Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC)

Rock Spring News covering dates: September 20, 2009 – October 3, 2009

HAVE A MINUTE?

by Henry Fairman

These days, I am finding a fresh wind in my face every morning.

As you might know, Christina and I share our home with two English Springer Spaniels (Avery-6, and Greyson-3). Some time between 5:00 and 5:30, one of the two sneaks over to my bedside, places a cold wet nose on my arm, and says “Um, the sun is kind-of up. Are you? Want to go walk?”

Now, during the summer, I rarely have a pause; I’m up with the sun, too. But as our days grow longer, the sun (like me) is less likely to be active at 5:30. It waits for a more “civilized” 6:00 or 6:30 before calling the dew to rise. Does this deter the effervescence of a Spaniel? Oh, no! For the dawn’s early light is a fine time to walk—and with this blissful late summer weather, it’s a chilly one!

A fresh wind it is! There is a note in the aromas of the air, pointing to the warm sun of the late summer and hinting to harvest time of early autumn. One can almost feel apples coming to full ripeness, being set on a favorite teacher’s desk. The fruits of the field begin to pile in, ready to be enjoyed in their freshest and stored away for winter’s lean times. A great change in flavor and energy from the fullness of summer.

As with our life together in the beauty of God’s creation, that flavor and energy are present in our life together at Rock Spring. We have come into this program year with a burst of new ideas, and a boost of fellowship and sharing. The Local Church Profile is on its way to the Office of Parish Life and Leadership, and the Search Committee will soon begin “tasting” their rewards in reviewing pastoral profiles. Our teachers and program leaders are off and running for the year. There are new and different offerings for every generation! Our Parish House Pastoral Intern Program has gone from seed to sapling, challenging us to be a “teaching” church, as well as a place of learning. Our musical groups and choirs are calling to us, welcoming new voices to the chorus.

Yes, all is well, and that fresh wind of the Spirit is guiding us! Come share in the energizing breath that God puts in our lives together!

See you in Church!

NEWS AND NOTES

Joys and Concerns:

We ask for prayers for several members who have recently been hospitalized or undergone surgery, including Martha Haines, Diane Smith, and Sam Cline. We give thanks that they are on the mend.

Please continue to keep Maury Flagg in prayer as he undergoes cardiac rehab for a recent heart attack at Cherrydale Nursing Home. Maury is in room 526 and welcomes visitors.

Prayers are also requested for Elizabeth Weston, Marti Weston’s mother-in-law, who was hospitalized last weekend and is now back at home.

Congratulations to Tom Perrelli and Kristine Lucius, on the baptism of their son, Alexander Emanuele, on Sunday, September 20!

Mark your calendar for SCM’s Gala Celebration – October 17

Shaw Community Ministry is having a Gala Celebration to mark the reopening of its newly renovated space on Saturday, October 17, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Please come see the new space, meet the new Executive Director, and learn more about SCM’s new programs. The Gala will have food, music and entertainment for the whole family. SCM is located at 1726 7th St. NW, Washington DC.

Save the Date: Fall Moveable Feast Mixer

Whether you’ve been part of the Moveable Feast from the beginning, or haven’t yet stuck your toe in, consider joining us on Sunday, October 4th at 12:30 in Carpenter Hall for the next round of “A Moveable Feast.” This opportunity for small group fellowship with other Rock Springers is causing new friendships to blossom everywhere. Look for more details in the next issue of the Rock Spring News. Lunch and childcare will be provided.

October New Members Information Sessions

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 that 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 as a member.

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 October, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Sessions will begin on October 7, 2009. Childcare and light snacks will be provided. The sessions will cover:

10/7 UCC History and Identity

10/14 Rock Spring UCC’s History, Commitments, and Beliefs

10/21 Congregational Life at Rock Spring

10/28 Rock Spring’s Present

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.

Bethel Church “Change the World” Festival on Saturday September 26th

Join us on Saturday, September 26th from noon – 4:00 p.m. for the 1st Annual Bethel Church “Change the World” Festival. Featuring local and international music and dancing, home-made El Salvadoran food as well as traditional American picnic fare, lots of games for the kids, information tables highlighting the resources available from many of Arlington’s service organizations, and a chance to win one of many great door prizes! Free admission for all.

