en Communion with God, Community with one another http://www.dovefromabove.org © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18&article_id=320 Join us for a traditional service of communion, with the imposition of ashes, starting at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, February 17. We will also offer child care during this service. OK, but why ashes? When the penitential sacrament of the imposition of ashes became a general custom in the Church in the 11th century, the ashes were sprinkled on the heads of the faithful, presenting no conflict with the traditional Gospel for the first day of Lent. The lesson, you may recall, sounds like this: "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you fast, annoint your head and wash your face... " The custom of making the sign of the cross with the ashes on the forehead probably stems from the practice of placing the ashes on the tonsure of priests and monks: that is on the shaved top of the head. Since few people now have tonsures, the ashes have been placed on the forehead instead. The wearing of ashes has always been a symbol of penitence, from the earliest records of the Old Testament on. They symbolize our mortal nature, and the darkness of our sins. Wearing them on the forehead could hardly be a way of "bragging". They may, in fact, be a way of evangelizing, that is, of reminding others of Jesus in a quiet but meaningful way. However if you feel that wearing ashes does not fit with the words of our Lord, please feel free to: 1. Remain in your seat at the time the ashes are imposed during the Ash Wednesday service, or 2. Kneel at the altar rail with your head bowed, in which case the priest will sprinkle ashes on your head. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:25:56 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18&article_id=155 Sundays9:00 Communion Service 11:00 Community Service *Childcare for those 4 and under is provided at each service Sunday school classes are offered at both services through age 11 At both the 9:00 and 11:00 services, Pastor Roger will be continuing a series of messages on the big heroes of the Old Testament. In "It's not just for kids you know" we'll be looking at the Old Testament in a deeper way, to discover what these stories say to us today.Which service is right for you? You'll have to decide for yourself. While the messages are very similar in the summer, the services are different. Our 9:00 services each week include communion, giving you a way to experience the risen Lord's presence for yourself. There is also a hymn or two with the praise music, and things are a bit quieter, more reverent. At our 11:00 services, the volume and the energy get cranked up a bit and there's more variety in the services, more video clips, multimedias and participatory elements. We still have communion at 11:00, twice a month, usually on the second and fourth Sundays. Once a month at both the 9 and the 11 we also give you a chance to come forward and be anointed, an ancient form of prayer in which the priest asks God to touch you by his Holy Spirit and to fill you to overflowing. However you choose to worship, you are welcome to come join us. Make the choice this weekend and discover the difference The Spirit can make in your week. To find out more before you visit, check out last week's bulletins. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:25:08 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=64 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:35:43 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=56 Life's too much to do on your own. Living with Spirit is the first step. Learning to do life with one another is the next. Getting your relationship with God straight will allow you to build better relationships with others: like your family, friends, significant others, even your neighbors and your enemies. God gives you a great opportunity to do life with others in all kinds of small groups, where you can know others and be known and accepted for who you really are. God also has given you guidelines for making life better. With his help, you'll learn that life doesn't need to be messy. Isn't it time to discover the better life God offers you? Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:35:43 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=57 You choose at what level you want to participate. We're a safe place for newcomers, and for people with questions. Stop in for supper some Friday night at our Spirit Cafe (which is stays in season through the end of May), or drop in for worship services on a Sunday. Explore our web site, and ask your questions. It's all good. There's always room for another in our small groups, and our congregation. We may not be for everyone, but we may be just what you need to come closer to God. Come on by and catch the Spirit today. Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:35:43 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=37 You'll hear great music from the House of Spirit Band, with Worship Leader Henry Fiske. There are relevant messages each week, focusing on how you can live as a Christ Follower each day. We offer you a chance to be touched by God, whether it's through receiving communion regularly, prayers for healing, or one of the other sacraments of the church. Our mission is to bring you into a closer relationship with God. Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:35:43 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 We're a diverse group of people who are looking for something more than the traditional services and programs churches have offered for years. Many people get out of the habit of going to church because it doesn't speak to them or help them connect with God. Maybe you've felt that way too. If you've ever been turned off, turned down or turned away by churches, we're here to help you get turned on to God. We figure most people aren't really looking for a church so much as seeking for God. If that's you, we offer a chance for you to experience God for yourself rather than just hearing someone talk about God. It's in communion with God that our lives are changed. It's in doing life together that we find a real, authentic sense of community. Spend some time with us at Church of the Spirit, and we'll help get you better connected to God and to others. Right now we're looking at ways for people not to come to church ... that's right. We don't want people to come to church, but to be the church. We believe that gets lived out best when people come to worship, when they come to the community of a small group, and when they help people they know come to Christ. So that's what we're all about right now ... Why not come along and join in the adventure? Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:35:43 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=153 For the weekly Sunday Bulletins:November 22, 09 Youth Hijack SundayNovember 29, 09 First Sunday of AdventDecember 6, 09 Second Sunday of AdventDecember 13, 09 Third Sunday of AdventDecember 20, 09 Fourth Sunday of AdventDecember 24, 09 Christmas Eve servicesDecember 25, 09 Christ's MassDecember 27, 09 First Sunday of Christmas, Lessons & Carols Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:25:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=152 The Parish News goes out each week in the Access, listed below. Also see newsletters for the Women's Ministry and our Teen Groups below.News for November 25 and beyond News for December 3 and beyond News for December 10 and beyondNews for December 17 and beyond Woman's Ministry news 1Women's Ministry news 2 Spirit's Youth for Ocotber 29Spirit's Youth for November 4Spirit's Youth for November 18Youth news for December 4Youth News for December 20 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:11:22 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=83 Children's Ministry Administrators Bob Martray, Karen Mitchum Child Care Director Karen Mitchum Executive Directors (Sr and Jr Wardens) Rich Riley Bob Martray Treasurer open Clerk of the Vestry Oliver Smith Vestry members (Elected Leadership Team) Sharon Wasz Barbara Walker Marty Bartreau Lisa Boyette CIndy Schmitdlein Steven Miller Parish Response Team open Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:13:48 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=295 Bob Martray Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:03:15 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=20 Christine Adamski Fiske Christine came to The Spirit as an attendee and volunteer in 1998. At that time, she was a musician with The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, United States Army. She was invited to join the staff on a part time basis in 2000 as Small Groups Pastor. In 2005, Christine left the Army and joined The Spirit as a full time Associate Pastor. She continues her work with small groups and our mid week children's program, as well as volunteer coordinating, organizing community events, and helping with general day-to-day business of the church. Christine still serves with the National Guard in Washington, D.C. She is married to Henry; they have two college-aged kids and an younger son and live in Woodbridge, VA. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:57:25 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=256 We're on a mission, a mission from God Here is our state of the church message from November 2, otherwise known as All Saints Sunday. On this day we gathered to look at our calling to become saints, not just as individuals, but together as a community. The message from our Senior Pastor reminded us of the mission for which the church was started, and for which it lives. As he said, "We're on a mission ... a mission from God." And we'd like to have you come along too. God's mission, after all, is for all. On February 22, 2009, as part of our tenth anniversary year of celebration, the congregation was invited to make a recommitment to Jesus. Look here for more on this service and the recommitment vows. On May 30-31 we celebrated our Tenth Anniversary Year. Look here for the message from this day. Tenth Anniversary videos will be posted shortly, including the hilarious "Pastor Henry explains Church of the Spirit." For more on The Spirit's Core Values please go here. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:42:12 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=317 Living like Jesus in the midst of daily life Life in the midst of death, reasons to celebrate in the midst of challenges. Christianity brings hope and peace to a broken world, all because Jesus is not dead, but lives in us and through us. Learn how you can tap into the power of God so you can face the challenges of life and do more than just survive them. It's time to learn how to thrive and live it up ... in the power of the Risen Lord. Folks, you'd be crazy not to ...April 26 Living with more joy (handling fear) May 3 Making ends meet (finances) May 10 God's vision of success (and failure) May 17 God's sexual liberation (vs fraternization?) May 24 Celebrating each new day with zest (fun) Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:57 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=290 What's the use of praying to God if you don't think he can or will answer you ... in some way? So when you come to God, what is it you are really asking for? Is it for some answers, or for God to pay attention to you, or for God to act in your life in a specific way? Join in our newest series of messages and look at what you're really looking for from God. February 1 God, I want some answersFebruary 8 Hey, can I get your attention over here God? February 15 God, I need some action. Now. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=271 OK, it's time to get up and look under the bed and into the back of the closets and bringing out all those big scary things in life ... you know the things that wake you up at night or keep you from feeling at peace. But instead of thinking of this as a message series on fears, think of it as a series on how to live with confidence ... with faith. Join us some Sunday soon. You can also join us on-line by downloading copies of previous messages in this series ...Who's afraid of the future?Who's afraid of financial downturns?Who's afraid of growing older?Who's afraid of failure? Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=268 It's such an old, old story. Know where you fit in? Shepherds, Angels, Wisemen, Mary, Joseph ... Each had their own story, their own reason to be there. But where do you fit? And how does something that happened so long ago fit into your life today?This message series takes a look at each of the people who were there at the manger to help you see how you fit into the promises God has made to you at Christmas. November 30 Joseph: Believing in an unreal promiseDecember 7 Mary: Expecting the promise to comeDecember 14 Wisemen: Seeking the promises of GodDecember 21 Jesus: The promise is to with usDecember 24 Sheperds: celebrating the promise of GodDecember 25 The promise of todayDecember 28 You and me in the big picture Bonus: Open House Presentation (December 19) Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=262 What if ...? God's guidelines for a better lifeIt stands to reason if God really loved you and wanted the best for you, he would have given you some hints about how to live more fully, right? He wouldn't just say things like that and then leave you on your own to figure it all out ... Well, God hasn't left you without help. The Bible gives you a whole range of practical guidelines for how to live better. And while being faithful will not guarantee you fame and fortune, it will help you be fulfilled in life. This Fall's message series will look at some of the best God has to offer you. You'll learn how to make sense out of your finances, how to create more loving relationships, how to set better boundaries, handle conflicts, discover and use your Godgiven gifts, and share your faith, all based on what God has set up in his plan from the start.September 21 What if... I can't make ends meet? September 28 What if ... a friend asks me why I believe? October 5 What if ... I want to sing on American Idol? October 12 What if ... I no longer feel loved? October 19 What if ... you really tick me off? October 26 What if ... I can't say "No" to others? Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=232 Easter comes. Easter goes. We talk about keeping the Spirit of Christmas all year round, but what about keeping the spirit of Easter ... what about living a new life, like Jesus? Here's what separates a Christian from a Christ Follower. Want in? Just follow the signs ... and you'll have a good way to remember how to follow Jesus each and every day. Join us for this brand new series:March 30 No U Turn: Living without Jesus?April 6 Yield: When you "gotta get him into your life"April 13 One Way: What following Jesus offers youApril 20 Merge: Partnering with Jesus for lifeApril 27 Men at Work: Making a differenceMay 4 Children at play: The joy of following Jesus Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=228 Don't swim alone: You and God Why doing life with others mattersWho needs the church anyway? The role of a religious community in your life Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=217 Though there is a movement these days to say you can believe whatever you want as a Christian so long as you welcome and love everyone ... there's more to our faith than this. Knowing the turth matters because your beliefs will change your behaviors. And that matters because your behaviors determine your destination in life, and in the life to come. Knowing the truth about God, as Jesus said, will set you free ... explore the truth of our faith and discover what it's really like to be free, loved and welcomed by God. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary He suffered under Pontius Pilate He descended into Hell He will come again to judge us all I believe in the Holy Spirit I believe in the holy catholic church I believe in the communion of saints I believe in the forgiveness of sins I believe in the resurrection of the body I believe in the life eternal Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=202 What is our relationship with one another, and with the church? This series takes a timely look at the relationship that matters most: our relationship with God, and how that changes how we relate to one another, to the church (especially the modern church) and to the larger community of people in the world. Determining your relationship with Jesus Determining your relationship with the church Determining your relationship with the world Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=199 Why can't we all just be friend? Religious toleration and your personal search for truth How do religions look at God? Aren't they just different views of the same God? How do religions look at themselves? What must you do to be holy and whole? How do religions look at evil? Problem number 1 is always why people suffer Where's it all going to end? How religions look at death, Heaven, & Hell What's it all matter anyway? How spirituality can come home for you ... Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=184 Feb 10 The historical search for Jesus Feb 17 The scientific search for Jesus Feb 24 The modern day search for Jesus Mar 2 So who did Jesus claim to be anyway? Mar 9 But why did Jesus have to die? Ma4 16 Will the real Jesus please stand up? Mar 20 What is it we do ... "in remembrance of him"? Mar 21 What's to mourn if Jesus is alive? Mar 23 The personal search for Jesus Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=49 Worshipping the God of Second Chances Mary Magdalene: God offers you forgiveness for the past Peter: God offers you a new identity Paul: God gives you a new purpose for your life Lazarus: God offers you healing and life David: God holds you accountable Judas: You can "Just say No" to God's offer You: You can make the most of your own "Do-Over"Encountering JesusEncountering Jesus #4 Encountering Jesus #3 Encountering Jesus #2 Encountering Jesus #1Failing Forward 2006Failing Forward #4 Failing Forward #3 Failing Forward #2 Failing Forward #1 