Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC)

Rock Spring News covering dates: October 4, 2009 – October 17, 2009

HAVE A MINUTE?

by Doug Griffin

How often does it happen, just as you close a door another one flings open?  Just when you put one set of unknowns to bed a whole new flock emerges?

Here we are:  for over a year now we have talked, written, surveyed, and announced questions about Rock Spring’s history, identity, strengths, and limitations.  We have asked about our hopes and fears, our treasured events from the past and our hopes for the future.  All of this has been one targeted, massive exercise designed to compose a Local Church Profile.  And, thank God it’s DONE!

The Profile has been put to bed, that culmination of a year’s worth of our congregational focus and efforts.  And now?  Fling open the door!  Off we go again.  Now comes the Senior Pastor Search, per se.  The Profile is but a tool to attract interested candidates.  Now begins that final stretch toward the day we’ve anticipated since Chuck Wildman preached his last sermon and said good-bye.  Now that the Profile is completed and we’re in the Hunt how long will it take?  What happens next?

We now enter that phase of the interim period that has more questions than answers, more uncertainties than certainties, and less information than most would prefer!  The best-case scenario is that the Search Committee would complete its work, and the church be ready to vote on a candidate, in early Spring.  But it could take longer.  Often, from the time the search for a pastor actually commences to the time the pastor is elected the process takes six to nine months.  Sometimes it takes longer.  Occasionally it’s quicker.  What is certain is that the Search Committee will pour over many pastors’ profiles.  A host of the profiles will be unsolicited.  Others will be forwarded to the Search Committee from the Conference because they look like they could be good fits.  Some, we’ll get by going out and beating the bushes!  In every case, however, the Search Committee operates with a high wall of confidentiality.  In addition to the Search Committee members themselves, only one other person knows whom the Search Committee is considering.  And it’s not me!  It’s Rev. John Deckenback, Conference Minister and consultant to Rock Spring’s Search Committee.

The Search Committee will attempt to communicate frequently with the congregation about its progress.  It will paint in broad strokes and report in general terms.  The intention is that the congregation will be aware, from month to month, what’s happening and how close–or far–the Search Committee is to identifying the candidate the Committee believes is called to be the next Senior Pastor of Rock Spring Church.

My role becomes one of anticipating the arrival of the new Senior Pastor.  I always expect a speedy resolution to the Search Process.  So, you’ll hear me talk about the new Senior Pastor coming on board and my exiting in the Spring.  But I am also always prepared for it be more drawn-out.  Yet, while all of this is going on in the foreground, we also must attend to the ministries that are already thriving, the challenges that are facing us today, the programs that serve our short and long-term goals, and the vitality of worship and integrity of Christian education and discipleship.

I am excited to help you welcome your new Senior Pastor into the life and ministry of this church and Metro community.  I trust that we will all join in prayerful support of John Roman and the Search Committee as they embark on this discernment process on behalf of Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ.

Peace,

Doug

NEWS AND NOTES

Joys and Concerns:

Prayers are requested for Connie Kiernan, spouse of Rock Spring intern Doreen Mannion, who had spinal surgery last week and is recovering at home, and for Walter Bloss, father of Julie Clark, who is recovering from hip replacement surgery.

Prayers would also be appreciated for little Ian Robert Schutte (age 6 weeks), grandson of Hope Schutte, who is being treated for his congenital club foot condition and will need to wear braces for 2-4 years.

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.

Change Coming Soon to the Rock Spring News

At the June 29th Church Council meeting, Council approved a proposal to go to a monthly email format for the Rock Spring News, ending the current bimonthly format.

A monthly edition of the Rock Spring News will enable full articles, customary features and possibly the addition of thematic emphases.  It will avoid reduplication of many announcements and information pieces in the weekly bulletin, which diminishes readership of the online Rock Spring News.  A weekly email distribution of “This Week at Rock Spring, ” including the calendar and announcements section of the church bulletin, will be distributed each Monday morning.  Readers will be able to subscribe to “This Week at Rock Spring” on the Rock Spring website.

Boards, Committees, and Writers, please note that the Rock Spring News is going monthly very soon.  The target date for publishing our first monthly edition is November 29, 2009, which coincides with the beginning of Advent.The deadline for our first issue is Wednesday, November 18, 2009. This issue will cover November 29, 2009 to December 31, 2009.

Deadlines thereafter will be the third Wednesday of each calendar month.  The Rock Spring News will be prepared and delivered to the mailing lists on the final Sunday of each month, and will cover the upcoming month.

Please remember that when submitting your articles please be sure they are drafted in Word format.  Articles must be sent to the following address: publish@rockspringucc.org.

Below are the deadline dates:

November 18 2009            Covering 11/29/09 – 12/31/09

December 16, 2009            Covering January 2010

January 20, 2010                Covering February 2010

February 17, 2010                Covering March 2010

March 17, 2010                     Covering April 2010

April 21, 2010                        Covering May 2010

May 19, 2010                         Covering June 2010

June 16, 2010                        Covering July 2010

July 21, 2010                         Covering August 2010

August 18, 2010                    Covering September 2010

September 15, 2010             Covering October 2010

October 20, 2010                 Covering November 2010

November 17, 2010              Covering December 2010

December 15, 2010              Covering January 2011

Board of Deacons News

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.

Board of Social Action

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.

