Sunday Worship

Welcome to Emmanuel
Emmanuel is an open and affirming faith community located in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood. Our creed is ancient and our theology is progressive. We are seekers, believers, doubters, questioners, learners who believe that faith is a journey, not an event. We proclaim a Gospel of love that includes all people and we seek to serve the world in the name of the one who dined with sinners, called tax collectors into leadership, and showed a preference for the poor and oppressed.
The Sunday of the Passion, or as it is more commonly known, Palm Sunday, is a study in contrasts. We begin with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and then find ourselves hearing the passion Gospel, wherein we hear how Jesus is arrested, beaten, and hung on a cross. Hope triumphs, though, and we boldly gather at the holy table to proclaim Jesus’ resurrection power, and yet, in the end, we depart in silence, scattered, into the world.
A major work by the Nobel laureate author, a novel written during the rise of fascism in Europe that imagined a similar fascist takeover in America. America's dictator, Buzz Windrip, was inspired not only by Louisiana populist Huey Long but also by the less-known William Dudley Pelley, an American writer of sentimental fiction turned New Age fascist.
We gather with Jesus in the Upper Room and witness the roots of the Holy Eucharist, wash one another’s feet, and pray for our very souls. In the shadow of the cross we leave in silence. Click the photo to learn more about this service.
In one moving liturgy, we experience the Passion of Christ and conclude with a simple Communion from the Reserved Sacrament. Perhaps the most profound liturgy of the year. Click the photo to learn more about this service.
In the darkness that was Christ’s death, a new light is kindled, the story of our salvation retold, our baptism renewed, and the resurrection of Christ proclaimed for the first time. Join us for this moving liturgy, which culminates the first Eucharist of Easter. Click the photo to learn more about this service.
Emmanuel Church welcomes New York Times Bestselling Author Jeff Chu as he presents his newly published book, Good Soil. During a delightful evening event, the author will offer insights into his new work and engage the audience in conversation. Baltimore’s own Ivy Books will be on hand to facilitate purchases of Good Soil which Mr. Chu will be available to sign. A reception will follow.
Choral works of Jan Dismas Zelenka and Johann Sebastian Bach, with period-instrument chamber orchestra