Welcome to the web site for Manakin Episcopal Church. Founded in 1700, the church is a member of the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
We are a suburban church conveniently located in a rural setting of Powhatan County just 1 mile west of Route 288. The congregation is a blend of members from a wide geographic area that includes Powhatan, Chesterfield, and Henrico counties.
Our cornerstone beliefs include a committment to the parish family, Christian education, and community service through outreach.
Thank you for taking a moment to visit our web site. If you are searching for a church home and would like more information about Manakin, please contact us so we can learn more about you. We look forward to your visit.
From the Education Office:
Dear Friends,
It has certainly been a long hot summer. As we return from vacations, we look forward to cooler weather and resumption of our usual Manakin activities.
It is true that our “academic year” will begin with “Bring a Friend Sunday” on September 12th. However, formation is always an ongoing process, shaping and molding God’s people and strengthening the community of the faithful.
All of this household’s ministries: worship, outreach, pastoral care, hospitality, properties, vestry, choir etc. are formational. However, I wish to comment on two I have been privileged to witness this summer: the renovation of the Sunday School rooms to create the Carolyn Cromwell Memorial Sunday School Wing and our Vacation Bible School. Both provided opportunities for us all to stretch, grow and share our gifts.
The renovation project has brought together people from properties, memorials, education and any and all who have just wanted to help. They used their various skills and gifts well and tirelessly. We have gotten to know each other better and realize that God is using us to make “all things new.” As I write this, it is still a work in progress. The end result will be a warm, welcoming, colorful space reflecting the warm, welcoming, colorful world our God has blessed us with.
Many of the same people joined with members from St Luke’s and other Manakin folk for VBS. Again, I was amazed at the scene infused with love, laughter and the joy of service. Everyone has been generous with their time, energy and patience. The physical tasks are being well accomplished and the Manakin Household continues to be strengthened. As I look about I know without a doubt that “surely God is in this place.”
Our theme was Meet God on the Mountain. I can truly say the week was a “mountain top experience” for campers and counselors alike! The children were engaged, excited and thoughtful. I am told that one four year old turned to her grandparents on the way home one day and said “I just love to pray!” Oh, how we prayed and worshiped and drew closer to God each day. Sometimes we even used words. We praised God with our feet through dance, with our imaginations through, drama, art and music. We praised God with our energy and laughter through games and outdoor adventures. One of our camp songs contained the refrain “God said meet me on the mountain, meet me on the mountain, meet me on the mountain and I’ll lead you to a life of love.” We clearly demonstrated that we are God’s people living a “life of love.”
Please join us this fall for all the formational opportunities offered by our various ministries. Of course I am excited about our educational offerings. Sunday school will begin with a three part series on prayer: Praying with our Friends (September 12th); Praising Prayer (September 19th); Praying in the Garden (September 26th). Adult Education will explore the concept of personal call. I so look forward to living our corporate life of love throughout the coming year. In the words of our “Mountaineer” from VBS “Keep on climbing!”
Peace and Blessings,
Lucinda Stevens
Christian Education Coordinator