Special Events Philosophy

Whenever we have a special event, we make a point of reaching out to people who have no church home. We know we’ll have a good time, so we look forward to inviting our friends and neighbors to special events where they will meet others.

Alpha

Our church has a history of reaching out to the community using the wonderful 10 week Alpha course which engages folks and answers basic questions about christianity. http://www.alphana.org/

Annual Pumpkin Party

Adults have as much fun as kids. We expect to keep having these in October because we deepen our friendships during these times of the fun. Over the past five years the Pumpkin Party has grown to include live music, a chili cook-off, pumpkin carving, games, live animals, delicious cider and pies. Wear your jeans

Advent Festival

Held after Thanksgiving. This helps our church prepare spiritually for Christmas. We have dinner and crafts and a time of learning. Also, we make things to give to others. Last year we made Christmas creches (nativity or manger scenes) shaping sturdy wooden figures for residents of Mercy House. In the past we have filled shoeboxes with items for poor children far away.

Parish Retreat

This year we had our first All-Parish Retreat in Orkney Springs, VA. It was a wonderful time to gather and regroup spiritually as we focused on our need to reach out to those in need.

Other Events

We have held Fourth of July events (picnic and fireworks at Massanutten), Thanksgiving (family touch football), and Father’s Day picnic at Natural Chimney’s. Usually social in nature, Special Events are designed to make it easy for a visitor to join in and feel welcome.