We're wrapping up preparations for our Spring 2011 40 Days for Life campaign . . .
. . . but I wanted to let you know . . .
. . . this is your last chance to attend sidewalk counseling training (Thursday, 6:30-9pm)!
This event, led by counselor Dick Retta, is informative, motivating, and valuable for prayer warriors as well as sidewalk counselors.
About 50 people have gone through training so far. Join the crowd, and see you then!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Training Report
I'm sure you would have agreed: we had a great sidewalk counseling training session last night! I was so happy to attend Dick's training a second time, and learn more about counseling each time I attend. Dick's third and final training is on the 24th, and I'm hoping to get more details, strategies, and techniques as I listen in. Even without becoming a full-time sidewalk counselor, these trainings will help me be a better prayer warrior at the vigil, and more sensitive to the various situations that we regularly encounter there.
Several attendees made positive comments. Claire noted that she enjoyed the fellowship and met a local pro-lifer. Jennifer commented as follows:
Blessings on your day!
Several attendees made positive comments. Claire noted that she enjoyed the fellowship and met a local pro-lifer. Jennifer commented as follows:
"Found that the training was really informative. It's good to know that there are a variety of approaches to counseling to fit the situation. Recommend it highly to people who would like more assistance in taking the first step to sidewalk counseling."Also I would like to share the following feedback from Mary:
In case you are wondering, there are still a few training opportunities remaining (to register, email Sara at jandsdina@cox.net):"I don’t know why it took me so long to finally take action in stopping abortion, but 2011 is the year I am finally doing something. Is this the year the calling and/or desire is for you to take active faith steps too? Then the questions and fears about how and what to say outside an abortion clinic are their own challenge.
"But attending this comprehensive class was tremendously helpful. Dick shared much and offered a tremendous array of useful pro-life resources and information. This class provided much illumination to combat the darkness and deceit of abortion and abortion clinics--plus Dick's and the other attendees’ valuable personal insights enlightened and alleviated my own fears about how to proceed as an effective prayer warrior and/or sidewalk counselor.
"This class supplied a great deal of sound and practical advice, answers, and talking points to get positive outcomes. It strengthened and encouraged me to commit even more to getting involved in helping bring God's love to desperate people contemplating abortion and/or in need of post-abortion healing so instead they choose life and be able to enjoy life more.
"Grateful thanks to Dick, Jacinta, plus all the others working behind the scenes who sponsored it."
- Part I (The Art of Pro-Life Persuasion): Saturday, February 19, 9:30am-12:30pm - St. Lawrence Church, 6222 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310
- Part I (The Art of Pro-Life Persuasion): Sunday, February 20, 3:30-6:30pm - Good Shepherd Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway Alexandria, Virginia 22309 (Note: This training is for Part I ONLY, this will NOT be bilingual or combined with Part II as originally planned. If you want to take part II there is only one option left, on Feb. 24th)
- Part II (Sidewalk Counseling): Thursday, February 24, 6:30-9pm - Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 830 23rd St S Arlington, VA 22202
Blessings on your day!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Training Tonight!
Just a reminder that we have sidewalk counseling training tonight -- your chance to gain tools and confidence you can use at our vigil this spring to help women in distress!
To register, email Sara Dina (jandsdina@cox.net). Click on the link above to view the complete list of sessions. We have only a few of each kind left!
To register, email Sara Dina (jandsdina@cox.net). Click on the link above to view the complete list of sessions. We have only a few of each kind left!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
See You March 6?
Only about two weeks to go before our Kickoff Rally on Sunday, March 6 -- and we're really hoping you'll be able to join us!
You and your family and friends are so important to this effort.
We can't fill our vigil without you, and that's why we're working to make this event BIG for your benefit!
Here are some reasons why you'll definitely want to be present:
So please make it a point to attend and participate -- we're hoping that you'll be there! If you haven't already RSVP'd, please let us know through our invite on Facebook, or simply hit reply on this email.
We're looking forward to seeing you!
You and your family and friends are so important to this effort.
We can't fill our vigil without you, and that's why we're working to make this event BIG for your benefit!
Here are some reasons why you'll definitely want to be present:
- Unite with local pro-lifers to pray and seek God's blessing as we begin our 40 Days for Life this spring
- Get motivated and confident to participate
- Sign up for vigil hours to fill our schedule!
- Come and get your signs, literature, t-shirts, and bumper stickers
- Check out our new items such as hoodies, tote bags, and car magnets!
