Dear People of Emmanuel

Dear People of Emmanuel,  

God’s grace and peace to you all! 

As I sit in my office, freshly painted by parishioners, surrounded by lovely flowers arranged for me by members of the church, and overlooking the Emmanuel’s gardens, I’m filled with gratitude to God for calling me to be your Associate Rector. The warm welcome my family and I have received assures us that we are joining a community of people who truly love and serve God and their neighbors. 

Being called to Southern Pines feels like a homecoming to me. My most recent call was in Ponte Vedra, Florida, where I served as Associate Rector. But I grew up in South Carolina, just two hours from here, in a small town that reminds me a bit of Southern Pines. I’m especially glad to be closer to my mom, grandmother, and my brother and his family.

This summer as I settle in, I am looking forward to meeting each and every one of you. It is important to me to get to know you and your families, to hear how God is present in your lives, and share with you in your faith journeys. Please send me an email or call me in the church office to make time to get together for coffee, lunch, or to take a walk. My door is always open!

Emmanuel is a special church with a large impact in the local community, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. May God bless you and the ministries of Emmanuel now and always. 

Warmly,

Mother Sara Arnette+