IN THIS ISSUE
PARISHIONER SPOTLIGHT
Why we Love Our
Small Group
Ranger Report
- by Richard & Catherine Ranger
Then & Now
KINGDOM MOMENTS-
- Tree Burning on Epiphany
- First Communion class
- Student Ministry Broomball
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Parishioner Spotlight:
Why We Love Our Small Group
by AJ & Kourtney Buniak
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All Saints has a number of informal “small groups” that meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly to read God’s word, fellowship together, and hold each other up in prayer. Here, AJ and Kourtney talk about what has been important to them as part of a monthly Community Group that began in September 2020 – during the midst of the pandemic. |
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After 4 months of isolation and limited interaction with others outside the immediate family, our new small group (led by Gary & Julie Wieder and Zacher & Emily Bayonne) was a welcomed and much-needed opportunity to reconnect with the Church and the community. Most of our time together this past year has been fully virtual; despite that, we felt an immediate level of comfort and trust with the other couples in our group as we all shared our perspectives on our Bible-based study, "What on Earth am I Here For?" and opened up about life experiences, both good and bad. Among other things, we’ve prayed for each other through new babies, job changes, house moves, illnesses, and the loss of loved ones.
There is strength in numbers, and we are incredibly thankful to have others praying with us through hardships and celebrating blessings alongside us. With three little ones at home, it is sometimes difficult to really take in the scripture and sermon on Sunday mornings. Our Community Group gives us the time to really reflect, and we often find ourselves coming back to the message and discussions from our group during the week when things get busy at work and at home.
As we move into this new year and start exploring the Book of James, we are excited to increase our knowledge of scripture and to be able to continue to build and strengthen the friendship and fellowship within our group.
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Ranger Report
by Richard & Catherine Ranger
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Catherine and Richard Ranger, long-time members of All Saints, have answered the Lord's call to serve as missionary faculty at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, Uganda. They bring their legal and development expertise to the community by teaching, advising, and mentoring students. Since arriving in Mukono in mid-2021 along with their intrepid dog, Trooper, the Rangers have embraced the people and culture around them and have become shining beacons of Christ's love. All Saints is blessed to be their sending church for the Glory of God!
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Three recent highlights:
As Law and Business Faculty opportunities continue to take shape, we are being blessed by more students who request our mentorship and advice, encounters that also lead to learning more about these students and how they are already working to make a difference in their own communities.
Student Guild (student government) is an important part of the University community, and we were honored guests at the handover from the outgoing president to the incoming one.
Finally, we were invited to co-preach at the Kampala campus on January 30, on the topic of being called and equipped to witness, with Matthew 4:18-22 as the text. (See photo of this Sunday-worship-under-the-tent service.)
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Staff member Edyta Cousens has been researching All Saints history, looking through our archives and visiting the Chevy Chase Historical Society. She has found some historical gems for us, which we will periodically include in the newsletter as part of our “Then & Now” series. It is a labor of love! |
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Our wonderful new playground climber (along with new sandbox and more!) was installed in Fall 2020! |
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Look How Far We've Come!
by Edyta Cousens, Communications Assistant
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Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. (Luke 18:15)
Children are an important part of All Saints Church. Ministry to children started small when All Saints first began. Now, however, between Sunday School, All Saints Preschool, VBS, and other programs, we welcome hundreds of children to our church each year, teaching them about God and sharing Christ’s love. Even during Covid, this has continued: we were particularly blessed to recently install our long-awaited state-of-the-art playground for the use of All Saints’ children.
One ministry of the church known to our community is the All Saints Preschool. Although it may seem as if the Preschool has been around for decades, we celebrated it’s 10-year anniversary only a few of years ago. Look how far it has come: well-regarded in our local community, it continues to expand and to bless our neighbors with an early-childhood education that is developmentally appropriate, nurturing, and reflects God's love – not something to take for granted! This year, the Preschool even received a license to expand the number of classes and add an auxiliary interior play space.
May God be praised through these little ones, to whom the Kingdom belongs.
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Feast of the Epiphany -
Burning of the "Jesse Tree"
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Did you know? After the Epiphany service, we burned the "Jesse Tree" that had graced the Narthex during Advent - the ashes will go to making the holy ashes imposed on Ash Wednesday!
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First Communion Preparation Class |
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Celebrate with us on May 1st, when these young disciples of Jesus take their First Communion at All Saints! |
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Student Ministry Broomball Outing |
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Previous issues of the Connect! - celebrating God's faithfulness to us and His work among and through us - are available on the church website HERE. The January 2022 issue included reports on Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas outreach by the parish; a celebration of the children's annual Christmas pageant; and more!
Please join us in continuing to celebrate the good news of God working in our midst - ideas for the Connect newsletter are always welcome! You may submit possible topics, photos, or short (1 - 3 paragraph) articles to Communications Manager Teri Ballou.
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We are here for you. If you need help,
please call (301) 654-2488 or email info@allsaintschurch.net. All inquiries confidential.
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