All proceeds from the “Change the World” Festival will be donated to help support the Vision of God Health Clinic in the small village of San Luis Talpa in El Salvador.

Bethel Church is located at 4347 Arlington Blvd (Northeast corner of Arlington Blvd & George Mason Dr). Free parking is available in the Red Cross parking lot next door (access to lot off Trenton or Arlington Blvd). Bethel Church is handicap accessible.

For more information about the event, please call Bethel’s main office at (703) 528-0937.

Caring Ministry News

Grief Support Group Forming at Rock Spring

If you have recently lost a loved one, you may wish to consider joining a grief support group that is forming here at Rock Spring in the fall. Grief support groups offer support and comfort while helping people deal with the wide range of feelings that arise and the significant adjustments that are required after the loss of a loved one. Judy McDowell, long-time Rock Springer and an experienced and trained volunteer with Haven of Northern Virginia, will facilitate the group along with an associate from Haven, Sharlene Aukofer. The group is FREE and will run on Thursday evenings in October beginning on October 8. A minimum of four participants is needed for the group to run. Please contact Judy McDowell or Janet Parker if you are interested or would like more information. Brought to you by the Rock Spring Caring Ministry.

Calling all Rock Springers!

Are you or a family member interested in participating in Sunday services as a Lay Reader/Liturgist? The Deacons are looking for volunteers to participate in Sunday services for the 2009 to 2010 year. We are looking for Lay Readers/Liturgists of all ages, from youth to senior citizens. Maybe you’ve never been a Lay Reader/Liturgist but have always wondered how someone gets such a cool duty in church. Well now’s your chance. You don’t need to be an expert in the Bible, or even very familiar with it. Each Sunday one of our pastors will pick the liturgy and readings, and as the volunteer Lay Reader/Liturgist you will help to lead the service. With 92 Sunday services (two each Sunday while during the 12 weeks of summer we only have one service) this is an opportunity for lots of Rock Springers to participate. We are seeking volunteer Lay Readers/Liturgists for the weeks beginning Sunday November 1, 2009. If you are interested, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Deacon Mark Buchholz.

Eco-Justice News

Green Tip:

Use microwave ovens to save energy. Microwave ovens are about 33% more efficient than convection ovens and 66% more efficient than conventional ovens. Try it! Brought to you by Rock Spring’s Eco-Justice Committee.

Mark Your Calendar and Alert Your Pets!

Blessing of the animals is Sunday, September 27 at 3 pm. This will be a pet-friendly outdoor event, weather permitting. Rain location will be Neighborhood House. In order for this to be a safe and positive experience, all pets need to be on leash or contained – no loose animals. In the spirit of inclusiveness, plants and other aspects of God’s creation are also welcome for the Blessing. This event is an extension of the Creation Sunday services on September 27, and is sponsored by the Eco-Justice Committee.

Parish House Updates:

Welcome home to the Parish House Pastoral Interns!

Mike Slagenwiet-Coffman is a new member of First Cogregational UCC-Washington, DC. Mike grew up in the United Methodist Church, and comes to us with experience in campus ministry and lay ministry education. He is a student at Wesley Theological Seminary, and will be in residence at the Parish House.

Mollie Landers is a member of New Covenant UCC-Williamsport, PA and a Student In-Care of the Central Association, Penn Central Conference-UCC. Mollie is a graduate of Catawba College (one of the many schools historically-related to the UCC), with experience in Outdoor Ministry and Youth Ministry. She is a student at Wesley Theological Seminary, and will be in residence at the Parish House.

Doreen Mannion, a member of Westmoreland UCC-Bethesda, MD. Doreen’s personal journey adds much life experience and a variety of perspectives in faith. She is a student at Wesley Theological Seminary, and will be will be commuting from her home in Laurel, MD.

