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Throughout August, our Sunday evening 6:30pm gathering will take on a slightly different shape. As many of our home groups take a break over the summer, we want to create a space where we can continue to grow together, build community, and deepen our prayer lives. Each evening will begin with a couple of songs of worship before we watch a session from The Prayer Course: Unanswered Prayer together. After each video, we'll spend time discussing what we've heard, asking honest questions, and encouraging one another as we seek God. The course explores one of life's most challenging questions: How do we keep trusting God when our prayers seem to go unanswered? Through biblical teaching, personal stories, and practical reflection, it helps us grow in faith, even in seasons of waiting, disappointment, and mystery. Whether you've wrestled with unanswered prayer for years or are simply looking to deepen your relationship with God, these evenings are for you. They are also a great opportunity to meet others over the summer when many of our regular groups are taking a break. Don't worry if you're away for a Sunday or miss a session. Each episode is available online, so you can easily catch up before joining us again. We'd love you to come along, bring a friend, and journey with us this August as we learn to pray with greater faith, honesty, and hope. When: Sundays in August, 6:30pm Where: Emmanuel Church If you'd like to explore the course or catch up on any sessions, you can find them here: https://unanswered.prayercourse.org/sessions/

At Emmanuel Plymouth, we believe that God’s Kingdom is for everyone. You are welcome. You matter. You belong. We were recently blessed to welcome Venerable Joseph, the Archdeacon and Rector from our sister church, St Monica Thika, Kenya. In a powerful, timely message, Joseph challenged us to examine our hearts and look outward at the community around us. He tackled the human tendency toward "us versus them" mentalities, urging us to dismantle social, political, and economic barriers so that we can welcome everyone to God’s table. Drawing from Isaiah 56:7, he reminded us of a timeless truth: God’s house is a house of prayer for all nations, not just a select few. Lessons for a Transformative, Inclusive Faith Exploring the early church's journey in Acts 9–12, Joseph outlined six core lessons that call us to look beyond our own comfort zones and reach out to the world: · 1. God Transforms Everyone and Every Situation (Acts 9:1–19) Using the dramatic transformation of Saul to Paul, we are reminded that no one is beyond redemption. No matter your background, your mistakes, or your current circumstances, God’s grace is bigger. · 2. God Only Requires Our Obedience (Acts 9:10–31) Like Ananias, who was sent to welcome a former enemy, God uses ordinary people to accomplish His mission. We are called to step out in faith and be obedient to God’s nudge, even when it feels uncomfortable or intimidating. · 3. God’s Power Is With Us (Acts 9:32–43) We do not step out into our community in our own strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as Peter experienced, God equips us with His power when we move in His name. · 4. God Shows No Favouritism or Partiality (Acts 10) This is the core of our message: God does not play favourites. As Ephesians 2:19 declares, "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household." Salvation is a free gift for all, and our mission is to reflect this radical inclusivity. · 5. Building a Missionary, Reaching-Out Church (Acts 11) A healthy church is an outward-looking church. Like the early believers, we are called to build a community that actively matures in faith, multiplies disciples, and reaches out to those who feel disconnected or left behind. · 6. The Power of Prayer in Our Lives and Ministry (Acts 12) When faced with opposition or cultural hurdles, the early church turned to prayer. A praying church becomes a powerful, resilient church, allowing God’s mission to flourish against all odds. Jesus Broke the Barriers—And So Should We When we look at the ministry of Jesus, a powerful truth emerges: with God, there are no outsiders. Jesus repeatedly shattered the cultural norms of His day. He dined with tax collectors, touched the untouchable, and spoke with social outcasts. When critics grumbled that He welcomed the wrong kinds of people, Jesus responded directly: "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." — Luke 5:32 The Takeaway: Is There Room at Your Table? As Joseph beautifully concluded, God’s table has never had limited seating space, and His invitation is meant to be completely barrier-free! This leaves us with an inspiring, outward-looking challenge for our daily lives here in Plymouth. Look at the spaces you inhabit—your neighbourhood, your workplace, your school, your friendship groups. Who is standing on the outside? Who are you waiting to invite to the table of Christ? No matter who you are, what your story is, or where you come from: You are welcome here. Reflecting on Venerable Joseph’s message, Peter shares final encouraging thought for the Emmanuel Plymouth family: "Joseph's words serve as a beautiful, challenging reminder of what it truly means to be the Church. Building a 'barrier-free' Kingdom isn't just a theological concept—it starts with the practical choices we make every day to open our hearts and our homes. Let’s be a community known not by who we keep out, but by how wide we open our doors to everyone God sends our way." Recommended Reading: The Gospel Comes with a House Key To help us practically live out this vision of radical hospitality, we highly recommend reading "The Gospel Comes with a House Key" by Rosaria Butterfield. In this inspiring book, Butterfield introduces the concept of "radically ordinary hospitality"—using our everyday homes, tables, and routines to show the love of Christ to a sceptical world. She demonstrates how a simple, consistently open door can dismantle prejudices, build deep community, and turn strangers into family. It is a fantastic, hands-on resource for anyone looking to turn the "No Outsiders" message into daily practice.

