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  • Clergy | Supportive Leaders at Eastern Shore Chapel | Virginia

    Our dedicated clergy members are here to support you as you grow your relationship with Jesus Christ. Vestry Chris Anderson Sr. Warden Scott Darnell Jr. Warden Denice Maphis Anne Bibeau Larry Ward Gail Coleman Martin Sunderland Craig Fenton Debbie Quam Christina Wyman Kim Ness Susan Flye Registrar Sara Beth Owen Steve Burwell Treasurer

  • Holy Week and Easter Services | Eastern Shore Chapel

    Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Service Times Sunday, April 2, Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday 8 am Holy Eucharist, Rite I with Liturgy of the Palms and Procession (starts in the Narthex). 10:30 am Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Liturgy of the Palms and Procession (starts on the front steps of the Sanctuary). Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 7, Noonday Prayer in the Sanctuary Maundy Thursday * 7 pm, Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar, Sanctuary Friday, April 7, Good Friday * 12:30 pm- 6:45 pm, Good Friday Prayer Stations, on the lawn, parish hall if raining 7 pm, Good Friday Liturgy, Sanctuary Saturday, April 8, Holy Saturday * 7 pm, Easter Vigil with Holy Baptism, Sanctuary Sunday, April 9, Easter Sunday 7 am, Guitar led Holy Eucharist, Rite II Sunrise Service, front steps and lawn of Sanctuary, please bring your own seating. 9 am, Holy Eucharist, Rite II Easter service with the Eastern Virginia Brass Ensemble, Sanctuary 10:30 am, Children's Easter Egg Hunt, Courtyard behind the Sanctuary *Please have children bring their own baskets 11 am, Holy Eucharist, Rite II Easter service with the Eastern Virginia Brass Ensemble, Sanctuary * Days of the Paschal Triduum

  • Music | Traditional Church Choir in Virginia Beach | Handbell Choir | Children's Choir

    Our Music Ministry ensembles include a 35-member SATB choir, a chorister choir for children from grades two through seven, and a three-octave bell choir featuring members consisting of many generations. Music Ministry at Eastern Shore Chapel Make a joyful noise! Music is an essential part of worship and community at Eastern Shore Chapel. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding beginner, there's a place for you to grow, service and celebrate through music. Summer Sing Parish Choir Rehearsals: Thursday evening | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Our 30-member SATB Parish Choir leads worship at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Music selections are thoughtfully chosen to highlight the day's Lectionary readings. The choir also presents special music throughout the year, including: Evensong and Compline services Holiday celebrations with guest ensembles (e.g. Eastern Virginia Brass and the Cantilena String Quartet) Concerts featuring major choral works, including Mozart's Requiem Rutter's Gloria Britten's Noye's Fludde Hayden's Lord Nelson Mass, and more Our choir has participated in international pilgrimages, including performances in Innsburck, Austria, and at historic cathedrals in England. Children's Music Experience Rehearsals: Wednesdays | 5:00-5:45 p.m.| September - April Children in grades 1-5 learn vocal technique, music reading, and songs tied to the church calendar. This program helps children connect music, scripture, and liturgy in an age-appropriate and engaging way. Older students are encouraged to join the Parish Choir or ESC Ringers. Music Experience ESC Ringers Rehearsals: Wednesday | 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. | September - June This multi-generational handbell ensemble uses 3-octave set of Malmark handbells and hand chimes. The ESC Ringers provide musical offerings once a month during worship and at special services. Summer Music Camp August 3-7 | Singing in Worship: August 9 Children rising into grades 2-6 are invited to a fun, faith-filled week of music exploration. Camp includes: Vocal technique and musicianship skills Handbell and chime instruction Games, crafts, snacks & more! Open to all children in the Tidewater area - no church membership required! Details and registration will be posted online. Choir Recordings Interested in joining our Music Ministry at Eastern Shore Chapel? Contact Holly Sunderland

