Our family has been attending Emmanuel for more than twenty years. At first the beauty and peaceful setting attracted us to visit, but we quickly realized the members of the congregation are the heart of this church. People who are role models to us, people who lead, people eager to help. We remember when the church gathered after 9/11--a time of great fear and uncertainty. The rector gave a powerful sermon, and the congregation came together as one.
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Emmanuel has made a great impact with its many service ministries. From the grant distributions of the Endowment Board each year, to the Comfort Shawl Ministry, to the Disciples Kitchen hot meal program, Emmanuel offers countless opportunities to make a difference. Dear to our hearts is the Rockfish Gap Food Pantry (formerly Bread Fund), which is critical for the clients served each month. The past mission trips to Haiti were also inspirational experiences. 

We enjoy sitting in the mezzanine level on Sundays – a place of quiet reflection and community. After a busy week, the opportunity to worship and listen to the choir amongst friends is special. We are thankful to be members of the Emmanuel family.

​I am a sixth generation Episcopalian and was a member of Christ Church, Charlottesville for many years. Shortly before my retirement, I moved to Nellysford and spent much of the following summer watching a new house being built across the street.

One afternoon, the owners of that new house, Gren and Jeri King, walked over to ask me about the church I attended because they had seen the Episcopal Church emblem on my car. They told me that they were from Northern Virginia and had been attending Emmanuel Greenwood whenever they were in the area and invited me to come with them sometime.

Eventually I went with the Kings to Emmanuel and was struck by the friendliness and helpfulness of the people. I also saw lots of people I knew, such as Bishop Robert Atkinson and his wife Rosemary, Peggy and Perrin Quarles as well as
Nancy Sanderson. It felt like home, so I stayed.