A Message from Warden John McFadden November 9, 2020

Greetings, Emmanuel friends! I hope you are coping well with the challenges of this extraordinary time.
The year 2020 has been like no other. A worldwide virus has affected us all individually and changed life as we know it. It has impacted our institutions, including the church.
In March, when the COVID-19 threat arose, Emmanuel cancelled services at the church to keep parishioners safe and healthy. But we did not stop being the church. Many people found inspiration in virtual services, either through livestream or Zoom. People stayed in touch. We started a Facebook group page, Emmanuel Church Family, dedicated to the glory of God. The Emmanuel Vestry met regularly through Zoom. Parishioners started Loaves and Fishes, a charitable group dedicated to funding the Rohde Center and helping feed needy families during these tough times. Once the weather warmed, Emmanuel people began worshipping outdoors at the McFadden home outside Adams and at St. Luke’s-by-the-Lake in Henderson Harbor. The Rev. Jerry Wichelns faithfully led worship in Adams, as did the Rev. Wayne Storey at the chapel. For many weeks Fr. Jerry supplied his sermons to be read via email or Facebook.
In October, Emmanuel began once again holding indoor services in the church building, carefully following diocesan guidelines to maintain a safe environment. We continue to do so.
Emmanuel provides a place for Alcoholics Anonymous to meet. Renee Dougall is gathering items to bless children through Operation Christmas Child. Ben Peyton has been working diligently on a structure that will grace the front of the church next spring. Fellowship groups led by Emmanuel continue to meet either by Zoom or in person under COVID guidelines.
In short, the church is alive and well despite limitations imposed by the virus.
In light of all this, I hope you will consider that Emmanuel continues to answer God’s call, to follow Jesus Christ with all of our heart, mind, and soul.
Part of our calling is to support the church with our time, our talents, and our treasure. The Bible encourages us in many ways to give what we can to strengthen the Lord’s mission in this world. But more importantly, we give generously because God has given so much to us. We give of ourselves to God and others because that is what Christians do. Here are a few relevant verses: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”– Peter 4:10
Please pick up a pledge card, pray about your offering, fill out the card with what you decide, and return it to the church. It helps the Vestry to have pledges returned by early December so we can form a budget for the following year. Thanks so much and may God richly bless you.
May you stay safe, healthy, and happy. Keep walking the good walk with Christ.
John McFadden, Warden