continued connections exemplify our community · inside this issue: continued connections exemplify...
TRANSCRIPT
Coffee Hour 1
Lenten Resources 2
Adult Spiritual
Formation
2,3
Youth Ministry 4
Annual Giving 5
Dollars and Sense 6
Inreach and Outreach 7
Emmanuel Voices 8
Emmanuel Preschool 9
Inside this issue:
Continued Connections Exemplify
Our Community I have now been in this position for 8 months and the time has
flown. I am learning so much about Emmanuel that I never knew. And the most
important, and amazing, thing I have learned during this global pandemic is the
incredible strength of the bonds shared by the Emmanuel Community.
Throughout these challenging times, we have hardly skipped a beat as we pivoted
from online asynchronous worship, to outdoor worship, and then by necessity to
synchronous worship via Zoom. But that is not all that is going on. Coffee hour occurs
week in and week out, notes were written and calls made to every parishioner, each
new addition to the Emmanuel family has been welcomed and celebrated, Adult
Spiritual Formation provides monthly programming ,2 game nights were held with
the parish youth, happy hours were enjoyed by both the Prime Time Boomers and the
Twenties &Thirties, bagged lunches are being made and delivered and paper bags
collected for food pantries , Advent in a Box was created and delivered, the annual
Christmas pageant was replaced by the Pop-Up Nativity, cocktails and carols changed
location, and Christmas Eve service was enjoyed by all who attended. Are you tired
yet?.......Because that is an impressive and exhausting list of community!
And we are not stopping to rest, see all that is upcoming by reading this newsletter
and the weekly e-news. We would love to see you at any and all events. One place to
start is by joining our worship via Zoom at 10:00 AM each Sunday followed by weekly
coffee hour at 11:30 AM. Take a look at the list of upcoming topics below and consider
which ones speak to you. The conversations are lively, and the best part for me is to
hear from many people each week. Normally I would talk to one or two families each
week, but now I get to join in with 15-20 and get to know more about them all. We
hope to see you at coffee hour and/or any of our other events soon!
Janie Piemonte, Parish Administrator
Jan 17: The First Place You Want to Go Post Pandemic, Meredith Wade
Jan 24: Traditional Family Food and Recipes, Beth Boland
Jan 31: Annual Meeting
Feb 14: Valentine's Day: What's Your Passion?, Mary Kasik
Feb 21: Themed Bingo, Lauren Maxey
Feb.28: Calling all Kids: Family Show and Tell, Joani Peacock
January/February 2021
High Notes Submissions
Please submit your articles for
the March High Notes to Janie
by Wednesday, February 24.
Page 2 HIGH NOTES
Our 10 -Year Vision
for Emmanuel
Emmanuel Episcopal Church is a
thriving, engaged and creative parish
working to educate and meet the needs
of children, youth and adults; live and
demonstrate our Christian values; and
create a more humane and just world
through community service and
outreach.
Diocesan Bishops
The Rt. Rev. Susan Goff
The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Brooke-Davidson
The Rt. Rev. Porter Taylor
Emmanuel Church Staff
Rector
The Rev. Charles C. McCoart, Jr.
Associate for Worship
The Rev. Joan L. Peacock
Seminarians
Kevin Newell
Winnie Smith
Director of Youth Ministry
Katherine Conner
Organist/Choir Director
Ryan Fitch
Parish Administrator
Janie Piemonte
Administrative Assistant
Karen O’Hern
Sexton
Carlos Guzman
Nursery Caregivers
Lillian Urrea
Natalie De Leon Santizo
Jeni Rivera
Sunday Services
Online
Church Office Hours
Monday—Friday
1:00 pm —4:00 pm
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
1608 Russell Road
Alexandria, VA 22301
Lent 2021: Ways to Walk the Road to Calvary
Simplify: A Mixtape Meditation for Lent. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, is traditionally the day we use up all the butter and sugar in our cupboards (hence the making of pancakes!) It is the day we begin to simplify our lives for the forty days
ahead, a customary season of fasting. This homegrown Lenten soundtrack will be posted on Emmanuel Voices with lyrics and links to Shaker tunes and American hymns, along with a Spotify playlist.
