Holy Grounds » Community

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!

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

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!

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 )

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

Lodging Request

Matt — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:49:26 +0000

I’m so excited about seeing you all this Sunday as Jan’s tenure at FPC comes to a close. I’ll be travelling with my friend Jess. We’re needing a place to stay Saturday night. I’m catching a flight to the upper peninsula of Michigan late Sunday afternoon and she’ll be driving my car back to Pittsburgh, so unfortunately it’s going to be a really short trip. We’ll be getting into DC around 9 Saturday night. Let me know if you have space for both or even just one of us. Love and miss you all 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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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./

Lunch Tomorrow

Holy Grounds — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 01:34:49 +0000

I’m in town. Anyone up for meeting me for lunch tomorrow about 12:30 at Busboys & Poets in Shirlington? Send a text or e-mail me and let me know.

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

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

Encouragement for Brian

Holy Grounds — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:29:28 +0000

Jan and I are at a conference in Durham where Brian is speaking (not using his last name so this doesn’t show up in searches). Apparently things have been hard recently with the new book and everyone angry about what he’s been saying.

I know many of us have been deeply transformed by his thinking. If this is the case for you, would you send me a message of encouragement about how you’ve been impacted by his work that I can forward along to him? I know it would mean a lot to him right now.

Can’t wait to see you guys on Sunday!

Need a car Sunday & Monday

Holy Grounds — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:25:22 +0000

Would anyone be willing to let me (Matt Pritchard) borrow their car Sunday and/or Monday? Looking forward to being at Holy Grounds and burgers. Let me know if you’d like to meet up while I’m in town.

Hospitality Request

Holy Grounds — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:47:57 +0000

My friends Joe, Vladi, and Vicki (Vladi and Vicki are Russian exchange students) are doing some east coast travel and are in need of a place to stay this Friday and Saturday night. Anyone up for hosting them? They are planning to do a bunch of site seeing in DC and are happy with couches or air mattresses or whatever makes sense.

Love and miss you all so much!!!

Scott & Sasha Send-Off

Lauren Williams — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:06:16 +0000

Hey guys!!!

So… Scott and Sasha will be back in town this weekend, and we’d like to give them an official send-off!

Here’s the plan… we’ll all meet at FPC (3846 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302-1993) in the parking lot at 6:30, and then we’ll all carpool over to Guapo’s in Shirlington. If you want to come, but think you’re going to be a little late or can’t meet at the church, leave a comment here, and we’ll know to add you to the tally at the restaurant.

Hope to see you there

We’ll all miss Scott and Sasha, but we sure are glad that we got to know them while they were here!

Converge Mid-Atlantic Community Gathering

Holy Grounds — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:59:01 +0000

This gathering brings together people from communities all over the Mid-Atlantic region to teach, conspire, and dream for God’s beautiful kingdom on Earth. A combination of seminars, practical skill shares, concerts, and plenary sessions will make this a great time together.

Join us at Eden Valley Center (edenvalleycenter.org), a beautiful 100 acre farmland just 45 minutes north of D.C. We’ll be camping out, so bring tents, stoves, rain gear…more info to come on what to bring.

We hope to draw co-conspirators from around the region to share in this wonderful event. We’ll gather at 7 pm on Friday, look for more details about arrival, set up, and departure.

We will have to close the registration at 100, so register today! Last day to register is July 23!

New Date for Visit to Pittsburgh Aug 13-15

Holy Grounds — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:58:43 +0000

Ok, after talking to many of you, I’ve changed the Pittsburgh trip date to August 13-15. Can’t wait to have a bunch of you here. We’ll hang out. I’ll introduce you to the many great people I work with here. We’ll have a party and it would be a complete blast. Let me know if the dates work for you guys and if you’re planning to come so I can arrange sufficient accommodations.

Game Night!

Lauren Williams — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:56:55 +0000

Alright Kids… Since I’m pretty sure we haven’t been spending enough time together recently, and since Stephanie and John both have birthdays this weekend, and since it seems like a good idea, I think we should have a game night this Saturday (June 5).

For convenience, we’ll be commandeering the basement at FPC. So what I’m thinking is we’ll start up the grill with some burgers and brats at about 6. We’ll have the grill by the back door to make things easy. Come and go as you’d like. We have the meat for the grill, but please bring drinks, sides, or desserts as you’d like.

We’ll have a Wii hooked up, so feel free to bring your Wii-motes with your Miis loaded if you want (if you have a Wii but have no idea how to take your Mii with you, shoot me or Josh an email and we’ll take care of you ). We’ll also have a lovely selection of board games and the like. Feel free to bring along your favorite games too

Ok, I think that covers it. So to review… Saturday, 6ish, basement, burgers, fun.

Be Ruthless in the Living of Call (House of St Michael the Archangel)

Holy Grounds — Sun, 30 May 2010 13:07:37 +0000

I thought you all might be interested in knowing that I’ll be blogging regularly at the House of St Michael the Archangel. My first post is now available. Here’s a preview:

I have many friends who work in areas where life and death are truly in the balance. There’s always a sense that if I work a little more, one more street child will be safe, one less person will die of aids or starvation, or one more slave will be set free. Even in my pastoral work, there’s a sense that if I just spend a little more time with people it will make a difference. These thoughts are evil! They are a proclamation that you are the one holding the world together, that you love them more than God does. Only when we are confident in our call and the character of our God, can we say no with the peace that God doesn’t need us to save the world, he needs us to do and be exactly that which he has built and called us to do and be, nothing more and nothing less. The Kingdom of God comes when we each, with reckless abandon, fall into submission to God, not when we each pursue that which we think will maximize the work of our hands.

Read the rest…

“Could Your Church Survive if There Were no Sermons?”

Holy Grounds — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:01:34 +0000

Don Miller made a post today about. Thought you all would enjoy it!!!

