The tending of God’s altar is a task not taken lightly. In the early days of the Church, priests and attendants cared for the altar and sanctuary. In many churches these duties are now the province of a specially chosen group: the Altar Guild.

The Bible relates that in Jesus’ time “faithful women ministered to him”. The Altar Guild of Emmanuel Parish follows those examples in its work, done with loving care, and which may begin with prayer at the altar and offered to God’s glory.

The Altar Guild of Emmanuel Parish is composed of four groups which work one month every trimester. Presently the membership is composed entirely of females. However that is not from any lack of effort by the General Chairman in trying to recruit male!

Each group meets at the church on Saturday at an agreed-upon time to prepare for Sunday services. The number boards are readied, the altar and credence table are set up; and if any silver or brass items need polishing, that is done. It is determined who will refurbish after the 8:00 a.m. service and take down after the later one at 10:30.

Communion services are held in the Bledsoe Chapel each Wednesday. The Guild is aided by the Administrator who kindly sets that up. However, care of the chapel’s candlesticks is handled by the Altar Guild.

Naturally, Guild members care for the linen that is used in all services. After each service those soiled linens are taken home to be washed, ironed, and returned in a timely manner.

As would be expected, the most work is required in the preparation for Christmas and Easter. Poinsettias, lilies, and greenery are used to enhance the beauty of the nave and sanctuary. The former two are given by parishioners in memory or in honor of loved ones; the latter is provided from their yards.

Funds for the operation of the Guild are provided in the parish budget by the utilization of two accounts: Operating and Temporarily-Restricted (TR). The former account is in the current year’s budget and is derived from the Vestry Finance Committee’s determination based on a request from the Altar Guild General Chairman. This account funds consumables: Communion wine, priest and communicant wafers, candles, candle lighter wicks, canister fuel, and silver and brass polishes which items are ordered/purchased by the General Chairman as the need arises.

The TR account is the repository of memorial funds or special gifts of the donor. Normally those funds are used to pay for non-consumables, i.e., candlesticks, linens, etc., or special items as specified by the donor.

In all that is done to enhance the reverence, beauty, and traditional correctness of the worship of the Creator and His Son, let it not be forgotten that God never forgets a labor of love and always forgives a mistake. It must ever be remembered that the mechanics of preparation are but the means to an end and not the end itself. That end is the glory of God!

Bristol Faith in Action

Bristol Faith in Action was created for churches to pool their resources and fulfill a common purpose. Emmanuel and approximately 30 other church communities come together to combine resources and coordinate services. BFIA serves residents of Bristol, Virginia and Tennessee, Blountville, and Bluff City. BFIA provides help not only with food, water, and shelter but also with agency referrals, education and job placement, and referrals for counseling.

Christmas Dinner

Without a doubt the pride of Emmanuel's outreach is the annual Christmas-day dinner, its signature gift to the community of Bristol. The event was begun in the early 1980's when a parishioner suggested the idea to the rector. With that parishioner's financial backing, began a holiday tradition for so many grateful recipients. A sumptuous holiday meal with all the trimmings, and served by parishioners is laid on for all who want to come. Among those who have been welcomed are visiting basketball teams from overseas, arriving to play in the Arby's Classic High School Tournament, travellers passing through, and those whose cars have broken down outside Bristol. Guests enter the nave and are greeted by parishioners while carols resound from the organ. They are escorted to the parish hall to take their seats, and enjoy the meal. Decorations, candlelight, and the singing of Christmas carols around the piano add to the festive mood. Upon their departure guests receive a gift, candy, fruit, and a Christmas ornament. As many as five hundred adults and children have been served at this affair, for which no reservations are needed. Transportation is provided for those who need it. Parishioners delight in talking to the guests, so many of whom relate that they have come for years since it has become an important part of their Christmas. That sentiment is the parishioners' reward.

EYC

EYC at Emmanuel is led by a team of parishoners. EYC attempts to offer opportunities for social and spiritual growth to middle and high school students in a fun environment. Typically, EYC meets once a week.

