Worship Services
Come and join us in worship and fellowship.
We’ll save a seat for you!
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
10:00 AM
Our Minister
Rev. Michael Gray
I have been “retired” from active ministry since 2012 from St. Stephen’s Church in Culpeper – though I have served previously at Emmanuel and at St. Luke’s in Remington, VA. I graduated from Nashotah House in 1976 and served several congregations in Florida before moving to Virginia in 2002
I am married to my wife, Lynn, and we like to spend time with our 7 children, 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, who are spread throughout the eastern part of the country. Currently a granddaughter and great-grandson are living with us, which gives us cause for joy.
I look forward to being with you in the months ahead and pray all will be well.
Shown with great grandson DJ (Right)
and preaching on February 26, (Below)
Fr. Michael challenged us to complete the following:
What Emmanuel means to me …
The result:
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
His name is called Emmanuel.
God with us, revealed in us,
His name is called Emmanuel.
Emmanuel, you are my guide,
You lead us on in holy love,
Emmanuel, welcome us,
With open arms, from above.
Emmanuel, blessed church,
sanctified, consoling home.
Emmanuel, sharing joy
A refuge when I’m all alone.
Cookie Sunday, Eucharist,
Holy table, open door
People here, bound in love
With all who have gone before.
Emmanuel, here and now
From our birth, and all through life
Jesus knows, he’s been there
In all our joys, in all our strife.
Emmanuel, In all things,
for all time, and everywhere
bless our souls, our senses, too,
to sense your grace, be more aware.
Our Music Director
Vail Wright
Vail Wright has been an organist and choir director for more than 45 years, and more than 20 of those with Emmanuel! Prior to coming to Rapidan Vail served as the organist, choir director and hand chime choir director at Grace Episcopal Church in Keswick.
Educated at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory which is now affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, Vail received her degree in Music Education. As a long standing member of the American Guild of Organists, a national association with local chapters, and the Music Teachers Association, Vail continues to maintain her professional standing in these organizations, staying involved in her industry on many levels.
Working with the priest, Vail takes great pride in making the musical selections for each service at Emmanuel. With the assistance of “A Liturgical Index to the Hymnal 1982” and “A Concordance of the Hymnal 1982” as resources, Vail selects appropriate hymns to accompany each sermon maximizing the experience for the congregants.
Keeping it personal, Vail is always one to draw out the raw talent of the congregation. So, if you play a musical instrument, enjoy singing, or have any ideas for special performances you are not only asked, but encouraged, to share your thoughts with Vail.
Vail shares a moment with Bishop Gulick.