This Sunday from 4-6 p.m. the Youth Group is having a water party in the church backyard with a giant slip and slide (with two lanes for racing), water balloons, and water guns! Dress to get wet and bring your water weapons! You can find more summer events on the Youth Calendar here.
Prayer and Worship Hour
Sunday, July 24 is our fourth Sunday prayer and worship hour from 6-7 p.m. at All Saints’ Church in the sanctuary. Join us as we pray for our congregation, community, and upcoming outreach events.
Readings and Collect for Sunday, July 17
Read ahead, follow along, and pray with the Saints using the “lectionary insert” for this Sunday.
Youth Evening at the Lake!
This Sunday continues the summer of fun with an evening at Lake Montclair, July 10, 5-7 p.m. at West Beach.
The All Saints' Youth calendar is being updated regularly on the website here. Details about all the planned events are there and will be updated with RSVP forms and other details.
Check out the calendar for Sunday and RSVP here to let us know if you are coming!
VBS Registration is Closed
Due to volunteer needs, VBS registration is closed. The number of children is at capacity for the volunteers serving. If you are willing to serve a three hour shift as a volunteer, please sign-up for a VBS training date. With more volunteers, registration can be opened.
In-Person Protecting God's Children in July!
Foundations for Ministry Year 2: New Testament
Foundations is an adult small group Bible study course designed for those willing to make a commitment to daily Bible study.
It is excellent opportunity for those who wish to deepen their understanding of Scripture and our Christian heritage.
The course is divided into two academic years with students committing themselves to one year of study at a time.
The Fall 2022 study will be Year 2: New Testament.
Participants must complete Old Testament Foundations (Year I) before they can take New Testament Foundations (Year II)!
If you have completed Old Testament Foundations (Year I) in the past and would like to register to take (or retake!) New Testament Foundations (Year II), please register below.
A new group will form in the Fall of 2023 to study Year 1: Old Testament
Class will meet on Sunday evenings from 4-6 p.m. beginning September 11. Childcare is available upon request.
If you have further questions you can contact Jim Morrison or call the church office.
Readings and Collect for Sunday, July 10
Read ahead, follow along, and pray with the Saints using the “lectionary insert” for this Sunday.
Serve in the Community: Hilda Barg Meal Sign-up!
July Food Giveaway!
Saturday, July 9, is another opportunity to give food away to our neighbors in need. We have been averaging more than 200 people collecting food at each food giveaway! There is a real need in our community, and God is orchestrating a way for us to work together to share his love by meeting that need.
It is vacation season so we could really use the help of all of you who are in town next week. Volunteers are needed Thursday (sorting food), Friday (at the perishable food drive and helping with set-up), and Saturday at the giveaway. Sign up to serve and experience the joy of giving firsthand!
It is a blessing to provide non-perishables as well as fresh chicken and fresh produce to every family who comes! As always there are specific foods we need donated each month.
Food items most needed:
maseca
cartons of oats
pancake mix
soups
corn
pasta sauce
rice
Bread, fresh fruit, and vegetables will be collected Friday, July 8 between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Please pray! This ministry belongs to God and only through Him are we able to make a difference in the lives of others.
Thanks again for all your support! If you have any questions, please contact Tammy.
“You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.”
Deuteronomy 15:11
Getting to Know the Church Staff- Desiree Barker
This week, we are featuring a staff member at All Saints’ Church to encourage our community to stay connected and find ways to get involved. This week, we’re featuring Desiree Barker.
We asked her a few questions to get to know her and her ministries better.
How did you come to All Saints' Church?
We were attending a church in Burke when we moved down here from Fairfax. For several years we continued attending there until my daughter met a friend at school who sang in the All Saints’ Children’s Choir. So, we visited All Saints’ and the rest is history.
How would you describe your two roles at All Saints' Church?
I serve as the Parish Administrator and my position supports the running the office and the upkeep of the building. I work closely with the clergy, staff, and lay leaders to facilitate various things like scheduling spaces, making sure the office is running and has the supplies needed for the various ministries to function and making sure the building is maintained. I am very grateful to our clergy, staff, vestry, and volunteers – without their support and hours of service, I could not do what I do!
I also serve as the Adult Discipleship Director. It is a ministry that is very close to my heart and one I have been a part of for many years. I lead a wonderful team of volunteers who help plan, teach and lead adult courses and groups throughout the year. Our hope is that adult at All Saints’ will continue to grow in their faith and we try to offer a variety of ways for them to do that.
What is your favorite thing about each?
As Parish Administrator, I have the joy of interacting with our clergy, staff, vestry members and other volunteers and parishioners every day.
As the Adult Discipleship Director, I have the privilege of teaching and being a small part of the spiritual journeys of our adult parishioners.
You also do Spiritual Direction- what is Spiritual Direction and how were you called into it?
