and other resources to schools, orphanages and other needy people and takes an active role in the distribution and monitoring. CitiHope supports sustainable educational and development programs that empower locals to create strong, self-sufficient communities. 

 

Citihope's country director in the Dominican Re

​public says,

"We consider this not to be 'charity' but a real investment in humanity. The school and orphanage programs help our country so much by creating a future of responsible citizens that contribute to the improvement of our society. These children come from families that cannot supply even one meal a day for their children and don't understand the purpose of education. So the motivation comes from the food!...These SHN donations are a defining component that heals a nation, multi-dimensionally."

 

For more information, please visit:  http://citihope.org/

 

Visit www.stophungernow.org for more information on how to continue your involvement in the fight against hunger and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stophungernow for updates, videos and photos from the field.  

Thank you for generously donating your time as a volunteer with Stop Hunger Now. 

Emmanuel's Rejoicing for October 2014 Is Now Online

  The October 2014 issue of Emmanuel's Rejoicing, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• 2014 Annual Picnic a Delight (more photos here),

• A Call to Trust and Transformation,

• Centering Prayer,

• Stop Hunger Now,

• The Reader's Reward, and

• Blessing the Coles' Window.

 

Click  here to read the October issue online.

Earlier issues of Emmanuel Newsletters may be viewed here.

To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.

2014 Emmanuel Picnic at Coles Hill

 

More photos here.

 

Nearly 70 people came out on September 20^th for the festive picnic at Coles Hill.  We are grateful for the generous hospitality of Alice and Walter Coles and the amazing logistical support provided by many people, especially Charles Williams who worked tirelessly before and during the event.  Most of all we are grateful for the time we were able to spend together with friends.  Thank you.

Overflow Crowd Enjoys Mother's Day Brunch

Click here to see more photos

An overflow crowd of some 70 parishioners and friends gathered at Emmanuel on Mother's Day to enjoy a sumptuous Mother's Day brunch of fried chicken and barbeque with all the trimmings prepared and hosted by Charles Williams and Michael Rose.

The Pruden Parish Press for May 2013 Is Now Online

The May 2013 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:

• Mother's Day Brunch May 12th,

• Greetings from your vestry,

• My Spiritual Journey,

• Calendar Notes for May - July,

• Hall and Gallops Close Chatham Concert Series,

• Easter Season at Emmanuel, and

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Carol Ann Fletcher.

 

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.

Mother's Day Brunch at Emmanuel - May 12th

Charles Williams and Michael Rose will host this year's Mother's Day Brunch at Emmanuel on Sunday, May 12th following the morning worship service.

All are welcome but please help us know if you (and any guests) are coming by signing up on the sheet in the hall leading to the parish hall.

The Reverend Gary Barker Visits Emmanuel

The Rev. Gary Barker (second from right) visits with parishioners.

By Susan Paynter

On Sunday, April 29, the Reverend Gary Barker joined us to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and to become acquainted, afterward, during an extended coffee hour.  The visit was one step in the Rev. Barker’s quest to find a new church family and Emmanuel’s simultaneous search for a priest to fulfill our pastoral needs.

In his sermon, Gary confessed that Good Shepherd Sunday has not historically been one of his favorites.  He has felt it’s an interruption in the continuity of the Sundays of Easter.  But he said that he’s beginning to come to terms with it, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation. 

He reminded us that sheep don’t go willingly where the shepherd bids.  There’s a reason, he said, for the shepherd’s crook, with its hook on one end and sharp prod on the other.

He further related our difficulty in leading a Christ-like life to the poetry of the Victorian poet, Christina Rossetti, whose feast day had fallen two days before on the liturgical calendar.  Gary read the final stanza of her poem, “A Better Resurrection”:

 My life is like a broken bowl,

A broken bowl that cannot hold

One drop of water for my soul

Or cordial in the searching cold;

Cast in the fire the perish'd thing;

Melt and remould it, till it be

A royal cup for Him, my King:

O Jesus, drink of me.

There’s no doubt that Gary Barker drew us into his deeper understanding and appreciation of Good Shepherd Sunday.

Coffee hour was a pleasure as always, with good food and good company.  There was a lot of talking, telling of tales, catching up and laughing.  Parishioners provided mushroom quiche, ham biscuits, tabouli salad, fresh strawberries, cakes, cookies, brownies, bars and peach pie! 

