Emmanuel Community Life

Earth Ministry Honors Emmanuel

Emmanuel was among 10 congregations to be welcomed to the Greening Congregations Program.

The others were: Bellevue First United Methodist Church, Bellevue, WA, Edmonds United Methodist Church, Edmonds, WA Flagstaff Federated Community Church, Flagstaff, AZ St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Port Angeles, WA St. Augustine's-in-the-Woods, Freeland, WA St. James Catholic Cathedral, Seattle, WA St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Bellevue, WA St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Port Townsend, WA Wooden Cross Lutheran Church, Woodinville, WA

Kudos to Elizabeth Hardisty for her leadership, passion, and perseverance in the stewardship of our planet on behalf of Emmanuel, and congratulations to all of us that we have the honor of participating in a greening congregation! The concluding step in this process is for Earth Ministry (probably Carla) to present us our own "Greening Congregation" banner, in one of our upcoming Sunday services.

All Saints Day (Nov 1) at Emmanuel

All Saints Day (November 1) is one of the major feasts days of the church year. It falls on Sunday this year and Emmanuel will offer several opportunities to remember "those we love, but see no longer," including the opportunity to decorate crosses in memory of loved ones who have died since last All Saints Day.

In addition to our three Sunday liturgies, we'll be hosting an Evening of Rest and Remembrance at 6pm, which will include the music of the Fauré Requiem with orchestra and choir and opportunities for all who come to bring their grief and lay it at an Altar of Remembrance and Rest. It will be a very different experience and one that should not be missed. We all carry grief with us, yet believe that in time, all is redeemed and healed through Christ.

All Saints is also one of the days in the church calendar set aside for baptisms. We are happy to baptize at 8, 10:30 or 5. Talk to one of the priests if you are interested for yourself or your child and complete the information sheet.

Dinner Groups: Let us Break Bread Together

Emmanuel Dinner Groups are being organized for adult couples and singles and will start in October. Groups of eight get together in someone's home once a month. The host provides the main course and others bring other food. Sign up sheets in the Narthex, or call Ruth Bennett at 206-275-0614. Deadline is Sunday, October 11.

Adults & 'Tweens and Teens: Emmanuel Needs Your Voice

This fall at Emmanuel, we are working hard to make sure the entire congregation has opportunities to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord." Music is for everyone, no exceptions. And yet...a core group of people who do extra preparation (we call it a choir!) support the voices of everyone.

While several people who have served the the music program for many years have discerned that this is a season to take a break from the Adult Choir, I am hopeful that others are discerning that it's time to give musical leadership a try. Jack works with the 8-12 year olds 4:15 until 5:15 on Thursday afternoons, the adults at 7:30 pm and is always looking for instrumentalists to further enrich our worship. Email or talk with Jack with any questions about how you or your children might share in making music at Emmanuel. Blessings, Hunt+

Centennial Celebration Committee Formed

Centennial Committee has been called. For the next year or so, we’ll be celebrating the 100 years of the Episcopal Church on Mercer Island (1909) and 50 years in our building (1960). And we’ll be looking forward to the future! The co-chairs of the celebration committee are  Burt and Jackie Johnson, Emmett and Sandy Maloof, and Carrie York Williams and Mark Williams.  These three couples have long and varied histories here. There will be many opportunities to participate in this celebration. Much more information to come.

October 4: St. Francis Day and Animal Blessing

Next Sunday is the Feast of St. Francis and the second year in a row that we'll celebrate and honor Francis. Part of that celebration will be the Blessing of the Animals at 4:00. Make sure you invite your friends and neighbors (to church) and their critters (to the animal blessing.) 

Susan Pitchford, TSSF is a senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Washington, and a professed member of the Third Order, Society of Saint Francis, will be with the Adult class at 9:15. The Third Order is a religious community for people who wish to follow the Franciscan way "in the world," that is, within the families and occupations where they find themselves. This is Susan's second visit with us and a great way to learn more about the many facets of Christian spirituality.

A few guidelines about the liturgy, which will last about 20 or 25 minutes:

• All animals must either be on a leash or in a crate/cage.
• All "accidents" are the responsibility of owners to clean up.
• If your pet in an introvert, and you're nervous about the setting, you may leave your pet at home and still come for a blessing.
• The names of pets who have died will also be remembered.

 

 

Youth Pilgrimage to Holy Lands

The Diocese of Olympia's Committee for Youth Exchange and Mission (CYEM) invites young people from the ages of 15 to 19 to explore Israel and the West Bank, land holy to the great faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. A minimum of 8 youth will be traveling with 2 chaperones, though our hope is to have 15 youth and 3 chaperones. Parents and Teens: Please talk to Hunt about this July 2010 pilgrimage. Much more information at www.eccw/cyem.

