Continuous Education

Education is a central aspect of Christian discipleship. Our religion is not just our personal thoughts and feelings, but a sophisticated, philosophical system – millennia in the making – which guides our experience in and interaction with the world around us. Our understanding of and relationship with Jesus is only deepened and better informed by our education, building upon our personal experience of God. Christians of all ages need education to discern who we were, who we are, and who we’re called to be.

Education Programing

  • Sunday School – Vital for the faith and development of children, Emmanuel’s Sunday School takes place for about 30 minutes each Sunday after Holy Eucharist (during Coffee Hour). Children study Scripture, and learn the symbols, vocabulary, and traditions of Christianity and the Episcopal Church.
    Sunday School is taught from the second Sunday of September through the second Sunday of December (with a break on All Saints’ Sunday and the Sunday after Thanksgiving); and the first Sunday of February through the last Sunday of May.
    • Fall Term: September 10 through December 17
    • Spring Term: February 4 through May 26
    • Vacation Bible School: Summer Dates TBA
  • Bible Study – Bible Study at Emmanuel is dedicated to learning more about the Scriptures to deepen our understanding of Jesus Christ. This clergy-led group meets weekly to study the Old and New Testaments. Instruction is based around theological, academic, historical, and linguistic topics, rather than using a devotional or prayer-based approach. Adults and teenagers are welcome.
  • Go Fourth Sundays – A series of Youth Service Projects that take place in partnership with other Episcopal churches in the North Richmond Region. Projects occur on the following dates: Sep 24, Nov 26, Jan 28, Feb 25, and Apr 28. Check the parish bulletin board for up-to-date information.
  • Sunday Forum – The hub of adult education at Emmanuel. These lectures are offered on topics of interest and value to parishioners and visitors. Sunday Forums take place at 9:00 AM in the Parish Hall before 10 AM worship.

  • Sacramental Rites & Rites of Initiation – Preparation of candidates for Baptism, Confirmation, and Reception in the Episcopal Church, as well as those planning to be married.

  • Book Group – The Emmanuel Book Group Bibliophiles, or EBGB’s, meet every other month for discussion and fellowship. Past titles include When Life Gives You Pears, The Lincoln Highway, Cold Sassy Tree, and more. Join us!

Welcome to Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Emmanuel is a vibrant Christian community steeped in tradition with an eye to the future. As a parish we celebrate our faith by providing worship services and programs that feed our Christian spirit. We are committed to preparing each other, our children and youth to be followers of Christ, and seek to serve Christ faithfully through service to our community.

Sunday Worship

10:00 AM – Holy Eucharist, Rite II

What to Expect

Our worship service typically lasts about an hour. The Book of Common Prayer is a liturgical guide used in the Episcopal church. Our service encourages all to participate with responses, lessons, prayers, and hymns throughout our service. Each week, we prepare a full service bulletin, so that all may join in with meditation and prayer, even if our liturgy is new to you.

What We Believe

Emmanuel is an Episcopal Church and as such is deeply rooted in a tradition of prayer, theological exploration, joyful and affirming worship and service. Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We believe in love. We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being.

We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.