Looking for Summer Housing

Holy Grounds — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:25:03 +0000

One of my sister’s best friends from UVA (Meikle Paschal) is looking for a place to stay for 1-2 months this summer. He will be working for the Dept. of Homeland Security in Crystal City. He starts work on June 7th and will work til the first of July or end of July depending on what housing arrangement is available; so he is flexible. He will not be able to pay full rent because he will still be paying rent in Charlottesville, VA – anyone want to swap for the summer!!?? lol But he could contribute some on rent; things are negotiable. He is a super fun guy, originally from Boston, very outgoing, runs for the track team and will be a 4th year in the fall. Let me know if you have any suggestions or anything availble for those dates.

If you have space or any ideas, e-mail him at mpaschaljr@gmail.com.

$9 Tickets to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Holy Grounds — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:17:02 +0000

Hey guys, just got an e-mail about $9 tickets to Madame Tussauds (usually it’s $20). I want to go sometime in the future, so I’m getting a couple. Thought it might be a fun group activity.

They are only on sale today through this thing called a Groupon which I’ve been using a bunch lately. Essentially you buy a gift certificate for a lot less than the face value.

Take a look at the Madame Tussauds deal.

Dinner Wednesday Night with Matt

Holy Grounds — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:07:12 +0000

I’ll be back in town for a couple of days this week and would love to grab dinner with you all! I miss you all so much!!!!

Here’s the plan:
Guapos in Shirlington
6:30pm
Wednesday, April 7

Shoot me a text and let me know you’re coming so I can get an appropriately sized table: 434.962.4927. Can’t wait!!!

Buy and Review Brian McLaren’s Latest Book “A New Kind of Christianity”

Holy Grounds — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:59:44 +0000

We got to share dinner with Brian McLaren last spring. Brian graciously gave his time to us along with a bunch of books and CDs. We asked if there was anything we could do for him and, after thinking about it a little while, he asked us to read and review his new book “A New Kind of Christianity” when it comes out.

I’m reminding everyone of this request as the book has been out for a couple of months. Jan has a copy and so do I and we’re happy to allow you to borrow it if you want. It’s good stuff!

Once you’ve read it, review it on Amazon.com, your blog, or anywhere else you can.

Love and miss you all so much!

Wendell Berry Speaking in Arlington May 4th

Holy Grounds — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:22:52 +0000

Arlington Reads 2010: Literary Legend, Farmer Wendell Berry

“The Memory of Old Jack” is featured title
Berry, urban farmer Novella Carpenter to speak
Book club kits available

ARLINGTON, Va. — Our food takes center plate this spring as Arlington Reads 2010 looks at the movement away from industrial mass production back to safer, healthier meals grown through local, sustainable means.

Arlington Reads is Arlington Public Library’s annual one-book, one-community initiative to promote discussion and the joy of reading throughout the County. It is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.

This year’s featured Arlington Reads author—literary legend, essayist, poet and Kentucky farmer Wendell Berry, who declared that “eating is an agricultural act,” — is widely credited with inspiring the “food movement.” Making a rare public appearance, Berry will discuss his life’s work and vision of people honoring and reconnecting with the soil at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 4 at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington. This special event is free and open to the public.

“Wendell Berry actually began the national conversation about food, agriculture, the environment and health decades ago,” Library Director Diane Kresh said. “Without him, we probably wouldn’t have a vegetable garden on the White House lawn or Wal-Mart selling organic produce.”

This year’s Arlington Reads celebrates not only Berry’s “remarkable career as a writer of more than 30 novels, essays and collections of poetry, but his prescience in encouraging readers to ‘think globally and eat locally,’’ Kresh said.

Cornerstone Benefit Concert-this Saturday

John Dale — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:55:49 +0000

Join John and I in Columbia Heights this Saturday if you’re interested in a night out in DC for a good cause! Email me if you’d like to meet up there: sarahedale (at) gmail.com

Cornerstone Benefit Concert

March 13, 2010

7-10 pm

Potter’s House

1658 Columbia Road NW

Washington, DC

Come out to our re-scheduled concert to benefit Cornerstone, a community for homeless men in recovery, featuring the Tim Parsley Ensemble.

Doors open at 7, music starts at 7:30. There will be food for purchase.

About Cornerstone: The vision of the Cornerstone Community is to be a family for homeless men who want to live a substance-free life. We are the ones who will love them, hope with them, and struggle with them until they are able to create a drug free and healthy future for themselves.

About the musicians: Tim Parsley, Brian Gorman, Jesse Cerda, and Nick Garman are coming together in the newly formed Tim Parsley Ensemble. Drawing influences from spirituals, blues, classical, folk, and much more, the blend of backgrounds and traditions creates a unique sound. Check us out in our premier performance!

More about the group here: http://dccornerstone.org/

HG Women’s Small Group dinner & planning mtg.

John Dale — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:06:39 +0000

Hi ladies,

I think it’s time for us to regroup and discuss our format, meeting times, and study topics moving forward into Spring and Summer. I suggest we get together and make dinner at my place to discuss these items and just take some time to catch up.

How does taco salad night sound to everyone? I’ve made an evite to track who’s bringing what, so if you’re interested in coming, send me an email and I’ll forward you the evite!

Tuesday, March 9th 7:00 p.m.

The Dale’s house: 3800 Florence Dr. Apt. 4 Alexandria

Hope to see you Tuesday!

Sarah

sarahedale (at) gmail.com

Chirilagua Women’s Group Fundraiser

John Dale — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:48:26 +0000

Hello everyone!

Women from our intentional community, Casa Chirilagua, are holding another fundraiser for our annual women’s retreat for the monthly group, Mujeres de Virtud (Women of Virtue). Last year, 6 women from Chirilagua were able to attend the event, and this year there are 25 women signed up!

All year the women have been working hard to raise funds to be able to go on the retreat, including a tamale sale, a yard sale and a lunch catering event, but they’re still short on funds.

The women came up with their own idea for one more fundraiser: a raffle – Honduran style. This is how it works. There are one hundred numbers (1-100). To buy a number costs $5. On Sunday March 7th, a number will be drawn in Honduras based on the lottery there. We will use that same winning number here (the women pick it up from the internet or from phone calls). If your number is drawn, you win the Power Juicer, worth $100 (also the women’s idea). The goal is to sell all 100 tickets so that we can have a $400 profit.