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:33:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=201 Rich Riley Wed, 20 May 2009 10:46:28 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=19 Henry Fiske, Jr. Henry was the first person Pastor Roger hired in 1997 at the start of The Spirit. Henry is a full time vocalist with the United States Army Band, Pershing's Own. His previous church experience includes Director of Music and Choirs at a Lutheran Church, Youth Pastor and Music Director, and Worship Leader at a Methodist Church. Henry currently serves as Worship Leader at The Spirit, leading the congregation in contemporary worship on Sundays and working with our midweek kid's program on Wednesdays. He is also an experienced small group leader and mentor, having led a number of small groups both in his home and at the church. Henry is an accomplished song writer and recording artist. He is married to Christine and lives in Woodbridge, VA. Wed, 20 May 2009 10:39:08 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=61 Our staff is here to serve God and our community. Each of the staff members brings different gifts to the church. We each come from different religious backgrounds. We each serve you in our own ways ... Please feel free to contact the staff person you feel most comfortable talking with. Please note: Pastor Roger is the only member of the staff who is ordained. While all Christ Followers can minister in God's name, ordained ministers have special roles in leading worship and the sacraments of the church. If you wish to be baptized, married, receive communion, be anointed, have your confession heard, or speak to "the priest," please contact Pastor Roger. Wed, 20 May 2009 10:37:34 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=297 Scientists discount most of the stories in the Bible because they have no evidence, no proof that those miracles happened. After all, science is based on seeing for yourself. Only, everyday, we take things as true we have never seen for ourselves ... I've never seen Napoleon or been to Iceland, but I still believe they exist because I accept the eyewitness accounts of those who have seen them for themselves. So why do we so quickly get rid of the miracles? It must be that a modern scientific mind has trouble not with miracles, but with believing ... Join us for a new series of messages each Sunday at 11:00 which will look at the miracles of Jesus for what they show us of God, even in this modern day.March 1 Changing water into wine: Tricks or Transformation? Bible story found in John 2:1-11March 8 Calming a storm: Proof for those with little faith? Bible story found in Matthew 8:23-27March 15 Healing, part 1: Touching the untouchable ... Bible story found in Matthew 12:10-13 March 22 Healing, part 2: Your faith makes you well? Bible story found in Matthew 9:2-7March 29 Cursing the fig tree: Sounds pretty mean spirited ... Bible story found in Mark 11:12-14, 20-25April 5 (Palm) Raising of Lazarus from the dead: Foretaste of new lifeBible story found in John 11:1-4 April 9 (Thursday) Feeding 5000 people: What nourishes you most? Bible story found in Matthew 14:15-21April 10 (Friday) The Good Stuff Bulletin and Message: Open ArmsApril 12 (Easter) The tomb is empty: Isn't this the same old story ever year? Bible story found in Mark 16:1-8April 19 Jesus visits with Thomas: The proof is in his hands! Bible story found in John 20:19-29 Thu, 14 May 2009 06:54:42 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=16 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=16&article_id=37 We had a great time at our 2009 Spring Women's Retreat on May 2nd. Click here to obtain a copy of Yolanda's presentation. Sat, 2 May 2009 22:29:03 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=16 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=16&article_id=38 Sat, 2 May 2009 22:26:26 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=16 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=16&article_id=8 The goal of our Women's Ministry is to provide opportunities for women to connect with each other to build a solid foundation in God, grow in faith, and serve each other and our community through fellowship, support and love. We provide: A monthly newsletter which arrives in your email by the 25th of each month (if you are registered member on the website). The newsletter offers a message from Pastor Christine, upcoming fellowship events, newsworthy items, women's small group information, a reflection or special quote, and more! Monthly Events First Saturday at 9:00 - 10:30 a.m., this event offers informal gatherings at the church. They will provide a safe environment for women to meet to discuss God's word and the issues and challenges of our lives. They will include worship, table discussion and prayer. Quarterly Events These events will be more themed, coordinated events. Questions? Suggestions? Contact us at WomenOfTheSpirit@dovefromabove.org Sat, 2 May 2009 22:19:23 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=14 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=14&article_id=18 Runs September - May each year. Join great people for supper, music and conversation to: - Learn what it means to be a Christian - Make new friends - Have a safe place to ask questions about God and get answers Friday evenings 7:00 - 9:00 Everyone is welcome. Child care provided! Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:31:31 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=70 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=70&article_id=212 It's another Friday night. And we have it all planned out for you. So if you're not sure what's on the menu come on by and check out the Spirit Cafe. We'll cook and clean for you. There's a home-cooked meal waiting, and no dishes. If you've got kids we'll take care of them -- no babysitting fees. Over supper meet some new folk and catch up with friends ... then we'll explore a question of faith and look for how what you believe impacts how you live. Got questions? Good. All questions are welcome at the cafe. Over dessert we meet as small groups of 6-10 people and discuss the theme for the night. You don't have to worry about knowing all the answers ahea dof time ... and the answers you discover may or may not match up with the people at your table. But together we keep learning more about God. For Spring 2009 the big question is about purpose. Got one? Does your purpose come from the choices you make, your destiny or ... from the God who gave you life? Using recent movie clips and interviews with Rick Warren, as well as Warren's Purpose Driven Life we'll be looking for a new sense of purpose ... which is especially helpful in troubling times. Week One Brochure/Info Week Two Brochure Week Three Brochure Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:01:14 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=18 Roger Schellenberg Ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1984, and has served in churches in New York, Virginia, Maine and Massachusetts before starting Church of the Spirit in his home in 1997. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:30:51 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=63 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=63&article_id=289 We also have a daily Bible study that we email to all on our contact list ... not exactly a blog, but you can let us know if you'd like to be included on this by contacting us at cotsva@aol.com. For Today's Bible Study, go here. Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:38:00 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12&article_id=33 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:21:23 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12&article_id=4 A bible based series designed to get kids moving and thinking. Cool crafts, great games, and sensational stories are just some of the fun things we do on Sundays. Join us at the 9:00-10:00 or the 11:00-12:00 service. ***Our nursery is open all morning long from 8:30-12:30 for ages 0-4. Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:20:44 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=203 "Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble." We join God's family through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Once we are baptized we are fully members of the Church. There are no other hoops to jump through. But of course, baptism is not the end of the journey but the start of a new one. One famous religious leader said "Baptism is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes the rest of your life to complete." (Luther) We welcome to baptism all who are ready to believe in their hearts and confess with their lips that Jesus is their Leader and Forgiver. For more on the role of the Holy Spirit in Baptism, and what is called the "baptism of the Spirit" try reading here. Wed, 4 Feb 2009 09:40:15 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=286 By Pastor, Teacher, Author Francis MacNutt In the early days of Christendom, the church began to baptize both adults and children, but after a few hundred years the church began to emphasize the symbolism of the rite and put less and less expectation on what might happen when the Holy Spirit was poured out. As Christianity became the norm, and most babies were baptized, and baptism was no longer expected to be a Pentecost experience. In the Western church the service of Confirmation (for adults) was added and separated from Baptism (for children) and yet it was not clear what was expected to happen when people were confirmed. Expectations diminished, and the results of this lack of expectancy remain with us today. As a onetime Roman Catholic, I personally believe something happens at baptism and confirmation. On the other hand, most evangelical Christians comer from Protestant churches that do not hold a rite of confirmation for adults but rather offer adult baptism. They may have a hard time fitting what so many people have experienced in the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" into their theology. They, like those from the Catholic tradition, believe that they have already received the Holy Spirit when they accepted Jesus Christ, so talking about a subsequent baptism seems to deny the reality of their baptism or of having had a born again experience.In all of this the basic question beyond all the theological ones is this: "Is there something more that needs to be happen so that I can experience a deeper relationship with God and so that I can be more strongly empowered to help other people?" I believe something happens spiritually at baptism and/or confirmation, but it is usually not at the level we need. Over and over I have seen people experience the graces of Pentecost in life-transforming ways. Many of them were already earnest Christians, but there was more in store for them. Almost all who are filled with the Spirit experienced a much closer personal relationship with Jesus. But let me add a word of caution: We need to be very careful not to judge the spiritual state of other people. We are so prone to judge (and this is especially true in this area: "Is your pastor Spirit-filled?") I have known many Christians who have never even heard of the baptism with the spirit, but who demonstrate most of the signs of having been filled with the Spirit. Nevertheless, I think we can still say that those who pray to receive the baptism of the Spirit usually find a big difference in their lives ... For many of us the Spirit has been there all the time but was somehow quenched or bottled up. The baptism with the Spirit is a release of that Spirit ... I have found that for many the baptism with the Spirit is a peaceful experience. For some it is overwhelming, and a manifest change takes place immediately. For many the change is gradual ... In recalling when I was first baptized in the Spirit I can tell you it occurred in a way that seemed just right and suited for me, and it happened in a way I had not planned but I believe God chose. condensed from Healing, The Power to Heal, and The Nearly Perfect Crime, all by F. MacNutt Wed, 4 Feb 2009 08:52:26 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=285 It