Spring 2016

Community Connector LLC • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/TheCountyConnector

In This Issue:

Volume 3, Issue 1 Complimentary

He Is Risen!

"And surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age." —Matthew 28:20b

What We Can Do to Help S.E.R.V.E.

Volume 3 | Issue 1 www.TheCountyConnector.net 2 | Welcome

4 | Community of Faith Linda J. White Writer, Novelist

6 | A Pastor's Heart Pastor Chris Gayle ZoeLifeChristianFaithCenter

8 | Community Cause: Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center Dave Wernli Author and Speaker

10 | Community Cause: Salty Sidewalks Beth Enns

12 | Community Cause: Heartwood Center Ministries Pastor Gayle Porias

14 | Community Cause: S.E.R.V.E. Joanie Johnson

16 | Growing With God Nadine Harmon

18 | Childlike Faith Ruth Beze

20 | Testimony Time Kim Robinson

22 | Poetry April Erhardt

23 | Flourishing in Faith Rick Yost Superintendent,Fredericksburg ChristianSchools

24 | Marriage Matters SharonGlasgow Writer/Speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries

26 | Community Connections LocalCharities

27 | Regional Church Directory

Community of FaithSeasons reflect the rhythm of life, both physically and

spiritually.

Community CauseS.E.R.V.E. helps feed our

neighbors in need. We can help too.

Community CauseSalting the Streets –

Art worships God and spreads the gospel.

Childlike FaithA young student shares

insights about a wordless book.

www.TheCountyConnector.net |1

© 2016 by Community Connector LLC. Published three times a year by Community Connector LLC, PO Box 2, Hartwood, VA 22471. 540-845-3787, [email protected], www.TheCountyConnector.net. Copies are available at local churches/businesses at no charge and subscriptions can be ordered for $7.99 per year to addresses in the United States. Additional postage fees apply to addresses outside the United States. Unsolicited manuscripts and other materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. All contents © 2016 by Community Connector LLC. (Neither publisher nor its representative nor its subcontractors assume liability for errors in text, charges in advertisements or any published materials.) Views and opinions of the authors are not necessarily those of the publisher. For permission to reprint or reproduce an article via print, electronically or any other means, please contact our editorial offices. Printed in the United States of America. Postmaster: send changes of address to Community Connector LLC, PO Box 2, Hartwood, VA 22471. Send subscription inquiries to same.

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PublisherCommunity Connector, LLC

PO Box 2, Hartwood, Virginia 22471www.TheCountyConnector.net

Publisher Colleen Geyer 540-845-3787 cell Connect@ TheCountyConnector.net

Editor Lori Pikkaart [email protected]

Advertising and Distribution opportunities please contact Publisher:

[email protected]

Produced by Key Communications, Inc.Debra Levy, president

Extension 111 • [email protected] PGA Drive, Suite 201

Stafford, VA 22554540/720-5584 • fax: 540/720-5687

www.glass.com

Art Director/ Dawn Campbell Managing Extension 150 Editor [email protected]

Art Director Saundra Hutchison Extension 132 [email protected]

Advertising Erin Harris Coordinator Extension 110 [email protected]

Mission Statement:To provide the Rappahannock region with a Christian magazine that shares inspiring stories which unite and celebrate our community of local churches, ministries, charities and residents.

Statement of Faith:The County Connector: The Region’s Spiritual Source of Connection believes the following statement of faith to be an accurate summary of what the Bible teaches. We recognize that there are other viewpoints and we want to come together on essentials of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ is the son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demon-strate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory, and will return again someday to earth, to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

(Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15;

1 Corinthians 15: 3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6: 14,15; Titus 2:13)

All scripture passages are the New International Version unless otherwise indicated.

Permissions:Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any format without publisher’s permission. Request for both print and PDF reprints should be directed to the Digital Media Services department, 540/720-5584; [email protected].

“T hrough the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compas-sions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NKJV).

The promise of a new day. It is a gift from God and one I anticipate every morning. Yes, I am one of those people—a morning person. I love to wake before the family and the birds. There is something so beautiful about the morning, something simple, something so new.

It is a new day here at The County Connector. As you may have noticed we have a new tagline in 2016 to reflect our growth: “The Region’s Spiritual Source of Connection.” There is also a new regional church directory, a new print quantity (8,000—praise God!) and even a new Web address (www.TheCountyConnector.net). We are excited about this

growth and we give God all the glory. The County Connector also would like to recognize that this was made possible due to our reader support, prayers, contributing writers, and the generosity of donors and committed advertisers—and we thank you.

As you read this issue, it is my prayer that every morning you can experience the newness of life that only Jesus can bring this Easter season and beyond.

God bless you! ✞

Colleen M. Geyer

Phot

o: L

illia

n Ri

vera

Through the LordBY COLLEEN M. GEYER

2 | The County Connector | Spring 2016

WELCOME

For more information contact Colleen at [email protected] or 540-845-3787

Circulation:8,000

Widely distributed

throughout the region

All articles written by local

residents

Published three times a year: March,

August &November

WELCOME

Is your joy being stolen by thoughts that aren’t really true? That you are not worthy? That you don’t matter to God or anyone else? That Jesus doesn’t deserve your praise?

That there’s no reason for joy this spring? That nobody needs to hear your story? That you’re all alone? That you have to do certain things for God to love you? All of these questions are answered to the contrary in the magazine you are holding right now. God has assem-bled this issue’s group of writers with you in mind, with a special message that you might need to hear right now.

When we get ready to produce this magazine, several things happen. We

pray for the readers, writers, advertisers, the process and the distribution. We say, “It’s all in God’s timing.” A lot. Some-times the Lord brings us an article out of the blue at the last minute and we know it has to go in. Sometimes He tells us to wait. All I can say is, when we go into production, we just buckle our seatbelts and follow God’s leading because He knows each and every person who will read this. We don’t. If He speaks to you through this magazine and you don’t have a church family, we urge you to visit one of the churches in the directory in the back—He’s got more to say to you. Happy Easter. Jesus loves you.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). ✞

Lori Scott Pikkaart

In His TimingBY LORI SCOTT PIKKAART

Registration Deadline May 9, 2016

To benefit Aquia's TableHot Meals Ministry

7th AnnualAQUIA'S TABLE BOB JONES

MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Location: Augustine Golf ClubCost: $110 per playerFormat: Four-Man Scramble18 holes of competitive golfIncludes: Breakfast, lunch andawards presentationPrizes:Prizes: Awarded for top three groups,closest to pin, longest drive, and a$10,000 hole-in-one prizeSilent Auction: Great gift packages for golf, dining, entertaining and more!

Tax-Deductible SponsorshipOpportunities AvailableInquiries and Registration [email protected]

New inspirational suspense from Linda J. White!“… brilliant story line and wonderfully developed characters; it's a page turner until the very end!” - Amazon review

Available now from Amazon.com


If you’re a believer with an encouraging testimony, story or lesson to share about God, feel free to contact us with your idea. Also, we love to look at local photography for potential stories and magazine covers.

