Volunteer Roles:

• Set-up  (10 volunteers) 9:30am – 12:00pm
• Clean-Up (20 volunteers)  2:30am – 4:00pm
• Volunteer Check-In Shift 1 (4 volunteers) Shift One: 11:00am –1:00pm
• Volunteer Check-In Shift 2  Shift Two: 1:00pm- 3:00pm
• Greeters Shift 1 (4 volunteers) Shift One: 11:00am –1:00pm
• Greeters Shift 2  Shift Two: 1:00pm- 3:00pm
• Information Corner (2 volunteers) 11:30am – 3:30pm
• Ticket Sales Shift 1 (4 volunteers) Shift One: 11:30am –1:30pm
• Ticket Sales Shift 2 Shift Two: 1:30pm- 3:00pm
• Parking Attendants (4 volunteers) 12:00 pm -2:00 pm
• Restaurant Runners/ Servers Shift 1 (20 volunteers) Shift One: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm 
• Restaurant Runners/ Servers Shift 2  Shift Two: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
• Drink Servers (4 volunteers)Shift One: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm  Shift Two: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
• Children’s Corner (4 volunteers) Shift One: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Shift One: 1:30 –4:00pm
• Table Bussers (4 volunteers)Shift One: 12:00 am – 2:00 pm Shift Two: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Raffle & Awards (4 volunteers)Shift One: 11:30am –1:30pm Shift Two: 1:30pm –3:00 pm

Please note that in order to easily coordinate volunteers, the Carpenter’s Shelter has asked that all volunteers provide their top three (ranked) desired volunteer roles. If you would like their descriptions of these roles, let me know and I can send you that information.

PS. There may also be opportunities to volunteer to serve on the advance team to do work prior to the day of the event; I will post that info as it becomes available.

So in case you haven’t heard, I’m officially moving on March 27 and would love your help.  I rented a truck so we should be able to do it in one trip.  I’m picking up the truck at 9 am and have the elevator reserved at 10 am so I’m thinking we’ll get started about then.  Let me know if you can help – I promise to at least feed you lunch!

Thanks!

Steph

We will be having a Holy Grounds planning meeting on Sunday, March 28 at 4:30 pm to plan the next few months of worship.  Come join us!!!

Steph

sarahedale (at) gmail.com

“The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria on March 6, 2010 kicks off the holiday. The event includes a dog show with judging for everything from the smallest dog to the dog and master who look most alike. The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. with the best bagpipers around. Visit the sponsor’s website <http://www.ballyshaners.org/content.aspx?page=2&section=1> for more information.”

Details – There is a Classic Car Show at 10am and the dog show is at 10:30. What I’m thinking about, is getting down there by 11:30 and finding a place to hang out, watch the parade, enjoy the sun, then grab lunch!

If you are interested in meeting up and going or meeting up in Old Town please let me know. Jonborden04@msn.com

Matt

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

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

A friend of mine came into town for a week to look for jobs. He flew all the way here, and come to find out, is allergic to cats. Ryan and I really wanted to give him a place to stay, but his allergy is quite serious and that would be unsafe. Could I ask a huge favor? Does anyone have a place he could sleep? Paul will be here until Feb 24, but even a few nights would help. He is super cool and just finished up seminary in St. Paul (ironic huh?).

I left my phone at home, so you can also reach me at emilywismerATgmail.com. Thanks team!

Ryan and I have decided to go swing dancing tonight… get excited!  Our friend, Paul, is in town, and it has been just too long since we cut a rug. If you have never danced before, fear not because swing lessons start at 730 and are included with your $5 general admission free.

Yes, you heard that right. Basic swing lessons are included in your admission for FREE (echo sound- free free free)!

Ryan and I will probably show up around 8:15 or 8:30 and dance ’til our socks fall off or the cows come home, which ever happens first.

Here is a map and a link with more info:

Give me a call at 512.853.0053 for questions.

Girls group this week is relocating to Guapos in Shirlington at 7:00 pm.  Join us for margaritas in honor of Fat Tuesday!  Thanks ladies!

Steph

Also,  there is a Fairlington Presbyterian congregational meeting at noon-ish Sunday, February 21st in sanctuary. 

I’m a little stir crazy and Lauren, Jon, and I are heading to lunch at Guapos in Shirlington – should get there about 12:15 pm.  I don’t know how stuck you all are, but if you can get out and want to join us, let me know you’re coming!  Call my cell 612.708.0793!

Steph

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)

Since the roads are so crazy, we are going to cancel Holy Grounds tomorrow night. Steph is watching the SB at her casa, so if you want To watch, give her a heads up at 612.708.0793.

Jan and I visited today, and as cool as a time of confession would be Sunday, we are both worried about the quickly approaching snow storm. Additionally, it is Super Bowl Sunday, so the people who aren’t held back from snow may be gone for the big game. Thus, we are going to take a rain (or snow) check for HG’s time of confession and try to fit it in again before Easter. For anyone who can make it safely, we will be airing the Super Bowl in the HG basement and have our usual potluck. If you come, make sure you drive safely.

Go Saints!

We’re going to cancel small group for tonight with so many of us out and the fact that I’m incredibly exhausted. I think I’m going to work a little late, then go right to bed when I get home – I’m sure you all understand and have been there too!

We’ll meet back up at my place next week, Feb 9th at 7:00pm (our new time). See you then!

Sarah

What:  We pick up furniture that people in Alexandria are donating and then you deliver it to people in Alexandria who need it. (Obviously the ALIVE people give us addresses.  We don’t randomly take and give furniture, although that would be interestingly Robin Hoodish.)

When:  Saturday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 27  at 8am (yes this is early but it will feed your soul)

Where to meet:  First Christian Church. 2723 King Street, Alexandria

Who do I contact to tell them I would LOVE to do this??  Beth McFarland:  bmcfarland@meridian-imaging.com

Please email 1 song in MP3 format attached to an email, with a Word doc containing lyrics (paragraphs will be separated by us onto Powerpoint slides). Email to: scottgsanders@gmail.com AND ssgdale@gmail.com.

You will have the option to “intro” your song, and if time permits, we may spend a few minutes in open discussion after it plays. The results will get burned onto a mix CD, to be distributed to the group the following week (or so).

Just a low-key way to share a bit about ourselves with each other.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR IF YOU NEED TECHNICAL HELP, DON’T HESITATE TO CALL SCOTT (310) 663-4992 OR JOHN (703) 789-7181.

Josh

In January and early February we’ll be continuing our focus on Spiritual Practices.

January 24 – Contemplative Prayer/Meditation – led by Lakesha Bradshaw (back by popular demand) with an intro to media inspirations next week.

January 31 – Media Inspirations – led by Scott

February 7 – Confession/Sin – led by Emily

Starting February 14, we’ll begin our Lent series which focuses on the last 7 sayings of Jesus.  Each leader will help us reflect on each phrase.

February 14 – Father forgive them, for they know not what they do (LEADER NEEDED)

February 21 – Today you will be with me in paradise (LEADER NEEDED)

February 28 – Woman, behold your son…Son, behold your mother (LEADER NEEDED)

March 7 – Why hast thou forsaken me? (LEADER NEEDED)

March 14 – I thirst – led by Lauren

March 21 – It is finished – led by Jen

March 28 – Into your hands I commend my spirit (LEADER NEEDED)

April 4 – EASTER SUNDAY (service plan TBD)

Thanks all!!!

1 – Emergency fund – a fixed ammount that once reached will be held in reserve to help with members in crisis.

2- FPC contributions – a percentage or fixed number above the minimum referenced above to help further the ministry of FPC

3 – Missions/ Outreach – this will be the largest of the four categories. this will be all money not spent on HG or FPC. Ideally this money will be spent in full quarterly.

4 – Administrative costs – This will be the smallest of the four categories. Ideally less than 1% of income. For coffee, plates, oil for the lamps etc.

We will collect any gifts given to us into our line item budget for the next quarter and at our next meeting we will take a look at what has been given and assign numerics for each of these categories and further nail down exactly how missions/ outreach money will be spent. We have also agreed that Missions money will be reevaluated for effectiveness on a semi-regular basis TBD at our next planning meeting. This is in no way the start of HG expecting members of the community to pay “tithe” to HG. This is merely in the interest of being transparent, so that those who choose to donate may be comfortable in knowing how their gifts will benefit others.

