Holy Grounds » Announcements

Joanna is coming!

sreinitz — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:39:04 +0000

Hello HG friends!

I have fantastic news! The wonderful Joanna Geiger is back in the country and will be sharing at HG on Sunday night (this week – January 8). Many of you know her, but for those of you who don’t, Joanna is a former Holy Groundser who has spent the last several years serving overseas with YWAM in Thailand and Australia. She’s going to be leading Sunday night and talking some about her experiences. She would love to see everyone. Service starts at 6 pm – hope everyone can make it!

Thanks all!

Steph

Holidays with the Muppets

Whitney — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:42:44 +0000

Hi friends,

This coming Sunday night, Dec. 18, we’re holding an HG Christmas party.

There will be a screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol, and we ask that everyone bring a snack to share.

Join us, even if you haven’t been to HG for awhile. We’d love to see you.

6:00 p.m. in the basement of Fairlington Presbyterian Church. Bonus points if you wear an ugly holiday sweater.

See you then!

Whitney

This Saturday: Help Paige Move!

Whitney — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:52:16 +0000

Hi friends,

What’s that? You don’t have any Saturday morning plans?

You’re in luck! It’s time to reassemble the HG moving team to help Paige relocate from Fairlington to Crystal City.

We’re meeting at her old place at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday (tomorrow!) to load and transport. She doesn’t have much in the way of furniture, so we should be able to get it all into cars. If you can bring yours, we’ll get this done even faster!

So, 8:00 a.m. at 3738 Jason Ave, Alexandria, VA. It’s just down the street from Fairlington Pres. See you then?

Whitney

HG Field Trip

Whitney — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:12:23 +0000

Hi all,

Tonight, HG will not be meeting at Fairlington. Instead, we’re taking it on the road for a progressive dinner! If you would like to join and have not yet received details, send me an email at whitney[dot]gent[at]gmail[dot]com. Starts at 3:00, ends at 9:00.

See you there!

Whitney

Concert at Mount Olivet Methodist Church this Friday evening!

hari.a.rao — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:29:03 +0000

Hey guys,

Heather (my girlfriend) wanted me to let you know that the Robbie Seay Band, a popular Christian band, is playing at her church this Friday at 7:30 pm. Here is a link to their web site:

http://www.robbieseayband.com/home/

And here is the address:

1500 N Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22207

You can also contact Heather for more information at hmd412@gmail.com.

I will be there!

-Hari

21 Day Challenge

Whitney — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:55:28 +0000

Hi all,

Last Sunday night we talked about the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), wherein Jesus sets Martha straight for being more concerned with dinner details and hospitality than sitting at his feet. In an effort to really learn from this, we’ve decided to embark together upon a 21 day challenge.

It supposedly takes 21 days to make or break a habit. So, should you wish to participate, we ask that you identify one behavior that you think would either: 1) help you to better sit at the feet of Jesus, or 2) remove an obstacle to your relationship with Jesus. The challenge is personal and, should you decide to participate, you’ll be committing to doing (or not doing) something every day of the 21. Each Sunday until the end of October, expect to be asked about your progress as we aim to hold one another accountable to our personal challenges. I hope you will join us.

-Whitney

P.S. – My mom will be joining us this Sunday.

Sunday’s meeting

Whitney — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 03:44:19 +0000

Has been cancelled. Most folks will be away on travel this weekend. We’ll resume on the first weekend in October. See you then!

Please pray…

sreinitz — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:10:02 +0000

Hi friends -

I’m posting to ask for your prayers for some friends of mine. My good friends Dale & Hannah in Pittsburgh just had a baby girl named Ruby. She was just diagnosed with a very serious heart defect (two holes in her heart) and has been admitted to the hospital. She’s having trouble breathing and hasn’t gained any weight since birth, even though she’s already 6 weeks old. The doctors can’t seem to get her to gain any weight. To make the situation even more heartbreaking, their son passed away at birth a year and a half ago because of an undetected complication during childbirth. They are now at the point of fearing the loss of their second baby in two years. I can’t even imagine.

I’m heading to Pittsburgh tomorrow morning to stay with them until Tuesday and watch their 4 year old daughter, Lindy, so they can be at the hospital. Please pray for healing for Ruby, for strength and rest for Dale & Hannah, and for peace for me. It’s minor compared to what they’re going through, but I have a staff retreat in two weeks and this is the worst possible time to take off 2 days. Not really sure how it’s going to work.

Thank you all! I’ll try to keep you posted.

Steph

No HG this Sunday

Whitney — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 02:54:08 +0000

Hi all,

We will not be holding Holy Grounds tomorrow due to the holiday weekend. However, I’m looking for a volunteer (or two) to lead next week. Please let me know if you are interested/willing.

Thanks!

Whitney

Grappling in Chicago

jledmiston — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:33:30 +0000

Dear Holy Grounders,

THANK YOU for what is among the best gifts I’ve ever been given. I really, really love the grappling hook and your grappling memories. It’s the only personal touch in my new office in my new position with Chicago Presbytery. Already it has not only soothed my soul, but it’s invited others to grapple with me.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate all of you. Thanks especially to Steph for delivering it and to Lauren for creating it and to all of you for being my sisters and brothers in Christ.

I miss you and love you. May the grappling continue – Jan

PS I hope to see many of you at J & D’s wedding.

Sunday Night with Matt

Lauren Williams — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 22:14:44 +0000

Hi Kiddos!!!

Steph just informed me that the infamous Matt will be leading on Sunday evening. I don’t know what the topic will be, but knowing Matt, I’m sure it’ll spark some awesome conversation

SO, come on out this weekend and join us Sunday evening for some fantastic fellowship!

Move Assistance Requested

JDBorden — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:28:14 +0000

Michael Dennis, the organist for Fairlington Presbyterian Church is looking for some help; please see the email he sent Hari below……… If you can help please contact Hari

Hari,

I’ve finally nailed down some info about what help I could use for my move. It’s Saturday, August 6 and I can start at 8AM.

I need a couple of things:

1. Some helpers to load my U-Haul. I have an elevator reserved starting at 8AM that morning and just need to get everything out and on to the truck as quickly as possible.

2. Delivery of extra furniture to the church. It can all go on the back of the U-Haul, and we make a stop on the way to Reston. Or, someone with a pickup might be able to take it separately.

3. Two people to follow me to Reston: One to drive my car and one to follow and take that driver back to Alexandria.

I don’t actually need any help unloading or unpacking in Reston – I have soccer players and coworkers who are going to pitch in on that end. I hope to get loaded and drive out there in the morning and be done with that much by early afternoon.

Thanks for helping me find people!

Michael

Personal Favor

Lauren Williams — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 06:21:14 +0000

Hi Friends!

