As the temperature drops, now is the time to consider making your own blessing bags at home to carry with you in your car or on your commute. When you see someone experiencing homelessness, simply say hello and offer the bag. Consider introducing yourself and offer a kind word along with a blessing bag. Immanuel…
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Immanuel’s youth program sent 25 care packages to Immanuelites in college this fall. Care packages included homemade desserts, snacks, and quick meals to help our college students during their end of semester exams and papers. “We want our college students to know that God loves them and we do, too–even if they’re many, many miles…
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“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.…
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Making Room: Water Bottles
“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…
Why Do You Walk Labyrinths? [Devotional]
Why do you walk labyrinths?, my friend asked, as we completed the many circuits of an outdoor labyrinth. I have many answers: because I like to walk them; because they leave me with a feeling of peace; because they impose a slower, more meditative rhythm in my day.
Finding Our True Selves, Suffering, and Discernment: 3 Books for Spiritual Growth [Godbooks]
Spiritual questions are not easy: Who am I? Why does suffering happen? How do I decide what to do next? This week, we offer three books based on deeply spiritual questions from Immanuel’s Godbook recommendations. Click here to search the Immanuel library! Click here to recommend a book yourself! Click here to search the Godbook archives….
Introducing Pastor Katie
In addition to her credentials and experience, Pastor Katie also has amazing stories to tell. In hopes of hearing some of those stories, we asked her a few untraditional introductory questions.
New to Immanuel? You’re invited to attend a “Meet Immanuel” small group with Pastor Katie!
Curious about what it means to be a Presbyterian? Interested in learning how to officially join as a member of Immanuel? Want to learn how to get connected at Immanuel? Join us for “Meet Immanuel” small group! The membership process at Immanuel involves four simple steps, the first of which is attending “Meet Immanuel.” This…
College Care Packages Send Love Thousands of Miles Away
Immanuel’s youth program sent 25 care packages to Immanuelites in college this fall. Care packages included homemade desserts, snacks, and quick meals to help our college students during their end of semester exams and papers. “We want our college students to know that God loves them and we do, too–even if they’re many, many miles…
Making Room: Reusable Batteries
“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:…
Making Room: Electronic Cables
“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…
Ready for School to Start? Five Free Activities for Kids in Northern Virginia
There’s over a month of summer vacation left for kids in Fairfax County, and you might be running low on ideas to keep your family entertained. To help make the most of the last days of summer, we’ve compiled our favorite list of fun activities for kids in Northern Virginia. Best of all, everything on the list is completely free.
Shakespeare or Scripture? Take Our Quiz!
The Bible is filled with poetry. But how do we read through the metaphors and similes of Scripture? How does that change our interpretation of holy texts? How might seeing Scripture in a specific genre nourish our spirituality in new ways?