Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC)

Covering March 8, 2009 to March 21, 2009

Have a Minute?

By Henry E Fairman

Lent is a time full of discipline, reflection, odd rules for food and behavior. In some ways, this time in the spiritual desert is a throw-back to traditions of long-past times. Each of the Abrahamic faiths tells stories of how their heroes left the norms of society, entered the desert of their days, and were changed into sojourners walking with God for the rest of their days. In other ways, Lent is a time for us moderns to set our eyes on our ultimate concern—the path on which God has met us. It is in this lived-on journey that we come to understand our faith, in light of our beliefs. This path has already brought us to embody these beliefs, and this path brings us (again and again) to new moments when our beliefs are challenged, ratified, and our faith made new. The challenge (as probably has always been) is discussing our beliefs—sharing our faith. This is more the case when God’s extravagant welcome is extended to people who have come alongside from many places and many times, who do not necessarily share a common story, language, creed or dogma.

The other morning in the Tuesday Lectionary Study, it was asked, “How do we teach a faith that isn’t based on a creed or dogma?” This question has challenged our denomination for more than its fifty years of unity. Coming from diverse traditions, where catechisms were the norm and values taught by rote, the challenge of being an open, affirming church struck our United Church of Christ from the beginning. How do we teach our understanding of faith, in light of the joyful bounty of traditions and experiences in the UCC? I say, “We do it by sharing what we hold common: our covenant to walk together in all of God’s ways.”

This is the story of the drafting of the Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ:
In our many texts on the history of the UCC, no other moment shines forth as an example of our unity in diversity like the creation of the Statement of Faith. The mergers of the Congregational & Christian churches and the Evangelical & Reformed churches were far from an easy union. Decades had passed in ecumenical dialogue, inter-church struggle, and a slew of court cases challenging the union. At several points in the 1940’s and 1950’s, the merger was almost shelved in the face of adversity. Our histories tell us that two groups never lost faith or energy: the Youth Fellowships and the Mission/Benevolence boards. Their labors—alongside the many others who worked for union—were celebrated at the First General Synod, the Uniting Synod of the United Church of Christ on June 25, 1957 in Cleveland, OH.

After the Uniting Synod the long walk together had just begun. Now came the time to define what it was to be a “united” church in Christ. Louis Gunneman, in his book “The Shaping of the United Church of Christ”, tells the story of Gerhard Grauer. Grauer said, at the Second General Synod, that the church “was sealed in union in a great act of faith, not by a creedal statement or a doctrinal pronouncement…but by a Statement of Faith.”

Those faithful words guided our leaders, pastors, and teachers to draft the words which bring us together as one. Again, Gunneman writes: “…drawn equally from the uniting fellowships, the Statement of Faith was offered to the synod as a testimony… In language that exhibits the influence of the scriptures in which the accent falls on God’s activity among [God’s] people, the Statement testifies to the divine shaping of the church for the mission in the world…

“The delegates’ response to the proposed Statement provided ‘the most dramatic moment’ of the synod, when a unanimous vote brought a spontaneous singing of the Doxology.”

This is our story—here at Rock Spring, and in our United Church of Christ. You can read more on the history of our unique expression of Christian faith at www.ucc.org/beliefs, or by checking out the many books written about the history, faith, and traditions that formed the UCC. Check with a member of the Pastoral Team for a list of titles.

Bound in covenant and united in purpose, we say simple words, united in striving to know the will of God. May we continue this time of Lenten reflection, rejoicing in the path on which we walk with God. May we come together in this season of Lent, in prayer and in reflection, walking in all of God’s ways to the cross, to an empty tomb, and to a resurrected spirit, united as one in Christ.

Church Calendar

Please click here to view the current Rock Spring calendar.

News and Notes

Joys and Concerns

Happy prayers for Alex Kincaid and his parents Mark and Karin. Alex had a successful surgery to reverse his tracheostomy on Monday, 2/16. As of the next day, he was breathing on his own. Thanks from the Kincaids for all of the prayers and support over the past 20 months.

Our deepest condolences are extended to Gene Schultheis, whose brother DeWitt Barnett passed away recently. Please keep Gene in your prayers.

What’s Happening In Our Interim Time?

Thanks for your participation!

Nearly 230 members of Rock Spring Church completed the survey that will be used to compose the Local Church Profile. And nearly 80 people attended one of 5 gatherings to discuss the survey results and to share their questions and opinions about Rock Spring and our future.

Thanks to each of you for your contribution toward composing a Local Church Profile that accurately reflects who we are at this time in our church’s life.