PO Box 121, Bandu, A.Muang, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand

We miss you Joanna!

Unit #931003 TF-TP-2
APO AE 09391

He’s also checking e-mail.

My band mate Eugene Lee’s birthday is on the 20th, so he’s going to celebrate his birthday, too by opening the show and playing with me on my songs! He is AMAZING. You will definitely want to hear what he has to play and say You can check out his fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eugene-Lee/66975074282. My music page is http://www.erinanneweston.com and I’ll have this event posted there as well.

Salty snacks, coffee, tea and maybe even some hot chocolate will be available along with comfy couches to sit on and great people to meet (in my humble opinion, I have amazing friends and fans . Please invite YOUR friends/neighbors/relatives, too. The more the merrier and we have room!

**The show is free since Fairlington Presbyterian has generously allowed me to use the basement at no cost. A suggested donation of $10 for those who can afford it will support a family in need in my community.

Thanks and I hope you can come! I’m looking forward to a memorable night shared with all those that I love doing what I love to do the most

Details:
Show opens at 7:00 PM with Eugene Lee
Erin plays at 8:00 PM
Snacks, drinks available
$10 suggested donation
CD’s will be available for $15 each

I wanted to send out a reminder that we’re starting our series on the miracles of Jesus tonight at Holy Grounds women’s small group. If you haven’t had a chance to come yet but have been thinking about it, now would be a good time to start as we’re beginning our scripture studies and more structured time tonight.

If you want to read ahead, I found a page online that has the passages from the gospels that cover the miracle of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law: http://bit.ly/7K6TXO I can’t vouch for the interpretation below it, but I can vouch for the scripture passages.

Here is my address (within the Eaton Square Apt Complex):
3800 Florence Drive Apt 4
Alexandria, VA 22305

ABOUT PARKING: we found out the hard way last week (so sorry Lauren…) that there are limited parking spaces for visitors without permits. I recommend you look for a space on W Glebe Rd along the townhouses across the street. If there are no spaces there, the only place you can park without getting towed is in the lot, to the right of the leasing office BUT only along the back side, where there should be spots clearly marked indicating they are visitor spots that don’t require a permit (I’m told there are 24 spots). Don’t be fooled by the other ‘visitor’ lots, you have to have a permit to park there. If you have any questions about parking just give me a call and I’m happy to run down there and help you find a spot.

See you all tonight at 7:30pm!

Sarah

sarahedale at gmail.com
703-789-7164

Just a reminder… we’re having women’s small group tonight at 7:30pm at our new apartment in Chirilagua. For those of you who don’t know where Chirilagua is, no worries… it’s still in Alexandria and easy to get to.

Also, I think today might be the day we actually start studying the bible! So come prepared to discuss the miracles of Jesus (hopefully).

Email me if you need directions: sarahedale at gmail.com

-Sarah

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?

Just a reminder, Lauren and I will be moving on Saturday January 2nd. If you could come and help us that would be amazing. I am hoping to make the entire thing into one load so we aren’t all driving back and forth. The official start time is 10AM but if anyone wants to come earlier I’ll be picking up the Uhaul @ 0700 and start prepping as soon as I get to my house. We will serve you guys lunch of some sort, haven’t gotten that one figured out. Anyway our address is 7020 Chadds Ford Dr, Brandywine, MD 20613. For those of you who don’t have GPS take 495 east toward Baltimore. Take the Waldorf MD exit and head south on MD-5 for 12 miles. Chadds Ford is on your right accross from Safeway and Target. If you don’t mind either give me a call or email me to let me know you are coming thanks.

Josh

318-547-3489

As a lot of you know last week was a hard week for Lauren and myself. Lauren had a death in the family and we had to make a short notice trip back to Texas. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has kept us in their prayers. Also I wanted to say thanks to all you guys who helped logistically to make our trip possible. You guys Rock.

Josh

Please email me at jan@fpcusa.org by 5:00 on New Year’s Day and I’ll order your tickets.  Tickets are $49 or $60.  Let me know which you’d like for the January 2 8pm show.

Happy New Year!

Want to see this play Saturday at 8pm?

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/GTLNIONGHRSNFMHBAALQ/NewYears Please log in and let us know if you can make it

This post is long overdue, but save the date: Ryan and I are hosting a New Years party at our place Thursday night From 9pm til the cows come home More info to come in the form of a evite tomorrow- watch with anticipation and start preparing for a fabulous time to remember.

I got some sad news this evening.  Please pray for our friend Lauren – her little niece passed away today.  Her niece has battled a heart condition all her life and she got an infection she couldn’t overcome.  Lauren is trying to get home tomorrow – pray she can get a flight in the midst of the chaos of the snowstorm.  And pray for her and her family.  I will let you know if there’s anything else we can be doing.  Thank you all!

Love,

Steph

Because Jesus loves it even when we sing in the warmth of our homes . . .

Melanie & I agree that we should cancel Christmas Caroling for Dec. 20th at 6:45 pm.  So, whip up some cocoa and stay safely home.

See you at Christmas Eve service at 7pm Dec. 24th!

The amazing John Dale has volunteered to go over to Nancy’s tomorrow and help logistically with getting the car repaired, which is WONDERFUL.  If you can help donate to cover the costs of the repairs, it would be greatly apppreciated.  You can write a check to FPC and drop it by the church office with a note that it’s for Nancy’s car repairs or you can drop it in the offering on Sunday marked the same way.  Anything we raise over and above what Nancy needs will just go in the deacon’s fund for the next time there is a situation like this.

Thanks everyone – the way we come together in times of crisis like this makes me really love Holy Grounds and all of you.

Love, Steph

Dec 6 – Emily leading

Saturday, Dec 12 -  Christmas Party at 7pm in the basement – bring a white elephant gift, a snack to share, and gift card donations

Dec 13 – Scott leading discussion on relationships

Dec 20 – Evening of Caroling, location TBD (Melanie coordinating)

Dec 27 – TBD…

Thursday, Dec 31 – New Years Eve Party, location TBD – anyone want to put this together?q

Jan 3 – Corey leading discussion on spiritual practices and resolutions

Jan 10 – 4:30 pm planning mtg. to discuss lent and upcoming programming
            – 6:00 pm Lauren leading discussion on spiritual practices and sabbath

Thank you everyone!  Hope you’re doing well!  See you tomorrow night!

To all my nonbelieving, sort-of-believing, and used-to-be-believing friends: I feel like I should begin with a confession. I am sorry that so often the biggest obstacle to God has been Christians. Christians who have had so much to say with our mouths and so little to show with our lives. I am sorry that so often we have forgotten the Christ of our Christianity…

Read more: http://www.esquire.com/features/best-and-brightest-2009/shane-claiborne-1209#ixzz0Yq9uqsP4

I’ve heard Rustico has some pretty good specialty pizza and a very wide range of unique beers, but I haven’t been yet to test them out. Here’s their site if you want a preview: http://www.rusticorestaurant.com/index.html

John and I will be there around 7 p.m. tomorrow (December 4th–is it really December already???) Email me or text me if you’d like to join us and we’ll save a seat for you!

Sarah

sarahedale @ gmail.com
703 789 7164

If that video’s not working, you can check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU.

The 11am service will produce a traditional Christmas Pageant on Sunday, Dec. 13 during 11 am worship and we are in need of:

Luke the Physician (the narrator), The Priest,  The Innkeeper, and assorted “Hill People” (not the same as Capitol Hill People)

Rehearsals: This Sunday (Dec. 6) 9:30 – 10:30 am  and Next Sunday (Dec. 13) 9:30 – 10:30 am

Bonus feature:  Hanging out with little ones dressed as angels and sheep.  (And who doesn’t look good in shepherd-wear?)

Contact me if interested.  Thanks!    jan@fpcusa.org

I hope everyone had a deliciously relaxing Thanksgiving. Since the holiday has past, we are back on to meet Tuesday at 7:30 PM. Due to the Dales’ upcoming move, we will be meeting at my apartment [1202 S. Alfred St.; Alexandria]. If you get lost or need directions, give me a call at 512.853.0053. I look forward to seeing everyone again!

Emily

Anybody interested?  To get the conversation started, how about: Wed. Dec. 16th or Sun. Jan. 3rd?