Send inquiries to [email protected] and Colleen Geyer at

[email protected].

COMMUNITY OF FAITH

Living in Southern California for three-and-a-half years, I really missed the four seasons. I re-

member driving through Beverly Hills with my 22-month-old son, searching for deciduous trees so I could point out “signs of fall.” Flowers bloomed all year long (what’s up with that?) and summer was simply called “the dry season.” In many months, you could go to the beach in the morning and then drive to Mount Baldy and go snow skiing in the afternoon. It just wasn’t natural.

Well, that’s a dyed-in-the-wool East-erner talking. I love my seasons! Each whispers something different to me. Summer means relaxing: The beach, hot sun, sand, and surf call my name. Fall, with its crisp mornings and beau-tiful leaves reminds me to be thankful, for the harvest is plentiful. Winter brings Christmas joy, beautiful snow, and long evenings reading by the wood stove.

And spring? Spring speaks to me of hope. Dead-looking bulbs planted in frosty fall end their quiet rest, push their way up through the ground, and produce bright yellow daffodils. Warm-weather birds, beginning with robins, show up again as the Earth begins to stir. Sometime in late April or May, shad and herring begin their run up the Rappahan-nock River. Hordes of great blue heron stand on spindly legs in the still-cold water, feasting on the smaller fish.

Spring, of course, includes Easter, the ultimate expres-sion of hope. The tomb is empty. He who was once dead is now alive forevermore, and so shall we be. Though we die, yet shall we live. Sin sticks to us like gum on a shoe, though, along with Paul, we do what we shouldn’t and don’t do what we should. Though we offend God and deserve eternal punishment, Jesus has bought for us a reprieve. Death is not the end. Because of Christ, our lives will go on, in another time, another place. Adding hope upon hope, the good news doesn’t wait until death: We get Jesus in the present as well. Our once and future king is God with us, even now, through the Holy Spirit.

Life, too, has its seasons. We experience them sequen-tially but see them all at once. In our “summer,” our young adult years, we plant and sow and establish roots in family, careers, and habits. In mid-life’s autumn, we reap what we’ve sown, some for good, and some for learning. In winter, we rest and think, older and wiser, living out our final days knowing we shall soon be with Him—and be like Him.

The spring of life also speaks of hope: For all the way-wardness of this world, there’s a lot of innocence, joy, and wonder in our little ones. Watching my grandchildren discover the sound a thin plastic water bottle makes when they squeeze it, seeing them achieve the balance of walk-ing, or, later, discover the enormous joy of decoding letters and reading a book, these things give me great pleasure. In church, an elementary school boy stands on a chair and joy-fully worships God with all his heart. Teenagers and young

The Spring of LifeBY LINDA J. WHITE


Spring is a promise. Our hope is not in vain. What once was dead is now

alive. Jesus makes all things new.


adults who are passionate about Christ give me hope and assurance that God is moving in the next generation as he has in every generation since Adam.

All around us, flowers and trees are blooming and soft breezes whisper in the pines. Daylight hours are lengthening and temperatures rising. Spring is a promise. Our hope is not in vain. What once was dead is now alive. Jesus makes all things new, including you, including me. He always has, and He always will.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without waver-ing, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23, NASB). ✞

Linda J. White is a former journalist and an award-winning novelist. She writes FBI thrillers from a Christian worldview, including her newest release, “The Tiger’s Cage.” Visit her at lindajwhite.net.

Every year, many thousands of children experience joy, growth, and healing in the homes of very special parents. These parents happily share their homes, time, energy, and love with children who have therapeutic needs due to abuse and neglect. With proper training, support, and collaboration, the relationships within these families thrive. To learn more, contact us:

Gretchen Rusden [email protected]

children were placed into the Virginia Foster Care System,

In 2015,

in the Northern Virginia area.

The average length of stay in

foster care is months.The average age of a child in foster care is years old.

Knowing God vs. Doing for God

BY PASTOR CHRIS GAYLE

FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

In Matthew chapter 12, Jesus had an encounter with the Pharisees on the Sabbath. As He and His dis-

ciples were walking through the grain fields, the disciples got hungry and began to pluck off heads of grain to eat. When the Pharisees saw them do this, they reported to Jesus that their actions were not lawful. Jesus had an interesting reply:

But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to

eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple. But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guilt-less. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (vs 3-8, NKJV).Jesus was referencing Hosea 6:6

when He said, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge

of God more than burnt offerings.” This is a powerful truth that Jesus was trying to get the Pharisees to com-prehend, a truth that still applies for today’s believers.

Often as followers of Christ, the focus of our walk with the Lord can turn to all the things we try to do for Him. Jesus emphasized that our heart condition and our knowledge of Him are more important than what we do for Him (our sacrifices and our burnt offerings). We can easily get caught up in doing for God instead of knowing God better and displaying His character in our lives.

There are many benefits to knowing the Lord versus just doing for Him. When we prioritize spending time with Him:

1) We will know Him and His will. Spending more time with Him in prayer and in His word will help us get clear instructions on what He wants us to do.

2) We will get refreshed. As we get refreshed we tend to stop focusing on what others are or are not doing, but more on what He wants us to do.

3) We will have greater compassion for those we serve and minister to. The Pharisees missed the point of the Sab-bath, which is to rest and appreciate all that God has done for us. As a result, they did not have compassion (mercy) on the hungry disciples.

4) He will help us understand that we are part of a team. Many of us have experienced frustration and burn-out because we are relying on our own strength instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen us.

5) We will remember our joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength. When we focus on Jesus, we capture the joy that God gave us as part of the fruit of the Spirit. Prioritizing Jesus and knowing Him better will rekindle our joy.

The more time we spend seeking to know God, the more tender our hearts will become toward Him and others. Be encouraged that we don’t have to do things for him to win His approval. He prefers that we would simply seek to know Him. An active relationship with Jesus is where we will experience true fulfillment and satisfaction. ✞

Pastor Chris Gayle and his wife Loretta have pastored Zoe Life Christian Faith Center in Fredericksburg for almost seven years (www.

zoelifecfc.org). Zoe Life started in 2009 at the YMCA on Butler Rd and by God’s grace has used this ministry to encour-age many. We are excited to see how God will continue to help us live abun-dantly (John 10:10).

Jesus emphasized that our heart condition and our knowledge of Him is more important than

what we do for Him.

The scheduled 3:00 appointment didn’t show, but Kelly did. She was greeted by the kind face that

went with the warm voice she’d talked to on the phone. The receptionist was very welcoming, like she was genu-inely glad to see Kelly. If she knew me, she wouldn’t be glad to see me, thought Kelly. I’m a promising University of Mary Washington student with other plans for my life, who really doesn’t want to be here, and I’m ready to bolt at any minute. A tornado had just slammed into her life, and her world was upside-down.

The receptionist’s smile and manner melted much of Kelly’s fear, as she handed Kelly a Request for Services form to fill out. There was something peaceful about sitting in this building. In spite of herself, she started to relax, slightly.