“Remember You Came from the Garden, and to the Garden You Shall Re-turn.” Ash Wednesday, February 17, 5:00 PM live on Zoom or “at home” any-time. Formed by God from the dirt of the garden and gifted with free will, we find ourselves fallen and east of Eden. This year’s liturgy will include the imposi-tion of “ashes” dug from your very own garden or backyard.
Contemplation & Contrition. Our liturgy for the five Lenten Sundays, beginning February 21, will begin with the Penitential Order. Using the Ten Commandments, we will examine our consciences as we seek to better model our lives on Christ.
Lenten Reflection Series
Join Seminarian Winnie Smith for a three-week Lenten book study on Jon Meacham's The Hope of Glory: Reflections on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. Meacham - a historian and lifelong Episcopalian - writes about the significance in the Christian tradition of these last words spoken by Jesus and invites us to think about what they mean to us as individuals today. The book is quite short, and we will be tackling a few chapters each session. February 21, 28, and March 14 at 7:30 PM. Zoom info to follow!
Paperbacks, Popcorn & Privilege: A Soul-Searching Discussion Group
Feb 7, 7:30 PM
Their Eyes Were Watching God, Nora Zeale Hurston. This 1937 classic is an enduring Southern love story sparkling with wit, beauty, and heartfelt wisdom. Told in the captivating voice of Janie Crawford who refuses to live in sorrow, bitterness, or fear. Click here to join the conversation.
March 7, 7:30 PM
Harriet, the Movie. This 2019 film follows the heroic abolitionist Harriet Tub-man, who escaped slavery and liberated hundreds of enslaved persons via the Underground Railroad. The film is available to watch on your own schedule on Hulu, Amazon Prime, or YouTube. Click here to join the conversation.
Adult Spiritual Formation Programming
2020 Vestry
Tom Craig (Senior Warden)
Barbara Huffman · Nathan Turner (Worship)
Maria Jones · Matt Stratford (Education)
Liz Kane · Doris Rudolph (Service)
Scott Keplinger · Chris Yianilos (Fellowship)
Emily McNaughton · John Read (Stewardship)
Gene Lange (Treasurer)
Sarah Kolo (Clerk)
Contacts for Ministry Teams
Worship
Team Coordinator: Nancy Dupree
Acolytes: Kelly and Joe Dresen
Altar Guild: Meredith Wade
Counters: Janie Piemonte
Guitar Circle: Stewart Bartley
Music & Choirs: Ryan Fitch
Readers (8:00): Suji Kelly
Readers and Chalice (10:30): Jerry Boykin
Ushers: Bob Callahan
Education
Team Coordinators: Joani Peacock
Katherine Conner
Adult Spiritual Formation: Beth Boland
Sunday School: Katherine Conner
God & Donuts: Rachel Piemonte & Chris
Piemonte
Preschool: Nicole Crochet
Service
Team Coordinator: Sean Ellis
Adult Summer Service Trip: Vacant
ALIVE!: Liz Kane
Bag Lunch Program: Karen Coda
Carpenter’s Shelter Breakfast: Jennifer Jones
Carpenter’s Shelter Dinner: Bonnie Lilley
Community Lodgings: Barbara Harslem
Giving Tree: Sylvie Harris
Haiti: Sean Ellis
Haitian Coffee Sales: Kim Scott
Meals on Wheels: Mary Tinsley
Refugee Family: Kim Scott
United Thank Offering: Bonnie Fairbank
Yard Sale: Gretchen Walzl
Fellowship
Team Coordinator: TBD
Breakfast with St. Nick: Courtney Keplinger
Coffee Hour Baristas: Ann Wheaton
Craft & Sewing Group: Gudrun Callahan
Boomer Zoomers: Meredith Wade & Event
Leaders
Shrine Mont Parish Retreat: Joe Scott
Twenties & Thirties (TnT): Lauren Maxey
Stewardship
Team Coordinator: Adam Schildge
Annual Giving: Jane Kolson; Tyler Dorn
Building and Grounds: Christina Bartley &
Stewart Bartley
Cont. From page 2
Everyone Has a Story: Storytelling Workshop with Stephanie Garibaldi Saturday, January 16, 1:00 - 4:00 PM This super fun, abbreviated, hands-on, online Zoom class will show you how to turn your unique life experiences into compelling true stories. You’ll learn the ancient art of storytelling by engaging in interactive activities, imaginative games, and explorative exercises--all designed to help you identify and develop interesting story material from your own life.
