Dear St. Aidan’s Family,
I have recently gained a deeper awareness of and appreciation for the church calendar. I grew up attending a Presbyterian Church and come to the Episcopal Church by way of my husband, a "cradle Episcopalian." The liturgical and sacramental practices and observance of the church seasons in our tradition are somewhat new to me and have certainly taken on new significance as I studied them in Seminary. I am grateful for the review of Jesus's life that the church seasons provide: Advent-expectation for birth, Christmas-birth, Epiphany-time after Jesus was born and baptized, Lent-preparation, Easter-resurrection, Pentecost-the gift of the Holy Spirit and the "birthday" of the Church, and Ordinary time-our life in Christ. (You can read in more detail about those seasons here: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/calendar-church-year/) There is a certain comfort in remembering that even as we and the world around us might change, we can always turn back to the life of Jesus for guidance and comfort.
This week we will name and bless the 2022 High School and college graduates during the 10:30 service. Milestones are always a time of mixed emotions-pride of accomplishment, excitement for what is new, perhaps some trepidation around transitions. I hope you will join us as we celebrate the occasion for these students. It is a time of change, but also to recognize what will remain the same: God's love for them, their place and mark in the St. Aidan's community, and their future in Christ.
Rebecca Troutman
Postulant, Diocese of Southern Virginia
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Sunday, May 22, 10:30 am - We will celebrate and honor our high school seniors and their families with a special graduation blessing liturgy. Help our graduating seniors experience the love and power of the Body of Christ at this significant and special time in their lives.
Saturday, May 28, 11:00 am - A Reception with Remembrances for Margaret “Margie” Ann Denny Cross in White Hall. Sign Up to help with reception.
Sunday, May 29, 9:30 am - Summer schedule starts & our 2 Morning Services (8:30 and 10:30 am) are combined. This new time will still be virtual as well as in person. No changes to our evening 5:30 pm Celtic service.
Sunday, June 5, 10:30 am - 1:30pm - Pentecost Parish Picnic - Wear red! Sign Up for needed donations &/or to let us know you're coming. More details below.
Friday, August 5 - Sunday, August 7 - Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont - if you are interested in joining Rev. Laura, her family and your fellow parishioners add your name to the sign up sheet in the Narthex or email the office. We will have more details soon.
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St. Aidan's Financial Update
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On Sunday May 15, we presented the January to April financial update. If you were unable to attend either in person or via Zoom, the following is a summary. Projected expenses for operating the church for 2022 are $349,000. To break even, we need revenue of $29,000 per month. For the first three months of the year, revenue averaged $21,600. Based on that average it was forecast that the church was facing a $75,000 shortfall. In response to a Close the Gap letter that went out at the end of March, a number of families made extraordinary one-time gifts during April. Total April donations were $50,100. Thanks to those who stepped up, the forecast deficit for the year has been reduced by $25,000. An accomplishment to be celebrated.
However, the upcoming summer months are historically challenging for revenue and the remaining forecast shortfall of $50,000 could grow even larger. In 2021, giving in June, July and August averaged only $14,133 per month. To eliminate the current projected shortfall the church needs to take in $29,000 on average, each month through year end.
To address this challenge, each of us is asked to consider increasing our donations by ten percent. Increased giving is essential, as is consistency each month. One way to accomplish consistent giving (even during summer absences) is through some form of automatic giving. Forty-two families currently give electronically. We are very appreciative of their making it possible for us to count on their consistent donation each month. Automatic bank withdrawals can be set for any amount by filling out the form under the "Electronic Giving" tab on the St Aidan’s website. Amounts can be changed at any time.
We are all stewards of St. Aidan's and together we build and nurture our parish. Thank you for your generosity to our faith community.
Peter Michel
Thomas Madison
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Children's Formation
This is the last Sunday of Children's Formation before breaking for the summer. Stay tuned to the Epistle for summer activities and meet-ups!
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Adult Formation: Celtic Spirituality
Final session - May 22 at 9:30 a.m.
This Easter season the Sunday morning adult formation will be focused on Celtic spirituality.
