Newsletter

    Nursery Attendant: Morgan Beck

                                                             Mark Your Calendars

Sunday, August 30, Worship Committee Meeting – 11:45a.m. – Mattie Ware Room

Tuesday, September 1, Committee on Lay Leadership/Nominations – 2:00pm Mattie Ware Room

Monday, September 7, – Meals on Wheels – 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 8, – Vitality Team Meeting – 10:00 a.m. followed by packing 1^st Responder’s boxes

Friday, September 11, – Service of prayer, music, and lament – 25^th Anniversary of 9/11 – 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, September 13, – Welcome Reception for Pastor Jennifer and family – 11:45am

Tuesday, September 15, – Church Council – 4:00pm      *Please note day and time

Sunday, September 20, – “Spook-tac-ular” Boo Buddy” Forms due Sept 27

Sunday, September 27, – Faithful Praise lead worship – 10:30a *Love Offering* Church Picnic Luncheon 11:45

Sunday, October 4, – World Communion Sunday – 10:30am International Lunch

*Bring some of your best, Italian, Mexican, Irish, French, etc. food to share.  If you have an “International Costume” (clothes from another country) please consider wearing it.  

Saturday, November 14, District Charge Conference by Zoom – 10:00am – 12:00nn

Sunday, November 15, Emmanuel Charge Conference – 3:00pm Location – TBD

*Everyone is invited. Committee chairpersons of Emmanuel are strongly encouraged to attend.

APPRECIATION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS: In appreciation of our “local heroes” and in observance of Patriot Day that commemorates 9/11, the Vitality Team invites the church family to join us in showing our appreciation to our fire, rescue squad and law enforcement personnel with a gift box of “grab-and-go” snacks. We will collect pre-wrapped snack-sized packs of cookies, crackers, granola bars, candy bars and chips (no water bottles please) to deliver to our community servants. Please place your items in the Narthex tub through September 6. The Vitality team will pack the boxes on Tuesday, September 8 and deliver them to our community heroes the week of Sep. 11. We will offer a prayer of blessing over these gifts on Sunday, September 6. Thanks for your help.

SEPTEMBER 11, WORSHIP SERVICE – 11:00 am

On the 25th Anniversary of the events and great loss to the United States and the world on 9/11, Emmanuel UMC will be holding a time of prayer and remembrance in the Sanctuary at 11:00am on Friday, September 11. This 30–45-minute service will include specific liturgies, hymns, and moments of silence to remember victims and support healing. Patriotic music will also be included. This service will provide an opportunity for us to grieve together as we remember the events of the day and work towards hope and healing.

GRACE GROUP – How is it with your Soul?

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement, was a great organizer who studied the Bible faithfully and followed Jesus’ teachings to “love your neighbor.” While studying at Oxford, John and his brother, Charles, created small accountability groups of students to help each other grow deeper in their discipleship. One of the questions that was asked at each meeting was: How is it with your Soul? As a way to invite members to truly share the challenges they faced. We would like to offer an opportunity for the people of Emmanuel to come and experience this same outpouring of support. If you would be interested in a prayer and compassion group like this, please let Pastor Jennifer know the day and time – approximately 30-45 minutes that would work best for your schedule. We can meet weekly or monthly depending on the desires and interests of those who sign up. Come join us as we journey together into deeper discipleship.

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

World Communion Sunday is a global Christian celebration held on the first Sunday of every October. It promotes Christian unity, ecumenical cooperation, and the sharing of the Eucharist across different denominations, languages, and cultures. The tradition started in 1933 at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA. World Communion Sunday was adopted in 1940 by the Federal Council of Churches to highlight the oneness of the body of Christ.We will celebrate World Communion Sunday on Sunday, October 4, with a special Communion Worship Service. Immediately following worship, we will gather in the church social hall for an International luncheon. Please bring your favorite International dish to share. If you own clothing that represents another country, please consider wearing it. Let’s celebrate our oneness in Christ with our brothers and sisters across the world.

BUILDING USE FORMS:

A reminder that the Board of Trustees has put together building use forms. If you would like to use the church building for your group to meet, please be sure to pick up a building use form. In the church office. Cindy will get in touch with you when your event is approved. The form will need to be completely filled out before consideration will be given. Please confirm that the date of your event has been put on the church calendar, so conflicts do not arise.

“SPOOK-TAC-ULAR” October.  (Secret Boo-Buddy) –Let’s have some fun! You will bring a gift each Sunday in October to your “boo-buddy”. Sign up forms are due on Sunday, September 20^th.  We will draw on Sunday, September 27^th.  The forms are located at the back of the church; fill out and place form in the “boo bucket.”

