Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Easter Season reflection from Bishop Hollerith

"When one considers the various Easter accounts of the Risen Lord appearing to the disciples, it becomes clear that for the early Church the resurrection was much more complex and much richer in character than a single event fixed in time.

The meaning of the resurrection was revealed not all at once, but gradually, with each appearance adding more depth to the rich texture of the disciples' personal and community experience of the risen Jesus.

The beauty of the Easter season as we celebrate it in our tradition is that each Sunday we too learn a little more about the miracle - a little more about its startling implications for our lives."

Click here to read more.

You can also access the Bishop's reflection on the Diocesan website.

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

The Pruden Parish Press for March 2011 Is Now Online

The March 2011 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, was published this week. The current issue includes:

• Janet Phillips, Carmella Fisher Play Emmanuel,

• Bishop Hollerith Addresses 119th Council,

• Vestry Notes from the New Senior Warden

• Calendar Notes for March - May 2011,

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Vic Millner,

• December Outreach at Oak Grove,

• Bishop Hollerwith Calls Us to Action, and

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Ron Irby.

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.

The Encounter

The encounter between John the Baptist and Jesus was pivotal, not only for the Jesus movement wanting to differentiate itself from the followers of John, but for our understanding of what took place.

Continue at Daily Musings