Newsletter (Communications)

September 8, 2010

Gideon Drive Update: God is on the move… (narrative by Kerry Walters, parish executive).
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

Gideon Update

These may be the most significant words in the Bible. The creation account in Genesis shows that we worship a God of infinite creativity and variety, One who is a planner who knows the end from the very beginning, One who knows all the details and in what order they need to occur. It all begins with God and apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

We don’t have to look very hard to see God’s creative order at work on Gideon Drive. It is particular breath-taking as we pause for a moment to look how far we’ve come in the past six months.

The month of March marked the official beginning of construction with mobilization of the heavy equipment and putting in place the financing, bonds, permits and contracts.
In April we began the dramatic process of clearing the trees from the building site. During May, we started reshaping the earth by moving vast quantities of dirt from one part of the property to the other. The concrete foundations were excavated and poured in June and by July much of the storm drain system had been laid. In August we installed all of the underground electrical and plumbing lines before pouring the concrete slabs.

And now we’ve entered September, having done all the hard work necessary to erect the steel structure of our new church home. The first truck carrying steel columns and beams was delivered and completely installed on Tuesday, September 7th. The steel structure gives us a real sense of what the building will look like. It offers one of those strategic moments in our lives when we can look back at how far we’ve come and, at the same time, have a glimpse of what the future holds in store.

But this new church isn’t just a “clubhouse” for our family and friends. Above all, the Bible tells us that God is love and He loves us so much that He created us in his own image to live in fellowship with Him. There will, indeed, be many wonderful fellowship activities as we share our love in Christ. But we live in a lost and broken world where so many do not know God’s love through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ.

God has given a special mission to All Saints’ Church- to be overflowing with God’s love and healing power. Our new church is being given to us by God as a platform for ministry, as a base from which we can carry the message of the good news of the Gospel to new generations of saints.

As we celebrate the steel framework of our new church and the installation of our new Rector this weekend, let us ask God to reveal His plan for each of us. How is He challenging you and preparing you for what lies ahead?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11 – 13)

Father Dan Morgan’s Installation… Please be sure to mark Saturday, September 11 on your calendar, for this big event. Father Dan’s installation will take place in the sancutary at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow in the multi-puprose room. Archbishop Duncan will be in attendance. For more information, call the church office at 703.670.0093. All are welcome!! Please note that childcare will be provided for children Pre-k, and younger.

Healing Prayer Training Opportunity… Many of you may remember the “Healing Hours” Prayer Ministry that All Saints’ Church conducted a number of years ago. The concept and format of the ministry was based on the “Healing Rooms International” ministry which has now spread throughout the USA and around the world in the last decade. The ministry is coming to Woodbridge in the near future. In preparation, a training seminar is being offered by New Life Anointed Ministries International on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m. The former Director of All Saints’ Healing Hours ministry, Ed Speare, has signed up to attend and is looking for one or two other All Saints’ members interested in the Healing Prayer ministry who might be interested in attending as well. The cost of this all-day seminar is $25, payable at the door. Pre-registration and more information is available on the Healing Rooms of Woodbridge website at: www.healingroomofwoodbridge.com. This can be an opportunity to partner with other local Prince William County churches in bringing healing to our community and learn more about Christian Healing Prayer. Anyone who wishes to attend is asked to contact Ed Speare at Fast1edd@aol.com, or 703.878.7706.

11 Countries In 11 Months… Sarah Olmstead is leaving on September 12 to take part in a year-long mission. She is participating in the World Race, a program through Adventures in Missions. On the World Race, she will travel to 11 different countries in 11 months, spending one month in each country. In each country, she will be doing a different type of ministry (orphanage ministry in Ukraine, human trafficking ministry in Cambodia). Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers during the time. If you would like to follow Sarah you can subscribe to her blog at www.saraholmstead.theworldrace.org.

Help Needed!!!…The Fall 2010 Alpha course is starting on Tuesday, September 14, and The Marriage Course on Tuesday, September 28. The leaders are asking if you or your small group would be willing to help set-up, take down, prepare a meal (or part of one) for or serve at one of the dinners these groups will be sharing Tuesday evenings. No experience needed, just a willing heart and spirit – we’ll coach you through the rest! Please sign up on the Alpha bulletin board outside the multi-purpose room or contact Lisa Anderson at landerson@allsaintsdalecity.org with any questions.

Desk Free To A Good Home! The roll-top desk located inside the Acolyte area of the Vesting room must be given away. If you are interested, please inquire at the Church office for more details.

Drummers Wanted! If you play drums or percussion, please consider using your talent for the Lord. Several of the choir’s drummers are away at school, so there is a need for additional drummers to serve during Sunday Worship. Please contact Deborah Chappell at dchappell@allsaintsdalecity.org or 703.670.0093, ext. 11 for more information.