I have a personal request to make to all of you in my “tribe.” I recently found out from a very dear friend of mine, Katie (some of you may have heard me talk about her (graphic designer who lives in Brooklyn)) that one of her sisters (Kendra (whom I would also consider a friend)) has been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. While I am quite certain that I can count on all of you for prayers (which I love), I have another request as well.

Katie has set up an online shop to help Kendra (and her husband Stephen) offset some of the cost of Kendra’s chemo treatments. If you get a chance, please visit wholeheartsforlife.com and consider helping out.

Thanks all

Next couple weeks

sreinitz — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 15:58:24 +0000

Hi friends! Just an update on the next couple of weeks at HG. Whitney is leading tomorrow (July 3), I’m leading the following week (July10), and Hari is up the 17th. If you’re available to lead after that, let me know and I’ll add you to the whiteboard tomorrow night. Happy 4th of July!

Steph

Tonight – Ryan leading

sreinitz — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 18:42:40 +0000

Hey friends -

Ryan Page is going to lead at HG tonight (thanks Ryan!) – See you all at 6!

Steph

Leader for tomorrow

Lauren Williams — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 19:19:36 +0000

Hi friends we find ourselves in the same situation we were last week: we lack a leader for tomorrow’s hg Sunday gathering.

So, if you’re willing to lead tomorrow, please let Stephanie or me know or just comment on this post

Thanks!

Tonight!

sreinitz — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 21:15:11 +0000

Hey all – Since no one appears to be able/willing to lead tonight, I’m thinking we officially cancel for the evening. Lauren and I are at our place, considering ordering Thai food, text me ASAP if you’re interested in joining us for dinner (or just hanging out). Thanks all!

Steph

Leader for tonight

sreinitz — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:45:35 +0000

Hi friends – Lauren and I realized we don’t have a plan for HG tonight. Anyone up for leading tonight (or in the next couple weeks for that matter)?

Casa Chiri Young Professionals: Latin Wine & Food Pairing Experience

Beth — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:53:01 +0000

Let’s celebrate wine and food from Latin countries while we learn about a local charity, Casa Chirilagua! Casa Chirilagua helps build community in a Latino immigrant neighborhood in Arlandria known as Chirilagua.

When: Friday, June 17, 7 p.m.
Where: Beth’s Apartment near Duke & N. Jordan, (I’ll email you the address the day before)
What: Bring a bottle of wine from South America and a food item, perhaps Latin-inspired(!), to pair. As we open and taste each wine and food pairing, each person will tell us why he/she picked this particular wine and food item. We will get to know each other better and talk with others involved with the Casa Chirilagua community.

RSVP to me directly or at MeetUp at http://meetu.ps/1gPR7

P.S. If you’d like help picking a wine or a wine/food pairing, I am happy to help!

Arlington Theology Pub

Beth — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:55:48 +0000

Hi everyone!

I wanted to let you know about this great Emerging Christianity Conversation I’ve been attending in DC facilitated by Glenn Zuber. So far we have read two Brian McLaren books and one Rob Bell book and discussed them in small groups. Brian McLaren has also come to speak twice since December. Glenn runs a similar conversation-oriented DC Theology Pub and wants to create one in Arlington to make it easier to attend for those south of the Potomac.

If you are interested in possibly attending any of these Arlington Theology Pub conversations, let me know and I will pass your contact info on to Glenn. If you would like more information or would like to contact Glenn directly, check out the DC Theology Pub meetup site at http://www.meetup.com/DC-Theology-Pub/ .

Beth Taylor
Zn2001@yahoo.com

NO Sunday Service Tonight!

Lauren Williams — Sun, 29 May 2011 12:12:53 +0000

Hi Friends!

Jen reminded me last night that we never got the word out about the plans for Memorial Day weekend. As I recall, we decided to cancel the Sunday evening service because we were unsure as to who would be there and didn’t have anyone to lead.

SO… enjoy a Sunday evening off, come hang out at Half-Priced Burgers tomorrow, and we’ll catch you later

(If there’s a big enough group who wants to/is able to be there tonight as well as somebody who watns to lead, I’m going to trust you to handle that amongst yourselves )

1/2 Price Burger Time

JDBorden — Sat, 28 May 2011 16:36:36 +0000

WOW! Can you believe it, it’s Memorial weekend……. That makes Monday a holiday and 1/2 price burgers at noon. So if your in town make plans to stop by Crystal City Sports Pub for a great meal in the company of your friends. And the first round of Ice Water is on my tab!

Movie Time!

Lauren Williams — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:36:56 +0000

Alright Friends… To kick off the next few weeks of super fun moving parties, I propose an entertaining venture. THIS FRIDAY (May 13), let’s go see THOR. I don’t know an exact time yet (Fandango hasn’t released them yet), but I’ll probably be looking at and 8:00 showing in 2D at Hoffman AMC (right off 495 in Alexandria) or Regal Potomac Yard (on Rt 1 by Hops). Let me know if you’re interested in going (lrn.wllms[at]gmail[dot]com), and I’ll make sure to keep you in the loop once I get more details

Farewell Party for Josh (& Lauren – kind of :))

sreinitz — Tue, 10 May 2011 02:21:14 +0000

Hey all -

So our dear friend Josh is back from training, but sadly only for a couple of weeks before heading to Germany for good. We decided to send both he and Lauren off in style (even though Lauren is staying for a bit) with the first barbeque of the summer. The festivities will take place on Friday, May 20 at the Dale’s house. We’ll fire up the grill sometime around 6 pm (“we” may or may not actually be the Dale’s who might still be at work) and we’ll plan to eat between 6:30 and 7 pm but you can come whenever you get off work. I’ll try to help coordinate food, so let me know if you’re willing to bring something and what that something might be Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Steph

HG – Plan for May

sreinitz — Wed, 04 May 2011 01:43:29 +0000

Hello all -

For those of you that missed the planning meeting last week, we thought we should fill you in on a couple of things. The plan for the foreseeable future is to go back to a 6:00 pm start time with different members of our community leading discussions each evening. We are also going to do a focus on Fear for the next several weeks. We have leaders scheduled for the next several weeks and will be adding to the schedule as we go. Finally, we decided to make a donation to Carpenter’s Shelter on behalf of Holy Grounds.

That’s the quick summary – I’ll be posting separately about a couple special events and a volunteer need we have. Hope to see you all next week!

Steph

HG Planning Meeting this week

sreinitz — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:06:28 +0000

Hi all -

We’ve now reached the end of Lent and therefore our trial period of meeting with the Methodists over lunch. This week, we’re returning to the 6:30 pm time slot and will meet to talk about what we want to do for our worship service moving forward. I hope to see you all there!

Steph

Game night tomorrow at Steph’s!

sreinitz — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 03:30:58 +0000

Hi friends – So there are a few of us with a hankering for Monopoly so we’re playing at my place tomorrow night (Friday). Come by anytime after 6 pm and we can order food if people are hungry. Call or text me if you need directions – 612.708.0793. And no, you’re not required to play Monopoly, you can just come by and hang out if you want.