So… my question is who is interested in supporting the women and possibly winning a power juicer??? Email me if you’d like to buy a ticket or simply donate a few bucks for the event. Cash is the preferred method of donation, but if you really need a tax receipt, we can set that up through the non-profit.

Thanks so much for your support and prayers… we are praying not only that will we be able to raise the funds to cover all the costs, but that God will use this retreat to refresh, renew and strengthen the women.

MUCHAS GRACIAS!

Learn more about Casa Chirilagua here: http://www.casachirilagua.org/

Sarah

sarahedale (at) gmail.com

Matt’s in Town, Crystal City Sports Pub Tonight at 6pm

Holy Grounds — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:38:15 +0000

I’m here for a couple of days and was hoping to hang out with some folks tonight at the Crystal City Sports Pub. Hope to see you there. Shoot me a text and let me know so I can get a head count.

Matt

Update from Joanna!!!

Lauren Williams — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:27:17 +0000

It’s about 5:00 PM on Sunday as I make my way across the property to my cottage. The weather has cooled to the perfect temperature and soon will get rather cold but now it’s calm and comfortable. I’m followed by one of the dogs but whether it’s Turner or Hootch, I haven’t got a clue. Actually I wonder if any of us residing here at Baan Nam Jai (Home of the Open Heart) really know which is which. I was just at the girls’ house celebrating a short term volunteer’s birthday. It’s hard to believe that I have already been here for over one month. I love sitting outside at this time but it comes with quite a risk as the mosquitoes start swarming at this time. One of the moms is raking leaves and soon will start burning them. I’ve come to love that scent. It’s a good time to reflect as the sun starts it’s decent and I sit here in my kitchen, which is outdoors and doubles as a back porch, and look at the garden I think about my move to Thailand.

Thailand… Chiang Rai… Baan Nam Jai… It’s a place of tremendous beauty. Located outside of the city I’m surrounded by gardens, rice paddies, smells and feels of the country in Asia. The property itself is rather large hosting three large houses, and then an adjoining property with 5 small cottages and the hospice which is still under construction. One of these cottages is what I now call home. Thailand has riches for all of the senses and while it can delight the sense it can weigh you down with challenges. It’s almost hard to explain how you can be totally in love with a place and totally frustrated at once.

The adjustment to Thailand is nothing and everything that I expected. There have been some things that had I really thought about them they probably wouldn’t have taken me by surprise. For instance, Google has gone from being a verb to a noun. I used to use Google maps for helping me get around any new place. I can’t read the street signs so Google is useless. Getting used to riding on a motorbike has also proved to be a challenge. Traffic here is really crazy, I don’t know where I’m going and I’m SOOOO not an experienced rider to be smart and able to react to my situations around me. All this adds up to, quite literally, a deadly equation. The language has also proved challenging but that was one challenge that I was prepared for. I haven’t started learning the language because I’m not ready to get on the death trap highway. However, all that to say that God’s grace is amazing and have found some things easier then expected. The kids speak English and there are several “farang” (foreign) staff. There have been several lovely short term volunteers come that have eased the transition. However, I have left everything that I do know and many times I feel totally helpless and dependant, which is probably good for me.

Although I still feel like a fish out of water I have hit the ground running when it comes to work! I have used my past Executive Assistant skills to assist Paul, the Northern Regional Director. He is new to the position and I’m helping him get organized in his role and help support him as he provides direction to the 11 ministries here in Chiang Rai. He is also over the whole northern region which includes Chiang Mai and Mai Sai which is much bigger then Chiang Rai. I haven’t even gotten into that portion. I am also managing the office here at Baan Nam Jai and working a little bit in the boys’ home.

The kids are incredibly precious and melt your heart the moment you meet them. One of the youngest boys was very timid about me coming into the house to work with them and was very distressed about my first shift. I came over the night before to get introduced and just get to know them just a bit before I spent the night in the boy’s house the next day. The youngest of the boys cried and cried. He didn’t want me to come and work with them! When I got back to my cottage I prayed that God would give us both grace. As I was praying my heart broke for these kids. It struck me that these kids shouldn’t need to have caretakers in their life. If everything were as God intended it to be they would be with a Mom and Dad in a loving home. But we find ourselves in a fallen world and here I am to help care for these kids who have suffered so much. As I’ve started to work with them more they are very unsettled as several of the caretakers they have had for the past couple years have left and I’ve come in. I try to put myself in their shoes as they get used to me. Please pray for God’s grace and that they will start feeling settled, safe and secure with me. Many of the volunteers have told me that they will keep me at arms length because they worry about how long I’ll be here. It breaks my heart.

Financially, I am still in need of support. I need about $600 USD per month to cover my expenses. Please prayerfully consider supporting me. If you’d like to support me please send a check made out to “YWAM,” with a separate piece of paper indicating it is for me, to YWAM Montana, 501 Blacktail Road,
Lakeside, Montana,59922 U.S.A.

Thank you so much for all of your support of my ministry. I truly could not do this without your prayers, encouragement and financial support. I will send pictures soon!

I pray that you are all blessed richly!

Joanna

If you’d like to pray for me please let me know and I’ll put you on my prayer needs list!

New Mailing Address:

Joanna Geiger

P.O. Box 121

Bandu,

A.Muang,

Chiang Rai, 57100

Thialand

My new mobile phone number is +66.0899.513.044

Prayer calendar for Lent

Karen Vroom — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:12:34 +0000

Hi HG,
As you may know, Lent tends to inspire me to start up various activities for spiritual growth. This year I am moved to further developing the prayer life — both individually and collectively. I am creating a prayer calendar for our community — extending to Fairlington’s morning service as well — a calendar containing our worries and fears lifted up to God, one for every (remaining) day of Lent.

