Outreach includes those activities or programs that reach beyond the immediate parish to assist those in need (from whom there is no expectation of return or reward). This is the area of putting faith into action to do "...to the least of these..." in God's family. For information or to volunteer, contact the Church at (757) 824-5043.

Building A Handicapped Ramp
During September, we undertake the building of a handicapped ramp for a deserving person. All are invited to participate in this outreach project, and if you are interested in helping, please contact the Church.  As noted elsewhere in this section, Emmanuel has been recognized for our parthership with the Eastern Shore Center for Independent Living through our construction of numerous ramps.  We've gotten the reputation for "Ramps 'R Us!"  Get out those tools and join us for a great start to the fall season by helping build a ramp.

Pennies From Heaven
Pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters (and folding money is accepted!) all add up when worshippers empty their pockets and purses of loose change. In a friendly competition, two jars, one marked "Men" and the other "Women" are used to collect pocket change. Each year at their December meeting, the vestry allocates the offering to various agencies of care on the Eastern Shore. Last year $1,500 was allocated to several needy Eastern Shore agencies and individuals.

UTO
The United Thank Offering is a personal and family devotional program of the Episcopal Church. Founded in 1889, the UTO is a way for each person to express tangible thanks to God. United with the prayers and offerings of Episcopalians, it ministry reaches around the world. There are two ingatherings each year, in the fall and spring. The Sunday closest to All Saints' Day on November 1 and the Sunday after Ascension Day are designated as the times to bring forward the offerings made by individuals for daily blessings and thanksgivings.

Community Support
Emmanuel participates in a variety of community projects. In addition to the "Pennies from Heaven" allocations, we participate in the Department of Social Services "Adopt-a-Family" program each Christmas; we gather non-perishable food each Sunday for the Eastern Shore Food Bank; participate in the Food Bank's "Souper Bowl" program; provide facilities to a local chapter of AA; partner with the Eastern Shore Center for Independent Living to build handicap ramps during the Summer Outreach Project; plus many other areas of community support.

Summer Mission Project
For the past six summers, Emmanuel has joined with members of St. Matthias' Episcopal Church in Midlothian, Chesterfield County, for a week of projects to assist members of the community in need. From installing indoor hot water, to rebuilding bathrooms, to constructing handicap ramps, these projects have made a difference in our community. Emmanuel provides housing for our brothers and sisters from St. Matthias' in parishioners homes and hosts hospitality events including a covered dish supper, a beach party and a crab feast. The St. Matthias' Outreach Commission has generously provided the funding of the projects which over the past six years have totaled almost $25,000!