‘The Color of Recession’

A televised town hall debate hosted by Al Jazeera’s Avi Lewis

Friday, November 20, 2009 | 3:00pm

THE NEWSEUM
555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001

Featuring:

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., Founder & President, RainbowPUSH Coalition

Rev. Graylan Hagler, Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice

Rosa Clemente, 2008 Green Party Vice Presidential Candidate

Linda Chavez, Chairman, Center for Equal Opportunity

To RSVP, please send an email to rsvpfaultlines@aljazeera.net.

(RSVP required for entry.)

 “Precious” is about an overweight, illiterate African-American teen from Harlem who discovers an alternate path in life after she begins attending a new school. Clareece “Precious” Jones is only a teenager, yet she’s about to give birth to her second child. Unable to read or write, Clareece shows little prospect for the future until discovering that she has been accepted into an alternative school. There, with a little help from a sympathetic teacher (Paula Patton) and a kindly nurse (Lenny Kravitiz), the young girl receives something that most teens never get — a chance to start over. “Precious” an inspirational drama!

If you’re planning on coming out please let me know by email jonborden04@msn.com or phone 919-288-0583

Jon

Just a reminder: We will be back at Sarah Dale’s house tonight at 7:30. Feel free to bring snacks or not. We look forward to seeing you!

Em 512.853.0053

Please come to the church at 4:30pm this Sunday, Nov. 15 to provide your input and help us plan things out.

If you have any questions you can contact Sarah Dale at sarahedale [at] gmail.com or Steph Reinitz at sreinitz [at] hotmail.com

This is the type of group that I would love to be part of.. I have some ideas about books to study

If anyone is interested let me know

Thom Skinner

skinnersbox_75@yahoo.com

This is the type of group that I would love to be part of.. I have some ideas about books to study

If anyone is interested let me know

Thom Skinner

skinnersbox_75@yahoo.com

We have a last minute location change for our Women’s Small Group tonight. We’ll be meeting at the church in the lower level, where we usually meet for Holy Grounds, at 7:30 p.m.

Call/email me if you have questions.
703-789-7164/sarahedale [at] gmail.com

Sarah

So I realized driving home last night that we don’t have a plan for this coming Sunday evening.  There had been a list of people wanting to lead different things which has kept us scheduled for awhile, but we’ve hit the end of the list.  Anyone up for leading this week?  There is no set theme (Lauren is still working on the Isaiah plan), so it’s wherever the Spirit leads you.  Let me know if you’re interested!  Thank you!

Steph

I’ve put up the pics from last nights’ HG. They’re on my flickr (direct link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lrnwllms/sets/72157622596505403/). Also, I’ve added just a couple more pics to the Halloween set. As always, feel free to take them, print them, post them elsewhere etc… Enjoy

He’s an interesting guy and I don’t agree with everything he says/believes but he’s doing some cool things in the city.

We had a brief discussion last night at Holy Grounds, determining that this group will be meeting regularly every Tuesday at 7:30 pm at my house, but since some are interested but can’t make it on Tuesdays, there’s opportunity for other people to start another group that meets another day, or try to join later if their schedule allows.

If you can join us for dinner, please email me (sarahedale AT gmail.com) to let me know what ingredients you can bring to pitch in–we’ll be making pasta (I have everything for that), plus salad, garlic bread, and anything else anyone wants to bring/make.

If you can’t make it tomorrow but want to join or have thoughts to chime in with, please email me or Emily (emilywismer AT gmail.com) and we’d be happy to include you in the discussion.

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Sarah

PS–My address: 307 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Park anywhere on the street that you find a space.

If you’re interested, please share thoughts with us through email (emilywismer AT gmail.com, sarahedale AT gmail.com) or this Sunday at Holy Grounds or next Tuesday at our Planning Dinner.

Planning Dinner

We’ll meet at my (Sarah’s) house and make dinner together (yes, together–it will be a community effort! and then take the time to pray together and talk about what we’d like our group to be like, when we’d like to meet, what our purposes are, etc. etc.

When: Tuesday, October 27, 7:00pm
Where: Sarah’s house: 307 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA
What to bring: Please sign up to bring one of the following things:

- Italian bread (for making garlic bread)
- Lettuce/greens for a salad
- Black olives
- Tomatoes (also for the salad)
- Dessert (if we want there to be dessert)
- Anything else you want to add in

I’ll take care of the pastas/sauces.

Hope to see you there!

Sarah

Matthew Pritchard is moving to Pittsburgh!

We’re throwing a party and wishing him well!

So….

Wear your Halloween finest if you dare, bring a spooky snack or two to share, but above all else, when it’s all said and done — we hope you can say, “Matt saw me there!”

Join us – it’s a goodbye costume party in the Lower Level, Saturday, October 31, 2009. The party starts at 4. The awards ceremony begins at 5:30!

Some of you have heard that Bridgett’s town home burned down late last night/early this morning. Bridgett and her roommate are okay, but they have lost everything. Matt’s roommates are driving up on Wednesday NIGHT to Kentucky, so he’s asked us to bring any clothing/supplies we might want to gather to the church basement by tomorrow at NOON. Also, please feel free to send Bridgett an email or prayer of encouragement. Thanks everyone!

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!

I’m going to the Christian Community Development Association conference in Cincinnati (very near to where Bridgett lives) tomorrow and we were planning to hang out while I was in town. She’s asked me to request clothing from you guys and bring them with me. Shoot me an e-mail ASAP if you’re willing to do this as I’m working on going ahead and flying to Cincinnati today.

She also requested that you pray for the family of a woman who died in the fire.

Here’s a news story I found about the tragedy.

So who’s up for seeing “Paranormal Activity”?   I know I am and I’m looking for those who would like to join me this Friday evening? All the reviews say it’s a SCREAM……….    I’m thinking – we meet up at the Gallery Place Regal Theater  about 7:00 to grabs tickets for the 8:30 show;  then go grab some grub before we settle in for a little Paranormal Activity!!!!!!!   Jon   JonBorden04@msn.com

Love,
Steph

So our dear friend Matt would like to lead us in a discussion of how we govern ourselves before he leaves for Pittsburgh.  We decided to call a planning meeting to discuss it, instead of doing it during worship, since it’s probably not something visitors are overly interested in.  Please join us at 4:30 pm on Sunday, October 25 in the basement.   Matt will lead the conversation. 

If we have time, we can transition into a conversation about our relationship with the larger FPC community.  There have been several side conversations on the topic recently and its something we probably really need to grapple with as a community.  Please be praying for God’s wisdom for us as we explore the subject. 

Thank you all!

Bridgett is part of HG, moved for grad school over the summer.

And remember, Jan’s anniversary celebration is on Saturday!

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.

Sunday Morning Conversation Series starting Sunday at 9:30am:
God and the New Physics: Trying to learn about the Creator by studying the Creation.

Historically, theology has been informed by perceptions of the cosmos.  In Medieval times, it was considered that the sun revolved around the earth, and humans were at the center of the universe.  Copernicus and Galileo saw an end to that.  Isaac Newton discovered laws of mass and motion.  With them, one could predict the movement of planets (and apples!) with great precision.  Such precise laws tended to support the notion of a “clockmaker God,” who created the world and then withdrew to watch it play out.  Humans might only be characters in a foreordained pageant, with limited free will.

Starting at the beginning of the last century, physicists discovered fascinating facts about the very small and the very fast.  Quantum mechanics of subatomic particles work probabilistically.  That is, one can make accurate predictions about statistical results, but each individual tiny particle could be in one of a number of quantum states.  Is that the kind of way the Creator approaches the seeming contradiction between human free will and Calvin’s predestination?  The class also describes the quantum entanglement of particles.  Einstein said they evidenced “spooky action at a distance.”  Is there scientific evidence that “there’s something out there” we don’t understand?  Come learn about some of the interesting and surprising facts of modern physics, and join in a freewheeling discussion of what they might mean for us.  The material is geared to non-specialists who like to grapple with ideas.

Join us for four conversations beginning Sunday, October 11th at 9:30am for a guided discussion on many of these issues.

This Sunday’s Conversation –  Evolving Views of Physics: Implications for Theology? Includes wave/particle duality and quantum entanglement.  Discussion includes free will and spooky actions at a distance.

