Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Homily for August 23, the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Compline, August 23

Homily for Sunday, August 16

Compline, August 16, 2020

Compline, August 9, 2020

Compline Pentecost 8

National Day of Mourning and Lament

Front Porch Ministry for Pentecost

Service for the Fifth Sunday in Easter

Service for the Third Sunday of Easter

Flowers for the Second Sunday of Easter

Our door step to yours: Palm Sunday to Easter

Welcome Happy Morning!

Flowering the Cross on Easter Morning

Bishop Haynes' Easter Message

Lent 5 at Emmanuel

Worship from St. Stephen's: The Fifth Sunday of Lent

Worship from St. Stephen's: The Fifth Sunday in Lent from StStephensRVA on Vimeo.

Emmanuel's Kenyon Scott Plays the Organ for Lent 4

Emmanuel Celebrates Confirmation and 175 Years

Bishop Magness was at Emmanuel, Chatham, on May 4 to help celebrate their 175th Anniversary and to Confirm six new Episcopalians. His sermon from that Sunday is available on the Diocesan website here. The Rt. Rev. A Heath Light, retired Bishop of Southwestern Virginia and a Chatham native, also participated in the celebration. Courtesy Diocesan eNews.

Emmanuel Welcomes the Reverend Becky Crites

On Sunday August 19th, approximately 60 Emmanuel parishioners and friends celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the Reverend Becky Crites and welcomed her and her husband Jim at a Reception following the service.

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.

Regina+ and Stephen Perform at Tartan Dinner and Ceilidh

On April 19, Regina+ and Stephen performed at the Virginia-Carolina Scottish Society's annual Tartan Dinner and Ceilidh at First Presbyterian Church in Danville.  Lots of kilts, tartan swags, shepherd's pie, scones, bagpipes, Celtic harp, Robbie Burns, and much, much more, in addition to haggis!

Southern Virginia's 125th Annual Council convened February 10-11 at the Williamsburg Lodge

Download the Diocesan Connection for January-March 2017

Bishop Hollerith's Address to the 125th Diocesan Council, Feb. 10th

It is again a distinct pleasure and privilege to stand before the Annual Council of the Diocese of Southern Virginia as your bishop and to gaze upon the faces of friends – new friends and old friends – who are actively engaged in the work of Christ in the world. It warms my heart to see you and to be with you and to watch us work together for the sake of the Kingdom.

And it’s no small thing that we’ve been coming together like this for 125 years now – it’s the 125th anniversary of the Council of the Diocese today. In the year 1892 when all this started, Grover Cleveland replaced Benjamin Harrison as president. It was the year that Thomas Edison patented the telegraph, Arthur Conan Doyle published Sherlock Holmes, the Dalton gang was killed in a bank robbery in Kansas and, interestingly enough, Ellis Island first opened its doors to receive European immigrants. This last one in particular ought to give us pause.

Continue reading Bishop Hollerith's address.

Homily for the Reverend Dr. John Samuel Ruef

Delivered by The Rev. James West Mathieson on November 29, 2016                

John Ruef had a great sense of humor.  And if you question his humor, consider the idea that he named me in his final request to be the “preacher” and give the sermon at his Burial Service.

John, you see, was noted for his brevity in the length of his sermons – 4 to 5 minutes at the most.  One person remarked after church, “we never get our seats warm when John preaches.”

I, on the other hand, am a story teller.  There is no limit to what I have to say.  The seats of the congregation are given a lot of time to warm up.

Now I know John is laughing in Heaven.

John really was the “ideal” – the role model that every Episcopal priest yearns to be.  Brilliant -- educated at the best schools, a teacher, a degree that would be the envy of each of us.  John not only memorized his sermons, he memorized the Prayer Book, the hymnal, the Bible.  Plus, he was the published author of a commentary on “Paul’s First Letter to Corinth.”

John and I would travel together to various functions:  clergy conferences, retreats, funerals.  We would travel along – mostly just rattling along, story after story -- John laughing at the appropriate time, quiet and respectful at other times.  But even if I ran out of stories that simply kill time I would engage John in various questions:  academic or pastoral or church problems. 