I am enlisting you to fill this prayer calendar with me. Please send me by this Saturday two or three prayers you would like to share over this season. Be specific, not just “pray for my friends and family”, but also concise so that I can fit it in a little box in the calendar. I may or may not have room for all your prayers depending on the responses. Hopefully I will get this calendar out by Sunday or early next week.

peace & blessings–

Karen Vroom
kareniw@yahoo.com

Casa Chirilagua needs volunteers

John Dale — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:27:09 +0000

Hi everyone,

Casa Chirilagua (http://www.casachirilagua.org) is looking for a few good men & women! We are looking for volunteers to help us with the Mujeres de Virtud meeting on this Saturday, February 13th from 10:00 AM to Noon at Commonwealth Baptist Church. Read more of Dawnielle’s email below and email me (sarahedale at gmail.com) if you’d like to help.

“…This is our “Dia de Amistad” or “Friendship Day” Celebration. We are having a breakfast for the ladies followed by our regular meeting time. This will be a great way for a small group to do a service project together.

We need:

1) A group of people to buy decorations and decorate the night before (Friday night)
2) A group of people to organize and cook breakfast for 30 ladies on Saturday morning.
3) Childcare for the morning of the meeting.
4) A special gift for the ladies (a calling card for central america or a flower)

I have also listed out our needs for March (below) as well as Mujeres de Virtud dates for the rest of the year. Put it on your calendar now so you can make it a priority. It’s only once a month! Just let me know when you want to help out and how many people you will be bringing.

Blessings, Dawnielle

Upcoming meetings and needs:

March 19-21
2nd Annual Mujeres de Virtud retreat to Lake Champion, NY!
Pray for us! Last year we had 19 ladies attend from Alexandria and Arlington.
The ladies worked very hard to make and sell tamales as well as organize a yard sale; however, we are still in need of some monetary resources.

We will need:
-Donations for the scholarship fund:   $100 can send a lady to the retreat for the weekend
-Donations for the Transportation fund:   We estimate about $2000
-People to volunteer to watch kiddos for the weekend to allow single moms to go
-Borrow Mini-vans to cut transportation costs (Let us know if you or your church have one available.)
-Volunteers to drive the vans and volunteer with the camp ground for the weekend (kitchen crew).

Mark these dates on your calendar, Mujeres de Virtud dates for the rest of the year:
April 17
May 8 (Annual Mother’s Day Celebration)
June 5
(Lay low for July and August)
September 18
October 16
November 13
December 11 (Year End Christmas Celebration)

Free turkey tonight!

Sarah Dale — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:48:35 +0000

Hey everyone,

Just a reminder… we’re back on our “normal” Holy Grounds schedule tonight with a potluck at the church at 6pm and a discussion lead by Corey, starting our series on Spiritual Practices.

If you’re going to bring food, please bring only a small side dish since we’ll be having a 20 lb. roasted turkey (courtesy of Sarah Dale’s parents). Be prepared for some juicy goodness… John, Matt, Sarah and Rachel (yes–she’s visiting from Iowa!) created the marinade it’s been soaking in for two days. Mmmmm!

PS-No, it doesn’t take 4 people to create a marinade, but everything’s more fun when it’s a communal effort, right?

Party Pictures

Holy Grounds — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:55:19 +0000

Hi All! As usual, I’m posting the pics from the Halloween/Matt’s Last Hurrah party on Flickr. They’re not all up/edited, but I’ve put up some fun ones as a start. The link directly to the set is http://www.flickr.com/photos/lrnwllms/sets/72157622705408438/ Let me know if you want originals etc… Also… if you know of someone who was there who doesn’t read the HG blog, could you please send this link their way? I got some email addresses, but I know that I’m still missing a few people!

Update on Bridgett

Matt Pritchard — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:37:50 +0000

I was able to hop a plane this morning to Cincinnati (with some cloths I picked up from Erin) and have been with Bridgett since then. I’m remaining with her until her parents get here at about 11 and will head back to help with whatever’s needed tomorrow morning. Bridgett is good spirits, but still trying to process and figure out next steps.

Thank you for all your messages and texts. It’s been wonderful to share with her all your love! If you would like to encourage her, I’d suggest not calling her, but rather e-mailing or texting (be sure to include your name as she lost all her contacts when her iPhone burned) and have grace that she may not respond back. Please keep praying for her, her housemate Beth, and their families.

A bunch of my housemates are driving here tomorrow evening for a conference and will have limited space for clothing items for Bridgett. If you have stuff that would be good (she’s a size 6 and a medium in tops), you can drop it off at Fairlington before noon tomorrow. In particular she needs: jeans, comfortable pants, sweaters, socks, and a jacket. If you don’t have clothing and would like to still contribute materially, I know that money would be a real blessing. You can also drop of gift cards (there’s a target and old navy nearby)/checks made out to her at Fairlington (which will give her the most flexibility) or (if you would like your donation to be tax-deductible) you may make it out to Fairlington with Bridgett in the for line.

Keep praying!

Support for Joanna

Matt Pritchard — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:12:00 +0000

I just spoke with Joanna this morning. She’s doing really well, but money is tight.

As Joanna’s community, we’ve agreed to share such information and to help her out as the spirit leads. Please consider sending sending some support money to Joanna.

If you are cool with not having a tax deduction (preferred since it is much, much easier for her to get the money this way), send a check made out to her directly to her parents:

Joanna Geiger
529 Freemont St
Lancaster, PA 17603

If you want the tax deduction, you can give it to Fairlington Pres earmarking it for Joanna Geiger.

Celebrating Jan’s 20 Years of Ministry with FPC

Matt Pritchard — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:52:50 +0000

You and your family are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate and give thanks for Jan’s 20 years of ministry at Fairlington Presbyterian Church with an Italian dinner in the fellowship hall at 5pm Saturday, October 17.

What to bring: Most importantly, bring yourself! If you would like, you can also bring your favorite pasta dish, salad, bread or dessert. If you aren’t able to bring food, don’t let that stop you from coming! We always have more than enough to share.

Questions? Contact Andi at andi_allen05@yahoo.com.

Buon appetito!

Helping Casa Chirilagua

Matt Pritchard — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:24:23 +0000

Friends of Casa Chirilagua, we need you!

WHO: Casa Chiri and 12 of our closest volunteer friends!