So please make it a point to attend and participate -- we're hoping that you'll be there! If you haven't already RSVP'd, please let us know through our invite on Facebook, or simply hit reply on this email.
We're looking forward to seeing you!
Friday, February 11, 2011
RIP: Little Anna
I just received news of the death of our young friend Anna. For those of you who had been praying for her, thank you very much. I'm sure she benefited from your prayers. I imagine she is up in heaven looking down on us all now with joy. From what I understand Anna died at 9:36am Friday morning (February 11, 2011) and will be buried this coming Wednesday.
Also today, I got a phone call from one of the national team leaders, Lauren, who will be helping out with campaign strategy for this spring's 40 Days for Life international effort. How wonderful it was to speak with her about previous campaign experiences and some ways to improve our local efforts here in Alexandria, VA! Lauren is a prior leader of one of the largest 40 Days for Life campaigns to date in Dallas, TX, mobilizing around 4,000 people, and she is also an attorney, so she will be a valuable resource to all of us 246 struggling Campaign Coordinators!
Please keep our local campaign efforts in your prayers this weekend as we continue our door-to-door pre-campaign outreach on Saturday, and begin our first parish recruiting efforts at St. Lawrence Church Saturday and Sunday. Help us spread the word to anyone who may be interested in praying with us! Copies of our Spring 2011 Flyer and Kickoff Rally Invitation may be downloaded at our web site at www.40daysforlife.com/alexandria.
Also today, I got a phone call from one of the national team leaders, Lauren, who will be helping out with campaign strategy for this spring's 40 Days for Life international effort. How wonderful it was to speak with her about previous campaign experiences and some ways to improve our local efforts here in Alexandria, VA! Lauren is a prior leader of one of the largest 40 Days for Life campaigns to date in Dallas, TX, mobilizing around 4,000 people, and she is also an attorney, so she will be a valuable resource to all of us 246 struggling Campaign Coordinators!
Please keep our local campaign efforts in your prayers this weekend as we continue our door-to-door pre-campaign outreach on Saturday, and begin our first parish recruiting efforts at St. Lawrence Church Saturday and Sunday. Help us spread the word to anyone who may be interested in praying with us! Copies of our Spring 2011 Flyer and Kickoff Rally Invitation may be downloaded at our web site at www.40daysforlife.com/alexandria.
URGENT! Act Monday to Defund Planned Parenthood
Please see forwarded message below from experienced sidewalk counselor Ruby Nicdao and consider participating in this Monday event:
This requires us to take rapid action, but will show Planned Parenthood -- and the media -- the power of pro-life America to bring about vital change!
Let's act quickly to make sure Planned Parenthood is held accountable for its willingness to aid and abet underage sex trafficking -- and let's tell Congress that the time has come to DEFUND PLANNED PARENTHOOD!
Hope to see you Monday at Noon!
For Life,
Ruby Nicdao
P.S.- Need more info about the vigils? Visit:
http://www.ExposePlannedParenthood.com/vigil
*****************************************************
Please forward this important message to family,
friends, co-workers, church members -- everyone!
*****************************************************
Please forward this important message to family,
friends, co-workers, church members -- everyone!
******************************
Dear Friends,
Are you sick and tired of Planned Parenthood getting $363 MILLION of taxpayer funding a year -- while aiding and abetting illegal underage sex trafficking and killing babies for profit?
Then it's time for us to take a public stand to tell Congress: "NO MORE TAX $ FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD!"
This coming Monday, February 14, is our chance.
"Vigils for Victims" of underage sex trafficking will be held outside Planned Parenthood offices coast-to- coast from Noon to 1 PM.
We're holding a local vigil and I need you there, if at all possible! Here are the details...
******************************
WHO: YOU! And everyone we know!
WHAT: "Vigil for Victims" outside Planned Parenthood
DATE: Monday, February 14
TIME: 12 Noon to 1 PM
WHERE: 370 S Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
See this site for suggested signs - or make your own signs.
http://www.
******************************************************
It's totally peaceful, legal, and prayerful.
Even if you can only come out for a quick lunch break, we can make a profound impact!
Here's a bit more about what's going on...
For the last two weeks, the national media has been abuzz with the shocking story of the undercover sting operation that caught abortion giant Planned Parenthood red-handed in the despicable act of aiding and abetting human trafficking and prostitution of girls as young as 14.