Led by the fabulous Stephanie Garibaldi," the hardest working story coach in the DC metro area -- possibly the world." Founder of "Story Training with Stephanie Garibaldi", she is also the most seasoned director/teacher for Story District. Stephanie has personally trained thousands in the art of story from all ages and all walks of life. Also, a performer, Stephanie was a finalist at last year's National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro. Her mission is to spread story love worldwide!
Stephanie will be assisted by Joani Peacock, also a veteran of the Story District Stage. Check out two of her performances: Top Shelf 2020 and NPR Invisiblia Live. Click here to register. Space is limited so sign up soon! Questions? Contact Joani
Rachel and Thomas Cruz
Julia and Joe Dresen
Jennifer Jones and Jack Kaelin
Catherine, John and George Miliaras
Charlie and Jake Scott
Anne Seville, Rob Flax, and Baby Ryan
Pop-Up Nativity: Directed by Ryan Fitch, Jennifer
Jones and Joani Peacock. Thank you to all Cast
and Crew and for a wonderful show!
Page 4 HIGH NOTES
The Annual Meeting will be held via Zoom this year on Sunday, January 31, 2021. We will hold our usual meet-
ing during the previously scheduled coffee hour beginning at 11:30 AM. We hope to “see” you there!
Youth Spiritual Formation
40 Days of Faith & Fun: Youth Ministry Program for the Season of Lent
Happy New Year Emmanuel families! For the last 10 months, I have found myself lost in a time warp. As I was anxiously awaiting 2021’s arrival, it simultaneously snuck up on me. And now, believe it or not, Lent begins in about a month on February 17 with Ash Wednesday!
Traditionally, Lent is a season of deep reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal that is all too often reserved for adults. However, this Lent, your preschool and elementary-school aged children have a unique opportunity to walk through Lent with a new program. Similar to the successful “Advent in a Box” program, this exciting box provides 6 weeks of kid-friendly, fun, and reflective activities for your children to learn, play, and grow in their faith at home. Each week will contain a Lent-related Bible story, one-two creative and fun-based activities, and an opportunity for service. Throughout the 40 days, your children can choose to give up something and pray for others. If your kids love to see those Amazon boxes outside, they will be even more excited to receive their very own 40 Days of Faith and Fun Box, hand delivered to your doorstep during the week of February 8-15.
If your child received an “Advent in a Box,” they will automatically receive a 40 Days of Faith & Fun Box. If not, it is free to participate but you must register by January 15 to receive a box. There are two different aged boxes: preschool (3+) to first grade and second to fifth grade. You may register multiple children in one family so that everyone receives their own box. Register by emailing Katherine Conner with your child’s name, school grade, and home
address.
** If you are interested in volunteering with assembly or delivery of the Lent box, please email Katherine Conner -- we would love your help!
Game On, Boomers! January 19, 7:00 PM with Michael Wade (son of Meredith & Doug) Even if you don’t like team games, don’t like Trivia, don’t think you know enough to play, think again! “Welcome to Trivia Throwdown Online LLC (TTO)! The game, played via Zoom, includes five rounds with a final showdown and takes roughly 90 minutes. Each round is unique and features different categories of trivia The content covers all things movies, music, history, science, sports, pop culture, and everything in between. You'll play on a team, I ask the question and then send everyone into assigned breakout rooms to decide answers. One team member from each team will act as the "caller", the person who submits the answers. I'll keep track of scoring and will screen share the scoreboard from time to time”. Pre-registration required: RSVP to the office. A Zoom ‘square’ can be more than one person, but only one email ad-dress is needed for the Zoom link. Grab your snacks, drinks, and thinking caps.
Our deepest gratitude to all who pledged to our 2021 Annual Giving and Capital Campaigns. We are
very close to reaching our annual giving goal as of 1/10/21 and we could not have done it without all of
your generosity and support.