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

The animals of God’s creation inhabit the skies, the earth, and the sea. They share in the fortunes of human existence and have a part in human life. God, who blesses all living things, has often used the service of animals or made them reminders of the gifts of salvation. Animals were saved from the flood and afterwards made a part of the covenant with Noah. Our pets bring us great joy and companionship and help us during our times of grief and loneliness. We plan to offer a Blessing of the Animals at Emmanuel. We are currently looking for the best time and day to offer this service of blessing. Please speak to Pastor Jennifer if you have a suggestion. All animals are welcome. Please invite your pet’s friends and neighbors and their owners to join us. Bless, O Lord, these, your creatures, and fill our hearts with thanksgiving for their being.

WORSHIP CONCERT – Sunday, September 27 at 10:30 a.m.

 “Let’s Go to Church Sunday” is September 27! We look forward to welcoming the music ministry of Faithful Praise during morning worship, followed by a Fellowship Meal after the service. This is a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors, and some of our own members that we haven’t seen in a while, to join us for this special worship service!

For many years Faithful Praise has been sharing the Gospel through music for Sunday morning services, Christmas parties, banquets, revivals, concerts and benefits. They have a sound that is hard to define—part southern gospel, part blues, a little country, but all good. The harmonies are tight, the music is “catchy,” and the lyrics tell the story that will never grow old. Their repertoire includes old favorites, new hits and originals. The group continues to be amazed at the opportunities that the Lord has given them.

Traveling and performing with several groups, Tommy Fortune has been involved in music all his life. He has sung in many venues throughout the U.S., including on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. A talented bass and mandolin player, Tommy has a smooth tenor and lead vocal sound. In the past few years, Tommy has dedicated his talents to the Lord and believes that the first CD’s title track, “God’s Not Through With You,” reflects his personal testimony. Shari DeLange has been involved in church music her entire life. A church pianist as a youth, she continued to use her talents at a Christian college, traveling two summers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Shari has sung on various praise teams and with several groups, including Circle of Faith, a ladies’ quartet that sang extensively in the Shenandoah Valley. She also taught piano for many years. Her vocals are versatile, and her sound is classic.

A love offering will be taken during the service to support the ministry of Faithful Praise.  For the Fellowship Meal after the service, the church will provide chicken and beverages, and the congregation is invited to bring sides, salads and desserts. Please bring a little extra to accommodate our special guests and others that may visit us on September 27.

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: We are in need for the food pantry canned goods, milk, cereal, canned fruits, pancake mix & syrup, canned meats, and anything else appropriate to give to families in need. Please be aware of dates for use are well into the future. They can be left in the container in Narthex.

Please contact Janette Mears ([email protected] or 434-826-0036) if you would like to place altar flowers on a particular Sunday. If you are placing your flowers in honor or in memory of someone, please send that information via email to the church office ([email protected]) by noon on Monday.

THANK YOU

A huge thanks to the Emmanuel congregation for your support and prayers for the teacher breakfast for our AES teachers that was held at Emmanuel on Thursday, August 6. The food was delicious and the conversation inviting. Many thanks to everyone who made food, put together bags for our teachers, and helped to greet and serve our AES teachers and staff. Please continue to pray for all of our teachers, staff, and students.

Wow! What fun we all had at our pizza and foam party that was held at Emmanuel on Sunday, August 16. Thank you to all of our church members whose spare change paid for children and adults to enjoy so much fun. Thanks to Jeanie for organizing both of these events.

NEW MEMBERS:

Emmanuel UMC Welcomes Back into Full Membership: Judy and Wayne Adams. Judy and Wayne worshiped alongside the Emmanuel congregation years ago. They left Emmanuel to worship where the friends of their children attended so the kids could be together. Judy and Wayne are now back with us in full membership as the body of Christ together. If you are not a member at Emmanuel, but would like to join us, please speak with Pastor Jennifer.

NURSERY WORKER NEEDED:

Emmanuel UMC is seeking to employ a qualified person to work in the nursery every Sunday from approximately 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, enjoy working with children, and meet other requirements that will be discussed with the applicant. If you are interested in this position or know someone who might be interested, please contact Mike Gamble at (434) 941-4034

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God

VBS will take place every Sunday in September from 10:30-11:30am during worship.  Come join us! Come learn about God’s love for you!

EMMANUEL DIRECTORIES

Thank you for your assistance in providing your information for the Church Directory. Copies of the Directory are available in the Narthex and Church Office. Please check your information and be sure that it is listed correctly. If any changes need to be made, please let Cindy know. Space has been provided in each directory for you to update changes until the next directory update. Many thanks to Beth for taking on this huge and important task.

