Welcome to Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
We are a congregation of the
Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.
As we approach our 150th anniversary as a parish,
we seek to: Celebrate our faith;
Prepare our children as followers of Christ;
Sustain and Renew the spirit of the
Emmanuel Church family,
and Serve Christ faithfully.
Emmanuel is a parish that is steeped in close to 150 years of rich history and liturgical tradition. Founded in 1860 as a mission church of St. James , Richmond , today the parish is nestled in a 17 acre corner just off Brook Rd. and I-95. Our membership is drawn from all over the Richmond area and even beyond.
Emmanuel is an active parish that strongly supports the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and our bishops; as well as the Episcopal Church, USA and its leadership. We are firmly grounded in our Anglican roots and are a parish that welcomes all people to fully participate in the life and ministry of the church community.
Worship at Emmanuel – Emmanuel Episcopal Church enjoys vibrant worship, while remaining centered in our Anglican liturgy. We are a Eucharistic centered congregation that often enjoys a choral Eucharist celebration during certain times of the year.
Music is important to the life of the congregation. Led by both an adult and children’s choir, we use the 1982 Hymnal, LEVAS, and Wonder Love and Praise. While the Heissler Tracker organ which was built and installed in church in 1992 is the main instrument used on Sunday mornings, Emmanuel also enjoys the occasional progressive use of guitars, piano, flute and children’s instruments.
We invite all people to participate in the life, liturgy and worship of the church. Emmanuel deeply values the ministry of the laity and has a strong lay participation in many aspects of our worship including: acolytes, LEM’s, Lay Readers, Ushers, Altar Guild, Wedding Committee and choir.
Children’s involvement in church is also another important part of our worship together. As previously mentioned we offer a children’s choir.
Our service times are:
Sunday: 8am ~ Holy Eucharist Rite I
10am ~ Holy Eucharist Rite II (Family service with music).
Wednesday: 11am ~ Holy Eucharist Rite I w/healing
Christian Formation and Education - Emmanuel is deeply committed to Christian education at every level of the parish. Most recently we have completed a large renovation project in the Bryan Education Center , reemphasizing our commitment to make education a significant part of our life together. We hold fast to our Anglican theology, stressing Scripture, Tradition and Reason as our foundation for education and spiritual formation.
On Sunday mornings Emmanuel provides an Adult Forum promoting intellectual and spiritual growth. Topics range from Bible Study to social and world issues.
Each Tuesday at 10am an Adult Bible Study is held in the parish house for all who wish to participate.
Once a year Emmanuel offers an Inquiry Class which provides insight into the Episcopal Church, our Christian beliefs and theological understanding; as well as Confirmation classes for both adults and youth (6th grade or higher).
There is a Lenten Study that takes place each year and lasts up to Holy Week.
Our youth and children’s ministries use the Rotation Model for Sunday School, emphasizing Bible stories and study.
EYC (Episcopal Young Church Persons) – is our youth group . The newly renovated Bryan Education Center provides plenty of space and fun for our youth group (grades 6-12) to make new friends grow spiritually and find joy in discovering God’s love for them.
Fellowship - While assembling as a community in worship is vital to the life of our parish, gathering together in fellowship is an important part of the life of the parish as well. Throughout the year Emmanuel has planned events which bring the congregation together to enjoy each others company.
There are also other groups which meet regularly such as the Wilmer Guild, the Prime-timers, and more. (We also like to eat a lot of good food)!
Outreach – Reaching out into the community and the world has always been a central mission of Emmanuel. We strive to do God’s mission work on three levels: local, national and international. Locally Emmanuel supports Lakeside Elementary School , the Salvation Army , Caritas, and we have a food pantry to feed the needy. Nationally, Emmanuel is strongly committed to the United Thank Offering (UTO).
From the Rector:
Please know that I am delighted you chose to visit with us today, and were able to take part in our parish life and worship. On behalf of the vestry and congregation I wish to extend to you a most warm and sincere invitation to visit Emmanuel again. If you have any questions regarding the parish, the Diocese of Virginia, the Episcopal Church USA or how to become more involved at Emmanuel, please contact the office to make an appointment. I would love to hear from you, and gladly meet. Again, thank you for your interest in Emmanuel and we hope to see you again very soon. God bless.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. John R. West, Jr
Rector
