Everyone in our church family is invited to the Fellowship Dinner to benefit All Saints - Sharon Chapel Episcopal Church, this month, Wednesday, January 17, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., at Uno Chicago Grill (Kingstowne, 5935 Kingstowne Towne Center, Kingstowne, VA 22315, Phone: 703-822-0957; see website for directions). This is a fundraiser for our church and a fun way to spend some time with members of the congregation. Please present the "All Saints" certificate (available at the church) when paying your bill to ensure that your dinner check will be added to the fundraising total.

January 7, 2007

The All Saints - Sharon Chapel Annual Meeting will be February 4, 2007, after the 10:30 worship service. Please plan to attend so we can conduct church business with a maximum of participation.

January 7, 2007

The Good Shepherd Montessori Atrium at All Saints - Sharon Chapel invites all parents with children between the ages of 3 and 12 to these Open House events:

• Saturday, January 6, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.;
• Monday, January 8, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon;
• Wednesday, January 10, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.;
• Saturday, January 13, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.;
• Saturday, January 20, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.;
• Wednesday, January 31, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

New atrium groups being formed are: Level I (for children 3 to 6 years); Level II (for children 6 to 9 years); and, previous atrium experience required, Level III (9 to 12 year old children). A maximum of 12 students per group will be accepted. All groups will be led by nationally certified teachers. Orientation and group sessions will begin in February 2007 and September 2007.

The Good Shepherd program is an approach to the spiritual formation of children rooted in the Bible and scripture, and employing the methods and philosophy of Maria Montessori. Two-hour sessions include bible study, geography art, music, Montessori movement, individualized presentations, and practical-life activities using beautiful hands-on, age-appropriate materials in a peaceful children's chapel setting especially created for children—the atrium. For more information, contact Davette Himes at cgs@sharonchapel.org or call 703-960-4808.

January 2, 2007

The next day set aside by the Church to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism is Sunday, January 7, the baptism of Christ. If you desire to be baptized or have children for whom you desire baptism, please speak to the rector.

December 10, 2006

We are looking for someone to assist the treasurer. We are working to change the treasurer's job to make it possible for 2 or 3 people to share the work, rather than have one person do it all alone. If you are interested in putting your accounting or financial skills to work for the church as part of your personal ministry, we would like to hear from you. The work requires 2 to 3 hours per week. Some of the work can be done at home, while some (about an hour per week) has to be done at the church. We would prefer to have someone within the church help us, rather than have to look for a part-time professional from outside the church. Please contact Tracey McDaniel, the Rector, Rich Schoen, or any Vestry member for more information.

December 10, 2006

Thursday, January 18, 5:30 p.m. See Dick or Jane Delbridge for more information.

January 7, 2007

Save the date: Saturday, February 10, the first annual All Saints - Sharon Chapel Potluck Dinner and White Elephant gift exchange. Bring a potluck dish (whatever you can cook, bake, freeze and defrost, microwave, assemble, open, or buy the best). Bring a wrapped white elephant gift item. This should be an item from your home that is in good condition, with some "wear" left in it (if possible, something humorous). Set-up and clean-up help is needed. Please RSVP to Patti Ballard. We hope to see you there, with a suitable gift for the swap and food to share.

January 7, 2007

The annual All Saints Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, 2007. Supper will be served from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. The evening will include good food, fellowship, and children's activities. Make your plans now to attend this fun event. The Church Pancake Supper is sponsored by the All Saints - Sharon Chapel Cursillistas to benefit the Cursillo Scholarship Fund. Cost: $5.00 per adult, $2.00 per child, maximum $15.00 per family.

January 28, 2007

On Wednesday, February 21, we will gather in the church at 7:30 p.m. for the Ash Wednesday service of Holy Eucharist and the imposition of ashes. We do this to remind us that we stand before God as sinners doomed to die, and that it is only through God's merciful gift that we can hope for more. It begins for us the season of Lent, the forty days leading up to our Lord's resurrection. Please come and join us as we enter together this holiest of seasons.

