Welcome

Welcome to Emmanuel!  We're happy that you're considering worshipping with us.  We welcome all who choose to find a spiritual home here.  Our diverse community includes people of all ages, races, sexual orientations, religious backgrounds, political ideologies, physical and mental abilities, and socio-economic positions.  We have served the Athens area community since 1843 and would love for you to join us.

What We Believe

As members of the Episcopal Church, we believe and follow Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  We uphold the Bible and worship with the Book of Common Prayer.  The Celebration of the Eucharist is the central act of worship in accordance with Jesus's command to His disciples, and Holy Communion may be received by all baptized Christians, not only members of the Episcopal Church.

What Makes Us Episcopalians

The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion with 70 million members in 165 countries.  The word "Episcopal" refers to government by bishops.  The historic episcopate continues the work of the first apostles in the Church, guarding the faith, unity and discipline of the Church. Both men and women, including those who are married, are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests and bishops.

For Episcopalians, four strands of authority guide the search for truth:

• Scripture: The Bible, living and dynamic, is the basis for liturgy and worship.
• Tradition: We look to tradition to guide us in knowing the truth.
• Reason: We are a people who ask questions and employ logic.
• Experience: We test our faith in the world.

The Book of Common Prayer is one of the resources that guides liturgy during the church seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.

What Makes Us Emmanuelites

The mission of our Parish is to make disciples of Jesus through vibrant liturgies, a welcoming community, engaging formation, effective ministries, and responsible stewardship.  We have an active and dedicated membership and, collectively, we worship, connect, grow, serve, love, give.  Please take a moment to read our Annual Report to learn about all the light we are shining into the world.

Your First Visit

Whether you are new to this community, new to the Christian faith, or simply seeking a new spiritual home,  we are grateful you have found Emmanuel.  We will do our best to make you feel welcome and comfortable.  Please stop by the Welcome Table in the narthex for information about the Parish and current happenings.  Also, we encourage you to complete a pew card so we can be in touch, if that is your desire. 

Some helpful logistics:

• We have a large parking lot in back of the Church off Barber Street, and a smaller lot off Pope Street.

• Children--even fidgety ones!--are welcome at our services.  A child's voice is always a lovely sound.  If you prefer, we provide child care for ages 3 and younger on Sunday mornings from 10:15 am to noon during May through August, and 9:15 am to noon the rest of the year.  Our nursery is located on the 3rd floor of the main church building.

• We typically have an informal coffee hour at 9:30 am on Sundays.  And check our e-newsletter for current times and topics for adult, youth and children's formation classes. 

Feel free to call the Parish Office at 706-543-1294 if you have any questions.

How to Become a Member

Okay, if you've read this far on the page, hopefully you're convinced that Emmanuel is the place for you.  We believe you'll find membership to be meaningful and fulfilling.  See our information at "Baptism & Confirmation" for an explanation of the membership process, or you can speak with one of our clergy by calling the Parish Office. 

But remember that you do not have to join Emmanuel in any formal way to worship, attend classes, and participate in activities.  All persons are always welcome.