The congregation will have the opportunity to review the DRAFT of the Local Church Profile, once it has been composed. Your comments and suggestions will be solicited. Then, the Profile will be finalized and presented to Council for approval.

At that point, we will be ready to post our vacancy in the UCC national setting and to begin our Search for a called Senior Pastor. See below for more details about timing.

Council to appoint Search Committee

The Council is in the process of appointing a Search Committee. Council is considering several names of members who have either volunteered or been nominated by others to potentially serve on the Search Committee. The biggest challenge Council faces is to compose a Search Committee of about 8 people that reflects the dynamics of the congregation, that will generate an effective working “chemistry”, and that have the time and abilities to devote to the task at hand.

The Council is narrowing the list of potential members and hopes to identify how the Search Committee will be composed at its March 23 meeting. Once the Search Committee has been organized, the Interim Team will cooperate with the Search Committee in composing the Local Church Profile in DRAFT form. The congregation will have the opportunity to review the DRAFT and to respond to the Search Committee & Interim Team. After that, the final draft of the Profile will be completed. Then, the Search for our next Senior Pastor can officially begin.

So, if you have questions about the Search Committee or have a suggestion of a member for the Search Committee, you may contact Gail Howell, Council President, or Wayne Limberg, Council Vice President.

Church Council News

Council Boot Camp

Normally at this time of year your Council retreats to the wilds of West Virginia to discuss its vision of the future and develop goals for the coming year. This year was quite different in that you, the Congregation, had given us two goals at the annual meeting. For those who did not attend, the Council was asked to form two subcommittees: one under the Board of Finance to look at options for improving our fundraising model; and another, under Council, to look at the Church structure and its volunteer requirements for potential ways that we could lighten the burden on you. In addition to these challenging tasks you have given us, the Council is charged with helping the Church through the interim period and overseeing the search for our new Senior Pastor.

So instead of a Council Retreat, we convened Friday, February 20th, at Rock Spring for a weekend, which I secretly termed Council Boot Camp when I worked on planning it with Rev. Doug, Wayne Limberg, the Vice President of Council, and Ashley Martinage the Chair of the Personnel Board. Friday evening we focused on the Council itself – the constitutionally mandated authorities, improvements in processes, and, most importantly, the challenges the Board Chairs projected they would be bringing to Council in the coming year. Saturday we gathered at 0800 hours (!!!) for worship, followed by a two hour Finance 101 session, led by Steve Hawkins. Next the Council moved on to Property 101, during which Rev. Hank led us through the buildings and explained what was actually behind all those closet doors.

The afternoon started with a brief Council meeting during which the Council appointed Emory Hackman to fill out the rest of Ellen Bozman’s term as Trustee (important in that trustees are a statutory requirement in the State of Virginia); Lisa Wenger to head the Finance subcommittee; and Donna Moss to head the committee on volunteers. The rest of the afternoon, led by Rev. Doug and Ashley, was focused on Personnel 101 and a discussion of how the Church was postured in this interim period. As a result of this session, the Council approved moving forward with the formation of the search committee for the Senior Pastor. Comments from the Council members after our “retreat” were quite positive. My favorite was that it was “intense” but we learned a lot. Many echoed that sentiment and several included the word “exhausting”. Mission accomplished! -Gail Howell

Announcement

At the Congregational Meeting in January, the Council was charged to study whether the current volunteer structure of the Church remains compatible with the volunteer resources that are available. Council approved the formation of a sub-committee for the study. Between March and May the sub-committee will be gathering ideas and data and thinking in and out-of-the-box about our church jobs and their structure. The sub-committee owes its report to the Council in June. Anyone interested in sharing thoughts and suggestions on ways to create a better balance between the Church’s needs and its volunteer capacity should contact one of the committee members. The committee includes Donna Moss (chair), Gina Dale, Sara Fitzgerald, and Peggy Greenwood.

One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering March 22

The United Church of Christ annually channels more than $3 million dollars through One Great Hour of Sharing to humanitarian needs in the world. The UCC unites with Christians in eight other Protestant denominations and Church World Service in One Great Hour of Sharing, thus multiplying the effectiveness and extent of our witness many times over. The partnership we share with nearly 6,000 United Church of Christ congregations across the United States and Puerto Rico is where this remarkable miracle connecting UCC members to the world truly begins. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering is administered through Wider Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ.

New Members Information Sessions in March

Each year at this time, we reach out to those who have visited our church in worship, gatherings, and programs. We hope that your time spent with the Rock Spring family has been memorable, and that you will consider learning more about the mission, vision, and ministry of our congregation.