That was the best of times – an unfolding of that wonderful mind.  A disciplined mind!  Words coming forth that unraveled the mysterious, the rough prattle, the puzzles that a priest is so often confronted with to realize “the ocean is too big and my boat is so small.”

Confirmation Candidates Commit to a Holy Lent

Candidates for Confirmation and their Sponsors at Emmanuel on Sunday, February 26th.  Emily and Anne commit to a Holy Lent of devotion, study, and good works, in preparation for their Confirmation on the Second Sunday of Easter. They have already taken most of their classes, an invitation to life-long Christian formation.

Celtic Spirituality Retreat held at Chatham Hall

Chatham Hall was the site for a Celtic Spirituality Retreat on Saturday, February 4th. Celtic Spirituality embraces creation as God-blessed and God-revealing.  Early Christians found that it fit well with Christianity. 

Led by Dr. Regina Christianson, the retreat included times of reflecting on the wisdom within that tradition, as well as times of silence, guided meditation, spiritual conversation, music, art, and walking outdoors.  A simple lunch of soup, bread, and beverages was provided.

Blue Christmas Service, Dec. 14

The Rev. Jon Woodburn, UMC, in a meditative moment at the lighting of the candles.

Emmanuel Welcomes the Reverend Dr. Regina Christianson as Priest in Charge

Emmanuel recently welcomed the Reverend Dr. Regina Christianson as its new priest-in-charge.

Dr. Christianson comes to Chatham from Jericho & Underhill, Vermont where she served Calvary Episcopal Church, founded the Green Mountain Children’s Choir, led church music workshops, was an active member of the board for the local ecumenical food shelf and emergency fund, facilitated the local grief group, led Celtic spirituality retreats, and advised community clergy and others about mental health issues.

Regina began her career as a music teacher in an Episcopal Independent School in New York City, St. Hilda’s and St. Hugh’s. At that time she was a Sister in the Community of the Holy Spirit, the Episcopal Religious Order that founded, partly staffed, and owned the school during those years.

After leaving the Order, Regina became a private music educator and professional musician in New York City. Following several years of teaching and performing, she was invited to be the harpist-in-residence at the Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT, owned by the Von Trapps of Sound of Music Fame.

Regina's study in church history and spirituality led to her Master’s and Doctoral thesis on Hildegard of Bingen, a 12^th century mystic, theologian, and composer, receiving both her M. Div. and D. Min. from the Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Mass., well known for its pastoral orientation.

Dr. Christianson is also an experienced interfaith mental health chaplain. She is currently completing her qualification for certification as a Spiritual Director.

Regina met her husband, Stephen Whiteley, M. Mus., when they both sang as professional choir members at St. James’ Episcopal Church, Madison Avenue, where they were later married. They love to garden, travel, go camping, listen to the ocean, and make music together.

Dr. Christianson will also serve as Episcopal Chaplain at Chatham Hall. She may be reached by email at [email protected].

Vestry Installed for 2016

On Sunday, January 31, The Reverend Gene Anderson installed the vestry of Emmanuel for 2016. Members, and their terms and offices, are as follows:

- Jayne de Paulo (2016), Senior Warden
- Langhorne Jones (2018), Junior Warden
- Janice Chaney (2017)

- Walter Coles (2018)
- Mary Hicks Heitzler (2017)
- Eric Roberts (2016), Treasurer
- Martha Jane Rush (2017)

- Jayne de Paulo (2016), Senior Warden
- Langhorne Jones (2018), Junior Warden
- Janice Chaney (2017)

- Walter Coles (2018)
- Mary Hicks Heitzler (2017)
- Eric Roberts (2016), Treasurer
- Martha Jane Rush (2017)

Father Heying Accepts Call to Saint Paul's Church in Abbeville, Louisiana

Father R Christopher Heying, Rector at Emmanuel since October 2012, has accepted a call to be the rector of Saint Paul's Church in Abbeville, Louisiana beginning 1 August 2015.

 

He will celebrate the eucharist at Emmanuel on two remaining Sundays, 14 June and 5 July, with the latter being his final Sunday at Emmanuel Church.

