Posts by Elizabeth H. Cottrell

Posts by Elizabeth H. Cottrell

In Memoriam: Joy Stevenson (updated)

Joyce Owen Stevenson Requiescat in pace It is with great sadness that I inform you that Joy, the devoted wife of Bishop E. Mark Stevenson, has died. Their journey together in life has been a reflection of her name. Grieving her death with our bishop are their children, grandchildren, and a multitude of family and friends. Those who knew Joy have spoken of her compassion, generosity of spirit, and loving presence. More than a partner in marriage, she engaged in her own…

John Douglas Woodward: Conversation and Book Signing

October 27, 2024 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm  Shrine Mont — Art Hall  Picturesque Palestine, Sinai and Egypt: Artwork and Letters by John Douglas Woodward is a beautiful and engaging presentation of drawings and letters by John Douglas Woodward (1846–1924), a prominent American artist/illustrator during the 1870s and 1880s. He was on assignment for New York publisher D. Appleton and Co. to make on-the-spot drawings for illustrations for Picturesque Palestine, Sinai and Egypt (1881–1883), which has been called the most…

Cantor sought for Emmanuel

At the request of our music director, with a goal of supporting and leading the congregation in the church’s music ministry during its 11:15 service, Emmanuel is seeking a cantor. The job description is below:  Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Woodstock, VA is searching for a Cantor Duties include leading congregational singing, singing the appointed psalm of the day and possibly a hymn-like offertory once a month. One service at 11:15. This is a paid position and is open to a male…

Statement from Bishop Stevenson on the Shooting in Pennsylvania

My dear siblings in Christ: Tonight, I ask you to join me in prayer. I pray for former President Donald Trump, that he may recover fully from the senseless violence of today. I pray for those who died, and for those who mourn. I give thanks for the first responders on the scene, and for all those who helped bring calm to chaos. I lift up the families of all involved, victims and perpetrator alike. And, I pray that God…

Church Administrative Secretary Job Opening

Job Description & Responsibilities Historic Beckford Parish (Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Woodstock & Saint Andrew’s, Mt. Jackson) is seeking a part-time secretary to support the parish’s Rector. Primary responsibilities will include handling administrative tasks, including ordering supplies, preparing weekly and special bulletins, preparing a weekly newsletter, updating the website and social media as necessary, maintaining the master church calendar, entering data, facilitating communications, and coordinating special events. Candidates should possess good organizational skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and a compassionate demeanor.…

Holy Week and Easter in Beckford Parish

CLICK to view or download: PDF format Word format Holy Week in Beckford Parish Welcome to Holy Week at Beckford Parish, an inclusive and welcoming church nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. We are two churches, Emmanuel in Woodstock, and Saint Andrew’s in Mount Jackson. As we journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, we invite you to join us in a time of reflection, prayer, and celebration. Our two churches are places where everyone is welcome, whether…

Lenten Book Study 2024

Dive Deeper This Lent: Bible Stories for Grown-Ups Wednesdays, 2 pm, Emmanuel Parish Hall As part of our Lenten journey, we’ve embarked on a six-week series diving into Bible Stories for Grown-Ups by Josh Scott. This book reexamines the familiar biblical narratives with a mature lens, encouraging adults to rediscover these stories with fresh eyes and a deeper understanding. Think about it – Noah’s Ark isn’t exactly a ‘feel good’ story. Josh Scott brings these ancient texts to life, offering…

Woodstock Community Lenten Services 2024

Tuesdays at noon followed by lunch Woodstock United Methodist Church 156 S Muhlenberg St, Woodstock, VA Emmanuel will be hosting on the first Tuesday, February 20, 2024 and Mother Kathy will preach that day. If you can, come help serve soup and sandwiches.

Our Parish Sabbatical: A Vision for 2025

Sabbatical Definition A sabbatical is a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or other worker for study or travel. Research has clearly shown—and the Diocese of Virginia confirms in its Sabbatical Leave Policy— that “a periodic sabbatical is a healthy and effective means of preventing burn-out and of renewing and enhancing a church professional’s capabilities for dealing effectively with problems facing those who need help.”  In the university setting, this is traditionally one year for every seven…