His story calls us to love our enemies, too. To forgive those who hurt us, even those who hurt us deeply, just as God in Christ forgives us. To release our bitterness and anger, so that the love of Jesus might flow through us to others, and so that in forgiving, you and I might truly know the peace of God that passes all understanding.

In Holy Week, we encounter Jesus’ suffering and death, and we experience anew his great love. We do not go through Holy Week because we are unsure of Jesus’ forgiveness, but because we must never take it for granted. We must never skip glibly from the “Hosannas” of Palm Sunday to Easter’s “Christ is risen.” We must walk the Way of the Cross.

In Holy Week, we encounter Jesus’ suffering and death, and we experience anew his great love. We do not go through Holy Week because we are unsure of Jesus’ forgiveness, but because we must never take it for granted. We must never skip glibly from the “Hosannas” of Palm Sunday to Easter’s “Christ is risen.” We must walk the Way of the Cross.

The diocese has prioritized church planting as a core part of our mission. We have a number of church plants underway with more in the pipeline. I encourage you to get to know these works and consider supporting their work in prayer and perhaps financially.

This virtual Prayer and Praise night is an opportunity to hear ministry updates as well as prayer requests from their programs around the world. It’s sure to be an evening of inspiration and encouragement.

In this world we live in, it really feels like a "shadow valley" sometimes. And for some of us, it feels that way every day. So that's why I'm writing to you.

"As followers of Jesus, we are ministers of love and compassion and healing for those who are in great pain, physically, emotionally, spiritually. But suicide is not the answer.

"I say to all of us, young people, seniors, those facing great hardship or great pain: Do not succumb to the hopelessness of the culture of death. You are precious to the Lord and to the Body of Christ."

Church of the Holy Spirit, Leesburg, VA invites you to an introduction to the Healing Ministry.

The March for Life prayer and worship service will be held on Friday, January 21 at 9:30 a.m. at the The Falls Church Anglican. Registration is not required for in-person or virtual participation.

The Healing Center International (HCI) offerings teach people how to have an interactive relationship with God, where they can begin to see all of life from his gracious, loving point of view. Their hope is that they can begin to feel how deeply they are loved, and as a result, love others more deeply in return.

Church of the Holy Spirit, Leesburg, VA, invites you to a healing prayer service on Saturday, December 4 (in person or on-line) at 5 p.m. as Monica Whitmer speaks on “The Still Small Voice In The Cave.”

Will you join us in praying for our next Bishop and for the people and processes necessary to identify and call him to the Diocese?

Will you please pray for the upcoming annual Synod? Please pray as you are led or use the prayers below from the Book of Common Prayer for guidance.

Christ has secured this for us in the cross, pronounced even our weakest efforts to give thanks to God as worthy by triumphing over death, and receives our thanksgiving and praise as he sits enthroned at the right hand of God. This is our confidence to approach the Father and give Him our thanks.

Currently, AFL has 866 members on our Prayer Team. We want to increase that number by 100% and develop a special SWAT (Spiritual Warfare AFL Team) to intercede in special or critical circumstances. Our upcoming Life SUMMIT 2022: Mobilizing the Church for Life, is a great example of a special circumstance in need of focused prayer. Your prayers will ensure our Life SUMMIT preparations are impactful and fruitful for God’s Kingdom.

On November 5, 7 p.m., in recognition of International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted, you are invited to The Falls Church Anglican for an evening of worship and prayer for our brothers and sisters who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus.

Immanuel Anglican Church, Woodbridge, VA, hosted a community Blessing of the Pets at Andrew Leitch Park in Dale City, VA There were quite an assortment of dogs, some cats (some were blessed virtually), bunnies, a chicken, a turtle and even a ground hog!

On September 14, the clergy of the Diocese gathered in person and online to worship and pray together, enjoy a meal together, and to get updates on the business and ministry of the Diocese.

On Friday September 17, Bishop John and Meg Guernsey, with representatives from the Anglicans for Life (AFL) chapters of diocese churches in Richmond, VA participated in the Virginia March for Life annual rally.