 

In announcing his resignation at Emmanuel, Father Heying said:

 

"My family and I have been blessed during our time at Emmanuel, and you have allowed me to grow as a priest, pastor, and person, for which I am profoundly grateful. We have come to appreciate the beauty of this community and county, and I have delighted in your commitment to ecumenical ministry and fellowship with our friends at Chatham Baptist, Chatham Presbyterian, and Watson United Methodist churches.

 

We have done some good and holy things together, and even in and through difficulty I believe we have often come to deepen our respect for one another.

 

Following my departure, you will be ably served by your vestry and others, and I know that you will support their ministry by opening your heart to them and allowing them to minister to you."

Vestry Installed for 2015

On Sunday, January 11, Fr R Christopher Heying installed the vestry of Emmanuel for 2015. Members, and their terms and offices, are as follows:

The 2015 Vestry Members and their areas of responsibility are:

- Beth Coles (2016), Senior Warden
- John Geyer (2015), Junior Warden
- Richard Camp (2015)
- Janice Chaney (2017)
- Jayne de Paulo (2015)
- Dorothy Diggs (2015)
- Mary Hicks Heitzler (2017)
- Eric Roberts (2016), Treasurer
- Martha Jane Rush (2017)

 

Homily for All Saints Sunday on the Occasion of the Coles Window Blessing

Revelation 7:9-17,   
Psalm 34:1-10, 22
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12

Sermon by R Christopher Heying on the Occasion of the Coles Window Blessing, Sunday 2 November 2014.

This All Saints’ Sunday we have John’s vision of “a great multitude no one could count from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages,”  who have come through “the great ordeal,” with robes made white in the Lamb’s blood and now sing God’s eternal praise.  (Revelation 7), a vision wholly consonant with the Letter to the Hebrews which refers to a “great a cloud of witnesses” who now watch us “run the race that is set before us” (12.1).

As we give thanks this day “for all the saints, who from their labors rest” we remember those whom we knew and loved but see no longer, who in their day gave to us a glimpse of God’s love.  These are they who have now joined that “great cloud” to encourage us and remind us we are never alone but are part of one great communion and fellowship.

This fellowship includes others, others we may not have known directly but who in their own day and according to their circumstances, were, as the Book of Common Prayer says, “an example of righteousness” and “the lights of the world in their generation.”

We remember their light, ultimately Christ’s own light, light that still shines to overcome the darkness if we but look with the eyes of faith. 

These luminaries include bishops such as William Meade, John Johns, A.M. Randolph; priests such as the Rev. Dr. George Washington Dame and the Rev. Dr. Clevius Orlando Pruden; faithful lay persons such as Walter Coles and Lettice Carrington Coles, who were among the founders of this church and in whose honor and memory we bless and rededicate a stained glass window this morning; and it includes always at least one or two outside “our group,” however we may define it!

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.

Emmanuel's Rejoicing - Michaelmas 2013 Is Now Online

The Michaelmas 2013 issue of Emmanuel's Rejoicing, a Pruden Parish Press newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is being published this week.

The current issue includes:

• All Saints' Sunday,

• Church Picnic,

• My Spiritual Journey,

• Vestry Notes, and

• Upcoming Concerts at Emmanuel.

 

Download the 2013 Michaelmas pdf.

Earlier newsletter issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.

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

Blessing of Animals

Numerous parishioners and their pets turned out for this afternoon's

Blessing of Animals on the Emmanuel Lawn.

June Parish Picnic Attracts Large Crowd

Despite a brief spring shower (or was that just the bright sun?), Emmanuel parishioners and friends enjoyed a festive outdoor Eucharist and great fellowhip at this year's Parish Picnic on June 16th, graciously hosted by Janis and Billy Simpson at their Chatham home.

See more photos in the Photo Gallery.

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.

Hall & Gallops Close Chatham Concert Season

By Susan Paynter

Wow.  Talk about a grand finale!  The April 5 Chatham Concert Series season finale, held at Emmanuel, was nothing short of an all-out love fest.