We also know from past gatherings many people come and visit, and participate as “Friends” of the church for many years. This invitation goes out to you as well. Maybe you are feeling God’s gentle tug to share more deeply in the ministry of Rock Spring.

In either case, you are invited to come and share in this year’s New Member Information Sessions. These gatherings will take place on Wednesday evenings in March, from 7:30-9:00, following our Lenten Vespers service at 7:00. The Sessions began on March 4, 2009. Childcare and light snacks will be provided. The sessions will cover:

3/4 UCC History and Identity
3/11 Rock Spring UCC’s History, Commitments, and Beliefs
3/18 Congregational Life at Rock Spring
3/25 Rock Spring’s Present: Our Interim Time and Joining the Church

These gatherings are offered to help familiarize you with the many faces of the ministry at Rock Spring. We welcome you to learn more about our ministries of Christian Education and Fellowship; Worship and Music; Mission, Advocacy, and Outreach; and Pastoral Care in our community and our congregation. At the conclusion of the sessions, you are invited to join in membership with the congregation. If you have any questions about membership at Rock Spring UCC, please call us at the church office. You can RSVP to the sessions by email to: joinus@rockspringucc.org.

Announcing the 2009 Rock Spring All-Ages Shamrock Sock Hop

Presented by JFFAL

When? Friday March 13, 7:00 to 9:30
Where? Rock Spring Neighborhood House
What? Oldies, 40 Days (the Band), Dancing, Costume Contest, Games and Prizes, Snacks and Soda, Green Stuff, Surprises
Who? All ages, 20s-30s, YORS, Boomers, JFFALers, Dancers, Partyers, anyone who has lost $ in a 401(k)
Questions? Email or call Dwight Rodgers

PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR!!

The College of William and Mary Choir’s Rock Spring Debut

Greetings from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA! My name is Katherine Rubida and I’m a lifetime Rock Springer as well as President of the WM Choir. As such, I have the great privilege of bringing the WM Choir to Rock Spring on Friday, March 20th for an 8pm concert in the Sanctuary. This is the first concert on the Choir’s annual spring tour. Our concert repertoire includes an array of a cappella choral music, including Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Billings, spirituals by William Dawson, and others. We are directed by our interim faculty director, Dr. Brian Bailey.

Special Request from the Choir

If you would like to assist with hosting the Choir, I would very much appreciate your help in a couple of different ways. If you are able to help with the dinner for the Choir preceding the concert, please contact my mother, Sara Rubida, by email or phone. And if you are able to house a pair of Choir members the night of the concert, that would be very much appreciated as well. I need to find extra beds/comfy sofas for approximately 20 people (who come in 9-10 pairs of roommates) and I’m really hoping the congregation can help me out! If you can help with housing or anything pertaining to the concert, please contact me Katherine Rubida by email or by cell phone. Please contact the office for the cell phone number.

Please let us know if you can help, and I sincerely hope to see as many of you at the concert as possible!

Potomac Association News

Program on UCC History Scheduled for April 4

The next in the regular series of Potomac Association-sponsored United Church of Christ Polity Institutes, this one on UCC history, will be held on Saturday April 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bethel UCC, 4347 Arlington Blvd., in Arlington. The instructors for the History Institute are Barbara Brown Zikmund and Janet Parker. These institutes are enrichment opportunities for all members of the UCC who want to learn more about the history, polity, theology and ministry of the UCC. No fees and pre-registration are required; however, if you come, bring a lunch and make the commitment to stay the whole time. For more information, see http://www.potomacucc.org/History2009.html.

UCMNV Seeks Hosts for Easter Holidays

United College Ministries in Northern Virginia invites individuals and families from area congregations to host international students in their homes for Easter April 12, 2009. Over the years, UCMNV has arranged for 466 students to be hosted in 231 homes for an American family holiday. If you have questions or would like more information, contact UCMNV Office Administrator Claudia Newhart at 703-426-1939 or ucmnv@aol.com. Deadline is March 27.

Preparing for Rock Spring’s Centennial Celebration

In May 2012, Rock Spring Church will celebrate its 100th anniversary. While that date is still some years away, a number of Rock Springers are already working on some projects to have them ready in time for the celebration.

In 1987, when Rock Spring marked its 75th anniversary, a dedicated group of volunteers produced “Making History,” the story of the church’s first 75 years. Now another group of equally dedicated writers are working on a new volume, which is expected to include essays on major themes in the life and history of the church, and profiles of some of the people who were important in its past. Priscilla Taylor is serving as editor of this book, and Martha Jolkovski as its graphic designer. As always, if you have church memorabilia or old photos, they may be of interest to our church archivists (Marjie Mayer, Don and Sharon Hall and Flo Otstot).