Conversation 2.   Stuff: What is it? Includes the Standard Model, quarks, and strings.  Mysteries of the Particle Zoo.  The complexity of the universe seems to be based on a limited number of physical principles.  Are there somewhat analogous principles that drive the complexity of our lives?  If we understand them better, can we gain more clarity?

Conversation 3.  The Anthropic Principle.  Certain mathematical constants that describe the natural world have values that are extremely precise, and relate to each other in a way that supports the generation of human life (the cosmos becoming self-observant, if you will).  Because the probability of all these constants lining up so precisely is vanishly small, can we make the claim that human beings (anthropoi) are in the cosmological center stage?  If we’re important, what should we be doing?  Did God initiate a cosmic series of events because he wanted to create an outstanding good?

Conversation 4. Life.  The cell and the living complexity that has evolved over time.  Most life is single cell and mostly autonomous.  However, some cells have diversified, specialized, and become part of larger complex organisms.  Was this the goal all along?  Whose?  What larger wholes are we part of?

I was trying to sort through some pictures today which lead down a trip through my memories of places I’ve been and places I’ve loved.  Like DC in the spring, when you can almost mistake the cherry blossoms for snow.  I reflected about people I have grown to love, roommates, childhood friends, and new acquaintances, the kind you instantly love.  India and it’s people have now achieved spots on both of those lists.  

India completely took me by surprise in almost every way.  I had heard many accounts of what I could expect and I was sure that I was going just to survive.  I never expected to actually enjoy this place.  India is like a little globe within it’s country boundaries.  Every part and province you go to has different people groups and different language.  Even though Hindi is the national language many of those provinces and people groups do not speak Hindi.  Luckily we were able to get by everywhere we went with English.  Our trip started in Chennai then we traveled to Bangalore, Mysore, Dharwad, and ended in Goa.  

In many ways I didn’t understand why I was going to India.  India was never on my list of countries that I really wanted to see.  I expected just reigning chaos everywhere.  I also have a sensitive stomach that hasn’t really taken a liking to curries in the past.  I also expected to be sick the entire time.  However, as I prepared to leave the US I knew that God wanted me on this trip and so I knew that I would, indeed, survive.  I was happy to find that I not only survived quite well but that India has no more chaos then Chicago or New York might have and that my stomach has actually done quite well here and have had very few issues!  

The travel schedule was the most chaotic thing about the trip.  We were only in any location for up to three days!  I had all of what I thought I might want for the next two years or so in my pack and had to carry my laptop bag with me.  I felt like I was weighed down to the max and really dreaded travel days.  God is good and he supplied people to help me.  My team mates were wonderful and were always helping me carry my bags.  My pack got nicknamed “the beast!”  

For those of you who don’t know I came to India with a team from Australia called Rahab.  Rahab is a ministry that reaches out to Sex Workers in Adelaide.  I will be returning to Adelaide to work with this team.  Since I had to go back to the US I met the team in Chennai instead of going to Australia and traveling with them.  Again, God was good and we had traveling mercies the entire trip start to finish.  I didn’t have any trouble meeting up with them in Chennai, despite a few of my flights being delayed, I was still able to make all my connections.  Before the team left they held a fund raiser and were able to raise quite a bit of money for us to give away.  

The numbers of this trip in and of itself make a great story: seven woman, one country, five cities, four train journeys, twelve days, countless cups of tea, many many times of laughing until your sides hurt and one big adventure!  We knew we were only in the country long enough to get some exposure and that was the purpose of the trip.  However, as we went through every location we were able to leave some of ourselves behind.  We were able to buy mattresses for a home that rescues the girls of temple prostitutes so they aren’t dedicated to the temples themselves.  70 mattresses in all!  That home gives the girls a hope and a future.  

So what did we do in India?  We tried to be a blessing wherever we could.  We gave what we could and saw God moving in every location.  We played, laughed and cried.  My team was absolutely fantastic.  I don’t think I’ve laughed like I have in the past three weeks in a very long time.  In Bangalore, I met a fellow YWAMer who worked on the base.  She helped us around Bangalore and took us to ministry locations and the markets etc.  While we were in a rickshaw ride she told me how she was raised in a Christian home but she was the first one to be formally educated.  Her family had big dreams for her and were not pleased when she told them that she wanted to join YWAM and be a missionary.  They don’t support her and she has been praying and longing that they’ll come around.  God gave me a few words for her and told me that I was to try to support her as her “family.”  While I know she has been encouraged it has encouraged me as well because I believe that was a divine appointment for me.  I love seeing how God’s economy works!  

After the team left I stayed on in Goa with Pat, one of my teachers from DTS, who recently came to India to work in Goa.  I originally thought that I would be working with her while I was here but when I got here we found that there really wasn’t anything for me to do.  So I rested.  It was a much needed respite.  I have just been on full steam for almost a full year and really full steam since I returned from my DTS.  It was so good to just rest and pray and hear what God would say.  God really reaffirmed and spoke about these next two years and He really breathed some life and dreams in me.  I am excited to see how they come about!                

My last month at home was incredibly difficult.  There seemed to be ages of things on my “To Do” list and not enough time to accomplish all of that and be able to say good-bye.  There were many times that I just felt completely desperate.  I shed a lot of tears but many of you constantly were encouraging me and I cannot thank you all enough for all the support you gave me during the last couple of months.  It is so much easier to say good-bye knowing I have a big team in my corner.  

I apologize for the length of this letter but didn’t know if I could do India justice by making it shorter.  I leave for Adelaide tomorrow.  I have two full days of travel with an all day lay over in Malaysia.  Please pray for continued traveling mercies and for protection.  Thank you all for being who you are and what you mean to me!  I miss you all very much and can’t wait to hear from you! 

May abundant blessing come your way! 

Joanna 

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!

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!

All day long, you can stop by and eat at La Tasca-Clarendon. They are donating a portion of the days sales to C.O.R.E.

Tuesday night 7:05, you can see the Nationals play the NY Mets. Computer C.O.R.E. has free tickets for anyone interested. Email beth@computercore.org. First come, first serve.

• Jenga
• Hungry, hungry hippo
• Boggle
• Connect 4
• Candyland
• Hi Ho Cherrio
• Memory (any version)
• Pictionary – just the clues… or any other game that has actual clue cards people can draw out of a hat
• Any other games you can play one on one quickly without a lot of instruction.

I can actually use more than one copy of some of them so I would appreciate whatever you’ve got.  Thanks all!

Love, Steph

Saturday, September 26th

Come out and play or choose from one of our activity stations and help lead an activity.

All activity stations are easy and have instructions on how to lead.

Recycled Bead Making, Games, Bounce House Monitor, Paint Wall or help with set up or tear down.

Contact Natalie @ office@fpcusa.org and let her know if you want to help out.

Sunday, September 27th

Painting Party in the Children’s Rooms

Looking to have a little fun, spend some time with friends and do a good deed?

Well, run home after worship, grab something to eat, change clothes and meet Jon Borden and others at 1:30 (until about 4:30) to paint the children’s class rooms in the Education Wing.  Two classrooms need the walls and ceilings painted and it would be great to have at least 2-3 folks in each room.

See Jon Borden for more details.

Highlights include:
$465 Billion would feed every child on earth for 5 years.
$21 Billion would save the Amazon
$300 Billion is given to charity by Americans
$103 Billion is spent in foreign aid by leading nations.

I suggest you check it out.

We’re heading over after burgers if anyone wants to join us.

peace,

dave m.

She’s had quite a lot of pain from the surgery and bad side effects from the pain medicine, thus inhibiting her from having much contact with people. She seems to be well taken care of with her mother in town, but is still very out of it and feeling the full side effects of this not so fun process. She wanted me to express to the church that the get well basket really meant a lot to her (nice job everyone!).

Please continue to pray for her and I’ll let you all know if I hear of anything else and hopefully we’ll be seeing her within a week or so.

-Sarah

Dear friends, I’m excited to invite you to the premiere of International Justice Mission’s new documentary, At the End of Slavery, on September 30th at The Tivoli Theatre (3333 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010). This 31-minute film is narrated by Danny Glover and features interviews with Gary Haugen, Samantha Power, Mark Lagon, Kevin Bales, and IJM clients and staff. Tickets for the premiere are $10, which includes a house party planning kit and a copy of the film so you can share it with others. Doors open at 7:00p.m., and the screening is followed by a panel discussion with IJM staff and other leading experts. You can purchase a ticket here: http://ijm.eventbrite.com/. Please visit www.AtTheEndofSlavery.com to learn more about the film. I hope you can join us!