Eco-Justice News

Green Tip:

Did you watch “The National Parks:  America’s Best Idea,” a six-episode series directed by Ken Burns which aired this week on PBS?  The images on film are spectacular.  According to PBS’s website, episodes will repeat frequently, in case you missed it.  Try it!  Brought to you by Rock Spring’s Eco-Justice Committee.

Screening of Coal Country documentary

On Wednesday, October 21, Rock Spring will co-host the Northern Virginia premier of the film documentary Coal Country, along with other area churches, the Sierra Club, and Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light.  The film will be shown at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA) at 4400 Arlington Boulevard.   Coal Country is a dramatic look at the modern coal mining process of Mountain Top Removal (MTR), in which coal companies blast the tops off mountains to mine the exposed seams of coal.  In Appalachia, where 500 mountains have been leveled, miners and residents are locked in conflict.  Is MTR essential to providing jobs and fueling the nation, or is it destroying the land, water, air, and a way of life?  The film, which will air this fall on the Discovery Channel, offers views from both sides and is designed to make us all consider where the energy comes from to run the machinery of our daily lives.  The program begins with fellowship and light refreshments at 6:30; the formal program starts at 7 PM.  Discussion to follow with representatives from environmental organizations working on MTR and climate change issues.  Parking available at UUCA and across George Mason Drive in the Mason’s lot.  Public transportation:  Bus #22-B via George Mason Drive and #4 via Arlington Boulevard.

What’s Happening in our Interim Time?

The Senior Pastor Search Committee is delighted to announce that we have been given Council approval for the Local Church Profile!  This means that we will be proceeding forward with our job announcement on www.ucc.org.

The final Church Profile has been developed with input from the Council and the congregation in order to put forward an honest and complete picture of our Congregation.  Since the draft version was submitted to the Congregation, in addition to changes suggested by the congregation we have incorporated a pictorial introduction, an opening letter, the Pastoral Team job descriptions and a map of our Church grounds.  We will make the final version available to the Congregation soon. However, a complete version of the Profile will not be posted on our website for privacy purposes.

In the next few weeks, we hope to start receiving candidate profiles for consideration.  We encourage members of the congregation to submit names of any potential Pastor candidates to us at SearchCommittee@rockspringucc.org.  We will continue to keep you informed of our progress as we continue. Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at the same email address or during fellowship.

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.

Christian Education News

Sunday School News and Notes

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 – 9:30-10:45.

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.

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)

With our new year comes a new meeting time for both YoRS groups!

You’ll see that the CROP Walk is on our calendar.  Let’s get a huge group of YoRS together, and walk with the congregation!

Middle High YoRS will be meeting at 4:30-6:30 every Sunday beginning 9/27/2009.  We’re meeting early so there is time for us to hang out (and for you to get home and prepare for your week!).  Check the Weekly Update Email for the most current schedule of our activities!

MH-YoRS Dates:

10/4/2009      Regular Meeting, 4:30-6:30, Carpenter Hall

10/11/08        Regular Meeting, 4:30-6:30, Carpenter Hall

10/17/2009    CROP Walk!  Check the article for the info on the walk!

Senior High YoRS will be meeting at 6:30-8:30 every Sunday beginning 9/27/2009.  We’ll meet weekly, and join in a new time of faith and fellowship this year!

SH-YoRS Dates:

10/4/2009      Regular Meeting, 6:30-8:30, Carpenter Hall

10/11/08        Regular Meeting, 6:30-8:30, Carpenter Hall

10/17/2009    CROP Walk!  Check the article for the info on the walk!

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 Stewardship, 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.  All meetings are to take place in the Peace Room.

Sunday, October 4:   Beating a Path to Heaven.

Sunday, November 1:   Spiritual Journey

Sunday, December 6:   Prayers as a Spiritual Practice

Sunday, February 7:      Into the Spirit

Sunday, March 7:           Into the Spirit

Sunday, May 2:               Into the Spirit

Sunday, June 6:              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 29:
     Alternative date for The Lake as the World

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

Friday, December 27 through 
 January 3rd:  No Classes

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

Sunday, January 31:
  Alternative date for Substitutionary Atonement

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

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

Sunday, March 14:           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.

Welcome Geoffrey A. Black!

The United Church of Christ is welcoming a new General Minister and President on October 1. His name is the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black.

Having served as the UCC’s New York Conference Minister since 2000, Rev. Black was elected this summer at General Synod 27 in Grand Rapids to succeed the Rev. John H. Thomas, who is completing 10 years of service in the office.

A 15-year local church pastor, a college chaplain and a former national staff member, Rev. Black offers an infectious sense of humor, a gentle spirit, keen pastoral sensibilities, an ecumenical outlook, a commitment to church growth and evangelism, and a deep concern for justice and peace. He is also passionate about many eclectic interests, from cycling to jazz music, skiing to model railroading.

This is why our voice is needed: so that all people will know that they are God’s people.

–– The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black

Rev. Black says he loves the United Church of Christ because it is a church that respects and affirms your intellect, while affirming the presence of Jesus Christ in the midst of all that we do.

“The teachings of Christ – that’s who we are,” he said to one newspaper upon his election.

Rev. Black earned degrees from Lincoln University in 1969 and Yale Divinity School in 1972. Ordained in the American Baptist Church in 1976, he joined the UCC the following year.

He is the spouse of Patricia Williams-Black and the father of one adult daughter, Makeda Black.