stanley blue    Special Parish Notices

 

Church of the Spirit

 

December 11, 2013 

 

Special Parish Announcements

 

Because at times we just need to get the news out 
 
From time to time we send out a special update either to alert you to changes to our plans, or fixes to our schedules, or whatever. 
  

 
'Cause we want you to stay connected.

 

Sing for joy!

 

We didn't get a chance last weekend to sign you up to sing out

 

   

But we could use your help. Plans are to go out into Kingstowne Town Center this Saturday to sing Christmas carols. As we walk around we spread good cheer, and we hand out tickets to our Open House on Friday, the 20th. It's all part of our plan to help others find their way into the Spirit this season.

 
Meet at Church around 1:15 on Saturday and come dressed for the weather. 

 

 

 

It's about giving 

 

Even if the church had all the money it needed, that would not remove my need or my desire to give back to God. 

 

 

It's about people

 

Our building campaign is not about the building. It's about building momentum so we can better serve those of you who attend now, and so we can be better at reaching out to those who do not yet attend.

 

 

It's about the future


"... because I did not start Church of the Spirit to see it stop when I retire. I believe we have a great mission to fulfill in this community still, and yes, we have the people and resources to do it. We just need to go forward together and build on our successes in the past. So, what do you say? Are you ready to help us move ahead?"               

 

 

 

Church of the Spirit
 is your
 Kingstowne Community Church
 
here at 5775 Barclay Drive 
Alexandria, Va 22315
 
and at
 
www.dovefromabove.org
Join Our Mailing List

 

::

 

 

Snow and Sundays 
Closures and Church

 

A reminder about public worship services at The Spirit ... you never have to call to find out if we are holding services on Sunday. If it's Sunday, we're having services. Always have. As long as I am around, we always will.

 
When there is bad weather we ask you to use good judgment about whether to come out for services or not. If you are not comfortable driving, please stay off the roads. Of course, it's a little odd to stay home for services when it hasn't even started snowing yet. Just saying that you had really clear roads for Sunday's first service ...
snow 3 
So be careful out there, but remember, we are here. We believe God has promised to be with us, always. So neither snow nor sleet nor dark of night can keep us from celebrating the presence of God in our midst.
 

 

Now as for other events, like Bible Studies and Kids in the Kingdom, we run on the Fairfax County School schedule. If classes are out in the afternoon, then Kids in the Kingdom will not meet. So, for midweek events or groups, please feel free to call and check before you venture out in the snow.  

 

Pictured above: Our complete congregation from a previous snowy Sunday ... long ago.  Photo by Warren Capps.

 

 

Digital Worship Services

Next Scheduled for ...  

 

When we experience a large storm and we expect most of you are staying in, we'll get you a digital form of our service sent directly to your email box. It includes portions of the message, lessons, prayers, music and video clips. All so you can worship where ever you are hunkered down. These show up on occasion, except since many of you will be traveling, look for your Christmas Eve digital service in time for you to worship with us on December 24-25, wherever you may be celebrating the holidays.

 

Xmas Header

 

 

  
Building Momentum
This December
 

Our goal is to build a strong church ... one that builds up strong followers. That's why this December we're asking you all for an extra Christmas gift to keep things moving.

 

Here in this season of giving, we ask that you give a little more to make the church stronger for the year ahead. In previous years we have asked for your help because we needed $30,000 to $45,000 just to cover our bills. This year we are better off. But that means it's time for us to start building some momentum for the days ahead.

There will be a lot of changes in the year ahead. Pastor Roger started Church of the Spirit in 1997, but will retire in 2014. Our Leadership Team is already working to find our next pastor. So yes, changes are coning. While we are not sure what will happen, we do know God is in charge. And our mission is still clear. So, please help us work together to build the momentum we need to achieve our mission in 2014 ... and beyond.

 

There are many ways you can help us build on to the mission of the church and build up the people who attend. Take a look at the wish list in one of our brochures and you'll see some examples of the costs we face each month just to keep the doors open and to provide services, like:

 

   Childcare on Sundays    Music at services

   Youth Programs              Bible Studies

   Kids in the Kingdom     Special events

           Coffee and treats on Sundays

 

In addition, our pastor is available for your weddings, funerals, baptisms, and for individual counseling. We provide all of these services without any charges or fees. In addition, we are one of the only churches around that does not hold an annual pledge drive, asking you to make a pledge for giving in the year ahead. 

 

But wait, there's more, because we also have a mission to the community around us. We exist for this one purpose our mission is all about changed lives. Your's. Your neighbor's. But to do that we need your help. And we need to go forward together.

             

To build up the church we need your help.
Without you, there is no us ...

Envelope
Please use the envelopes provided to make your gift to the church. 

 

 

"And another thing ..."

Christmas Open House
Friday, December 20 at 7:30


 
Join Luke Shaffer and  the House of Spirit Band
for a holiday tradition at The Spirit
though with some very untraditional things
 
Music and more to get you in the Spirit of the season
 
Friday, November 20th, from 7:30-9:00
Free childcare, parking and reception

And all the Spirit you can hold onto
 

 

 

Help us get the word out

 

We have tickets for our big Christmas Open House available in the Church Foyer. Pick up a few and hand them out to neighbors, friends, people at work. Our Open House is a great way top celebrate the season, and a better way to invite new people to experience The Spirit. There's no need to let Church of the Spirit remain one of Kingstowne's best-kept secrets. Help us get the word out, and help people find their way it. We also have small PR posters you can put up at work or where you shop or work out ...

 

Here's a copy of the poster  you can use an invite. Just download and email to your friends.