WHAT: We need help for our Art on the Avenue booth. We will be helping children make bird feeders out of recycled materials.

WHEN: This Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 AM – 6 PM

WHERE: Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria on Mt. Vernon Avenue

WHY: Not-for-profits in Alexandria host art projects for children at their booths at the festival. It will be a fun way to give back to the community, meet people nearby, find volunteers, and promote Casa Chirilagua.

HOW: If interested please sign up for a 3 hour slot (9-12 AM, 12-3 PM, 3-6 PM) by contacting Rachel Hoppe: rachel_hoppe@hotmail.com

We hope to see you there!

Poll on women’s fellowship nights

Karen Vroom — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:22:57 +0000

OK, some of you may cringe at the “christianese” sounding title of the post, but I wrote “fellowship” on purpose: I think we need to move the format into a more structured shared prayer time. Hopefully I am not alone in this thought.

On the scheduling: How would you all feel about meeting more frequently, say, every 2 weeks? I would like to keep it on a weekday since ppl are busy on weekends.

On where to have it: I would like to have it at someone’s house, which means ppl need to volunteer to host. This means YOU! You wouldn’t have to provide dinner, or even your presence technically (although that would be preferred). Also, anyone who wants to help me with providing dinner to a half dozen ppl would be appreciated!

On the content: As I said, shared prayer time is good, however there may be interest in a women’s study of some sort. I personally am not sure if we are at that point yet, or whether ppl would prefer a coed study. But anyway, I am bringing this to the floor. If you have a particular book to pitch, let’s hear it!

Georgetown InterVarsity seeking baked cookies

Matt Pritchard — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:52:35 +0000

Each year, Georgetown’s InterVarsity Christian Fellowship seeks to greet interested students with homebaked cookies and an invitation to Bible study and other New Student events.

We’re praying that the Lord will lead us to 200-250 new students this fall–which means we’ll be looking for 400-500 cookies (bagged in 2s) (35-40 dozen).

Are you able to bake cookies? buy cookie dough (or grocery gift cards) that others could bake?

We’re trying to get the cookies in by September 1st, delivered to someone on campus–or my house:
1818 Minnesota Ave SE Washington, DC 20020.

If you’re able to participate, please email me at keperk@gmail.com with how many dozen cookies you’d like to supply–that way I can keep track of where we are in the process.

Thank you for helping prepare the way for new students to encounter Jesus!

Blessings,
Kate Perkins
Georgetown IV

Labor Day Weekend at Joanna’s Cabin

Matt Pritchard — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:14:08 +0000

We are looking at spending Labor Day weekend at Joanna’s Cabin in Pennsylvania.

There is enough bed space for 8 people (3 double beds, 2 single beds) We also have a pull out sofa and two other sofas for people who would prefer those to air mattresses. There is plenty of floor space as well
Dogs are perfectly fine but they can’t sleep in the beds.
It’s about 5 and a half hours to get up to the cabin (it’s a little past Scranton PA)
People would need to bring sheets, drinking water, and food
Just a heads up it is rustic there is no indoor pluming (or outdoor for that matter): there is an outhouse and a lake we pull water from.

Is it something any of you would be interested in? Let me know ASAP.

Please help Libby!

Matt Pritchard — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:35:50 +0000

Hey Everyone!

Please help me win a $100 gift card to CustomInk to help out pay for my team’s field hockey shirts! The picture with the highest rating gets the prize. Below is a link to rate my picture (of my family at the beach in our shirts). Simply go to the right and click the highest rating in order to vote for the picture.

http://inkspot.customink.com/iotw/photo/monkey-is-our-business.html

Thank you all so much, I’ll let you know the outcome!

-Libby Lyon

Canoeing and Inner-Tubing Down the Shenandoah Saturday, August 8th

Matt Pritchard — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:46:37 +0000

We’re so excited about our upcoming day on the river, Saturday, August 8th! We’ll carpool from the church parking lot at noon and head out to Bluemont, VA to spend the afternoon floating down the Shenandoah in canoes and inner-tubes. Pack a lunch and bring $5 for the cook-out we’ll have in Bluemont after we’re done on the river.

It’s sure to be a fun day out in the country!

RSVP matt@fpcusa.org so we can make sure we have enough equipment for everyone.

Postcard from Joanna

Matt Pritchard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:00:34 +0000

Bio Ritmo at Summer Solstice Salsa & Swing Dance

Matt Pritchard — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:26:21 +0000

I’m so excited about the Summer Salsa & Swing Dance coming up Saturday, June 20th. Nationally acclaimed Bio Ritmo will be playing and it’s sure to be a ton of fun! Even better, it’s free.

Here are the details:
Saturday, June 20
7-10pm (come to learn and teach at 6:30)
3846 King Street, Alexandria

Join us for this FREE, fun and family-friendly evening of dancing in an alcohol-free environment! Proceeds from concessions will support the Computer CORE program (www.computercore.org).

Please invite your friends. Posters are available for download here or can be gotten from Matt.

Fairlington Sabbatical Blog

Matt Pritchard — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:06:09 +0000

This summer the community of Fairlington Presbyterian along with Pastor Jan Edmiston will be taking a sabbatical to explore God’s calling on us in the coming seasons. It will be a wonderful time of reflection. Follow along with thoughts from people throughout the congregation and Jan’s travels on the Fairlington Sabbatical blog.

Ellen Quaresma’s Family Needs Help

Jumoke — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:32:30 +0000

Friends,

Ellen Quaresma’s family is in need of emergency financial assistance. The Quaresmas emailed Grace Community Church last week. Due to the economy, some people have stopped sponsoring the family — but their expenses remain the same. Futhermore, recent illnesses have caused them to spend more on healthcare — and this is likely to continue as they move into the winter season.

Would you consider making a $10, $25, $50 or $100 one-time and/or recurring donation to help Ellen’s parents, Mazinho and Ana, take care of their still growing family of 39?! Any and all gifts -big or small- matter right now.   Click here to donate now! (This link will take you to the Action International Ministries online gift site).