  • Volunteer | Eastern Shore Chapel

    Volunteer with us Volunteering your time and talents is a meaningful way to give back to the church and support its mission. By offering your skills, whether through service, teaching, or helping with events, you not only contribute to the life of the parish but also help build a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement deepens relationships with fellow parishioners, fosters a sense of belonging, and strengthens our shared faith as we work together to serve others and grow in our spiritual journeys. Get Involved Today! Acolytes Acolytes assist in worship by carrying a processional cross, lighting candles, holding the Gospel book, holding candles or “torches”, assisting the priest to set up and clean up at the altar, and handing the offering plates to ushers. Children may begin as acolytes in 5th grade, and adult parishioners often serve as acolytes as well. Altar Guild and Altar Flowers Every week the altar is prepared with fresh linens, flowers, and polished brass and silver by a team of helpers, trained in this art. Join them and be a part of this important preparation for worship services. Perfect for those who have the quiet gift of serving. Buildings and Grounds This committee is responsible for the maintenance of the church, anything an older building and 32-acre property might need. Currently, they have taken on replacing the windows in the church! Cemetery Committee Committee members maintain the 8 acre cemetery, an Infant Memorial Garden, Cremation Garden, Columbarium, and a Pet Memorial Garden, created to serve the community at large, and the Parishioners of ESC. Chalice Bearers Faithfully serving the elements of communion alongside our Parish Priests, this is an honor and blessing at the same time for those who “bear the chalice”. Chapel Pantry Serving over 600 families per week, the Pantry is known as a “shining light" for those in need of food assistance. Over 1.6 million pounds of food was shared just last year. The Pantry requires hundreds of hours of volunteer hours, every week, coming from every walk of life and every one adds to the success of this God guided ministry Children’s Music Experience Open to children from grades 1–5, with a summer music program for children in grades 2-6. During rehearsals, the children are taught correct singing techniques, music reading skills and music for worship experiences throughout the liturgical year. Perfect spot for children to learn about the teachings of the church and scriptures. Choir and Music Ministry Serving in this ministry can mean a variety of things from singing in the choir to ringing the handbells or playing an instrument. The ESC Choir features members consisting of multiple generations. No musical talent is needed for the behind the scenes work of organizing the music library! Faith Formation Faithful formation experiences shape our lives. Offered for all ages every Sunday from 9:15am-10:15am. Volunteers are always needed to teach! Adult programs seek to form and transform our lives and our faith, through study, dialogue, community life, prayer and worship. Additional opportunities for spiritual growth such as Bible and book studies form each liturgical season, in person and on zoom. First Friday: Men's Breakfast All the men of Eastern Shore Chapel are invited to enjoy preparing, serving and eating breakfast together once a month, as they discuss the upcoming lessons with Father Shawn and topics of pertinent interest. Great conversations! Gifts of Gratitude This committee for Stewardship creates the monthly gratitude newsletters, sponsored the Friendsgiving dinner in November, promoted our annual Financial Pledge Campaign and now is working on the Time and Talents Pledge Campaign. Greeter & Ushers With just a very little bit of training, bring your smile, and you can be a greeter and usher at our worship services. Sign up for a week at a time, for dates that work for you! Additional helpers are ALWAYS welcomed! Historic Committee Enjoy guided tours on the first Sunday of each month after the 10:30 a.m. service. ESC’s member experts provide interesting stories of the stained glass windows, silver Communion service, music, altar, and cemetery. Whether you are a long-time parishioner or have just joined our church, the tours provide a rich overview of the almost four hundred years of history this congregation has worshipped in Virginia Beach. Ministry Hospitality Treat your ESC family to some “old fashioned” TLC! Provide a selection of snacks each Sunday prior to and during Adult Forum. This simple form of hospitality helps to promote fellowship as we sit down together, chat and enjoy snacks and beverages! Many sources for snacks are available at no cost, we just need helping hands to set