Mark your calendar for Sunday, August 28 when we will be having a time together to honor David and Lindsey McLendon immediately after the 11:00 a.m. service. Stay tuned for more details to follow.
Readings and Collect for Sunday, July 7
Read ahead, follow along, and pray with the Saints using the “lectionary insert” for this Sunday with one service at 10 a.m.
VBS Set-Up Day This Saturday!
Calling all volunteers this Saturday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The time has arrived to transform our building into a MONUMENTAL desert scene for this year's Vacation Bible School. Thanks to our crafty volunteers, the decor is ready to go. Now we need all hands on deck to put it up in classrooms and hallways throughout the building. There are jobs available for anyone and everyone. We can hardly wait to see the faces of all the kids as they arrive Monday to experience God's Monumental Love! Contact Tammy Bailey if you have questions.
Getting to Know the Church- Summer Interns!
Lately the church office has been full of young faces with positive attitudes and a willingness to learn! All Saints’ Church has four college-age interns working with us for the summer: Ethan Wills, Rebekah Nicholson, Esther Wangari, and Lydia Pedersen. They serve in a variety of departments, helping church operations run smoothly throughout the week and preparing for Sunday services! Two of our interns have grown up in All Saints’ and are familiar faces. The other two are new to All Saints’ and have been welcomed to our community. We sat down with all four during one of their Wednesday morning group study to get to know them better.
Lydia and Ethan, you both grew up in this church, but Rebekah and Esther, how did you come to All Saints’ Church and what does your internship entail?
Rebekah: I grew up in the Assemblies of God church here in Northern Virginia, and attend an AG college in Texas. However, my brother-in-law is an Anglican priest and a chaplain in the Air Force. He knew Jedd+ and connected me to him and All Saints’ Church for the internship. This summer I’ve been helping out with Tara at Storytime in the park, serving on Sunday mornings, and seeing the day-to-day operations of the church.
Esther: I grew up Anglican in Kenya, but when I came to the United States I started attending Church of the Apostles in Fairfax. Jedd+ and Emily (I knew them as Mr. and Mrs. Trenum) were my teachers for several years at Christ Chapel Academy. Now that I attend Liberty University there is a required amount of Christian service hours. Serving here, has helped me fulfill those. I also help Tara with Storytime, and Jedd+ with Youth Sunday School.
Ethan and Lydia, what do your internships entail?
Ethan: I work primarily with David for music and Emily for communications. I do a lot of the Sunday morning prep throughout the week- from selecting the music, to preparing the service booklets, and slides for Sundays. I also do other office tasks throughout the week. I’ve updated the room signs throughout the building.
Lydia: I mostly work with Desiree doing administrative work, but I also work with Children’s Ministry. There is a lot of preparation for Vacation Bible School this summer!
What is your favorite part about working here?
Ethan: The staff. I have gotten to know everyone really well between this summer and last summer, and that has been a great experience.
Rebekah: Digging deeper into the spiritual formation Desiree teaches on. Also, the theological discussions with Jedd+.
Lydia: I really like the atmosphere- it’s uplifting and the Wednesday morning group has given us fellowship.
Esther: The people! Everyone is welcoming, friendly, and easy to talk to.
Tell us about your group meeting every Wednesday morning.
Lydia: There is SO much we are reading and discussing. We’re reading The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. We’re also reading chapters from Devotional Classics.
Rebekah: In Devotional Classics, there’s different articles by authors from all different centuries, places, and even different perspectives within the Christian faith.
Ethan: I really like philosophy, and part of that is understanding everyone’s perspective. Even with the author’s different perspectives, they’re still leading us to the same truth and that is God’s truth. We’ve had some really great discussions and teaching from Desiree.
What are your plans for the fall?
Rebekah: I will be starting my junior year at Southwestern Assemblies of God University located in Waxahachie, Texas. I am studying Church Leadership with a specialization in Spiritual Formation.
Ethan: I am attending my second year at CNU this coming fall and I am starting my path as a music composition major! I'm quite nervous but also unbelievably excited to start doing something I am truly passionate about.
Lydia: I will be attending Shenandoah University for my freshman year to study Exercise Science.
Esther: I will be going back to Liberty University for my senior year, though I still have 3 more semesters to pursue my career in Psychology & Family and Child Development with a minor in sociology.
Is there someone in your life who has really helped you in your walk with Christ?
Rebekah: Yes, the strongest spiritual mentors during most of high school and my early college career were Pastor TJ, and Pastor Brady and his wife Lauren. Pastor TJ and Pastor Brady are the youth and associate youth pastors at Chapel Springs Assemblies of God in Bristow. Additionally, in this last year, I have a handful of close friends I met at SAGU who have really assisted me in my walk with The Lord.