Easter Sunrise Service

sreinitz — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:25:39 +0000

Hi all – Thought it was time to share the official plan for Easter. We are doing the traditional HG Easter Service at 6 am on Sunday (I know, I know, it’s crazy early but the sun rises at 6:25 and you can go back to bed). The service will be held at the Joanna Geiger Baptism Memorial Park (otherwise known as one of the little decks shooting into the water at Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria). Easiest access is to go to the end of Pendleton Street where it hits the water. Jan is bringing coffee, Lauren and I are bringing food of some nature — feel free to bring something to contribute but don’t feel obligated. See you all there!

Steph

Carpenter Shelter on April 29th

hari.a.rao — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:47:09 +0000

Hey All,

This month Fairlington is helping out with Carpenter Shelter. Here are details on how to get involved from Mary Olsen of the FPC morning service:

Buying the Food
Best to plan the menu in advance. It should include a main dish (meat), veggies, salad, rolls, dessert. It should also include a small quantity for the vegetarians. We usually serve anywhere between 50-70 people. I usually buy the food at BJ’s warehouse (I have a membership card if needed). Or Costco, if anyone has a membership there. A typical meal we’ve served in the past has been meatloaf/mac & cheese/green beans … or roasted chicken parts/roasted potatoes, a vegetable. I try to make the meals nutritious and balanced. The Shelter’s frig has butter, salad dressings, and there are plenty of seasonings there.

Preparing the Food
The kitchen has a 4-burner stove and a double oven. Be very careful with the oven — it gets extremely hot, so set the temperature lower than normal and key a close eye on the food as it cooks.

Utensils are kept in the drawers below the front counter. The knife drawer might be locked — if so, ask the front desk for the key.

Put the salad in a large bowl (they are stored on the shelf opposite the frig). Put that bowl (with salad utensils) outside the kitchen on the outside counter (near the microwave). Put small disposable bowls next to it, along with salad dressing. (Most residents prefer Ranch Dressing, so make sure you have plenty of that).

Take another large bowl, fill it with ice (ice machine is in the pantry behind the frig). Add about a dozen small milk containers to it and put that on the serving counter.

Fill 3 plastic pitchers (found in the cabinet under serving counter) with lemonade or some other drink. (There are usually large cans of Country Time lemonade in the pantry). Add ice, and put on the serving counter, along with a few stacks of disposable cups.

Put rolls on a large platter and put on outside counter, along with tub of butter.

Put the dessert on small disposable plates and put them out on the outside table.

Serving the Food
Once the announcement is made that dinner is read, start serving. People will line up at the counter and serve them in that order.
Put a large stack of disposable dinner plates on the stainless steel cart (next to the stove) and begin filling the plates. We let the residents know what we are serving and if they have a preference (i.e., no veggies, all veggies, etc.) Have two people handle the plating of the food, and one person passing it on to the resident.

One thing to remember: there are residents who work late and won’t be there in time for dinner. Check the clipboard in the front foyer to see how many people requested a “Late Dinner”. Fill plates for that number of people, cover them with foil, and put them on a large serving tray to go into the frig. But be sure to label it first “Late Dinner” (labels/pens are in the right hand drawer under the serving counter).

Once everyone has been served (usually by 7:00pm), you can announce second servings if you have leftovers. If you still end up with leftovers, put them in bowls, cover them, label them “Friday/date”, and put them in the frig.

Clean Up
Wash all pots/pans and put them away. Wipe down all counter tops. (Note: clean dish towels and potholders are stored under the stove. Used ones can be put in the plastic bin under the little sink that is adjacent to the big sink).

That should be it; however, Beth, would you please add anything I’ve missed?

Thanks so much Hari. I would be happy to help HG staff in any way needed next week — planning the menu, answering questions, etc.

Serving dinner at Carpenter’s Shelter is a most heartwarming experience. You are helping those in need who never fail to return your help with gracious smiles and words of appreciation. They are a wonderful group of people who will remain in your prayers and thoughts. today we are in our comfortable homes enjoying good food and cozy beds — but tomorrow all that could change. The Shelter’s residents have been through some terrible times and a warm smile and encouraging words from us mean so much.

Rebuilding Together

Lauren Williams — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:38:05 +0000

Ok Everyone, Dave just sent me the details for our April service project. We’ll be getting together to work with Rebuilding Together Alexandria (aka Christmas in April). They’re a really cool organization that works to rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners. There are projects happening year round with RTA, but they have a massive Work Day every year in April (hence “Christmas in April).

This year, the work day is Saturday, April 30.

Dave thinks it will be easiest for volunteers to contact RTA directly and let them know that they’re signing up to work the the Holy Grounds/TNT team.

RTA’s POC is Mike Moss (703-93-0164, 571-277-0739 (cell), or cmoss [at] ida [dot] org.

Also, if you know of any Alexandria families that could be served through RTA’s program, please call 703-836-1021.

Hope to see you all out there!!!

Adding Security to Your Posts

Lauren Williams — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:03:41 +0000

I’ve heard it a few times from a few different people… There’s a desire for the ability to make posts inaccessible to crawlers like Google and Yahoo. This is specifically desired for posts that include personal information (such as prayer requests).

After a little bit of playing, I think I’ve come up (hopefully) with a suitable solution (at least for now until we can find something a little more reliable).

SO, if you have a post that you don’t want showing up on search engines (but still accessible to any visitors to the site and it will appear in RSS feeds)…

Step One: Write your post like normal

Step Two: Before you hit “Publish,” scroll down on the page (or look to the right sidebar, depending on how you’ve set your page layout) until you find the little box that says “Meta Robots” it should look like this…

Step Three: Find and select the “noindex, nofollow” option on the Meta Robots drop down menu.

Step Four: Publish your post as usual.

This plugin should stop crawlers from coming through your post. It will still be tweeted, emailed, and it will still appear on RSS feeds.

Additionally, if you want added protection for your post, you can change the visibility of the post to only include registered users of this site. To do so, edit the “Visibility” options in the “Publish” box. Setting it to “Private” will lock it down for anybody who is not registered on our site.

If you have any questions about this, or if you would like additional tutorials on posting options, let me know!!!

Potluck Next Sunday

Lauren Williams — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:38:14 +0000

Pull out your Pyrex and find your recipe for Tuna Noodle Casserole, we’re having a potluck!

Next Sunday is our LAST lunch meeting/study with the Methodists, and we thought it would be appropriate to do something fun.

SO, next Sunday (April 17), we’ll be meeting at 12:15 in the basement of FPC. Bring an empty stomach and a dish to share. The plates/cups/napkins and drinks will all be taken care of

As always, PLEASE feel free to come even if you forget/don’t have time/whatever to bring something. There is always more than enough food when we get together!