Young Emmanuelite in 5th Ave's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

Kudos to our own Elisabeth Williams: She will be performing in the children's chorus in the 5th Avenue Theatre's production of "Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", and will appear in each performance from October 10 through November 1st (27 shows). She started pre-rehearsals in August, and progressed to full rehearsals this month. "Joseph.." is based on the biblical story (Genesis 37-46), and tells of Joseph, his father, his brothers, and how Joseph became a leader of the people of Israel. This musical follows the biblical account well, and adds fun songs and costumes. This is a very exciting opportunity for Elisabeth, and an adventure for her entire family! Don't miss this one! FYI, the website is www.5thavenue.org , and the 5th Avenue box office phone number is 206-625-1900.

Lost in Translation: A Biblical Spirituality Course

One of the most daunting tasks of translation stems from the fact that each word in one language usually has several meanings or layers of meanings. Choosing a word in another language for translating that word reflects the translator's own understanding of the context in the original text and a decision about which word in the translated language matches most closely, while also knowing that the translated word has its own constellation of meanings also. There is no such thing as an exact word for word translation. The Greek language of the New Testament has a rich vocabulary that makes the task of translation even more challenging. The biblical texts themselves, and in particular the gospels, are also different from other genre of literature of the time in that the focus is on communicating spiritual process and realization. This course will explore key Greek words used throughout the New Testament, their use in conveying the central themes of the gospels, and what they reveal about the spiritual process of salvation, discipleship, resurrection, the work of the Holy Spirit, creation, light, eternal life, etc. We will also look at how this deeper exploration of the gospels in their original language can inform an understanding of Christian meditation. No prior knowledge of the Greek language is required. Register by phone, 206-713-5321, or email, PrayeroftheLamb1@mac.com. Class day and time will be determined by those registered, so please also indicate your preferences for meeting times. Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040, beginning in October.

Inquirer's Class for Adults & Teens

On Sunday mornings at 9:15, we'll gather for an Inquirer's Class. Everything you always wanted to know about The Episcopal Church, but didn't know who to ask. From time to time during the fall, we'll have guest presenters who will help us learn more about spiritual practices. This class will be for all teen and adults in the congregation, with special attention given to those wondering about confirmation and reception into The Episcopal Church. Bishop Rickel will be here at the end of December for confirmations, receptions and reaffirmation.

Cereals for NW Harvest Bin

From Your Social Action Commission: The Northwest Harvest food of the Month for September is cereals and, for back to school, laundry soap. They always need other protein foods such as canned meats, stews, fish and always peanut butter. We did so well this month and we thank you for contributing, but please continue to keep the green barrel filled. Northwest Harvest always sends a thank you note to the church each month for our support. Social Action allocated financial support, with the Vestry approval, to the following groups: Hunger Relief, Northwest Harvest, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services and Food Lifeline, Matthew House in Monroe, and Washington Women in Need. Crisis Outreach helped 4 persons with emergency needs. Our first meeting this fall is on Monday September 14, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the Library. We welcome anyone who would be interested in the work of Social Action to attend. We're always looking for new members. .

Emmanuel at the MI Farmers Market

Emmanuel supports the Mercer Island Farmer's Market by volunteering to set up the market, greet guests and help clean up two Sundays this fall. It's a service to the local community, helps support area farmers and food producers and is a great way for Emmanuel to be more widely known in the community. Interested in helping on September 20 or October 11? Please check with Cheryl Marshall at 206-232-2016. .

Emmanuel Early Music Ensemble for 8 and above

Thursday afternoons 4:15-5:15 @ the nave. Begins Thursday September 17! Emmanuel Early Music Ensemble (8+) is an exciting opportunity for musical exploration, growth, and fun. Kids and leaders will sing and use instruments to help find our musical voice. The context will be the Sunday liturgy. Kids who participate on Thursdays will be better equipped to lead the same songs on Sunday mornings. Contact Jack Barben with questions.

Searching for Garden Ministry Leader

*At the end of September, Bobbie Morris is officially “retiring” as the leader of our Garden Ministry. *Bobbie’s ministry of planting, weeding, pruning, watering, cajoling, praying and coordinating others to join her in the work of caring for our beautiful grounds is coming to an end. It’s time for others to pick up the baton and the Spirit is calling someone to this vitally important ministry. Might it be you? This is a ministry of stewardship (caring for a piece of God's creation and a gift from previous generations), of hospitality (our gardens are welcoming, peaceful and say much about who we are) and education (it could be a laboratory for learning about the spirituality of tending creation.) Please talk to one of the members of the vestry or Hunt about the possibilities. **