up and serve. Lay Eucharistic Visitors Lay Eucharistic Visitors receive training to bring communion to homebound or hospitalized parishioners. They are commissioned towards the end of our Sunday services, and go out nearly every week to bring communion to those who desire to have it brought to them. Lectors Reading the Word of God from the Bible at Worship services is a gift of service from these dedicated volunteers, who with just a minimal amount of training, share the Old and New Testament readings each week. New Mom Ministry New moms receive a gift bag that includes a devotional book of prayers for parents, a poem celebrating the precious baby, and a knitted cap, or pair of handmade booties. We offer care and support through notes and phone calls before the new little one arrives and shortly thereafter. Knitters are needed! Outreach This committee offers financial support to programs along with lots of “hands-on” participation. We remind parishioners we are agents of God’s kingdom in our community and in the world. Our outreach committee meets monthly to pray and coordinate ways to serve in our local community and around the world. We are avidly engaged in mission and ministry among and with people in need. Office Volunteers These volunteers staff our church front office, answer phones and give direction to visitors, during the hours that the church office is open, Monday through Friday. Parish Friends Our Parish Friends ministry teams are available to help families in our church at the time of a death in the family. They prepare and organize receptions for the bereaved family and friends following a funeral or memorial service, offering the gift of food and hospitality in a time of need Pastoral Care Team This group shares a responsibility with our Parish Priests to care for our church family, providing assistance in times of joy, sorrow or sickness. All members of our Pastoral Care Ministries work together to offer help in situations in which pastoral support is needed, ensuring that “no one walks alone” as challenges arise and life changes and personal needs occur. Peanuts Preparing and selling what have been described as “the world’s best peanuts” is just part of the mission of this group of men and women, who kindly donate all the proceeds to support a variety of good causes. Prison Ministry This ministry sends well-organized, well-trained volunteer teams from all over Virginia to present an introductory 3-day weekend, described as "a short course in Christianity." The interdenominational team of volunteers—both clergy and laypersons—works in cooperation with the prison chaplain, who carefully selects inmate leaders to attend. The singular objective is to develop a self-sustaining Christian community. Cookies are an important ingredient in the ministry. They help open hearts to repentance, forgiveness and an awareness of God’s love. Join the bakers at ESC! Youth Group EYC Our youth program is focused on building community and serving others. This includes, but is not limited to cooking and serving at the homeless shelter, helping out at the Chapel Pantry and meal packing for Stop Hunger Now. Community is important, so youth gather as a group several times a year with a focus on fun, fellowship and being the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Vestry Those who have administrative interests are tasked with the oversight of the workings of the church. The Vestry’s main responsibility is to oversee the parish's finances. In partnership with our Parish Priests, this group of 12 elected parishioners develops and approves the annual parish budget and serves as an advisory council to the priests. Family Assistance Ministry At Family Assistance Ministry ESC, our mission is to assist with family needs so parents can concentrate on raising healthy, happy children. We believe that everyone deserves access to the necessities, such as baby's needs, clothing and housewares. WESC (Women of Eastern Shore Chapel) Open to all the women of the church, this group of women hosts picnics, receptions, and special events. Perhaps they are best know for sponsoring an annual soup sale, and an annual herb sale, along with a church yard sale for many years. All efforts have the purpose of raising funds to help those in need in the parish, diocese, the nation and the world. Look around the church and you will find these ladies helping in so very many ministries, especially whenever there is food involved! As one member says: this is the FUN STUFF! A great way to make friends. Winter Shelter Each winter, ESC works with PIN Ministry to sponsor a week of warm shelter and meals for those who find themselves without shelter. Volunteers are needed for mealtimes to help cook, serve, and clean for our less fortunate guests.

