Emmanuel Episcopal Church Jenkins Bridge

06/07/2026

Second Sunday After Pentecost: The Eastern Shore remains to a remarkable degree a land of agrarian and ocean-going pursuits. The Green Altar hangings are greener than the fields due to a drought that persists.

Inside The Chapel by The Bridge as many folks turned out as often is the case on Easter or Christmas. Providence was on display thanks to the Lectionary Lessons for this Sunday. The Gospel was Matthew's account of when he was chosen to be a disciple. Pharisees scorned the choice. But, Jesus said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.

Then the scene shifts: a woman who has long suffered from hemorrhages believes that she will be healed if she can but touch his hem. Then, the scene shifts again, professional mourners play flutes, a crowd makes a commotion, and Jesus says, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping."

These words were so profound to all who gathered in the chapel today because our Patriarch Beverly Fletcher went to the Lord this past week. Father Robert told us that, in Christ, Death is not a Divide.

The West Family were the Greeters. They also supplied all in attendance with an abundant luncheon that included barbecue and brownies. Lisa Evans played the organ. Nancy Kupar-Page has defied the odds and is back on her two feet, serving as acolyte and healer. David Boseman donated the altar flowers.

Twas all around wonderful. Please know that all, sinners most certainly included. are always welcome at The Chapel by The Bridge.

06/05/2026

PRAY, If you are rusty or have forgotten, know that God hears all. Just summon all that you have and offer it up to our Lord. He will hear.

As captured in a photo, at the Spring Pancake Supper, here is our beloved Patriarch Bev Fletcher, seated next to his granddaughter Elaine Davis McNure.

We have been advised that Bev has been admitted to Riverside Hospital. Please upon learning this breathe a prayer on his behalf. There is no one who is more the heart and soul of Emmanuel Episcopal Church Jenkins Bridge that our beloved Bev.

A Collect for Protection, Evening Prayer, Book of Common Prayer, Page 70: "O God, who art the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead: We thank THEE for the timely blessings of the day, and humbly beseech thy merciful protection all the night. Bring us, we pray thee, in safety to the morning hours; through him who died for us and ROSE AGAIN, the Son our Savior Jesus Christ. AMEN."

06/05/2026

As captured in a photo, at the Spring Pancake Supper, here is our beloved Patriarch Bev Fletcher, seated next to his granddaughter Elaine Davis McNure.

We have been advised that Bev has been admitted to Riverside Hospital. Please upon learning this breathe a prayer on his behalf. There is no one who is more the heart and soul of Emmanuel Episcopal Church Jenkins Bridge that our beloved Bev.

A Collect for Protection, Evening Prayer, Book of Common Prayer, Page 70: "O God, who art the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead: We thank THEE for the timely blessings of the day, and humbly beseech thy merciful protection all the night. Bring us, we pray thee, in safety to the morning hours; through him who died for us and ROSE AGAIN, the Son our Savior Jesus Christ. AMEN."

06/02/2026

Well, today is the day after The Visitation is celebrated in the Episcopal Lectionary. Check out the account in the gospel of Luke. One of the most amazing prayers that may exist is uttered by the Virgin, Mary. It is known as “The Magnificat.”

Yes, the Virgin learns that she really is with child. The Angel Gabriel “announced” to her in The Annunciation that this would happen. Now, it has. So she goes and visits Elizabeth, an older woman who also is most amazingly with child. Elizabeth’s husband Zachariah has been struck “dumb,” unable to speak during his wife’s pregnancy.

God works in mysterious ways.

In Venice, Italy there is an ancient church dedicated to St. Zachariah. In a watery grotto of a grave under the chapel the legend has it the saint lies there.

But, forgive the digression. Focus on the Virgin. She does not despair. She does not swear. She praises God that the incarnation — God made Man — will happen and that she is the vessel of the miracle.

That’s the story. Believe what you will. But marvel at Grace and pray that you receive it and have the composure and gift to practice it.

05/27/2026

Emmanuel Episcopal Church is commencing a project to restore and preserve our “diamonds in the rough,” otherwise known as the diamond mullioned Gothic arch windows that grace the chapel. Eddie Lewis recalls that when he married Linda they opened. The plan is to have the windows reglazed and painted on the exterior and re-stained in the interior, then re-installed and to have them encased in new storm windows. Thanks to heat and air-conditioning there is no longer a need to have them open. But the vestry wants them restored so that the chapel will be as lovely tomorrow as it is today and fondly remembered looking in years past. Nick Spangler whose parents attended the church commenced the work today. Jim West took this photo and is our contact and coordinator with Nick. We all strive to be good stewards of the dearest, sweetest chapel on the Eastern Shore.

05/26/2026

This Coming Sunday, May 31, 2026, is Trinity Sunday. Father Robert Coniglio regrets that he will not be in attendance at the 10:30 AM service at The Chapel by The Bridge, 26405 Horsey Road, Jenkins Bridge. (From Memorial Day to Labor Day all services will be at this location. There will be no services at Fox Chapel on Chincoteague this summer.).

David Elebash will facilitate Morning Prayer at the Jenkins Bridge Chapel. And, Scott Norris will read a sermon that Susy Norris composed. Thus, the photo of Scott & Susy, working together only a few years ago at one of Emmanuel’s beloved Pancake Suppers.

Scott asked that this portion of Susy’s sermon be shared in advance of Trinity Sunday. If you read it, your appetite will be whetted to hear more!

“From the prophet Isaiah, “Holy, Holy, Holy is Yahweh of Hosts; the whole earth is full of God's glory".

“From a now infamous small boy struggling with the Athanasian Creed, “The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, the Holy Spirit incomprehensible, the whole damn thing's incomprehensible!!”

And from Frederick Buechner, “The doctrine of the Trinity says that evidence to the contrary notwithstanding, there is only one God!".

“”Incomprehensible" is probably one of the milder charges leveled at Trinitarian doctrine. It is said to be "useless," "out of date," "dangerous," "patriarchal," and worse names yet. It has been blamed on sadistic scholars, on medieval torturer chamber supervisors, and on committees in charge of torturing confirmands and theological students.”

Scott Norris, David Elebash and all those scheduled to serve at Morning Prayer this coming Sunday look forward to welcoming you!