Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC)

Rock Spring News Covering the Dates of:  October 18,2009 – October 31, 2009

Have A Minute?

By Janet Parker

This edition of the Rock Spring News appears in your inbox (or mail box) right as the church prepares to launch into this year’s Annual Giving Campaign.  This Sunday, Rock Springers gather for the annual ritual known as the “Budget Goals” meeting, when we examine the first draft of the 2010 Rock Spring budget, and learn about how this budget will help us to accomplish our ministry goals for the next year.  As the wheels start turning for another pledge campaign, you may find yourself surprised by the message—instead of waiting until the end of the campaign to thank you for your pledges, we’re starting now with a big round of thanks to each of you for all that you give to Rock Spring—of time, talents, and treasures—every day of the year.  And we intend to keep thanking you all the way through November and up to Consecration Sunday.  This is an extraordinary church filled with generous and gifted souls.  We want you to know that you are appreciated for all that you do, and that whatever you give financially, down to the widow’s mite, is treasured and respected.

As Christians, we give because God has first given to us.  In the words of one of my favorite songs from Godspell, “All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above, then thank the Lord, thank the Lord, for all his love….”  Standing before God spiritually, we know we are truly naked—all that we have comes from God and goes to God.  We are merely the stewards of this life that we have been given—charged to use it in God’s service, and in the service of our neighbor, and to enjoy and take pleasure in the gifts of creation.  Far beyond the immediate objective of this year’s Annual Giving Campaign, I pray that the message of giving thanks will sink into your souls and take root as a way of life.  The saints and sages know that the secret to a happy life is learning the art of being grateful.  It can take a lifetime to master, but as Blake put it, “Gratitude is heaven itself.”

As we enter this season of giving, may we ourselves become a people of thanksgiving, remembering that, in the words of the great Meister Eckhart, “If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.”

News and Notes

Joys and Concerns:

Congratulations to Ann Johnson and Bob Stewart, who returned from China with their new daughter, Elenore Chengshun (“Nellie”), on October 1, and to Sarah and Charlie Gilmour on the birth of their daughter, Harper Augusta, on September 29!

With joy, we are able to report that Maury Flagg is back in his home after his stay at Cherrydale Nursing Home; prayers are requested for his continuing recovery.  Please pray for Pat Jellison and her family who are coping with the unexpected death of Pat’s brother, Bob Jaccobberger, on October 2.  Special prayers are requested for his wife, Tanya.

Prayers of thanksgiving are offered for our new UCC president, the Rev. Geoffrey Black, who assumed office on October 1, and prayers of gratitude are extended for the devoted service of retiring UCC president, the Rev. John Thomas.

Rock Spring joins the entire UCC family in sending prayers and support to the Asia/Pacific region that has been devastated by multiple disasters, including earthquakes, a typhoon and a tsunami.  Donations are invited to the UCC’s disaster relief fund for the Pacific disasters, which can be accessed on the Rock Spring website under “UCC News.”

Halloween Pumpkin Party!

JFFAL is proud to announce its Halloween Pumpkin Party on October 25^th in Carpenter Hall.  The party will begin at 5:30 p.m.   Pumpkin carving and painting will be part of the fun.  Our Haunted House will be provided by YOUTH.  Come and join the fun, but remember that it is a BYOP party, so don’t forget to Bring Your Own Pumpkin!  See you there!

When the Frost is on the Pumpkin…

You know it is time to think about the JFFAL Harvest Breakfast!  Join us in Carpenter Hall at any time between 9:30 and 11:00 on Sunday morning, November 20, for pancakes and fellowship.  This annual JFFAL event has become one of the highlights of the autumn season.  You won’t want to miss it!!  A free-will offering will be taken.  Questions??  Contact Barbara Wright or Sarah Ulis.

“Thank you!” from Malawi

Margaret Sessa recently wrote Doug Griffin asking him to express her thanks to all the people of Rock Spring for all the help they’ve been giving me since I came to Malawi.  She said that the bountiful bundle of school supplies provided during the summer when she returned home were a hit!  Many of the supplies, which were priced at nearly half of normal retail value, are normally too expensive for most students there to purchase, or they simply aren’t available where the school is located.

