Kerygma Bible Studies to Resume in the Fall

Posted by St. Anne's Webmaster

Kerygma, a Greek word that means "proclamation," is the name of an ecumenically-based company that produces Bible study materials. One of the real advantages of the series they offer is that they are helpful to all, regardless of their level of experience and knowledge of the Bible. Both those who have never opened the Bible and those who know it well, get a lot out of the studies - and the groups have a lot of fun along the way.

As in the past, two sessions will be offered to help accommodate different schedules. One group facilitated by Mother Jackie and Jane Smith will meet on Monday mornings, 10:30 to noon; the other group facilitated by Mother Jackie and Geoff Lunt will meet on Tuesday evenings, 7:30-9:00. The week of September 22 we will begin a six-week study of the Beatitudes, examining the Beatitudes themselves, their Old Testament roots, their context and contemporary implications. The cost of the book is $15. If you would like to participate, please sign up on the sheet provided in the Narthex. Call Jackie at the church office if you have any questions.

Looking ahead, we plan a four-week study of the texts and seasonal themes of Advent beginning the week of November 17. Beginning in January we will tackle a fourteen-week study of the Book of Revelation.

Koinonia Groups Forming for the Fall

Posted by St. Anne's Webmaster

Koinonia is another Greek word, this word meaning "community." It has been our tradition at St. Anne's to invite people to sign up in the fall, and then those folks are grouped in groups of about eight people who meet in each other's homes for dinner throughout the school year. It is a great way to build community as you really get to know your group by the end of the year. Fellowship and fun are the only goals of the groups. There is nothing to study, there is no agenda, and the meals can be simple and shared, with everyone bringing one of the dishes. The time commitment is four or five meal times set around the schedules of your particular group, usually evenings but some groups have found a Sunday brunch works well.

We gather all together for a kick-off potluck dinner in October. At that time, groups meet each other and decide when and where they will meet next. If you would like to participate this year, please sign up on the sheet provided in the Narthex. Please indicate on the sheet if you would like to be part of a group that includes children and if you are willing to coordinate a group (simply making sure your group gets together, often by hosting the first meal). If enough indicate a preference, we can offer a group for singles. Many singles prefer to be part of a general group and often two singles will host one meal together.

Please call Mother Jackie if you can volunteer to help coordinate or have any questions about it.

NEW Children’s “Voice for Life” Choir

Posted by St. Anne's Webmaster

Starting in the fall we will be launching a new children's choir and music training program for rising 3rd graders and up. Susan and I will be training the children using the Royal School of Church Music's "Voice for Life" system. This is what John Harper, Director General of the RSCM says about it:


"Most music instruction separates individual tuition from collective music-making. Voice for Life is different. It enables the individual singer to develop within the choral group, gaining skills, confidence, and self-awareness as a singer, musician and member of the group. It goes beyond vocal, choral and music training, to see how the singing group or choir can be a more effective part of the local church and community."


The choir will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30pm beginning on September 17. We will feature the choir regularly at the 9:00 a.m. service. This is a very exciting program. The children will receive musical education as part of their choir activities. They will learn vocal skills, music theory, repertoire and church community involvement. Please contact us to let us know if your child/children are interested in this exciting new opportunity at St. Anne's. Please call Susan or myself at the church office 703 437 6530 and leave a message on the music office voice mail. You can also e-mail us at music@stannes-reston.org. Once we have an idea of the level of interest we will organize an informational meeting for the parents. We look forward to hearing from you!



Peace,

David and Susan Allen