Here’s why… Ellen’s family has had to take out a bank loan to pay for food and healthcare. Not only do they need money to pay back a bank loan, but they also need more supporters to help sustain their ministry in the future. Ultimately, they will need more supporters as a long term solution.

Please spread the word about this family and make a financial contribution if you are able. You can go to www.quaresmafamily.org to learn more and this will link you to the action international website; click on the orange button that reads “Donate to Mazinho and Ana” and that will take you a secure online giving site.

If you have any questions, I’d be more than happy to answer them for you, OR you can talk with Matt. We’ve both been to Brasil to visit this family and seen this ministry in action. This family is very dear to my heart and as we share their story with the rest of the world, the hope is that more people will want to help them out as well.

All the best,

Jumoke

Goodbye Dinner for Bridgett Friday at 6:30

bdhedric — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:47:53 +0000

Please come to dinner this friday night at 630 at Noodles & Company beside four sisters in Merryfield/Tysons Corner Area.

I would love to see everyone before the move. If you know anyone that would like to come that I have missed on this email invite them too.

Directions: 8190 Strawberry Ln Falls Church, VA 22042

Let me know if you have any questions. Hope to see everyone there. I’m going to miss all of you and glad you have been apart of my life in DC

Poets Prophets Teachers

Matt Pritchard — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:34:25 +0000

I’m thinking about going to a conference in Grand Rapids, MI: Poets, Prophets, Teachers with Rob Bell, Peter Rollins, and Shane Hipps July 5-7. Want to come with me? The cost is $250, but it covers two people (I’ll cover this cost). Flights are about $212 round and I think we can probably find someone to put us up while we’re there. I’ll cover the rental car as well. You’d need to pay for your meals.

Let me know if you are interested.

Half-Priced Burgers at Noon Memorial Day

Matt Pritchard — Sun, 24 May 2009 19:06:07 +0000

Since it’s a holiday, we’ve decided to go early to the Crystal City Sports Pub (529 23rd St S, Alexandria, VA) for half-priced burgers.

Meet up at about noon.

If you have any problems finding our group, send a message to Matt: 434.962.4927.

Final Spring Work Day

Matt Pritchard — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:47:53 +0000

We’ve made great progress this spring in updating our building and grounds. But there are still a few more projects & a portion of our property that are in need of repair and updating to fully utilize our property in a transforming way in our community.

Join us this Saturday, May 16, at 9am for a day of community work on our grounds followed by a 12:30 lunch.

Our building and grounds are used throughout the week by a variety of groups & the mission of our community. It is vital that we, as a community and a church, spend some time making sure this space is a welcoming, safe, & inviting place so we can fulfill our mission of being a transforming Force for Good in the World in the Name of Jesus Christ.

In addition to the gift of your time & energy on May 16th, we also need:

Financial gifts to support the projects listed above. Make any donations to the church & mention that you are contributing to maintenance of the grounds or the May 16^th Work Day.

If you are willing to contribute the gift of food, financial support, or your time, please contact Jon Borden or Matt Pritchard (office@fpcusa.org).

Depending on the weather, some of the key projects that we will be tackling include:

On the outside (good weather)

Finish the play ground’s ground cover
Prune trees and shrubs
Clear weeds growing in some areas of the parking lot
Installation of a new play ground gate ($200 has already been donated to help)
Installation of new picnic tablesand BBQ stands/grills

On the inside (bad weather)

Painting the entrance ways of the church
Painting the main &volunteer offices
Painting the lower level hallway and doors
Organization of a couple of our key storage areas
Painting and update the infant nursery

Thank you for your continued support of the mission of this church. With a little bit of your time this Saturday, we can continue to assure that our building serves as a functioning supporter of that mission.

Children’s Faith Formation

Matt Pritchard — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:40:43 +0000

We’re trying to figure out how to better love the kids who have been entrusted into our care as a community.

Any of you passionate about children’s faith formation? Would you have passion about discipling one or two kids aged 8-12? We envision this looking like taking them to get a cupcake or get dinner every week or two and just hanging out with them: talking about life and how things are going with them in school and with their family and talking about God with them. It could also possibly involve spending time with a group of them every few weeks on Sunday mornings.

As you can tell, we’re still trying to figure out the details, but looking for people who are really excited about helping kids along their faith journey. Let me know if this sounds like it might be a good fit for you at matt@fpcusa.org.

Carpenter’s Cook-off

JDBorden — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:55:08 +0000

This Sunday, April 26th, a group of us will be supporting the Carpenter’s Shelter by attending their annual Cook-off featuring 24 restaurants and great entertainment. The Carpenter’s Shelter provides homeless families in Alexandria temporary housing.

Everything gets rolling at noon (those of us coming from the morning worship gathering will be later) with live entertainment starting at 1:30pm at The Birchmere (3901 Mount Vernon Ave).

Tickets are available at the door for $40 per adult, $5 per child (ages 6-17), and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets are available in advance for $35 for adults by calling 703.548.7500.

Sunday Morning Conversation on Missions

Matt Pritchard — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:32:22 +0000

We’ve been talking on the peripheral about how we develop more and stronger relationships between the Holy Grounds and Morning Worship communities. One of the key ways that people are excited about is missions.

This Sunday (April 26th), we’ll be having a conversation about missions at 9:30am.

I know that many of you have both passion and extensive experience in missions work both locally and abroad. I know it’s early, but it would be wonderful if you would come and share in the conversation. Let me know if you plan to come: matt@fpcusa.org.

Part-time Youth Leader Wanted at Friend’s Congregation

Matt Pritchard — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:00:31 +0000

Commonwealth Baptist Church, a progressive community of faith, seeks a part-time youth leader to establish relationships, provide counseling/mentoring, develop educational programming, facilitate spiritual formation and engage in social justice work with a youth group of 15-20 in Alexandria, VA. Must have a strong desire, passion, and calling for working with teenagers. Experience and education in ministry is a plus. Send resumes to ben@commonwealthbaptistchurch.org.