See everyone at the baptism, barbeque, birthday celebration at the Dales!

Josh

Josh

Computer Distribution begins this week at CORE and we need your help with Setup and on the distribution nights. 

1.  We’ll need two or three folks on the Tuesday evenings: 9/1 and 9/8  at 7pm to set up tables/chairs and the computer preset.  Click here to sign up on the spreadsheet.

2.  We’ll also need volunteers to ‘float’ around the room helping the students one-on-one with the practice run of setting up their computers at home.   And, to help carry CPUs out to their cars at the end of the session.  We need two or three folks at each session — all from 7pm – 9pm on 9/2, 9/3, 9/9 &9/10 (These are Wednesdays and Thursdays).  Click here to sign up and help!

Thanks so much!

Jumoke

Everyone will gather at our place in Old Town, then walk down to the river where Jan will baptize Joanna in the refreshing waters of the Potomac. Afterward, the group will walk back to the house, and spend the evening celebrating with good food, drinks and conversations. Please come early to support Joanna in this wonderful decision she is making. If you can’t make it until later, stop by whenever you can; we’ll be partying all night! (or until the food/drinks run out).

And this just in…. Sunday is Jon Borden’s birthday!! Even though he might be the type who doesn’t want to be the center of attention, he’s going to have to suffer through it as we take this time to celebrate his birthday as well (Jon, blame Steph, she provided me with the intel). Who knows… there may even be singing involved…

Come one, come all: Sunday Sept. 6th

4:30 p.m. Meet at the Dale’s (307 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314) to walk through Old Town down to the Potomac for Joanna’s river baptism

6:00 p.m. Holy Grounds BBQ celebration at the Dale’s (please bring family & friends!!)

- Main dishes will be provided, please bring a side dish, something to drink
 or a dessert that goes well with vanilla ice cream
– Email Sarah with any questions: sarahedale (at) gmail (dot) com

If driving:

– Park anywhere on the street, it shouldn’t be hard to find a space within a block or two

If taking the Metro:
– Take the Blue or Yellow line to Braddock Road, it’s a 10 min. walk to our house.

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!

Thanks

Josh Williams

Thought I would give everyone an update from our last planning meeting.

Here’s the plan for September:

August 30 – No Holy Grounds (combined service at 10 am to welcome back Jan)

September 6 – Labor Day Weekend Barbeque at the Dales

September 13 – Tithing Rescheduled (assuming this works for Lisa & Corey)

September 20 – Special Guest Speaker:  David & Kathy Dawson from Maya Mission (friends of the Dales)

September 27 – Musical Worship Night (assuming John, Erin, or Matt are willing to lead for us)

Following the kind of random schedule for September, we’re going to start looking at the book of Isaiah.  Lauren has offered to look into some of the predominant themes, particularly as it ties into the coming Incarnation of Christ and leads into the Christmas season.

We also discussed incorporating more music and intercessory prayer into the evening.  If you’re leading on a particular night, please keep that in mind as you plan.  And although we’d still like to break momentarily at 8 pm, if conversations need to continue or we want to use the end of the evening for prayer or musical worship we can do that.

Thanks everyone – I missed you all last week!

We plot, we plan, we assume things are going to go
A certain way and then they don’t and we find ourselves
In a new place, a place we haven’t been before, a place
We never would have imagined on our own,

And so it was difficult and unexpected and maybe even
Tragic and yet it opened us up and freed us to see
Things in a whole new way

Suffering does that—
It hurts,
But it also creates.

How many of the most significant moments in your
Life came not because it all went right, but because
It all fell apart?

It’s strange how there can be art in the agony…

The Drops Like Stars tour is a two
Hour exploration of the endlessly complex
Relationship between suffering and creativity—
And I’d love to see you there.

Rob Bell will be in DC with the Drop Like Stars tour on Saturday, October 10th at 8pm at GW’s Lisner auditorium.  Tickets are about $25 all inclusive.  It’s assigned seating, so I’ll be ordering the tickets for everyone.  Let me know by 8am Tuesday, September 1st if you want to go.

Derek Webb is playing at Jammin’ Java in Vienna Saturday, September 26th at 6pm. He’s one of my favorite artists and I know several other folks from Holy Grounds like him as well.  He’ll be playing with a full band and his wife, the incredibly musician Sandra McCracken will be opening.  If you order now, tickets are $15.  They are running out quickly!  Let me know if you are going.  I can’t wait!

1. BBQ

John and I (Sarah) will be hosting a cookout at our house during the normal Holy Grounds time ( 6 p.m.) on Sunday, Sept. 6th. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy good food, good discussions and a great community. Please feel free to bring family and friends. We’d love to pack out our house!

Cookout at the Dale’s House
Sunday, Sept. 6th 6:00 p.m.
307 N Fayette St
Alexandria, VA 22314

If driving:
- Park anywhere on the street, it shouldn’t be hard to find a space within a block or two
If taking the Metro:
- Take the Blue or Yellow line to Braddock Road, it’s a 10 min. walk to our house.

- Main dishes will be provided, please bring a small side dish, dessert or something to drink
- Email Sarah with any questions: sarahedale (at) gmail (dot) com

2. Day Trip

There are talks of going to King’s Dominion or possibly Williamsburg or even a quick trip to the beach on Monday, Sept. 7th. If you have suggestions or are game for whatever, please contact Lauren or Josh Williams (I’ll let them post their email if they would like too). More details will come later.

Have a fabulous Monday!

-Sarah

Friday, Aug 28 (actual birthday 8/30)
6:30pm-ish
Jen Gillett’s house
8252 Townsend Ave, Apt 104
Fairfax, VA 22301

Please, no gifts. Your presence alone is a “present”
Bring a board or Wii game to play!

Let’s have dinner w/ Joanna and hang out this Tues (8/25) around 5pm. Jen Gillett will host at her house:

8252 Townsend St
Apt 104
Fairfax, VA 22301

It’s down the street from Fairfax Hospital, off the beltway (exit Gallows Rd). I will probably bring a cold noodle salad dish for main course and some snacks, very low-key. Just bring yourself.

i am all settled in here in Connecticut, and just wanted to say a big thank you for helping me get off to a good start. phil gave me your letters and it was so wonderful to read such encouraging notes! i love you all so much and cannot wait to visit! i’ll be filling you in about what i’m learning and how much i miss you.

thanks again!

love,kim

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

6:00pm Potluck

6:45pm A discussion on tithing and giving lead by Lisa and Corey

Guys: my neighbor is by herself here and trying to move some furniture tomorrow morning. She wants to pay (which I could talk her out of) and is talking about hiring strangers. If any of you guys want to volunteer your male muscle, let me know and I will talk her out of it tonight. You get to choose the time.

My ladies: I am seriously considering painting tomorrow- if any of you love to paint, we can make up some brownies and have a girls hang out time in my house. I will buy the paint supplies, so lemme know if you are coming. I am thinking about starting at 2PM.

Rock on Holy Grounds!

• 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.

Here are the details.

Sundown today is at 8pm, so we’ll probably make our way down to 18th and Bell sometime after Burgers.  If you’re interested, let me know or just meet us there.  And bring a blanket to sit on (or maybe one of those camping chairs).

peace,

dave m.

Let me know if you want to come.  We’ll be at the theater in Shirlington at 9:45am this Saturday.

Anyone up for ice cream in Old Town tonight? I think John and I will be strolling down that way around 8:30pm-ish. Hope to see you there!

Where:
The Scoop Grill and Ice Cream–(homemade ice cream and sorbet, yum!)
110 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314

-Sarah
sarahedale[at]gmail[dot]com

I will be making one of the four things I cook – stuffed shells – but it would be great if other people volunteered to bring side dishes, drinks, etc. Please e-mail me and let me know if you can come and what you want to bring.

My address is:
200 Yoakum Pkwy #1101
Alexandria, VA 22304
Parking is a bit obnoxious at my place, so I recommend carpooling. Call me when you arrive and I’ll get you a visitor pass.