DATA ENTRY GROUP:

In March of 2025, the computer containing the list of Emmanuel members’ information crashed. Some of the information has been re-entered into a new computer, but there is still a good portion of our membership that needs to be re-entered. We are currently putting together a group of individuals who are willing to give an hour or so of their time to re-enter the missing names and addresses. You can choose the time that best fits your schedule. You will be well trained and supported. If you are able to join us, please contact Pastor Jennifer. We plan to have all of the missing information back into the computer no later than the end of October 2026.

DEATH NOTICE:

Theresa Roman “Gail” Hewes died on August 15, 2026. We give God thanks for Gail’s life.

Born in the Philippines to Paul and Helen Roman, Gail grew up in a Navy family and eventually settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she met her husband, David Hewes. Together they raised their daughters, Jessica and Sarah, and later made their home in Amherst, Virginia. Gail lived a life of creativity, service, friendship, and devotion to family. She was a talented fabric artist and crafter, a former 4-H and Girl Scout leader, and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of Virginia Beach Lodge #8 Fraternal Order of Police. She was also active in the Amherst community and was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church…Gail will be remembered for her independent spirit, creativity, humor, loyalty, and the love she gave so freely to the people in her life…In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gail’s memory to the Lynchburg Humane Society or the Humane Society of Amherst County.

The family invites you to leave a memory of Gail on the Memorial wall on the funeral home Obituary page.

A time of Remembrance and Celebration of Gail’s life is being planned as a fellowship dinner that will be held at Emmanuel UMC at a later date. Details will be shared once a date has been secured.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REMINDERS: Please help us keep our church building free of pests by not leaving any open food or food wrappers anywhere in the building. Please tie up any food trash before placing it in wastebaskets upstairs or in classrooms. Take any kitchen/social hall trash from your event to the OUTSIDE cans before you leave. Please wipe down all surfaces wherever food has been present and clean up all crumbs from tables, chairs and floors. Guidelines for use of the church kitchen are posted in the kitchen. Thank you for your cooperation. The Church parking lots will be resealed and re-lined with additional handicapped parking places. Starting Monday, August 31^st – Thursday, September 3^rd both the upper and lower lots will be closed. To visit the church, parking is available on Main Street at the front of the church.  Side walks to the office ands social hall entrances will be open.

Won’t You Be “OUR” Neighbor? Our Vitality Team continues to provide welcome gift bags for the congregation to use in greeting your new neighbors that move in near you and invite them to church! The bags include the Amherst Guidebook and map, as well as information about our church. You can add your own goodies and a personal note from you if you wish (totally optional). The WHITE bags are located in the labeled basket on the table in the youth room upstairs (room with couches). Please use these bags as a means of helping you and our church connect with those new to the Amherst community. The next Vitality Team Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, at 10:00 a.m.  All are welcome to join us!

THANK YOU !!!  to this wonderful church group, during my recent fall, for all the expressions of love, prayers lifted for my recovery, rides to and from PT, and all other acts of kindness helping me.  May our God bless you and know how much you all do for me and others in our congregation.  I am truly blessed!!!!!!!

EMMANUEL 2027 CHURCH BUDGET

Mike Stinnette has begun work on the church budget for 2027.  If you are the chairperson of a committee at Emmanuel, please be sure to send your budget requests to Mike S.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30-1:30 p.m. Please note that items for the weekly announcements or changes to the weekly calendar are due to the office by phone or email (434-946-7624; [email protected]) no later than NOON on Monday of each week. You may also leave your written announcement in the marked folder inside the wall box outside the church office door.

EASTERN STAR DINNER – September 19, 5:00pm-6:30pm

Annual Chicken and Ham dinner with all the “fixins’, desserts and beverages. All proceeds will benefit Pancreatic Cancer and Leukemia Research Foundation.  The dinner will be held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Tickets can be purchased from Faye Garrette or Suzanne Raine.  Cost: Adults – $15 Children under 12 – $7.00 Under 2 Free

Amherst Woman’s Club Widow’s Group beginning at EUMC: The Woman’s Club Widow’s group will be meeting in the church Social Hall from 3-4 p.m. on the second Monday of each month beginning on August 14.  Please welcome this group Mary Hunt is organizing.  She can be reached at 434-941-7643 for information.

Online We are back online recording our Sunday Morning Worship Services on Facebook Live: Join us every Sunday Morning in person online.

Stewardship 

Attendance & Giving

Attendance & Giving

September Birthdays