Numerous undercover videos have now been released, documenting Planned Parenthood workers at multiple locations across several states assuring an undercover investigator posing as a pimp that the organization would secretly provide abortions and other services to underage victims of trafficking, facilitating their exploitation.
Federal law is clear: "Sex trafficking of minors is a federal crime and punishable by imprisonment for 10 years to life." (18 U.S. Code 1591) Additionally, "any person who aids abets, or counsels a federal crime to be committed may be punished as if they had committed the crime themselves." (18 U.S. Code 2)
The institution-wide scandal has now reached the highest levels at Planned Parenthood, with top executives making the appalling claim that their workers who were caught on video facilitating underage sex slavery "responded professionally."
After receiving a record $363 MILLION in taxpayer funds last year, Planned Parenthood's president Cecile Richards then had the audacity to send out an urgent appeal for abortion advocates to contact Congress -- so the organization can rake in even MORE of your hard-earned tax dollars!
And if that wasn't enough, now Planned Parenthood is attempting to hijack Valentine's Day as a marketing gimmick to expand its harmful agenda, shove condoms into the hands of our children, and lure even more vulnerable victims into its facilities.
*** ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! ***
It is vital for us to act swiftly and take a public stand against Planned Parenthood's harmful agenda -- raising awareness in our community, and calling upon Congress to IMMEDIATELY strip the abortion chain of all tax funding.
That's why I'm asking you to join me this Monday, February 14, at our local "Vigil for Victims" during the Noon hour in the public right of way outside the Planned Parenthood office at:
370 S. Washington Street,
Even if you can only come out for a quick lunch break, we can make a profound impact!
Here's a bit more about what's going on...
For the last two weeks, the national media has been abuzz with the shocking story of the undercover sting operation that caught abortion giant Planned Parenthood red-handed in the despicable act of aiding and abetting human trafficking and prostitution of girls as young as 14.
Numerous undercover videos have now been released, documenting Planned Parenthood workers at multiple locations across several states assuring an undercover investigator posing as a pimp that the organization would secretly provide abortions and other services to underage victims of trafficking, facilitating their exploitation.
Federal law is clear: "Sex trafficking of minors is a federal crime and punishable by imprisonment for 10 years to life." (18 U.S. Code 1591) Additionally, "any person who aids abets, or counsels a federal crime to be committed may be punished as if they had committed the crime themselves." (18 U.S. Code 2)
The institution-wide scandal has now reached the highest levels at Planned Parenthood, with top executives making the appalling claim that their workers who were caught on video facilitating underage sex slavery "responded professionally."
After receiving a record $363 MILLION in taxpayer funds last year, Planned Parenthood's president Cecile Richards then had the audacity to send out an urgent appeal for abortion advocates to contact Congress -- so the organization can rake in even MORE of your hard-earned tax dollars!
And if that wasn't enough, now Planned Parenthood is attempting to hijack Valentine's Day as a marketing gimmick to expand its harmful agenda, shove condoms into the hands of our children, and lure even more vulnerable victims into its facilities.
*** ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! ***
It is vital for us to act swiftly and take a public stand against Planned Parenthood's harmful agenda -- raising awareness in our community, and calling upon Congress to IMMEDIATELY strip the abortion chain of all tax funding.
That's why I'm asking you to join me this Monday, February 14, at our local "Vigil for Victims" during the Noon hour in the public right of way outside the Planned Parenthood office at:
370 S. Washington Street,
Falls Church VA 22046
This requires us to take rapid action, but will show Planned Parenthood -- and the media -- the power of pro-life America to bring about vital change!
Let's act quickly to make sure Planned Parenthood is held accountable for its willingness to aid and abet underage sex trafficking -- and let's tell Congress that the time has come to DEFUND PLANNED PARENTHOOD!
Hope to see you Monday at Noon!
For Life,
Ruby Nicdao
P.S.- Need more info about the vigils? Visit:
http://www.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
One Month Away from Kickoff!
Did you realize we are now less than one month away from Day 1 and the start of our spring 2011 40 Days for Life campaign? If you will be able to attend our March 6 Kickoff Rally, and sign up for vigil hours, please mark your calendar now for these important events! You may also wish to take advantage of the remaining training opportunities that are available to you, and join us in going door-to-door. We're looking forward to a great campaign!
