SRCA NEWS AND NOTES

Dear Family in Christ,

I share the following news, as distributed by our diocese:

"(January 10, 2012) – Seven Anglican congregations in Virginia that are parties to the church property case brought by The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia are reviewing today's ruling by the Fairfax County Circuit Court that the property should be turned over to the Episcopal Diocese.

 

The Circuit Court heard the case last spring after the Virginia Supreme Court remanded it in June 2010. The congregations previously had succeeded in their efforts on the Circuit Court level to defend the property that they bought and paid for.

 

"Although we are profoundly disappointed by today's decision, we offer our gratitude to Judge Bellows for his review of this case. As we prayerfully consider our legal options, we above all remain steadfast in our effort to defend the historic Christian faith. Regardless of today's ruling, we are confident that God is in control, and that He will continue to guide our path," said Jim Oakes, spokesperson for the seven Anglican congregations.

 

The Rev. John Yates, rector of The Falls Church, a historic property involved in the case, stated, "The core issue for us is not physical property, but theological and moral truth and the intellectual integrity of faith in the modern world. Wherever we worship, we remain Anglicans because we cannot compromise our historic faith. Like our spiritual forebears in the Reformation, 'Here we stand. So help us God. We can do no other.'"

Please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in these parishes.

On Sunday we will celebrate the Second Sunday after Epiphany. Our readings include 1 Samuel 3:1-10, Psalm 139:1-18, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, and John 1:43-51. Once again we welcome Gil and Jan as they assist with leading our worship. 

Please save the date: 
Friday evening, January 27th - Dessert and coffee with the Bishop for those being confirmed or received.
Saturday evening, January 28th, 4:30 - 7:30 Dinner and Teaching with the Bishop. Topic: "Building for a Future and A Hope at SRCA" Childcare and children's 
activities provided. 
Sunday, Jan. 29th - Bishop John celebrates and preaches at our service of confirmation

Please keep our parish family and their families in your prayers. We seem to be in a season marked by a tremendous number of serious health concerns of parents of members and other loved ones. Also, please keep me in your prayers as I prepare to teach difficult and sensitive material at a conference in Alaska at the beginning of February. Bruce and I leave January 1st and return February 8th. 

Faithfully,

Becki+

The Rev. Becki Neumann+

Rector, South Riding Anglican Church

Office  703-961-1983

Cell  240-217-4370

Home  717-762-0924

"When it's all been said and done; there is just one thing that matters. Did I do my best to live for truth, did I live my life for you?"