Site Maintenance Update

Lauren Williams — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:18:04 +0000

Alright Kids… I *think* I’ve gotten everything sorted out enough that you should be able to fully use the site without any major issues.

If you’re curious about what I did, I’m about to tell you. If you don’t care, stop reading now ;)

In a nutshell, I got rid of some of the extra plugins that we weren’t utilizing, installed a new Facebook login plugin that will hopefully be less glitchy, added a “login through wordpress” option to the sidebar for those who prefer to use their wordpress login, installed a new calendar plugin (and updated it!), added a “Coming up” events list to the sidebar, and tried to clean up a little on the backend of things.

If you have any questions about any of this, please feel free to ask me! The only other (somewhat) major update that I’m working on is ensuring that our twitter account is still linked to the blog (it hasn’t been updating properly), but I’m still waiting on some info before I can check into that. I also plan on looking into connecting to the HG facebook album to add some fun pictures to the sidebar (not sure yet if I’m going to get that to work).

I think that’s it! Please play around, click all the links, and let me know if you run into any issues. I’ll be monitoring the site activity fairly closely for the next few days to make sure I don’t see anything wonky come across

Test Post

Lauren Williams — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:19:43 +0000

This is a test post… feel free to ignore it

Site Maintenance

Lauren Williams — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:27:47 +0000

Hi All! In an attempt to get rid of some of the kinks in the HG site as well as get it in a usable state once again, I’m working on a fairly major overhaul of the plugins and widgets (you probably won’t notice a major difference in the face of the page, but you’ll hopefully notice a few upgrades in functionality). What that means is… for a little while (hopefully not too long, but I need some big pieces to come together), the “Login through Facebook” option will not be available.

What that means is, if you need to post something, you will either need to 1) email the full post to me and I can post it for you or 2) let me know if you want me to create a site-specific login for you.

Sorry for the inconvenience! I’ll let you know when everything is up and running again

Another upcoming Community Assistance event at Mount Olivet – 4/16/11

hari.a.rao — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:22:32 +0000

Hey guys,

If you’d like an opportunity to work with the homeless, this is a good one. Again, this is a once-a-month event at Mount Olivet. Please contact myself or Heather if you are interested. The more people who sign up, the better, and it’s not that difficult – just a few hours on Saturday afternoon.

-Hari

Details below:

Dear Servant Volunteers:

“We cannot serve at a distance. We can only serve that to which we are profoundly connected, that which we are willing to touch. This is Mother Teresa’s basic message. We serve life not because it is broken but because it is holy” R. N. Remen

Can you join us this month in serving our neighbors in need? We have opportunities from 9 AM to 6 PM. Please let us know what job and what time is best for you. Because of improved weather, our doors will open to guests at 3:30 PM.

Blessings,
Monte

PS – In your “YES” or “NO” response reply, would you also give us your best contact phone number(s) for our records. Indicate if number is home, cell or work please.

Thursday, April 14th:

1. Unload and set up USDA canned goods – Thursday 1 PM
2. Bag groceries – 6 PM Thursday (families welcome)

Friday, April 15th:

3. Prepare dinner 6-8 PM

Saturday, April 16th:

4. Help with morning set up 9-11 AM
5. Welcome guests outside two shifts: 10:30 AM-1:00 PM or 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
6. Welcome guests inside 3:15 – 5:30 PM
7. Welcome guests in the Fellowship Hall 4:15-6:00 PM
8. Prepare and serve dinner 3:15-6:15 PM
9. Help with children’s program 3:15 – 6:00 PM (must be Mt Olivet child safety approved)
10. Register guests 4:00-6:00 PM
11. Pass out Giant and transportation cards – 4:00 – 6:00 PM
12. Distribute bagged groceries 4:15 – 6:30 PM
13. Clean up 5:30-7:30 PM

Hanging out Saturday Night

sreinitz — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:55:19 +0000

Hello friends -

So Whitney had the great idea that it’s time for a Guapo’s night. Therefore, we’re going to meet up at Guapo’s at 5:30 pm on Saturday for dinner and sangaritas (or your drink of choice) and then head back to my place to hang out and play games, watch whatever sporting event in on TV, etc. Shoot me an email or text (612.708.0793) if you want to join us so I know how many to get a table for! Thanks friends!

Steph

Volunteers needed this weekend at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church

hari.a.rao — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:12:38 +0000

Hey guys,

Heather let me know they are short-handed this coming Saturday afternoon at Mt. Olivet. Details below:

Community Assistance is Mount Olivet’s monthly outreach to lower-income members of our community in Arlington. On Saturday, March 19th, we’ll provide our guests with a hot meal, bagged groceries, and grocery gift cards. We typically serve 200+ houesholds each month. This ministry requires approximately 100 volunteers, and we could use some help this month. Below are listed the times and service ops. Please contact Monte Campbell directly at eslim@earthlink.net if you are able to help. Please let Hari (hrao614@gmail.com) or Heather (hmd412@gmail.com) know also — we’re forming a plan to hang out afterward and would like to know who might be around. We hope to see you there!

2 positions – bag check room 2:15-4:15
2 positions – volunteer check and assisting guests in getting to the bathrooms inside (1-4:30)
1 position working with Mike Nelson – inside bathroom monitoring (2:15-4:30)
1 position each – 16th Street door host (2-4 and 4-6:30)
3 positions – stairwell monitors (2 beginning at 2:15 and 1 beginning at 4:15)
2 positions – clothing room (2:15-4 PM)
2 positions – bagged grocery distribution (4:15-closing)

We could use some help! Also, I’ve volunteered for this before – it’s a few hours, not hard, very rewarding!

-Hari

RANGO

JDBorden — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 15:50:32 +0000

Hey All – I’m thinking about going to see the movie Rango tonight at Potomac Yard. If you want to see it in Digital the show starts at 6:30 or in a normal view at 7:00. Send me a text, drop me an email or give me a call if you’d like to meet up. Jon

Lent study with the Methodists starting March 13

sreinitz — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:35:51 +0000

Hello everyone -

As many of you have seen in the emails from Jen and previous posts, we are exploring some possible collaboration with a group from the Methodist church next door. As part of that experiment, we are going to do a season of joint Bible study during the Lenten season leading up to Easter. Starting March 13 and running until Easter, there will not be regular Holy Grounds in the evening. Instead we will meet in the Fairlington Pres basement at 12:30 pm to do a joint Bible study focused on the parables of Jesus. Ricardo from Fairlington UMC will be leading. Once we get through this season, we will re-evaluate and decide if we want to continue or go back to our normal schedule. Thanks all – let me know if you have any questions!