After she turned in the forms, the receptionist introduced Kelly to anoth-

er woman who took her to a pleasant room where Kelly sat on a comfortable couch. The woman sat across from her and asked Kelly a few questions while they waited for the results of Kelly’s free pregnancy test.

During the conversation, Kelly had a new experience. This woman at the Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center listened to her. She made eye contact. Her face showed true sadness when Kelly shared the pain in her life and the whirlwind of panic this sudden disaster brought.

Kelly didn’t know why she was opening up to a stranger, but there was something about this woman. Kelly had never been listened to like this. Not like her story mattered. Not like she herself was valuable. But Kelly was connecting with this woman.

“Yeah, it’s scary, isn’t it?” the woman said, and that was it; Kelly broke down. The tears started and just wouldn’t

stop. The woman comforted her by explaining she had time, and she had options. She didn’t have to make a de-cision today. Kelly’s whirlwind slowed down. Time went away. Urgency and panic faded.

The woman encouraged Kelly by sharing her own similar story. Then she asked if she could share a booklet called “Steps to Peace with God.” Kelly listened.

Then they talked about where Kelly was in her pregnancy, and the woman asked if she’d like to know about fetal development at this stage. At every step, the woman asked Kelly’s permis-sion. Kelly had never felt so valued in her life. Is this what it’s like to be respected? She had heard the gospel before, but this was the first time she had ever felt it.

COMMUNITY CAUSE


BY DAVE WERNLI

Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center:

Taming the Tornado


Her pregnancy test was positive, and Kelly cried again. The nurse assured her as well. “Are you interested in getting an ultrasound?” After some brief medical evaluation questions, the woman and the nurse showed her into the ultrasound room. They saw a beating heart. They saw movement.

The professionalism and warmth of the nurse, mixed with this newfound peace, calmed the room. No condemn-ing words, just the picture of life on the screen. It spoke volumes. A bond had begun.

“But how can I do this? I can’t afford this!” Kelly thought out loud, the panic starting to return. With Kelly’s permission, the women shared some resources that were available for free. For example, the Center has an Earn-While-You-Learn program that mentored new parents, and even paid her to come, with vouchers for free baby supplies at baby boutiques run by Highway Assembly of God and Spots-wood Baptist churches. And that was just one of a dozen different resources all free and waiting to help her all along

the way. There was even an option to make an adoption plan.

Kelly began to realize this might be possible. She might actually have another choice besides abortion. Then the mother God created Kelly to be before she was born rose up inside her with a holy purpose and determination she’d never felt before. She began to speak to her baby, “It’s alright, baby. I’m gonna take care of you. And God’s gon-na take care of us.” Kelly had a friend who went to a church that ran one of the baby boutiques. She decided to ask her if she’d take her there this Sunday.

Kelly had come into the Center in fear and panic and with only one

choice. But she left with hope and peace, knowing she had options and resources, and although it was going to be hard, she did not have to go it alone.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). ✞

Dave Wernli is an author and speaker who lives in Stafford County. His first book, Mixed Emotions, is available in book stores and on Amazon

in paperback and Kindle versions. Follow his blog at www.davewernli.com.

The Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center is located on Stafford Avenue in Fredericksburg.

They saw a beating heart. They saw movement.

Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center

1616 Stafford Ave.Fredericksburg 22401

24-hour helpline: 540-370-1800

Text: 540-693-0255

Visit www.fredericksburgchoices.com for more information.

“You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13a).

A year ago I went to a women’s conference that changed my world. I was at the tail end of a bout of depression and fighting to control my emotions. The conference fed my soul and God opened my eyes to the minis-try that brought me healing.

While there, I received a “salt leak.” It was a two-card key ring that had the words, “Go face the day with joy,” and “God’s got your back.” I also learned that prior to the conference, the leaders had been praying over each participant, using a particular name of God. Mine was El Roi, the God who sees me. Coincidence? No. There are

no coincidences with Christ. I was able to meet and hug the

leader of Salty Sidewalks, Lisa Albinus. She and two other Christian artists were telling the women how God has been using art to worship Him and spread the gospel. I left filled with joy at the prospect of joining them in the ministry called Salty Sidewalks. God

had placed the seed in my heart and it was vigorously growing.

Within a couple of months, a friend and I had made and distributed hundreds of “salt leaks” to homeless shelters, food banks, walkers in the park, cashiers, and anyone we came in contact with. Each and every “salt leak” has a link to a website that shares

the gospel and gives hope. The verse that is included is Isaiah 55:11, “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (NASB).

Curious what a “salt leak” is? It is an intentionally abandoned piece of artwork that was lovingly handcrafted through divine inspiration. It is left with the intent of spreading the Gospel to the far corners of the Earth, and to remind God’s chosen recipient that we serve a God who pays attention to the details of our lives. Each “salt leak” is prayed over

Salty Sidewalks:Salting the Streets

BY BETH ENNS

COMMUNITY CAUSE


“The joy of the Lord is your strength,” salt leak by Lisa Albinus.Salt leak artist Anyia Owings alters keys to make charms for necklaces.

A salt leak created by Beth Enns.

God has been using art to worship Him and spread the gospel.


Salty Sidewalks is not confined to walls, there is no home base. It is simply led by the Holy Spirit within individual artists’ lives who are obedient to His calling. Some ways to get started spread-ing the Hope of Jesus through Salty Sidewalks: • Saltysidewalks.com• Facebook: Salty Sidewalks• Unspeakable Joy Conference at

Salem Fields Community Church on September 24, 2016. Lisa Albinus will be praise painting and salt leaks will be available.

Helen Jewett, DVMRebecca Austin, DVM Bridget Shirley, DVMShannon Baker, DVM

15 Jewett LaneFredericksburg, VA 22406

(Rt. 17 & Celebrate VA Pkwy)Near Giant

540-286-2855www.hartwoodanimalhospital.comhah@hartwoodanimalhospital.com

Veterinary Care with Heart

Dogs • CatsBirds • Exotics

BoardingIn-House LaboratoryPrescription DietsSenior Pet Care PackageDentistryIn-House Digital RadiologyPreventative MedicineRadiosurgeryGroomingUltrasoundLaser TherapySurgical Services

and intended specifically for a recipient. God does see us, He knows what we are going through, and this is a beautiful way that we, as Christians, can be the hands and feet of Jesus.

This ministry has fed my soul as I have been able to minister to others in an artistic way. It has bridged commu-nication gaps and allowed me to pray with strangers. It has also caused com-plete dependence on the Holy Spirit as we craft our items. Fire is ignited under us as we receive testimonies from recipients whose hearts were filled with hope. The community within Salty Sidewalks prays for one another and encourages one another as we get to be the Salt of the Earth. Want to join us? ✞

Beth Enns lives in Hart-wood with her husband, Luke, and four strapping boys. Art has become more than just a hobby, but a

creative outlet to worship the Lord. She is always looking for creative ways to share the gospel with people in the community.