Thanks to a gift designated for that purpose, the music staff is also pursuing the commissioning of a special anthem to mark the 100th anniversary.

More specific ideas and plans will be developed as the date draws closer. Because Gail Howell has now moved up to become Church Council president, she asked me to step in as coordinator of the celebration. While we don’t anticipate doing detailed planning in the short term, if you have ideas or are interested in helping out, please let me know.
–Sara Fitzgerald

Adult Ed: A Series Based on Marcus Borg’s The Heart of Christianity

On March 1, Rev. Janet Parker and Dwight Rodgers began teaching an eight-part series “Exploring the Heart of Christianity” based on the book by well-known Protestant Progressive Marcus Borg.

The series examines important elements of the Christian tradition (faith, the Bible, God and Jesus) before addressing living a Christian life (the Kingdom of God, Opening and Transforming the Heart, and Christian Practice in an Age of Pluralism). Participants will read The Heart of Christianity over a three month period. Classes will include video material featuring Marcus Borg.

It’s not too late to join. If you’d like to participate in the class, please come for the next session on March 15. To join contact Dwight Rodgers. Books can be purchased at Amazon.com.

Dates: Sundays, March 1, 15, 29, April 5, 19, May 3, 17, 31 beginning about 20 minutes after the 11:00 service ends and running no later than 2:30. The class will meet in the Peace Room.

Sunday School News and Notes

During the 9:00 hour, we offer professional care in our Infant and Toddler Nurseries, and a multi-age classes for Pre-K – 2nd Grade . At 11:00, we offer professional care in our Infant and Toddler Nurseries, and classes for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten-1st Grades, 2nd-3rd Grades, and 4th-5th Grades. Classes for the upper grades will meet during the 11:00 hour for 6th-8th Grades and 9th-12th Grades. The goal is to provide a more age-relevant encounter with the Bible and faith, and provide an experiential time for all of our youth to examine their faith.

As we come towards Easter, we’ll have some transitions in our Sunday School teaching teams. Thanks to those who shared their lives with our youth in the Fall/Winter semester. Thanks also to those who come to share themselves in the Spring and Summer seasons!

Our Sunday School uses the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. For more information on the scope and sequence, the foundations, and the specifics of the curriculum, please visit www.spiritseasons.com.

Youth of Rock Spring (YoRS)

Middle High YoRS

During the 40 Days of Lent
We’ll be sharing in a time of reflection on the many faces of God. Last year, we learned about several faith traditions outside of our own. Last year, we encountered Hindu traditions, Muslim traditions, and Jewish traditions. This year, we’ll add a few more to the mix!

MH-YoRS Dates:
3/8/2009 Many Faces of God—6:30-8:30, Carpenter Hall
3/13/2009 JFFAL Sock Hop Dance +
MH YoRS Lock In! (Ends at 9:00, 3/14)
No MH YoRS meeting, 3/15
3/21/2009 Many Faces of God—6:30-8:30, Carpenter Hall
3/29/2009 Many Faces of God—6:30-8:30, Carpenter Hall

Senior High YoRS

Back to our Regular Meetings!
With the strange Winter calendar behind us, we are back to our weekly meetings, 1:00-3:00 in Carpenter Hall. Some of the time will be spent on this summer’s Mission Experience; some on the fun things we’ll be doing before then! Lunch will be there for you, and we’ll pass around the sign-up sheet for the rest of the Spring.

Summer Mission Experience Update

In support of our youth and their mission with Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity, we’ll be holding several fund raisers in the coming months. The first was “Car Wash and Hot Dogs” on Sunday, 3/1 (If the weather didn’t permit this, look for a rescheduled date!).

Hey younger Youth of Rock Spring (Grades K-5), tell your parents that there’s something cool coming on 3/28! The Senior High YoRS welcome you to Kids’ Night Out, a night of fun activities and a movie! From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., we’ll hang out, play games, and catch a movie on the Big Screen in Neighborhood House! Snacks will be provided; parents, please have dinner before you come. Questions? Contact Carol Foster and Deborah Duffy.