Gary took the time to visit with us individually and in groups of two, three or four.  Certainly he must have gotten a good feel for who we are, and vice versa:  all in all, a successful day.

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.

Emmanuel Enjoys Autumn Picnic

Click here to view more picnic photos.

On Sunday evening, September 25, parishioners and guests enjoyed the weather -- as summer gave way to fall -- and one another’s company as well as great food at Emmanuel’s Autumn Picnic hosted by Bill and Janis Simpson.

The setting was lovely, with the slanting sun playing light and shadow over the pastures and woods of the Cherrystone valley.  From the Simpson deck where we congregated, we could see hundreds of purple “Encore” azaleas showing off with their second bloom of the year.

Tred, Johnny and Seth Hunt catered barbeque sandwiches with spicy beans and coleslaw.  The rest of us contributed home-baked cakes, pies, crisps and pastries, as well as wine, beer and soft drinks.

Beth Coles had arranged flowers for each table where, after Jim Mathieson’s blessing, we settled in to enjoy the savory meal and lively conversation.

The Autumn Picnic is a charming Emmanuel tradition which once again left no one disappointed.  We all extend many thanks to the Simpsons for their hospitality!

Those who’d like to receive more picnic photos should supply Susan Paynter with an email address.

Emmanuel Celebrates Mother's Day

By Susan Paynter

Sunday, May 8 was Mother’s Day and we celebrated, Emmanuel Style.  The vestry decided to make this a day to honor all the women of Emmanuel for their constant, often unseen, nurturing of the church.

Langhorne Jones presented each of the ladies with a beautiful red carnation as we entered the church.  The Reverend Jim Mathieson gave us an overview of the history of the women of Emmanuel and their contributions from day one.

After the service, the men served luncheon.  Langhorne Jones had set up the parish hall with tables, linens and centerpieces.

Tred Hunt had prepared a feast of chicken, cole slaw, mixed-green salad, potato salad, rolls, and chocolate and red-velvet cakes.  All the men helped plate the food, serve the ladies at table, pour tea and wine and even clean up!

Nicely done, men of Emmanuel.  Thank you!

The Pruden Parish Press for May 2011 Is Now Online

  The May 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:

• Emmanuel Celebrates Easter Sunday,

• Mother's Day Luncheon - May 8th,

• Vestry Notes from the  Senior Warden,

• Saturn String Quartet "Delights" Audience

• Calendar Notes for May - July 2011,

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Tred Hunt,

• Parishioners & Guests Enjoy Pancake Supper, and

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Janice Chaney.

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.

Mother’s Day Luncheon - Sunday, May 8th

The Men of the Parish will be hosting a special Mother’s Day Luncheon for all the women of the parish (you need not be a mother!) on Sunday, May 8th in the Parish Hall  immediately following the 11 am service of Holy Eucharist.

Head chef Tred Hunt, in a return engagement, is planning a hardy but light luncheon for all the women of the Church.

Ladies, come out and  enjoy a sumptuous meal while leaving the dishes to the men!

Brunswick Stew & BBQ!

Diocese of Southern Virginia - Parish News & Events

If you're in the mood for some good BBQ, then Saturday, April 9th is your lucky day. For folks in the western part of our diocese, head over to St. John's, Mt. Airy, for Brunswick stew and BBQ served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can get a pound of BBQ to go for $5 or stick around and enjoy a meal ($5) or just a quick sandwich ($2.50). Brunswick stew will be available at $4 for a quart, $2 for a bowl or $5 for a meal.

If you're in the eastern part of the diocese, head over to St. Mark's, Hampton, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and enjoy some Carolina style BBQ and help raise money for Japan earthquake relief. A meal is $6 or you can get a pint to go for $10. 

Continue reading Parish News & Events

Members & Guests Enjoy Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Seth and Tred cook while Dick and Janice supervise.

By Susan Paynter

On Tuesday evening, March 9, the Emmanuel family was joined by guests from the community for our traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.  The Vestry prepared and served pancakes with syrup, fried apples, fresh berries and ham.

Opening our parish hall to new friends and old helped us to “get outside ourselves” on this last evening before Lent.  We enjoyed catching up with each other, with many old friends from Chatham, and even some new friends from Dry Fork.