  • Faith Formation | Sunday School | Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church | Virginia Beach

    Our weekly faith-building classes for all ages! Faith Formation Adult Forum on Summer Vacation We'll Be Back in the Fall Adult Forum is taking a break for the summer! Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the year for thoughtful discussions, learning, and fellowship. We look forward to welcoming you back this fall as we begin a new program year with fresh topics and opportunities to grow in faith together. Our Christian Formation hour for all ages is every Sunday from 9:15am-10:15am, between our 8am and 10:30am services. During the summer, we take a break from traditional 9:15am Sunday Adult Formation offerings. CHILDREN YOUTH ADULTS

  • About Our Worship Services | What Is a Rite? | Eastern Shore Chapel

    Both our Rite 1 and Rite II Sunday worship services have organ accompaniment, choir and handbell choir.What is a Rite? A form for religious ceremony. It includes both what is said and what is done in the religious observance. About Our Worship Services On Sundays mornings, Eastern Shore Chapel offers an 8 a.m. Rite I service and a 10:30 a.m. Rite II service in the main Sanctuary. Both worship services have organ accompaniment, and our 10:30 service includes choir and handbell choir. What is a "rite"? “A rite is a form for religious ceremony. It includes both what is said and what is done in the religious observance. Rite expresses the church's relationship with God through words, actions, and symbols. It orders the church's common worship. Rite enables the community to share its faith and experience God's presence in a particular liturgical and pastoral context.” — An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User-Friendly Reference for Episcopalians In the Episcopal Church, Rite I and Rite ll both come from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (BCP), which provides the services of Morning and Evening Prayer, the Holy Eucharist, and the Burial Office in both traditional language and contemporary language rites. The traditional language rites are known as Rite I, and the contemporary language rites are known as Rite II. Rite I 8 a.m. Sunday The Rite I liturgies reflect the language and piety of the Elizabethan era and the first BCP, although the structure of these liturgies also reflects the influence of modern liturgical scholarship. Rite I is very similar to the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, keeping the older English language (thee, thou, etc.) with little updates to the Creed and prayers. The Confession, and Prayers of Consecration remain the same. Rite II 10:30 a.m. Sunday | 5:30 p.m. Wednesday The Rite II liturgies reflect more fully the influence of the liturgical movement and contemporary theology. Rite II liturgies tend to reflect greater sensitivity for inclusive language issues. The proper liturgies for special days (such as Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday), pastoral offices (such as the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage), and Episcopal services (such as ordinations) are printed in contemporary language in the BCP. Morning Prayer 7:30 a.m. Thursdays in the Narthex Join us live in the narthex (entryway of the main church building) at 7:30 every Thursday for Morning Prayer Rite II. It's come-as-you are casual. Everything you need is provided, even hot coffee! 7:30 a.m. every morning on Zoo m Join us virtually on Zoom every morning (except Sunday) for a morning prayer service. The room opens around 7 a.m., and the service starts promptly at 7:30 and is over before 8 a.m. You don't need to bring anything ... you can even leave your camera off if you aren't "camera ready" at that hour. Our service is lay led, participation is optional - you can just listen and pray along with us if you are more comfortable. Come, join us, and be open to God's presence! Please contact Lee Davis cleedavis3@gmail.com if you have any questions or are having trouble with the Zoom link. Sunday worship Click to Pray Morning Prayer Wednesday Evening 5:30 pm services Contemporary worship Our Wednesday Evening Worship Services take place in our small chapel, located in the Parish Day School wing. The services alternate between the Book of Common Prayer Service of Evening Prayer and Holy Eucharist Rite II. On the 4th Wednesday of the month, we offer an order of prayer for Healing along with Holy Eucharist. Contemporary, guitar led worship is occasionally offered at these services. Click HERE for more details on Summer/Fall 2025 Wednesday Evening Services.

  • Church Calendar | Upcoming Events and Meetings | Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church | Virginia Beach

    Eastern Shore Chapel's calendar of upcoming church and ministry events and meetings.

  • Weekly E-News | Chapel Chimes | Eastern Shore Chapel Newsletter

    Find out what's new and upcoming at our church. Weekly E-News CHAPEL CHIMES SIGN UP FOR E-NEWS Chimes: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Chimes: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