The girls who ran the shop selling the supplies were able to provide for themselves from the proceeds.  One huge need that Margaret witnessed last year was for these girls to have an ample supply of paraffin for their lamps so that they could study at night.  Margaret reported, Even with the discounted rate the girl boarders were able to consistently buy two bottles of paraffin a week for their lamps so they could study at night right up until their exams. The girls were so excited by the success that they have already developed a plan for making money to buy paraffin for next term.

The shop exceeded expectation.  And with remaining supplies the Wildlife Club is able to continue running the shop.  With the money they earned the club is taking a trip to Vwaza National Park.  Margaret said, Most of these children have never been farther than the local town center (about an hour away) so to be able to visit a National Park is amazing. Had they paid for the excursion themselves it would have cost nearly one-half of one month’s average salary there!  So, Margaret writes, I feel pretty confident in saying this trip probably would not have been possible without the church’s donations.  Additionally, since the kids have been running the shop, they feel like they really put this trip together and earned it, which is a great feeling for them.

Thank you, all, who contributed to this great success in Margaret’s service in Malawi!

News from Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE)

VOICE Internal Action—this Sunday, October 18

Join other Rock Springers in attending this action as the church explores the possibility of joining VOICE

Focus of the Action:  Celebrate VOICE 1st Year Victories in Housing, Dental Care, & Immigration. Develop strategy to press Virginia’s new governor & general assembly to expand dental care for low-income adults in Virginia and dedicated state land for affordable housing.  Gubernatorial Candidates Bob McDonnell & Creigh Deeds have been invited.

This event will take place on Sunday, October 18th at 4:00 p.m (arrive by 3:15 to get a seat) at Freedom High School (freedom.groupfusion.net) located in 15201 Nabsco Mills Rd Woodbridge VA.  To attend or for more information RSVP to Rose Mary Garcia, rgarcia@nathaninc.com

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.

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

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 begun to receive 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.

Board of Deacon’s News

Sunday Greeters Needed!

A friendly face at the front door makes newcomers and members feel welcome at Rock Spring.  For that reason, we have a cadre of volunteers who each work for 15 minutes one Sunday a month, to greet people as they arrive for our worship services.

A few new volunteers are needed to complete the roster for the coming year.  If you are interested in working before the 9 a.m. service on the third Sunday of each month, or at either the 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. service on the fifth Sundays (just four times a year!), please be in touch.  The job is made easier because we have a great group of substitutes who are willing to fill in when you’re traveling or otherwise unable to be there.  Questions? Contact Claudia Sturges Scott (claudiascott@comcast.net)

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. Childcare and light snacks will be provided.  The remaining sessions will cover:

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.

Data Committee News

The Data Committee Needs Your Help!

As many of you know a committee has been working on the Rock Spring database for the last three years.  We are very close to completing this project with the exception of a few people for whom we have absolutely no information despite our best efforts to find contact information.  If you know anything about anyone listed below please contact Diane Smith.  It will be much appreciated.

• Harriet Ahalt

• J. Ahalt

• Cynthia Anderson

• Jeanne Bonynge

• Christine Brady

• Josephine Buresh

• Ruth Eschmeyer

• Gretta Schottman

• Linda Schoumacher

• Joanne Stanley

• Elizabeth Warren

• Evart Warren

Committee:

Diane M. Smith, Chair

Claudia Scott, Ann Rudd, Betty Rasmussen, Eileen Jinks

Eco Justice News

Green Tip:

From realsimple.com:  Wash clothes in cold water. You may already know that this saves energy, but do you know how much? “Up to 90 percent of the cost of washing clothes comes from heating the water, so use hot water only for very dirty clothes,” says Adam Gottlieb of the California Energy Commission. Another tip: “Match the water level to the amount of clothes, or wait to wash full loads,” suggests Clement. “The water savings can be enormous.”  Try it!  Brought to you by Rock Spring’s Eco-Justice Committee.

