Community and Beyond

Area churches stay busy with their own events and mission outreach programs. As a larger body, they share common projects and goals. These are notes taken from the most recent meeting held March 13.

You may not be aware, but there is still a large rebuilding effort going on in the Louisiana area following the flooding they experienced. In fact PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) projects rebuilding teams will be needed for another 7 years. A Mission trip to Houma, LA in early February of this year was a large success. This was the largest group ever – 17 people, 7 of which were new participants. Another group may be going November 16 – 22, 2008. The next trip is planned for the beginning of February 2009.

A presentation by PDA (about 2 hours in length) will be available for churches in the near future. Pastor Rich Slider of the Parish of the Valley is leading this effort. The training is for early responders – how to encourage victims; getting communications out to volunteers; what to do if there is pandemic flu, if the DC area had to evacuate – offering housing and churches for their support, etc. This is also an opportunity for churches to develop their own plan should disaster hit your building or community.

Annual training for church officers will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2008. Location is not definite, but may be hosted by Warrenton Presbyterian Church.

Spring Fellowship Event: This year, Strasburg is hosting a dinner and program on April 27 at 6:00 PM. The special guests and speakers will be missionaries Bruce and Lora Whearty, who are sponsored by our Mission Community. If you plan to attend, please let Lou Ann Cunningham know so she can provide Strasburg with a head count (for dinner). Pledges are being sought to provide for travel and living expenses for the couple.

Fall Fellowship Event: Although ideas are still “brewing”. It will likely be a Chili cook-off on a Sunday afternoon when there is a Washington Redskin football game being displayed on a large screen TV for participants to enjoy. Of course there will be crafts or games for the children as well. Date, time and place will be firmed up at the May meeting.

A logo is for the Mountain Valley Mission Community will soon be complete for all to use in Newsletters, and other communications. Finalizing the slogan to go along with the artwork.

Website design classes are being taught by Patrick Lanaghan the 1st Saturday in April (class full) and May. Training is from 9:30 AM–3:30 PM – participants will walk away with a website posted that day.