Of Innovative Determination in Bellows Falls

Immanuel Episcopal Church, Bellows Falls, Vermont

Downtown Bellows Falls, VT is situated on two levels—the river level and the bluff level. Immanuel Episcopal Church is on the upper level, just a little bit closer to God.  And one can easily see the fine hand of the Almighty Spirit stirring things up atop the bluff!  The congregation is a small one of only about twenty-five or so on any given Sunday, but those folks have an innovative bent to their thinking and a determination to see an idea through!  They know their gifts and are willing to share.  They share through their food programs, through their thrift shop, and most recently through their newly founded Retreat Center.

One of Immanuel’s longest running missions is the

collage of Immanuel's professional kitchen

Community Dinner which they host every Monday evening.  The dinner has been a part of the parish’s outreach mission for more than twenty-seven years.  The under croft in turned into a welcoming dining room, and guests are treated to the comforting smells and tastes produced by the capable cooks and hosts.  Not only is dinner served each week, but folks who are unable to get out and have difficulty acquiring nourishing food may call the Church to be added to their food delivery program.  Three times a week, food is donated by the local Shaw's and dedicated members of the congregation pick up and distribute the food.

collage of Immanuel's thrift shop

Another more recent project established at Immanuel Church is their Community Closet thrift shop.  The shop was begun in response to the considerable need of the underprivileged community of Bellows Falls and the surrounding area.  The shop was open in January of this year and is entirely supplied by donations.  The very reasonable prices ensure that even the most destitute are able to afford “new” clothes when needed.  The shop is open twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays and usually enjoys a steady flow of customers whenever the shop is open.  It is a tidy and quaint shop full of inviting color that sells clothing, shoes, some baby items and various accessories like handbags and costume jewelry. Both the thrift shop and Immanuel’s food programs accommodate a specific demographic and serve to address pressing needs of that community.  But the newest gem in Immanuel’s crown of ministry caters to an altogether different clientele. This demographic has been virtually ignored in the region, perhaps because they are not perceived as “being in need”, or perhaps because of erroneous conviction that the need can be met elsewhere. But Immanuel’s research has shown that indeed there is a need in the area for a place of retreat and rejuvenation. Welcome to Immanuel Retreat Center!

Immanuel Retreat Center

It wasn't too long ago that the congregation at Immanuel Church was faced with a significant problem.  What to do about the old rectory?  They were too small and too impecunious to afford a full-time rector who would live in the building.  And standing empty the building was rapidly deteriorating. The church also owns the adjacent property which is used by The Boys and Girls Club and also has an occupied apartment.  Plus, the building has historical significance, having been built in 1847, so selling the property or demolishing the building was rather distasteful. Well, it turns out that while the congregation may be tightening its belt financially, it is wealthy, healthy and wise when it comes to talent and innovative thinking! This is a congregation that endeavors to live the baptismal covenant to the best of their ability.  They looked around at one another and saw a gathering of thoughtful and talented individuals aching to share their gifts. Here was a woman who loves to cook; there sat a gentleman who knows how to market an idea.  Yonder were some folks willing to put in some hard labor.  Over there was someone who could organize and manage.  As they looked at one another, they recognized that they had everything needed to implement a creative and innovative purpose for the old rectory building. Ultimately, the decision was made to renovate the rectory and convert it into a retreat facility.  Part of the consideration for developing the retreat center was the acknowledgment of the changes in society and in the ways in which people seek God.  Immanuel Retreat Center offers an alternative method for being in communion with one another and God, and yet still allows for the congregation to survive in a traditional way as well.  There is still work to be done, and eventually the center will need a board of directors.  But in the meantime, the center offers nearly a dozen retreat opportunities in the areas of Spirituality and the Arts.  Other congregations and organizations are also invited to create their own retreats at the center. To learn more about Immanuel Retreat Center, just click on the hyperlink.

images of Immanuel Episcopal Church

In all the works, projects and ministries undertaken at Immanuel Church, the foundation of their mission is “to serve guests as we would the Christ…” On Sunday, June 2 at 5:00 pm, Immanuel Church will celebrate Immanuel Retreat Center and the Community Closet thrift shop with a dedication and blessing. You are cordially invited to attend, and if you do so, you can expect to be treated as welcome a guest as Christ himself!