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…
Read More
“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
Making Room: Sunscreen
“From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalm 113: 3 Today’s eco-tip comes from Immanuel member Nate Buchanan: Use biodegradable sunscreen rather than the usual brands, which contain oxybenzone, a chemical that severely damages aquatic ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. Learn more about reef…
Making Room: Try Composting
“Then God planted a garden in Eden, in the east. He put the man he had just made in it. God made all kinds of trees grow from the ground, trees beautiful to look at and good to eat. The Tree-of-Life was in the middle of the garden, also the Tree-of-Knowledge-of-Good-and-Evil.” Genesis 2: 8-9 Today’s…
Be a Gardener of the Week in Our Interfaith Garden!
To volunteer for “Gardener of the Week,” click here! This summer we’ll be growing cucumbers, beans, peppers, cherry tomatoes, roma tomatoes, and okra. *New! BOUNTY BASKET: STARTING JUNE 17! If you tend the garden on Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning, you can simply leave your harvest in the “bounty basket” in the Breezeway. ALL IMMANUELITES ARE…
Holy Wednesday Devotional
For Holy Week, Immanuel has created a series of online devotionals. Each devotional is adapted from a monologue written by Rev. Aaron Fulp-Eickstaedt. Immanuel will perform these monologues and others at this year’s Maundy Thursday service (April 13, 7:30 pm).
New Books in the Immanuel Library: Spring 2018
God’s Secretaries, The Making of the King James Bible, by Adam Nicolson, 1903. An irenicon: it was a political tool aimed toward making peace in an England of warring religious passions, each with their own Bible. By design, the words are ambiguous, yet rich with multiple hidden meanings, so that every reader will find peace. James…
Praying the Fine Print: May It Be So
Genesis 28: 20-22 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this…
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.
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…
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.
Getting to Know Lucy Brown
We’re excited to welcome Lucy Brown as Immanuel’s new Church Secretary. Below, we asked her a few introductory questions. Stop by the church office during the week and give Lucy a big “welcome” or send her an email at lbrown@ipcmclean.org. — Q: If you were mayor for the day, what three things would you change…