The Parish House internships will be a little different than those we have had in the past. These placements are designed for students who are continuing their theological education. They are serving in a part-time capacity at 10-15 hours per week, and receiving academic credit for their time with us. During the first months, a series of “Learning Activities” will be planned for the program year. Over that time you can expect to see them “checking us out,” planning these goals. After a few weeks, you can expect to see them in sharing in and leading worship, small-group, education activities, visitation, and maybe something very new to our faith community! Their presence will augment all of our ministries and challenge us in our own life in faith.

The Parish House project is managed by an Oversight Team composed of Dick Metzger (Bd. of Personnel), Judy Johnson (Bd. of Deacons), Jack Ebeler (Bd. of Deacons), and Hank Fairman (Pastoral Team). If you have any questions about the program, or would like to share in this ministry, please feel free to contact any of the team members, or email parishhouse@rockspringucc.org.

Christian Education News

The Board of Christian Education is pleased to report that as of September 6 Magda Keegan has joined our childcare staff for the Infant/Toddler Rooms. Magda has over 10 years experience in childcare, including serving as an Au Pair for the Barton family from 1999-2001. Magda’s daughter, Sara, will also be a regular participant in our Sunday School programs. Please join CE in extending a warm Rock Spring welcome to Magda and Sara.

Register for fall 2009 Our Whole Lives Classes

A new Our Whole Lives / Sexuality and Our Faith (OWL) class is now forming for Fall 2009. The class is open to all students who will are entering 6th or 7th grade in the fall. Participants do not need to be members of Rock Spring, so feel free to pass this information on to friends, relatives or classmates who might be interested in participating. There is a $60 fee for the class, which includes the course curriculum (yours to keep!), as well as materials for the class. Scholarships are available by contacting the OWL Team at owl@rockspringucc.org or Pastor Hank at hank@rockspringucc.org; all scholarship requests will be kept confidential. If you are planning to enroll siblings, please talk to the OWL Leaders about a reduced fee.

The OWL program is a series of comprehensive sexuality education curriculum for Grades K-1, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. The curriculum is designed to provide age-appropriate information to participants and includes topics such as: human development, sexual health, sexual behavior, relationships, personal skills, and society and sexuality. The OWL program helps participants to clarify their values in regards to sexuality, create interpersonal relationships, and understand the various social and emotional aspects of sexuality. The Sexuality and Our Faith component of the program helps participants understand the connection between sexuality and religion or spirituality. It also help participants to use their religious values to determine their values in regards to sexuality and to understand the spiritual aspects of sexuality.

Class leaders will be Ashley Martinage and Allen Moore. Ashley and Allen are both certified OWL Leaders and were part of the team that taught Rock Spring’s inaugural OWL class in 2008. The class will be ten sessions long and attendance is expected at all sessions. Based on responses to the OWL survey sent to parents over the summer, classes will be held on Sunday mornings. The schedule is as follows:

9/20/09 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Parents’ Meeting

9/27/09 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Parent/Child Orientation

10/4/09, 10/11/09, 10/18/09, 10/25/09, 11/1/09, 11/8/09, 11/15/09 and 11/22/09 11:00 AM-12:30 PM.

Class Sessions

You can find more information about the OWL program and about OWL at Rock Spring by visiting our website at http://www.rockspringucc.org/church-life/christian-education/our-whole-lives-owl/. Email owl@rockspringucc.org with questions or for registration information. We look forward to seeing you in class!

Sunday School News and Notes

Welcome back! The Board of Christian Education hopes you had a great summer, and that you are ready to come back to another year of encountering God’s still-speaking word.

This year, there will be some special opportunities and offerings for our Pre-K to 5th Grade youth.

From last year’s feedback groups, we’ve heard the strong desire for more music in the lives of our children and youth. Starting in September, we will enjoy Children’s Fellowship Hour from 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

For those families attending 9:00 a.m. worship, children will leave at the normal time, following the “For the Child in All of Us.” For those families coming to share in the 9:30 New Offerings (for more information, see the article below), the Leaders will be waiting for you at 9:20 a.m..

For those children who sing in out “Choristers” program, we’ll have a special time for a “Break” at 9:55, so you can join Mrs. K-N in rehearsal. For more information on the Children’s Music and Fellowship Hour, contact Taryn Roman.