Annual Giving Campaign: Goal -$450, 000, Pledges $444, 757
Capital Campaign: Goal -$55,000, Pledges -$46,711
Jennifer Adams Bonnie & Ralph Fairbank Nieta & Sandy Morrison
Kerry and Patrick Adams Jeanne & Bob Feden Lucy Mustin
Paula & John Ajello Toby & Oscar Fitzgerald Nancy Widmer & David Newcomb
Mary & Ian Alberg Bridget & Aaron Flaaen Kay Parker
Dawnita & Sylvan Altieri Anne Seville & Rob Flax Joani Peacock
Dave and Karan Anderson Carol Foss Lauren & Ryan Peay
Elizabeth & Tom Anderson Barbie Frank Pete Petersen
Katie & Lee Anderson Mary Ann & Geoffrey Frank Kristin & Steven Pfeiffer
Kate Armstrong Paulette & Doug Garthoff Janie & Mike Piemonte
Marianne Baily & Alex Bambara Bettina Gehring Leslie & Dwayne Piepenburg
Kate & Brian Bartholamay Jenny & Joseph Gesley Pauline Porter
Christina & Stewart Bartley Pat Hadley Anna Mary Portz
Ham Beggs Irene & Hank Harris Grace & David Pratt
Lola Beggs Barbara Harslem & George Tuttle Joanne & Harlen Pyle
Ruth & Tom Bilodeau Holly & Steve Hartell Megan & John Read
Laura Bishop & Nan Derenzi Sarah Hastings Anne & Brett Reinke
Beth and Frank Boland Bayanne & James Hauhart Margaret & Geoffrey Rhodes
Jerry Boykin Sarah Orndorff & Nate Ho Laura & Thomas Rigby
Jim Bradley Carlyn & Brandon Hollingshead Sandra Robbins
Katy Brown Barbara Huffman Joani Rodano
Judi & Tony Brush Carolyn & Dan Jones Patty & Keith Rogers
Joy Burwell Jennifer Jones & James Kaelin Doris Rudolph
Amelie & Charles Cagle Elizabeth & Ross Kane Amy & Adam Schildge
Bob & Gudrun Callahan Mary & Phil Kasik Alicia Hosmer & Jason Schmauder
Joseph Canny Suji & Katie Kelly John Schoenewolf
Walter Carlton Sue & Patrick Kenny Sarah & Jason Scofi
Bob Carragher & Beth Tuttle Courtney & Scott Keplinger Kim & Joe Scott
Peter Chandler & Theresa McCarthy Rachel & Mark Kliewer Cindy Shen
Andy Chriss Sarah & David Kolo Patricia Sheridan
Karen Coda Jane Kolson Stacey & Donald Simpson
Mary Lou Collins Kathleen Settle & Timothy La Donna Marissa & Christian Simpson
Peggy Conner Katie & Dan Lamothe Joyce & Ed Soyster
Taylor & Tom Craig Jeanie & Gene Lange Patricia Barbarowicz & Charles Thomas
Susan & Leo Cruz Lee & Paul Larkin Olga Thomas
Fred De Luca Bonnie Lilley Sharon & Blake Thompson
Vonda & Greg Delawie Louise & Lowell Livinghouse Elizabeth & Nicholas Thottam
Chuck Dervarics & Eileen O’Brien Laura & Gian Macone Marilyn Tulloch
Jim Dooley & Suzie Beckett Meredith Martino Patricia Tyler
Patricia Vance & Paul Donato Sally & David Masri Jeanne Langdon & John Vanore
Mandy & Tyler Dorn Elizabeth & Chris Massey Meredith & Doug Wade
Janice & Charles Draper Patrick & Jacqueline Matlock Kevin Werthmann
Joe & Kelly Dresen Lauren Maxey Laura West
Nancy Dupree Chuck McCoart Ann Wheaton
Mary Beth & Lee Edgar Kathleen McCullough Catherine & Doug Wheeler
Gail & Ron Eger Carter McDowell Jamie Williams
Sean Ellis Emily McNaughton Hayes & Jode Willingham
Kate Erklauer & Max Scharrenboich Catherine & Nicholas Miliaras Rance Willis
Marion Ervine Nancy Kuhn & Bucky Mills Madeleine & Parker Wise
Margaret & Brett Wohler
Torra & Chris Yianolis
Page 6 HIGH NOTES
Dollars & Sense: E-Giving Economics 101
We have been so thankful during our time away from the building to have another way for donations to be
made. And so many of you have taken advantage of the convenience of our online e-giving portal. Of course,
convenience always comes at a cost so we thought it would be helpful for you to know exactly how it all works.