Ethan: For a long time, that someone was Lori Sandavol and after what happened, I felt like I had lost that person who was helping me grow in my spiritual life and grow in my relationship with the Lord. Starting this summer, I wasn't sure I had someone but when we started the Wednesday morning spiritual formation stuff with Desiree, that really helped me because I was walking solo but having Desiree be a guide for me has been truly wonderful.
Lydia: The Trenums and Mrs. Barker.
Esther: My college friends have really helped me with my walk with Christ, with all the encouragements and keeping me accountable if I am attending church every Sunday.
What is your favorite book of the Bible?
Rebekah Oh man, that is difficult to answer... I don't think I am able to narrow down just one favorite. Most recently, I have loved turning to Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, and 1&2 Timothy.
Ethan: My favorite book of the Bible has always been Romans.
Lydia: My favorite book of the bible is Ephesians.
Esther: My favorite book in the bible is the book of Esther and Matthew.
How can the church be praying for you?
Rebekah: Well, obviously, I grew up in a very different Christian tradition, and serving at All Saints has been an amazing experience outside of what I am used to. As I transition out of this summer internship and back to school, I am still left with a lot of questions toward what I believe and where my spiritual walk is currently headed. Please pray that I continue to form my faith and that I receive direction from God on what my next steps will look like as far as what church He wants me to attend and what denomination He wants me to be a part of.
Ethan: I could use prayer for guidance in my new endeavors at school with the music program and diving into this unknown world and maintaining my relationship with God while I am at school and somewhat disconnected from the Church.
Lydia: Just for my transition into college and my healing process with my knee.
Esther: For my process of seeking internships to go well and land a place that helps my relationship with Christ to keep growing every day and that I can finish college strong.
What do you like to do for fun?
Rebekah: I enjoy watching youtube and Netflix, drinking coffee, and listening to music. I can't go through my day without having music playing in my ears most hours of the day.
Ethan: Music is the main thing I do for fun. I play piano daily whether it's practicing or just coming up with something cool. I write a lot of music and I think of new ideas all the time. I also play video games and I love to drive. Sometimes when I'm bored, I'll just go for a drive and take a look at nature or go hiking.
Lydia: I like to go Lake Montclair and go out to eat for fun.
Esther: When I'm at home I like riding my bike and watching Netflix. At school hanging out with friends, going out to eat at new places around Lynchburg (which can be expensive sometimes), and playing soccer.
Support Students at Neabsco Elementary!
This year our Vacation Bible School is sponsoring a service project! We are asking children to donate school supplies for our local Title I Elementary School, and if you haven’t had a chance to help with VBS or are unavailable that week, this is the perfect opportunity to support! You can bring school supplies to the church Sunday, July 31, Sunday, August 7, or during VBS week during church office hours. If you see any school supplies as you do your shopping, consider getting one of the items below and supporting the students in our community!
The suggested donations include:
Full-size backpacks
Reusable water bottles
Plastic pencil boxes
Yellow pencils (boxes of 12)
Child-friendly scissors
24-count crayons
12-count colored pencils
Glue sticks
Dry-erase markers (black)
Highlighters
Large pink erasers
Wide-rule paper
2-pocket folders
Composition books
One Service @ 10 a.m. & VBS Celebration Picnic!
There will be one service at 10 a.m. Sunday, August 7 so we can come together as a church to celebrate Vacation Bible School with a picnic after the service. We can rejoice together for all the ways God will touch the hearts of the children during our VBS week (August 1-5)! There will be a moon bounce, giant slip-n-slide, and more!
Readings and Collect for Sunday, July 31
Read ahead, follow along, and pray with the Saints using the “lectionary insert” for this Sunday.
Last VBS Training Opportunity!
We still need more volunteers to support this year’s Vacation Bible School! This Saturday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. is the last VBS training date, and the last chance to learn how you can use your gifts to support this important outreach! This year’s VBS will take place August 1-5 from 9 a.m.- noon. Register here to sign-up for the training!
You can also RSVP to Tara.
A little more about this year’s VBS
Small group crews and their Crew Leader will travel together for each day's adventure, worshipping and singing at Sing & Play Celebration, digging into Bible Adventures, experimenting with Science-y Fun at Imagination Station, playing games at Red Rocks Rec, view Kid-Vid Cinema real-kid testimonies, and eat fun treats at Oasis Tastes. Ages Kindergarten graduates through 5th grade. 6th graders and up can serve as Crew Leaders or Assistants! Registration opens Memorial Day Weekend!
