Let me tell you a reimagined bible story by Rabbi Marc Gellman. ‘The first to hear the Torah, the first to receive God’s law was Moses. Moses went up on a mountaintop and tried to capture on a couple tablets of stone the commandments of God. Now, a rabbi tells us that when Moses got up…
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is…
They visited. They worshiped. They prayed. They sang. They saved the bulletin. Who are they? They are a UK couple who took a once in a lifetime cruise to the United States. Docked in D.C., they ventured into Alexandria and came to church. Our church, Emmanuel. Cleaning out her parents’ South Hampton, England home, their granddaughter, Jo Ashley, found…
Like many of you, I enjoy several traditions which happen this time of year: I love receiving Christmas cards, particularly when they include pictures and updates on people I know and love and unfortunately don’t get to see as often as I’d like. This time of year I like to walk Max right around dusk…
Hi everyone. Thank you for either attending a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service in person, by zoom or by selecting Emmanuel at Home. 22 months into the pandemic I had certainly hoped we would find ourselves in a different place; but alas, here we are. Unfortunately, like millions of others around the globe and…
“Blessed is she who believes.” Luke 1:45 Having spent the first 50 years of my life as a member of the Catholic Church, praying through Jesus, the Great Intercessor, to God, we were also taught to pray through Mary, the Mother of God, also as an intercessor – someone who intercedes on our behalf. Mary…
I don’t know much about snakes. Really, I don’t know anything. I think they’re weird animals – not at all cuddly, frankly a little creepy, they’re just not my thing. But this line from John the Baptist stands out to me every time I hear it: “you brood of vipers.” Turns out, vipers are interesting. They are venomous, of course, and can cause serious bodily harm…
While the church is a bit fussy about music in Advent, I confess to being obsessed with the “mall muzak” of the holiday season. Ever since I was a little kid, Jingle Bells has brought me joy; O Come, All Ye Faithful has given me comfort. The chaos of my childhood home not withstanding. I loved to sing — though Sister…
I’m recording this message from home on Wednesday before Thanksgiving – so a Happy Thanksgiving shout-out to all of you for tomorrow. I hope you have a wonderful and delicious day surrounded by love. You deserve that. Okay, on to our First Sunday of Advent homily: It should be no secret or surprise to anyone…
Something is in the air. You can smell it. You can taste it. You can feel it deep down. November nights press right up against the windows. Black tree limbs scrape against brooding skies. Swaddled in sweaters, dead leaves crunch beneath our feet. Daylight slips away. Horror lurks in the shadows, as darkness overtakes the…
Emmanuel Voices 
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