Steph

Game Night This Friday

sreinitz — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:27:55 +0000

Hi all – Just a reminder that we’re doing a game night at church on Friday night starting at 7 pm. Bring a snack and games to share and feel free to bring friends! See you all then!

Steph

Last minute pizza & drinks

John Dale — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:53:53 +0000

Hey everyone,

We’re going to have last minute pizza & drinks (BYOB) at the Dale’s tonight, so stop on by if you’re like to unwind with us. Text Sarah to let her know you’re coming so that we have enough food (202 556 8133).

Happy Friday!

Want to Connect with Haiti?

jledmiston — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:14:27 +0000

HGers (and all)

We are pondering a work trip to Haiti sometime in the coming months. Cameron Davidson is the leader on this. FPC has a long term relationship with the Community Coalition for Haiti building hospitals, working with students, and generally befriending the people of Haiti. We’re talking about a week of your life that will change many lives.

Wanted to get this on your radar. Details coming.

Jan

Game Night with the Methodists – March 4

sreinitz — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:54:47 +0000

Hello all -

As I think most of you have heard, we have decided to begin doing some more intentional collaboration with the Methodists across the street. Jen will provide more details about our most recent conversation with them, but to kick off our new partnership, we’ve decided to do one of the things HG does best – a good old-fashioned game night!

We will be meeting in the basement at our Fairlington on Friday evening, March 4 starting at 7 pm. Please join us and bring your favorite games and a snack to share. Feel free to invite friends – the more the merrier!

Thanks all! See you then!

Steph

Lunch with Fairlington UMC

Josh Williams — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 16:39:46 +0000

Hey guys!

Just wanted to send out a reminder. We will be meeting @ 1230 today with some folks from Fairlington UMC to talk about collaborating more with their ministry. We will be meeting at Chicken Out in Bradley Shopping Center by the Church. You can email me or Jenn Gillett for more info. Hope to see you there.

Josh

Samuel Beckett’s

JDBorden — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 23:05:54 +0000

For all that would like to join me I will be going to the New Irish Pub – Samuel Beckett’s in Shirlington this Friday at 7pm. If interested drop me a line at jonborden04@msn.com

Movie Night with the Methodists

sreinitz — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:16:48 +0000

Hi Holy Grounds – Ashley Moore from Fairlington UMC asked me to post this and invite you all to join their “Fairlington Flicks Night” on Friday night. They need RSVPs so check out the details and email Dave if you want to join!

Please join the Green Team and Church and Society for our next
Fairlington (Methodist) Flicks Night. We will be watching “Food,
Inc.”, an Academy Award nominee (more info at
http://www.foodincmovie.com/ ), coming up on Friday, February 11th, at
7:00 pm in FUMC’s social hall. Food Matters
(http://www.foodmattersva.com/) will be catering this event! Come
enjoy soup, bread and salad made with local ingredients. All for only
$10 a person! Please let us know if you have any dietary
restrictions. RSVP this week by Thursday for dinner portion to Dave
Moore (cruguru@gmail.com).Thanks!

Food for Thought…

JDBorden — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:59:28 +0000

OK Food Fans! Who’s up for going and checking out the newest pub in Shirlington – Samuel Beckett’s Irish Pub…… I’m up for either Friday or Saturday night and will make the reservation depending on the greater preference. It could be like 7pm Friday night or 6:30pm Saturday night? Please vote by noon Friday so I have time to announce the winner, pick up stragglers and make reservations. jonborden04@msn.com

Are You Ready for Some Football?!

Lauren Williams — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:45:46 +0000

Alright Kids… the Superbowl is this coming Sunday (Feb 6). SO we’re going to party it up!

Thanks to the efforts of Josh and Anthony, we do officially have access to the game (and the commercials!) in the basement! We’ll be meeting at 5:15ish so that we have some time to grapple a little before kick-off. Nancy’s taking the lead on this discussion, so it will be awesome

Please bring your favorite game-day munchies to share.

Ok… RECAP:

SUPERBOWL.

Feb. 6.

5:15ish.

FPC Basement.

Bring yums.

Sunday Night Schedule thru Feb

Jennifer Gillett — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:33:25 +0000

We will be meeting at 6:30 pm and have some time for fellowship and coffee (or other hot beverage of your choice) before starting the service.

HG Sunday Schedule
Jan 30- Lauren
Feb 6- Superbowl/Nancy
Feb 13- Whittney
Feb 20- Jen/Erin
Feb 27- Jan (communion)

Sunday Jan 23 Discussion

Jennifer Gillett — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:30:54 +0000

We have completed a 2 week long reflection on the mission and status of Holy Grounds. Last Sunday, we discussed what roles are required to sustain Holy Ground and reflected on our own gifts. We committed to roles aligned with our gifts. A gap seen is in the service outreach area, which is a critical part of our mission. We desire to strengthen our service/outreach so that we may live our lives beyond four walls and help to bring the Kingdom of God to the here and now.
Below is a list of “Needs” developed Sunday with person(s) who has(ve) committed to making sure those needs are met. This does not mean that they are solely responsible for completing the task but will act as the lead. They can draw on the resources available to address these needs.
If you were not able to attend Sunday and can think of any missing roles or feel called to fill a role listed, please respond to the post or email. Do not be deterred if there’s already a name listed by a task that resonates with you. A shared burden is always lighter.
Needs
• Teachers – Nancy, Lauren, Whitney, Steph
• Logistics: Scheduling –Steph, Whitney
• Logistics: Facilities –Lauren
• Connectors/Outreach
• Hospitality/Barista –Jen
• Worship Leaders: Music –Erin
• Worship Leaders: Art –Jen
• Worship Leaders: Other –Lauren
• IT : Webpage Redesign/Upkeep –Ashley, Catherine, Nancy
• IT: Powerpoint, etc. –Lauren, Jen
• Service Coordinator
• Finance –Patrick, HG rep needed to stay aware of available funds
• FPC liaison –Hari
• Projects –Ashley, Catherine

Superbowl!

Lauren Williams — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:54:07 +0000

Alright kids… there have been murmurs floating around about having an HG Superbowl party (YAY!). The original concept was to have the football up on the screen in the basement at FPC, and have games, munchies, etc… HOWEVER, since the church does not have a cable drop anywhere… we would be relying on rabbit-ears to get us the game, so we couldn’t exactly be certain that we’d be able to watch it (and the commercials ).

SO, we thought that this might be more fun at somebody’s home Would anybody love to open their doors and host what will most likely be a seriously wicked awesome party? If you’re up for it, reply to this post, or send me an email at lrn.wllms@gmail.com

If nobody is available to host, we will probably still do something that night, we just may or may not be able to involve football in the fun

IKEA Run…..

