Adult Ministries & Activities
Sunday Forum
Taking place from 11:45am to 12:30pm on most Sunday mornings, Sunday Forum offers space for members of the community to explore a variety of topics, ranging from civil dialogue to Advent spirituality to servant leadership and more! Sunday Forum gathers in the lower level of Emmanuel in Wood Fellowship Hall. We invite you to grab a cup of coffee and come together for spiritual nourishment and connection.
Emmanuel Book Club
Book Club meets monthly to discuss current literature – and eat dessert. Contact the church office to learn more.
Thursday Breakfast Group
Join the ‘Mighty Men and Women of Emmanuel’ for breakfast, fellowship and service. We meet on Thursday mornings at The Bistro located at 1900 US-31 in Petoskey, gathering at 8:30am.
Contemplative Practice Circle
Imagine sitting together with other seekers, silently listening for the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. The Contemplative Practice Circle gathers in Emmanuel’s chapel at 9am on Wednesdays for Lectio Divina and Silent Prayer. We begin by reading the Gospel passage for the following Sunday three times. We observe silence between each reading to allow ours hearts and minds to settle and become receptive. After the third reading, we sit silently for 20 minutes. You will be provided a few tips and handouts to support your practice of silent prayer. After the prayer period, participants may wish to share a brief reflection. We hold these comments in respectful silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to continue her work. We conclude by 10am. For more info contact Julie Eckhardt through the church office.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Knit prayer shawls as symbols of love, care, and support. Contact the church office for more information.
YoUTH MinistrIES & ACTIVITIES
Sunday School: 1st – 5th grade
The curriculum for this age group is called Shine, and the lesson plans emphasize God’s call to justice, peace, and love. Each lesson includes an interactive activity to engage the children in their reading of scripture. Sunday School meets during the 10am service in the Sunday School room on the second floor. After the lesson, children are led back into the sanctuary to rejoin their families and the congregation for Communion.
Middle School and High School Youth Groups
The Middle and High School Youth Group meets twice a month at Roast & Toast, participates in worship leadership, and engages in monthly service projects. Contact the church office to learn more about dates and locations.
Summer Youth Camps
A week of church camp leads to as much spiritual growth as a year of Sunday School. It makes lifelong memories and enduring friendships. Youth at Emmanuel are welcome and encouraged to attend camps through the Diocese of Eastern Michigan or the Diocese of Western Michigan. More information is available at https://www.episcopalyouthcamp.org/ and www.campchickagami.org
InterGenerational & FAMILY Opportunities & Events
CHOIR (see Below)
Provides musical leadership from September to early June
Coffee Hour Hosts
Make coffee and provide simple snacks for fellowship after worship
Lay Weeders
Water and weed the gardens at EEC
Thursday Lunch Servers
Make and serve meals at 1st Presbyterian Church
MUSIC MINISTRY
Emmanuel Episcopal Church is well known throughout the area as a center for musical excellence. In addition to Emmanuel’s own music program, the church serves as a venue for rehearsals and performances by many local and visiting groups and ensembles. The Music Ministry is a part of the church’s Worship Ministry and includes the Adult Choir, the EEC Choristers children’s choir, and the Emmanuel Brass, all under the direction of André Strydom, Organist and Director of Music Ministries.
During the summer when the choir is in recess, Emmanuel is fortunate to have special music each Sunday provided by participants in the Bay View Music Festival, the longest continuously operating chamber music festival in the United States. Having these outstanding young musicians share their gifts is made possible through the generosity of Emmanuel members.
The wider Petoskey area is home to several instrumental ensembles, including the Great Lakes Chamber and Alpena Symphony Orchestras, Northern Symphonic Winds, and Northern Michigan Brass Band, and others. From time to time, these musicians are engaged for special services at Emmanuel, such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve when a brass ensemble participates in our worship musical offering.
The organ at Emmanuel, built and installed in 2008 by the Lauck Pipe Organ Company of Otsego, Michigan, consists of 25 ranks (both pipe and digital) spread over four divisions. Emmanuel Episcopal Church is a Member of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).