What is happening in your life right now? Are you in a happy routine of family, work and friends? Are you experiencing a period of upheaval, such as new health crisis or a major job transition? Are you in the exciting initial stages of a new relationship? Or are you in a period of grief… Read More ›

“What is a Church Anyway?” This year the topic for the Tuesday night Lent Soup Supper and Study has been “what is a church anyway?” The first week we looked at Acts and Galatians to see what the disciples were doing right after Jesus ascended and left them the Holy Spirit to guide and shape… Read More ›

In case you missed the congregational potluck kicking off the interim process, here is the reader’s digest version *The church (the overall church, not Emmanuel specifically) is facing tough times. *The church belongs to God, and God’s mission doesn’t fail. *Therefore, this is an exciting time to be a part of the church. Emmanuel, as… Read More ›

The longer I am here at Emmanuel, the more I have come to appreciate the staff. While I mentioned them in the Annual Report, those kinds of mentions can feel very routine and not necessarily sincere. And yet, as those who interact with Carolyn, Michael, Keith (and now) Lori know, they each inspire sincere appreciation… Read More ›

It has been hard to get out of bed lately. Ever since the cold spell hit (well…cold for natives like myself) the warmth and coziness under the covers has seemed like a little Eden surrounded by the outer darkness of the early morning chill. But I don’t imagine everyone feels this way. For some, the… Read More ›

In the 56 years since Emmanuel was first planted as a church community, technology and commerce has sped up our lives exponentially. For example, as soon as we think of the perfect present for someone on our list, we can grab our phones, look it up on Amazon, purchase with one click and Santa’s Elves… Read More ›

Greetings to you, brothers and sisters in Christ! It is my great pleasure to join you in your ministry here at Emmanuel. I am so excited about the work, the fellowship and the worship that will unite us during this interim period. In preparation for October 1st (my start date at EPC), I have been… Read More ›

Dear Friends— George and I want to thank you for all your expressions of love and friendship upon my retirement. We have so many lovely memories of the worship service and luncheon on July 29, and so many tangible tokens of your thoughtfulness. The beautiful olivewood cross is hanging in our living room and the… Read More ›

For the past several years I have made a point of trying to celebrate Advent during Advent and Christmas during Christmas— Advent being the four- week period before December 25 and Christmas being the twelve-day season that begins on December 25 and ends on January 5. For many folks, Christmas begins before Thanksgiving and is… Read More ›

Lent and Easter arrive on the early side this year. Ash Wednesday fell on the same day as Valentine’s Day, and Easter will fall on April 1. A pastor friend of mine says he is going to preach on being “fools for Christ” (I Corinthians 4:10) this Easter Sunday since it coincides with April Fool’s… Read More ›