Parish signup weekends will be held at the following churches over the next few weeks: Blessed Sacrament, Queen of Apostles, St. Lawrence, St. Joseph, St. Mary, St. Rita, and Good Shepherd. If you attend one of these parishes and can help with the signup weekend, it would be greatly appreciated. If your church or group is not on this list and you would like to be included, please contact Keith Bea, our church coordinator, as soon as possible (keithalanbea@gmail.com).
On a national level, it is very exciting to report once again a record enrollment for the spring: 243 cities around the globe. This figure points to a true "tipping point" in the battle for life. As I understand, the spring campaign tends to have a slight drop in enrollment, but this spring enrollment is not only larger than last fall, but the largest ever! We're excited to be a part of this enthusiasm!
I close my letter to you today with a special prayer that I will be praying throughout the course of the 40 Days, and even during our time of preparation. This prayer is taken from the national web site, and is acceptable for members of any Christian denomination. I invite you to join me in praying this prayer daily as we complete our last month of active preparation for the spring campaign:
40 Days for Life Campaign Prayer
Lord Jesus, you gave sight to the blind and made the dumb speak. Give me the faith to trust you and stand for the most defenseless of your children.
You know every hair on my head and you have infinite love for every person who has been hurt by abortion. Give me and all of my fellow brothers and sisters the courage to embrace you with open arms and to take your love into the world for the least of our brethren.
May I be an instrument of your love and compassion in this 40 Days for Life campaign, and to you may all glory be given.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Parish signup weekends will be held at the following churches over the next few weeks: Blessed Sacrament, Queen of Apostles, St. Lawrence, St. Joseph, St. Mary, St. Rita, and Good Shepherd. If you attend one of these parishes and can help with the signup weekend, it would be greatly appreciated. If your church or group is not on this list and you would like to be included, please contact Keith Bea, our church coordinator, as soon as possible (keithalanbea@gmail.com).
On a national level, it is very exciting to report once again a record enrollment for the spring: 243 cities around the globe. This figure points to a true "tipping point" in the battle for life. As I understand, the spring campaign tends to have a slight drop in enrollment, but this spring enrollment is not only larger than last fall, but the largest ever! We're excited to be a part of this enthusiasm!
I close my letter to you today with a special prayer that I will be praying throughout the course of the 40 Days, and even during our time of preparation. This prayer is taken from the national web site, and is acceptable for members of any Christian denomination. I invite you to join me in praying this prayer daily as we complete our last month of active preparation for the spring campaign:
40 Days for Life Campaign Prayer
Lord Jesus, you gave sight to the blind and made the dumb speak. Give me the faith to trust you and stand for the most defenseless of your children.
You know every hair on my head and you have infinite love for every person who has been hurt by abortion. Give me and all of my fellow brothers and sisters the courage to embrace you with open arms and to take your love into the world for the least of our brethren.
May I be an instrument of your love and compassion in this 40 Days for Life campaign, and to you may all glory be given.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
How to Help the Cause of Life in Virginia
You may appreciate the note below from Alexandria team member Tim McGhee. Tim has listed pending VA legislation on pro-life issues, and easy ways you can voice your support for life:
Legislative
The annual two-month session of the Virginia Legislature is past its halfway point.
The House of Delegates has passed legislation that the Senate needs to pass.
- HB 1428 to implement clinic regulations has been sent to the Senate Education & Health Committee which needs to establish a new history of supporting pro-life legislation.
- HB 1440 to bestow the rights of personhood on unborn children, should be sent to the Senate Courts of Justice Committee but may be sent to Ed & Health as well.
- HB 2147 will prohibit any health insurance sold through a health benefits exchange run by the state from covering abortion (related to the 2010 federal health care law). It should be sent to Senate Commerce & Labor and could also be sent to Ed & Health.
Contacting your state senator in support of these bills would be helpful.
- Find out who your state senators are with your zip code here.
- Contact information is available there as well.
- Express your support for these bills.
Executive
The Virginia Attorney General has said the Virginia Governor has the authority to direct the Secretary of Health and the Health Department to implement abortion clinic regulations now.
- Contacting Governor McDonnell and expressing support for these clinic regulations will help save the lives of women and children. Please contact him today: 804-786-2211.
- Contact your senators in support of HB 1428.
- Contact members of the Senate Education & Health Committee in support of HB 1428.
Please pray for these members, this legislation, and these policies.
Sharing this note with others would also be helpful.
Tim
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Another Baby Saved!
