Ministries
About Us
Loving God, helping others and serving the world
Emmanuel takes part in a number of ministries both within the church and in the Bristol Virginia community, including:
Emmanuel’s Altar Guild has the responsibility of readying the altar for the various services. Guild members also care for the linens as well as the glass and silver items used for Holy Communion. Additionally, they see to the maintenance of the brass candlesticks, offering plates, and altar rail, and direct the decoration of the altar and nave for Christmas and Easter with poinsettias and lilies, respectively.
Altar Guild members gain much satisfaction from their service. Not only are they serving God and His church, they also become close friends with their co-workers. There is no doubt that this comradeship and membership in the Guild are valuable parts of their lives.
Bristol Faith in Action has served over 60,000 families with over $1,000,000 of financial aid for housing, utility, pharmacy and travel assistance, plus help with emergency food and miscellaneous fees.
Bristol Faith in Action is the “hands-on” ministry of its 71 member churches. Emmanuel Episcopal Church was a charter member of this organization when its doors opened January 9, 2002. Since that date, B.F.I.A. has served thousands of families assisting with financial aid for housing, utility, pharmacy and travel assistance, plus help with emergency food and miscellaneous fees (GED, DL, ID, etc.). Church donations are the largest source of B.F.I.A.’s income plus generous donations by Bristol organizations, businesses and foundations, the United Way, other grants and individual donors. In addition, diapers, personal care kits and cleaning supplies not covered by the food stamp program are donated by churches, individuals and community service organizations and are of great benefit to the clients.
B.F.I.A. functions are possible through the dedicated efforts of its trained volunteers having included Emmanuel’s Barbara Sue Kurre, Barbara Walling, Lee Wampler and Nancy Wood.
Mission Statement: Bristol Faith in Action is a ministry of churches united in serving neighbors in crisis through the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our member churches and volunteers are not part of Bristol Faith in Action. They ARE Bristol Faith in Action.
Christmas Dinner & Celebration
Since 1981, Emmanuel has prepared and served an annual community Christmas dinner. This tradition was established by Jack Trayer, a long-time parishioner at Emmanuel. In 1981, the Bristol community was heavily affected by unemployment and rising costs. George Bunn, then Rector of Emmanuel, enthusiastically endorsed Jack Trayer’s proposal to provide a meal and fellowship for area residents. Jack remained an active participant and benefactor until his death in 2006.
The entire Emmanuel family joins in cooking and serving dinner to our guests. Behind the scenes, scores of volunteers complete the innumerable tasks that are required to serve dinner to hundreds of people. From setting tables to cleaning up afterward, these invaluable volunteers contribute their time and talents to ensure a successful operation. Homemade desserts are prepared. Eggnog is served. All guests are greeted enthusiastically and the children receive a gift. Choir members and guests gather round the piano to sing carols. Thousands have been served over the years. Some cannot afford Christmas dinner. Others live alone and are looking for fellowship. Many travelers passing through Bristol have been welcomed at Emmanuel.
The Emmanuel Community Christmas Dinner has become part of the Christmas tradition of most of the families in the parish. Parishioners who came with parents as children now bring their own children to continue the tradition of service.
Episcopal Relief & Development
Healing a Hurting World
Episcopal Relief & Development is a compassionate response of the Episcopal Church to human suffering worldwide. Working through local Church and ecumenical partners in close to 40 countries, Episcopal Relief & Development impacts the lives of more than 3 million people annually.
By connecting Episcopalians in the US with churches and communities around the world, we are supporting local leaders as they respond to disasters and create lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease.
You can get involved!
Prevent malaria and save lives by supporting Episcopal Relief & Development’s award-winning NetsforLife® malaria prevention partnership. Since 2006, the program has reached 27 million people in sub-Saharan Africa and saved the lives of over 100,000 children.
Strengthen your community against disaster and help vulnerable people make a full and sustained recovery through the US Disaster Program. Download free preparedness planning guides from the Resource Library and sign up to volunteer your skills for disaster response. Visit www.episcopalrelief.org/USDisaster to learn more.
Help heal our hurting world by making a gift to the Global Needs Fund. Your contribution will be directed where it is needed most, ensuring that the life-giving work of Episcopal Relief & Development’s local partners can continue helping families live more abundant lives.
www.episcopalrelief.org
1.855.312.HEAL (4325)
Meals on Wheels program along with many other churches within the cities for many years.
Our assigned day is the first Wednesday of every month. We feed approximately 50–55 people each month. The meal is prepared in our church kitchen, packaged and then delivered to the recipients.
Emmanuel has been a part of the Bristol TN/VA Meals on Wheels program along with many other churches within the cities for many years. Several members of our church volunteer their time for this program – three people prepare the food and ten members deliver it. Our program is funded by the church. Please note: Emmanuel does not coordinate the local Meals on Wheels program and cannot sign-up individuals for the program.
The Order of the Daughters of the King
The Order of the Daughters of the King was established at Emmanuel Sunday, October 15, 2017. The Mission of the Order is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through prayer, service and evangelism. Contact the office for information about joining.
Services