RS News Vol. 5 No. 19
Rock Spring News covering dates: September 6, 2009 – September 19, 2009
HAVE A MINUTE?
by Janet L. Parker
Welcome or unwelcome, dreaded or anticipated, we can’t deny it’s here. The long, hot days of summer are giving way to ever so slightly cooler nights here in the Washington area, and to the nervousness and excitement of back to school preparations. Or back to work, for those on the Congressional schedule! The slower pace that Rock Spring enjoys in the summer is about to transmogrify into hyperdrive as we kick off the fall programming year. Back to School Sunday (formerly known as Rally Day) on September 13 will be our official springboard into a new and exciting year for Rock Spring.
Change and transition continues to be the byword here, but it’s all trending in a positive direction. We will be blessed this year by the presence of not one, not two, but THREE seminary interns. After a hiatus from our intern program, we are so pleased to welcome seminarians back to our congregation as part of their preparation for ordained ministry. After much effort by the search committee, and with thanks to all who have provided input, our local church profile is about to go public, and the search committee will soon be receiving applications for our senior pastor position. Exciting new adult education and spirituality offerings will be coming online this fall, and of course the youth and music programs will be getting back into gear. This issue of the Rock Spring News is packed with information on all this and more.
In the midst of all this busyness, we pastors urge you not to forget to take time to breathe, to pause, to pray, and to find Sabbath time for yourselves and your families. Rock Spring needs and welcomes your active participation in our ministries. But don’t allow the yang of your volunteering for the church to eclipse the yin of spiritual nurture that you need for a balanced spiritual life. That said, take a deep breath and jump in! It’s open swim time and all are welcome!
NEWS AND NOTES
Joys and Concerns:
Prayers are requested for Greg Hessler, brother of Carrie Hessler Radelet, who is suffering from adrenal failure and is being treated at the Mayo Clinic.
Prayers are requested for Maury Flagg, who suffered from a heart attack on August 30 but is now in stable condition at Virginia Hospital Center. Visitors are welcome to see him in room 718 (recommend that you call first to see if he is still there). Please pray also for Mike Laub, who is under treatment for atrial fibrillation on an outpatient basis.
A Thank You from Myra Britton
It is so hard to express adequately my, and my family’s, heartfelt gratitude for all the caring, loving and beautiful expressions of sympathy that have been showered upon us. For all the cards, thank you. For all the flowers, thank you. For all the music, thank you. For all the work in preparing for the memorial service, thank you. For the beautiful reception, and the work that it entailed, thank you. We are grateful beyond words. Myra Britton.
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 4 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.
Mark your calendar for Shaw Community Ministry’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 14, from 1;00 – 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.
Last One Out…
If your committee or organization meets at Rock Spring, you are responsible for making sure that doors are locked and lights are out when you leave (however, the light in the hallway between the church office and Janet’s office stays on for security reasons). If you are the chair of a board or committee or have reserved space for a meeting, please take this responsibility seriously. The chair or coordinator will need a key for reliable lockup. If you need a key or lock-up training, please contact the office. If you plan a one-time meeting, you can borrow a key from the office.
Housing or Shared Living Space is Needed!
Shawn, a friend of Linda Carder’s is looking for housing or shared living space in North Arlington. If you know of any possibilities please contact her as soon as possible.
Special Benevolence Offering Part II
At the Annual Congregational Meeting in January of this year a budget was adopted that included an item for “Special OCWM Offering” in the amount of $14,996. This offering is necessitated by the desire to meet a goal for benevolences established at the 2008 Annual Congregational Meeting to gradually increase the Benevolences line item by 2% of the operating budget until we are designating an amount equal to 25% of the operating budget for benevolences in keeping with a long standing practice at Rock Spring of contributing generously to the well-being of those in need.
In April, Rock Springers gave over $5,000 so we still have a way to go to meet the budget goal. Please make sure that check contributions made to Rock Spring for the special offering are designated, “Special OCWM Offering.”
If you have any questions please contact Bill Wooten, Chair of the Board of Stewardship.
Eco-Justice News
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.
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.
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.
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, after either the 9am or 11am service on September 13 meet Pastor Doug Griffin and Deacon Mark Buchholz in the pulpit-side transept. We’ll have a short introduction to being a Lay Reader/Liturgist and an opportunity to sign up. In the meantime if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Deacon Mark Buchholz.
Christian Education News
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. “Back to School” Sunday is Sunday, September 13, 2009. We return to two services of worship, with our educational and special offerings paired with those times.
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 Music and Fellowship Hour from – 9:30-10:45.
For those families attending 9:00 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.
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 on 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.
Parents of the Youth of Rock Spring
Parents, please join for an Information and Organization Meeting on Sunday, September 13, 6:30-8:30 in Carpenter Hall. Please bring an appetizer or sweet to share. We will look towards the fall calendar, and discuss our leadership and chaperone needs for the coming year. This is a meeting for parents, guardians, and adults. Members and Friends of Rock Spring, you too are invited to come and learn more about the YoRS groups. For all of our Members and Friends who would like to help out with our Youth ministries, you are welcome to come and share in this gathering. There is room for all who feel called to walk with our youth! Parents, Members, and Friends, please RSVP to yors@rockspringucc.org. If you have a child in 6th Grade through 12th Grade, YoRS is the pace to be!
