The Epistle                                        November 5, 2014

Newsletter of St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, Alexandria, Virginia    

 


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A Wonderful Bishop's Visit!

Thanks to everyone for making Bishop Shannon's visit such a great celebration!  What a joy to welcome Megan Proctor and Harrison Dilley into the Church through baptism, to confirm Mason Smith, and to receive Melissa Golding, Jennifer Weiss, and Greg Kelch into the Episcopal Church.


 

And a special thanks from your rector.  You got me.  Yes, I was surprised by the presentation on Sunday and I was deeply touched by your letters and signs of appreciation.  I am truly thankful for our years of ministry together and I look forward to many more.  Yours in Christ,  John 

 


 

 

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

DAY SCHOOL CHAPEL - Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

This morning in Chapel the Kindergarten class helped tell the story of Moses leading the People of God out of slavery in Egypt into freedom.  (Photos below, thanks to Mrs. Jurta.) Parents and caregivers are always welcome. 


 

GODLY PLAY (pre-k through 3rd, meets in the new education room in the Church)

This Sunday, the kids will hear the story of the Ten Best Ways that God gave Moses and the people to help them better live into relationship with God and each other.

EYOA (4th through 8th, meets in the far corner room in the parish hall

This Sunday and next, this group will spend some time talking about celebrations of All Saints and All Souls Day, including the Mexican celebration, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).  These discussions will begin our exploration of losses in our own lives and how memories help us celebrate those we love but see no more.  We will decorate candles to honor those we remember.

EYC (7th through 12th, meets in the parish hall from 11:30 am - 1 pm)

This Sunday after Church, Kathryn Coneway will be working with the EYC group.  The youth are also encouraged to go cheer on Sarah Lore as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors being staged at West Potomac Sunday at 2 p.m..  The youth group will be helping with Agape (a program for adults with developmental disabilities) on Friday, November 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

 

 

Scripture as Myth

We will slow down and take a closer look at the story of Abraham and Sarah, focusing on the theme of "call," a theme found throughout scripture.  We will consider that way that call is almost always a part of human encounter with God and ask about what that might mean for us and our journeys.   

See you Sunday!

 

 

Christmas Bows and Moms' Group

 

Peggy Trumbo will lead a "bow making" workshop tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in the parish hall library.  The Church needs 200 bows for the Christmas tree and wreath sale, and we need lots of help.  All materials are provided.  Questions about bows, call Peggy Trumbo at 703-780-4098.


 

This event will be the moms' group's monthly gathering.  We can drink wine and hang out while helping with bows.  The moms' group will also put together bags of food for impoverished elementary school kids to take home with them for the weekend.  Let Elizabeth know if you can help with this effort and she'll let you know what kind of food is needed.
 


Modern Man and Kipyn Martin

Focus Concert

Saturday, November 8, 7 pm

Focus Music in Mount Vernon presents the Modern Man folk/humor trio, with singer-songwriter Kipyn Martin, in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Va. Tickets are $18 general, $15 in advance at www.focusmusic.org          Read More
 

Beginning Set-up for the Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale
The 5th Annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale is upon us!  We need your help as we prepare for the biggest fundraiser at St. Aidan's!  If you can help with either of these activities, please RSVP to Holden and Ted.

 

Lunch & Christmas Tree Fence Building

Saturday Nov 22nd 12:00pm-4:00pm

We need your help setting up the temporary fence to hold 450 trees.  Similar to last year, we need to place 35-40 posts between the circular patio and the street (Riverside Road).  Supporting cross beams and supports will be nailed into place.  If we have 15-20 volunteers like last year, we should be able to complete the project in less than 3 hours.  Please feel free to bring children who can help with the project. We will order pizza for lunch once we have a solid headcount.   

 

Christmas Tree / Wreath Setup

Sunday Nov 23rd 12:00pm-4:00pm

We take delivery of 450 trees, 300 wreaths and 800 feet of garland some time after church on Sunday.  We would like to unload the truck efficiently by setting up the trees directly along the fenceline and the wreaths/garland directly onto the wall hooks.  We would appreciate 20 volunteers to make the setup go quickly and efficiently.  Beverages will be provided. 

 

  Labyrinth Making Workshop
Conducted by Art at the Center and held at St Aidan's. 
See here for details and registration.