Screening of Coal Country documentary

This 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 p.m.; the formal program starts at 7:00 p.m.  Discussion will 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.

Caring Ministry News

An Invitation to Join the Caring Ministry at Rock Spring

Rock Spring’s caring ministry program was formed almost four years ago to be a compassionate presence in the lives of all Rock Springers, with a special focus on the needs of our seniors.  Our caring ministry program is a ministry of the Board of Deacons, with pastoral guidance and support from Janet Parker.  As a new program year gets underway, the Caring Ministry invites you to join this fulfilling and vital program at Rock Spring.

We are drawn into the Rock Spring community for many reasons.   Some of us come to it because we were married here.  Some of us come here as singles or couples, for fellowship and spiritual growth.  Many of us find in it a place to introduce our children to a loving, nurturing atmosphere and to help them develop their own spiritual roots.  As our families and careers grow, the church helps us to keep our bearings and to know ourselves.  When others are in need of support, the church community provides opportunities for us to help comfort them and to show our love.  When we are the ones in need, other members of the congregation show us that same compassion.

The Caring Ministry program has three components:  visitation, cards, and transportation.  Volunteers are needed to send cards to people who are grieving, recuperating from illness, unable to get out much, or celebrating occasions like the birth of a new baby or a special anniversary.  Drivers are needed from time to time to take people to important appointments, or to church events.  Visitation volunteers are needed to visit people in their homes, and in the hospital, to ensure that Rock Spring continues to be experienced as a caring presence in people’s lives, even when they can’t physically be present in church.  If you feel drawn to participating in any of these areas of the Caring Ministry, please contact Janet Parker at the church, or by email at janet@rockspringucc.org, to find out how you can get involved.  We currently have a particular need for new visitation volunteers.  Visitation volunteers receive training and support in a relaxed, informal atmosphere for their ministry of visitation.  Sessions take place on a bimonthly basis, and will be offered this year in November, January, March, and May.

Special Opportunity for New Visitation Volunteers

All visitation volunteers, and especially new volunteers or those considering volunteering, are invited to the first caring ministry resource and sharing session for this year, which will take place on Saturday, November 21, from 9:30 am to noon, in the Saegmuller Room.  An orientation to visitation will be provided for new volunteers, and continuing volunteers will share their experiences and collective wisdom.  Please RSVP to Susan Daniels if you plan to attend.

Board of Social Action

Meals on Wheels Needs You!

Meals on Wheels is searching for volunteers.  On the first and third Fridays of each month, Rock Springers deliver meals to people in need in the Arlington community.  This is a great opportunity for stay-at-home parents, those between jobs, retirees and anyone else who seeks a fun and rewarding way to give back to their community.  Time commitment is usually no more than 1 1/2 hours.  For more information contact: Karen Barberie.

Hearts & Hammers is Proud to Report…

On October 1 & 2nd, the Rock Spring Hearts & Hammers All-Stars tackled and vanquished a charming home in South Arlington that was showing its age, much to the delight of its elderly owner.

Here is the roster of Rock Spring All Stars:

Stan Calvert and Charles Spencer looked like NBA players in the small bathroom and collectively came up with a number of creative solutions to finally mount a shower curtain rod and 16 inch grab bar.

Susan “DiVinci” Daniels set a world record for hands over-head painting on the back porch and completed a three person job going solo.

John Overholt fixed a dysfunctional dryer with a new heating element and exhaust pipe and, with able help from Chris Sullivan, designed, and installed double back step railings that a Suma wrestler could slide down.

John and Robin were joined on Friday night by Michael Bell who dug a couple of 18 inch holes to set in concrete the 4 by 4 posts that anchor the railings  Working outside, Michael, on Friday, and Chris, on Saturday, were unwilling participants in a new weight loss program featuring the biggest mosquitoes north of the equator.

Robin was everywhere, helping all, while installing plexiglass in two windows and heavy plastic sheeting in others to make this home much more energy efficient.  The homeowners are living, like so many, on fixed and modest income.