Kim’s Lu’au at Georgetown University

Kimberly Schisler — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:38:51 +0000

Come see Kim do hula and eat some delicious Hawaiian food!! Cheaper than a trip to the islands. This is why Kim has been MIA for the last month! Contact Matt or Phil for tickets on Sunday morning. Tickets are $18 for dinner and dancing.

Dinner Tonight at Rustico on Slater’s Lane at 6:30pm

Matt Pritchard — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:03:12 +0000

Join James, Karen, and Rachael (it’s her last week here) for dinner tonight at 6:30pm at Rustico on Slater’s Lane. Call or text Karen if you have any questions: 415-350-8446.

Donate Used Clothing to Benefit New Ministry to Immigrants in Alexandria

Matt Pritchard — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:06:24 +0000

Spring is here and it is time to clean out your closets. Chirilagua Ministries of Alexandria will be collecting donations of Men’s, Women’s, and Children’ clothing, toys, bedding, linens, and kitchen supplies for a yard sale. The sale is being organized by Women of Virtue, an outreach of Chirilagua Ministries that disciples women, fosters a women’s support network and empowers them to be the change they want to see in their neighborhood. Sale of the items will benefit the Chirilagua immigrant community in Alexandria by bringing affordable used clothing to their doorstep. All proceeds will benefit Women of Virtue. Drop offs are located in Falls Church and Alexandria. Collection ends on April 22nd. Please contact Dawnielle Miller for more details: dawnielle.miller@gmail.com

We will also be needing volunteers to help with the sale on April 25th. Please let us know if you are available to help! Feel free to forward this along to friends, family. colleagues, faith community, list serves, etc.

Alexandria Drop Off Location:
Commonwealth Baptist Church
700 Commonwealth Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22305

An Opportunity to Serve

Matt Pritchard — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:03:58 +0000

The community I live in does work with Hispanic immigrants to the area. One of the specific things is Mujeres de Virtud, a ministry to women. Recently they went on a big retreat to New York state and their first Mujeres de Virtud meeting since that retreat will be happening this coming Saturday (April 18th). This will be a combined meeting between the Alexandria and Arlington groups which means they will have A LOT of kids and be needing a lot of help!

They will need help with:
1.) Childcare so the mothers can enjoy their meeting. It would be great if someone wants to put together a lesson and activity. Childcare starts at 3:30 PM and should conclude by 5:30 PM.
2.) Transportation from Chirilagua to Arlington starting at 3:00 PM. Transportation from Arlington to Chirilagua at 5:30 PM

If you’d be able to help with either of these needs, e-mail Dawnielle.

God Squad Leaders Needed for Next Two Sunday Mornings

Matt Pritchard — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:06:26 +0000

God Squad is the worship experience for 8 to 12 year-old kids (they actually named it themselves) that takes place during the morning worship gathering each Sunday. I’m looking for someone to lead the time during the next two Sundays (April 12 and April 19). It’s a great way to begin building relationships with some incredible kids!

All supplies and weekly scripture lessons are provided. The kids also all have a journal in that box in case they want to reflect on anything. This week they are making Easter cards for the shut ins.

Your responsibility would just be to come a little before 11 and look through the materials for the week and then walk them through things during the 11am worship time.

Let me know if you are interested (even if you can’t do the next two weeks as there will be more opportunities): matt@fpcusa.org.

Maundy Thursday

Matt Pritchard — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:10:44 +0000

We celebrate The Last Supper this Thursday, April 9th at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary with the morning worship community and our neighbors from Fairlington United Methodist.

You are invited to bring an offering of 30 Pieces of Silver which will be given to people who have been betrayed: Victims of human trafficking in the U.S. through The Polaris Project.

Alden will be sharing about the work of Polaris Project and the problem of human trafficking not only in the United States, but specifically the DC area this Sunday April 5 at 9:30am in the Cowsert parlor.

Praises from Bridgett

Matt Pritchard — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:48:51 +0000

Her Dad was doing so well that they released him from the hospital early and he’s home now! Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Update from Bridgett

Matt Pritchard — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:33:57 +0000

I’m at home now. I will be at the hospital tomorrow. My dad is out of surgery and in – intensive care. he will be in IC until wed or thursday then they will move him out for 4 more days in the hospital. He is still under/sedated. i’m going in the morning. that is the update. i will let you know. as of right now my phone is dead. got to find a charger.

bridge

Pray for Bridgett’s Dad

Matt Pritchard — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:57:35 +0000

Just got a call from Bridgett. Her Dad has gone into cardiac arrest. She’s waiting to hear an update, but he will likely have open-heart surgery tomorrow. Bridgett’s planning to take a morning flight.

Please be in prayer for her Dad.

I’ll send updates as I receive them.

Golf Tournament to Benefit Children with HIV/AIDS

Erin Weston — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:33:34 +0000

Hi everyone,
Please pass on this info to anyone who might be interested in participating and thanks to all who are contributing their time and efforts to helping me spread the word!!
Erin

PLEASE JOIN JUBILEE CAMPAIGN FOR OUR
Inaugural Golf Tournament to benefit Jubilee Home IV, HIV/AIDS home for children in Mumbai, India

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
Greens Fees, Lunch, Dinner, and Prizes: $200 for Individuals & $600 for Foursomes
Westfields Golf Club
Clifton, VA
Tee Off at 1:30 PM
Driving Range Opens: 11:30 AM
Website: www.golfforchange.weebly.com

Please RSVP by April 20, 2009 to erinweston@jubileecampaign.org or call (703) 503-0791 for more information.

Send checks to:
Jubilee Campaign
9689-C Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22031

The proceeds of the tournament will finance the overhead costs of operating the home, the specialized HIV medical treatment needed for the children, and the educational programs offered by an experienced and loving staff of house moms. Extra funds raised will go to special designated projects, including the medical clinic that offers basic medical care to children on the streets and to building a new resource center for girls rescued from the red light districts who live in our other Jubilee homes and need education materials, computers, and a network of teachers, professors, universities, and employers for their advancement. We hope to be able to offer scholarships to the girls who wish to go to college.