Have a preschooler ages 3-5? Quail Trail Preschool VBS is just for Pre-K kids! (Registration priority for volunteers; 20 slots available). Little ones gather with the older kids for Sing & Play Celebration each day (except Day 1 so they can immediately connect with their Crew Leaders & Quail Trail Preschool Area), experience a little less structure and more free-choice play in a simpler learning environment, enjoy PreK Quail Trail decorations, play on the playground, get messy with irresistible craft and play activities, and have their own interactive Bible Adventure!
Getting to Know the Church- New Cancer Care Ministry!
Starting in January, Simon Cronje and Lucia Anderson have been training leaders for All Saints’ newest ministry supporting parishioners who have been recently diagnosed with cancer. Resources from Our Journey of Hope provided the necessary training for the leaders. This Sunday, July 24, will be the leaders’ commissioning as they serve the people of our congregation.
We asked them both questions about this new ministry, and a few personal questions to get to know them better, and what they have started at All Saints’ Church!
How did you come to All Saints’ Church and what have you previously been involved in?
Simon: I have been an Anglican all my life. When we moved to the western side of I-95 we started attending the closest Episcopal church, All Saints’ Church on Saratoga Lane. I have been involved in several activities from children’s ministries to adult education (Foundations and small group leader). I have ushered on and off for years, I have been involved in the lawn ministry and numerous small projects and programs over the years.
Lucia: Although raised in the Methodist Church, I fell in love with the Episcopalian liturgy in high school, so after I left home to go to college, I made the Episcopal Church my church home. When my husband was transferred to Quantico Marine Corps Base, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Triangle was my parish church, so that’s where I went. Several years down the road St. Martin’s merged with Holy Spirit, Dale City, to form All Saints’. Been here ever since. I think I’ve done a little bit of everything, from Altar Guild to Sunday school teaching, needlework ministry to vestry member. And always, always, choir.
What is Our Journey of Hope?
S: Our Journey of Hope is sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America, a Christian care training and support program.
L: Our Journey of Hope is a training program developed to equip leaders to start faith-based cancer care ministries in their churches. The goal is to provide caring and compassionate support for those going through the difficult times of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
How did you come together to bring this ministry to All Saints’ Church?
S: A calling came during the night of August 25th, 2020 in a lonely hospital room at Virginia Beach General. The calling was brought to Father Scott who grabbed onto the idea immediately. After some brainstorming we were led to partner with a lady from the church, and the Lord led us to Lucia Anderson who has really helped move the program forward.
L: Simon was the genesis. He wanted to reach out to others who were going through the same things he had experienced as a cancer patient. He found Our Journey of Hope’s training program and recruited me so that we could minister to both men and women. Scott+ said yes, and we were off.
Where do you see God working in this ministry?
S: Since this is a calling, we rely on the leadership and guidance of the Lord in full faith that He will step forward and He has. We have seen it in the ministers He has provided, and the direction and leadership He has given to this point.
L: I think God is present whenever Christians come together to lend a helping hand to those who need support of one kind or another. Cancer is disturbingly prevalent, most people have very little idea of what they’re getting in for, and this faith-based program puts God front and center all the way through. We haven’t been in business long enough to have witness testimonials, but I know that God will be with us all the way as we go forward.
What is the biggest misconception people have about a cancer diagnosis?
S: Cancer comes with fear and very high anxiety for both the patient and the caregiver. The treatments can be harsh and trying. It can be a lonely time despite people supporting and praying for them, and one can lose sight of hope leading to a more pessimistic viewpoint than is needed.
L: That it’s a death sentence. That might have been true decades ago, but modern treatment methods are much more successful than in the old days. You can find cancer survivors all around you. Why, three out of my seven-member small Bible study group are cancer survivors.
What is the best way for someone to support a friend or a loved one with cancer?
S: Be there for them. Provide the shoulder to cry on and the hug to support them. Be a good listener. Avoid being a medical advisor. Almost all cancer patients have folks to provide that service. Also, I would not comment on the effectiveness of their medical choice or suggest a better choice if they have already started treatments. That just adds anxiety.
L: Depends on the patient. I think listening is at the top of the list. Let them tell you what kind of support they want; be a place for them to vent all their fears and frustrations.
How can someone in our church learn more about the Cancer Care Ministry?
S: All Saints Cancer Care ministry can provide information on several cancer topics. All Saints’ Church does have the backing of Our Journey of Hope who provide a concierge service and ongoing training information to the leaders. The internet can provide some good information, but one must verify the source. Finally, our group of ministers has personal experience in most levels of treatment, and some have additional access to outside support groups.
L: Send us (Simon and Lucia) an email at cancersupport@allsaintswoodbridge.org. We’ll be happy to talk to you.