Flower Guild

Volunteer flower arrangers meet on their designated date to provide the flowers for the Altar. Flowers are purchased by the church from a local florist, and garden flowers are often used in the summer. If you are interested in joining this group, or wish to donate flowers in memory, or in honor of a loved one please call church for more details.

Ladies of the Evening

Yes, our name is a play on words, but comes from the fact that our women's group meets in the evening (around 5:00 p.m., usually on one Tuesday a month). This group supports our parish by working together to raise funds for special needs, including families in crisis and parish refurbishment projects. Plus, we have a lot of fun!

Lay Eucharistic Visitors

Canon provides for the licensing of lay persons to take the Eucharist to members of our parish that cannot attend regular services. Eucharist Visitors provide a window into Emmanuel for our shut-in members and keeps them in the stream of activity in our Parish. We currently have eight Eucharistic Visitors.

Meals on Wheels

Emmanuel participates in the Bristol Meals on Wheels program by providing 50 meals on the first Wednesday of each month. Recipients are approved by the local Meals on Wheels organization and the number is maintained at 50.

Pastoral Care Committee

Life Experience Meals: A team of parishoners work together to prepare and deliver a meal to a fellow parishoner in a time of need (hospitalization, birth of a child, death).

Social Club

The monthly Social Club was begun many years ago by a parishioner whose aim was to provide an evening featuring a home-cooked meal and entertainment for persons cut loose from state-provided psychiatric care. Guests now include persons with mental, physical, social, and/or economical handicaps. Additionally those who are lonely, sad, depressed, dealing with drug abuse, are in rehab or have finished rehab are welcome. They experience an enjoyable night out in a friendly, caring setting, staffed by Emmanuel volunteers. Following the meal, guests eagerly look forward to the Bingo games, and the prizes that can be won!

St. Elizabeth’s Guild

St. Elizabeth’s Guild is the daytime ladies’ guild, the purpose of which is to provide avenues for fellowship and service to the parish and community. It is the older of the church's two guilds, meets in the daytime, September through June, and is open to any parishioner. Members take turns serving as hostess and providing refreshments. Traditionally the Christmas and June meetings are salad luncheons at which members provide homemade salads and dessert. Both of these meetings are held in a member’s home. The parish staff is always invited as the Guild's guests.

After a social time which includes the enjoyment of refreshments, the meeting opens with a devotional presented by a member. A business session then follows. There are no membership dues; however, a basket is passed at each meeting for a free-will offering.

St. Elizabeth’s has three on-going, long-time projects. For years it has been responsible for arranging the Bishop's reception honoring the newly confirmed. Its members set up the tables and provide, make, and serve the punch. Parishioners are solicited to bring finger foods. The Guild is in charge of the clean-up.

At Christmas it sponsors a boy at the diocesan Boys’ Home in Covington, Virginia. Funds, solicited from parishioners, are sent to be used toward purchasing his Christmas gifts.

The Bristol Food Pantry, a community-wide agency which provides foodstuffs for those in need, is another beneficiary of the guild’s largesse. Since fresh meat is at a premium at the facility, twenty dollars is allocated each month for its purchase. One of the members purchases and delivers it.

For the past few years the Guild has made and sold its signature cranberry relish. This relish, made in time for Thanksgiving, is available in the Parish Hall following church services and always sells out. The proceeds are dispersed to various projects of the Guild.

Occasionally the Guild will undertake an additional fundraiser. This autumn it plans a special evening in the parish hall. The membership will serve a home-cooked meal which will be followed by presentations from three parishioners detaling their experiences in Poland, Latvia, and England during World War II. As usual, funds garnered from this effort will be used for the Guild's various projects and to the glory of God.

Summer Book Club

The BBC (Breakfast Book Club) is a Sunday forum for any and all adults who are interested in reading and discussing a book. This year the choice is “A Wing and A Prayer” by our Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. The Club meets at 9:15–10:15 a.m. each Sunday. Last meeting will be August 5th.

Supper Club

The Supper Club meets the second Sunday of each month at 6:00 p.m., for fun, food, and fellowship. The group meets in the volunteer hosts home. The host chooses the menu, and sometimes provides the main course, attendees bring a covered dish. All are welcome. Call the church for more details.

Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers meet in the Undercroft each Wednesday at noon.