would seem to go without saying that at a Church named for the Spirit of God, we take spiritual things seriously. That's certainly true when it comes to being filled with the Holy Spirit. In this article I want to clear up some questions many of you have had about Baptism and the Spirit.Question 1: I was baptized a long time ago and want to get rebaptized. How do I go about that? Some churches do this sort of thing, and some churches will baptize you if you were not originally baptized in their church. I know some people (like Pastor Henry for instance) who have been baptized many times. Even so, each church that does this sort of thing explains they are baptizing you because the other ones did not "count" for one reason or another. That's because Christians follow the Bible which says: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all." [Ephesians 4:4-6 NRSV] Think of it this way. Baptism is not about what you do so much as it is about what God does in you. He gives you his Holy Spirit in baptism, forgives you your sins, adopts you as a child, and gives you an assurance of your salvation. (Pretty cool, huh?) To get rebaptized is to say you think God got it wrong the first time, or that what he gave you did not "take" in some way. Only, God doesn't make mistakes like that. Question 2: But I want to recommit myself to God and be filled with his Spirit ... What is available for me? Great! That's a great thing to want to do. But it's not really "baptism" you need. Instead we offer you some other ways you can be filled again with the Holy Spirit and recomit yourself to Jesus. For instance, each and every time we have communion, you can open yourself up, receive the Spirit and commit yourself to Jesus. No need to wait for something else ... or in the sacrament of anointing you can ask for God to fiull you with his Spirit. Our Prayer Teams will pray with you individually, privately, and ask for you to receive the Spirit, and experience it's healing power. We also offer you a chance to confirm your faith (in a service called confirmation) where you can make a public announcement that Jesus is your personal savior. And then from time to time we offer you a special service in which you can comit yourself to God once more. In the past we have held Immersion Experiences, which included a chance to be fully immersed in water (and in prayer and the Holy Spirit). This year in February we will hold a special service which will give each of you a chance, if you wish, to:make a vow to follow Jesus as your Lord and Saviorcome forward, with sponsors if you wish, to kneel with your sponsors laying hands on you to pray for youreceive an anointing with oil, and the Holy Spirit For some this will look like an altar call, or it will sound a bit like a confirmation service, for others it will look like our baptism service, and to others it will seem a lot like our sacrament of anointing. In effect we have rolled all these into one, to give you a chance to make your commitment to Jesus and be filled with his Spirit. Question 3: What if I haven't been baptized, yet? Well there's no time like the present. We can also offer baptism to those who have never been baptized before. Just let us know you'd like to participate ahead of time. Question 4: So there's one baptism. So what is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? Is that different? Here there is a bit of confusion, a difference of opinion and a lot of misunder-stadning, even among people of good will. That happens in the church, especially over a period of 2000 years. Let me see if I can help ... The Bible uses the word baptism in a new way, for a new idea. Before this ritual bathing was common in Jewish traditions, but it was something you had to do over and over again, whenever you did something worng or became unclean. The word baptism gets used literally and at times symbolically in the Bible. For instance Jesus once talked about the baptism of suffering (see Mark 10:38 NLT, though other translations just speak metaphorically of a "baptism"), but no one believes he was speaking literally, rather he used the word baptism metaphorically, like when we talk about a "baptism by fire." The Bible also talks about the practices of John as the baptism of repentance. Later, the Bible speaks of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and describes a period of time when people were confused about whether they needed one or the other or both. For instance we have this encounter in the book of Acts:"Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" They replied, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." Then he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They answered, "Into John's baptism." Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied ..." [Acts 19:1-6 NRSV] The baptism of John was the prelude to what would happen in and through Jesus. It was not the last word in baptism. Jesus himself taught that we need both water and the spirit: "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit." [John 3:5 NRSV] That means we need both baptism for repentance and for receiving the Spirit, and yet they are no longer two baptisms ... for as Paul tells us "there is one Lord one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all." At the start, though, there was a short period of time when the two had not yet come together. Still, there is no evidence in the Bible we are intended to be baptized twice or in two different ways. We are all to receive the Holy Spirit in baptism. And we do. Only that one occasion for receiving the Spirit is not the only one any of us needs. We continually need to be refilled with the Spirit ... not just once but over and over again. Being filled with the Spirit is perhaps a better term here, and one used by Francis MacNutt, noted author and pastor, as interchangeable with what is now called "baptism in the Spirit" (see article below). By speaking of receiving the Holy Spirit or of unleashing the Spirit or of being filled with the Spirit we do not get this action confused with baptism, nor do we think of baptism with the Holy Spirit