NCAA Tournament

Lisa Miller — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:42:36 +0000

I don’t know how many people would be interested, but I created a NCAA Tournament bracket group through Yahoo! Groups. It’s really easy to set up, and I thought it might be fun.

Group name is Holy Grounds
Password is holygrounds

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joinprivategroup_assign_team?GID=147470&P=holygrounds

Baked good of your choice (cupcakes, cookies fresh from my kitchen) to the winner!

Birthday Carpool

Matt Pritchard — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 03:07:42 +0000

Those who live/work near 3846 King St, we’ll meet in the parking lot at about 6:30 and take me minimum number of cars necessary to Jen’s. Let me know if you’re planning to carpool so we ‘ll be on the lookout for you: 434-962-4927.

Another Opportunity to Support the Stikkers

Matt Pritchard — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:21:46 +0000

You once again wonderful opportunity to spend time with Dave Stikkers at his residence – Sunrise on Duke Street. His stay there has been extended through March 15 and we are againing looking for people to hang out with Dave.

As most of you know, Dave Stikkers is a 41 year old leader in our congregation with frontal lobe dementia. This transition has not been easy as the staff at Sunrise cannot provide 24-hour minute to minute oversight.

If you would like to spend An Evening with Dave for a 3PM-7PM or a 7PM-7AM shift sometime over the next two weeks, please contact Natalie at office@fpcusa.org.

The overnight shift involves simply sleeping in the recliner in Dave’s room and spending time with him if he awakens. The 3PM-7PM shift involves just hanging out and having dinner with him if you wish. There is no physical or medical care required at all. No administration of medication, etc. Just stay with him and make sure he isn’t disturbing the other residents.

It is a blessing and a pleasure to be able to share this time with Dave. And it will give Dave’s family and the compassionate Sunrise staff some peace of mind.

Is there a shift you would like to offer any day March 12-15?

Thanks and blessings this Lenten Season.

St. Patrick’s day parade today!

Rachael Olsem — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:08:12 +0000

St. Patricks day parade today at 12:30 on King’s St. Meet at King’s & Fayette St.

An Opportunity to Support the Stikkers

jledmiston — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:33:28 +0000

We have a wonderful opportunity to spend time with Dave Stikkers at his new residence – Sunrise on Duke Street.

If you would like to spend An Evening with Dave for a 3PM-7PM or a 7PM-7AM shift sometime over the next two weeks, please contact me at jan@fpcusa.org. We already have volunteers for tonight and tomorrow night.

It is a blessing and a pleasure to be able to share this time with Dave. And it will give Dave’s family and the compassionate Sunrise staff some peace of mind.

Is there a shift you would like to offer in the next two weeks?

Thanks and blessings this Lenten Season – Jan

Building up the Church: Exploration of New Monasticism

Matt Pritchard — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:45:33 +0000

This Saturday (the 21st) there is a great event happening in DC!

Monasticism has always helped the church remember who she is. This event is designed to help local churches learn about what new monasticism is and what it means for the church. Come and explore five practices that are emerging from new monastic communities: reading Scripture as the story of God’ people, relocation to abandoned places, economic sharing, gospel peacemaking, and cultivating a culture of grace and truth. This is a single day event, hosted by the Servant Leadership School (1640 Columbia Road NW, Washington DC).

Lunch will be provided. Registration cost is $30/person for those who are able to pay. Register online at http://newmonasticism.org/events.php

As you may or may not know, I live in a New Monastic community, so this is something really important to me. Let me know if you are going. I’d love to carpool.

First Update from Joanna

Joanna — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:11:36 +0000

Hey Everyone!

So after about 30 combined hours of flying and waiting in airports we arrived in Adelaide! We made a few delirious videos on the flight which we will be proudly posting to facebook in a few days! I wanted to send out a short note to let everyone know that we have made it here. The base is huge and wonderful. It reminds me a lot of a spanish hacienda. Most of the staff live right here on base so the base is comprised of several apartments. Becca and I are staying in a large room shared with the other girls participating in the DTS. The DTS is much smaller then we originally thought it would be. Most of the people who were going to be on our DTS had issues with visas and had to drop out. So it looks like there will be a total of about 7 of us. It’s a small team but there are a lot of advantages of that. There are about 30 people who staff the base with various ministries. I believe about 5 of them will be heading up our DTS. Everyone has been very friendly.

The flight was long and I got sick. Not really a good time to be sick but never the less. We arrived and it was roughly 80 degrees in Sydney. Adelaide is much hotter with temperatures in the 100s! I love it! They took us around the base where we met Darby, a really young great dane who I instantly fell in love with. I think Darby is leaving with his family soon. There is also a resident cranky goat that were told to keep our distance from. We also were told about all the poisonous snakes and spiders to be aware of. After our tour Becca and I engaged in the challenge of staying up to try to get used to the time difference. It’s about 15.5 hours difference between us and most of you back home. We made it to 9 PM and it was over. I think we stopped making sense at about 3.

I will try to send out updates as interesting things happen. I’m on Skype if you wish to chat or have give me a call my user name is joannageiger. I’ve attached a few photos. Two are the view from our balcony and one is Becca and I after way too many hours of flying! Hope you all are well!

Cheers!

Joanna and Rebecca

Italian Restaurant Night

Matt Pritchard — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:32:41 +0000

Youth from Fairlington United Methodist are doing an Italian Restaurant Night fundraiser Saturday Feb. 7th, from 5-8 in the Fellowship Hall of Fairlington United Methodist (3900 King St).

A group of us are going around 7 and will sit together. The youth are setting up an Italian Restaurant (usually called CafeAmore but it might change.) It is the biggest fundraiser for the youth all year and goes to support all of the youth activities. Dinner is $8 per person. For the first time in its history, the food will be made from SCRATCH! At least the three different pasta sauces will be: marinara, meat and alfredo.

Also the youth will provide entertainment…and I heard rumors that Dan and Rachel are performing a duet.

You don’t need a reservation, but if you have an idea about how many people are coming let Ashley know so she can give them a heads up. Either that or we can drive them crazy just like we do every other restaurant we enter…