Good news from Germantown! As you may remember, Dr. Leroy Carhart set up his infamous late-term abortion practice there just a few months ago. Well, Grace has this to report from their ongoing prayer vigil efforts:
As Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." We stand in solidarity, prayer, and thanksgiving with Grace and her team in Germantown. Let's also persevere in prayer in our local community as we get ready to begin our fifth local 40 Days for Life prayer vigil here in Alexandria, VA!
Praise God --A beautiful witness at the Monday morning protest at Germantown Mill!
--Over 90 of us gathered at the Germantown Abortion Mill --in peaceful prayer and protest!
--A young woman with her mother arrived to have a scheduled abortion with Carhart.
We cried out to her not to go in and that we were there because we loved her.
We watched her enter the mill and we all turned and bombarded the mill with prayer!
She later came out of the mill and over to us. She told us, "I knew the love was out here and not in there!"
After talking with her, we drove her to Shady Grove Pregnancy Center. She plans to give birth to her baby and is considering adoption.
--She also said that the abortion mill is "disgusting and the people are mean in there."
We will get more information from her on Carhart's practice since we have all her contact numbers.
As you can see the importance of our witness, please come every Monday between 8 and 10 am!
Germantown Reproductive Health Services
13233 Executive Park Terrace
Germantown, MD 20874
Love and blessings,
Grace
--A young woman with her mother arrived to have a scheduled abortion with Carhart.
We cried out to her not to go in and that we were there because we loved her.
We watched her enter the mill and we all turned and bombarded the mill with prayer!
She later came out of the mill and over to us. She told us, "I knew the love was out here and not in there!"
After talking with her, we drove her to Shady Grove Pregnancy Center. She plans to give birth to her baby and is considering adoption.
--She also said that the abortion mill is "disgusting and the people are mean in there."
We will get more information from her on Carhart's practice since we have all her contact numbers.
As you can see the importance of our witness, please come every Monday between 8 and 10 am!
Germantown Reproductive Health Services
13233 Executive Park Terrace
Germantown, MD 20874
Love and blessings,
Grace
As Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." We stand in solidarity, prayer, and thanksgiving with Grace and her team in Germantown. Let's also persevere in prayer in our local community as we get ready to begin our fifth local 40 Days for Life prayer vigil here in Alexandria, VA!
Have You Signed Up for Training Yet?
Only two evening training sessions remain in our line-up, and the remainder of the schedule includes two weekday morning events, one Saturday event, and one Sunday afternoon (bilingual).
Here's what participants have commented about previous trainings:
To register for one or more of the events, email Sara at jandsdina@cox.net.
Here's what participants have commented about previous trainings:
- "Excellent!"
- "Good presentation!"
- "Very helpful!"
To register for one or more of the events, email Sara at jandsdina@cox.net.
Proposed "Heartbeat Bill" Stands Small Chance
Tomorrow's plan to unveil proposed Ohio legislation banning abortion after 18 days due to detectable heartbeat of unborn children has both pro-lifers and pro-choicers up in arms.
"When the Heartbeat Bill passes, it will be the most protective law in the nation," said Janet Folger Porter, president of conservative advocacy group Faith2Action, who helped craft the bill, and was also instrumental in passing the nation's first ban in partial-birth abortion when she was legislative director of Ohio Right to Life.
In contrast, Ohio Right to Life executive director Michael Gonidakis told Fox News, "Unfortunately, the Heartbeat Bill will not survive a court challenge, and therefore not save one life."
However, pro-choicers are adamantly opposed to the bill at any cost: "Our state is facing crushing budget deficits and talking about slashing Medicaid funding for thousands of Ohio women, yet these politicians are focusing on an extreme and unconstitutional bill that, if passed, would entangle our state in a costly legal battle," said Kelly Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio.
Do you think the law is still worth fighting for, even if it stands little chance in the courts? It's time for some team discussion! Read the full article here, and register your comment at http://40daysforlifealexandria.blogspot.com/. We're looking forward to hearing from you!
"When the Heartbeat Bill passes, it will be the most protective law in the nation," said Janet Folger Porter, president of conservative advocacy group Faith2Action, who helped craft the bill, and was also instrumental in passing the nation's first ban in partial-birth abortion when she was legislative director of Ohio Right to Life.
In contrast, Ohio Right to Life executive director Michael Gonidakis told Fox News, "Unfortunately, the Heartbeat Bill will not survive a court challenge, and therefore not save one life."