We have adjusted our plan with the provider, National Church Services, to be the most advantageous (lowest
cost) for the church. Our current fees are 2.99% + $0.39 per item for each credit card transaction and .75% +
$0.39 per item for any ACH, or automatic clearing house, transaction. As you can imagine, with the volume we
are now receiving through the e-giving portal, this adds up. If you would like to help reduce this cost to the
church, there are a couple of ways you can help:
1) The option to add the processing fee to your donation is now available in the online portal. When you enter
the amount, you will see the option to add the percentage fee for either credit card or ACH. For example, on a
donation of $100, the fee would be $3.00 or $.75 depending on the type of transaction. If you click to add, you
will see the new amount before hitting submit. This is completely voluntary.
Note: If you have already setup a recurring transaction, you would need to cancel that and redo it
including the fee if you wish to add it to your donation.
2) As you can see, it costs more to process credit cards, than automatic payments, consider your payment
method to see if switching is an option for you.
3) Since we also pay per item, consider your frequency of payment. We know many people are used to making
weekly church donations, but might you consider monthly or twice a month to reduce the expense to the
church?
We hope this has been informative and given you some food for thought and appreciate any help you can give
to reduce this expense. If you have any questions please reach out to Janie at the office.
Your Capital $$ at work
Did you drive by the church in the month of December and see scaffolding? Did
you wonder what was happening? Well question no more. In October we noticed
some discolored and deteriorating brick on the corner of the building closest to
Russell and Mason. Donnie Simpson once again came to Emmanuel’s rescue and
connected us with company who could do the masonry repair and also some work
on the bottom level of the playground to protect the Memorial Room from further
water seepage. Both repairs have now been completed and they did such a good
job, if we hadn’t mentioned it, you may not have even noticed the new bricks.
Thank you Donnie!
Emmanuel’s Meal Train Ministry:
Learn More and Consider Signing Up for Calls for Support
From January to mid-December 2020, there have been six Emmanuel meal trains—opportunities to support those who recovering from birth, illness, etc., or experiencing another unique need, with meals. And requests keep coming.
These meals are either homemade, store-bought, delivered from a restaurant, or available via a gift card. You do not need to be a great chef to offer support through this ministry!
We currently have around 40 dedicated volunteers who receive emails each time there’s a need, and they can then sign up to support someone with a meal on a specific date/time if it works for them. We’d love to grow the number of people supporting this ministry given the number of new babies we joyfully welcome into our community each year, and the other unique needs we are also passionate about supporting during these trying times for all—whether that’s recovery from an illness or another special need.
Click here if you are newly interested in joining our list. There’s a section of the form that enables you to specify how you wish to help, whether it is for a one time need or to receive emails for each opportunity to help out.
Additionally, if you or someone you know in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church family may benefit from a meal train in the future, please contact the church office and they will get in touch with the organizers.
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported this ministry over the years, and especially during our needs for Joani and Chuck in recent months.
An Update on The Twelve Days of Christmas! This past holiday season, you and your family and friends responded to our EEC call for help and went above and beyond with your in-kind donations for Alexandria residents in need! With Alexandria’s ALIVE! furniture distribution program temporarily closed, many families were (and are still) in need of basic household items. Your recent donations included kitchenware, a table and chairs, mattresses and bed frames, armchairs, end tables, lamps, clothing, blankets, toiletries, even a monetary donation for a laptop so a single mother could start taking online ESL classes! Another parishioner called on Mr. Kaveh at Mattress and Carpet Place in Alexandria to donate a new, orthopedic mattress for a disabled veteran! Your offerings have brought so much joy to our Alexandria neighbors. One Cameroonian single mother who moved into her very first apartment said, “I had no idea people did this in America! I have been in the U.S. for 2 years and no one has ever helped me like this.” Another family recipient even thanked us with flowers and $50 which we used to buy additional furniture. What makes this charity so successful is that our EEC family is GREAT at spreading the word with our friends and neighbors. It takes a village and boy, ours is incredible! ALIVE! and Christ Church’s Lazarus Ministries greatly appreciate your support of these children and adults. We extend to you and yours a most sincere thanks for your donations to families and charity organizations during our 12 Days of Christmas. EEC will continue to support and pray for our Alexandria brothers and sisters in distress. If you would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact Kim at [email protected] to learn more about family wish list items (e.g. can openers, socks, children’s clothing and shoes, soccer balls, bags).