February 11, 2007

The next Shrine Mont Work Weekend will be held March 16-18, 2007. Parishioners from all over Virginia gather to donate their love and labor to benefit Shrine Mont and make it ready for the summer church retreats and children's camps. Work projects include routine maintenance such as changing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries, installing towel racks, and painting.

February 11, 2007

Open Houses of Faith is a series of educational open houses open to the public hosted by different denominations and religions during February and March. The series, organized by the Girl Scouts, provides religious groups an opportunity to tell the public who they are, what they believe, and why.

All Saints - Sharon Chapel will be opening our "house of faith" to anyone who would like to know more about our church and the Episcopal faith on Tuesday, March 13, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Participants will learn the basics of our faith, followed by a question and answer period. They will take a tour of the church and will have an opportunity to learn about our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program and see the atriums. Refreshments will be served.

Everyone interested in our church and faith is invited to attend. Parishioners are asked to help by telling their friends and neighbors about this event and encouraging them to attend. Parishioners are also needed help greeting people and serving refreshments. Please plan to attend this special evening of sharing our faith. For more information, call the church office and speak with the Rector, Ron Field, or Davette Himes.

February 25, 2007

We will, as has become our custom, join St. Mark's Episcopal Church (6744 South King's Highway) for worship, soup supper, and program on the five Wednesdays in Lent, February 28 - March 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The first two programs (February 28 and March 7) will focus on different views of war found in different religious faiths.

The next three programs (March 14, March 21, and March 28) will be led by the Reverend John Weatherly, Rector of Saint Mark's, who has been serving for the past one a half years in Iraq as an Army Reserve chaplain. He will share his experiences and his many photos with us.

We will gather at St Mark's for all five Wednesday evenings. All Saints - Sharon Chapel will be responsible for the supper on the first and third Wednesdays (February 28 and March 14). Supper responsibilities will be shared on the fifth and final Wednesday.

February 25, 2007

Rescheduled. Thursday, March 8, 5:30 p.m., at the home of Dick and Jane Delbridge: New time and place: At church, after the 10:30 worship service on March 11. All with Outreach in their hearts or Outreach ideas in their heads are encouraged to come. We will be working on preparations for the April 28 Oral Rehydration Salts Project and other Outreach plans for 2007. Please bring a dish and join us.

February 25, 2007

Parishioners who can volunteer to count the Sunday offerings are needed. Please see the Rector, any Vestry member, or Nancy DeDona.

February 25, 2007

When we celebrate the Passover Seder, the ancient tradition that is part of our Judeo-Christian heritage, we celebrate our deliverance from eternal death by our Passover lamb, Jesus Christ. For just as an innocent lamb died so that the first born of each Jewish family in Egypt could be spared, so the innocent Jesus, He who was without sin, died so that we could be spared.

According to the Synoptic Gospels, the last meal which Jesus ate on earth was the Passover meal (Matthew 26:17; Mark 14:12; Luke 22:1), called at the time the Feast of Unleavened Bread, to celebrate the deliverance of God's chosen people from the Pharaoh of Egypt. Thus, the Passover Seder has several layers of meanings for Christians.

This year's Seder meal will take place on April 3 at 6:30 p.m. Experience the fun, fellowship and good food of the Seder in our warm, loving community. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Reservations will be taken on Sundays, March 11, 18, and 25. The cost for the dinner is $7.00 per adult and $3.00 per child. ($20.00 family maximum.) We are looking for help with shopping, cooking, setting-up, and cleaning-up. To volunteer or for more information, see Russ or Diane Lewey.

March 4, 2007

Put your best foot forward for a good cause. Please sign up and take part in the CROP Hunger Walk, March 25 at 1:30 p.m. This walk, usually held in the Spring, is an ecumenical effort by area churches to raise funds to combat hunger. Walkers are asked to solicit pledges, participate in the walk, and promote awareness of hunger issues. The walk will begin and end at Faith United Methodist Church (7010 Harrison Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306) (near Huntley Meadows Park. The event is open to walkers of all ages. For more information, see Candace Baldwin. Also see www.cropwalk.org.