The concert-goers loved Ashley Hall’s charming engagement with the audience as she personally introduced each piece she played: relaying here a story from her own career, there a tale about the composer or a famous performer of the upcoming number.

More important, we were astounded by Hall’s virtuosity on the cornet.  Joe, who in his youth dabbled on the trumpet, kept whispering to me, “How does she do that?”

I couldn’t help but glance from time to time at a friend across the aisle who used to play brass in big bands.  He was mesmerized, smiling and shaking his head, and he leapt to his feet with applause after the final note before intermission.

But even those of us who’ve never blown a horn knew we were in the presence of something very special.  To say the applause was extended doesn’t do it justice: we were smitten!

Then there was Wayne Gallops on the piano.  What pizzazz.  His background in popular and classical music as well as jazz enabled him to match the temper and style of each piece of the varied program.  The two played wonderfully in concert and we were all astounded to hear this was their first performance together. 

Hall and Gallops showed their appreciation for each other in that way musicians do during an ovation.  You could tell it was anything but a de rigueur gesture.  They were genuinely delighted with one another.

And with us.  They say there’s nothing a musician values more than an appreciative audience and we certainly gave them that, to their obvious pleasure.

Hall selected a diverse program, designed to display the many moods and colors the cornet is capable of evoking and representing composers of the 19^th, 20^th, and 21^st centuries from the U.S., the U.K, and Europe.

Each piece had its charm, but if I had to bet on the audience favorites I’d put my money on Jules Levy’s “Grand Russian Fantasia” and Jean-Baptiste Arban’s variations on “Le Carnaval de Venise.”  Both were written to show what the cornet is capable of doing and it was thrilling to hear what that instrument, on the lips and in the hands of a master like Hall, can do.

The Pruden Parish Press for March 2013 Is Now Online

The March 2013 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• Emmanuel Prepares for Holy Week,

• Prayer Shawl Ministry,

• A Lot to Celebrate!

• Calendar Notes for Mar - May,

• Chatham Concert Series Continues,

• Sunday Forums Become Fireside Chats, and

• Emmanuel Blood Drive.

 

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 Sponsors Blood Drive

On Friday, February 22, Emmanuel's Parish Hall resembled a M.A.S.H. unit as we worked with the Red Cross to sponsor a community blood drive.

Many Emmanuel hands were on deck -- before during and after -- to get the word out, move furniture, prepare food to restore the strength of donors, register those who came to give the gift of life, and put the place back in order when the drive ended.

Parishioners also generously donated blood, giving the gift of life, and the Red Cross representative was pleased with the number of blood donations made.

Many thanks to all who chipped in to help those undergoing surgical operations, cancer and other disease treatment, and those suffering traumatic injuries.

This was a significant manifestation of the Lenten spirit!

121st Annual Council marked by hope for the future

Bishop's Address

Our 121st Annual Council opened with Bishop Hollerith's Address. "Today, I find that I am especially thankful and feeling more joyous about our common life in Southern Virginia than ever before," said Bishop Hollerith. "Something is different in our diocese.  We seem to be turning a corner!  And for that I give God thanks and praise.  All of my remarks this morning will be framed by a deep sense of hope that is developing in my heart about our future." 

Click here for the full text of Bishop Hollerith's address. Click below to watch the video of Bishop Hollerith's address.

The Pruden Parish Press for January 2013 Is Now Online

The January 2013 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• Emmanuel Elects Three to Vestry,

• Baptism & Confirmation - January 13,

• The Greening of the Church,

• Calendar Notes for Jan - Mar,

• Chatham Concert Series Returns to Emmanuel,

• What a joy! and

• Spotlight on the Vestry.

 

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.

Follow Us in Photos - the Greening of the Church 2012

Annual Meeting Elects Three New Vestry Members

At the Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 9, the congregation elected Richard Camp, John Geyer, and Charles Williams to the vestry of Emmanuel Church.  We thank them for their willingness to serve and thank Vic Millner and Beth Coles for their three years of service as they roll off the vestry this month.  A tip of the biretta to all who brought food and worked to make the day lovely!