However, pro-choicers are adamantly opposed to the bill at any cost: "Our state is facing crushing budget deficits and talking about slashing Medicaid funding for thousands of Ohio women, yet these politicians are focusing on an extreme and unconstitutional bill that, if passed, would entangle our state in a costly legal battle," said Kelly Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio.
Do you think the law is still worth fighting for, even if it stands little chance in the courts? It's time for some team discussion! Read the full article here, and register your comment at http://40daysforlifealexandria.blogspot.com/. We're looking forward to hearing from you!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Pre-Campaign Outreach Begins, CWA Interview Posted!
Pre-campaign door-to-door walkers made a great start last weekend with their official walk-launch on Saturday reaching approximately 300 doors in the 2839 Duke Street abortion mill vicinity.
Outreach coordinator Paul Spicer led a small team of veteran and new walkers in the first door-to-door effort of the season, designed to alert people to the upcoming campaign, and invite their participation as well as disseminate facts on the abortion issue. The outreach began in the morning around 9:30am, and continued with a short break for lunch until approximately 4:30pm. Locations covered included streets east of Taylor Run Parkway, quiet residential areas with many small houses.
While many people were not at home, resulting in information being left in or around their doorways, several spoke to walkers directly, expressing gratitude and interest in this information.
Materials distributed included the local 40 Days for Life campaign flyer, an invitation to the kickoff rally (to be held March 6), our signature pro-life supplement, and a brochure about a local CPC, the MaRiH Center.
Our next scheduled outreach opportunity will be this Saturday, beginning at 9:30am at the vigil site. If you have any questions or wish to join the walking group, email Paul.
We also have our first Sidewalk Counseling event scheduled for this Thursday at 9:30am at St. Lawrence Church. Email Sara for more details.
Finally, we have an interview published by Concerned Women for America which is up on their website for all their Virginia residents. Listen to the seven minute interview at http://www.cwfa.org/content.
Outreach coordinator Paul Spicer led a small team of veteran and new walkers in the first door-to-door effort of the season, designed to alert people to the upcoming campaign, and invite their participation as well as disseminate facts on the abortion issue. The outreach began in the morning around 9:30am, and continued with a short break for lunch until approximately 4:30pm. Locations covered included streets east of Taylor Run Parkway, quiet residential areas with many small houses.
While many people were not at home, resulting in information being left in or around their doorways, several spoke to walkers directly, expressing gratitude and interest in this information.
Materials distributed included the local 40 Days for Life campaign flyer, an invitation to the kickoff rally (to be held March 6), our signature pro-life supplement, and a brochure about a local CPC, the MaRiH Center.
Our next scheduled outreach opportunity will be this Saturday, beginning at 9:30am at the vigil site. If you have any questions or wish to join the walking group, email Paul.
We also have our first Sidewalk Counseling event scheduled for this Thursday at 9:30am at St. Lawrence Church. Email Sara for more details.
Finally, we have an interview published by Concerned Women for America which is up on their website for all their Virginia residents. Listen to the seven minute interview at http://www.cwfa.org/content.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Training Begins!
Attendees at Thursday's first Part I training session at Good Shepherd Church reported a successful event, with several volunteers in attendance.
Attendees, totaling seven in number, hailed generally from the Alexandria area, and were mostly older adults, with both men and women in attendance.
Despite the relatively short length of the training period (two hours), the entire training material was presented (normally a 3-4 hour session), and attendees were eager to join in the discussions and share personal thoughts and stories. One attendee emphasized her observation of the need to explain why the unborn child is a person, a point the Part I training session specifically addresses.
Attendees came away with tools and strategies for discussing the pro-life position, as well as pro-life literature and the pocket-sized reference book, "Sharing the Pro-Life Message."
Jonathan Darnel, training presenter, was both impressed and encouraged by the success of last night's turnout. "I'm so glad everyone was able to come out and participate, and I'm looking forward to our next training event!"
The next Part I training event will be tonight, Friday, February 3, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington. Part II training will begin on Thursday, February 10, at 9:30am at St. Lawrence Church in Alexandria.
Training sessions are open not only to Alexandria and Arlington residents, but also to 40 Days for Life volunteers and pro-lifers from the entire NoVA/DC area. To view the session schedule visit http://40daysforlife.com/alexandria/index.cfm?load=event&event=8. To register for a particular session email Sara at jandsdina@cox.net.
Attendees, totaling seven in number, hailed generally from the Alexandria area, and were mostly older adults, with both men and women in attendance.
