If one had to name three things that make Emmanuel ’s worship experience unique, it would probably be our eclectic blend of music, our love of the Eucharist, and the spirit of our congregation.
We are a creative church. Often there are liturgical dancers or clowns incorporated in our worship. The use of drama is sometimes used during the Liturgy of the Word. And our music offerings are unique. Usually we have organ and piano music on Sunday morning. Occasionally we use guitars, keyboard and drums. Always we have a blend of traditional and more contemporary music.
The Book of Common Prayer is the basis for our worship. We are a Rite II church. Sometimes during Advent or Lent we use Rite I.
On the fifth Sunday of the month, Emmanuel uses alternative liturgies. The Episcopal Church is rich with liturgical traditions. By experiencing “something new” a few times a year we hope not only to expand our horizons, but perhaps find a worship style or liturgy which is particularly meaningful and brings us closer to God. In the past couple of years, we have experienced a U2charist, a Lutheran service and a liturgy in the tradition of St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco. We have used liturgies from the New Zealand Prayer Book, the Iona Community, Taize and Enriching Our Worship (supplemental service from the Episcopal Church.)
The liturgy is at the heart of all we do at Emmanuel. From the full array of services on Sundays, to weekdays and the great feasts and seasons in the church year, we reach deeply into the riches of our Anglican tradition, building on it to explore new ways to give glory to God in our prayer and preaching and music. We encourage you to join us on Sundays, weekdays and special seasons, and to enter richly into our worship.
©2007 Emmanuel Episcopal Church
5181 Princess Anne Road * Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 499-1271