Divorced? Separated? You don’t have to go through it alone - Find help, discover hope, and experience healing through DivorceCare. This 13-week series of classes and videos begins October 4, and will meet weekly from 6:30-8:30p.m. at the church. DivorceCare helps you recover from the pain of separation and divorce through a special weekly support group and seminar conducted by people who understand what you are experiencing. You’ll learn how to deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life through presentations on topics such as anger, depression, loneliness, new relationships, financial survival, KidCare, forgiveness, reconciliation, and moving on and growing closer to God. You can learn more about this powerful series of healing by visiting www.divorcecare.org. A sign-up book is located in the back of the church or you can contact, Martha Saunders at msaunders13@aol.com or by phone at 703.623.0366. Jim and Victoria Holt will also help lead this ministry and can help answer questions you may have about the Healing Power of DivorceCare. Child care is available but must be requested at the time of registration.

Men’s Bible Study To Begin September 18…The men’s Saturday Bible study will focus on the
letters of Paul to the church in America. This is a practical study, with a goal of defining the Biblical principles we need for the development and maintenance of an effective, authentic Christian life. No previous Bible knowledge necessary, and you are encouraged to join the study any time. Expect your life to change by the eternal Word of God. Bring a friend. Class will start promptly at 8 a.m. and finish at 9 a.m., meeting in the sanctuary. How you structure your calendar defines what’s important in your life. Men, put God’s Word first on Saturday morning and watch what He will do.

Confirmation/Reception Classes Scheduled: Our bishop will be with us on Sunday, November 7 (All Saints’ Sunday), for Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation. If you have not made an adult profession of faith with the laying on of hands by a bishop and are 16 years of age or older, you are eligible for Confirmation. If you have done so in another denomination, and wish to be received now as an Anglican, Reception by the bishop is the appropriate action. In either case, please notify Fr. Mark or the Parish office, and sign up for one of the two Saturday confirmation/reception classes that will be taught by the Clergy. Classes are scheduled for Saturday, October 16 and 30 in the Youth Center from 9:30 a.m.- noon. [Teens should contact Mario Sandoval directly for confirmation instruction.] If you are a confirmed member of All Saints’, but are in a place spiritually where the Lord is leading you to make a fresh commitment of faith, you may present yourself to the bishop for Reaffirmation on November 7. Your attendance at the classes is optional, but please the church office of your intention to reaffirm your faith.

Back To Choir Night… All Saints’ Choir invites you to attend “Back to Choir Night” on Thursday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. This exciting event of fellowship and singing, will be held in the balcony. No prior choral or vocal training is required. We will teach you to sing and read music. Come to learn, meet new folks and have fun! Child care will be provided as needed. For more information, contact Deborah Chappell at dchappell@allsaintsdalecity.org or 703.670.0093, ext. 11.

Beginning September 12: Foundations For Ministry… Old Testament is part of an exciting class that covers the entire Bible in two years. The class beginning this fall is the first of the two years and covers the text of the Old Testament, including teaching on a variety of Bible study skills. “Your clergy firmly believe that the Foundations course is an essential building block for fulfilling our church’s vision to be a church ‘overflowing with love and healing power.’ Our vision declares that effective proclamation of the Good News of salvation should be built on a sound knowledge of Scripture: Foundations will give you a wonderful framework for that knowledge.” Class will meet Sunday evenings in the sanctuary from 6:00-8:00 p.m. starting September 12. Please pick up a Foundations for Ministry brochure for details and to register. Materials will be available at the first class meeting. Workbooks ($15.00 each) and an approved Study Bible (see brochure for approved options), are required for this course (Bibles are $27.00-$35.00, depending on the version), and will be available for purchase if you do not have one. Some scholarship money is available so please let us know if you have need. You will need your bible and workbook for each class. It’s not too to late to sign up for this course! Please contact Desiree Barker at 703.670.0093 ext. 8 or by email at dbarker@allsaintsdalecity.org for more information, or register online at http://www.allsaintsdalecity.org/foundations.

Youth at All Saints’…

Consumed Youth Group will resume weekly meetings at the church beginning Sept 12th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “The Great Connection”. There will be laughing, learning, eating, singing, and hanging out. Join in on Sunday nights, and play games andfun activities, enjoy snack, teachings and/or group discussions, and wind up the evening with music provided by the youth music team. We would LOVE to see YOU on Sunday nights! Come and find out why we have a very good rate of return customers. See Youth bulletin board outside the multipurpose room for more details. For regular updates, please visit the youth events section on the new website: www.allsaintsdalecity.org.

Boys & Girls Bible Study…

• Thursday night youth at All Saints’ are invited to attend either Boys or Girls Bible Study. This year the girls will be getting a real treat, as Lori Sandoval will be teaching the class.

• The guys will have a dual punch as Mario Sandoval will lead the first part of the year and Palmer Denny will be coming out of retirement to lead the second half.
*Parents: Starting in September, please count on starting at 7:15 and ending at 8:30.

Sunday School…

• First day of God’s classes will commence on this Sunday at 9:15 a.m.

* Middle School class will meet in the kitchen. Bill and Peggy Snodgrass and Jim
and Nan Shotwell will be teaching.
* The Senior High class will meet in room 5. Teachers are John Meekhof and Mario Sandoval.

Keeping God’s word exciting and relevant is our specialty. Check It Out!