Community Hub
Community Hub Committee
Members of the congregation gather monthly to discuss ideas on growing community. All are welcome to bring forward areas of interest to the committee and add to the goal of connecting people in Newport County.
In June of 2016 diocesan consultant Dave Seifert oversaw a strategic plan process for the parish. Three areas of focus for the parish (for the next 5 – 10 years) were identified:
Stabilizing and enhancing parish finances, Making the most effective use of buildings and property, Creating congregational growth.
For congregational growth the Community Hub Committee was established to include measurable goals. Longstanding, trial and newly established programs and initiatives are evaluated for their spiritual impact; whether they are achievable/realistic and whether they are sustainable.
Part of the growth plan includes Emmanuel becoming a center for a robust arts ministry would include lectures on a wide range of topics, special music programs, support for local artists, support for summer acting troupes as well as cultural exchange programs in our school. We actively promote our programs with a particular focus of including our day school and military families into the congregation
Soup’s On
Emmanuel Church has long been a meeting place for numerous community organizations, some of which had their beginnings at Emmanuel, outgrew our facilities, and still continue to this day. They include outreach programs such as “Soup’s On.” With a goal simply to feed people, this blossomed into a cooperative ministry of 19 churches of 10 different denominations, working together to provide at least one meal every day of the month to an average of 100 people. A community meal is still offered at Emmanuel at 5 pm on the first Tuesday of every month.
Speaking of Religion
New in 2018 is a monthly series of presentations given by religious leaders. Topics have included the following: “American Irony: Religious Freedom and Slavery in Colonial Newport; “Searching for the Righteous Path: AN Immigrant American Muslim’s Journey,” Jewish High Holy Days: A month of remembrance and introspection,” “B’Hai: Searching for meaning and hope in a world of turmoil,” and Russian Orthodoxy: “Singing our faith around the Globe.” The series continues in 2019 with monthly presentations, see the Events Calendar for dates and faiths.
Interfaith Network
Adding to our Calendar of Events is our new Interfaith Network, an intentional sharing of programs and resources, including worship services with our interfaith partners throughout the state. Utilizing the resources not only of the Aquidneck Island Clergy Association, but also of the RI State Council of Churches and local news outlets, we will share listings of upcoming spiritual and faith based events in Newport County.
Swanhurst Messiah Singalong