I started school at an Episcopalian School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Every day, we began with chapel. I loved my kindergarten and first grade teachers. Although I went to many other churches over the years, I guess that first church experience stuck with me.  In 2012, we were new to Crozet, and I was looking for a church for my family. We went to a few churches in Crozet and in Charlottesville. My family wasn't exactly thrilled about going to church on Sunday mornings. My daughter, particularly, was hyper, and could not sit still anywhere. She made going to church miserable with no babysitting or children's chapel.

I had driven by Emmanuel several times. At first, it looked a little remote, “up there on the hill.” However, I saw the playground and thought that it looked like a lovely place for my children to experience a church community. So, I came to church. The balcony turned out to be the perfect place for my family to attend church. Casey and Angus could move around, look over the balcony, fidget and not bother anyone. They could even leave and go out to the playground. Talk about heavenly!

I joined the church and became a confirmed Episcopalian in 2013. We enjoyed many years at Shrine Mont. Both my kids went to Shrine Mont camp for several years. My son was confirmed at Emmanuel in 2018.  While we are never certain of how our children’s faith will grow, I feel that the Emmanuel community, the beauty of the place, and the light that shines in during service are fertile ground for my family’s faith journey. So, we keep coming back. And, you will find Casey in the nursery babysitting on Sunday mornings.

What does it mean to me to be a part of Emmanuel Greenwood? Emmanuel is love in action. It is the perfect example of the body of Christ: each person being their authentic self and showing up to love and serve the other members of the body. Emmanuel collectively gives us permission to be ourselves without pretense. This enables us to love freely, without restriction. I had pretty much stopped going to church. I grew up Catholic, but started going to the Episcopal Church with my Daddy when I would come home from college. I took a long break from church (but not from my Divine Source) until I was pregnant with my oldest daughter. I joined the Episcopal Church and raised both of my girls in the church. After they left home, I attended a New Thought Center, in which I found my spiritual home. After I was called back home to Virginia (yes, it was a genuine call: not a “suggestion” it was mandatory, and I heeded!) I found a New Thought Church up here. However, during COVID, I stopped attending and just attended my old Church in Alabama virtually. 


Last year, when my Mama died, I moved in with Daddy and this church STEPPED UP! You fed us, our bodies and our hearts. You showed up to physically move my belongings into Daddy’s house. You showered us with love. You embraced me with open hearts and open arms. I thought to myself “Self, even though I don’t believe in the Christian story like I used to, THIS is love in action. This is a congregation I can happily and joyfully be a part of. THIS is what church is supposed to be.” Thank you, Emmanuel family, for creating an environment where ALL are welcomed. It feels warm and inviting. It feels like home and I am very grateful.