Sharing the Joy and Power of Life in Christ!

About Us

Emmanuel is a spirit-filled community in the Diocese of Southern Virginia that values the diversity reflected in the richness of our local community. We are a loving parish of caring Christians concerned about each other, our neighbors and the world. Our worship is meaningful, our music is joyful. Our services are a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Our Episcopal heritage is rich with tradition. We love the Book of Common Prayer, especially Holy Eucharist Rite II, and use the occasional fifth Sunday throughout the year to enrich our worship with other forms. Our music is eclectic, with a variety of hymns, gospel songs and praise music. We value Christian Formation and have strong programs for children, youth and adults. We are committed to outreach in our community and the world. We are a safe haven where God’s healing can take place. We are devoted to young people, both in church activities and in support of our Day School. Emmanuel is a wonderful community of faith!

We welcome you to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where you can find strength and joy in worship, a loving community of Christians, and opportunities for both personal growth and service to others. Ya'll come...any time!

All are welcome at our table!


FAQ

What is worship like at your church?

Most Sundays, we offer two services using Holy Eucharist Rite II from the Book of Common Prayer. The 8:00 AM service is quieter, without music. The 10:00 service includes music, an eclectic mix of hymns, vocal and instrumental music, gospel songs, and contemporary music, all chosen to illuminate the Bible readings for the day or the season of the Church year. At any given service, you may hear the adult choir, the children's choir, the handbell choir, a soloist or small group, guitars and other acoustic instruments, always piano and organ, and sometimes several at once! You will hear thoughtful, Bible-based preaching from our clergy. The 10:00 service is live-streamed on YouTube as well. Throughout the year, we offer other services from our rich tradition, occasionally on Sundays, and also on holy days that fall during the week.

Do you have child care?

Yes! During the program year (September through May) there is a nursery for newborn to 5-year-olds from 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. In the summer the nursery opens at 9:45. Of course, it is always acceptable to have your child in worship—there are activity bags near the church entrance, and children are always welcome!

Do you have Sunday School classes?

Yes! Again, during the program year, there are a variety of classes for all ages from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. (Sunday services are at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.) Adult classes are held in person and on Zoom. One group studies scripture, and the Adult Forum presents a variety of subjects for discussion and learning. Children and youth have programs planned especially for them. All are welcome!

Are there other ways to learn about my faith?

On Monday nights there is a women’s group that studies the bible. They use a variety of books and videos to supplement their learning, and the group meets both in person and on Zoom. Then on Thursday morning, The Brotherhood of St. Andrew meets for breakfast, discussion and prayer. Currently they are studying the gospel for the Sunday following their meeting. Add to that the Richard Rohr group that meets at 11:00 on the first Tuesday of the month, plus Faith in Fiction book club, and you have ample opportunities to grow in faith.

What kinds of community service do you participate in?

Emmanuel cares about our local community and the wider world. Local ministries include the Beach Bag program, where each week we fill 36 bags with food that are then given to children at Arrowhead school to assure that the student has food for the weekend. We also gather food and supplies for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, sponsor a Meals on Wheels group, host Red Cross blood drives, participate in the Faith Works Coalition, and we regularly serve dinner to the homeless at the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center. And our building is busy every day of the week, hosting scout troops, community groups, and many 12-step programs. We serve the wider community though the support of programs like Operation Shoebox, Angel Tree, Soles4Soles, Rise Against Hunger, and Episcopal Relief and Development. Emmanuel is always looking for ways to serve!

What is parish life like in your church?

At Emmanuel, we build and sustain our Christian community through worship and service, but also through social events and just plain fun! Church service opportunities include music groups, the altar, kneaders group (bread makers), and flower guilds, acolytes, lay readers, gardening, Sunday school leadership, office help...you name it, we do it! Other ways to connect include Sunday coffee hour, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Cursillo groups, lunch groups, a book club, picnics, special social events (Did we say we like to have fun?), and our annual parish weekend retreat, which was suspended during the pandemic and to which we plan to return in Spring 2023.

What are your policies regarding Covid 19?

We expect people to consider their own health needs and to be respectful of the needs of others. Participants who are unvaccinated are required to wear a mask. In addition, we reserve a worship seating area where people who are masked and want a little more distancing may choose to sit.

How do I join your church?

Well, the best way is to show up! Worship with us on Sundays, and try some of our other classes, social activities, or service projects. Sign up for a name tag, give us your email so we can send you our newsletter, and like us on Facebook! Then, if you’d like to make it “official,” you can meet with the clergy and talk about Emmanuel and what it means to be a part of the Episcopal Church.


Any other questions? Contact Us