Camilyn K. Leone

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.