 

  Free Parent Workshop - Weds, Nov 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Creating a Space for Creativity

Kathryn Horn Coneway will be on hard to speak about children's developmental stages and mindful practices that can be nurtured through exploration, making, and story-telling with open-ended materials.  Hands on exploration will begin our conversation about ways to facilitate time, space, and materials to make a space for creative play for kids.  All are welcome at this free event. 

 

  IRISH REVELS this Winter!

Join a St. Aidan's group for the show on Fri, December 12th at 7:30 pm at Lisner Auditorium at GWU.  Youth 18 and under $26 pp, Adult $40 pp
 

Contact Ian Roberts by December 5 at [email protected]! 

 

 Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed!

 

St. Aidan's Newcomer's Bread Ministry

Part of St. Aidan's welcome to newcomers is to deliver a loaf of bread. We are looking for more St. Aidanites to help with this important ministry. Home-made bread-making is not required. Please contact Karen Offringa at [email protected] or 703-216-4879.


 

UCM & Rising Hope Food Collection 

We collect food for both Rising Hope and UCM.  Rising Hope, also, needs clean in-season clothing in good condition and small household items.  Volunteers are needed to deliver donations on the first and third Sunday of each month.

UCM collection (food items only) is the first Sunday of the month.  Food can be delivered during the week.  Hours of delivery are:  Sundays 10:30am-1:30pm, Mondays-Fridays 9:30am-12:00pm and 1:30pm-4pm.  Their phone number is 703-768-7106 x 343. 

Rising Hope collection (food and seasonal clothing) is the third Sunday of each month.  Food, seasonal clothing and household goods can be delivered Tuesdays-Fridays during the week.  Hours of delivery are:  Tuesdays-Fridays 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4pm.  Thursdays they are open late until 8:00pm.  Their phone number is 703-360-1976.

 

The sign-up sheet is in White Hall. If you have any questions, contact our coordinator, Mario Costantino at (703)577-9672 or [email protected].Thank you for your help.  

 

Next Steps Juice Ministry Looking for Volunteers

If you would like to Volunteer to purchase and deliver $30 worth of juice for distribution to homeless families in Fairfax County, please contact Leslie Aitcheson at [email protected].

From the Treasurer
 

Operating Income Received this week            3,700

Budgeted weekly income                                5,576

Received for 2014                                        212,268

Budgeted for 2014                                       242,268

 

This Week at St Aidan's 


 

Thurs, Nov 6:     7:00 pm Karate

                             7:00 pm St A's Moms Group & Bow Making Workshop - in the Library

                             7:30 pm Choir rehearsal

 

Friday, Nov 7:    8:00 am Silent Prayer

 

Saturday, Nov 8:7:00 pm FOCUS Concert - Modern Man

 

Sunday, Nov. 9: 8:30 am Service

                            9:30 am Sunday School

                          10:30 am Service

                            5:30 pm Service

                            6:30 pm Scripture as Myth - Evening session

 

Mon, Nov 10:    7:00 pm Scouts

 

Tues, Nov 11:    8:00 am Silent Prayer

                           9:30 am Woman's Book Group

                           6:30 pm Scouts Meeting

                           7:30 pm Vestry Meeting


 

 

Who's Serving this Week: 

Sunday:  November 9, 2014

 

8:30 a.m. Reader:  Mary Baker

 

10:30 a.m.  

            Lesson: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25  Dan Watson    

            Epistle:  1 Thessolonians 4:13-18  Elizabeth Drembus

            Chalice: Adriana Kaplan, Bill White

            Ushers:  Paul Malkie, Ed Foos

           Acolytes:  Kyle White


 

Godly Play Storyteller: Elizabeth Rees  

Godly Play Doorkeeper:  Holden Hoofnagle
 

Coffee Hour:  Kathy Seikel and Ian Roberts

Flowers: The Nasir Family

 

Altar Guild: Nancy Greer, Richard Hart, Lianne LaFleur, Nancy Hammer.

  

Vestry Person of the Month - Caitlin Garvey ([email protected])

         

Sign-up sheets to provide altar flowers and coffee hour are on the bulletin board in White Hall.

**Please Note: During Coffee Hour the sign up sheet is in the Narthex.