The food, as always, was great!  In what may become a new tradition to be more conscious of how we use and conserve God’s bounty, table scraps were collected and sent home with Tred to feed Seth’s hog.

It was a lively evening, full of fun and laughter, reminiscences and talk of plans for the future – including plans for Lenten abstinences and good works.

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.

Emmanuel Family Gathers at Parish Picnic

By Susan Paynter

After Morning Payer on Sunday, October 17, the Emmanuel family rejoined on the front lawn of Vic Millner’s in-town home for a picnic.  It was the loveliest of autumn days:  the sun shone, the leaves were beginning to turn, and the temperature was just so.

(See more photos here.)

After John Ruef’s blessing, the Hunt men -- Tred, Johnny and Seth -- provided the main course of wonderfully smoky pork barbeque and fresh coleslaw.  It was hard to tell who was more excited by the barbeque aroma: the people of Emmanuel or Vic’s black lab, Rachel!

Other parishioners brought supporting beverages, side dishes and deserts.  Has there ever been an Emmanuel gathering without delicious food?

It was just a perfect day.  We were warmed by the sun, good food and drink, and good company.  The only thing missing were those who couldn’t attend because of travel or family obligations.

Many of us enjoyed getting better acquainted with Jane Ruef’s cousin, Paul, who recently relocated from Colorado to Peach Street, Chatham.  He is a welcome addition to the community.

In his Autumn Across America, Edwin Way Teale wrote: “For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.  For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.”  And it’s true:  while we gathered, Vic’s majestic oaks were sowing and scattering their acorns -- but none of us lost our footing, was knocked on the noggin, or even twisted an ankle.  The only injuries reported were slightly over-filled tummies.

Thank you, Vic, for your warm hospitality!

Emmanuel Begins Search for a New Rector

Many parishioners turned out for a potluck luncheon held in the parish hall following Morning Prayer on Sunday, July 18.  The two draws were the wide variety of dishes brought in and shared by all, and a group discussion covering the ongoing search for our new priest.

The food, as usual, was spectacular.  Fried chicken was provided and was supplemented with homemade casseroles, heaping dishes of garden-fresh vegetables, and freshly baked pies and cakes and cobblers. 

Once we were all well fed and had visited with our table mates, Senior Warden Richard Camp brought us up to date on the search committee’s efforts.  He said a parish profile is being developed for potential candidates, describing the Pittsylvania, Chatham and Emmanuel communities. 

He also told us about two leads: a priest out of Orange County that Choirmaster & Organist Kenyon Scott had heard was considering relocation, and another in Greensboro, North Carolina that the Diocese of Southern Virginia believed might be leaving that city.

Finally, Richard presented a generic “wish list” of attributes as the starting point for a discussion about what we hoped for in a priest.  Those present discussed that list and many other ideas.  Richard took the consensus opinions “back to the drawing board” to incorporate into our listing for the position opening.

The vestry search committee was scheduled to meet again with a diocesan official the following Sunday, July 25, after Holy Communion, celebrated by The Reverend Jim Mathieson who is kindly filling in for us twice a month until we call a permanent priest.

Celebrating David Smith's Ministry

Louis DePaulo greets Dr. David Smith at the conclusion of Dr. Smith's final service at Emmanuel. Click here for more photos.

(Photo by Susan Paynter)

Aagards Host "Thank You" Picnic

Parishioners enjoy the Aagaards "Thank You" Picnic on June 13. Click here for more photos.

(Photo by Susan Paynter)

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 Hosts Chatham Main Street Churches

On Wednesday, January 13, the house was packed as Emmanuel hosted the Chatham Main Street Churches for Dinner.  We were joined by Watson Memorial Methodist, Chatham Presbyterian and Chatham Baptist Churches for social hour, dinner, and David Smith’s talk on “The Episcopal Church and the New World Order.”

David wrapped up his presentation with an informative and thoughtful riff on Robin Williams’ comedic “Top 10 Reasons for Being an Episcopalian.” Look for more details in the next issue of the Pruden Parish Press coming in March.

 

Did you get the t-shirt?

Tonight: The Episcopal Church in the New World Order

Please join members of the Main Street Chatham Churches for this evening's dinner program - The Episcopal Church in the New World Order - hosted by Emmanuel in the Parish Hall.

The speaker will be the Reverend Dr. David Smith, priest-in-charge at Emmanuel.

