You're Invited to Synod 2023: Called to Go

SYNOD 2023

NOVEMBER 17-18, 2023

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH
WOODBRIDGE, VA

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WHAT IS SYNOD?

The Synod is the legislative body of the diocese, meaning it adopts canons (our governing rules), approves the budget, elects diocesan committee members, and takes any other action necessary for the life and work of our diocese. Synod meets annually and consists of the clergy order and the lay order. The clergy delegates include the bishop and the priests and deacons of the diocese under the authority of our bishop. The lay delegates are those elected by the local congregations and missions, plus the lay members of the Standing Committee. In addition, the Synod includes four youth delegates, nominated by our churches and chosen by the Standing Committee. They have full voice and vote.

But Synod is more than just “business.” It’s a joy-filled opportunity to gather as a diocese for worship, fellowship and spiritual growth. Come and be re-energized and refreshed by the worship, Bible teaching, testimonies and breakout sessions on topics central to our churches’ ministries and mission. In addition, many ministries are on hand in the exhibit area, offering us a wide range of resources.

It’s a great event, so much so that it draws even more guests than delegates! Everyone is invited to Synod, so plan to come in November!

PRAYER FOR A DIOCESAN SYNOD

"Gracious and everliving Father, you have given the Holy Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we pray, with the Holy Spirit’s grace and presence, the Bishop(s), Priests, Deacons, and all the Laity who assemble in your Name; that your Church, being preserved in true faith and godly discipline, may fulfill the will of him who loved her and gave himself for her, your Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who now lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen." (BCP, 2019)

November Food Giveaway

The next Food Giveaway is on Saturday, November 11! We have a big need for volunteers and food donations! This is another opportunity to give food away to our neighbors in need. With the holidays approaching, we expect this to be our biggest food giveaway of the year! 

Volunteers are needed on Friday (unloading trucks, bagging produce, serving during the perishable food drive, and helping with set-up) and Saturday before, during, and after 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 meat and fresh produce to every family who comes!

In addition to non-perishables, we need donations of bread and fresh fruit to be collected on Friday, November 10 between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Non-perishable Food items most needed:

·         Flour or Maseca

·         Canned Tuna or Chicken

·         Oats

·         Pancake Mix

·        Holiday items

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

It's Not Too Late to Sign-up for Surviving the Holidays

Griefshare’s Surviving the Holidays Zoom with Deacon Julie & Deacon Andy is this Friday, November 3 from 7-9 p.m. It’s not too late to register to participate!

Bittersweet memories. Loss of traditions. An empty seat at the table. The holiday season can trigger sadness and despair for people grieving a loss. Join us for a 2-hour Zoom event called Surviving the Holidays where we talk about how to deal with grief around the holiday season: Friday, November 3, 7-9 p.m. on Zoom. Register here.

How Surviving the Holiday Works

  • Relatable Video: The event begins with a 35-minute video that will help you feel understood and encouraged, with stories of people who have found healing after loss and practical tips from experts.

  • Small-group Discussion: After the video, you will be given a safe, nonjudgmental space to share your experiences and feelings with the group—or simply listen. There’s no pressure to talk if you don’t want to!

  • Survival Guide: You will be given a Holiday Survival Guide full of tips on how to navigate the season, including coping with painful emotions, handling social events and traditions, and more. (Cost: $7.00)

November is National Adoption Month!

November is National Adoption Month in America and All Saints' Church is participating throughout the month with information and support. Last Sunday we heard testimonies about adoption from within our own congregation. This Sunday, November 19 we are taking up a special offering for the Anglican Adoption Fund administered by Anglicans for Life. Please consider making a generous donation to help support Anglican families seeking to adopt, as it is a very costly process.

Thora Davis Funeral Service Friday, November 3

Thora Davis’s funeral service will take place on Friday, November 3. The visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. with the service at 10 a.m. There will be a reception immediately following the service. A private family interment ceremony will take place later in the day.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be given to these organizations:

The ARC of Greater Prince William County

13505 Hillendale Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22193

The American Cancer Society

Getting to Know the Church: Elizabeth Munzert

For our final interview in the 2023 edition of “Getting to Know the Church” we heard from our new Parish Administrator, Elizabeth Munzert. The position of Parish Administrator includes so many responsibilities and is truly at the center of the church’s day-to-day operations. Elizabeth has brought joy to her new position, and we are grateful for her willingness to step into such a vital role! She answered a few questions to help us get to know her more.

What brought you to ASC and how did you find yourself in this new position?

My husband Kim, and I did some research on Anglicanism and thought we would give All Saints' Church a try.  The liturgy was familiar to us because we were both raised in the Catholic Church as children, but it was Father Scott's preaching that made us return week after week.  As to how I found myself in my new position, it was decidedly the hand of the Lord.  Early this year the Lord impressed on me that He had something for me this year.  I had no idea what that meant.  A few weeks later I learned my position at work would be phased out by the end of 2023.  After much, much prayer I spoke with Father Scott and Desiree about applying for the position.  I think this is what the Lord was preparing me for in January.

Where did you first get plugged in at All Saints’ Church?

My husband, Kim, and I began serving at the Monthly Food Giveaways several months after we first started attending. We started by helping on Thursdays with sorting the food, then we moved into helping on Saturday mornings at the actual giveaways. We served as bagging buddies, worked at the food tables, and now serve as greeters. It was the perfect way to serve the community and get to know others in the church.

What does your day-to-day look like as Parish Administrator?

Every day is a new adventure!  I've learned there is no such thing as a typical day because the needs, requests, and requirements are quite varied.

What's been the most unexpected thing about this position?

The most unexpected thing is how much I've had to learn about HVAC, fire panels, backflow, lighting, and other physical plant matters very quickly.  This job is not just computers and keyboards.

What has been the highlight so far about working at a church?

Easy question. I've never worked with so many truly kind, helpful people (and I've had the good fortune to work with many fine people).

What is your hope for All Saints' Church in the coming year?

My hope would be that we would all pray to know what God's plan and vision is for All Saints' and work together moving forward toward whatever that plan is.   My other hope would be that people who have not really been involved in an area of ministry at All Saints' would volunteer to do one thing in 2024.  If many people just do one thing, so much could be accomplished.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Mere Christianity (again) by C.S. Lewis, A Severed Wasp by Madeleine L'Engle, The Good and Beautiful God (for the Christian Ed class on Sundays) by James Bryan Smith, and actually quite a few other books which are in the book piles on my bedside table and dresser.

What is your favorite part of the Bible to study/read?

My three favorite books are Isaiah, Psalms, and Philippians.

How can we pray for you?

However you feel led by the Lord.  He knows better than I do.

Fall Parish Workday

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 28 from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. when we will gather for our seasonal Fall Workday!

Tasks to complete:

  • Spread compost and overseed

  • Clean up community garden

  • Work on other gardens

  • Cleanup Gideon Drive

  • Prune growth from base of trees

    Please bring:

  • Iron rakes

  • Shovels

  • Pruning shears

  • Work gloves