May 22 – This series will close with discussions about two important Celtic saints – Saint Aidan and Saint Columba, the historical significance of the holy island of Iona, and the vital role played by the ecumenical Iona Community in the renewal of interest in Celtic spirituality.
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Silent Prayer & Meditation
In the Sanctuary at 8:00 on Tuesday mornings
via Zoom at 8:00 on Friday mornings
Those who seek to include meditation in their weekly practice often find it easier to do so in the company of others. We light a candle and spend 20 minutes in silence. If you are interested in this shared prayer practice, email Lisa Richard at LJRRichard@gmail.com to receive the link for Zoom or to let us know to expect you on a Tuesday, in person. Come regularly, or come from time to time. All are welcome!
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Please join us at our Pentecost Picnic on Sunday, June 5 after the 9:30 am service. We will gather from 10:30 am - 1:30pm to have burgers, hotdogs, assorted sides and desserts. We are hoping to collect donations for the sides and desserts.
to let us know you're coming
Let's all wear red and celebrate together.
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Consider hosting one of our Lemonades on the Lawn after morning service this Spring/Summer. It's a fun & simple way to get to know your fellow parishioners. You could even host with a friend
to share the duties.
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Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont |
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Please consider adding St. Aidan's Parish Retreat to your summer plans and join Rev. Laura & family along with a wonderful group of your fellow parishioners at Shrine Mont on
Aug 5-7, 2022.
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Prayer List
If you would like to add someone to our Sunday worship bulletin prayer list, please send an email to the office staidansalexandria@gmail.com or call us at 703-360-4220. Prayers will be listed for 30 days unless requested to be continued beyond that length of time.
Birthday and Anniversary Prayers
We will only be listing the Birthday and Anniversary Prayers on the first of the month in our bulletins. Our next time to note names and dates will be Sunday, June 5, 2022. Be sure to send us your dates no later than Thursday, June 2. Thank You!
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If you would like to sign up to donate our weekly Altar flower bouquet please use the link below and be sure to note your dedication as well as if you will bring your own bouquet or if you'd like our flower guild to take care of it for you.
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Our longstanding collection of food for Rising Hope
continues if you would like to donate.
We have a basket in the Church Narthex as well as a bin in the breezeway.
They continue to ask for:
canned meat, canned vegetables, canned fruit, cereal and diapers in all sizes. Besides the non perishables, they also request toiletries and feminine products: deodorant, tooth brushes, toothpaste & sanitary napkins.
Thank you!
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Update from our Treasurer:
April Income: $47,467
April Budgeted Income: $25,041
Jan to April YTD Income: $104,481
Jan to April YTD Budgeted Income: $100,166
Thank You for your support of this amazing community!
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Thanks to all who support St. Aidan's in so many ways! Here is our Pledge Link if you would still like to donate.
Your support makes so many good things happen at St. Aidan's and beyond.
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You may easily make a contribution to St. Aidan's
using this button on the St. Aidan's website:
It is located on the Giving page above the 2022 Pledge Form button.
It is not too late to pledge for 2022! Your financial gift of any size
supports the mission and ministries of St. Aidan's.
Thank you.
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Service Times
Sunday, 8:30 am (in person only)
Sunday, 10:30 am (combined virtual & in person)
Sunday, 5:30 pm Celtic (combined virtual & in person)
Compline, 7:00 pm Mon., Weds., Fri. (virtual only)
You are always welcome at St. Aidan's,
wherever you may be on your faith journey.
Service Links
If you are not receiving our separate mailing each week with links for worship gatherings and would like to be added to that list, simply reach out to the office and let us know. Those links are sent out on Saturday. staidansalexandria@gmail.com
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St. Aidan's has been serving the Stratford Landing area & beyond since 1963.
We worship in person on Sundays at 8:30 am, 10:30 am and 5:30 pm (Celtic). We also offer evening prayer every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:00 pm (virtual only). You are always welcome at St. Aidan's, wherever you may be on your faith journey.
Some Helpful Links:
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The Center for Spiritual Deepening at St. Aidan's supports the soul and heart work of those seeking a deeper sense of God's presence in their lives. Check out the Center and its offerings Here.
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