Wherever they are on their faith journey

Bringing People & God Together

Mission:

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 and speaking truth to power. 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.

More of our History

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:

What to Expect

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 Emmanual. 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.

Report a concern

Please feel free to download our policy documents:

Policy for Children/Youth

Policy for Adults

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.

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.

Cass Cannon

Senior Warden (2023-2026)

Elijah Davis

2024-2027

John Kolp

Treasurer (2024-2027)

Ginny Wemmerus

2024-2027

Skip Barnett

Junior Warden (2026)

Charlotte Hadfield

2023-2025

Kethera Moore

2024-2027

Laura Barnett

Vestry Clerk, Asst. Treasurer

Bob Wiard

2026 - 2029

Teresa Hester

2022-2025

Dan Lynn

2026 - 2029

Rector

Vacancy in See

Emmanuel is currently in the process of searching for a new rector.

Church Administrator

Caitlin Long

Caitlin joined EECS in the spring of 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Conservation Biology from George Mason University. Caitlin is happily married to her husband, Ryan, and they share their home with three beloved dogs. Her background in environmental science brings a unique perspective to her role at the church, where she

combines her organizational skills with a passion for sustainability and community engagement. In her

free time, Caitlin enjoys exploring the outdoors and cooking.

Director of Music

Vacancy

Emmanuel is currently searching for a full time music director / Organist

EECS Staff

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.

The Dean of our Convocation is our very own rector, The Very Rev'd Dr. Jonathan Bauer and EECS member Steve Berneking is the Convocation President for 2025.

The Augusta Convocation comprises:

Church of the Good Shepherd, Blue Grass
Christ Church, Buena Vista
Emmanuel, Covington
Good Shepherd, Folly Mills
St. John's, Glasgow;
St. Luke's, Hot Springs
Grace, Lexington
Emmanuel, Staunton
Trinity, Staunton
St. John's, Waynesboro

Location of the diocese of Southwestern Viginia