The Agape Reservoir, filled with love, dispenses love.
It is a reservoir of love where individuals come to quench their thirst.
Once quenched, out of their hearts will flow rivers of living water,
acts of compassion, which will serve to replenish the reservoir with love.
Agape Reservoir is a ministry of wholeness where the healing power of God’s love is experienced weekly. As individuals become actively involved within a fellowship of faith, lives are transformed. Agape Reservoir is a place where individuals give and receive love; so the reservoir is never depleted. Here, the healings of the Gospel continue to be witnessed.
This is a ministry in which people are not so much asked to volunteer their time, but are invited to share their God-given gifts and abilities in acts of mutual love and compassion. Children, youth, and adults of all ages are invited to come and share in the joys of serving in this special ministry. Their participation generates a context for
- the experience of equality in status
- elements of koinonia
- a community without barriers where there is respect for personal boundaries
- dignity for all.
Agape Reservoir is a place where people come to be loved and accepted for WHOSE they are, not who they are. Weekly, the healings of the Gospel take place as people reach out to offer comfort, support, and provide assistance to one another in times of need. Mutual care and concern for one another, acts of koinonia, are integral aspects of this ministry.
Within this ministry generosity and empowerment, manifestations of God's love, prevail over society's ways of greed and power. Empowered by the Spirit, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Indeed, there is a mystery and magic in the successfulness of Agape Reservoir.
Agape Reservoir is a ministry of Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, where people with mental or emotional illnesses, as well as others with special needs, can develop stronger ties with a faith community and ultimately bridge themselves into the life of the congregation in a non-threatening way.
The key elements of making this a successful health ministry are entwined within the lessons learned in starting this ministry. We recognize there are times when people feel a call to serve someway/somehow, but they are hesitant to respond for any number of reasons. What we have observed is that those who come and serve soon realize each response, each act of compassion, each act of listening and laughing and crying and praying, is a ministry. And so it is, Agape Reservoir has become a place that allows people to identify with other people in non-threatening ways; and in the process individuals have come to feel grounded and connected without fear of being judged or rejected.
- 6:00 - 7:15
Gathering for Fellowship
Circle of Prayer
Celebrations
Joys
Concerns
Agape Meal (A free will donation is collected to help cover costs)
- 7:15 - 8:45
Evening Program
Activities may include Bible study, writing group, a reader’s group, art and crafts, movies,
walking after dinner, wellness and wholeness activities. Not every group meets weekly.
Sometimes special service or outreach projects are completed. Guest speakers may provide entertainment or an informational lecture. Birthdays are celebrated the end of each month.
Occasionally, the group may meet off site to go to a baseball game or a picnic site or
some other fun activity recommended by an Activities Planning Committee that meets monthly.
- 8:45 - 9:00
Cleanup
If you travel by MetroAccess, we may be able to reimburse your travel expenses to and from the church for Agape Reservoir and church related activities.
Call Harriet Fatzinger at
703-780-4983
if a ride is needed to or from the church.
Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church is dedicated to providing an atmosphere that is welcoming and safe for all who participate in its ministries. The church maintains a drug and alcohol free environment. Smoking is permitted outside in designated areas.
Whenever there are inclement weather conditions, listen to a local television or radio station and follow the schedule for Fairfax County Public School activities. Even if Fairfax County Public Schools remain open, the church may cancel the evening program to promote safety of participants.
For more information about this ministry contact Pastor Jeri Fields or Office Manager Melinda Mason at 703-765-6118.
Pressing Towards the goal…
Blessed to be a blessing to others,
Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church
has heard the call of God
and responded
to the needs of God’s people.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
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