March 4, 2007

Sunday of the Passion - April 1 - Bishop's Visitation and Confirmation, 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.

Monday in Holy Week - April 2 - Holy Eucharist, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday in Holy Week - April 3 - Passover Seder, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday in Holy Week - April 4 - Holy Eucharist, 7:30 p.m.

Maundy Thursday - April 5 - Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar, 7:30 p.m.

Good Friday - April 6 - Good Friday Service, 7:30 p.m.

Holy Saturday - April 7 - The Great Vigil of Easter and Holy Baptism, 7:30 p.m.

Easter Day - April 8 - Liturgy of the Resurrection, 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.

March 18, 2007

Saturday, March 31, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

We all have things to do on Saturdays, and free time is one of our most prized possessions. This makes giving of our labors and talents during the Spring clean-up a sacrificial offering.

There will be three teams: an indoor team (cleaning windows, woodwork), and outdoor team (cleaning the cemetery, courtyard, and yards, raking and bagging leaves, pruning, trimming, etc.) and a lunch team (preparing lunch and snacks). Tools and cleaning supplies are needed.

Look for the insert in the church bulletin asking you to commit to this event. Please fill out the card and place it in the offering plate. If you can provide any special equipment, such as a chain-saw, heavy-duty vacuum, etc., please note that as well.

Questions? Ask Senior Warden, Rick Schoen.

March 18, 2007

Anyone who is interested in becoming the Lay Delegate or Alternate Delegate to the Diocesan Council, as a representative of All Saints - Sharon Chapel, should let the rector know. Duties include attending the 213th Council of the Diocese, to be held Friday and Saturday, January 25-26, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency in Reston. Attendance at Region Meetings twice a year is also requested.

March 18, 2007

Saturday, April 28^th, 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.

Every four seconds, somewhere in the world, a child dies of dehydration as a result of bad water, illness, malnutrition, etc. Oral rehydration salts &emdash; which consist of sugar, salt, soda, and salt substitute mixed with a liter of boiled water &emdash; can save that life.

On Saturday, April 28, 2007, Sharon Chapel parishioners, together with members of other churches, friends and neighbors are going to put together 15,000 packets of Oral Rehydration Salts that will be shipped to wherever in the world they are needed. We will need many willing hands and can use your help and enthusiasm for all or part of the day. Absolutely no experience is necessary. We will provide on-the-job training. Youth 12 and over are welcome to participate. Children 8 - 11 will need to work with an adult partner. Volunteers will be fed, and hydrated.

For more information, contact Dick or Jane Delbridge or the church office. Also see www.rehydrate.org

Thanks for everything, and see you on April 28.

March 25, 2007

Valerie Manu, a Sharon Chapel acolyte, has been chosen to participate in the People to People Student Ambassador program. She will be traveling this summer as a student ambassador to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji to promote international understanding and build leadership skills. She plans to share her experience with us upon her return. The program will provide about half of her expenses, but she still needs to raise approximately $3,000. She is grateful for any contribution to assist her in making this trip. If you can help, please write a check to "People to People Ambassadorship Programs" and give it to Valerie or the Rector.

March 25, 2007

Harvest Days are here again! On April 22 and 29 we will again be collecting items to help Koinonia and United Community Ministries (UCM) serve the many underprivileged families in our area. Koinonia again needs a variety of household cleaning products. UCM has sent a special request list which is posted in the narthex, on the bulletin board in the hallway, and in Gunnell Hall. Please check it out, and when you bring your offerings on the days listed, place them in the boxes which will be on the back pews. Both agencies are very appreciative of our help. So are the people they are assisting to get back on their feet.