JDBorden — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:24:40 +0000

OK! As promised here’s the update for going to IKEA this Saturday. If you’re planning on going meet me in parking lot of Fairlington Presbyterian Church for a 10:30 am departure. I still only know of three of us that are going, so that leaves three seats available in my truck; if you want to car pool, and I’m still willing to haul your stuff back; providing we don’t exceed the truck bed capacity! If you want to car pool or need me to haul stuff back please let me know sooner then later…… Jonborden04@msn.com

The Rite

JDBorden — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:56:10 +0000

It is a Drama! A Thriller! Suspenseful! Based on a True Story and playing in Theaters starting this Friday. So mark your calendars for Saturday night and lets go to the movies; it starts at 7:50 (recommend you buy your ticket early) My thoughts are we can meet at Gallery Place Metro by 5:30 and choose a place to eat or you can just meet us at the theater; I plan to have a seat by 7:30! It’s playing at the Regal Gallery Place in China Town and if you know folks that are interested in joining us at this event but don’t get this message please feel free to pass it along. Jonborden04@msn.com

The Rite

JDBorden — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:32:44 +0000

It is a Drama! A Thriller! Suspenseful! Based on a True Story and playing in Theaters starting Friday 28 Jan 2011. So mark your calendars for Saturday 29 Jan and we’ll grab some dinner; then head to the movies. Right now it’s listed as only playing at the Regal Gallery Place in China Town and I know we can find a place to eat down there. As the date gets closer I’ll post all the particulars; in the mean time mark your calendar and get ready for a great night. If you know folks that are interested in joining you at this event but don’t get this message please feel free to pass it along. Jonborden04@msn.com

IKEA Run

JDBorden — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:05:33 +0000

This past Monday afternoon at burgers a couple of folks expressed a need to go to IKEA; so I suggested and they agreed we’d make an IKEA run using my truck; which can hold up to six folks and a fair amount of stuff in the bed. So as of right now there are 3 of us going on Saturday morning 29 Jan. If you want to join us in car pooling or following in your own car, you’re all welcome and as long as we don’t exceed the capacity of the back of my truck I’ll haul your stuff back to your place. The only thing I ask, if you are going; is to let me know if you need a ride and or will need space in my truck for your stuff. I figure we can meet at Fairlington Presbyterian Church around 10:00 and proceed from there. Jonborden04@msn.com

Message from Joanna

jledmiston — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:52:02 +0000

So Kyndra came yesterday and hadn’t been home more then 15 minutes when she asked if she could give me my Christmas present from HG. I think she was just as excited as I was. Thank you guys so much. I’m so excited to have access to books again and don’t have to read some seriously questionable literature. I’m practically rendered speechless in my ability to describe how loved this made me feel. As I was playing around last night I was just struck by the fact that you guys just have been so amazing to me during every step of this journey in both my needs and then with awesome blessings like this. All I can really say is thank you so much and please know just how blessed I feel.

Much love,

Joanna

Game Night – Steph’s place tonight

sreinitz — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:54:02 +0000

Hey all – Game night at my house tonight for anyone interested. Anytime after 6:30 pm…bring any games you want. And per Jon Borden’s request, football will be on the TV Shoot me a text or email if you’re coming – 612.708.0793 or sreinitz@hotmail.com.

See you all tonight!

Steph

Holy Grounds Prayer Night on Sunday – 6:30 pm

sreinitz — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:25:54 +0000

Hello all – we’re going to spend Sunday night praying for Holy Grounds and asking for God’s guidance for us as a service and a community. We would love to have you join us. We will meet at 6:30 pm in the basement. Thanks all!

Burgers Monday at noon

sreinitz — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:13:07 +0000

Hi friends – Since Monday is a national holiday, our tradition is to move burgers to noon at Crystal City Sports Pub instead of in the evening. We will meet anyone who can make it on the 3rd floor at noon! See you there!

HG Recap 09Jan11

Josh Williams — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 03:06:44 +0000

Tonight our members took and honest appraisal of where HG is, where we are going, and how we want to change. A recap of this conversation has been sent out the the members of HG. However if you didn’t receive the email please let me know wllmsjv[at]gmail[dot]com.

Guapos tomorrow night

sreinitz — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 01:06:42 +0000

Hi all – A group of us decided to head to Guapo’s tomorrow night (Friday) for drinks and food after work. If you care to join us we’re heading down about 6:45 pm. Shoot me an email or text (612.708.0793) if you want to join us so I can get a big enough table. Thanks all!

Steph

HG Meeting Sunday

sreinitz — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 02:19:16 +0000

Hey all – Just a reminder that we’ll be meeting on Sunday evening (January 9) at 5 pm to talk about the future of Holy Grounds. We really want everyone’s input, so please make an effort to be there. Besides, we’re going to order pizza and who doesn’t love pizza? See you then!

Steph

Black Swan

JDBorden — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:36:06 +0000

No plans on Saturday Night?

Then how about joining me for dinner and a movie in Shirlington?

Dinner location will be by majority vote to one of the fine establishments in Shirlington between 5:00 and 5:30. The move is at the AMC Theater in Shirlington and starts at 7:30; recommend purchasing your ticket before dinner After the movie options include – getting a drink and discussing the movie, getting frozen yogurt and discussing the move, going home and not discussing the movie or all the above. If you are interested let me know by email jonborden04@msn.com

Black Swan

Runtime:1 hr. 43 min.

(R) Strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use.

Nina (Natalie Portman) is a ballerina whose passion for the dance rules every facet of her life. When the company’s artistic director decides to replace his prima ballerina for their opening production of ”Swan Lake,” Nina is his first choice. She has competition in newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis) however. While Nina is perfect for the role of the White Swan, Lily personifies the Black Swan. As rivalry between the two dancers transforms into a twisted friendship, Nina’s dark side begins to emerge

Cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder, Benjamin Millepied

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Genres: Showbiz DramaPsychological ThrillerThriller

Friends Don’t Let Friends Move Alone

JDBorden — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:28:55 +0000

Our Friend Hari is praying that he can finally move this Saturday from 10-2 and can use all the help he can get. So I ask you to check your schedules and please let him know if you can help.

Thanks,
Jon

See you January 9th at 5PM

jledmiston — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:18:54 +0000

Due to everybody’s holiday travels, we don’t meet again until Sunday, January 9th at 5th (with pizza!) to discuss 2011 HG plans. Join us!

And in the meantime, have a peaceful Christmas!

White Elephant Party Tonight – 6 pm!

sreinitz — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 19:46:31 +0000

Just a reminder that tonight is Holy Grounds annual Christmas white elephant gift exchange. Bring a wrapped gift, preferably something you already own, to exchange. The tackier the better Feel free to also bring snacks/munchies/drinks, etc. We will start tonight at 6 pm.

We’re also adding a little something this year… As a reminder that community is outward as well as inward, we will be collecting non-perishable items to be donated to an as-yet-to-be-determined place of need.

See you all tonight!

Don’t spend Christmas alone – come to the Dale’s!