“Daddy, Daddy, we’ll have food this week!” When the volunteer carrying the

food box heard the child’s exclamation, it was confirmation that the ministry’s vision and plans were on target. The children were receiving food as a result of one of the new Heartwood Center Summer Ministry programs.

The Heartwood Center Summer Ministry began in June of 2014 with three programs: a food distribution ministry for families who participate in the federal free and reduced school lunch programs, a summer day camp for children, and two mission camps for youth.

The Weekly Food Distribution pro-gram at England Run Library and Mary Walter Elementary School in Bealeton provides nutritious snacks and meals. Over 243 students have participated so far. Volunteers from the 74 churches of the Fredericksburg District of the United Methodist Church have donat-ed food and money, sorted and packed boxes, welcomed guests, carried boxes to vehicles, and listened to and prayed with individuals.

Linda Hyson, a volunteer coordina-tor, reiterates that “it’s also about the relationships." She shared about a cou-ple with 5 children (and a 6th on the way) that was overwhelmed by all the food. The mother’s spirits were low and her pregnancy made the heat almost unbearable, but she said, “God blessed my children with good health and He always provides.” After hugs and good-byes all were smiling and Linda knew this family was in the Lord’s hands.

The Summer Day Camp for children teaches children ages five through fifth grade about God’s love and sharing that love through service to others. They also have the opportunity to

learn about God’s world and how to be good stewards.

The Mission Camps for youth led by Powell Smith from New Hope UMC focuses on character and team building activities to prepare the youth for local mission work. They perform duties such as yard work and painting for the elderly, the disabled and a local school. They also wash windows and do general clean-up for a homeless shelter and a group home for disabled adults. The theme of the camp comes from Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” At the end of the day the youth have the opportunity to

play sports, learn about the outdoors, and participate in Bible study. One of the volunteers at the camp was im-pressed with how the low ropes course encouraged the campers to work to-gether to find solutions and provided opportunities for budding leaders to emerge and practice leadership skills.

The Heartwood Center Summer Ministry programs began in the Spring of 2012 when Rev. Ted Smith, the Fredericksburg District Superin-tendent, proposed a 40-day season of prayer inviting Fredericksburg District United Methodists to ask God how a twenty-four acre parcel of land in the Hartwood community could be used to transform lives, respond to com-

Heartwood Center Ministries: Showing Heart in Hartwood

BY REV. GAYLE PORIAS

COMMUNITY CAUSE


Heartwood’s Summer Day Camp finds fun ways to teach children about God’s love.

munity and world needs, and to bring glory to God. The 74 congregations of the district were provided with demo-graphic data, daily scripture readings, and encouraged to journal responses to their prayers. The overwhelming answer to the 40 days of prayer was the vision of a community center and mission training center.

Heartwood Summer Ministries has now become a community effort between district congregations, local schools, and community service groups. Two Boy Scout troops blazed a hiking trail, laid mulch, and built benches at the Heartwood camp site. A local retirement community and re-ligious fellowships held food drives for the summer food program. The idea for the youth mission camp and addition-al support came from the Hartwood Volunteer Fire Department, which also believes, “If you want to make a differ-ence in this community, you need to round up the teenagers and offer them some daytime activities to keep them out of trouble.” This is the blessing that has become the Fredericksburg District Heartwood Center vision. It has proven to be a blessing throughout Stafford County and beyond. ✞

Rev. Gayle Porias has been pastor at Mount Horeb UMC since 2010. She’s the Coordinator of The Heart-wood Ministries of the

Fredericksburg District of the United Methodist Church. She also spent 30 years as an RN and hospice nurse.


For more information about the programs or volunteering:

Call 540.788.9838 or email [email protected]

www.fredericksburgdistrict.org/ ministries/ministries/heartwood

Growing With GodIf you are thinking about becoming a Christian, or would like to walk more closely with God, here are a few steps you can take:

• Accept Him as your Lord and Savior. “God, thank you for showing me your grace. I am a sinner and I thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ for me that I may be forgiven. Thank you that Jesus Christ rose from the dead to give me new life. Forgive me and change me. Amen!”

• Pray; talk to God about anything• Read your Bible• Get connected with a church• Be baptized• Set up a meeting with a local

pastor to help you with questions.

Hunger is an international problem, a national problem, a state problem, and it is a

Stafford County problem. In 2015, The Stafford County Emergency Food Pan-try (S.E.R.V.E.) distributed 101.9 tons of food to Stafford Country Residents in crises. Unfortunately the problems in the economy have put a terrible strain on S.E.R.V.E.’s available resources. Stafford County people are amazing and truly believe in helping neigh-bors in need, and those neighbors are extremely thankful.

S.E.R.V.E. provides emergency assistance to each family one time a month. They prepare 35-40lb box-

es of nutritious food that will feed a family for five to seven days. Included with the box of food are bakery items, produce and meat when it is available. Meat is always needed. S.E.R.V.E. is an emergency assistance non-profit or-ganization, so to qualify for assistance, individuals need to be in emergency or crisis situations. Crisis can be defined as no food at home, food stamps have run out, dire health situations with little to no insurance, homeless, job-less, single parent with no job, senior citizens on fixed incomes, and more.

In recent years the community’s needs have been increasing, but food donations have been decreasing. In a

S.E.R.V.E.:What Can We Do?

BY JOANIE JOHNSON

COMMUNITY CAUSE


Joyfully serving the county by checking expirations, sorting food, making deliveries and preparing boxes, among other things, are faithful volunteers (l-r): Barbara Henry, Val Vetter, Wendy Bristow, Susan McNich, Ann Walker, Carol Chaduba, and Barry Titus.

Food waiting to be sorted and checked for expirations.

The Stafford County Emergency Food Pantry

Located at 15 Upton Lane, Stafford 22554Mailing address: P.O. Box 1357, Stafford 22555

Phone: 540-288-9603Visit www.serve-helps.org for hours and more.


recent twelve-month period, S.E.R.V.E. spent over $41,000 to help prevent utility shut-offs, rental evictions and to help with prescription assistance. In order to meet ongoing food demand, S.E.R.V.E. had to spend over $24,000 in food purchases. When food donations do not match the need, they have to use monetary donations that could have been used for emergency financial as-sistance to buy food from outside sourc-es to make up the difference. They are grateful to be a member agency of the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and they are able to utilize it on a regular basis. But the whole community could benefit from more food donations and food drives that go directly to S.E.R.V.E. ✞

Joanie Johnson has been married for 25 years, has 5 children, is active in the Marine Corps community and has volunteered in numerous

places throughout the county, including her church, Ebenezer United Methodist.

S.E.R.V.E. is located at 15 Upton Lane across the street from the Stafford Courthouse.

A Word from Joanie JohnsonI am among many who have a heart for those in need. I love God’s word, love

people, and have a heart for Stafford County. I have freely given my time to many organizations but it wasn’t until I began volunteering through Ebenezer United Methodist Church as the EUMC S.E.R.V.E. Ministry Team Coordinator that I realized how many people are in desperate need right here in Stafford County. It is truly a privilege to volunteer by helping S.E.R.V.E. alleviate hunger and suffering within our very own Stafford community.