as a one time deal. Personally, I have received the Spirit many times, in many different ways, and I continually seek to receive the Spirit again and again. Why else do you think I came up with the name "Church of the Spirit"? Wed, 4 Feb 2009 08:52:21 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74&article_id=280 This is actually the easiest step to take, because once you have experienced the joy of knowing and following Jesus, you'll want to share it with other people you know. We'll show you how.Join in one of our Contagious Christian WorkshopsBegin praying for others you know to Find Jesus tooInvite friends to join you in worship here, or in our other events Wed, 4 Feb 2009 08:18:17 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74&article_id=279 You can make a difference in the world through your relationships with others. God gives us each spiritual gifts that help each person take on that special role God has given them. We'll help you discover and use those gifts for the good of others and for the glory of God.Use our Spiritual Gifts Inventory and Follow Up Book to discover more about your gifts and how you can use them.Make use of our workshops and studies to grow deeper in your life in ChristLook for ways you can serve in the church, for it is in giving we receive. Wed, 4 Feb 2009 08:17:46 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74&article_id=281 Wed, 4 Feb 2009 08:16:46 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74&article_id=278 Following Jesus isn't about following a bunch of rules. Rules don't give you life. God does. Once you decide to trust God with your life, the next step is to learn how to follow his lead. Being a Christ Follower means growing spiritually, something we believe happens best in small groups and in worship, in community and communion. After all, lots of people call themselves Christians. We challenge you to become Christ Followers. When you follow Jesus, you not only follow his teachings, but you find you are following him all the way back to the Father's embrace.Make it a habit to attend church regularly, even when you are on the road or away from here. God works in mysterious ways, even in churches.Join a small group for a few weeks to try it out, or attend the Spirit Cafe. You'll be able to grow and help others grow at the same time. Wed, 4 Feb 2009 08:14:38 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74&article_id=277 Ever catch yourself saying, "There's got to be more to life than this?" and wishing you could find that something extra. That's where we can help. The first step to finding more meaning in life is to find Jesus and enter a new relationship with the God who loves you and accepts you no matter what you have done or where you have been.If you have not yet been baptized we'll be glad to help you take this stepIf you're a member in another church, ask to transfer hereIf you're not a member anywhere else, but you have been baptized, ask to join Wed, 4 Feb 2009 08:09:09 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=62 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=62&article_id=166 For the latest news from around the world concerning the current crisis in the Anglican Communion, please click here. If you are a fan of conservative church views, Harry Potter, U2, Bob Dylan and odd sense of humor, you might enjoy checking out a local friend's blog ... babyblue. Or not. Other sites of interest:The Anglican District of VirginiaAnglican Communion Network Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:22:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=39 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=39&article_id=94 It all started with "four people and a dog" Pastor Roger says, "and they all lived at my house." In 1997 Bishop Jones of the Diocese of Virginia brought Pastor Roger and his family down to Kingstowne from St. Matthew's Church in Worcester, Massachusetts to start a new church here from scratch. Though the Franconia-Springfield area has a huge number of churches, few were designed specifically to reach out to those who were seekers. At the time there were even fewer seeker-targetted Anglican churches in the world. So from the start we've had a vision of combining the best methods of new churches like Willow Creek and Saddleback with the focus on sacraments and God's presence in our worship services. Our first worship service featured a simple communion service with about a dozen people right before Christmas in 1997. It was held at the Schellenberg residence on Cross Gate Lane. Along with the Schellenbergs, three of those in attendance are still with the Church after all these years. In the following year small groups met for Bible study, others met for strategic planning. Our first Open Houses were held in community spaces rented from Kingstowne (with the instructions from KROC's staff that while we could talk about God we could not pray or ask people for money). At the time the Kingstonian featured articles about the church's mission each month (until the Board of Directors for Kingstowne decided to no longer accept our paid advertisements because they were considered offensive by mentioning the word God). When we first found open space for rent in a commercial building behind Kohl's, we were told by the leasing agent that it was not available to us because the man who created Kingstowne, Mr. Halle, felt there was "no need for a church" in the area. A subsequent chat with Mr. Halle gave us permission to rent space and set up shop. All we needed was financial backing. Large gifts from the Diocese of Virginia and from area churches only got us part way to our goal of signing the lease. At the last moment we needed another $75,000 to sign the deal. One day after the deadline the money showed up as an answer to a prayer, and a generous gift from our brothers and sisters over at The Falls Church. All told they added over $100,000 to the pot to get us started. With all the problems in getting settled in the area, it seemed we had come to the right place ... a community where many people must have been turned off