- Father Chris

Chatham Concert Series Opens Fifth Season at Emmanuel

By Susan Paynter

On Saturday evening, November 17, Emmanuel hosted the fifth season opener of the Chatham Concert Series and post-concert reception.   Playing to a house of about 75, the ever-popular Rainier Trio and returning Clarinetist Alex Jones presented a program of Romantic European and Contemporary American chamber music.

Making up the Rainier Trio are the series’ Artistic Director Kevin Matheson on violin, his brother Bryan Matheson on viola and Brenda Wittwer on piano.  Alex Jones plays first clarinet for the Pittsburgh Philharmonic.

The foursome began and ended the program with romantic masterpieces. A trio by German composer Carl Reinecke began the program.  The final piece was a quartet by Viennese composer Walter Rabl: his Opus 1.  Interestingly, the Reinecke trio was written in the composer’s 79^th year, and the Rabl composition (the opus number is a hint) was written at the beginning of Rabl’s career.  While one was a veteran and the other a novice, both composers were writing at peak performance.

Peak performance is also what the musicians brought to the music.  The Matheson brothers are always a delight.  Both are top performers technically and artistically, but to watch them is to see the differences: Bryan plays in a straightforward, matter-of-fact style and Kevin in a more emotive fashion.  Differing styles aside, when you close your eyes their strings marry so beautifully, their combined sound is so rich, strong and complementary that it seems to spring from a single source.

Sandwiched between the Europeans was the music of two contemporary American composers: Peter Schickele and Rick Sowash.  This writer’s preference was for the less complicated more soulful Sowash.  It was his Daweswood Suite, written while Sowash was composer in residence at Ohio’s Daweswood Arboretum.  Inspired by the budding, blossoming and bearing of the trees there, Sowash wrote this lovely meditation on the endless cycles of life.

The musicians performed beautifully on both.  The Schickele may have been more demanding, and Jones, Wittwer and Kevin Matheson managed it with great skill.  The Sowash seemed (undoubtedly deceptively) to simply flow organically from the four instruments of the Matheson brothers, Wittwer and Jones.

Brenda Wittwer must be the other musicians’ dream pianist.  She plays with grace and precision and -- though capable of great flourish -- she never upstages.  She plays in concert with the other artists.

This was a return engagement for Alex Jones as well.  He was back by popular demand, and there’s no surprise there.  Does any instrument exceed the clarinet for versatility of mood?  With Jones’ skill (and lung capacity!) and with this particular program, attendees had a chance to hear this wind instrument put through its emotional paces. 

The Chatham Concert Series has an important and charming tradition.  As often as possible, a young music student is invited to perform one piece.  It’s not only valuable performance experience for the student; it’s a gift to the future of fine art music in Southside Virginia.

The student performer this evening was Chatham resident Trevor Percario, 11.  Trevor attends Epiphany School and is a piano student of Susan Barrett via Chatham Arts.  He played J.S. Bach’s Minuet in G Major and did an admirable job.  Bravo, Trevor!

After the concert, attendees enjoyed a reception in the social hall.  Music lovers were able to chat with the musicians, friends and neighbors over drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Emmanuel Church is pleased to serve, along with Chatham First, as venue and facilitator of the Chatham Concert Series.

The next concert will be held on Friday evening, January 11.  The program will be “Music for Flute, Harp and Strings: Celtic to French Impressionism,” featuring Roanoke Symphony Flutist Julie Hickcox and Greensboro Symphony Principal Harpist Helen Rifas.  Also performing: the Matheson brothers’ Classic Strings Duo.

Hurricane Sandy and the Episcopal Relief & Development

Dear Friends,

Our heart goes out to all who have suffered and are still suffering loss as a result of Hurricane Sandy.  We will of course include them and first responders and ongoing supporters in our prayers.

The Episcopal Relief and Development is an agency that I am sure many of you know.  They provide much needed relief following disasters around the world and are very much involved in supporting those in need as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

You can make a donation online: http://www.er-d.org/ or may wish to make a check to Emmanuel Church with ERD (or Hurricane Sandy) in the memo, and we will send the money to the ERD.

Peace and blessing,

Chris

Fr. R Christopher Heying

Emmanuel Church