Advent Sunday School

Take a look at the Advent Sunday options for all ages! The Sunday School hour takes place from 9:45-10:45 a.m. on December 10 & December 17.

NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ADULTS! 

This Advent season we invite you to come and prepare for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! With a single service on December 3 preceding the Greening of the Church and a single service on December 24 as we celebrate Christmas Eve, there will be two weeks (Dec. 10 and 17) that will feature Adult Sunday School Offerings to focus on the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

ADVENT IN WORD AND SONG: Come join us as we wait on the Lord with poetry, music and practices to help prepare our hearts for the Messiah’s coming. No books will be needed. This class will meet in the Bishop’s Conference Room (second floor) above All Saints’ Administration Wing.

ADVENT: WAITING WITH HOPE: We will explore how Jesus fulfills prophecy and brings light from darkness. How He calls us to be ready when He comes and inspires us to live in active and hopeful waiting for His arrival. This class will meet in the Creation Room in the Children’s Wing during the Education hour, Sunday from 9:45-10:45 a.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL IN ADVENT

The High School & Middle School students will continue their dive in first Samuel during the Sunday School hour. Each teaching takes us into the Israelites history, and how we see ourselves in their story. Donuts, discussion, and fellowship all happen in the Multi-purpose classroom downstairs. 

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

CHILDREN’S CHURCH: Carols & Rehearsals for Christmas Eve every Sunday in Advent beginning Thanksgiving Weekend. Starting Sunday, December 3, the children at 11 a.m. Children’s Church will receive an Advent devotion, and then prepare for a Savior for the 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service with singing carols and participating in roles reenacting the Nativity. Each child, whether participating one week in Advent, or all four, will receive a costume and are invited! It is All Saints' tradition that the 3rd graders are offered the key roles, and if at all possible should be available most Sundays of Advent for practice. During Advent, 8:15 Children’s Church will not be offered. Children up to age six are welcome to come to the nursery during the 8:15 service time. (Please note: The service and children's church on this coming Sunday, Dec 3, is at 10am ONLY).

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Children in the Pre-K and Elementary classes will receive an Advent teaching each Sunday during the Sunday School hour from 9:45-10:45 a.m. The Light Before Christmas guides PREK & Elementary children in learning about the reason we celebrate Christmas. Each lesson points to Christ, the Light of the World who came to save us from the darkness of sin. Through a Bible study of light and darkness, children will discover how the theme of light weaves its way through the Christmas story and God’s plan of salvation.  Scripture readings, dramas, object lessons, discussion, activity pages, crafts, and songs will engage our children in preparing their hearts for the true meaning of Christmas. The Light Before Christmas will continue in Sunday School from 9:45-10:45 a.m. on December 10 & 17, and in Children's Church on the morning of the 24th. 

Men's Ministry Breakfast in December

All men of All Saints are invited to breakfast at All Saints Church at 7.30 a.m. on December 2. We will enjoy a time of food, fellowship, prayer, teaching, and ministry updates. We will conclude at 8:45 a.m. so we can clean up and support these two ministry opportunities.

1. Attend the funeral for Connie Odems with viewing from 9-10 and service from 10-11:30

2. Hand out fliers in local neighborhoods for our Live Nativity event on December 15.

Please contact Jim Morrison at 571.338.5774 by text or voice to help ensure a good amount of food is available.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Ps 34.8

Carol Stribula Funeral

Beloved sister in Christ, Carol Stribula passed away and went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 16. Please pray for Carol’s family, especially her husband, Charlie.

Her funeral will take place on Friday, December 1, 2023:

• Visitation from 2-3 p.m.

• The funeral @ 3 p.m. immediately followed by a reception in the atrium.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Life First: PO Box 2040 Manassas, VA 20108

There will be a private interment to take place at a later date. 

Readings and Collect Sunday, November 26

Read ahead, follow along, and pray with the Saints using the “lectionary insert” for this Sunday.

