Worship at Emmanual
What to Expect
All are welcome: We mean that. That is not a slogan at Emmanual, it's who we are and what we believe. God is not concerned with status, background, ethnicity, orientation, gender, or any of the many ways people try to divide themselves. He is seeking hearts who have a desire to know Jesus and spirits who want to grow under His care.
We ask that you dress and behave in a way that is respectful to the community and to our sanctuary, but there is no dress code, no membership requirement, no discrimination or exclusion. You will find people in Emmanual will quickly open their arms to you, and just as quickly invite you to become a part of one of our events or ministries!
We are value all our visitors to Emmanuel and are delighted to have new folks come through the door! Ushers will be there to greet you on Sunday mornings and they can help you get acclimated to our service.
For younger children whose parents choose to use it, our nursery is available during the service. However, we appreciate children in church as well and there is no requirement to use the nursery.
Worship is at the heart of who we are and what we do. Sunday worship is not intended to be a segregated part of our week or isolated part of our being but something that is integrated into our week and incorporated into our being. It is a gift that teaches us how to live all the time.
Emanual has a wonderful mix of tradition and accessibility. When we pray together through the liturgy, we are participating in an ancient unity of worship, joining the voices of others in the room, all around the world, and with all the saints in ages past. But liturgy translates to "the work of the people," which means we desire the participation of everyone who gathers together for worship. To this end, we vary our worship styles throughout the month and the year to encounter the Word of God with renewed spirit and understanding.
10:30am Sunday Service
The 1st and 3rd Sundays are Morning Prayer services. This is a temporary adjustment as we search for our next rector.
The 2nd and 4th Sundays follow the Rite II Eucharist with music. It's a celebratory service and uses the full liturgical resources as we mark the seasons and festivals of the Church year.
After Sunday's service, please gather with us for coffee and treats downstairs in Fellowship Hall. This is an informal time to catch up with one another, meet new people, and foster deeper connections that go beyond church functions.
Morning Prayer in the church: Monday-Thursday at 8:45 am
All are welcome to join the daily office (Morning Prayer) in the sanctuary. This simple service lasts 30 minutes.
Download the Daily Prayer Resource
Prayer and Fellowship Groups
Sundays 9:30am: Adult Christian Education Group
The group meets in Fellowship Hall off St. Clair Street to discuss scripture or other topics selected by group members. Anyone who wants to participate or help lead any part of the Christian Education offerings is certainly welcome!
Thursday 5:30pm: Centering Prayer (In person)
Sundays 5:30pm: Centering Prayer (Online)
A form of contemplative prayer, a form of Christian meditation, involving 20 minutes of silent prayer followed by discussion. Everyone is welcome to join.
Tuesday 5:15pm: Lectio Divina (In person and Online)
Based on the ancient practice of "Divine Reading," this features a meditative reading of scripture in a group setting with periods of silent prayer and optional discussion. The session ends with Compline (Night Prayer).
1st Sundays Each Month 6:30pm: Compline
Compline is a Christian prayer service which derives its name from the Latin completorium, meaning "completion". The service offers a time for individuals to confess their sins, give thanks, and petition God for protection during the evening. It is a time for reflection, providing a personal and intimate way to end the day; a period of penitence and trust in God's protection through the night.
Resources for Spiritual Growth
We have materials for education and reflection as well as one to one support in your spiritual journey. Please contact us so we can help in discerning and responding to your individual needs.