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Harvest Day 2011

On October 30, Emmanuel celebrated our annual Harvest Day, when parishioners share a cornucopia of breads, muffins, and other baked goods, as well as hot dishes and desserts. Music during the service was provided by our "Harvest Band," accompanied by the choir, with musical selections and guidance by Music Director Sarah Grove-Humphries. Harvest Day is a key part of our annual stewardship campaign. Treasurer Sue Buerkel reminded everyone that everthing we have comes from God, and the least we can do is give something back.

Emmanuel parishioners enjoying a hearty Harvest Day brunch.

Emmanuel's Harvest Band practicing before the service. From left: Colin Hester, Randy Hamblet, Randy (?), Byron Groves-Humphries, and Matthew Poteat. Not pictured are Tom Kelly and Andrew Clem.

Allan Hadfield plays the bagpipes at the conclusion of the Harvest Day Holy Eucharist service.

Breaking bread at Emmanuel

"Soul Food" potluck dinners are being held every month, as are the "Second Sunday Soup" lunches. September's lunch happened to coincide with the observance of the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, when we had some special prayers and remembrances.

Second Sunday soup, on September 11, 2011.

Haiti soup supper a big success

On Sunday, July 17, members of Trinity Episcopal Church, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and others from the Staunton community joined forces at a soup supper that helped to raise funds for St. Marc's School in Cerca-la-Source, Haiti. The dinner was held at Trinity Episcopal Church, and Rev. Marion Kanour, rector of Trinity Boonsboro, gave a presentation about Haiti afterward. The fundraising event was successful in raising the last few thousand dollars needed to finish building the school. This effort, spearheaded by the Virginia Haiti Collaborative, will have a huge impact on the lives of many young children in Haiti, who would otherwise lack the means to get a decent education.

Rev. Marion Kanour spoke about her recent experiences in Haiti, showing photos of the nearly completed school in Cerca-la-Source.

Splendid examples of Haitian art were sold in a silent auction.

Lyrisa sings at Emmanuel

Lyrisa, the women's choir directed by our own organist and musical director Sarah Grove-Humprhies (at far left), performed at the services on May 22.

Happy Easter!

The weather could not have been nicer for Easter this year. With the Day of the Resurrection (a Movable Feast) falling on the next-to-latest-possible date of the calendar, more trees and flowers were in bloom than in most years. It all made for joyous spirits as parishioners sang the Easter hymns during the service, and afterwards as the children enjoyed the annual Easter egg hunt.

The PAX youth group collected a large number of used books for the April Book Drive, as part of Global Youth Mission Day. The children's and adult books will be donated to the Valley Mission in Staunton.

Children decorated the Easter cross with flowers before the service.

Easter lilies given in memory of loved ones adorned the altar for the Easter Sunday service.

The Easter egg hunt, across the street on the lawn at Stuart Hall, after the service.

Shrove Tuesday, and Lent 2011

Shrove Tuesday (also known as "Mardi Gras") was marked this year with the traditional pancake supper, prepared by members of the PAX youth group. They provided blueberry, plain, and chocolate chip pancakes, as well as sausage and fried apples. Proceeds from the free-will offering will go to the ongoing Haiti Collaborative project, especially the Cerca La Source school building.

Emmanuel parish members enjoying a scrumptious pancake supper.