John Dale — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:21:01 +0000

John and I would like to invite anyone who is staying in the area for the holidays to join us for a late lunch at our house on Christmas day. As members of the Kingdom of God, we’re all one big family, and we don’t want any of our family members to be alone on Christmas.

John’s mom and boyfriend from Missouri and the Hoppe family will be joining us around 2:00 pm that day for dinner, where we’ll have a relaxed meal, filled with tasty food and good conversation. Feel free to come anytime between 1 and 2:00 pm to hang out, help cook, or relax.

If you’d like to come but don’t have a ride, just let us know and we’re happy to arrange for someone to pick you up. Additional friends and family members are welcome.

Merry Christmas

Sarah

sarahedale (at) gmail.com
703 789 7164

Serve like St. Nick! Help Casa Chiri’s Party this Saturday!

jledmiston — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:19:48 +0000

Friends – Casa Chirilagua has it’s Christmas party this weekend and they could use our help. Here are the details:

Saturday, December 11

The time is 4:00 – 9:00 PM. However, we can get help in crews.

4:00 – 5:00 is set up/decorating
5:00 – 6:00 is arrival/games/photo booth
6:00 – 7:00 is the program
7:00 – 8:00 is food and raffle
8:00 – 9:00 is clean up

CHRISTMAS PARTY TIME!!!

Lauren Williams — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:31:28 +0000

Alright kids, it has been decided that *THIS SUNDAY* (December 12, 2010) instead of “regular HG”, we’ll be having our annual white elephant gift exchange at 6:00pm. As a refresher, everyone will wrap something ridiculous (preferably that you already own), bring it, and then we’ll all sit down and laugh at the awesomeness as everyone unwraps the “gifts”. PLEASE feel free to come even if you don’t have anything to wrap. There are always extras

Also, if you’d like to bring snacks/munchies/drinks, that would be AWESOME!

In addition to that, we’re also adding a little something this year… As a reminder that community is outward as well as inward, we will be collecting non-perishable items to be donated to an as-yet-to-be-determined place of need.

So, to re-cap…

THIS SUNDAY (Dec 12)

6:00 pm

Bring: a wrapped gag gift, some food-stuffs, and/or a non-perishable donation item

Tacky sweaters optional.

Congratulations Scott and Sacha!

jledmiston — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:56:57 +0000

Mikaela Siobhan Sanders was born in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, November 2010. Our first Holy Grounds baby!

Thanks be to God.

Moving

Hari Rao — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 02:58:30 +0000

Hey guys,

I’ve had some trouble posting on here. The current deal is that I have the freight elevator booked for Wednesday, Dec 8th, as the condo only allows people to move 10-6 Mon-Fri and 10-2 on Saturdays. How many people can do that on late Wednesday afternoon?

I’m also hoping to move boxes in this coming Sunday, the 5th, before HG. I had meant to do that this previous weekend, but was sick and dealing with some other stuff.

Ok, so aiming for Sunday the 5th, and Wednesday the 8th, starting around 3 (or as early as possible). Who can help?

Thanks!

-Hari

No Holy Grounds November 28th

jledmiston — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 04:41:49 +0000

Hi Everybody -

Lots of us are out of town this weekend, so we are not gathering as usual on Sunday night this week. Hope you enjoyed your turkey and pie, and we see you at the Prayer Party on December 5th at 7 pm!

Casa Chiri Volunteer Opportunity – next weekend!

sreinitz — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:26:40 +0000

Hey all – Don’t forget to let John & Sarah know if you can help with the Casa Chiri Thanksgiving event next Saturday! They posted about it earlier — http://www.fairlingtonholygrounds.org/2010/11/03/volunteer-opportunity-nov-20/

Thank you!

November 7th

jledmiston — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 03:36:52 +0000

Hey HGers. I’m happy to lead Sunday night. See you all there!

Volunteer Opportunity – Nov. 20

John Dale — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:30:03 +0000

Hi everyone,

Casa Chirilagua is having it’s first ever Chirilagua Thanksgiving Celebration, on Saturday November 20, 2010. We’re gathering with other church partners to offer a day of fun and food to over 100 Chirilagua families. Grace Community Church will be leading the efforts, but our hope is that many other churches will also take part, including Holy Grounds. Dawnielle and Emily are looking for 70-100 volunteers to make this work!

We’re celebrating with moon-bounces, a cook-out, hot chocolate, face-painting, carnival games, raffle prizes, clothes distribution, and a turkey basket give-away. Our goal is to have 100 baskets prepared (Hispanic style with rice, beans, and maseca for making tortillas).

How can you get involved?

Donate money or gift cards to help buy food for the event or for the turkey baskets.

Talk to me (Sarah Dale) if you have any further questions and/or want to sign up. Also, FYI, it will be a mainly outdoor event, so please come bundled up and prepared to face the elements (and/or pray for a warm day!).

Sarah
sarahedale (at) gmail.com

Prayer Party December 5 (but you need a reservation!)

jledmiston — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:18:16 +0000

Everybody: this is very cool.

One of the Common Prayer Release Parties will be at Holy Grounds on Sunday, December 5 at 7 pm. Because LOTS of people are expected, the Common Prayer Conspirators (among them: Matt Pritchard & the good folks at Simple Way) would like to know whose coming. Please register here. We might have to limit this event to 50 people, so register now and tell your friends. Thanks!

Rally for Sanity Meetup Update

jledmiston — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:48:55 +0000

Erin reports that there will be banners around the carousel – our designated meeting place. We need to know:

1- who was planning to meet to go as a group, and

2- if you can actually meet in VA and travel over together

I (Jan) am not going with the group, so it would be great to have someone head this up who is indeed going. Anyone?

Restoring Sanity with HG

jledmiston — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:09:57 +0000

Hi Everyone! Whitney led a great discussion on the Trinity last night and the group decided that – for those who want to attend The Rally to Restore Sanity together this Saturday, we’d meet at the merry-go-round on the Mall at 10 am.

No Holy Grounds gathering this Sunday, October 31.

Our grappling will be with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert October 30th.

Ancient Church Fathers & Devotion to Scripture

Holy Grounds — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:06:01 +0000

One of the communities I’m a part of in Pittsburgh is devoted to learning about Christianity from the Ancient Church Fathers (writers during the first few centuries of Christianity). It’s been an incredible time for me reading and discussing the implications of what they teach for our understanding of our faith.

We are having a conference in January that I thought you all would enjoy coming to! I will arrange for a place for you guys to stay in Pittsburgh of course, if you want to come. Just let me know.

Here are the details:

The House of St. Michael the Archangel Devotional Conference:
Come and be led into greater awe and reverence for Holy Scripture

We will gather for worship and reflections on what it means to strive for and desire greater devotion to Scripture. Our worship will be guided by the Psalms, silence and contemplation.

