The Epistle                                        November 12, 2014

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

 


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Making a Joyful Noise!

Enjoying our final hymn at the 8:30 a.m. service

 

 

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

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

This morning in Chapel Mrs. McGraw's class helped tell the story of David, who was chosen by God to lead the people and who defeated Goliath with God's help.  Parents and caregivers are always welcome. (Below, David scares off a lion with the same slingshot that he'll use to defeat Goliath.)

 

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 Ark and the Tent, a stage in the people's way of worshiping when they carried the Best Ways around with them as they traveled to the Promised Land.

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

This Sunday, this group will explore 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)

On Sunday, EYC met in their new loft space and created spirit dolls (and a spirit arrow), a project they will share with Agape (a program for adults with developmental disabilities) this Friday night from 6:30-8:30.  Many thanks to Rebecca DiMidio, a student at Marymount University, for leading the project. 

 

 

 

 

Scripture as Myth

We are still exploring themes in the Abraham/Sarah journey.  Last Sunday we spent the session focused on "call."  This Sunday we move on to "Hospitality."  Hospitality comes up several times in this short Journey story.  Once we become aware of the lens of hospitality, it becomes apparent throughout scripture.  Join us at the 9:30 morning or 5:30 evening session.

See you Sunday! 

 

  Silence and Candlelight for Hannah Graham

The Gazette included a thoughtful article about St. Aidan's offering of time for silent prayer, candle lighting, and labyrinth walking in memory of Hannah Graham.  Thanks to Lisa Richard for organizing this event and reaching out to the community.

 

In this gathering, we found that there was a hunger in the community for this kind of silence and prayer and will be offering more open time for people to come in the future. 

 

And More Silence

We have added three evening sessions to our usual Tuesday and Friday morning silent prayer and meditation offerings.   The sanctuary will be open with a candle lit for silence at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, November 25th,  Wednesday, December 3rd and Tuesday, December 9th.   All are welcome to come share the space and open time with others who have come to share the stillness and presence of God. 

 

 

  TONIGHT - 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. 

 

  Turkeys for Belle View Elementary Families

St. Aidan's has agreed to provide 25 turkeys for families at Belle View Elementary who might not otherwise have  Thanksgiving dinner this year.  If you can help out and want to provide a frozen turkey, we need them at the church by Monday, November 24th, and it would help if you e-mail us to let us know you are planning to participate.  E-mail   Thanks

 

 

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. 

 

  
Community of Hope

Community of Hope met for their monthly gathering last Wednesday and explored art and spirituality with Kathryn Coneway, creating these prayer candles.

 

ART AND SPIRITUALITY -
A growing connection at St. Aidan's

After a period of discernment, parishioner and art educator, Kathryn Horn Coneway has decided to move her base of operations here at St. Aidan's.  We are looking forward to this growing connection between art and spirituality.  Kathryn has been and will continue to be a wonderful resource for the Church and Day School.  You can read Kathryn's announcement here

 

  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 templerian@aol.com! 

 

 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 koffringa@yahoo.com 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 MarioKarenand3@aol.com.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 skiswithsnails@aol.com.

From the Treasurer
 

Operating Income Received this week            7,400

Budgeted weekly income                                5,576

Received for 2014                                        219,668

Budgeted for 2014                                       247,844

 

This Week at St Aidan's 

Thurs, Nov 13: 1-9 pm  Sweet Frog, Day School Fundraiser

                          7:00 pm Karate

                         7:30 pm Choir rehearsal

 

Friday, Nov 14: 8:00 am Silent Prayer

 

Sunday, Nov. 16: 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 17:     7:00 pm Scouts

 

Tues, Nov 18:     8:00 am Silent Prayer

                           9:30 am Woman's Book Group

                           6:30 pm Scouts Meeting

                           7:30 pm Spiritual Listening - All are welcome


 

 

Who's Serving this Week: 

Sunday:  November 16, 2014

 

8:30 a.m. Reader:  Alisha Waid

 

10:30 a.m.  

            Lesson: Judges 4:1-7  Mario Costantino   

            Epistle:  1 Thessolonians 5:1-11  Preeta Nasir

            Chalice: Kathy Seikel, Paul Malkie

            Ushers:  Sylvain Richard, Mario Costantino

           Acolytes:  Jack Demmel, Charley Costantino


 

Godly Play Storyteller: Amy Smith 

Godly Play Doorkeeper:  Lauren Jonas, Holden Hoofnagle
 

Coffee Hour:  Adriana Kaplan

Flowers: Ellen Renaud

 

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

  

Vestry Person of the Month - Caitlin Garvey (caitlingarvey@cox.net)

         

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.