Warmly, Kim and Joe Scott and Margaret Wohler
Page 8 HIGH NOTES
Latest Posts on Emmanuel Voices, a Parish Blog
From Chuck, good news from the rector: "Wait 'till you turn 60!," a personal and pastoral reflection on aging, recovery, and hope.
From the Rev. Dr. Ross Kane, VTS professor and parishioner: "God became like us, so that we may become like God," a theological reflection on the meaning of Epiphany.
From Joani: "Were You There?" homily addressing the tragic events at the Capitol on Epiphany, January 6.
Dear Emmanuel Family, January 2021
Alex and I send our greetings to all of you in this new year. We are thinking of you and hoping that you and your
loved ones are faring well. We give thanks that Chuck is on the road to recovery from his terrible illness. We are
also so grateful to have been able to listen to the excellent sermons from Chuck and Joani, and some wonderful
music that you magically deliver to us!
We are fine here in Geneva, missing our kids very much but thankful for their continued good health and good
attitudes, hoping that they will be able to visit us soon. It certainly was not the move we had in mind a year ago!
We have had some beautiful snow flurries this week, and a short drive to the mountains can put us in snowy for-
ests. Mostly we stay close to the apartment for long walks through parks, the Vielle Ville, along the Arve river, or
by the lake. We have many dear friends here, and still manage to see them occasionally, usually for a good so-
cially distanced hike. Full time telework started 2 months after our arrival. I have remained busy at work from
the dining room table, converting my technical assistance and capacity building efforts to digital, or at least try-
ing to (I think some of you can relate!). Alex has been able to travel safely to Burkina Faso a couple of times,
where he is working on improvements to the family farm as well as a new restaurant. The country did a very
strict lockdown starting in March, and with that and various other factors, it has been spared the worst.
We think of you often, and wish you all good health, happiness and peace in 2021,
Marianne
Marianne Bailey and Alex Bambara
Route de Florissant 55bis
1206 Geneva, Switzerland
Preschool Board of Directors
Pam Resnick (Chair)
Kate Sosnoff (Treasurer)
Kate Bartholomay (Secretary)
Chris Yianolis (Vestry Liaison)
Becca Brocato (Teacher Representative)
Sara Stekloff (Resource Parent)
Ashley Berang (Resource Parent)
Marissa Simpson(Parishioner)
Chuck McCoart (Ex Officio)
Nicole Crochet (Ex Officio)
Janie Piemonte (Ex Officio),
Finance Manager)
Preschool Staff Director
Nicole Crochet
Teachers
Rebecca Brocato
Pat Connelly
Mary Beth Conry
Meghan Cote
Marilu Escalante
Christy Finn
Kelly Gable
Paige Gilgan
Mollee Hansen
Nancy Palmer
Kate Schneider
Cappie Stiers
School Hours
Monday—Friday
9:00 AM—12:30 PM
Emmanuel Episcopal Preschool
1608 Russell Road
Alexandria, VA 22301
703-683-0303 (phone)
703-683-6158 (fax)
preschooladminista-
www.emmanuelonhigh.org
Emmanuel Preschool has been in full swing since October! Our students are benefitting from being with peers and learning through play. The masks do not slow them down one bit! We are proud to be able to provide a safe place for the kids to grow and learn during these times.
The preschool is currently in enrollment season for the 2021-22 school year. Emmanuel Church Parishioner’s children are considered priority students. Priority applications are due on Thursday, January 28 by 10 AM. If you would like to enroll your child(ren) or have any questions, please contact the preschool office, 703-683-0303 or [email protected].
Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year is now
open!