If you have been sitting in our current sermon series through the book of Acts, you know that the Holy Spirit is deeply challenging our assumptions about comfort, stability, and what it means to be A Light for the City. Last Sunday, in the evening I looked at Acts 4 and a famous quote by a bishop who noted that "wherever the Apostle Paul went there was a riot; wherever I go, they serve tea." For decades, Western secularism has tried to confine our faith to the private living room, turning the explosive power of the resurrection into a polite, safe, cultural monument. The tragedy of the modern West is that our post-Christian culture has been exposed to just enough institutional Christianity to lose its power. We inoculated an entire generation against the real thing. But the vaccine is wearing off. A New Hunger Across the UK Last week, a brilliant new documentary was released called Awakening in the UK. If you haven't watched it yet, it is an absolute must-see. The film tracks a profound spiritual movement bubbling under the surface of our long-labeled "post-Christian" nation: a sudden, intense openness to the Gospel, a surge in radical prayer movements, and a deep Hunger for the presence of the Holy Spirit. YouTube The documentary highlights stories of churches rediscovering total dependence on God, and crucially, young adults and youth encountering Jesus for the very first time. The secular fortresses are cracking, and people are searching for reality. Let’s stop playing it safe. Let's stop protecting our comfort. Let's watch the resurrected King transform our city.

Emmanuel Church, Plymouth. A light for the city. Join us for worship and community. WELCOME Plan your Visit A light for the City Following Jesus together as we serve Plymouth with hope, compassion, and a heart to see lives transformed. Learn More Get Connected I'm New Everything you need to know before your first visit, from what to expect to where to find us. Learn More What's On Discover upcoming events, gatherings and opportunities to get involved. Learn More Explore Alpha Explore life's big questions, discover more about faith with others. Learn More Our Current Sermon Series Where the Wind Blows Discover God's unstoppable mission through Acts. Catch up on every message. Learn More Next Alpha: Starts 12th September Alpha Curry Night Career. Success. Relationships. Money. Is that really all there is? Start the conversation over a free curry and discover what Alpha is all about. More Info & Book On Coming Up: 27 - 31 July Summer Light Factory Five mornings packed with games, creativity, music, stories and new friendships. A brilliant week for children to have fun, build confidence and discover more about Jesus. Book on Now Read and Reflect Our Recent Articles Unanswered Prayer: Join Us for The Prayer Course This August No Outsiders: Embracing God’s Inclusive Kingdom More Posts Scan the QR code to download the Church App, for more info on events, what's happening and how to get involved

OUR GATHERINGS Join us every Sunday and Wednesday at Emmanuel for worship, teaching, and a welcoming church community. Our gatherings are open to all — whether you are exploring faith, returning to church, or looking for a place to call home. We would love to welcome you. Plan your Visit Sundays 8am Traditional Gathering Join us for a Short Traditional Book of Common Prayer Service. This Service typically Lasts 45 minutes. 10:30am Morning Gathering Join us for a relaxed, family-friendly service. Children’s and Youth Groups are on during this service for those aged 0-14. This service is followed by refreshments and time in community. This service typically lasts 1.5 hours. 6:30pm Evening Gathering Join us for a relaxed and welcoming time of worship, prayer and listening to God’s Word, with space to reflect and respond. This service is followed by refreshments and time in community. This service typically lasts 1.5 hours. WEDNESDAYS 10:30am Holy Communion Gathering Join us for a Midweek Spoken Holy Communion Service. This service is followed by refreshments and time in community. This Service typically Lasts 45 minutes. To Catchup on our Recent Talks Visit our Spotify Click Here

HELLO! Whether you're visiting for the first time, exploring faith, returning to church or looking for somewhere to call home - you're so welcome. Emmanuel is a church in the heart of Plymouth helping people discover Jesus, find community and make a difference. Get Connected Next steps Gather With Us Join us on a Sunday and experience worship, teaching and community together. -> Learn More Visit Us Whether you're exploring faith or looking for a church to call home, we'd love to welcome you. -> Visit Children's & Youth Safe, engaging spaces where children and young people can grow in faith. -> Discover our Groups Serve on Team Use your gifts, make a difference and become part of the life of Emmanuel. -> Learn More Get Conntected Receive updates about church life, events and opportunities to get involved. -> Register your Details