Christ the Redeemer Church offers several opportunities for healing prayer.

 

On the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, we hold a T.H.E. Service (Teaching, Healing and Eucharist) at 7:00 p.m. in our offices (5900 Fort Drive, Suite 300, Centreville, VA). Please note that, due to Holiday conflicts we will NOT have services on December 24.

 

Also, once per quarter we devote a Sunday service to healing. Our next such service will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at Centreville Elementary School (14300 Green Trails Blvd., Centreville, VA).  The 2009 schedule for these services is March 1, June 7, September 6 and December 6.

 

Dale City, VA

703-670-0093

 

 

For the homeless and poor, the primary mode of transportation is often walking, whether to work, the Drop-In Center, or their camp site in the woods.

Obviously this takes a toll on their feet. Furthermore, many of these same individuals have medical conditions such as diabetes, which affects the circulation to their feet. In 2003, we learned of a foot-washing ministry to the homeless in Chicago that began primarily as a teaching tool for nursing students to use their assessment skills.

We began a similar program of foot washing on the first and third Mondays of the month. We wash feet, rub in some lotion and powder and give each individual a clean pair of socks. Originally our time coincided with a visit by the Medical Van so if we saw any problems we could immediately refer them to a nurse. There were several instances where we were able to get a person medical help. One person we referred had undiagnosed diabetes; his feet were very swollen.  The nurse immediately tested his blood sugar which was sky high. He was admitted to the hospital that night and stayed for over a week. After a few months and more visits to the hospital, social workers were able to place him in a group home. Another individual asked to be taken to an AA meeting and eventually was reunited with his elderly parents. Because of budget cuts, the Medical Van no longer comes, but we do have one volunteer who is a nurse and another who is an EMT.  They take blood pressure, which is popular with everyone, and monitor the foot washing.

 

The number of people we serve varies, as do our success stories. But it is a good way to get some conversation started, and to tell them the story of Jesus washing his disciples feet. We pray for that person whether out loud, or silently.

We have been blessed so much by this- even when we don’t see any tangible changes. But still Jesus never gives up on us and I believe He wants to reach these forgotten and often invisible members of our society.

 

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 Did You Know?

 

A recommended selection of resources for learning more about healing prayer and ministries is through this website: www.ibethel.org. Books and audio series such as: "HEALING: Our Neglected Birthright" and "Release the Power of Jesus" offer insight on how to better live under the influence of God's mighty presence. Many parishioners of Convocation churches have experienced transformed lives after attending Bethel Ministry conferences and have received miraculous healings after participating in training courses!

 

 

 

We have a new president! Most people I have talked to are relieved that the long election process is finally over. They are also relieved that the voting system seemed to work without major problems, giving the nation a clear result. We have been studying I Timothy at church lately and found this verse to be a challenge to Christians to pray for their political leaders. "I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for everyone for kings (Presidents) and all in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness". Paul gave this advice to Timothy when the cruel emperor Nero ruled from Rome. He had a particular hatred for the new religion Christianity and instituted a systematic persecution of believers. So if Paul can urge Christians to pray for that kind of secular leader how much more should we intercede for our president, congress, state and local government?

 

Intercession is deeper than mentioning the names of the leader during our bedtime prayers. 'God bless, grandpa and grandma my scout leader, school teacher and President Obama'. Intercession is all about detail. Christians should be avid consumers of the news and turn the issues of the day into detailed prayer. If the president is meeting with the auto makers this should provoke us to pray for the hundred thousand workers who may loose good paying jobs. We should pray for creativity in the auto industry, for wisdom for our president as the government looks for scant resources to apply to the needs of the industry. We should pray for the protection of the environment and better design of engines. If the secretary of state is visiting Iraq and Afghanistan to speak to troops and national leaders, that should lead us to detailed intercession, first of all for peace, the capture of terrorists, reconciliation within the nations and between the western countries and the natives, for the soldiers facing danger and the families facing anxiety at home, for the bereaved and especially the wounded recovering at home.

 

It is good that leaders of both political parties express the desire for a national cooperative spirit after the elections which, with all the hype involved, can be quite divisive. We know that legislation is always the art of compromise, that issues are much more complicated than the media presents and that the consequences of any significant government action are often unforeseen at the time. It is almost impossible to think of a perfect piece of legislation which has only good results for everyone. 'In God we trust' is a good axiom to keep in mind as we think about praying for our secular leaders. They are responsible to act, we are responsible to pray but God is still in charge.

 

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

 

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. 

 

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

 

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

 

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the wellbeing of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.

 

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Upcoming Events
 

  

 

YouthQuake is an annual national youth event for orthodox Anglican youth, to be held January 16-18, 2009 at the Ridgecrest Conference Center, near Asheville, NC.  ACTS 29 Ministries has been hosting this powerful event for middle and high school students for over 15 years.

ACTS 29 Ministries began in 1973 and describes itself as born of the charismatic movement, continuing today as a ministry committed to renewal and the power of the Holy Spirit. At YouthQuake, students will receive biblical teaching, engaging worship, lots of fun and powerful ministry times that truly change lives.  All the information is on the ACTS 29 website: http://www.a29.com/youth.

 

ACTS 29 Ministries works within all the orthodox expressions of Anglicanism in North America. Congregations attend YouthQuake from AMiA, Bolivia, Uganda, CANA and both Network Dioceses and Convocations. YouthQuake has attracted up to 1500 students in the past and ACTS 29 believes this gathering expresses the reality of the "common cause" and orthodox Anglicanism in North America.

 

 

 

  If your church is having an event, we would be happy to publish it, not only so that interested people might attend, but so that we can be praying for you. Send information to newsletter@acn-mac.org .

 

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John Guernsey, Dean | George Beaven, Church Planting Director | Heather Adams, Executive Assistant | Heidi Reichert, Administrative Assistant
 
Mid-Atlantic Convocation | Anglican Network Communion
c/o All Saints' Church | 5290 Saratoga Lane
Woodbridge, Virginia 22193-3455
Tel:  703-670-0093www.acn-mac.org