“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 MoreNext Right Steps: May It Be So
Exodus 33:12-13 Moses said to the Lord, “See, you have said to me, ‘Bring up this people’; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now if I have found favor in…
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.
5 Spiritual Ways to De-stress This Fall
As fall begins, so does a new season of stress. But returning to school and work after time off during the summer doesn’t have to bring anxiety. Try one of the tips below for a calmer return to your autumn routine.
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...
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…
Someone's Army: May It Be So
Psalm 33 13-22 From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse…
Abounding in Hope: May it Be So
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 At first reading, especially if the person doing the reading views faith skeptically, this prayer can sound less like a fervent wish for someone, and…
Green Faith: Resources for an Earth-Friendly Spirituality
The Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Book of Order lists “Faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of the gifts of God’s creation” as one of the great themes of our tradition (G-2.0500). But how can Presbyterians today be better stewards of God’s creation? We’ve compiled a resource list of organizations, theologians, and writers to…
Getting to Know Susan Graceson
Susan Graceson has served as Immanuel’s Interim Director of Children’s Ministries since August of 2015. As part of our introductory blog series, we asked Susan a few fun questions about her background and interests.
Why Bonhoeffer Still Matters: Questions and Quotes
The 2016 Presidential election has brought a renewed interest in Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life and writing. Perhaps this shouldn’t be a surprise. Most election years bring (more than) a few thought-pieces and editorials drawing connections between current candidates and Bonhoeffer’s well-known context and work.