January

Each year, District Training Day offers courses in topics that help churches and lay leaders fulfill our extraordinary purpose of following Christ. One of this year’s presenters was Galilee‘s own Jerry Taylor. He taught a class on Spiritual Formation.

Forming Spiritual Purpose: https://www.galileeumc.org/forming-purpose

February

Galilee gathered 26 young people together for a woodland retreat on President’s Day. In the hills beyond Leesburg, we spoke about the God who informs our identity, calls us to belonging, and shapes our purpose in the world. We’ll be going back to Camp Highroad on Presidents Day in a few weeks. 

President’s Day Retreat: https://www.galileeumc.org/identity-belonging-and-purpose/

March

We weren’t able to send a mission team to Costa Rica in 2022, but that didn’t stop us from holding a rummage sale to support our partner congregation in Carillos and raising money for future missions (like the one we’re planning for 2023). 

Rummage Sale Success: https://www.galileeumc.org/rummage-success/

April

In April, word got out that our choir director, Jordan Markwood, was named the Washington Post Teacher of the Year for his work at Rock Ridge High School. It was the first of several awards for Jordan and we are so proud of him.

Teacher of the Year: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/04/18/jordan-markwood-teacher-of-year

May

We love Spring and the beginning of growing season! That’s when Vini and Jane and their volunteers turn our back fields into a wonderful garden to help feed the community. Their work springs from committed faith and a gratitude that requires giving back.

Garden Blessing: https://www.galileeumc.org/garden-blessing/

June

In June, our Youth Coordinator Lisa Collins celebrated with middle and high school students who completed the first “normal” school year since the beginning of the Covid pandemic. How? With Water Night, the annual summer close-out of Youth Group.

Water Night 2022: https://www.galileeumc.org/water-night-2022/

July

Galilee headed to Pennsylvania for a youth-oriented service mission in July, our first since 2019. It felt good to be out helping people. And we hit Hershey Park!

Youth on a Mission: https://www.galileeumc.org/youth-on-a-mission/

August

2022 was in many ways a year of “reopening.” It was a challenging year for churches, but at Galilee we felt enormous optimism. Pastor Jason wrote a piece about how he saw examples of renewal in our church life.

Be Renewed: https://www.galileeumc.org/renewed-in-the-spirit/ 

September

In the waning weeks of summer, Galilee offered a worship series called “He Gets Us,” which tied in to a national ad campaign designed to make some uncommon points about who our Savior is…and who He cares for.

He Gets Us: https://www.galileeumc.org/pastors-point-jesus-gets-us/

October

The Galilee community enjoyed a wonderful day at Algonkian Park in October. We walked in support of UMCOR’s relief efforts for the people of Ukraine and had a great time outdoors in the natural beauty of Northern Virginia.

Walk for Ukraine: https://www.galileeumc.org/community-walk-for-ukraine/

November

All year long, Galilee kept its commitment to growing in-person worship and our online community. The latter is larger than you might think. We reach many states and at least three countries. In fact, even your loved ones might be watching. 

Is Your Mom Watching You on the Galilee Livestream? https://www.galileeumc.org/is-your-mom-watching-you-on-the-galilee-livestream/

December

And in December, we were all surprised to find the church lobby filled with toys donated by anonymous angels for needy Loudoun children. It was great to see all the toys and share the joy that generosity can bring at Christmas.

The Joy of Generosity: https://www.galileeumc.org/the-joy-of-generosity/