SH-YoRS Dates:
3/8/2009 Regular Meeting—1:00-3:00, Carpenter Hall
3/15/2009 Regular Meeting—1:00-3:00, Carpenter Hall
3/22/2009 Regular Meeting—1:00-3:00, Carpenter Hall

3/28/2009 Kids’ Night Out—6:00-9:00, Carpenter Hall/Neighborhood House

Confirmation Class

The Confirmation Class of 2009 met for their organizational meeting on December 4. This year’s class will again meet on Sunday mornings, 9:00-10:30. We will be using the latest UCC curriculum, Affirming Faith. For those who would like to see what we’re studying (or refresh on your church history, theology, and polity!) copies of the texts are available for your review. In addition to the “usual” classes, we will also take part in the Spring New Members classes (since we are joining the church!).

A big thanks to the class who elected to do their make-up class on the Family Life Retreat!

Class Schedule:
Wednesdays in March—Take part in the Lenten Vespers and New Members Class, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

News from the ONA Committee

The Open and Affirming (ONA) Standing Committee is happy to report that six Rock Springers participated on February 12 at the Arlington County Court House in an interfaith witness for marriage equality. February 12 was National Freedom to Marry Day. The witness was sponsored by People of Faith for Equality Virginia and was coordinated with similar events across the country. The group prayed together in front of the Court House, dialogued on marriage equality with the Arlington Clerk of Court, watched while a same-sex couple from Rock Spring applied for a Virginia marriage license, and disbanded peacefully after the license was refused. The Rev. Janet Parker and five lay members of Rock Spring were the largest single contingent at the Arlington witness.

(In 2007, the congregation approved a change in Rock Spring’s ONA Statement that commits us “to witness to full civil rights for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, including access to the rights, responsibilities and protections of legally recognized marriage, in broader public and political arenas.”)

The Committee is currently laying plans for a congregation-wide educational opportunity this spring about the “T” in LGBT — what it means to be a transgender person in American society and in faith communities today. Even persons well-informed on gay and lesbian issues frequently are uninformed about “gender identity.” Watch for an announcement soon of the dates for this important program, and please participate if you can.

The ONA Standing Committee is sponsored by the Social Action Board. Its purpose is to make the congregation aware of issues in the wider LGBT community, and to provide opportunities for Rock Spring Church to minister to the needs of that community. Committee meetings are arranged as needed, and membership is open to all members and friends of the congregation. Several new members are needed now. If you would like to work on these issues, please e-mail the committee (socialaction@rockspringucc.org) or speak to Masami Kojima, Charles Spencer or Susan Nelson Johnson.

Social Action News

Be a Part of the Change You Seek: Come to Ecumenical Advocacy Days, March 13-16, 2009

Join us at the 7th annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days, as we explore ways to bring about a world with Enough for All Creation. Learn about the connections between climate change, migration and poverty in the U.S. and around the world. Come together with faith-based advocates and activists from across the United States in the nation’s capitol March 13-16 as we discuss the abundance of our world and how it can be allocated in a way that is fair and just for all creation.

Registration Information

• Conference fee: $175

• Student scholarships are available, visit the young adult page or email scholarships@advocacydays.org.

• For more information, visit the Ecumenical Advocacy Days website at http://advocacydays.org/

All sessions Friday through Sunday will be held at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center located in Alexandria, Virginia. Monday, Lobby Day, events will be located at the United Methodist Building.

Janet Parker has been invited to be one of the plenary speakers on Saturday morning. She will be addressing the challenge of climate change.

Ecumenical Advocacy Days is a movement of the ecumenical Christian community, and its recognized partners and allies, grounded in biblical witness and our shared traditions of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. Our goal, through worship, theological reflection and opportunities for learning and witness, is to strengthen our Christian voice and to mobilize for advocacy on a wide variety of U.S. domestic and international policy issues. The United Church of Christ is one of the co-sponsors of Ecumenical Advocacy Days.

Eco-Justice News

Discover the “green” way to observe Lent!

Tired of giving up chocolate for 40 days? Give up some carbon, instead! This Lent, the Eco-Justice Committee invites you to focus on caring for the Earth. We have prepared a calendar that suggests a different action you can take on each day of Lent. Through performing these daily activities, you will proceed on a journey of self-examination, greater awareness of how our daily habits impact God’s creation, and discovery of ways you can reduce carbon output (and save money, too!) The calendar can be found in the sanctuary pews and on Rock Spring’s website, http://www.rockspringcongucc.org/

Green Tip:

Here’s one easy way to clean green: Turn the dial on your washing machine to cold water. With most clothes, you really don’t need hot water to get a good cleaning. Ninety percent of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating the water. The higher the temperature of the water, the more electricity you’re using and the higher the cost in terms of both energy use and money. Add one of the earth-friendly laundry detergents available everywhere these days, and your clothes will truly be “green.” Try it! Brought to you by Rock Spring’s Eco-Justice Committee.

Church Staff

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