Why Emmanuel? - Stories From Our Parishioners.

Elizabeth

For me, the question isn’t how I came to Emmanuel, but rather why did I stay?

I have certainly met many nice people -- people who gathered me into the fold and people who supported and nurtured our growing family through thick and thin. I met people who accepted me just as I am and respected where I was in my spiritual journey. I met people filled with the spirit of the living God. I met pastors who gave me wise council and walked that extra mile with me in the valley times. I found a 30-year ministry at Emmanuel Preschool where I received more than I could ever give.

On reflection, I believe I have stayed because I met Jesus. Jesus in the pastors and people of Emmanuel, Jesus in the liturgy and music, Jesus in times of great joy and crushing sadness. I have been inspired, uplifted, challenged and, yes, humbled. I have grown.

It is said that the church is not a physical building but the body of believers and this is certainly true at Emmanuel - God With Us.

Karen

In 1994, three close friends who didn't attend Emmanuel but were led by the Holy Spirit told me about Emmanuel Episcopal Church. It had everything in the mass that I love: worship, the liturgy, including the Eucharist, as well as having a very welcoming and spiritual community. I had been a worship leader in another church and later became part of the worship team at Emmanuel.

The first day that I arrived, I felt at home and very welcomed. I was looking for a church like this, and I was so thankful to be there. I shed many tears and connected with Father Paul and Father Rob right away to tell them about the vision and dream to start a L'Arche community in Orange County. After Father Paul left and Mother Lyn arrived, she also encouraged me with my vision and dream of L'Arche. In 1995, Father Rob and Mother Lyn were part of our planning team to found the community. Later, Mother Lyn was part of the Founding Board of Directors. Father Rob and Mother Lyn as well as myself started to offer the Taizé service on a monthly basis.

Lynda & Rich

We visited one Sunday morning and were welcomed with smiles and hugs. The service was very different from what we were used to: people made a circle around the altar and held hands. There were three Hallelujahs and people knelt around the altar as other parishioners laid hands on them and prayed for them. All this initially seemed a little hard to get used to, but the people were amazing. They welcomed each other and us with such genuine love, and they made us feel right at home.

When the time came to pass the peace, someone turned to us and said, “This could take a while.” (Peace at our old church took about fifteen minutes). Right then, we knew that this was the church home we had been looking for.

We left a loving church family in New Jersey and never thought we would find that again, but then we found Emmanuel, which was all that and more. Our loving family at Emmanuel has seen us through painful times, like the loss of my brother, and has also celebrated with us through joyous times, like renewing our vows and blessing our home in Yorba Linda.

Every day we pray for the wonderful family we have at Emmanuel and thank God for leading us to you. May God bless each and every one of you as God has blessed us by knowing you.

Marian

The love and support I have received here is my most treasured gift. You have welcomed me and invited me to be part of your Church family. I have learned so much, especially since becoming a member of the Vestry, which I am extremely proud to be a part of. I have learned so much from the sermons and all of you. You all show me every day that God is love. My life has changed in so many ways over the past four years; everything I was seeking I have found: home, job, sense of purpose, and most of all, a Church. I thank God every day for all my blessings and for all of you.