The afternoon brought new faces and new activities:

Janet Parker, Leigh Anne Slonkam  and Yolanda Henderson made the living room look so brand new, I thought I walked into the wrong home when they were half way through painting. Throwing political correctness to the wind, I dubbed them “Babes with Brushes.”

Tom Hall spent much of the afternoon in the basement helping design essential railings for the Homeowner’s safety purposes and locating hardware, drill bits and safety glasses for his absent minded partner (me).   He also handled the power drill like Joshua Bell (they both play violin expertly) in tight quarters and at odd angles.  A real triumph when we finished.

John and Robin were their amazing selves and I told them when we finished up late Saturday afternoon that their skill and dedication were only exceeded by their generosity.  Susan Nelson Johnson is a veteran of all our Hearts and Hammers projects and makes everything happen seamlessly.  She has the rare gift of organizing tasks, materials, work schedule and partners so that we all keep busy and tasks happen in logical order.  If she were running the Redskins offense, they would be 4 and 0.  Say a special thanks to all who contributed but especially to John and Robin and Susan.

We all had so much fun and the residents were misty eyed when they saw the transformation.

We look forward to our next project in the Spring!

Hamilton Brown for the H&H team

Christian Education News

Intergenerational Communion Update

Thanks to all who shared in our celebration of Eucharist with our elementary children and youth.  With the help of the Parish House interns, our goal in welcoming every generation to worship took a great step forward.  We will next celebrate Intergenerational Communion on the first Sunday in Lent, March 7, 2010.

Children and Youth Information Update

Parents and Families, thank you!  We have received many Information update forms.  If you have not yet had a chance to fill the form out, that’s okay!  There are displays located on both floors in the Atrium to the Hunter Building, by the bulletin boards.  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.  This year, our class will be co-lead by Pastor Hank and Mike Slagenweit-Coffman, a member of the Parish House Pastoral Intern program.

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!

It’s Time for the Haunted (Neighborhood) House!  This month, we’ll be planning, building and spook-i-fying Neighborhood House for the annual Halloween Haunted House  This year, we’ll be getting our “Boo!” on Sunday October 25.  Check out the article from JFFAL for all of the Halloween fun!

Middle High YoRS meets at 4:30-6:30, and Senior High YoRS at 6:30-8:30 every Sunday.  Come share in the fun and fellowship with the Youth of Rock Spring!

MH-YoRS Dates:

10/18/2009            Plan for the Haunted House! 4:30-6:30, Carpenter Hall

10/25/2009            JFFAL Pumpkin Painting & YoRS Haunted House

11/1/2009            Regular Meeting, 4:30-6:30, Carpenter Hall

SH-YoRS Dates:

10/18/2009            Plan for the Haunted House! 6:30-8:30, Carpenter Hall

10/25/2009            JFFAL Pumpkin Painting & YoRS Haunted House

11/1/2009            Regular Meeting, 4:30-6:30, Carpenter Hall

Adult Education Opportunities

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.

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 end 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.

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

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, 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 who can be contacted via e-mail for further information.

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.

Annual Fall Fest and Silent Auction

Saturday, November 7 2009 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Trinkets and Treasures, Beads, Tasty Tidbits (Bake Sale), Silent Auction and Lunch from 11:30 a.m. until food runs out!  We need your Silent Auction donations!

• The Silent Auction’s success depends on the contribution of auction items such as:
• Time at a vacation home;
• Sporting or cultural tickets;
• Services such as handyman, accounting, snow shoveling, babysitting or other;
• Services you would like someone to provide to you (e.g. sidewalk shoveling, house cleaning, grocery shopping, a ride, putting up/taking down your Christmas tree (please indicate how much you will donate and the length of service);
• Art – prints, paintings, photos;
• More valuable new or used items (too good for Treasures);
• Theme baskets;
• Homemade dinners or eatables (at your home or delivered) (past favorites are theme dinners, desserts, cinnamon buns, wine tasting);
• Handcrafted items;
• Collectables or antiques;
• Donations from local businesses.
• Gift certificates to local businesses, restaurants, entertainment

Please make a tax-deductible donation and then come and donate your dollars to the Church by taking advantage of the generosity of the gifts of others!! Remember your donations and your purchases benefit the Church!!

