Emmanuel Episcopal Church is hosting a celebration on May 1st, 2nd and 3rd that will focus on the Celtic spiritual tradition that is distinct from the Christian religion existing throughout most of world.

The event will be lead by Bishop Martin Townsend and his wife Barbara. The Townsends have led retreats and guided pilgrims through Ireland and Scotland, visiting Christian and pre-Christian holy sites. Many people have found that in the newly revived spirituality of the Celtic churches there are resources for the deepening of personal faith.

Using stories, poetry, lecture, liturgy, prayer and song, Barbara and Martin focus on God's immanence. Martin speaks of the "thin places" where the membrane between the realm of God and the world of human experience is permeable, where God can move to us and we to God with ease. Music, stories and the Celtic way of telling truth are the major themes of Barbara Townsend's presentations.

An author and spinner of tales, a retreat leader and veteran pilgrim to Celtic lands, she guides workshops and prayer walks that invite awareness of God's immanence. Her experience as a sheep breeder, spinner, and weaver has deepened her faith, leading her to discern God in creative endeavors and in all things of the earth.

Her pied piper spirit engages people in reflection and celebration. At the end of a recent weekend retreat, one participant reported, "I feel as if I have been given a new language with which to speak of my faith in God and my love of Creation." Ecumenical groups have discovered that the Celtic spirit provides a rich common ground for worship and Eucharistic celebration.

The Emmanuel celebration will conclude on Sunday, May 3rd, when Bishop Townsend will be the preacher at both services. During the Forum Hour, beginning at 9:00 a.m., he will give a slide presentation of the High Crosses of Ireland.

Please call the Emmanuel Church office at 540-687-6297 to register or to obtain additional information.