Despite the relatively short length of the training period (two hours), the entire training material was presented (normally a 3-4 hour session), and attendees were eager to join in the discussions and share personal thoughts and stories. One attendee emphasized her observation of the need to explain why the unborn child is a person, a point the Part I training session specifically addresses.
Attendees came away with tools and strategies for discussing the pro-life position, as well as pro-life literature and the pocket-sized reference book, "Sharing the Pro-Life Message."
Jonathan Darnel, training presenter, was both impressed and encouraged by the success of last night's turnout. "I'm so glad everyone was able to come out and participate, and I'm looking forward to our next training event!"
The next Part I training event will be tonight, Friday, February 3, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington. Part II training will begin on Thursday, February 10, at 9:30am at St. Lawrence Church in Alexandria.
Training sessions are open not only to Alexandria and Arlington residents, but also to 40 Days for Life volunteers and pro-lifers from the entire NoVA/DC area. To view the session schedule visit http://40daysforlife.com/alexandria/index.cfm?load=event&event=8. To register for a particular session email Sara at jandsdina@cox.net.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Mark Your Calendars: Kickoff Rally March 6
You are hereby invited to our Kickoff Rally! I'm excited to announce this event for everyone to attend. If you are volunteering, wish to volunteer, or want to find out more about the fight for life, you don't want to miss out on the fun!
What: 40 Days for Life - Alexandria, VA, Kickoff Rally!
Where: Bishop Ireton High School Auditorium (201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria, VA, 22314 - park in the lot closest to Duke Street)
When: Sunday, March 6, 2011, 3:00pm
The evening will feature remarks from team leaders, Bishop Ireton Chaplain Fr. Perez, and our guest speaker Jimmy Nolan, director of Crossroads Pro-Life.
Come to review team procedures and operations, enjoy refreshments and social time, sign up for vigil and outreach, and pick up your signs and materials!
To RSVP, email Sara at jandsdina@cox.net. We hope you can make it!
Corrected Vigil Calendar Link
Due to an error, a link to the vigil calendar in the previous update did not work. The correct link is http://vigilcalendar.com/alexandria/schedule/weekly/1299391200. All are invited to view the schedule to see the different organizations including churches, Knights of Columbus, and youth group that has committed to parts of the vigil, and to personally sign up for hours.
We especially need commitments for Thursdays, Fridays, and Sunday, March 20!
If you can make a weekly or daily commitment to an hour or two during the 40 days (about 6 weeks), it would be a greatly appreciated contribution towards filling our vigil schedule. For more information or to sign up for hours email Mary Ellen at maryellen.40days@verizon.net.
We also have training opportunities scheduled for everyone who would like a little help in knowing what to say or how to act while at the vigil or doing door-to-door community outreach during the 40 Days for Life campaign.
Our first training session is tonight, Thursday, Feb. 3, at Good Shepherd Church from 7-9pm!
For more information or for the training schedule see our web page or email Sara at jandsdina@cox.net.
We especially need commitments for Thursdays, Fridays, and Sunday, March 20!
If you can make a weekly or daily commitment to an hour or two during the 40 days (about 6 weeks), it would be a greatly appreciated contribution towards filling our vigil schedule. For more information or to sign up for hours email Mary Ellen at maryellen.40days@verizon.net.
We also have training opportunities scheduled for everyone who would like a little help in knowing what to say or how to act while at the vigil or doing door-to-door community outreach during the 40 Days for Life campaign.
Our first training session is tonight, Thursday, Feb. 3, at Good Shepherd Church from 7-9pm!
For more information or for the training schedule see our web page or email Sara at jandsdina@cox.net.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Vigil Schedule Is Open!
I'm pleased to inform you that the vigil schedule is up and running so you can sign up for hours! To view our vigil schedule, click here. Our vigil is the primary manifestation of our efforts to the community, and a way for ordinary pro-choice people to see and interact with us particularly those who may be headed into the abortion facility.
We are blessed to have Mary Ellen in charge of the vigil schedule this spring, and Zach will be assisting her as vigil manager. These two individuals are eager to assist you in answering any questions you may have, signing up for time slots at the vigil, and providing guidelines and assistance during your scheduled vigil hours.
Many groups and churches have already agreed to take certain days and times of the vigil. You may wish to sign up for a day when your particular church or group will be present.
To contact Mary Ellen, email maryellen.40days@verizon.net. To contact Zachary, email zachary@catholic.org. Of course you can always email me at jacinta.40days@gmail.com. To view our complete list of team leaders, visit http://40daysforlife.com/alexandria/index.cfm?load=page&page=163.