Also: The annual National Association of Letter Carriers/U.S. Postal Service Food Drive will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2007. All Postal Customers in the Alexandria area with zip codes beginning with the numbers 223_ _ will be asked to place bags of non-perishable food items near their mailboxes, to be picked up by their letter carriers. The carriers will then help to distribute the food items to Local Area Food Banks. The Food Banks that are involved this year are Alive Inc., Capital Area Food Bank, United Community Ministries, Koinonia, and Rising Hope. Last year the NALC/USPS Food Drive was able to collect over 15 Tons of Food! We hope to do even better this Year!

April 22, 2007

The congregation is invited to an international potluck at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 26, to celebrate the hard work of our immigrant neighbors in their English classes this past spring. Please bring a dish to share. The potluck will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, Va. 22310. Be inspired by our adult students' enthusiasm for learning English. Find out how rewarding teaching can be! Classes are taught by the Franconia Area Churches ESL Cooperative, which currently has volunteers from Bush Hill Presbyterian, Faith Evangelical Presbyterian, Franconia United Methodist, Springfield Christian, Central Christian, All Saints - Sharon Chapel Episcopal, St. Bernadette's Catholic and St. John's Lutheran Churches. For more info, contact ESL Coordinator Diane Brody, (703) 660-6386 or faccesl@aol.com.

April 22, 2007

The Metropolitan Chorus will be performing at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207, on Saturday, May 5 at 8:00 p.m. Joining the chorus will be the 22-member Columbia Flute Choir, under the direction of Sharyn Byer. Among the works on the program will be two shorter pieces by Johann Nepomuk Hummel, a contemporary of Beethoven known for his instrumental works. Te Deum and Quod in Orbe are two of his rarely-heard choral gems. The Metropolitan Chorus will also be premiering a chorale composition by local composer Richard Henninger entitled Last Words of Jesus on the Cross, inspired by the Spiritual Were You There. Tickets for the concert are $17.00 for adults and $15.00 for senior citizens, youth and military. For further information or to purchase tickets, please see Amy Spagna, or you can call The Metropolitan Chorus at 703-933-2500.

April 22, 2007

Helen Rothfuss, organist, and Amy Spagna, flutist, will perform at a Spring Concert on Saturday, May 12, 3:00 p.m., at The Chapel at Greenspring, in Greenspring Village Retirement Community, 7410 Spring Village Dr., Springfield, Virginia 22150.

April 22, 2007

The Feast of Pentecost, “the day when the Holy Ghost shone in the world with his grace,” as the hymn tells us, arrives this year on Sunday, May 27. It is one of the four Sundays of the Church year specifically designated for the Sacrament of Baptism. If you, or your child, have not been baptized and desire to receive this sacrament on Pentecost, please let the Rector Know.

May 6, 2007

We are in need of a person or couple to do the 2007 parish audit. No experience is necessary. Instructions come with the forms and you have six to eight weeks to complete it. We will need to have this done in order to receive our Mustard Seed Grant. If you can offer this ministry, please let the Rector know.

May 6, 2007

Do you know that the organization and numbering of the Psalms differs slightly between the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts? Protestant translations are based on the Hebrew numbering. Eastern Orthodox translations are based on the Greek numbering. Roman Catholic official liturgical texts follow the Greek numbering, but modern Catholic translations often use the Hebrew numbering, sometimes adding the Greek numbering in parenthesis as well.

Find out more about the Psalms at our Parish Retreat. This year's Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont will be held September 28 - 30, so make space on your calendar. The cost will be approximately $125 per person (less for children). Scholarship assistance is available. The number of rooms is limited, reservations will be required.

July 29, 2007

Based on the Harry Potter books, Wizards and Wonders is a 5 session program for the whole church. Filled with fun and learning, Wizards and Wonders will surprise you in how well it deals with Christian themes. Through drama, crafts, and games participants will connect the hero's story to Bible themes of identity, alliances, teamwork, spiritual gifts, life directions, temptation, moral choices, courage, and faith.