What is your favorite book of the Bible? Why?
S: This is by far the hardest question to answer. My favorite book of the Bible is that last book I have studied. Or to state it in other words, my favorite book changes all the time as I read different sections. My biggest question is how to get the best out of suffering from a Christian perspective.
L: Tossup between Psalms (it’s a songbook, for crying out loud!) and the Gospel according to St. John. I like John the best of the Gospels because it has a spiritual depth I don’t find in the other three. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
How can the church be praying for you?
S: Please support us in prayer for all members you know in the congregation who have and/or are going through the cancer journey. Please join me in praying for the Lord to guide and support us in His ministry. Without the Lord there will not be a successful ministry.
L: Please pray that I would always be alert to the leading of the Holy Spirit and be obedient. Also, that I would have the wit to actually ask for guidance instead of barging ahead with my own agenda.
What do you like to do for fun?
S: Hiking, camping, and biking but I have been somewhat limited in these activities during the last two years leading me to put kayaking at the top of my current list. Second to that I also love to do woodworking projects.
L: Almost anything outdoors – gardening, hiking, biking, canoeing. Reading and crocheting for indoors. Singing!
What is the most exciting place you’ve visited?
I love the game reserves in Africa. A must do experience.
L: I’d have to say my two visits to the Holy Land probably were the most memorable, although my four years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were the most exotic. Seeing the places Jesus walked, eating fish beside the Sea of Galilee, visiting the garden of Gethsemane…it just made the whole story so real. I’ll never forget it.
Mid-Week, in-person Eucharist!
Readings and Collect for Sunday, July 24
Read ahead, follow along, and pray with the Saints using the “lectionary insert” for this Sunday.
Filming The Chosen!
Last month Sharon McKannon was on set for the filming of The Chosen series, and hearing her discuss the experience, you can’t help but feel the excitement and joy that she had being a part of the show! Sharon has had a vision for Bible fair where participants can experience the culture, clothing, scenery, food, and stories of the Bible, so when she was introduced to the streaming series, The Chosen, she was hooked! The series is a dramatization of the life of Jesus and his disciples as it portrays events in the Gospels. As you watch the show, you can see the culture of Jesus’ time through the visuals the show provides.
We sat down with Sharon to learn more about her experience on set and her excitement to share that experience at All Saints’ Church.
How did you get connected with the production to be an extra in the upcoming third season of The Chosen?
I follow the production updates for the series, and when they announced that they were going to have fans join for the filming of the scene where Jesus feeds the 5,000 I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. You had to donate to be invited an extra, and I originally planned to go with Sandi Clark, but she was unavailable the weekend they scheduled it for. I was hesitant about going by myself at first, but the filming was full of believers who were so friendly and welcoming. On the morning the buses took us to the set to film, we were greeted by Dallas Jenkins- the creator and director of the series! Everyone who was there was so excited and full of joy-it was contagious!
What was that experience like being on set?
It was so hot! But even with the heat, everything was so well organized and coordinated by the production team. They provided our meals for the day, and buses to the filming location. There was live music happening while we were waiting for the filming to begin that made it feel like a concert. There was even a gift shop! We all made and brought our own costumes. Once it was time to film we were all seated in the field. I wasn’t sure where most of the filming would be, but I ended up in a great spot-right where one of the disciples was passing out a basket of bread. Jonathan Roumie, the actor who played Jesus, walked right by where I was sitting! Since the scene was Jesus feeding the 5,000 one side had disciples handing out baskets of bread and the other side had baskets of fish. I was thankful I wasn’t on the side with the fish because they were real fish heads! Getting to experience the production was interesting because we saw all the cues and signals when it was time to film. It was a long day, but I met some great people, and was so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this series. There was a lot on the set that I took note of to create at All Saints’ for the Road to Resurrection! It was so inspiring being with that many believers to recreate an event in the Bible!
Tell us about your Bible study on The Chosen series at All Saints’ Church?
Yes, that started in January with Season One and the corresponding Bible Study that went along with the series. It was great to watch the series with a small group and discuss the passages it portrayed. The Bible Study was good, but definitely suited for newer Christians. Sandie Sierra led the Season Two study in the the spring.
Are you planning to resume in the fall?
Yes, they’ve created DVD’s of the series that include commentary and extras- specifically they have commentary from a priest, rabbi, and an evangelical minister to discuss the episodes and go deeper. I would love to go through that for Seasons One and Two in the fall in preparation for Season Three to come out in November. There is so much in each episode!
If you haven’t seen The Chosen, you can check it out here. Stay tuned for more information about the study resuming in the fall! Take a look at some of the great photos Sharon took below!
Youth Water Party This Sunday!
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.