Friday, January 14th, 6:30pm-9:30pm**
Saturday, January 15th: 9:00am-4:00pm (lunch served on-site)
** Friday, 10pm through Saturday, 8am: an elective vigil, where the Psalms will be read publicly in the Church.

Location:
Oakmont Presbyterian Church
415 Pennsylvania Ave
Oakmont, PA 15139-1562
www.oakmontpresbyterianchurch.org

Cost:
$20 thru 2010, $30 in 2011

To register e-mail: devotionalconference@gmail.com

Speakers:

Rev. Dr. Richard Ray
He has spent a lifetime meditating on spiritual masters of the Christian faith. He has served as a parish minister, seminary professor, editor of the Presbyterian Outlook, and managing Director and Senior Editor of John Knox Press. He currently serves as the Consultant for Theological Enrichment of Presbyterians for Renewal (www.pfrenewal.org) and as the Director of the Children’s Trust Society of The Grandfather Home for Children (www.grandfatherhome.org). He is blessed with numerous grandchildren and lives with his lovely wife, Lila, in Montreat, NC.

Matthew T. Bell
He is currently a PhD student at Durham University (www.dur.ac.uk) in the area of early church interpretation of Scripture. Matt holds an MDiv from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and a Masters in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh. He originally hails from El Paso, TX and currently resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Alyssa./

Tentative Dec. 5th HG Plan

jledmiston — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:03:54 +0000

Holy Grounders: I don’t want to make unilaternal plans, but Brian Gorman and I are talking about having HG host a Prayer Party to celebrate the publishing of Common Prayer, a project that Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, and Enuma Orkoro have edited on Sunday, December 5th at 7 pm. What do you think?

Game Night on Friday

sreinitz — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:28:04 +0000

Hey all -

My best friend and her family are in town starting tomorrow and I’d love for everyone to meet them. Therefore, it’s time for game night at my place on Friday! Feel free to come over anytime after 6 and let me know if you want pizza for dinner. Bring any games you want as well. Call my cell if you need directions! 612.708.0793. See you Friday!

Burgers Tomorrow

sreinitz — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 02:18:06 +0000

Hi friends – So I know sometimes we do burgers at noon on federal holidays like tomorrow, but several of us still have to work (i.e. me and Jen), so we’re still going to do burgers at 6 pm tomorrow. Hope to see you then!

In Memoriam

jledmiston — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:51:28 +0000

David Bailey was a singer-songwriter who performed a concert to celebrate the first anniversary of Holy Grounds in 2008. He passed away over the weekend of brain cancer at the age of 44. Please hold his family – his wife Leslie and his kids Kelcey and Cameron – in prayer.

What’s Your Favorite Bread?

jledmiston — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:44:34 +0000

This Sunday night I would love to hear about what feeds you spiritually. We’ll celebrate the Lord’s Supper with a feast of bread and more. See you at 6:30 pm.

Anyone have a game buzzer I can borrow?

sreinitz — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:53:18 +0000

Hi friends -

For my upcoming staff retreat, I need a buzzer for a trivia game. Does anyone own Taboo or similar game with a buzzer I can borrow for a couple days?

Thanks!

Steph

HG tonight: Sarah sharing things learned at CCDA conference

John Dale — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:43:38 +0000

Hey everyone,

I wanted to remind you all that I’ll be leading at HG tonight sharing thoughts/ideas/questions/things I learned at the CCDA (Christian Community Development Conference) that I went to in Chicago, the first week of Septmeber.

Please come with an open mind to hear about the amazing things that God is doing through His kingdom workers throughout the nation.

Also, please come with any questions that you have for John and I, related to our experience as community development workers in Chirilagua. We’d love to share about the things happening in our neighborhood here in VA, as well as open the floor to discussion and hear about what others think about how churches are changing and taking on social causes.

Hope to see you tonight!
Sarah

Sunday Night Sept. 19th

jledmiston — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 16:46:55 +0000

Hi HGers. Who’s leading Sunday night? I’m happy to lead if no one has signed up.

Dinner & Game Night Tonight!

sreinitz — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:01:48 +0000

Hi friends! Jen Gillett has friends in town this weekend and wants to introduce them to her typical life in DC – which means we’re going to Guapos followed by game night at my place. Guapos at 6 pm…let me know if you’re coming and I’ll go early to get us a table. Otherwise, feel free to meet us afterwards for game night at my place!

Steph

Opportunity to serve – Providing food for conference – Sept. 25th

John Dale — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:19:32 +0000

Hi everyone,

A friend of mine that is part of Mujeres de Virtud, a women’s ministry in Chirilagua (and national wide) is hosting a conference for Latina Christian women, Sept. 25th in Fairfax, VA (I think, I’ll have to confirm the location).

In the morning they will have speakers on the following topics: Immigration Reform and what the law in AZ means for our ladies here in VA, Domestic Abuse, Financial planning, Physical and Spiritual Health, along with maybe one or two more. They are brining in experts from the community on these topics.

They’ve organized the conference because of felt-needs from different congregations and ministries in the area. The group is looking for someone to donate a lasagna and salad lunch, as they’re organizing this event on a volunteer basis and don’t have a budget for anything. They’re expecting around 100 women and will need the following:

- plates, cups, napkins, plasticware
- enough lasagna for 100
- ingredients for salad
- a few iced tea and lemonade mixes

Please let me know if you can donate all or part of this lunch or would like to help in any way. It would be a wonderful way to reach out to our immigrant friends and neighbors and show them our fellow Christian love.

Thanks!
Sarah

sarahedale (at) gmail.com

PS-To learn more about Chirilagua, visit www.casachirilagua.org

Cool Opportunities Coming Up:

jledmiston — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:40:15 +0000

- You too can mentor Fairlington Presbyterian kids from reading a Bible story to 2-3 year olds to teaching a class of slightly older kids occasionally. We have a class called “Spark” for 4-7 year olds and a group called Kids’ Club for 8-11 year olds. About 10:30 – 12 on occasional Sundays. You must love kids and want to know them and help mentor their faith. Contact me: jan@fpcusa.org

- Immigration Awareness Event – including info on the Alexandria Detention Center where undocumented workers are held – is scheduled for 7-9 pm Tuesday, September 21 at The Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 South Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 22314.

Let me know if you have questions. Have a great week.

Birthday Dinner for Jon

sreinitz — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:11:11 +0000

Hi all! So it was Jon’s birthday last week and since I was out of town and couldn’t celebrate properly, I thought the only appropriate way to remedy the situation was chicken quesadillas at Guapos (did you really have any doubt that’s where we’d go?) I would like to invite you all to join us for an early dinner THIS Sunday (Sept 12) prior to HG. The plan is to meet at Guapos around 5 pm…email or text me if you’d like to come so I can go early and get us a table! Thanks all!

Steph