Items may be dropped off at Carpenter Hall on Friday November 6 between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., or on Saturday November 7th before 9:30 a.m. Or, arrange for special pickup by calling Peggy Greenwood.

Forms and questions maybe directed to Peggy Greenwood or Bettie Clark or Donna Cartwright.  The forms maybe left in the Silent Auction box in the Saegmuller Room.  Donation receipts will be provided following the auction.  To download the form, click here.

Please try to get your form/call in by Sunday October 31st so that we can advertise the upcoming opportunities to the congregation! We will, however, accept donation forms through November 12th.

Where do my Silent Auction and Fall Fest monies go?

Proceeds from the annual fall bazaar fund:

• Special Church Projects:  in the recent past: new tables; painting Carpenter Hall, new furniture for the Adult Ed Room, state of the art video equipment, freezer for the kitchen; new commercial refrigeration unit for the kitchen
• Benevolences: Homeless Women’s Dinner Program;AFAC; TACTS;Hoffman Homes; Saw Ministry; Lancaster Seminary; and more.

For more information, please visit our page on the Rock Spring Website:  
http://www.rockspringucc.org/church-life/womens-fellowship/

THINK OF THE BAZAAR AS A FUN WAY TO BENEFIT OTHERS AND ROCK SPRING AS WELL!

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.

Women’s Fellowship Annual Meeting

Wednesday November 18, 7 p.m., Sagemueller Room

Anne Troy, the new Executive Director of Shaw Ministry, will be the featured speaker at the Women’s Fellowship Annual Meeting. She will share news of Shaw’s exciting new directions.  Women’s Fellowship –all women of all ages– has long contributed to Shaw’s mission. For instance, we provided $1,200 last summer for camperships. Please join the Women’s Fellowship for nibbles (more than cookies for those coming straight from work) from 7-7:30pm. A short business meeting will follow. Anne Troy will speak around 8pm.  Others from the Church are welcome, in particular Social Action and Stewardship members.  If you need childcare, contact Peggy Greenwood by November 12. If you need a ride, contact Donna Cartwright or Peggy. Please come whether you do lots with Women’s Fellowship or have never done anything. This is a wonderful time to connect.

An Invitation from United Christian Parish (Reston)

An Invitation to Join Us on Oct 24th

Dear Friends in Christ,

I am writing to invite you and others in your faith community to join us for an afternoon or evening concert of spiritually inspiring music.

The concerts will feature regional gospel favorites Earnest Pugh and Kim & Kelly Butler as well as a diverse mix of local Christian music groups. Tickets are $20 for the matinee and $30 for the evening performance. We expect to raise over $7,000 for local charities.

We aspire to make this an annual event and are welcoming all churches interested in participating to let us know of their interest. As we grow, we will expand the range of musical genres in the program line-up.

To purchase tickets, please use the attached ticket order form. For more information about the festival, you can go to our new website: www.UCP-MusicExplosion.org.

Hope you can make it!

God bless,

Jack Moore

Jack Moore, Festival Coordinator

United Christian Parish

Love Your Neighbor!  Don’t Spread the Flu!

Yes, flu season has arrived in our area.  At Rock Spring, as elsewhere, we are urging people to take sensible precautions.  Please observe the following Holy Commandments of flu prevention:

• Stay home if you’re feeling sick!  Especially if you’re sneezing and coughing.
• Wash your hands!  Use our full-strength anti-microbial soap lovingly provided for you in every bathroom, and wash for at least 20 seconds (sing the Doxology and you’ll be just fine).
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, OR cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not in your hands.
• If you prefer not to shake hands during services, it’s okay to refrain, and greet with a slight bow of your head, or with a light touch to your neighbor’s upper arm.