Spiritual Direction is a ministry of listening and accompaniment. Spiritual Directors listen with you to what God may be saying through His Holy Spirit. They offer feedback and direction to help a directee draw closer to God and walk out his or her calling. It is not pastoral counseling, and it is not life coaching, but it can be a helpful part of the spiritual journey.
How can the church be praying for you?
It can often be a challenge to serve in both roles. Thankfully, I serve with wonderful people. Please pray for continued balance and for continued stamina to serve well in both areas.
Where do you see God working in the ministries you lead?
God continues to be faithful in both areas! He has provided several interns this summer and they have been a great help with both short term and long-term projects. He is also raising up the next generation of leaders to serve All Saints’ in the years to come.
What are the biggest challenges these ministries are facing?
Administratively, we can always use more regular volunteers. COVID and the danger it presented, especially to our senior parishioners has significantly reduced our office volunteer pool. There are some days that can be very hectic and an extra pair or hands or two can be a real gift!
Adult Discipleship needs more willing and capable leaders to continue to offer the depth and variety of offerings we would like to have. Pray for the Lord to raise up the right leaders to disciple and teach His people.
What is the most exciting place you've visited?
London! I was able to travel there for an Alpha conference some years ago. I loved the history, culture and vitality of the city and would love to go back for a longer stay.
Any podcasts you're currently listening to?
Ruth Haley Barton’s Strengthening the Soul of your Leadership – it is a great way to continue to learn and engage in thoughts that keep my mind focused on my own growth and mindful of the strengths and needs of the leaders that I serve with.
Besides the Bible, what is the most formative book you've read?
This is a very hard question for me! I am an avid reader. I always have several books going on various topics at the same time. I love to read fiction to relax. I read spiritual classics and topical works to grow in my faith and I read history and biography to learn new things. But, if I must choose one, I think it would be an anthology called Devotional Classics edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith. I read that when I first returned to my faith as a young adult. The words of so many great writers on important topics in the Christian life started to form me and draw me deeper into the works of Christian writers and thinkers down through the centuries.
What do you like to do for fun outside of church?
I love the creative process and art in many forms. I write creatively and for ministry and I enjoy exploring multiple art forms. I can spend hours in art museums enjoying all kinds of art from ancient to modern. When we travel, I like to tour churches and cathedrals to enjoy the art and architecture of sacred spaces. I am an accomplished knitter and, as I mentioned before, an avid reader. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, particularly my daughter and her family (which includes my two wonderful grandsons).
If you would like more information about Adult Discipleship or serving in the office you can email Desiree.
VBS Craft, Snack, & Pack Days
Connect with others in the fun of helping to pack up bundles of crafts, snacks, and packs for the upcoming Monumental Vacation Bible School! Come to the church office for refreshments and be VBS helping hands to bundle supplies for the children on one of the following dates:
Monday, July 18, 10 a.m.-Noon
Monday, July 25, 1-3 p.m.
RSVP's helpful, but not required to Tara,
Contribute to VBS "Oasis Tastes" Snacks
You can help VBS by contributing snack items for the children’s snacks each day! If you are able, please consider signing up for a snack item here to be assembled in fun snacks for the kids as they refuel and cool off on their MONUMENTAL adventure through the colorful canyons and sunbaked trails of the Southwest! Signup here.
Drop off by the church office Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or bring to the Children's Wing any Sunday, now through July 14.
Readings and Collect for Sunday, July 3
Read ahead, follow along, and pray with the Saints using the “lectionary insert” for this Sunday.
July Birthdays & Anniversaries
Christian Education Celebration Sunday
This Sunday, June 26 is Christian Education Celebration Sunday. Thank you to all who serve in Adult Education, Small Groups, Youth Leaders, Children’s Church, and Children’s Sunday School!
The WGTS Ice Cream Tour is Coming to All Saints' Church!
Mark your calendar for Friday, July 22 when WGTS will be broadcasting live from All Saints’ Church for a stop on their summer ice cream tour! There will be music, games, fun with the DJ’s Johnny & Stacey, a moon bounce, and free ice cream! WGTS will be at All Saints’ from 3-7 p.m. This is an exciting event for the whole family, and a great way to engage with community members who stop by!
No Wednesday Morning Eucharist July 6, 13, 20
With Father Scott+ out of town, and Father Jedd teaching the new Membership Course Wednesday evenings, there will be no Wednesday morning Eucharist at 6:30 or 8:30 a.m. for three Wednesdays in a row (July 6, 13, and 20).
Youth Sunday School Canceled for June 26
Due to Father Jedd traveling, and several teens and youth leaders recovering from illness, there will be no Sunday School for the Youth on Sunday, June 26. For more upcoming events click here for the Youth Calendar.
Readings and Collect for Sunday, June 26
Read ahead, follow along, and pray with the Saints using the “lectionary insert” for this Sunday.