James 2:26 says, "As the body is dead without the spirit, so faith without works is dead."
In two Sundays, Washington Plaza is going to engage in a yearly tradition in the Reston community again: Works Sunday.
Begun 15 years ago by a seminary intern at a local Reston church with a dream to find a way to bring faith communities of all sorts together, Works Sunday has brought people from all walks of life together in a simple purpose: doing good works. In the spirit of the message of the epistle of James, this community service emphasis day gives all people of faith in our community to show the life-giving power of our faith. There's more uniting us than dividing us afterall. Washington Plaza folks are happy to be among some of the few churches which have been a part of this day from the beginning.
On Sunday, we'll be asking every member and regular attendee of the congregation to make a committment to do one thing on the following list of projects we are supporting. Beginning thinking about it now, what your commitment to Works Sunday might be this year. Every project is different and requires varying levels of commitment based on what you have to give.
How You Can Help:
- Bring a dish for the Lake Anne Fellowship House meal on Sunday at noon: an opportunity to share food and fellowship with some of our senior neighbors. See Nancy Mohl.
- Support the Embry Rucker Homeless Shelter by bringing men or women’s NEW underwear or t-shirts or socks to church between now and August 15th. Place them in the “Works Sunday” box in the foyer of the church.
- Support Reston Interfaith’s Laurel Learning Center by bringing between now and August 15th NEW children’s underwear (sizes 2T and up) and socks for boys Place them in the “Works Sunday” box in the foyer of the church.
- Donate a gift card of any amount from K-Mart or Target to go toward the Fairfax County Abused Women’s Shelter. Place these gift cards in the offering plate on Sunday between now and August 15th.
- Volunteer your time and talents at the community health fair at First Baptist Church of Herndon (681 Elden Street, Herndon) from 1:30-4:40 pm. See Nancy Davis. Translators are needed for those who come and don’t speak English. Three folks are needed to volunteer to assist guiding those who visit the fair to the various medical stations
- Give Blood anytime after church until 4:30 pm at the INOVA bloodmobile at the Northern VA Hebrew Congregation (1441 Wiehle Ave, Reston). Just come!
- Hand out flyers at local Safeway/ Giant stores asking shoppers for donations of specific canned food items. Volunteers are asked to work 2-hour shifts. See Nancy Davis to learn more.
I'm looking forward to this great day of service already!