I'm looking forward to working with all of you to max-out our vigil schedule this spring!
We are blessed to have Mary Ellen in charge of the vigil schedule this spring, and Zach will be assisting her as vigil manager. These two individuals are eager to assist you in answering any questions you may have, signing up for time slots at the vigil, and providing guidelines and assistance during your scheduled vigil hours.
Many groups and churches have already agreed to take certain days and times of the vigil. You may wish to sign up for a day when your particular church or group will be present.
To contact Mary Ellen, email maryellen.40days@verizon.net. To contact Zachary, email zachary@catholic.org. Of course you can always email me at jacinta.40days@gmail.com. To view our complete list of team leaders, visit http://40daysforlife.com/alexandria/index.cfm?load=page&page=163.
I'm looking forward to working with all of you to max-out our vigil schedule this spring!
Outreach Begins this Saturday
All past and present members of the local 40 Days for Life team are invited to participate in door-to-door pre-campaign outreach this Saturday, February 5. The team will meet at the vigil site at 9:30am, and walk the neighborhood around the clinic to invite people already contacted from last fall to participate in this spring's campaign. We will take a break for lunch around 12:30pm, and then return to the streets for our afternoon session (1:30-4:30pm). Additional details are available at http://40daysforlife.com/alexandria/index.cfm?load=event&event=7. To participate in all or part of the day's events or for more information, email Paul Spicer.
Training Schedule is Up!
For anyone who is interested in some training for sidewalk counseling or pro-life outreach, please consider registering for one or more of our training sessions (see details and information at http://40daysforlife.com/alexandria/index.cfm?load=event&event=8). There are two types of training, one for general pro-life outreach (Part I), and one for sidewalk counseling (Part II). The trainings are offered at various times and locations throughout the month of February, and are being facilitated by qualified and experienced pro-life leaders of our community. Our first training sessions will be held this Thursday and Friday evening! For more information, or to register for one or more of the sessions, email Sara at jandsdina@cox.net. Thank you!
Please Pray for Anna
Last Sunday night I had the opportunity and blessing of seeing an 11-year old girl -- I'll call her Anna -- who is dying of cancer due to a brain tumor. Her parents were very generous towards 40 Days for Life last fall even though their family was dealing with this serious affliction. Anna's mother notified a group of us that Anna wanted to speak to us that evening.
As we gathered in the family room, Anna spoke up: "I have something to say to you."
"Last Thursday," she continued, in a clear but hesitant voice, "I had an appointment with my doctors. It was revealed"--here she paused for a moment--"that I am going to die."
Silence followed. We listened intently, our eyes fixed on Anna's face.
"In other words," she continued, "my tumor grew... and my doctors can't fix it."
Several of us thanked Anna for sharing this news with us, and assured her that we would be praying for her. After sharing a time of prayer together, we took a few pictures, and gave Anna a hug good-bye.
We don't know how much longer Anna will be with us, but we will be praying for her in a special way during her final days, and will miss her when she has gone. I would like to ask each of you to take a moment and pray for her as well. Anna is a believer in the value and dignity of human life -- and, like each child in the womb, her life is extremely precious before God. Though God's plan might seem confusing at times, or fail to meet our expectations, we know that God is a loving and merciful Savior, and has room in His Heart for all little children. Let us make room in our hearts for them as well.
As we gathered in the family room, Anna spoke up: "I have something to say to you."
"Last Thursday," she continued, in a clear but hesitant voice, "I had an appointment with my doctors. It was revealed"--here she paused for a moment--"that I am going to die."
Silence followed. We listened intently, our eyes fixed on Anna's face.
"In other words," she continued, "my tumor grew... and my doctors can't fix it."
Several of us thanked Anna for sharing this news with us, and assured her that we would be praying for her. After sharing a time of prayer together, we took a few pictures, and gave Anna a hug good-bye.
We don't know how much longer Anna will be with us, but we will be praying for her in a special way during her final days, and will miss her when she has gone. I would like to ask each of you to take a moment and pray for her as well. Anna is a believer in the value and dignity of human life -- and, like each child in the womb, her life is extremely precious before God. Though God's plan might seem confusing at times, or fail to meet our expectations, we know that God is a loving and merciful Savior, and has room in His Heart for all little children. Let us make room in our hearts for them as well.
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