July 13, 2019
Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers is a delightful little book by the inimitable Anne Lamott.
And "Help, Thanks, and Wow" is on my mind today as I think about all that's going on at The Falls Church Episcopal.
Let's start with "wow."
Last Sunday, we had a fantastic turnout for the 250th Anniversary-themed lecture by Dr. Bob Pritchard on the challenges The Falls Church and other Episcopalian-nee-Church of England folks faced in the pre-Revolutionary, Revolutionary, and post-Revolutionary War years, an event followed by the "open house" of our new history and archives room (come check it out!)And let's move to "thanks" -- Yesterday morning, we wrapped up our week-long Harry Potter-themed Vacation Bible School, and here's what one parent had to say about it: Dear Lauren, John, and Kelly, I just wanted to say VBS this year was INCREDIBLE. The kids had a blast, were engaged and happy, and came home every day spilling over with excitement to share the details of their day. I have never seen Cece excited for camp like this, and Chris and I loved hearing the kids animatedly discuss how much fun they had every night at dinner. I was blown away by everything from the theme, to the complete transformation of the church into Hogwarts, the lessons and activities, the staff (prefects, teachers, etc.), the organization, and the thoughtful execution of every last detail (and there were so many)! This was also Charlie's first camp ever, and you somehow even managed to make my separation-anxiety-afflicted 4-year-old feel comfortable and happy). I don't know how many others will take the time to write, but I spoke with MANY parents, all of whom were completely amazed and grateful for what Lauren and her team were able to pull off. I even talked to parents of reluctant readers who said the magic of Harry Potter VBS sparked their kids to start reading Harry Potter at home and together as a family! I honestly can't say enough good things about our VBS experience this week so will leave it at THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Lauren for a job incredibly well done. KUDOS!!!!!!! A very grateful parent and parishioner, Carla
And let's wrap up with "help."
In this week's e-news, as in most week's e-new's, are various opportunities for you to help.
You're invited to help make a positive difference in our culture, society, and wider world by simply offering your time, passion, and energy to a ministry of The Falls Church Episcopal.
Just scroll through the rest of this e-news and consider the invitations, from
joining voices this Sunday in liturgy and music* to connecting-with-other parishioner invitations such as this Sunday's Midsummer Festival or the all-parish Tailgate or adult gathering at the Allvin home, or serving others through our school supply drive or our#250Minutes Of Service challenge. ...and those are just a few of the special, summer-time opportunities we have! Help, Thanks, and Wow, you! -- you, one part of the Body of Christ called The Falls Church Episcopal. See you Sunday, John