As the S.E.R.V.E. Ministry Team Coordinator I hope Stafford County residents will band together to fight hunger in our community. When our people thrive, our whole community thrives. The S.E.R.V.E. Ministry team is a group of volunteers who seek to increase awareness of the reality of Stafford County hunger, promote local food drives and work on solutions to alleviate local Stafford hunger. What can you do?

1) Donate food. Add nonperishable food items to your grocery shopping list.2) Pray for our community’s needs for food and shelter.3) Contact me. If you have a passion for the community, I can share ideas on how

your family, group, team, business, or organization can help feed hungry Stafford County Residents. Email me at [email protected].

4) Mail checks or donate online: www.serve-helps.org/HowYouCanHelp.aspx. Also support S.E.R.V.E. through The Community Give on May 3rd, www.thecommu-nitygive.org.

Doing any of these things will not only feed a hungry child, keep people in their homes and provide hope, but will also help our Stafford neighbors get back on their feet so they can lead a fulfilling and productive life.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We can be the Body of Christ by reaching out to those in need, feeding the hungry, helping to heal the sick, and having compassion on the hurting. We are meant to live in community by helping each other and doing life together. Join S.E.R.V.E. in this great Stafford County adventure by feeding our hungry and alleviating suffering in Stafford County. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

In recent years the community’s needs have been increasing, but food

donations have been decreasing.

Easter season is the time when Christians celebrate a living Savior who is full of redemptive power and majesty. He’s not decaying in His tomb, helpless to do

anything for his children. He’s not hiding out somewhere, leaving us to fend for ourselves. He is risen—just as He told His disciples (Matthew 28:6).

When the women went to His tomb, He was no longer in it because He had risen and was with God, His Father. His wounds were healed, His life renewed and He became a hero in Heaven’s domain. Easter makes me want to cel-ebrate and raise my hands toward Heaven and exclaim, “Hallelujah, Lord! You did it!”

We praise Him because He left us with so many wonder-ful gifts we could use to continue in His ways, generation

after generation. He left us with a way of salvation, cleansed our hearts to live forever and abundantly, served as a loving example to follow in His footsteps, and shone His own light within us to illuminate a dark world.

What Jesus did changed the course of eternity. Revela-tion, a book in the Bible known for revealing predictions about the end times, reminds us of the magnitude of Jesus’ actions. It is filled with doxologies of praise to God and Jesus “the Lamb.” In chapter 4, verse 11, Heaven resounds with: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power.” In 5:12, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive … honor and glory and praise!” “To Him, who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever” (5:13). “And

Hallelujah, He Is RisenBY NADINE HARMON

GROWING WITH GOD


Jesus’ death made Heaven as near as the shortest whispered prayer.


they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb … Amen! Praise and glory … be to our God for ever and ever’” (7:10, 12). “Great and marvelous are your deeds … Just and true are your ways, King of the nations” (15:2, 3). “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” (19:5).

Churches sing praises to God and to the Lamb, not out of habit or for showy entertainment, but to praise and magnify the fantastic plan God has for this universe. All because Jesus was willing to leave His place in Heaven and bring about God’s plan of salvation.

How hard it must have been for God to see His Son on that cross. And yet, He knew the plan was flawless, that it was absolutely necessary to bring salvation to the lost. We who were once lost can thank Him for the many beautiful things Jesus left for us on Earth. He left us with the ability to learn His story in the scriptures, and the instructions for salvation and guidelines for living. He left us the Holy Spirit to guide us and take up residence in our hearts. He told us about God’s Kingdom.

Jesus’ death made Heaven as near as the shortest whis-pered prayer. Jesus is near us when we ask for mercy and when we ask for healing and when we ask for comfort and when we ask for the safety of our families. He is with us when we’re burdened by sin and loneliness and when we’re feeling defeated.

The cross could not hold Jesus. Just as the angels sang when He was born on this earth, surely all of those beautiful angels must have been singing and praising God after Jesus’ resurrection and the stunning completion of His plan. We will sing right along with them when the time comes for us to kneel before God’s throne.

Jesus deserves our worship and praise because they cause us to think on His mighty deeds. Let’s reflect on what Jesus suffered on our behalf, and celebrate His life, death and resurrection because we know that we will see Him face to face with great rejoicing in our hearts.

God bless you during the Easter season as you think on these things. ✞

Nadine Harmon resides in Stafford with her husband Richard who is the pastor of Community Baptist Church. She has two grown children, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. They are all the love of her life.

v3

www.TheGlasgowFarm.comwww.facebook.com/

Sharon Glasgow(540) 220-2730

[email protected]

TheGlasgowFarm

Stafford County’s best kept secret.

Six Awesome ColorsBY RUTH BEZE

CHILDLIKE FAITH


Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7).

The wordless book is a century-old evangelism tool now often recreated in children’s ministries. This is Ruth’s insightful interpretation of what the colors mean.

Do you know what black stands for? It stands for sin (Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”). That is very true. We all have sinned. And we have to know our ABC’s. A is for admit. B is for believe. C is for confess. After you ask God to be your personal savior, you are a Christian! Admit to God that you are a sinner. Next, believe God sent His son down to die for your sins. Then, confess you have done wrong, and ask for Him to wipe away your sins. Ask for forgiveness and He will forgive.

Would you like to know what red stands for? Red is for the blood that was poured out from Jesus when He died on the cross. Can you believe how kind He is? I can. He gave up His life for everyone on earth! I would not die on a cross for everybody’s sins! Would you? Probably not. Right? He loves us a lot and we should love each other. Even our worst enemies. He died on the cross with red blood all over Him. We need to show mercy to others like He did to us. Love others.

Do you want to know what green stands for? Look at the beautiful plants He created! Are you growing spiritually? As you grow in love with God, the more He will continue to bless you. The plants and animals show us that God is real. Who else could have created them? Nobody! You can grow to know God by reading more of His word, praying to Him, or going to pastors and asking about Him. Continue to grow, grow, GROW! That is what green stands for.

Do you want to know what white stands for? If you do, continue reading. Jesus came to the earth to clean away sins from our hearts. The red blood of Je-sus, wiped away our black sin, and makes our hearts white-clean. You should always obey God to keep your heart white. You and I will still make mistakes but remember this: Jesus forgives only if you ask.

Do you know what blue stands for? It stands for faith. Faith is believing in something that you cannot see. Trusting in God even though you can’t see Him is faith. Having trouble? Struggling? Is a family member sick? Are you hurt? Is something wrong? God knows. Put your faith in Him and He will help. He will always listen to all your prayers. He is good. If you don’t have faith, things might not be as good as you hoped. Good things come to those who put all their faith in God. He hears you; He answers you and loves you. He will never let you down. But His enemy, Satan, will. Listen to God as He listens to you. He is always there.