Thanks all!
Steph

PS – Sorry for the late notice, but it’s purely for selfish reasons since I’m leaving town next week and wanted to have it while I could still come

One thing that came up during the discussion was thankfulness, specifically being thankful for the small blessings that God provides for us everyday. Bonhoeffer says it like this: “Only he who gives thanks for little things receives big things. We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us because we do not give thanks for daily gifts.“

So here’s a challenge for folks: Let’s give thanks for the little things!  From now through September 6th, let’s use this space to thank God for the small blessings in our lives.  When something comes upin your life, add a comment to this post.  This is open to everyone, not just people who came to the bookstudy.  Nothing is too mundane or too small.  If you have a joy or a blessing or something makes you smile, share it with the community and give thanks to God.  Everyone, let’s practice the art of thankfulness and see where it takes us.

peace and grace,

dave m. 

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

If you have ideas and can’t come, please send them to me by e-mail beforehand.  Thanks!

So I realized that although I know what we’re doing the rest of the month, I haven’t told any of you!  Here’s the plan for our poverty/justice emphasis in August:

This week, August 9 – More debrief of last week and a Biblical look at poverty & wealth (Steph with fabulous input from Kim)

August 16 – Living Simply (Dawnielle Miller)

August 23 – Tithing (Corey & Lisa)

August 30 – Something Contemplative (I think )

Thanks all – See you all on Sunday!

People will be meeting at Fairlington Presbyterian’s parking lot at noon to carpool out to Mike & Toby Gress’s house in Bluemont, VA (33868 Snickersville Turnpike).  We’ll have canoes/inner-tubes available for everyone. Pack a lunch to eat on the way, we’ll have a cookout for dinner. If you would like to come out earlier, please feel free (I will be heading out Friday night so that everything’s in order when everyone arrives).

Some folks are planning to camp Saturday night. If that’s something you’re interested in, let me know.

Everyone should bring:
$5 for the cookout
Shoes to wear while in the river
Clothes/swimsuit to wear in the river
Change of clothes
Towel
If you have any life-jackets, please bring those as well (we’ll have some there also.)

Optionally bring:
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Inner-tube(s)
Kayak, etc.
Tent/other camping supplies to spend the night
Something to contribute to the cookout
Alcohol (to be consumed in moderation at the cookout)

If you run into any problems or have any questions you may e-mail me or call/text 434-962-4927.

If you are planning to go, please let Matt know at matt@fpcusa.org ASAP.

Hi friends, I’m still unsure how to best communicate with you all, but
I figure if I send an email to more than one person I have a better
chance to get through. First I realized that I never sent the promised
photo of the art you all made for me with words of encouragement about
prayer and community. As I sit here listening to the call to prayer I
can’t tell you all how thankful I am for this collage for my wall.

I would really appreciate prayers for my grandfather as we think he is
close to the end of his life, my job situation in that God would give
me wisdom,and for the beginning of living in community as 3 girls move
in with me this month.

Thanks for the intercession, and thank you for being who you are.

Salaam,
Margie

Looking for something to do this Saturday night? Let’s get together for some good food and a movie!

The Plan – To meet up at Galae Thai Restaurant, 215 Swamp Fox Road, grab dinner and then walk around the corner to the AMC Theater to watch a movie about an outwardly angelic little girl who displays an unforeseen devilish streak upon moving into the home of her new adoptive parents.

I won’t have the exact time for gathering until after the movie time is posted on Wednesday, but I suspect it will be dinner around 5:30ish and the movie about 7ish; I’ll update this post once I know the times.

As always you’re free to RSVP me at jonborden04@msn.com or just keep an eye out for the exact time we’ll be gathering and just show up!

August 2nd, we’ll be discussing Disciplemaking

August 9th, we’ll be discussing Building & Grounds

The forums will take place immediately after Sunday morning worship at about 11am. I know it’s early, but I would really love for each of you to be a part of the discussion and think it would be really helpful as we seek to have stronger relationships throughout the greater church community.

If you are interested, email Dave Moore (cruguru@gmail.com) or Matt P. We both have copies of the book, although I think Matt might give you a copy.

I promise it will be an interesting evening not to be missed – mark your calendars now Love you all!

Steph

please send me an email with your birthday… i am compiling a list so that we can help you celebrate! as a community and church family, it’s important that we can share these milestones together…

after all, my mom always said that birthdays don’t count unless there is cake!

email me a lisa.r.miller[at]gmail.com, or reply to this message. if you include your favorite dessert (or food if you aren’t a big cake/cookie/pie eater), that would also be helpful!

thanks,
lisa

Looking for something to do this Saturday night? Let’s get together for some good food and a movie!

The Plan – To meet up at Galae Thai Restaurant, 215 Swamp Fox Road, grab dinner and then walk around the corner to the AMC Theater to watch a movie about an outwardly angelic little girl who displays an unforeseen devilish streak upon moving into the home of her new adoptive parents.

I won’t have the exact time for gathering until after the movie time is posted on Wednesday, but I suspect it will be dinner around 5:30ish and the movie about 7ish; I’ll update this post once I know the times.

As always you’re free to RSVP me at jonborden04@msn.com or just keep an eye out for the exact time we’ll be gathering and just show up!

Now that we’ve talked about the Council of Nicaea, here’s some more information about it. If you’re interested, take a look at the “canons” (decisions) of the council.

Castration is the first issue! And the issue of the Scriptural Canon doesn’t come up at all.

Text: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3801.htm

Just a reminder to bring something nummy for the potluck tomorrow.  Lauren is going to be doing a riveting presentation on church history as well.  See you all then!

Steph

Erin’s CD Release Show is tonight at Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse, 201 F Street NE from 8 to 10pm.  So I’m looking to see who all’s going and who would like to hook up before hand for dinner around 6:30ish at Union Station?  My plans are to be at Union Station between 6 & 6:30 if you can make it give me a call (919-288-0583) when you get there and I’ll tell you where I’m at or drop me an email beforehand if you have any suggestion on where to eat.   Jonborden04@msn.com

The Lent before last, Jan preached a sermon series on the Seven Deadly Sins.  Tomorrow night at 10 (and the 24th at 8pm and 26th at 2pm) the Capital Fringe Festival is presenting “The Sin Show” at Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist (900 Massachusetts Ave NW).  It features “storytellers taking on one of the Seven Deadly Sins for true first-person tales about facing temptation.”

I got a call from a friend about going tomorrow night.  I’m not really sure what to expect, but think it could be interesting.  Anyone want to come along?  Tickets are $15.  Text me at 434-962-4927.

The second half of our planning meeting discussion Sunday was around turning our focus outward.  We had some great discussion around developing some ongoing service projects.  There was conversation about what that should look like and some good brainstorming around possible opportunities.

Although there weren’t a lot of concrete decisions, we did thing this was a good opportunity to partner with the morning service in some fashion.  A woman named Andi Allen (not sure of the spelling), is going to be coordinating missions for the morning service.  We thought it would be good to have a small group of us meet with Andi to discuss possibilities. If you are interested in being a part of that discussion, please let me know and Matt will help us coordinate it.

Thanks!

One of our discussions was around the rhythm/liturgy/order of worship for Holy Grounds. Here are some of the thoughts we had:

1. Announcements will now be done on a whiteboard instead of verbally. Feel free to add anything you’d like people to know at the beginning of the night.

2. We would like to engage in more intercessory prayer for one another, either as a large group or in small groups. It will be up to the leader for the evening to decide how to facilitate this best, but we’d like to incorporate it in some fashion at the end of each night.

3. There was a very positive response to Lakesha’s contemplative prayer service a few weeks ago which was more directed than what we’ve done in the past.  We will be doing something similar every 4-6 weeks.  The next contemplative service will be this Sunday (Lakesha leading).

4. We would like to incorporate more music into our worship. We’ve decided to pick a song that correlates to the current theme for our discussions and sing that song each night during that unit.  The leader for the night is also free to include other music (and can coordinate with John or Erin if they’d like). 

We will try to start implementing some of these ideas right away. If you have song suggestions for our redemption theme, let’s discuss and see what John and/or Erin are willing to help us with! Thanks all!

So… I started a Google group called NoVa Pet Sitting Co-op. I’m currently looking for others in my area (Northern Virginia) to join. If you know of anyone who would be interested please pass along the following info:

Group web address: http://groups.google.com/group/nova-pet-sitting-co-op

Oh, and potluck at 6!

Steph

New York Deli Dog– New York City’s delicatessen tradition brings us this great natural-casing beef frank topped off with sauerkraut and deli mustard.