Please help make this a wonderful week for all. Volunteers are needed to help with food, music, crafts, drama and role playing, and games.

Organizational meetings, to determine schedule and allocate volunteer work, will be held after Sunday services. For more information, contact Davette Himes.

July 29, 2007

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, of which the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia is a member, has asked us to become part of the “Faithful Pledge” Movement. There is a Virginia law that caps small loans at 36% APR. In 2002 the Virginia Special Assembly passed a bill that gave a special exception to the payday loan industry, which enabled them to charge an average annual rate of 390% for a two week loan. This way borrowers can never pay off their loans. In the interest of protecting the poor and marginalized. VICPP asks us to sign a petition, the “Faithful Pledge” to raise our collective voice to state legislators. If you would like to sign the petition, you will find it hanging on the bulletin board in Gunnell Hall.

-- R.E.B.

November 11, 2007

Sunday, November 18th, All Saints - Sharon Chapel, 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.

On Sunday November 18th Sharon Chapel will host a Blood Mobile. The American Red Cross Van will set up in front of the Church in the lower parking lot and be ready for the first blood donor at high Noon. A signup schedule is in the Narthex. Please sign up as soon as possible. Donors can also sign up and get a time on the schedule by calling the church office @ 703-960-4808. We need 45 donors to insure that the drive results in 30 usable pints. Each pint can be separated into components and may help 3 or more sick or injured persons.

Persons in reasonably good health, 17 years or older, weighing at least 110 pounds may give blood. Most persons with high blood pressure, diabetes, or allergies, and taking medicines for these conditions, CAN also give blood. Additional medical questions can be answered by calling 1-800-272-2048. Having had cancer does not disqualify one.

In order to protect the safety and purity of the community blood supply, donors are asked for identification before giving blood. One of the following primary IDs will suffice: A driver’s license, state identification card, passport, military identification card, and INS (green) card, Student ID with photo, Credit card with photo or American Red Cross Blood Donor Card. Or Two forms of the following secondary ID will suffice: work ID, Social Security Card, birth certificate, checkbook with name and address, school or college ID, vehicle registration, credit card or bank card, library card with donor’s name, voter registration, insurance card, payroll stub, or professional license.

One pint of blood is given during the donation and is quickly replaced by the body. An individual is able to give blood every 56 days. The actual blood donation takes 8-10 minutes; however the entire process, from registration to refreshment, will take approximately one hour. “Every 2 seconds someone in our region receives blood. Approximately 95% of the population will need blood during their lifetime. Over 1300 blood donations are needed daily to supply the needs of patients in our community. A single shock trauma victim can use 100 pints of blood in a few hours.” This is an excellent way to give back to our community and to introduce others to All Saints Sharon Chapel. Tell your friends and neighbors about this opportunity and help them get signed up for a time on the schedule. See you on November 18th.

November 11, 2007

November 18th

As we're always interested in multitasking, it seemed like a great idea to Celebrate Advent by having a MINI CHRISTMAS BAZAAR on the 18th of November while we are hosting the Blood Mobile from 12:00 noon to 6 p.m.

We will have Christmas music boxes, singing moose, decorations, and edibles for home or gifts. Contact Donna Smith, Vicky Sharp or Jane Delbridge if you have items to donate or if you are available to be a hostess for the Mobile/Bazaar for a couple of hours on November 18th between noon and 6 p.m.

November 11, 2007

Thursday, November 15th

5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Fuddruckers Restaurant, 4141 Duke Street

Please Join Us! Each month, ASSC sponsors a fellowship night at a restaurant in the community for all members , their family, friends, and neighbors. It’s a great opportunity to dine, visit and raise funds for the church. We hope to see you and those dear to you there!

November 11, 2007

Advent is coming! And we will gather on three successive Wednesday evenings for a program and Compline. The dates are December 5, 12, and 19. The time is 7:00. The place is the church. The topic will be Enriching Our Worship — the Eucharistic prayers we will be using during the Epiphany season.

