Warden’s Word

We cultivate a Spirit-filled family that goes out to invite all people to experience life with God the Father in Jesus Christ, offering Refuge, Reconciliation and Renewal to the communities of Northern Virginia and beyond.

Dear Immanuel Family, In entering the New Year, God provides us an opportunity to look back (for celebration?) and to look forward (to where He calls us to new perspectives, opportunities, and blessings). Our mission statement offers an anchor for our reflection as Immanuel has entered 2026.

Celebrations:

Refuge: The Lord has been growing our congregation! Newcomers are arriving and some are deciding to join Immanuel on our journey together. Attendance in our Youth Group and Children’s Church increased. Immanuel parishioners went overseas to spread the Good News and offer God’s refuge to those who have not yet heard the gospel.

Reconciliation: The Lord increased our awareness and love for Him through Bible knowledge and teaching, reconciling us to Himself and to each other! Through weekly worship, sermons, Retreats, Bible Studies, and the rhythm of on-going fellowship and prayer, God is reconciling Himself to us and to each other. We have grown in knowing and loving Him more and more.

Renewal: The Lord provided for the needs of Immanuel through your giving! Although this past year the Vestry reduced the planned budget mid-year, giving to Immanuel continued so that expenses were covered at the close of our financial year on December 31. Through your giving, our congregation has been renewed and strengthened.

New perspectives: Where does God plan to lead us in this New Year? During Bishop Chris’s visit with the Vestry in November, he offered a new perspective on how the Vestry should think about God’s provision for our church. Although we used words such as small, constrained, or limited to describe our progress, programs, and resources to Bishop Chris, he admonished us to remember the words of Jesus, “All things are possible with God.” In this coming year, the Vestry will be seeking closer alignment with God’s will for Immanuel through a Visionary Budget. Please join us at the Annual Meeting on January 25 to learn more about this new perspective, opportunity, and blessing. We look forward with joy to telling you about it at the meeting.

Your Sister in Christ,

Deb