Chicago Red Hot– A jumbo Vienna Beef frank on a poppy seed bun, is “dragged through the garden,” topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, dill pickle, peppers, and a dash of celery salt.

Fenway Frank– Boiled and grilled Fenway-style, a beef hot dog served on a New England-style bun and covered with mustard and relish.

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.

LONDON The surviving pages of the world’s oldest Christian Bible have been reunited – digitally. The early work known as the Codex Sinaiticus has been housed in four separate locations across the world for more than 150 years. But starting Monday, it became available for perusal on the Web at http://www.codexsinaiticus.org so scholars and other readers can get a closer look at what the British Library calls a “unique treasure.”

Just in case you weren’t at Holy Grounds last week and didn’t hear, we’re going to continue doing potlucks at 6 pm, at least through the summer.  See you all tonight!

after laughing really hard, it caused me to wonder…

is our theology or belief system the philosophical equivalent of monkey underwear? are we doing the things that are spiritually challenging and helping us to grow, or are we secure in our faith because we are spiritually supported? honestly, i don’t think this is what the comic artist intended, but it is worth pondering. besides, i wanted to share a smile

First, here is the schedule for the month of July:
July 5 – Church History: Redeeming our common history (Phil/Lauren)
July 12 – Forgiveness & Letting Go: Redeeming our relationships (Lisa)
July 19 – Peacemaking: Redeeming our relationships – Jessi? (Matt, please confirm with her)
July 26 – Church History: Redeeming our common history Part 2 (Phil/Lauren)

Second, it’s time for our second planning meeting of the summer. I thought it worked out pretty well last time so I’m thinking we’ll go with the same plan. The next planning meeting, therefore, will be SUNDAY, JULY 12 at 4:30 pm. At the moment, I’m thinking we should talk about whether or not we want some kind of liturgy for HG (for example, some kind of prayer routine, always doing music, including some kind of small group element, having a more contemplative focus from time to time, etc). There’s also been some discussion about Holy Grounds needing to incorporate some sort of service element/outward focus. I think it would be good to start that conversation as well.

If you have other things you’d rather discuss, let me know – I’m definitely open to suggestion. If you can’t make it but have thoughts to contribute, feel free to e-mail me!

Thanks all!

The officers have the meat catered (pulled pork and chicken, usually), so if you think you might attend, please let me know via email. The rest of the meal is potluck, so you’re welcome to bring a dish to pass. If you don’t, that’s okay, too.  Trust me, there’s always plenty of food.

Also, let me know if you’re interested in carpooling. If you’re a Metro rider, the Waterfront-SEU station is about a 5-minute walk.

Hope to see you there!

Corey

Thanks everyone!

During our time together we will rediscover and explore the ancient Christian practice of contemplation–and the sense of wholeness and peace that it offers.

During contemplative prayer we center our full attention on the presence of God, on the will of God, and on the love of God. We will use two prayer forms Centering Prayer (a method designed to facilitate the development of Contemplative Prayer by preparing our faculties to receive the gift of God’s presence) and Lectio Divina (a way of sacred reading and listening to the texts of scripture as if we were in conversation with Christ and He were suggesting the topics of conversation). Contemplative prayer is centered on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by which we can know the presence of God in very real ways. 

The following are quotations about the nature and experience of contemplation, drawn primarily from Christian mystics and authors throughout the centuries.

The secret of Christian contemplation is that it faces us with Jesus Christ toward our suffering world
in loving service and just action. Catherine of Siena
Finding God in all things. Ignatius of Loyola
Looking deeply at life as it is in the very here and now Thich Nhat Hanh

Further reading in preparation for our time together.
We will begin promptly at 6:45pm, to respect the time of those who will need to leave at 8:00pm

What Does “Contemplative” Mean?
The word contemplative has many meanings today. It comes from the Latin roots cum (with) and templum (temple), connoting a sense of the sacred.
Stated simply, the classical tradition understands contemplation as a loving quality of presence in which one is open to things just as they are in the present moment.
In Christianity and other traditions that understand God to be present everywhere, contemplation includes a reverence for the Divine Mystery, “finding God in all things,” or “being open to God’s presence, however it may appear.” When referring to prayer or other spiritual practices, contemplation is classically distinguished from meditation.
Generally this means that meditation seems like something we “do” by means of our own effort and intention, while contemplation always seems to come as a gift. Further, the reverence for mystery implies an openness to unknowing, a willingness to be led and guided by God without having to comprehend what is happening.
In this understanding, contemplation is in no way opposed to action. In fact, our sense is that truly effective, responsive action in the world needs to be undergirded and informed by contemplative awareness.
Also, although silence and solitude play a role in the contemplative life, contemplation does not mean withdrawing from the world. On the contrary, it is a responsive, participative presence in and with God, oneself, one’s neighbors, and all creation. Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation

Small Group Norms
Listen attentively, honor spaces between words, let each other finish.
Use “I” statements rather than “ we or “they”
Commit to confidentiality
Self disclosure appropriate to focus and trust level
Say only what you really think and feel
Respect time and timing
Be responsible for your own learnings
Resist moving into discussion, debate or problem-solving
Look forward to seeing everyone!Peacefulness

Theme: Redemption
Redeeming Our Relationship with God, One Another, and the Rest of the World

June 14 – Redemption: An Introduction (Phil)
June 21 – Contemplative Service (Lakesha)
June 28 – Discipleship: Redeeming relationship with God(Matt’s friend)
July 5 – Church History: Redeeming our common history (Phil/Lauren)
July 12 – Forgiveness & Letting Go: Redeeming our relationships – ?????
July 19 – Peacemaking: Redeeming our relationships – Jessi?
July 26 – Church History: Redeeming our common history Part 2 (Phil/Lauren)
The month of August – Redeeming our relationship with the rest of the world: Justice, Poverty, Money, Stewardship (Steph & Kim will coordinate but we’d love others input and help with this if you have thoughts, ideas, would like to lead, etc…)

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.

We’re seeking donations! If you have DVD’s, Video Games, Books or other items that you would like to donate please drop them off by Friday evening. You can leave items in the baby nursery across the hall from the Computer Core offices (look for the yellow sign on the door.) Tax donation receipts are attached to the bulletin board inside the nursery near the door.

Please contact Dana Andy at theandyfamily@comcast.net or (703) 671-3460

Many of you have been a part of Monday night burgers at Crystal City Sports Pub. Very sadly, our usual wonderful server and friend, Jarrad, recently announced he’s leaving the sports pub for new job opportunities. We thought the best way to deal with our depression over losing him was to do something nice for him as a send off.

If you would like to contribute to a gift for Jarrad, you can give money to Steph, Dave, or Matt. We will collect it all and pass it along to Jarrad. If you want to write a check, you can make it out to me and I will get them all cashed. We’re looking into doing some sort of scholarship for his son, but if that doesn’t work we’ll come up with a new plan.

Jarrad’s last Monday is June 29 so please have it to us before then so we can give it to him that night. Thank you everyone!

First, we want to try and experiment with different ways of doing dinner together. Therefore, June is potluck month! Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share and we will eat together prior to Holy Grounds. We’ll try this for the rest of June and then decide if we want to continue. Time to show off your cooking skills (or your skills at swinging by Giant on the way to church)

Doing dinner before service also means a slight schedule change. Starting next week, we’re going to try the following schedule:

5:30 pm Prep for dinner for those who need it
6:00 pm Dinner & social time
6:45 pm Holy Grounds “program” portion
8:00 pm Dismiss

Let me know if you have any questions! I look forward to seeing what everyone brings!

A few quotes…

“It’s a lot easier for me to go for [a hook-up] than really inviting them into my life and into my inner-circle and the people who are closest to me, who I’ve had all these shared experiences with. To me that seems like a bigger step–that kind of emotional intimacy. “

“For many of us, the requisite vulnerability and exposure that comes from being really intimate with someone in a committed sense is kind of threatening.”

And the thought of being in love with someone, Wilkerson says, “is the most terrifying thing.”

Questions surrounding sexuality continually come up as I hang out and talk with people.

Part of it certainly emanates from our experiences with broken homes. It is certainly also true that church’s have been co-consipirators with our culture in creating a fear of intimacy.