5:00 pm Social Hour

5:30 pm Meal

6:15 pm Program

Cost is $5.00

Phyllis Tickle to Lecture at Chatham Hall

Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence, will lecture at Chatham Hall on Thursday, February 18th.

The following events are open to the public:

4:30-5:30 p.m. - round table Q&A (open to public) (Van Voorhis lecture hall)

5:30 -6:15 - Dinner (Open to Public) (lecture hall)

                         6:30-7:30 - address (open to public) (lecture hall)

Rooted in the observation that massive transitions in the church happen about every 500 years, Tickle shows readers that we live in such a time right now. She compares the Great Emergence to other “Greats” in the history of Christianity, including the Great Transformation (when God walked among us), the time of Gregory the Great, the Great Schism, and the Great Reformation.

Combining history, a look at the causes of social upheaval, and current events, The Great Emergence shows readers what the Great Emergence in church and culture is, how it came to be, and where it is going.

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.

Dinner Clubs Host Winter Cocktail Party

Approximately 40 parishioners and friends attended  a parish-wide Dinner Clubs' Winter Cocktail Party on Saturday, January 31^st  at Eldon co-hosted by Mary Hicks Heitzler and Alice and Wayne Wilson. 

Enjoying the fellowship are: Pete, Susan, Joe & Mary Hicks.

Emmanuel’s Dinner Clubs Program allows groups of 8 to 10 adults, singles and couples, to meet on a monthly rotating basis for an evening of potluck, fun and fellowship.

New groups are forming for the coming season, and several events are currently being planned. Please call Mary Hicks Heitzler for more information.

Dinner Clubs' Winter Cocktail Party - Jan. 31st

Please join us for a parish-wide Dinner Clubs’ Winter Cocktail Party on Saturday, January 31^st beginning at 6 pm, co-hosted by Mary Hicks Heitzler and Alice and Wayne Wilson.

All adult parishioners and friends are invited. Just bring a heavy hors d’oeuvre to share. Beverages will be provided. Please call Mary Hicks Heitzler or Alice Wilson to confirm your attendance or to learn more about the Dinner Clubs.

Emmanuel’s Dinner Clubs Program allows groups of 8 to 10 adults, singles and couples, to meet on a monthly rotating basis for an evening of potluck, fun and fellowship.

Happy New Year!

Parishioners and friends gathered at the DePaulos' house New Year's Eve to say good bye to the old year and welcome the New Year. The food and fellowship were both excellent and plentiful!

Annual Congregational Meeting & Luncheon Held December 14th

Emmanuel's Annual Congregational Meeting and Luncheon was held on Sunday, December 14th, in the Parish Hall immediately following the 11 am service of Holy Eucharist.

Dick Camp, Senior Warden, provided an overview of the Parish’s affairs during 2008. Jeanne Reynolds, Junior Warden, updated parishioners regarding various projects completed around the buildings and grounds. And John Geyer, Treasurer, reviewed the parish’s current financial position.

Finally, the Parish elected Jayne DePaulo and Ron Irby to serve three-year terms on the Vestry beginning in January 2009.

Dr. David Smith, Pastoral Vicar, summed up the meeting when he said, “Spirits were high and all is well.”

Emmanuel's Annual Picnic Enjoyed by All

Emmanuel parishioners and friends enjoyed the Annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, October 12th following the 11 am service of Holy Eucharist. The food was plentiful and the weather inviting until the yellow jackets came calling!

Parish Potluck Dinner to Consider Nominees for Bishop on September 20th

The Vestry of Emmanuel invites all Emmanuel parishioners to a potluck dinner at Emmanuel Church on September 20^th, beginning at 6:30 pm, to discuss the nominees for 10^th Bishop of Southern Virginia and vote on the nominee of our choice.

Six nominees will stand for election. Biographical sketches of the nominees along with their responses to two questions have been printed in the Jamestown Cross. Pictures, profiles and responses to additional questions for all six nominees are available on the diocesan website at http://www.diosova.net/walkabout.html

Dinner Clubs Enjoy Danville’s Lawson-Overby Inn

A dozen Emmanuel parishioners and friends enjoyed the dining room of the Lawson-Overby Inn Bed and Breakfast on Main Street in Danville last Friday evening. The beautiful, opulent home offered a wonderful atmosphere for some great food. And dinner was capped with a tour of this spectacular house.