Please join us this Sunday in a discussion and exploration of Luke 6:17-26. We'll explore and articulate implications for discipleship and witness evoked by the blessings and woes pronounced by Jesus in Luke 6.

Link to scripture HERE. Download the Resource Sheet HERE.

ECW is now gratefully welcoming donations for Holy Comfort Box contents. Look for the big collection box in the narthex! Please consider supporting this important outreach ministry to our young adults. A list of suggested items is available HERE and at the Holy Comfort Box table. Parents of young adults -- If you haven't already registered your young adult, please do so immediately.

The deadline for this year's registration is Sunday, this Sunday, February 17. Questions? Please contact Joni Langevoort.

This Sunday, February 17, 12:30-3:00 p.m.

The Falls Church Episcopal

All church volunteers who work with children should have this free training. Light snacks and refreshment provided. To register, please contact Brynn Pacitti.

This Sunday, February 17; 4:00 p.m.

The program will include works by Viet Cuong, Alejandro Vinao, and Ivan Trevino, among others. In addition to serving as GMU's Director of Percussion Studies and Associate Director of Concert Bands, Director John Kilkenny also serves as faculty member and artistic director of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. He is the son of parishioner Judy Kilkenny.

Come and enjoy this exciting program! There will be food and snacks in Rodman house afterwards!

March 3, 10, 17, and 24

4-6 p.m. in St. Mary's Chapel

Join parishioner Amy Davison and the Marriage Ministry team for one or all sessions, including topics such as communication, conflict, shared meaning/legacy, and others. RSVP HERE.

Sundays, March 17, 24, 31;

April 7, 28;

May 5, 12, 19, 26;

June 2
Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church or a lifelong member, this course offering is for those wishing to learn and re-learn about the Episcopal Church -- our theology, history and structure, worship and sacraments -- especially those adults considering baptism confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church on Sunday, June 9.

Register for class and childcare HERE. Questions? Please contact Frances Sullinger.

The Youth Group is asking for donated gift cards, toys, or suitable items for raffle prizes for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on March 5. Please place items in box in narthex or leave in the Church Office.

Donations of more expensive items that are new or lightly used and would be suitable for auction are also needed. Proceeds from the Pancake Supper will go toward the Youth Group Mission Trip to Boston in July. Questions? Please contact Denis McMullan.

This 8-week special lesson series for 1st graders and older is designed to introduce children to the important rituals and meaning of the Eucharist and other parts of our liturgy. Lessons will include interactive tutorials on the Eucharistic vessels, the Church calendar, the clerical vestments, a tour of the Sanctuary, an organ demonstration, a manna making session and an instructed Eucharist lead by the Reverend Jon Strand. In addition, the entire Sunday School will participate in a Seder Meal. Learn more HERE.

Sunday, February 24
The diocese has designated Sunday, February 24 as Shrine Mont Camps Sunday. If you have been to one of the diocesan camps at Shrine Mont, please wear your t-shirt that day. If you haven't been to camp, please ask someone wearing a t-shirt about their experience at camp. Our loose plate offering that day will go to the diocesan scholarship fund for campers. Learn more and register online for Shrine Mont Camps HERE.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2018 Hogwarts VBS term fun and successful. 2018 students are invited to complete the Hogwarts VBS survey by clicking HERE. 2018 prefects are invited to complete the prefect survey by clicking HERE. These surveys will close February 15. Hogwarts VBS feedback is always welcome via email HERE.

We're excited to announce that the 2019 Hogwart's VBS term is Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28.  Registrations will be accepted Monday, February 18 through Monday, May 13. Registration forms will be available on the church website beginning Monday, February 18. For further details and to volunteer in any capacity, please contact Linda Lee Malone.

Join the Moms' Group for coffee and fellowship as we chat with Frank Garvey, the Community Engagement and Outreach Manager at Facets. During the next few weeks, the Moms' Group will be collecting baby wipes (most needed item!), baby food, formula, and diapers for this wonderful organization. Please bring these items to the meeting. All items will be distributed at Next Step Family Program in Alexandria. Childcare will be available across the hall in the Childcare Center. The Moms' Group meets the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month and invites mothers of children of all ages. Please RSVP to Amy Britton so that we can plan for refreshments and childcare.

Sponsored by ECW ; Led by Celestine Jones
Saturday, February 23;

9:30 a.m.; St. Mary's Chapel
Parishioner Celestine Jones will teach us about this beautiful form of spiritual practice. No dance experience is needed; the steps are simple, repetitive, and easy to learn. The purpose of this experience is to enjoy the spirit of the dances and the sense of oneness and peace that results from moving rhythmically. All are invited-ladies, gentlemen, teens! Refreshments will be at 9:30 and the program begins at 10:00. Learn more HERE.

Sunday, February 24;

12:30-1:30 p.m.; St. Mary's Chapel
Isobel Matsukas, a sophomore at Flint Hill School, is working on her Girl Scout Gold Award project and has founded a club at school called Champions for Cerebral Palsy that raises money to donate to an organization called Cure CP and spreads awareness and education about CP to the community. The presentation includes a slideshow, some videos, a guest speaker (Barb Bowling), and activities to help you learn about CP!

ALL GIRL SCOUTS: Check out the flyer HERE for more information on how to earn the Including ALL Girls Patch! Join us for some fun to learn about CP and including those with disabilities!

Led by Sue Davy and Frankie Stahlhut

May 3-5 at Shrine Mont

Please join us for a wonderful way to connect and bond with other Holy Comforter women while enjoying some well-deserved time for reflection. The deadline for signing up is Sunday, March 17. This is important because this year there cannot be last-minute additions. The cost is $170 per person for a double room, with a 10% discount for first-time attendees. Registration forms are available for download HERE and in the narthex. Questions? Please contact Jeanna Spielmann.

Pennywise Thrift Shop remains closed due to the fire on January 24. Damage to contents was mostly due to smoke. The shop contents are insured and we should have an insurance claim decision in two weeks. The Masons, who own the building, estimate it will be 2-3 months before repairs are completed and hopefully the shop can be reopened in late spring. The Pennywise Board is working on the large number of logistics involving contents, consignments, storage, and reopening. Pennywise will need donations prior to reopening, so please hold on to items and collections will be announced later!

Pennywise plans a FINE Jewelry sale after Easter. Donations of gold, silver, pearls, and semi-precious/precious stones are appreciated. Please contact June Harper for donations and more information.