How do we live out intimacy with all the fear and pain that so often goes with it? How do we develop deep and real romantic and friend relationships with others? How do we truly grapple with the difficult questions of sexuality and intimacy?

A couple of books that have been helpful to me as I’ve thought about this over the years are Lauren Winner’s Real Sex and Rob Bell’s Sex God (I have copies if anyone wants to borrow them).

Still, I believe that we (meaning both the Holy Grounds community and the church universal) have a long way to go in exploring the call of Jesus in the realm of sexuality and intimacy.

What are your thoughts?

I don’t know how many of you saw Brian McLaren’s recent writings on Plurality 2.0 on pomomusings, but I found it really got to the heart of one of my own most vexing questions of faith. He frames the question “What about people of other faiths?” into the question “What about us?”

I found it really illuminating and challenging and hope you will also!

What we have left is:

·         Completing mid and upper level white trim

·         Doors

·         Window Trim

·         Hang Blinds

·         Store Ladders and other Paint Supplies

If you can spare a couple of hours tonight or tomorrow please just show up after 6:30 ready to spread a little paint.  Thanks,  Jon

5133 52nd St. NW Washington, DC 20016 (same as the New Year’s shindig)

Shoot me a quick a email if you can make it so that I can make sure there’s enough to eat (cruguru@gmail.com).  We’ll have the basics, but if there’s a particular grilled item that you want, you should bring that.  And make sure you bring your game of choice (especially if your game of choice is Taboo).

peace, dave m.

I’ve been talking to a handful of you about pulling together some time to talk about what we want Holy Grounds to look like moving forward. I’ve volunteered to pull together a few meetings (I’m thinking once a month for the summer) to talk about some specific things we need to make decisions on.

I would like to do the first of these meetings on Sunday, June 7 from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Here are the things I’d like to get your input/feedback on and I thought it might be helpful if you could think about it ahead of time. If you have thoughts you’d like to contribute to the discussion, but can’t make the meeting, feel free to shoot me an email (sreinitz@hotmail.com).

There are two agenda items:
1. Schedule & dinner plans – There are some of us who think it would be helpful to have a slightly more concrete start and end time for worship on Sunday evenings, in order to be respectful of people’s time and allow those with children and other responsibilities to plan accordingly and join us. We want to do this in a way, however, that doesn’t jeopardize our community-building focus or keep us from engaging with what the Spirit may be leading us to do in a given evening. It has also been suggested that we do dinner together at Holy Grounds instead of going out afterwards. This is a less expensive option but still allows us to eat with one another. The question is how and when to do it – before or after worship, changing worship time to incorporate this, etc. I’d love to know what different people think and come away with a recommendation.
2. Focus for the summer – We also need to decide what we want to focus on for the summer as a community and then decide how to divide up leading worship (similar to the grief focus we developed over Lent). If there is a topic or series of topics that you’d like to see us grapple with together, please come and let us know.

We hope to focus on several other issues in future meetings, including our relationship with the morning service community, supporting Holy Grounds financially, possibly incorporating a liturgy of some sort into our worship, etc. If there are other discussions you’d like to see us have, let me know and I will add it to the list. Thank you all!

We will need ten (10) volunteers to help setting up pews, tables and chairs on Monday night, June 8th between 7pm and 9pm.

We also have a need for event assistants on the night of the graduation -June 9th – between 5:00pm and 9:00pm.

Both evenings would be a great opportunity to volunteer with friends while serving the Fairlington Community.  If you are able and available to help, please send an email to Erica Landrau at erica@computercore.org.

All the best,

Jumoke

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

Menu

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

In the event of “iffy” weather, I’m not sure what will happen, but feel free to have a point person call me if so. I should know the plan by 5 PM.

Hope you can make it!!!!
Erin

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.

We won’t be having our normal Sunday evening gathering, but stay tuned as there may be alternative options.

Meet up at about noon.

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

We have decided that since it’s Memorial Day weekend, we should do something as a group to enjoy the holiday together. We are going to attend the free concert at the National Mall on Sunday instead of our traditional service. Please see the following information:

This Sunday evening = FREE Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol. There will be actors and artists entertaining. The co-hosts are Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna. Artists playing include Trace Adkins, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Colm Wilkinson, Denyce Graves, Lang Lang, and Robert McDuffie. The National Symphony will be playing as well.

They open the gates at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday – but the concert doesn’t kick off until 8:00. From the pictures on the web site (www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/) it looks like there are a bunch of chairs set up and then the rest of the people sit on the lawn. I wouldn’t mind setting up some blankets on the lawn and chillin’ with some potluck picnic grub for dinner.

Feel free to get to the Mall whenever you would like. We will officially MEET as a group at the top of the Capitol South Metro stop outside at 6:00 PM. We will head over to the Mall at 6:15 PM to find a place to sit. Please bring picnic stuff and we can have a wonderful time communing and having our usual discussions until the kickoff at 8:00. 

I’m looking forward to it!

I would love for some people to make it out ot Mclean, VA on Saturday 30th around 1030/11 AM to assist in my move. I will have food and some goodies for helping me move. (studio size apartment). I would really appreciate your help. Please call if you have any questions. 828.485.79816

7811 Enola Street Apt. 111Mclean, VA 22102

Thanks- Bridgett Hedrick

I’ve had some inquires about folks car pooling to the men’s retreat this weekend. If you are interested please let me know by Thursday evening; If you can you drive or prefer to be a passenger? If you want to drive how many men can you accommodate?

The plan would be to meet in the parking lot of the Church between 7:45 and 7:55 so you can be on the road by 8:00.

Matt and I will be going up Friday evening to set things up and look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.

Thanks,

Jon
jonbordeno4@msn.com

I’ve been talking to a handful of you about pulling together some time to talk about what we want Holy Grounds to look like moving forward. I’ve volunteered to pull together a few meetings (I’m thinking once a month for the summer) to talk about some specific things we need to make decisions on.

I would like to do the first of these meetings on Sunday, June 7 from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Here are the things I’d like to get your input/feedback on and I thought it might be helpful if you could think about it ahead of time. If you have thoughts you’d like to contribute to the discussion, but can’t make the meeting, feel free to shoot me an email (sreinitz@hotmail.com).

There are two agenda items:
1. Schedule & dinner plans – There are some of us who think it would be helpful to have a slightly more concrete start and end time for worship on Sunday evenings, in order to be respectful of people’s time and allow those with children and other responsibilities to plan accordingly and join us. We want to do this in a way, however, that doesn’t jeopardize our community-building focus or keep us from engaging with what the Spirit may be leading us to do in a given evening. It has also been suggested that we do dinner together at Holy Grounds instead of going out afterwards. This is a less expensive option but still allows us to eat with one another. The question is how and when to do it – before or after worship, changing worship time to incorporate this, etc. I’d love to know what different people think and come away with a recommendation.
2. Focus for the summer – We also need to decide what we want to focus on for the summer as a community and then decide how to divide up leading worship (similar to the grief focus we developed over Lent). If there is a topic or series of topics that you’d like to see us grapple with together, please come and let us know.

We hope to focus on several other issues in future meetings, including our relationship with the morning service community, supporting Holy Grounds financially, possibly incorporating a liturgy of some sort into our worship, etc. If there are other discussions you’d like to see us have, let me know and I will add it to the list. Thank you all!

Tickets are $14.50

Star Trek: The IMAX Experience
2 hrs. 6 min.
(PG-13), for sci-fi action and violence and brief sexual content

Showtime & Date
7:10pm, the evening of
Wed, May 20th

AMC Hoffman Center 22
206 Swamp Fox Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22314
1-888-AMC-4FUN

Taste of Arlington® is an annual event that transforms the Ballston area into a lively street festival, complete with noteworthy restaurants, live entertainment and children’s activities. Attended by over 10,000 people each year, it is the largest single day event in Arlington. Proceeds of the event benefit Community Residences, a local non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities to live independently in the community.
The 2009 Taste of Arlington® will provid a deeper flavor of Arlington, showcasing the county’s urban villages such as Ballston, Clarendon, Columbia Pike, Rosslyn, Shirlington, Crystal City and Pentagon City. Over 40 restaurants will participate.
The event is hosted by the Ballston-Virginia Square Partnership, in partnership with the Clarendon Alliance, Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, Rosslyn Renaissance and the National Science Foundation.

http://tasteofarlington.com/

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.