Emmanuel Episcopal is a congregation that celebrates diversity--both among ourselves and in the world we live in. We range in age from newborn to 90, with an average age around 42. A few of us have attended Emmanuel since childhood, and have raised our own children here. Many others are new to the LaGrange area are just beginning to feel at home at Emmanuel. Over the past several years, we have welcomed a number of former Roman Catholics as well as young couples, families with young children and, simultaneously, many empty-nesters. Most parishioners were not raised in the Episcopal tradition but feel very much at home at Emmanuel. Services and sermons are rooted both in tradition and in the real world, the spirit is joyful and fun, and the congregation is warm and welcoming. Emmanuel's unique spirit also extends into the surrounding neighborhood through our commitment to helping others. We also are in involved in Global outreach.

We hope that you will join us as we continue to grow in grace, spirituality, and community involvement. Sunday morning services are at 8 and 10, with coffee hour after service.



Classes are held for preschool through 6th grade weekly from September through May at 9:00 am except when public school is on vacation. All children over the age of 7 attend the 10:00 am. Holy Communion service while the younger attend Children’s Chapel. A four week rotation of study focuses on learning different biblical stories or concepts through music, story, action and service. Confirmation Classes involve the 5 and 6th grades over two years. Older youth participate in leadership service at worship as acolytes and altar servers. Children who like ot sing are given additional vocal training and music experience in the Treble Choir which rehearses each Wednesday at 3:45 pm. A Summer chVacation Bible School (VBS.) is offered in June. Currently, the Director of Christian Children’s Formation, a part-time salaried position holds a degee in Christian Edurcation as a professional with many years experience.



The Pastoral Care team consists of the senior pastor/priest, two ordained deacons, and a group of lay volunteers. Hospital Calls, Home Visitation, spiritual direction, and practical support are directed by them after an initial contact is made either through the parish secretary or directly. Meals, transportation, etc. can be arranged. Prayer supports the team and those in need regularly at all worship services and the Parish Prayer ministry. Using weekly e-mail updates, the team share appropriate information with a large contingent of the parish who pray daily for those on the list.

SOME GENERAL INFORMATION YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW

Emmanuel Episcopal Church is a parish church in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, which covers all the Episcopal Churches in Northern Illinois and is under the leadership of The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of Chicago and The Rt. Rev. Victor Scantlebury, Assisting Bishop.  The Diocese of Chicago is a part of The Episcopal Church in the United States and other provinces and a member of the Anglican Communion, an organization of autonomous Anglican/Episcopal churches throughout the world.

The Rector of Emmanuel Church, the Rev. Terri Stanford, may be called at any time for emergencies such as illness, accident or death.  She may be reached during business hours at the church by telephone (708) 352-1275 or email rector@eeclg.org.  After regular hours, contact her cell phone at (312) 307-0710.  Voice messages may be left in our confidential voice mailboxes.  The office is generally staffed from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm, M-F.  Evening appointments may be scheduled with the Rector.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST - All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion in the Episcopal Church.  At each of our worship services, we offer the sacrament in both kinds – both the bread and the wine.  If your custom is to receive in only one kind (i.e., the bread), that is sufficient.  If you wish a blessing instead, crossing your arms over your chest will indicate that desire.  Baptized children are welcome to receive communion at any age – we leave the decision as to the “right time” to the discretion of the parents.

PASTORAL CARE - Faithful pastoral care for all members of Emmanuel is a sacred responsibility shared by clergy and laity alike.  The Rector, the Deacons, the Pastoral Care Committee and the Emmanuel Prayer Group are available to help in difficult times.  Please notify the parish office and/or the Rector of any illness or hospitalization so that we may be in touch right away. 

BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES AND FUNERALS - Prior to making plans for any baptism, marriage or funeral, contact the office so that appropriate dates, schedules and information may be considered and discussed.  Confidential pastoral counseling and the sacrament of reconciliation (private confession) may be scheduled by making an appointment with the Rector.

FINANCIAL GIVING - The work of Emmanuel Episcopal Church is supported by the generous offerings of all its members.  In the spirit of thankfulness for all God’s blessings, parishioners are encouraged to make an annual pledge of financial support for the church.  If you are new to this parish and would like to contribute in this way, a pledge card is available from the church office.  The Episcopal Church teaches that the biblical tithe is the standard of giving for all Christians.  Your personal giving should be the result of prayerful consideration of your individual circumstances.

MEMORIALS - There are other opportunities for ongoing financial giving through the parish’s Endowment Fund, the David E. Weaver, IV Outreach Endowment Fund, the Memorial Fund and seasonal offerings to the Flower and Music Funds.  Two special notes:  Permanent memorials should be approved by the Memorial Committee prior to purchase and specific fundraising projects should be approved by the Vestry in advance.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - The parish also depends on faithful volunteers to carry out the various ministries here at the church and in the wider community.  There are a variety of opportunities available – worship and music, buildings and grounds, flowers and gardens, education, outreach, hospitality and communications, to name just a few.  Please consider the gift of your time and talents as a way to contribute to the work of the church as well as to make connections with others in the parish who may share your interests. 

All persons are welcome here at Emmanuel and in the Episcopal Church!  Do not hesitate to call the office with any questions you may have about these or other matters.