For our youngest ones, professional Child Care will be available in our Infant and Toddler Nurseries from the beginning of the 9:00 service to the end of our Fellowship Hour following the 11:00 service.

When you drop off your child with our excellent caregivers, you will receive a small vibrate-only “Parent Pager.” Parents, if you are needed by our carevgivers, we’ll “buzz” you to come down tto the Nursery. We hope that the pagers will allow our families with younger children the freedom to share deeper in the life of the congregation.

At 11:00, we offer classes for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten-1st Grades, 2nd-3rd Grades, and 4th-5th Grades.

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

Later in the program year, there will be a “test” of new curriculum and methods for Sunday School. Keep an eye on the RSN for more information.

Our Middle High and Senior High classes meet during the 11:00 hour. The goal is to provide a more age-relevant encounter with the Bible and faith, and provide an experiential time for our youth to examine their faith.

Come Meet Your Teacher(s)!

Please come and meet our Sunday School teachers today Sunday, September 20, following our 11:00 worship service. This is a time to meet the students and parents in each of our wonderful educational programs. Rest assured, juice and cookies will be provided!

Children and Youth Information Update

At the beginning of each program year, the Sunday School reviews its roster to make sure that we know everyone’s name, grade, and birthday. Parents, please fill out a Sunday School Registration form, verifying your children’s information. These are located in the Atrium to the Hunter Building, by the bulletin boards. We are working on an online form as well, and will send an email when this is ready. The Board of Christian Education thanks you in advance for helping us keep good records!

Confirmation Class of 2010

The Confirmation Class of 2010 will be forming during October. Confirmation is open to any youth who is currently in or beyond Ninth Grade. If your child is in this age group, you will be receiving an invitation letter in late September.

Confirmation is a year-long group study in personal faith and spiritual discernment. Classes are usually every-other-week, and focused on teaching the faith and order of the United Church of Christ. The class begins in October, and will conclude on Pentecost, May 23, 2010, with the Confirmation Sunday service led by the class.

Youth of Rock Spring (YoRS)

Welcome back to all of the Youth of Rock Spring! This year will be a great time for fun, faith, and fellowship for every youth of Rock Spring, and many friends from our community! Every week, updates and information on the weekly gatherings will be emailed out in the “YoRS Weekly Update.” If you didn’t get it (and you should have!), please send an email to to yors@rockspringucc.org. We’ll get you set up!

Middle High YoRS

Our first meeting at our regular time of 6:30-8:30 every Sunday will begin the following week, 9/27.

MH-YoRS Dates:

9/27 Regular Meetings begin, 6:30-8:30 @ Carpenter Hall

Senior High YoRS first gathering will be on Sunday, September 20, from 1:00-3:00. We’ll do a pizza lunch for this one, and plan out our meeting times for the rest of the calendar year. We’ll meet weekly, and join in a new time of faith and fellowship this year!

SH-YoRS Dates:

9/20/08 Lunch Meeting, 1:00-3:00, Carpenter Hall

9/27/08 Weekly Meeting, TBD, Carpenter Hall

Adult Education and Spirituality Programs

Each year, the Board of Christian Education takes on the task of evaluating the depth and breadth of our educational and fellowship ministries. Partnering with the Board of Deacons, we seek to provide new ways to deepen our life together in faith, spiritual and personal growth.

9:30 New Adult CE Offerings

From the Strategic Planning Study in 2007 to last year’s feedback from the Profile Survey, the strong need for engagement in our life of faith, religious education, and spirituality rang loud.

This Fall, we are pleased to begin a new time to join together in study and fellowship. These offerings will take place on Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:45. The leadership will vary with partnerships between the Pastoral Team, the Parish House Pastoral Interns, interested Volunteer Leaders, and guest speakers.

These programs will begin in November and continue through the June. Child care will be provided through out Nurseries and Children’s Music and Fellowship Hour (see above for info!). Here are the offerings through the New Year (and beyond!):

10/4-10/25 Unplug the Christmas Machine

Guided by the book by Jo Robinson and Jean Staeheli, this workshop will offer ways to reduce stress and increase enjoyment of the holiday season by making simple changes to your celebration. Participants will examine their current practices, define their values, create an ideal Christmas, and then combine their insights into a workable plan for the upcoming holiday season. Susan and Jim Alverson will coordinate this session.

