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A light for the city
Our purpose at Emmanuel is to be 'a light for the city' reflecting Jesus, the light of the world. We are committed to being a visible and transformative presence in Plymouth, shining the hope of Christ into our community. Through worship, transformed lives, and compassionate outreach, we share His love and bring renewal to our city.
Values
Hungry
We seek to know and experience more of God through prayer, worship, and the Bible. We long to grow deeper in faith, seeking spiritual transformation and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Our hunger fuels our commitment to heartfelt worship, persistent prayer, and a life of service.
Hopeful
We seek to be a people of hope, rooted in the promises of God and the resurrection of Jesus. We believe in His power to bring transformation. Our hope leads us to be forward-looking, courageous in prayer, and bold in sharing the good news of Christ.
Holy
We seek to reflect the holiness of God, as revealed in the Bible, in every aspect of our lives as a royal priesthood. Set apart for His purposes. Meditating on and studying the Bible, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we pursue lives of holiness, both individually and as a community.
Our 7 Goals & Priorities
1
Growing Disciples
The best thing anyone can do is become a disciple of Jesus, the light of the world. We aim to grow in breadth and depth.We aim to welcome 50 new people to faith, or reaffirmation of faith. Home-groups and prayer triplets grow from 100 to 150 and are flourishing. We aim to establish a mentoring program. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
2
Pastoral Care
We aim to establish a structured pastoral care programme that nurtures the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of every individual. As we grow we want to ensure we continue to provide compassionate and holistic support that fosters a sense of belonging and spiritual well-being within our church community. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
3
Children
We want to engage younger by reaching children and supporting their parents, carers and teachers. We aim to double the number of children who worship at Emmanuel. Raising children in our culture is hard and we want to support all those that play a role in raising children. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
4
Young People
We want to engage younger and triple the number of youth who worship and are growing in their discipleship at Emmanuel, reaching out into schools and uniform groups. Engaging with young people during their formative years, through relevant and inspiring Jesus centred ministry helps them navigate life's challenges as committed faithful followers of Jesus. Young people are the leaders of today, not just tomorrow. "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word." (Psalm 119:9)
5
Young Adults
This is our smallest demographic in the church, but the biggest within walking distance of our building. We aim to establish three young adult homes groups. Young adults set the culture of the world around them and we want to help disciple them into Christ-centred maturity to be a light to the city."Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)
6
Seeking the Welfare of the City
We aim to discover a theology of God’s mission centred on the common good, discerning and participating in God's work within the city of Plymouth, and establishing a unified approach to urban welfare with three key projects. We will also learn and discover from global Christian communities to enhance our efforts and partner with a project in a global South city facing similar challenges of urban welfare. ‘Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jer 29:7).
7
Trauma-Informed Church
Working in partnership with others we aim to discover what is is to be a trauma informed church by 2026 and to have developed new and expanding existing ministries as a compassionate response. The impact of COVID and the challenges of consumerism and individualism means there is a lot of trauma, loneliness and darkness in our communities. We want to shine the light of hope in our fast-changing world. "The LORD is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
new to
church?
If no-one else has said it yet, Welcome to Emmanuel!
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Whether you come as an enquirer into the faith or are looking to settle here, you will find friendship, opportunity to deepen your understanding of the faith, inspiration in worship and support in discovering and using your gifts.
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To find out more compete this Get Connected Form
TRY ALPHA
Alpha is a series of group conversations that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith in an open, friendly environment. Everyone’s welcome. No matter your background or beliefs, you’re invited.
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Our next course starts Tuesday 16th September. We will meet in our church hall and start at 7:00pm for 7:15 with a meal followed by a video and discussion.
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Click here to sign up or Email to find more.
Got a minute? Watch these videos now
our
services
Our Sunday services are:
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8.00am Holy Communion
For a short traditional Book of Common Prayer service lasting just over the half hour.
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10.30am is our Main Service
A relaxed informal service, Holy Communion 1st and 3rd Sundays, with age-appropriate groups for young people from 0-14.
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6.30pm Evening Worship
More time for the sermon, worship, prayer and reflection.
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Our Wednesday service is:
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10.30am Holy Communion
An oasis in the middle of the week to keep the week focused and for fellowship over refreshments afterwards.
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<<< Click on the term card image for more detail.
making emmanuel your home
Get Connected Cards
These may be found in our church pews or fill one out here. If you want to make contact after a service, please hand it to a leader and we will get in touch to see how we can help you.
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Contact Us
Click here to make electronic contact and we will get in touch to see how we can help you.
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Newcomers' Lunches
Every 2-3 months, we hold a buffet lunch to which we invite the latest new faces at Emmanuel. They are an opportunity to get to know a few members of the leadership team, the congregation and some fellow newcomers. Also to hear a little more detail about Emmanuel's vision, ministry and family life.
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Electoral Roll
If you are looking to put your feet down at Emmanuel and make it your home, we encourage you to join the 'Electoral Roll' (though you don't have to!). Do ask one of the leaders after the service.
our team includes:
(Click an image for a brief bio)
Peter Shaw
Team Rector
Ministry Team:
Tony Williams
Team Vicar
Robin Brown
Team Vicar,
Alpha lead
Holly Martin
Children's Minister
Aaron Stanbury
Youth and Kids Assistant
Kathryn McGuinness
Pastoral Lead
Linda Wheeler
Church Warden
Care Home Ministry

Lisa-Marie Curry
Ordinand
Steve Martin
Worship Leader/ Coordinator
Tim Lyddon
Preaching/leading
LLM
Tech Lead
Pippa Brown
Preaching/leading
LLM
Pam Edwards
Preaching/leading
LLM

Tim Dakin
Preaching
Chair of Mission Committee
Operations Team:
John Phillips
Chair of Finance & Treasurer
Don Nuttall
Church Warden
Chair of the Property Oversight Group

Jeannette Eden
Office administrator
Child Contact Lead
Chris Benson
Operations Support
Sarah Nicholson
PCC Secretary
Church Family Team:
Darryl Cree
Vicar of St. Paul's,
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Bev Cree
Parish Deacon at St Paul's and Emmanuel
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