by churches in the past. It was our mission to help turn them on to God. Initial events in the community continued with the opening of our Spirit Cafe in 1998. Each week in borrowed space, we would host supper and a discussion group for interested community members. At the time the only worship services we were holding were a weekly communion service as a form, of outreach to the residents of Springfield's Sunrise Estates. Services began in our leased building on December 20, 1998. The following January we began offering two distinct Sunday worship services ... one at 9:00 for those who wanted to have communion each week and deepen their faith, another at 11:00 for those who had questions and were unsure of their faith. Attendance in that first month averaged 12 people at the 9:00 service and 48 at the late service (which included the 12 from the early service who had come to set up chairs, make coffee, and provide the music ...) After seven years Church of the Spirit was self-supporting. By January 2006, the Diocese of Virginia accepted Church of the Spirit into full parish status. We are thankful to the churches in Northern Virginia who supported us, and for the Diocese, which together with the other churches in the area donated $500,000 in financial aid over those first years. We look forward to what the next chapters in our life together hold. At this moment we are not sure about the future. What would we need to do if (or more likely, when) we are faced with the choice of remaining in the Episcopal Church (which is now largely out of communion with the rest of the Anglican churches worldwide) or remaining a part of the Anglican Communion? Much is in question these days. The Episcopal Church continues to drift into new theologies which deal less with helping other people find Jesus as the "way, the truth and the life" and more with liberation theologies and the UN's Millenial Development Goals. Yes much is in question these days, except what we teach as the truth of God ... Since the General Conventions of 2003 and 2006 there have been many changes at The Spirit in how we relate to other churches, but not in what we teach. That has stayed centered on the Bible -- just as it was back when we all met in one house ... Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:17:17 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=21 God's Rules About Sex will Liberate You (From a July 2003 sermon at Church of the Spirit) Church Brochure: About the National Church's Debate Weighing Alternatives in a Divided Church Why heresy and schism are not the only alternatives open to the Episcopal Church. A lengthy review of the Episcopal Church's decisions since 1976 by the Rev. Mr. Roger Schellenberg. Sex and the single life, a theological paper by Dean Phil Turner, of Yale Divinity, General Theological Seminary and the Anglican Institute. This is a well thought out and pastoral approach to how we both keep the high standards of the Bible as a church and yet reach out to those who have a hard time keeping them personally ... More recently the Primates, or leaders of the Anglican Church (the third largest world wide group of Christians, behind the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches) met, Their Communique gave the American Church requests, and a response was asked for by Sept 30 2007. Here's the actual document with their requests (because sometimes what the Americans say they have been asked to do is not presented accurately). The Anglican primates represent the leaders of each of the 38 branches of the Anglican church around the world. Ten of these leaders and the head of them all, the Archbishop of Canterbury, are meeting in New Orleans in September 2007 with the American House of Bishops. The Americans were given a Sept 30 deadline to comply with a number of requests, which up until now, they have refused to address. To get a feel for what's up, check out this address by the Primate of the Middle East to the House ... The issues are many, for instance, will the American Church continue to bless same sex unions in churches, and will the American Bishops no longer consent to ordaining a bishop who is living in a sexual relationship outside of marriage? The House of Bishops has said they can not give those assurances to the rest of the Anglican Communion. For Pastor Roger's most recent look at the issues try this discussion starter ... For more background info from one of the insiders, see the recent interview with Bishop NT Wright printed here. Here's what the American House of Bishops answered in September 2007. You decide whether or not they have been clear. Then try this report from the New York Times ... There was also a great article in the magazine First Things, about the nature of the Anglican Church, written by the Archbishop of Uganda. It's a great piece of clear thinking ... Much of this came to a head earlier in the year when the Primates met in Tanzania. Two important decisions were made there ... One to proceed with an Anglican Covenant to allow member churches around the world to either buy in to the Anglican Communion and be held accountable to one another, or to walk apart. The other important set of decisions came in response to actions taken by the American church. For more on this please read the Primates Communique. Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:10:25 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=62 Revisiting the international debate on the Bible and the role of gay bishops The Archbishop of Canterbury's letter to the Anglican Communion, after Convention Interpretation of events by Bishop of Durham (England) and noted author NT Wright Pastor Roger's parish letter, after Convention Diocese of Virignia's protocol for parish dissasociation Bishop Lee's letter to congregations, December 1, 2006 The Falls Church response to Bishop Lee (with a very good, short summary of how we have gotten to this point) Anglican Archbishop's address, December 2006 describing the future steps to be taken to safeguard American churches Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:09:42 MST