Emmanuel, is an exceptional place. I was raised in a church that I loved but no longer spoke to me. The first day I visited Emmanuel (an Episcopal Church) a Lutheran pastor lead the service and spoke on the divine attributes of Pope Frances. I spent years visiting different churches trying to find one that met my list of criteria, Emmanuel met almost none of those requirements instead a still small voice told me to come again.
The services are a difficult to explain blend of traditional, contemporary, ancient, progressive, loving, contemplative, affirming, active, positive, charismatic, modern. There is singing and dancing and crying and prayerful silence and hugging (allot of hugging) and occasional shouting. At first it was surprising, and awkward, and weird really, but right. It will surprise you how right it feels.
Membership is very diverse- socioeconomically, ethnically, marital status, age, sexual orientation. And VERY welcoming and affirming. I'm in an interracial gay marriage and my husband and I have never felt anything but welcomed. Like most churches the population is aging (but there is a kind of cool old hippie vibe going on).
Father Rob and Mother Lynn lead the congregation. Their dedication to helping the congregation find Emmanuel (God with us) is obvious in all of their actions. I've received one-on-one spiritual counseling, book recommendations, email question and answer sessions and prayer to assist in my spiritual journey. They are true Christians, who often teach from other traditions and remind us that Christianity is bigger than one rigged belief system. When either of them use the word "sin" it is almost always followed by laughter - instead they preach love, acceptance, and listening to spirit.
You are welcomed, you are loved, consider joining us one Sunday. read more