At the first session we will look at the concerns behind these supplemental liturgical texts — what caused them to be written.

The second session will explore the liturgies of the Book of Common Prayer which will prepare us to look at the supplemental texts.

At the third session we will experience the actual text of Enriching Our Worship. The sessions will be led by the Rector and Alex Shepherd.

Because we will soon be cleaning out the Gunnell Hall area in preparation for building, we will not be able to enjoy our usual pot luck supper together. But we hope you will join us for these evenings of education and fellowship.

November 19, 2007

Please mark your calendars for the following events for the Women of All Saints.

Saturday, December 8, 9:00 a.m. - In addition to our usual wonderful fellowship, we will be preparing Christmas cards to send to veterans in military hospitals. Bring your extra Christmas cards along and join us in bringing Christ's love to those who have given so much serving our country.

Saturday, December 15, 3:00 p.m. - We will celebrate the holiday with a Christmas tea at the home of Carolyn Rae. Please take some time out of your busy Christmas schedule and join us for a special time of fellowship and sharing.

We are also looking for leaders for our January 12th and February 9th meetings. If you are interested in leading either of these dates, please contact Carolyn Rae.

November 19, 2007

• Wednesdays in Advent: December 5, 12, and 19
  7:00 p.m. — Program and Compline
  Preparing for Enriching Our Worship
  The Rector and Alex Shepherd
  
• First Sunday of Advent: December 2
  8:00 and 10:30 a.m. — Holy Eucharist and Sermon
  
• Second Sunday of Advent: December 9
  8:00 and 10:30 a.m. — Holy Eucharist and Sermon
  A Visit From St. Nicholas!
  
• Third Sunday of Advent: December 16
  8:00 and 10:30 a.m. — Holy Eucharist and Sermon
  
• Greening of the Church: Friday, December 21
  6:30 p.m. — The Eating of Pizza
  7:00 p.m. — The Greening of the Church
  (De-greening, Sunday, December 30, 12:00 noon)
  
• Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 23
  8:00 a.m. — Holy Eucharist and Homily
  10:30 a.m. — Advent Lessons & Music and Holy Eucharist
  
• Christmas Eve: Monday, December 24
  5:00 p.m. — Family Service and Children’s Sermon
  10:30 p.m. — Festival Music, Holy Eucharist, Sermon
  
• Christmas Day: Tuesday, December 25
  10:00 a.m. — Holy Eucharist and Homily
  
• First Sunday After Christmas: December 30
  8:00 a.m. — Holy Eucharist and Homily
  10:30 a.m. — Holy Eucharist and Christmas Pageant
  

November 19, 2007

It is that time of year for the joy of fund raising and sharing holiday cheer by selling Christmas Trees. Your selling skills and warm smiles are needed. Pick times and sign up. List located in Narthex and Gunnell Hall. For further information see Dick Delbridge or one of the team leaders.

December 9, 2007

Christmas is on the way, and so are preparations at our local agencies that help the more unfortunate among us. This year we have a chance to help Koinonia with their collection for their clients. (Remember that we help Koinonia and UCM with school supplies and Christmas in alternating years.) They need gifts for children from infancy through the teen years. Collection boxes will be on the back pew on Sunday, December 9 and 16. Have fun bringing things in and imagining the pleasure they will give the kids as well as the relief the parents will feel in seeing enough packages under the tree. Bring unwrapped gifts. And don't forget to consider store gift cards or just plain checks. All is welcome.

December 9, 2007

More Lay Eucharistic Ministers are needed to serve at both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services. If you would like to learn to administer the chalice at the Eucharist, please contact the Rector.

December 9, 2007

As we enter into Advent it’s that time of year when the Vestry is looking for persons interested in coming onto the Vestry for the upcoming year and the two to follow. Vestry terms are three years and Vestry meets once a month throughout the year. If you have a desire to be nominated for a Vestry position, please talk with Rachelle or any Vestry member prior to the end of December.

December 9, 2007