Black: Sin

Red: Jesus’ Blood

Green: Grow

White: Cleansed from Sin

Blue: Faith

I would like to tell you about what gold stands for. Gold stands for Heaven because of its beautiful golden streets. Heaven is a real place. We know this

from reading the Bible, God’s holy word. I believe in God even though I can’t see Him,

because of the Bible. I can’t wait to go to Heaven. I want all of you to go there too. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind. Believe in God the Father, and when you physically die, you’ll spiritually live forever with God in Heaven. ✞


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Ruth Beze wrote this as a third grader, but she is now in fourth grade at the Stafford Campus of Fredericksburg Christian School. She likes reading, writing, gymnastics, piano and drawing and lives with her parents, a brother and a sister.

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I met my first husband Mark through mutual friends, at the age of 19. While we were still dating, he received the devastating news that he had a leukemia-like blood

cancer. Eight months after being diagnosed, he was finally able to tell me, and at the time, I was sure he was breaking up with me.

Mark underwent cancer treatments and was safely in remission when we married in June of 1991. A strong Chris-tian, Mark took me to his church, and even though I wasn’t a believer in the same way he was, I went as regularly as I could in spite of working every other weekend as a respira-tory therapist at the hospital.

The church had an altar call every week. I found it con-fusing because I already believed everything in my head,

but didn’t understand how Jesus could be-

come a part of my heart. Every week the pastor would ask us to raise our hands, if we knew for certain, that if we died on the way home from church, we’d go to Heaven. I raised my hand because that was what Mark was doing, but a doubtful voice in my head kept asking, “Really? Is that true?”

I always knew who God was and believed all the things I learned about Him growing up in my parents’ church. When I was 12, my Aunt Irene became a new believer and gave me a Bible. She also talked to me about God’s Word, and began praying for me regularly.

The spring before our first anniversary, Mark got sick with an infection, putting him in the hospital for a week. I knew God was sovereign, and told Him I couldn’t do it on my own,

and asked Him to take care of things. “Save him,” I prayed.

God answered, and Mark was well until September

of 1994, when the medication he

Two Hand SqueezesBY KIM ROBINSON

TESTIMONY TIME


Kim and Mark on a hike in Maine in the summer of 1991.

I shared his last moments alone with him, and gave him permission to leave.

took for the disease stopped helping and his blood counts became elevated.

Mark’s health deteriorated quickly, so in October he made an appointment for us to meet with our pastor. As we sat down in his office, Pastor Bates said, “You know the reason we’re here: Mark is concerned about your salvation.” I was surprised by that—I really went in there not knowing why we were there. My dear Mark had not been equipped to tell me how to become a Christian, so he did the most loving thing by bringing me to someone who could. He was so concerned for my salvation, and by that time it was all I needed to come to Jesus. Aunt Irene’s prayers were an-swered that day.

Two months later, Mark was in the hospital dying of complications from pneumonia, and I had a dream that he was going to pass away the next day. On that gloomy, cloudy day, Mark himself confirmed what I already knew. As the day wore on, Mark’s eyes were open, but he wasn’t speaking and was pretty much unresponsive. A couple of times he lifted his arms straight up like he was reaching for some-thing or someone. I shared his last moments alone with him, and gave him permission to leave. Throughout our relationship, whenever we would hold hands, he’d squeeze my hand twice when he was about to let go. I held his hand while he passed away, and just before he did, he squeezed my hand twice. That was good-bye.

Emotional pain filled my entire being, and as I looked at Mark, I felt a scream trying to escape my throat. But a supernatural wave of God’s peace came over me. It literally felt like someone was dumping a bucket of peacefulness over my head, a merciful peacefulness that lasted for weeks afterwards. Surely God is my comforter. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of com-passion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a).

Mark passed away less than 2 months after I was saved, but I learned early on that God would not leave me or forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6). We were only married for three and a half years, but I never had any regrets marrying a man who was sick. He loved me in the best way possible, and it is because of him that I know with certainty that yes, I

am going to Heaven. ✞

Kim Robinson lives in Stafford with her husband, daughter and dog. She volunteers at her local church and in the community.


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My StoryMy story’s buried deep within,Locked up good and tight.It’s marred with anger, doubt, and sin;Sole witness to my plight.

My story has legs but not a voice,I’ve methodically shut it down.Denial is my drug of choice;If you don’t swim you can’t drown.

My story reveals how far I’ve comeAnd just how far I’ve fallen.It tells of the darkness my fear came fromAnd how much joy was stolen.

My story, held in, is crippling me,Increasing my wall of defense,Stopping me from being free,And accentuating my mask.

My story just might mean something,May heal another’s heart,Might give someone a sense of belonging,May lead to a brand-new start. My story, hidden, is still true.Sharing doesn’t make it more real.I know now what I need to do,Despite the fears I feel.

My story is decidedly more;A means of revealing God’s glory.I must have faith Christ will restoreThe parts that are lost and empty.

For my story was never really mine.I’m not the villain or the hero.The hero is He whose will is divine,The writer of all my tomorrows.

The story of my past will forever beA part of who, but not all that I am.For the Spirit of God now lives in meAnd His story has no end.

— April Erhardt ✞

My StoryBY APRIL ERHARDT

POETRY


From the Poet’s Heart:

I cannot remember a time when I did not believe in God and in His son, Jesus Christ, but growing up, my faith was not evident in my life choices. Seven of those years I spent as a hospital corpsman in the

Navy, far from God, a disobedient daughter, confessing with my mouth but not my heart. At 28 years old, 3 years into my second marriage, my husband deployed to Iraq and caring for my first child, I found myself without hope and depressed. I began to pray for my marriage, my mental health, my life.

But my relationship with God still was based only on my head knowl-edge of Him. I gradually began practicing obedience to the Lord: attend-ing church, tithing, serving, praising God, and finally studying His word. In 2014, at age 35, the book of Ruth presented in a Pastor’s Bible study opened my eyes, and the knowledge in my head moved to my heart. I surrendered myself completely to God and His will. I now obey when I feel His promptings: facilitating Bible studies, leading Alpha, sharing my poetry, and most importantly, placing Christ as the center of my story. I am a work of imperfect progress in need of God’s grace daily and I wouldn’t change a thing.

“Even though Jesus was God’s son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8, NLT).

April Erhardt, originally from Wisconsin, is married to a Marine who is stationed at MCB Quantico. They live in Stafford and have a ten-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter. April and her husband are active members of Mount Ararat Baptist Church.

Just as we see the beauty of a bee on a flower, God sees beauty in a life that’s devoted to Him.


There is something extraordinary that attracts people to the hobby (in some cases the necessity) of

vegetable gardening, and that attrac-tion might be considered greatest among those who believe in God the Creator. The attraction is simply this: gardening offers a constant witness to the miraculous. From a seed smaller than 1/8” in diameter and weighing about .0001 of an ounce comes forth a robust plant that may bear 25 pounds of tomatoes over a three or four month period of time. Watching that beau-tiful, miraculous process take place is like watching the universe’s Great Creator at work. Utter amazement is produced from dirt.