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.” The first of these should have been in your inbox on Wednesday, September 2. 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!
For all youth and families, we’ll start the year joining in the September 6, at the JFFAL All-Church Picnic at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church, starting at 4:00. Come share in the food and fun!
Middle High YoRS kicks off this year with a Lock-In on September 18-19! Parents, we’ll need both male and female chaperones for the night. Please email yors@rockspringucc.org if you are available.
Our first meeting at our regular time of 6:30-8:30 every Sunday will begin the following week, 9/27.
MH-YoRS Dates:
9/6 JFFAL All-Church Picnic at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church, starting at 4:00
9/13 YoRS Fall Information and Organization Meeting, 6:30-8:30, Carpenter Hall
9/18-19 MH YoRS Lock-In (starts 7:00 Friday; ends 9:00 Saturday)-No Sunday Meeting!
9/27 Regular Meetings begin, 6:30-8:30 @ Carpenter Hall
Senior High YoRS first gathering will be on Sunday, September 21, 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:
9/6 JFFAL All-Church Picnic at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church, starting at 4:00
9/13 YoRS Fall Information and Organization Meeting, 6:30-8:30, Carpenter Hall
9/20/08 Lunch Meeting, 1:00-3:00, Carpenter Hall
9/27/08 Lunch Meeting, 1:00-3:00, 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 (We are working on an offering for October, and will notify you ASAP!), 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!):
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
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 Bible Study Class News
The Sunday 10:00 Adult Class will begin a new 24-part video series is September titled Early Christianity: The Experience of the Divine, presented by Luke Timothy Johnson. This series explores the experience of Christianity prior to Constantine and the Imperial State Church. All are welcome, coffee is served.
“Into the Spirit!” Returns this Fall – Save These Dates!
Into the Spirit! an on-going look into spiritual matters of interest to Rock Springers, returns this Fall on the following dates and times:
Sunday, October 4th, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Meditation
Sunday, November 1st, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Spiritual Journey
Sunday, December 6th, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Prayer as a Spiritual Practice
More information will follow. See you there!
Living the Questions Returns to Rock Spring!
Rock Spring Adult Education for 2009-2010 will include the new program from the Living the Questions organization titled First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God and featuring via DVD John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg at each session. First Light will begin on September 27, one week after Janet Parker and Dwight Rodgers conclude the Spring, 2009 Experiencing the Heart of Christianity series with a discussion tittled Why Be a Christian?
The First Light series of 12 sessions begins September 27 and is tentatively scheduled throughout the year as Listed below. You are invited to attend as many of these sessions as your schedule allows, beginning with the September 20 finale of Experiencing the Heart of Christianity. We expect each session to begin around 12:30 PM, after the second service in the Peace Room, and to finish in 90 to 100 minutes. Sessions will be held in the Peace Room
The sessions:
Sep 20 (with Janet Parker): Conclusion of Experiencing the Heart of Christianity with Why Be a Christian?
Sep 27 The Matrix of Jesus
Oct 11 The Advent of the Messiah
Oct 25 God’s Great Cleanup
Nov 8 Collaborative Eschaton
Nov 22 (or 29) The Lake as the World
Dec 13 Parables as Lures
Jan 10 Jesus as Lord
Jan 24 (or 31) Substitutionary Atonement?
Feb 14 Demonstrations in Jerusalem
Feb 28 The Crowd and the Crucifixion
Mar 14 Resurrection as Resistance
Mar 28 America as the New Rome
If you may be interested in attending, please email class coordinator Dwight Rodgers at dwightfrodgers@verizon.net to be placed on the materials distribution list, and so that a 60 page Participant Reader can be prepared for you. The discussion guides for each session will be emailed in advance, and paper copies will be available in the Peace Room.
Also, the Sunday 10:00 adult class will begin a new 24-part video series is September titled Early Christianity: The Experience of the Divine, presented by Luke Timothy Johnson. This series explores the experience of Christianity prior to Constantine and the Imperial State Church. All are welcome, coffee is served.
Music News at Rock Spring
Music at Rock Spring Fall 2009 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 – 9 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 begin Thursday, Sept. 10th. 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 – 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 begin Sept. 17th. Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.
The Handbell choir – Rehearses Wednesday evenings 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. This ensemble accompanies the choral introit most Sundays, and plays anthems about once a month. Rehearsals begin Sept. 16th. Ed Roberts directs.
The Brass ensemble – Rehearses Wednesday mornings. This ensemble plays in worship about once a month. Start up date TBD. Please see Ed Roberts, director, for more info.
The Choristers – Rehearse Sunday mornings from 10 – 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. 19th. Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.
The Youth Choir – Rehearse Sunday afternoons from 12:30 – 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. 19th. Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.
40 Days- Rehearse Sunday afternoon 4:30-6:30 p.m. This band is composed of Middle High and Senior High youth, whose interests and abilities tend towards rock, punk, and praise. They perform quarterly, in worship and in special events. The Band plans its own music and events. Stan Calvert, Dave Divecha and Hank Fairman volunteer as adult leadership and roadies Practices have already begun..
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!
Social Action 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.
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.
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