Harper Thomas

Consolidating my experience at Emmanuel can be summed up in two-word sentences. Trust God. Help Others. My journey to Emmanuel began upon reconnecting with Randy Hudgins, an old tennis coach, and asking him about churches in the Charlottesville area. He had recently joined the EE family and could not be happier with the move. “Harp, the rector is a big Georgia Bulldogs fan and brings sports into his sermons. I think you’ll like him.” MaryKatherine and I visited the following week and that was all she wrote. JT knocked it out of the park, and we knew we found our home.

This was not the first time I met JT. He worked at the Diocese of Virginia in Richmond with my father in the early 90s. We have pictures of JT throwing me around in the Roslyn pool when I was 4 years old. God had a plan for us to meet again, and it was through the man who made me run hills when I double faulted. God also has an incredible sense of humor.

It has been such a blessing to serve Emmanuel as usher, and now in the Vestry. MaryKatherine and I have tremendous gratitude for each and every member for welcoming us with open arms and are eager to support our parish so that others may hear God’s message and find a home among us.