“See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:9 Today’s eco-tip comes from Immanuel member Susan Gregory. Recycle your old phones and cable. Phones and cables can’t be recycled curbside, but Fairfax County has 7 days per week recycling…
Read More “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Today’s eco-tip comes from Immanuel member Susan Gregory: This season, clean out leftover cleaning products, batteries, lightbulbs and other hazardous trash. Do not throw away anything that is toxic, ignitable, corrosive or reactive.…
Read More “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 Today’s eco-tip comes from Liz Pruchnicki, Immanuel’s Youth Director. This Advent, prioritize experiences over things. Especially in your holiday shopping this year, try to gift experiences instead of stuff. It not only helps the environment, it also reorders our living away…
Read More “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” Hebrews 3:4 Today’s eco-tip comes from Immanuel member Nate Buchanan: Buy a reusable to straw to save plastic (you can find them in either metal or durable glass). You can also choose straw-free lids, or, if you are able, choose…
Read More “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 Today’s eco-tip comes from Immanuel member Alex Abi-Najm If you are able, take stairs instead of elevators whenever possible. You…
Read More “A righteous man regards the life of his animal.” Proverbs 12:10 Today’s eco-tip comes from Rev. Katie Strednak-Singer, Associate Pastor at Immanuel: Meatless Monday! Learn about how CO2 emissions can be seriously reduced by swapping beef for beans (even if you do so a few times a week!). Here’s a prayer for today:…
Read More “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.” Psalm 24: 1-2 Today’s eco-tip comes from Liz Pruchnicki, Immanuel’s Youth Director. If you’re able, take a walk outdoors today. Turn off…
Read More “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3 Today’s eco-tip comes from Billy Kluttz, Immanuel in the Evening Coordinator. Bottled water is a habit for many of us, but it can easily be broken. Take the challenge today to go one day without bottled water. Use a reusable bottle…
Read More “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” Colossians 1:29 Today’s eco-tip comes from Immanuel member Alex Abi-Najm. Disposable batteries cause serious environmental harm when not properly disposed. Use rechargeable batteries wherever possible this winter and gift reusable batteries this Christmas. Here’s a prayer for today:…
Read More “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Today’s eco-tip comes from Julia Black. Use reusable totes for groceries or any kind of shopping. Plastic bags are banned in Kauai, Hawaii so this has been crucial for me this year.…
Read More “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 …
Read More “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112: 7 Today’s eco-tip comes from Immanuel member Alex Abi-Najm: Save paper, ink, and gasoline by reading your favorite newspapers and magazine publications online instead of reading the paper versions. Here’s a prayer for today: Faithful One You…
Read MoreThe Fall/Winter 2018 Spirituality & Learning Trifold is Here!
Click here to download a PDF of our new Fall/Winter 2018 Spirituality & Learning trifold. If you haven’t already received one, you should be seeing one in your mailbox soon, too! You’ll also find copies on the church campus (in the Narthex and Breezeway). We hope you’ll take a look at the many excellent spiritual…
Sharing Our Sorrows [Devotional]
By sharing our sorrows, our pain, our joys, our hopes, we allow our true selves to be seen by others and we become open in way that enables others to be the face and presence of God right here with us.
Sing a New Song: The Story Behind a New Hymn
Brian Wilhour, Director of Music, and Pastor Aaron recently composed a new hymn as an auction item for Immanuel’s annual auction fundraiser. This month, we premiered the hymn during Immanuel’s Sunday worship services. Sarah Sherman, Music Assistant for Children and Youth, interviewed Brian and Pastor Aaron during Sunday morning’s moment for young disciples. …
Widening Circles: May It Be So
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 Ranier Maria Rilke wrote, “I live my life in widening circles.” The sense of family, of community, of close connection drew us initially to Immanuel. We enjoyed the shared warmth of greetings in the pews, conversation over coffee…
Making Room: Document Shredding
“Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” 2 John 1:12 Today’s eco-tip comes from Immanuel member Susan Gregory Sort and recycle your old…
In Their Own Words: A Conversation With the Author
On October 23, Immanuel will welcome scholar and renowned organist, Dr. Eileen Guenther, as she discusses her book, In Their Own Words: Slave Life and the Power of Spirituals. This groundbreaking study of slavery and spirituals is the first to place the unique voices of an enslaved people squarely within the context of their daily...
Tears and Living Water [Devotional]
I love this passage—even though I have no idea what Jesus is talking about. Lots of things flow out of my life; I doubt any of them are living water. I think on my best days I am better likened to a tepid, dripping tap.
Making Room: Local Mulch
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” Psalm 92:12 Today’s eco-tip comes from Susan Gregory Care for the plants around you with a fresh layer new mulch. Instead of buying mulch, Fairfax County operates a brush grinding operation which produces double shredded wood mulch for residents at the…
New Titles in Immanuel's Library This December
Immanuel’s library has added great new titles this winter! Check out our latest additions below. Click here to search the entire Immanuel library. Special thanks to Margaret Raymond for her oversight of Immanuel’s library and her wonderful synopses below. History: Ottoman Empire and Islamic Tradition by Norman Itzkowitz. A 1980 history is never too old: An introduction to the…
Be Specific: May It Be So
1 Kings 3:6-9 (Oxford Study Bible): 6)He answered, ‘You have shown great and constant love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in loyalty, righteousness, and integrity of heart; and you have maintained this great and constant love towards him and now you have given him a son to succeed him…