But let’s think about the impressive irony packed into this astounding pro-cess. The genesis of progression from the insignificantly small to the incred-ibly grand and vital must take place in something that is profoundly dead.

In many ways, we too are like mirac-ulous plants in a garden. As John 12:24 says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (NASB). The tomato

seed must die in order for life to spring forth from it, there must be nothing remaining of its former apparent vitali-ty. It must become absolutely nothing, absent the elements of soil, water, and air that help make it into new produc-tive life once again. Life, of necessity, comes from death. How does this occur in our own lives?

When we become Christians, God no longer counts our sins against us. In essence our sinful natures are dead, as Romans 6:11 says, “we are dead to sin.” Since we have died to our sins at the time of our salvation, we might think that’s the end of sin dying within us. But Paul says in

Romans 8:13 that we have to “put to death the misdeeds of the body,” that is, defeat the sin within us, daily, using the power of the Holy Spirit. When we die to our sin, like garden plants, we are fit to bear fruit for God, as Romans 7:4-6 tells us.

Paul dynamically spread the gospel in a hostile world, yet he found it nec-essary to bear the element of dying to sin constantly in his life. He recognized that the sin-filled weaknesses of mind, flesh and spirit were limiting his ability

to be what God called him to be—and Paul was among those responsible for the evangelization of the entire known world! But he also owned the mirac-ulous grace that ultimately mitigates those weaknesses, seeing in it life and peace (Romans 8:6). For Paul it was the very presence of the propensity to sin that motivated him to seek the kingdom and to live the life of freedom offered in the Spirit. It is because of the sin within him that he diligently worked to glorify Christ in his mind and body.

The miracle of a dead seed turning into a beautiful plant is amazing. But even more amazing is the life and grace we receive when we die to our sins. My prayer is that we will experi-ence grace as we die to our sins daily, and consistently find that to be mirac-ulously fulfilling, to the glory of God. ✞

Rick Yost is Superintendent of Fredericksburg Christian Schools (Stafford, Spotsyl-vania and Fredericksburg campuses) and loves

gardening, fishing, hunting, Virginia Tech football, and spending quiet moments at home with his wife Sherry.

Simultaneously Living and DyingBY RICK YOST

FLOURISHING IN FAITH

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one an-other above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

Being a good husband or wife is a lot like being a good cook.

Any cook using the same recipe and instructions can produce a dish that tastes entirely different from another’s. Why is this?

Well, attention to detail is one characteristic that distin-guishes a good cook from an average one.

Take fried apples for example. All you need are apples, sugar, butter and cinnamon. But, not every cook prepares them the same. I cook mine on high (I want them caramel-ized) and I never put a lid on the pan or they get mushy. If you take the same ingredients, cook them on low with a cover, you get a dish that doesn’t resemble mine at all. The same recipe produces a totally different result.

The same is true between a good spouse and an average spouse. There are hundreds of recipes for being a good hus-band or wife using the same few ingredients: love, respect, communication, intimacy, time, service, and prayer. Even if the recipe is followed without one ingredient omitted, the outcome can be totally different.

If you love in proportion to what is given you, the recipe will not rise to the fullest. Our key verse, Romans 12:10, tells us to be devoted in love. The word love as used here is an unconditional one with no expectation of it in return. Love with every ounce of your being and when you have given all, squeeze even more out.

I grew up lacking an understanding of respect. I loved my husband, but didn’t respect all of his ideas or his role in our family. But through reading Scripture, God showed me the importance of respecting my husband. In fact, Romans 12:10 encourages us to honor others by thinking more highly of them than ourselves. This meant I had to stop thinking my way was the only way! Once I learned to listen to my husband Dale before reacting, and respect his thoughts, I learned to appreciate his wisdom, and discov-ered that he is worthy of my respect.

Communication is the delicate balance of listening and talking. Listen not only with your ears but with your heart. One author broke down our key verse by saying, “They should speak honorably of each other … and discourage that evil practice of whisperings, backbitings, and innuen-dos; they should treat each other with honor and respect in their common conversation.”* Allow nothing to hinder this vital ingredient, including interrupting, assuming, or dig-

ging up past conversations. Your spouse needs to know you care about his or her every thought, goal, and burden.

Do not neglect intimacy! An ingredient that should never be neglected, it makes the other ingredients gel together into the perfect recipe.

I’m not the perfect housekeeper, but I try my best. Serving my husband by keeping our home organized and clean, cooking meals he enjoys, and creating an atmosphere of love makes my recipe great!

Time with your spouse is a vital ingredient too. So I try to go everywhere Dale goes whenever possible. When our five girls were little we would all hop in the vehicle to get gas or pick up nails from the hardware store just to be with him.

Many nights I wake up and while he sleeps, I watch him and pray. I pray for his health, his work, and his dreams to be fulfilled. Make time each day to regularly pray for your spouse, and sprinkle in prayers throughout your day as well. The Lord will be faithful to answer.

The Good Spouse RecipeBY SHARON GLASGOW

MARRIAGE MATTERS



Karen J. Hicks, D.D.S.

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Family and Cosmetic DentistryFamily and Cosmetic DentistryThe Good Spouse Recipe is about being devoted to one an-other in love and honoring each other above our own selves. I’ve noticed that the more I put into the recipe, the more I get out of it … and the stronger my marriage is. The stronger it becomes, the less work it is. My desire to love becomes great-er, the ability to respect becomes second nature, communica-tion becomes like-minded, intimacy is sweeter, and time with him is my desire, not a duty.

The secret to The Good Spouse Recipe: do not neglect one ingredient. It will be how deliberate you are with the finer details that will determine the outcome. ✞

Sharon Glasgow and her husband Dale own the Glasgow Farm in Stafford County. They’ve lived in the area for over 20 years raising their five daughters. Sharon is a writer and speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Visit her blog for more

encouragement: www.sharonglasgow.com.

Love with every ounce of your being and when you

have given all, squeeze even more out.

Listen not only with your ears but with your heart.

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS: We are always looking for great photos of the beautiful Rappahannock region or local church and charitable activities. Email submissions welcome.

ADVERTISING: TCC would not be possible without God’s help, and also our advertisers who believe God’s love and message should be shared throughout the region. If you’d like to be a part of that message, please call 540-845-3787 or email [email protected].

