Mission:
Bringing People & God Together
Wherever they are on their faith journey
Values
At Emmanuel, our core values are centered on engagement, spirituality, inclusivity, and compassion. We are an engaged community, sharing our abundance of resources, talents, and love to make a tangible difference in the world around us. We are spiritual, rooted in a deep relationship with God through Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit, as we work to increase faith, hope, and love in our lives and the lives of others. We are inclusive, committed to welcoming everyone with respect and empathy. Finally, we are compassionate, striving to show love, care, kindness, and forgiveness in all that we do.
Vision
Emmanuel is a church steadfast in its worship and prayer, uniting its community in shared faith and trust in God. Our commitment extends outward through mission, as we meet needs in local, national, and international communities, revealing God’s love. We are also dedicated to spiritual growth, deepening our faith to better know and make Christ's love known. Finally, we stand firm in our inclusivity, making room for everyone and valuing their unique contributions to our shared mission and ministry.
History
Our beautiful, 120-year-old, half-dome vaulted chapel is a sacred space, standing as a testament to the faithful who came before us. As soft light from the stained-glass windows filters into the sanctuary, it is a gentle call to worship and connect with the legacy of saints. It is a powerful reminder of the divine presence we serve in heaven.
Worship & Studies
In the Episcopal Church, we believe that the way we worship and pray together helps to reflect who we are. At Emmanual, that means services open to everyone and prayer groups that are eager to have you join. It also means worship that honors God, steeped in tradition but understandable and without becoming stale or formulaic.
Take a look at our schedule, and learn more about what services look like at Emmanual:
The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia is resolute in ensuring that its churches, schools, and institutions live out our baptismal promises by providing a safe environment free of abuse, exploitation, and harassment.
We are unwavering in our concern for inclusion at Emmanuel. This means anyone of any ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender is welcome here; to worship, partake communion, and serve our church.
Caring for all God's children
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Staunton VA is pledged to the wellbeing and safety of everyone. We have clear policies with reference to our work with children and vulnerable adults.​ If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Safeguarding Advocate, Mitzi White, using the button below.
Please feel free to download our policy documents:
The Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia
Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Staunton is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia.
Each Diocese in the Episcopal Church is sub-divided into Convocations (sometimes known as Deaneries). Our church is part of the Augusta Convocation within the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. ​​
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EECS Vestry Members
At Emmanuel, the membership of the Vestry consists of the Rector and nine members elected by members of the congregation to three-year terms. Vestry members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance, including deciding on how the funds are to be spent. The full Vestry usually meets ten times throughout the year.
Mitzi White
Senior Warden (2023-2026)
Elijah Davis
2024-2027
Kethera Moore
2024-2027
Laura Barnett
Vestry Clerk, Asst. Treasurer
Skip Barnett
Junior Warden (2026)
Barbara Damico
2026
Dan Lynn
2026 - 2029
Bob Wiard
2026 - 2029
John Kolp
Treasurer (2024-2027)
Ginny Wemmerus
2024-2027
EECS Staff
Leadership roles
Our church activities and operations significantly rely on teams that regularly report to the Vestry. As a member of the Diocese of Southwest Virginia, we elect convention delegates and alternate delegates who keep informed about state and national issues and vote on Diocese policies and representatives.
TEAMS
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Worship and Formation
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Finance and Giving
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Mission and Outreach, Inreach, and Pastoral Care
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Property and Columbarium
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Fellowship and Engagement
The Augusta Convocation
The Augusta Convocation is the Episcopal presence in our region. Together we work to make God's Kingdom values known; we aim to get to know one another better; we seek to work together in mission to share the Good News of God both with those in need, and those who are seeking to know God better and make God's love better known.
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The President of our Convocation is Steve Berneking who also serves on our Diocesan Executive Board.
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The Augusta Convocation comprises:
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Church of the Good Shepherd, Blue Grass
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Christ Church, Buena Vista
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Emmanuel, Covington
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Good Shepherd, Folly Mills
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St. John's, Glasgow;
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St. Luke's, Hot Springs
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Grace, Lexington
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Emmanuel, Staunton
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Trinity, Staunton
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St. John's, Waynesboro
Location of the diocese of Southwestern Viginia