Ways to Serve the Living Nativity Outreach

Even if you do not have a costumed role in the Living Nativity on Friday, December 15 there are a variety of important ways to help serve this important outreach! People throughout the Dale City community get to experience the truth of the nativity story of Jesus brought to life in this church-wide event. Here are three ways you can help support:

• Cookies Needed: To warm hearts and hands at the Living Nativity on Sunday, December 15th! Hot Cocoa, Hot Tea, and Cookies  (as well as bottled water) will be available for our 50+ volunteers, as they serve in the cold.  If you enjoy baking or simply like buying Christmas cookies, please consider bringing 1-2 dozen to the church office on Wednesday or Thursday, December 14/15, 9am-4pm. Or, you can drop off to Tara's home in Montclair most evenings. Please reply to Tara to let her know you are bringing cookies (and how many). tpedersen@allsaintswoodbridge.org.

• Nativity Bags: We will be making 300 Christmas activity bags for children, to be distributed in the front parking lot upon their arrival, so that as they wait in line, we can at least help with keeping the kids entertained. Each bag will have Nativity themed sticker & activity sheets, car friendly crafts, colorings, a glow in the dark Nativity wristband, and an animal cracker pack treat! You can donate a box of 12 individual packs for $15, and have them sent to the church by ordering here. We also need helping hands to assemble the 300 bags! Please consider coming out on Monday morning, December 11, 10am, childcare provided. Christmas cookies, Coffee, & Fruit served.

• Firewood Donations: are needed also for two of the Living Nativity scenes. If you have firewood to spare or donate, please contact Tara in the church office, or by email at tpedersen@allsaintswoodbridge.org to make arrangements.

Christmas Memorial Flowers

If you would like to honor your loved ones during this Christmas season with a special gift of beauty donations are open to the Memorial Christmas flowers. The deadline to submit is Monday, December 18. Fill out the information through the link below, and see your dedication projected throughout Christmas. There will also be cards available in the atrium to fill out. All memorials and thanksgiving will be listed in the Christmas media (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Lessons and Carols, and in the Newsletter). Donations can be made through this form.

Join the All Saint' Music Ministry in Outreach for Harmony Holidays!

You are invited to spread the joy of Christmas with caroling to local assisted living and skilled nursing facilities on Sunday, December 10 from 2-5 p.m. If you love to sing and would like to participate in this Christmas outreach event, please email Stephen Bittner at stephen.t.bittner@gmail.com so that enough music is available! 

One Service & Greening of the Church 12/3

There will be one service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 3 as we gather for the Greening of the Church following the service. December 3 is the first Sunday of Advent and we will come together to hang the greenery around the church. Childcare is available during the greening and a light lunch will be provided. The children will have a special Advent lesson & a craft during the greening. Please RSVP here.

Un-Trim-A-Tree: Support a Child in Dale City This Year!

Please consider purchasing a gift for a child in need in our very own community by signing up to sponsor a child with a gift through Un-Trim-A-Tree!

All Saints’ Church is supporting 160 children from local schools by providing 2 gifts for each child! These children range in age from newborn up to 16 years old.

We will follow the same process as we did last year and provide an online sign-up list. Please sign up here for as many children as you feel led to help and try to keep the amount for each gift to about $35.00 or less. If the item listed is too expensive, please feel free to substitute it with an age-appropriate gift.

Please drop off your gifts at the front of the church on Sunday, December 10. Gifts should be unwrapped with name, ID number, and the letter “a” or “b” attached.

With Sincerest Thanks,

The All Saints’ Church Un-Trim-A-Tree Team

Lisa Fair & Lindsey Powers

Connie Odems Funeral

Connie Odem’s funeral will take place at All Saints’ Church on Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 am.

The service will be followed immediately by a reception. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

The Light Before Christmas for Children During the Greening!