  • Outreach | Volunteer to Help People in Need | Eastern Shore Chapel

    Our outreach ministries provide financial support and “hands-on” participation for many initiatives in our local community, including ESC Chapel Pantry, Prison Ministry, Winter Shelter, and many more. Outreach Opportunities “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Our Outreach Ministry embraces these words of Jesus. We not only provide financial support to programs but we offer lots of “hands-on” participation. We remind parishioners we are agents of God’s kingdom in our community and in the world. Our outreach committee meets monthly to pray and coordinate ways to serve in our local community. For more information, contact committee chair Karen Anderson Outreach Request Form Ministries & partners We are avidly engaged in mission and ministry among and with people in need. Here are just some of our outreach projects: ESC Chapel Pantry Our on-site pantry wishes to be a welcoming refuge to people seeking food assistance. Volunteers help unload trucks, sort and stock food, interact with pantry guests, and drive our golf carts. Visit our Chapel Pantry website for more info ESC Prison Ministry We visit prisoners to provide a listening presence and a caring friend, as part of the Prison Visitation Society. PVS is nonsectarian, although God always seems to be present. Our prisoners come from all religions and often are “between” faith times in their lives. Visit our Prison Ministry page for more info ESC Care of Creation We seek to increase our collective awareness of God’s creation around the 32-acre grounds of Eastern Shore Chapel and gently lead us toward practices that reduce our impact on the environment. Visit our Care Creation page for more info Winter Shelter During cold weather, ESC joins with other community churches and organizations to host Winter Shelter. For one week, we provide meals and a warm place to sleep for 65 homeless men and women in this cold time of the year. To learn more about the program, contact Scott Darnell Spinclusion SPINCLUSION offers free bicycle rides on adaptive electric bikes to seniors, veterans, and those with mobility issues in Hampton Roads. As a non-profit affiliate of Cycling Without Age, we promote an active and inclusive lifestyle. Led by volunteers, our rides provide fun and accessibility to those who wouldn't otherwise have the chance to cycle. Judeo-Christian Outreach Center This interfaith nonprofit works to empower homeless families, individuals, and veterans to recover from crisis situations and return to being self-supporting, productive, and independent members of our community. Seton House Youth Shelter Seton Youth Shelters provides 24-hour emergency shelter for youth ages 9-17 years old. This program serves runaway/homeless youth and youth in crisis within their family, school and/or community. Seton Youth Shelters operates two shelters in Virginia Beach, one for boys and the other for girls. To get involved with our monthly "Foodie Friday" ministry for Seton House, please contact Alison Johnson PiN Ministry People in Need provides food, clothing, shelter, and free medical care for people that are either homeless or extremely poor. The ultimate focus is to help the homeless of Hampton Roads transform their lives by meeting them where they are and sharing a God that loves them and wants a relationship with them. VBPD Blue Santa Blue Christmas raises awareness for the dedication of those in law enforcement and the medical field who work tirelessly during the holidays to ensure our safety. Family Assistance Ministry (FAM) At Family Assistance Ministry ESC, our mission is to assist with family needs so parents can concentrate on raising healthy, happy children. We believe that everyone deserves access to the necessities, such as baby's needs, clothing and housewares. Visit us here Connect a Wish Connect With A Wish: Empowering local foster youth since 2014. Our programs rely on your generosity. Join us in making a difference. Visit us here Worldwide Outreach We proudly support various charities worldwide, including the Diocese of Hawaii Relief Fund for Maui Wildfire, an Arts Programs in Ukraine, and a scholarship fund for a student in Belize. These endeavors reflect our commitment to making a positive impact globally.

  • Adult Programs | Adult Bible Study in Virginia Beach | Men's Breakfast

    Our adult programs seek to form and transform our lives and our faith, through study, dialogue, community life, prayer and worship. Experiences include men’s breakfast, bible study, faith formation, Sunday school, and Holy Eucharist. Adults Formation at Eastern Shore Chapel Faith Formation doesn't stop after childhood - it grows richer. At Eastern Shore Chapel, we believe adult Christians thrive through lifelong learning, worship, service, and deep community. Whether you're diving into scripture, joining a small group, or sharing life's journey over a meal or volunteer project, we offer a variety of ways to grow in faith, and friendship,. Sunday Mornings for Adult Worship Services 8:00 a.m. Rite I (Traditional Language) 10:30 a.m. Rite II (Contemporary Language) Sunday School | 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. (September - May) During our Christian Education hour, all adults are invited to gather for Adult Forum in the Parish Hall. This series offers engaging, diverse programming. Scripture study Discussion on Episcopal life and worship Current events and faith in action Guest speakers and seasonal topics Click here for a list of current topics . Faith Formation Faith Formation & Study Opportunities Adult spiritual formation continues throughout the week and throughout the year: Seasonal Bible and Book Studies: Offered during Advent, Lent and other liturgical seasons, in-person or on Zoom. Topics vary and are shared through our social media, Chapel Chimes, and weekly bulletin. Midweek Worship: Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Small Chapel - Alternating between lay-led Evening Prayer and clergy-led Holy Eucharist, with a Healing Service on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Men's Breakfast First Friday of every month | 7:00 a.m. Men's Breakfast is a standing tradition at ESC and a great way to start the month. Come for hot coffee, hearty food and great conversation with other men in our community. From spiritual discussions to service projects and fellowship outings, this is a space for connection and encouragement. Women's Ministry Eastern Shore Chapel offers a variety of ways for women to connect, grow and serve together: Connect Groups and seasonal gatherings Fundraising and Fellowship Events such as: Annual Soup Sale Spring Plant and Herb Sale Service and outreach projects supporting the parish and wider community. Music Ministry for Adults Whether you're an experienced musician or just love to sing, there's a place for you in our vibrant and growing music program: Opportunities Include: Parish Choir (SATB - All experience levels welcome) ESC Ringers (3-octave handbell choir) Funeral and memorial service choir Seasonal concerts and community performances To get involved, contact Holly Sunderland

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