Tag: churches
Church leader charged with sexual assault
A 61-year-old former youth leader at St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Annandale was arrested July 20 for multiple sexual assaults against a juvenile, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. A member of the victim’s family notified police last month that Thomas Weaver assaulted a juvenile. Detectives executed a search of Weaver’s residence in Fairfax, … Continued
Religious group marches through Annandale
If you were driving around central Annandale Sunday afternoon, you might have seen a group of about 35 people marching with “Believe in the Lord Jesus” signs and stopping at various spots to pray in Korean. They were from Washington Bethlehem Church. Pastor Joseph No said their objective was “to bless the land of Annandale.” … Continued
Planning Commission endorses affordable housing in Seven Corners
The Fairfax County Planning Commission approved a Comprehensive Plan amendment March 23 that would allow First Christian Church on Leesburg Pike in Seven Corners to develop 113 affordable, age-restricted, multifamily housing units. At a Planning Commission hearing last week, several residents of the Ravenwood Park neighborhood spoke about severe flooding during storms and expressed fears … Continued
Planning Commission defers decision on affordable housing
After listening to residents’ horror stories about flooding, the Fairfax County Planning Commission deferred a decision on a proposal by First Christian Church to build 113 units of affordable housing for seniors. The Planning Commission will vote March 23 on whether to endorse an amendment of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan, which is needed for … Continued
Church members oppose solitary confinement
About 20 people gathered in the parking lot of Annandale United Methodist Church Sunday afternoon to advocate for an end to solitary confinement in Virginia prisons and offer prayers for prisoners held in isolation. Similar events were held at faith institutions across the state, including Peace Lutheran Church in Lincolnia and Temple Rodef Shalom in … Continued
Former Annandale priest charged with sexual abuse
Former priest Terry Specht [Complicit Clergy] A former Annandale priest, Terry Specht, has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor. An indictment handed down by a grand jury on Dec. 20 charges Specht with indecent liberties and aggravated sexual battery.
Lincolnia church opens its doors to Afghani refugees
Rev. Sarah Scherschligt of Peace Lutheran Church officially opens a refugee resettlement center at the church. Peace Lutheran Church is extending its welcome to Afghani refugees through the opening of a new refugee resettlement center in its building operated by the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). Many of the refugees evacuated from Afghanistan after … Continued
Scammers impersonating church pastors request gift cards
A phishing scheme targeted members of this Annandale church. Local churches are warning their members about phishing scams in which a scammer impersonates the pastor and asks people to send gift cards for those in need. Hope Lutheran Church in Annandale was struck three times by this type of scam – a year-and-a-half ago, this past … Continued
Boy Scout Troop 150 could lose its charter with Annandale United Methodist Church
Troop 150 takes part in a Memorial Day ceremony in front of Annandale United Methodist Church. [AUMC] The following piece is a lightly edited version of an article published in Braddock Buzz. By Austin Wright Boy Scout Troop 150, based at Annandale United Methodist Church, is at risk of losing its charter with AUMC over a … Continued
Church collects supplies for Haiti
In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Lincolnia is collecting much-needed supplies. Community members can drop off items on Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-noon, at the church parking lot at 6477 Lincolnia Road. Donations can also be dropped off at the church on weekdays, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Annandale United Methodist Church restores Little White Church for its 175th anniversary
Annandale United Methodist Church is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year by restoring and rejuvenating the Little White Church, an Annandale landmark established in 1846. The old church is on Columbia Pike at Gallows Road, adjacent to the much larger and newer AUMC building.
Afghan refugees face big challenges; volunteers help them adjust to life in the U.S.
Volunteers help children with art projects at the Homework Club. Newly arrived refugees from Afghanistan often have to build a new life starting from scratch. “We left everything behind,” says N, who fled Kabul with his family last month as the Taliban took over the country. [We’re using initials rather than names to protect refugees’ … Continued
Local churches stepping up aid for Afghan refugees
Volunteers work with children in the Homework Club. Church members who’ve been aiding refugees from Afghanistan for years are stepping up their support as many more Afghanis fleeing the Taliban are expected to settle in Northern Virginia. A group of churches that are members of the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) formed a Homework … Continued
St. Ambrose demolition to start in August
An illustration of the new St. Ambrose church. Demolition of St. Ambrose Catholic Church’s main church building is expected to start in August. It will be replaced by a new church on the same footprint. The new church, at 3901 Woodburn Road, Annandale, is expected to be completed in winter 2022-23.
Supervisors approve rezoning to allow Heritage Mission Center to expand services to Annandale residents
Bags of food at the Heritage Mission Center for families in need. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on July 13 approved a rezoning application to allow the trustees of Annandale United Methodist Church to expand services at their Heritage Mission Center at 7901 Heritage Drive. The property had been split-zoned C-5 and R-20. The … Continued