On June 14, at Falls Church Anglican, the Rev John Yates announced the purchase of a large property as they plan for a new building for Christian ministry. With grateful emotion, Yates called this an "amazing moment." With moments of quiet joy, the church prayed for a group of men and women particularly helpful to carrying out the work of raising the money and purchasing the building. Yates' announcement was indeed momentous. The Falls Church Anglican had recently raised $11.2 million dollars for a down payment on a building and has now purchased the new building. Yates calls this their "time of Tabernacling" and thanks the "team of incredibly dedicated, wonderfully knowledgeable person who love the Lord, love The Falls Church Anglican" and "have been exploring options for a new location for us." Yates continues, "I don't really know how we could adequately thank them for the thousands of hours they have given to God in this venture."

Yates had sent out a June 8 email to the congregation saying, "We closed today on our new property" and referred to this as a "momentous event in our church history." He continued, "I have been deeply grateful throughout this amazing process . . . for the way the congregation stepped up and into the business of Tabernacling, which has been extremely demanding."

The Falls Church Anglican needs this space. On June 14 after the three morning church services, vestry leaders met with all those interested to know the details of the building plans. Happy pandemonium was everywhere. Kids ran off to attend the large Sunday Schools. The bulletin advertised a position for Ministry Coordinator. Members ran classes for those needing to understand the new church website, while people prayed with all those who wanted healing prayer. One group offered information about international adoptions while another raised money to help with the Nepal earthquake. The church offered sign-ups for its marriage encounter classes and confirmation classes. Members were leaving to help the Diocese of Singapore at an English Language Camp. Plans were in motion for "Guys Go camping." At the same service, Yates announced they were sending an assistant clergy off to study and work on his PhD as this young minister prepares for a future role in the church.

Yet this was a slower summer Sunday. During the school year, life is even busier when hundreds of middle and high school kids attend their youth programs every Sunday evening.

Three years ago the Falls Church Anglican were forced to leave their property after the legal loss of their property to the Episcopal Church. For three years, this large congregation has journeyed from school to school renting a place to worship. Even with their challenges, they filled high school auditoriums with crowds of worshippers. They planted what they call "daughter churches." Their active youth groups thrived and their ministries continued.

Throughout these years of testing they looked to their future with hope. Their faith has borne fruit. Now the faithful Anglicans at this parish lead the congregation through a resurrection with a new large building and new hopeful plans.

http://fcnp.com/2015/06/18/expelled-from-historic-falls-church-anglican-defectors-buy-new-site/

Sarah Francis Ives is an Episcopal priest, published author and a regular contributor to Virtueonline