The Light Before Christmas guides PREK and elementary children in learning about the reason we celebrate Christmas. Each lesson points to Christ, the Light of the World who came to save us from the darkness of sin. Through a Bible study of light and darkness, children will discover how the theme of light weaves its way through the Christmas story and God’s plan of salvation.  Scripture readings, dramas, object lessons, discussions, activity pages, crafts, and songs will engage our children in preparing their hearts for the true meaning of Christmas. The Light Before Christmas will continue in Sunday School from 9:45-10:45 a.m. on December 10 & 17, and in Children's Church on the morning of the 24th. 

Also available for families for $15 (in the children's wing or in adult Sunday School) is The Light Before Christmas family Advent devotional that will reinforce the truths learned at church as families gather for reading and worship at home. Together, the 13 devotionals, three for each week of Advent plus one for Christmas, will help families see the light of Jesus shining bright not only in the Advent season but all year long.  Each devotional includes a Scripture for the day, an object lesson, a focus Scripture, a question to discuss as a family, a song to sing together, and a prayer.

Pledge Card Reminder

Just a reminder to please submit your Pledge Card for 2024 to the church office or the offering plate if you haven’t already. As we move into 2024 we are planning the budget for the upcoming year, your pledge and faithful stewardship is an important part of planning to faithfully steward what God has provided All Saints’ Church. If you have any questions about tithing you can read this helpful booklet.

Baptism Training Information

The next date for Baptisms is Sunday, January 7 2024. If you or a family member is planning to be baptized on this date, please email Deacon Julie by Monday, November 27 to set up Baptism Training. This is required for anyone receiving Baptism or the parents of young children who will be baptized.

Readings and Collect Sunday, November 19

Read ahead, follow along, and pray with the Saints using the “lectionary insert” for this Sunday.

Second Sunday Name Tag Signup

This Sunday, November 12 is the second Sunday of the Month, which means that the clipboard will be available in the Atrium to sign up for a new name tag. Please note that new nametags will be available for pickup on Sunday, December 3 instead of November 26 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. You can always sign up for a new name tag online here, and they will be available for pickup December 3.

Call for Vestry Nominations

It’s hard to believe it’s November already. Now is the time to pray about who God would have you nominate for the 2024 Vestry.

Here are the steps to take:

1. Pray

2. Submit names to:

• Nominating Committee, Lasbrey, Dawn, Sarah, Katherine, and Fr. Scott  

• Emailing to Katherine Monroe (srwarden@allsaintswoodbridge.org) 

• Calling the church office at 703-670-0093. 

The Committee will ensure that the person meets requirements according to Church Bylaws and Diocesan Canons.

Please submit your nominee(s) by December 7.

Nominations are requested to fill three openings. The Vestry has prayerfully decided to transition from 12 Vestry members to 9. This will be the final year in that transition as we are replacing four members with three. 
Vestry elections will be conducted during the annual congregational meeting following the 10 AM service, January 28, 2024.

Please give your full and prayerful attention to this important yearly call to leadership in the life of All Saints’ Church.

Mary Jane Fawcett Funeral Service

Mary Jane Fawcett, mother of David Fawcett, passed away peacefully in Stafford on November 4, 2023, with her son by her side. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Moser Funeral Home, 233 Broadview Ave., Warrenton, VA 20186.

A funeral service will take place at the chapel at Greenwich Presbyterian Church, on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Bright View Cemetery, Lunsford Rd., Warrenton, VA 20188.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's Anglican Church, 14540 John Marshall Highway, Ste. 202, Gainesville, VA 20155.

Thanksgiving Day Service

All are invited to a special Thanksgiving Day service of Holy Eucharist on Thursday, November 23 at 10 a.m. with The Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes!

Readings and Collect Sunday, November 12

Read ahead, follow along, and pray with the Saints using the “lectionary insert” for this Sunday.

You're Invited to Synod 2023: Called to Go

SYNOD 2023

NOVEMBER 17-18, 2023

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH
WOODBRIDGE, VA

Register

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)