INTERESTED IN SHARING A STORY? TCC welcomes submissions from the community Please email inquiries

Aquia’s Table2938 Jefferson Davis HighwayStafford, VA 22554540-659-4007❙◗ www.aquiachurch.com

Bethany Christian Services5610 Southpoint Centre Blvd.Suite 107 Fredericksburg, VA 22407540-373-5165❙◗ www.bethany.org/ fredericksburg

The Brisben Center471 Central Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-899-9853❙◗ www.brisbencenter.org

Central VirginiaJustice Initiative1-866-620-2889, Ext. 1❙◗ www.centralvajusticeinitiative.com❙◗ email: [email protected]

Compassion Restoration MinistriesP.O. Box 1074Stafford, VA 22556-9998540-841-4502❙◗ www.compassionrestoration.com

Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center1616 Stafford Ave.Fredericksburg, VA 22401540-370-1800❙◗ www.Fredericksburg PregnancyCenter.org

Gideons International(Stafford Campus)P.O. Box 3361Stafford, VA 22555 540-737-8352❙◗ www.gideons.org

Greater Habitat for Humanity2376 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-891-4401 ❙◗ www.fredhab.org

The Hope Center32 Bells Hill Road, Stafford, VA 22554540-720-3663 ❙◗ www.staffordhopecenter.org

Micah Ecumenical Ministries1013 Princess Anne StreetFredericksburg, VA 22401540-479-4116❙◗ www.dolovewalk.net

S.E.R.V.E.15 Upton RoadStafford, VA 22554540-288-9603❙◗ www.serve-helps.org

Stafford JunctionP.O. Box 5405Fredericksburg, VA 22403540-368-0081❙◗ www.staffordjunction.org ✞


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Your Guide to Local Charities & Ministries

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Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church1732 Brooke Road Stafford, VA 22554 540-659-2461❙◗ andrewchapelumc-staffordva.com

Aquia Episcopal Church2938 Jefferson Davis HighwayStafford, VA 22554540-659-4007❙◗ www.aquiachurch.com

Berea Baptist Church28 Fleet RoadFredericksburg, VA 22406540-752-4406❙◗ www.BereaBaptistChurchVa.org

Community Baptist Church44 Lorenzo DriveFalmouth, VA 22405540-373-4738❙◗ www.communitybaptist.biz

Cornerstone Baptist Church56 McWhirt Loop Fredericksburg, VA 22406 540-373-6245❙◗ www.cssbchurch.org

Ebenezer United Methodist Church161 Embrey Mill RoadStafford, VA 22554540-659-1349❙◗ www.ebenezerumc.org

Encounter Church12240 Five Mile Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-786-3335❙◗ www.encountercog.com

Falmouth Baptist Church302 Colonial Ave Falmouth, VA 22405 540-373-8050❙◗ www.falmouthbaptist.net

Ferry Farm Baptist Church1 Westmoreland DriveFredericksburg, VA 22405540-371-2954❙◗ www.ferryfarmbc.org

Foundation ChurchP.O. Box 791, Stafford, VA 22555 540-288-2009❙◗ www.foundation-ministries.org

Fredericksburg Full Gospel Church708 Prince Edward Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-850-9009❙◗ ww.fredfullgospel.com

Grace United Methodist Church13056 Elk Ridge RoadFredericksburg VA 22406540-752-5462❙◗ www.GraceUMCHartwood.net

Hartwood Presbyterian Church50 Hartwood Church RoadFredericksburg, VA 22406540-752-4671❙◗ www.hartwoodpresbyterian.com

Highway Assembly of God2221 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg VA 22401 540-371-4343❙◗ www.highwayag.org

Hope Chapel29 Stafford AvenueStafford, VA 22554540-207-9836❙◗ www.hopechapelsva.org

Hope of Christ PCAMeeting at Stafford Seventh Day Adventist Church 550 Joshua Rd,, Stafford, VA 22556 ❙◗ www.hopeofchrist.net

Hope Presbyterian Church11121 Leavells Road Fredericksburg, Va 22407 540-898-4673❙◗ www.HopeChurchVA.org

Horizons Church12 Flatford RoadStafford, VA 22554540-288-0018❙◗ www.horizonschurch.com

Iglesia Cristiana El Getsemani1739 Jefferson Davis HighwayStafford, VA 22554703-546-4662❙◗ www.elgetsemani.org

Journey Fellowship1120 International Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22406 540-295-0965 ❙◗ www.journeyfredericksburg.com

Living Hope Lutheran Church325 Courthouse RoadStafford, VA 22554540- 657-4105❙◗ www.livinghopestafford.org

Mount Ararat Baptist Church1112 Garrisonville RoadStafford, VA 22556540-659-2554❙◗ www.mtararat.org

Mount Hope Baptist Church6823 Harrison Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-786-4274❙◗ www.mthopeva.org

Mount Olive Baptist Church395 Mount Olive RoadStafford, VA 22555540-752-4296❙◗ mobcstafford.com

New City Fellowship of Fredericksburg (PCA)200 Prince Edward Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-899-5349❙◗ www.newcityfellowship.org

New Hope United Methodist Church164 New Hope Church RoadFredericksburg, VA 22405540-370-4875❙◗ www.newhopeva.com

New Life Community Church1449 Courthouse RoadStafford, VA 22554540-659-5356❙◗ www.new-life.net

North Stafford Church of Christ500 Shelton Shop RoadStafford, VA 22554540-659-2456❙◗ www.nscofc.org

Now Faith Fellowship & Deliverance Ministries29 Stafford Ave. Stafford VA, 22554 540-300-1318❙◗ [email protected]

Ramoth Baptist Church478 Ramoth Church Road Stafford, VA 22554 540-659-4588 ❙◗ www.rbcstafford.org

Regester Chapel United Methodist Church85 Bells Hill RoadStafford, VA 22554540-659-2642❙◗ www.regesterchapel.com

Richland Baptist Church2482 Warrenton Road Fredericksburg, VA 22406 540-752-9352❙◗ richlandbaptist.com

RegionalChurch Directory

continued on page 28


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Serving the Community Since 1978

409 Chatham Square Office ParkFredericksburg, VA 22405

(540) 371-4131fredericksburgoms.com

Rock Hill Baptist Church12 Van Horn LaneStafford, VA 22556540-752-0336❙◗ www.rockhillbaptistchurch.org

Salem Fields Community Church 11120 Gordon RoadFredericksburg, VA 22407(540) 786-6212❙◗ www.salemfields.com

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church250 Stafford Lakes ParkwayFredericksburg, VA 22406540-373-6491❙◗ www.stmaryfred.org

St. Matthias United Methodist Church426 Deacon RoadFredericksburg, VA 22405540-373-8759❙◗ www.stmatthiasumc.org

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church1201 Courthouse RoadStafford, VA 22554540-659-6366❙◗ www.splctoday.org

Stafford County Christian Church1813 Mountain View RoadStafford, VA 22554540-720-2959❙◗ www.staffordcountyccc.org

Summit Presbyterian Church256 Shelton Shop RoadStafford VA 22556540-659-2306❙◗ www.summitpresbyterianchurch.org

Temple Baptist Church300 White Oak RoadFredericksburg, VA 22405540-373-0944❙◗ www.aboutTBC.org

Zoe Life Christian Faith Center6326 Five Mile Centre ParkSuite #422 Fredericksburg, Va 22407 703-209-3394 ❙◗ www.zoelifecfc.org ✞

RegionalChurch Directory continued

If you would like to be included in this directory, please contact Colleen Geyer at 540-845-3787 or [email protected]

Winning Image

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Date post:	27-Jul-2016
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Spring 2016

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