Emmanuel Episcopal Church

06/02/2026

I am so PROUD at what the City of Opelika is doing for me,

06/01/2026

Yesterday we dedicated a new book of Gospels that were so lovingly given by Mr. Jay and Mrs. Kathryn Jones. Our previous book of Gospels was literally falling apart at the seams after many years of loving and fervent use.

Hearing the Gospel proclaimed each and every week in our midst reorients our lives and minds to the Way of Jesus Christ, our Savior. We are so thankful to be part of a community that takes seriously the Love of Christ for all people as found in our daily living out the Gospel (or what Rev. Larry refers to “kingdom”) values!

Join us on the Way of Jesus Christ at Emmanuel where your presence is seen, celebrated, and matters!

05/30/2026

Pride on the Plains!

Yesterday members of Emmanuel and friends joined in the annual Pride on the Plains parade! The parade is a kickoff to the great Pride on the Plains weekend and this is Emmanuel’s 2nd year participating in the parade.

Looking for a place that affirms and celebrates All God’s Children? Join us at Emmanuel! We are a growing and loving community rooted in the Love of Jesus Christ for all people.

Sundays at 10am!

05/27/2026

Happy birthday to our Rector, the Rev. Dr. Larry C. Williams!

Thank you for all of your work and dedication to building up Emmanuel’s community and for leading us into a bright new future.

Rev. Larry Williams’ journey with Emmanuel began as supply clergy in the summer of 2023and then came to us as part time Priest-in-Charge in January 2024. Since then he has worked tirelessly in our little community. In 2025 the Vestry of Emmanuel voted to make him Rector. We are thankful for his presence and for the support of his wife, Deborah in this ministry.

Happy birthday!

05/25/2026

A prayer on this Memorial Day:

Eternal Father, who alone rules the destinies of nations and who has deemed that men should live in freedom and not fear, awaken in us a new appreciation of our land that we may apply ourselves to the great work of keeping alive a sense of freedom.

Grant us your spirit as we honor those who have fought a good fight and finished the course. On this day we call to remembrance those who served in far-off places and have laid down their arms to march into that land of eternal peace.

We remember the sufferings, the fears, and the horrors of what they endured. It is a time for us to realize that much of our best blood has been spilled–all over the world–so that we might live free and unchained!

May they, and those who suffer wounds for peace, as well as their families who valiantly and silently also serve, receive rest from their struggles and a “well done “from you, Captain of their souls. Permit us never to forget our comrades-in-arms from whose fallen hands we have taken up the sacred cause of freedom.

Today, we consecrate unto you the debt of our national gratitude, which is their rightful due. Keep sacred their sacrifice in our hearts. Keep holy our course in your sight. Enkindle within us a flame of selfless unwavering devotion to duty that we may never be found wanting in those qualities of spirit and mind which alone are able to preserve hearth and home, the peace of our nation, and the tranquility of the world.

May the day soon come when we can lay down arms and more earnestly give our attention to do justice, to live in kindness, and to walk humbly in your sight. Amen.

05/23/2026

Join us tomorrow for Pentecost Sunday. Holy Eucharist: 10am
Coffee Hour at Resting Pulse: 11:15am

The term means “the fiftieth day.” It is used in both the OT and the NT. In the OT it refers to a feast of seven weeks known as the Feast of Weeks. It was apparently an agricultural event that focused on the harvesting of first fruits. Josephus referred to Pentecost as the fiftieth day after the first day of Passover. The term is used in the NT to refer to the coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1), shortly after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. Christians came to understand the meaning of Pentecost in terms of the gift of the Spirit. The Pentecost event was the fulfillment of a promise which Jesus gave concerning the return of the Holy Spirit. The speaking in tongues, which was a major effect of having received the Spirit, is interpreted by some to symbolize the church’s worldwide preaching. In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is now the seventh Sunday after Easter. It emphasizes that the church is understood as the body of Christ which is drawn together and given life by the Holy Spirit. Some understand Pentecost to be the origin and sending out of the church into the world.

We mark this day in fun ways - wearing something red, singing songs about the Holy Spirit, and sometimes celebrating baptisms! Join us tomorrow and celebrate the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit!

Come and see what makes Emmanuel feel like family!

05/17/2026

Our Easter lilies in the memorial garden are finally blooming - just in time for the last Sunday in Eastertide.

Join us for Red Wagon Sunday; 10am Holy Eucharist. Please bring a canned good for the Little Free Pantry Ministry and join us for Coffee Hour following the service at Resting Pulse.

Come and see what makes Emmanuel feel like family!

05/14/2026

Tonight at 6pm! Come and worship in the beauty of holiness and meet the incoming Bishop!

05/12/2026

TONIGHT!!!

Join us for our first young adult game night at the Bowen house! Can’t make it tonight? Join us next month on the 2nd Tuesday!

05/08/2026