11/1-11/22 “Sacred Time: Looking at the gift of Time in our lives

During our season of Steardship, four sessions on honoring the gift of time. Topics will include: Time for Self Care; Time for Family; Time for Church and Community; and Time for Creation. The Pastoral team will lead this session.

1/10-31 Our Whole Lives (OWL) for the Rest of Us

Four sessions for adults introducing the depth of the “Our Whole Lives / Sexuality and our Faith” program. These sessions will be lead by our OWL Team and Leaders, to share the program with the adult members, friends, and community of Rock Spring.

Adult Education Opportunities:

All classes below will meet on the second floor of the Hunter Education Building, in the Peace Room or in the adjoining classroom. The 12:30 p.m. classes will begin either at 12:30 or 20 minutes following the en of the 11:00 a.m. service, whichever is later. Feel free to bring food to the 12:30 p.m. sessions. Coffee and water is usually available in the classroom for these sessions. Come to as many sessions as you can; no commitment to every session is expected! This schedule will be updated as new classes are added.

Adult Ed Forum- Early Christianity: The Emergence of The Divine
10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Lecture and Discussion

From September 2009 through February 2010, Early Christianity: The Emergence of the Divine. Each week, a 30 minute video presentation by scholar Luke Timothy Johnson, followed by a group comment and discussion.

“Into the Spirit!” Returns. Save These Dates!

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 or 2:30 p.m. Sessions:

Into the Spirit explores traditions of Christian spiritual practice and how they might apply in our congregational setting and in our personal lives. Led by Dick Metzger and Barbara Kinney.

Sunday, October 4: Meditation

Sunday, November 1: Spiritual Journey

Sunday, December 6: Prayers as a Spiritual Practice

Sunday, February 7: Into the Spirit

Sunday, March 7th: Into the Spirit

Sunday, May 2nd: Into the Spirit

Sunday, June 6th: Into the Spirit

Living the Questions Returns to Rock Spring!

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 or 2:30 p.m. Sessions:

The First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God program is a series produced by Living the Questions organization and featuring Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan on video and with written material by Crossan. The program begins by setting Jesus in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context, and works toward addressing Crossan’s four vital questions: What is the character of your God?, What is the content of your faith?, What is the purpose of your worship?, What is the function of you community? Led by Dwight Rodgers whom can be contacted via e-mail for further information.

Sunday, October 11: First Light 2: The Advent of the Messiah

Sunday, October 25: First Light 3: God’s Great Cleanup

Sunday, November 8: First Light 4: Collaborative Eschaton

Sunday, November 22: First Light 5: The Lake as the World

Sunday, November 29th:
 Alternative date for The Lake as the World

Friday, December 13th: First Light 6: Parables as Lurer

Friday, December 27th through 
 January 3rd: No Classes

Sunday, January 24th: First Light 8: Substitutionary Atonement

Sunday, January 31st:
 Alternative date for Substitutionary Atonement

Sunday, February 14th: First Light 9: Demonstrations in Jerusalem

Sunday, February 28th: First Light 10: The Crowd and the Crucifixion

Sunday, March 14th: First Light 11: Resurrection as Resistance

Sunday, April 4th:
No Classes, Easter

Women’s Fellowship News

Women’s Fellowship

All women of Rock Spring, of all ages and association with the church, are members of the Fellowship. We encouraged you to participate as you are able and to share your ideas for activities with the Board – Jacki Brown, Donna Cartwright, Carol George, Peggy Greenwood, Edith Heins, Pam Henriksen, Joyce Mader, Judy McDowell, and Cristine Robles.

On Saturday, November 7, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., we sponsor a Fall Fest, all proceeds go to charity. We need your contributions to the Silent Auction, Trinkets and Treasures room, and the Tasty Tidbits food table. Can you help that day with lunch, treasures, the silent auction, food? Let Donna Cartwright know.

