On Saturday, September 17, parishioners of All Saints’ Church walked the nearly 5 mile stretch from their  former church building on Saratoga Lane to the new church on Gideon Drive. The march began with prayer and praise as children and adults left the old parking lot, too small to handle the Sunday morning traffic, and ended with laughter, clapping, and cheering upon entering the new parking lot, large enough to hold more than double the capacity of the new building. Once at the new building, several hundred parishioners gathered to celebrate the fulfillment of a 10 year vision with the annual church picnic and tours of the new facility.

The Rev. Daniel C. Morgan refers to this new church building as a “ministry tool.” The church body remains the same, but the church building used to accomplish God’s will is new and exciting. During the time of transition Fr. Dan reminded the congregation that God has brought All Saints’ to a place of new beginnings, not a destination. In a prominent location, the church is visible from one of the main roads to and from Potomac Mills Mall (one of the largest tourist destinations in Virginia). Therefore, the church experiences a more public profile than previously, when the church was nestled behind a quiet neighborhood.

As a result, many visitors showed up for the very first services on Sunday, September 18. In one week, All Saints’ experienced a nearly 30 percent increase in attendance. What an exciting season All Saints’ is experiencing! Please pray for All Saints’ Church, that God’s calling to be overflowing with His love and healing power would manifest fully in all that the church says and does in the new community!

A side note: You are invited to the Church Dedication and Celebration weekend!! Friday & Saturday, October 7 and 8. There will be live concerts, a car show, and activities for children. Details are on the All Saints’ Church website: www.allsaintswoodbridge.org.