The evening of Wednesday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m., we will hold our annual meeting and dessert. After socializing, a short business meeting will be held to approve the recipients of our annual giving. A speaker will follow. If you need a ride or childcare for this event, be sure to be in touch so that we can arrange for it. Peggy Greenwood is the lead for this event.

On Wednesday, December 16th, at 10:30 am we gather for our advent coffee. Join us for socializing and celebration of the season. If you need a ride or childcare, let the contact person know early. Contact Peggy Greenwood.

Sacred Circles are at the core of Women’s Fellowship. Groups of Rock Spring women meet periodically for fellowship and spiritual refreshment. If you would like to join or form a Sacred Circle, contact Judy McDowell, Edith Heins or Peggy Greenwood.

The annual Spirituality Retreat will be held April 16-17, 2010, at Shepherd’s Springs Outdoor Ministry Center near Sharpsburg, MD. Laura Swett, of the Fairfax Disciples of Christ Church, will be our leader. Put the dates on your calendar. Stay tuned for more announcements in the new year.

Music News at Rock Spring

Hello Rock Springers and friends of Rock Spring! This is a cordial invitation to join us for singing, ringing or blowing (think brass instrument!) this program year. Our exciting music program has something to offer most anyone. Please note below the various groups, their rehearsal days and times, and the date of their first rehearsal.

The Sanctuary Choir – Rehearses Thursday evenings 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Childcare is provided by Fern Lawrence. This choir is our weekly leader of music at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Rehearsals have begun. As the choir sings weekly, we are very open to working with those who have need of flexibility! Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.

The Men’s Choir – Rehearses Thursday evenings 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided by Fern Lawrence. This group is a 4-part male ensemble that sings a variety of styles of music, from gospel to classical. They sing in worship about once a month. Rehearsals have begun. Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.

The Handbell choir – Rehearses Wednesday evenings 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. This ensemble accompanies the choral introit most Sundays, and plays anthems about once a month. Rehearsals begin Sept. 23. Ed Roberts directs.

The Brass ensemble – Rehearses Wednesday mornings. This ensemble plays in worship about once a month. Rehearsals have begun. Please see Ed Roberts, director, for more info.

The Choristers – Rehearse Sunday mornings from 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. This ensemble is for children from K-5th grades. They sing most Sundays on the Choral Introit and the first hymn with the Sanctuary Choir. They perform an anthem about once a month. Rehearsals begin Sunday, Sept. 20th. Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.

The Youth Choir – Rehearse Sunday afternoons from 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. This ensemble is for youth grades 6 through 12. They sing in worship about once a month. Rehearsals begin Sunday, Sept. 20th. Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.

Questions? Feel free to call Elizabeth or Ed at the church, or send us an email!

p.s. Heads up, Handel lovers! This year our annual Christmas concert will feature Part I of Handel’s Messiah!

Board of Social Action

Hearts and Hammers- October 3

On Saturday, October 3, Rock Spring members will once again make remaining at home a safer and brighter experience for one of our Arlington neighbors. Mrs. Jane Anderson, a 76 year old artist, has been slowed physically in recent years but can remain in her own home with her daughter’s help. We can help through a series of improvements involving painting and patching, rewiring, installing stair treads and railings and some exterior cleaning, clean up and gutter work. We encourage all over 14 to sign up (families especially welcome) for either the morning or afternoon session. Mrs. Anderson’s South Arlington home is close quartered and we will make assignments that match your skills with room work. Sign up after church or email Hamilton Brown.

Join Rock Springers on the Arlington CROP Walk to End Hunger

On Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. until noon, Rock Spring will participate in 28th Annual Arlington CROP walk to raise money to help alleviate world hunger. Rock Spring is putting together a team to raise funds by getting pledges to walk for 3 or 6 miles. Please be a participant! You can walk, raise funds, donate, or all three. Of the funds we raise, 25% will go to the Arlington Food Assistance Cooperative (AFAC). No time? You can donate to the Rock Spring Team (or join by creating your own web page) at: http://churchworldservice.org/goto/Rock.Spring. Please sign up or donate in the Saegmuller Room after services. Here is your chance to be part of the solution and have a nice fall walk with friends.