Rock Spring News Vol. 5 No. 25
Rock Spring News Vol. 5 No. 25 Covering the month of December 2009
Prepare the way!
The season of Advent is a time to recall the joys of the past, while looking expectantly into the future. We read the prophecies of the Hebrew scriptures, seeking the “great light” of Christ in our minds and hearts. We share the same hymns and carols that our parents and grandparents in faith sang. “O Come, Emmanuel!” “Joy to the World!” We tell the stories of Matthew and Luke, remembering like a child the simple joy of the shepherds, and giving praise to God as they carried the story of “God with us-Emmanuel” out to the world.
Advent is truly a time for telling of new things, and passing on the news! From the Angels announcing to the Shepherds, the Star pointing the way for the Magi, to John the Baptist’s great call to “Make straight the pathway of our God!”, we are reminded of the news—the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Here at Rock Spring, we also remember that Advent is the beginning of our Christian year. The First Sunday of Advent is our “Rosh Hashanah,” marking a waypoint of our journey with God. In the last few years, it has also marked a moment of renewal in how we communicate with each other. We have embraced the ecologically-appropriate “E-News” and retooled our website to better connect with our members, our friends, and our visitors.
Beginning with this edition, the Rock Spring News will become a new thing—a monthly journal of our life together. Both e-news and paper edition will take on a new look and new features, sharing our news in great detail with a timely delivery. Augmenting this, our e-subscribers will receive a weekly email, called “This Week at Rock Spring,” (TW@RS ) detailing the announcements made at Sunday worship. To receive TW@RS, please subscribe. Visit our website and click on “email us” and follow the instructions. With this addition, we are also looking to reformat the bulletin announcements, to share the information on our activities and programs fully and concisely.
The RSN, the E-News, and TW@RS are the “wrapping paper” on the gifts of our ministry together. In this season of expectation, you can open this one early! Keep reading, and embrace all the missions, moments, and celebrations we share together.
From the Staff
THIS WEEK @ ROCK SPRING (TW@RS)
As part of the changes to the Sunday Bulletin, This Week @ Rock Spring will be a weekly update on what is happening in Rock Spring. To receive these updates directly in you inbox, you need to subscribe to them. To subscribe, follow these simple steps listed below:
- Step 1: Go to www.rockspringucc.org and click on the Subscribe to Email button located in the Keep in Touch Section on the website main page. NOTICE, a new window will pop up upon clicking the button, do not close it.
- Step 2: You will see on your screen a new window requesting you to fill in the provided blanks with your contact information. After filling these out, be sure that the lists you wish to join are checked. When you have finished, be sure to click the submit button at the bottom of the page.
Changes to the Sunday Bulletin
As part of our remodeling process of the Rock Spring News and Sunday Bulletin, all bulletin announcements will now have new guidelines for publishing starting on Sunday, December 6th. The new bulletin guidelines will be as follow:
- Announcements will now consist of snippets that must be no more than 100 words. These snippets are a condensed version of the full length announcement that will be published in the Rock Spring News. The 100 words must include the date of the event, location and contact person along with a brief description of the event itself.
- Announcements will be published for two consecutive weeks only as a save the date 6 weeks before the event. Two weeks before the event date, they will be published in the bulletin again.
- All announcements -snippets and full-length versions- must be submitted to publish@rockspringucc.org.
- If any images wish to be included in the announcement, they must fit within the allotted space of the 100 words.
News and Notes
Joys and Concerns:
Condolences are extended to Dick Metzger, whose father, Richard J. Metzger Sr., died peacefully in Seattle on November 11.
We also learned the sad news that Jean Broadway died of liver cancer at age 60 in Wilmington, NC, on November 11. We extend our sympathies to her husband, Bill, and their son, Christopher.
We extend our expression of prayerful support to Vicki Lindsay and her mother, Romaine Baier. Vicki’s mother fell and fractured her hip. She is recovering and receiving physical therapy. Nevertheless, consideration of life-safety issues is a concern as Ms. Baier recovers.
We celebrate the news that Carrie Hessler-Radelet was nominated by President Obama to be Deputy Director of the United States Peace Corps. Congratulations, Carrie. We wish you well through the Senate confirmation process and extend our prayerful support of your new ministry!
Prayers are requested for Jacki Brown, for her continued recovery.
O Come All Ye Faithful Potluck – December 6
The Board of Christian Education invites everyone to join in fun and fellowship in Carpenter Hall on December 6, immediately following the 11 a.m. service. We will be hosting an Advent Potluck to share the spirit of the season. During worship that day, our children and youth will be participating in our annual Advent Event in Carpenter Hall, and the CE Board felt that a meal with our church family would be a wonderful way to extend the joy and excitement of the day. Please bring a favorite dish to share. Questions? Contact christianed@rockspringucc.org.
A Rock Spring Tradition: Poinsettias for the Sanctuary
Sign-up sheets will be in the Saegmuller Room after the services on November 29, December 6 and 13. Make a donation (any amount) and write a dedication to be printed in the Christmas Eve worship program. Please contact Lucy Carlson with questions.
Christmas Dinner for the Homeless
The 6th Annual Christmas Dinner for the Homeless will be held Friday, December 25, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church.
The following items are needed:
- 3 cooked turkeys
- 4 canned hams
- 6 – 8 pumpkin pies
- 3 large packages instant mashed potatoes
- 3 12 packs of Coca Cola and Pepsi
- Canned green beans
- Canned sweet potatoes
- Cranberry sauce (jelly)
- Gravy mix (bottled or in packages)
- 4 large packages of stuffing mix
- McDonald’s gift certificates
There will be a box available outside of the office. Monetary donations are welcome. Checks are to be made out to:
Arlington Interfaith Council, AIC,
PO Box 5161
Arlington VA 22205
For information contact Ann Rudd. Thanks for making Christmas meaningful for those who have so little.
Save the Date! “Green Bible” Lenten Study
9:30 a.m. Five session Adult Education offering starting the first Sunday of Lent. We’ll be blazing a trail through the recently published “Green Bible,” looking at theology through a “green lens”. Led by Pastoral Intern, Mollie Landers. Sponsored by the Eco-Justice Committee. More information coming soon!
Secret Santa Program at Rock Spring
As in past years, Rock Spring is again ready to launch its Secret Santa Program for the holidays. This year, Rock Spring is joining with Shaw Ministries and the Inova Juniper Program to make the holidays brighter for those less fortunate by donating new gifts such as warm clothes, household items, and children’s toys.
The Inova Juniper Program provides medical care and services to people living with HIV throughout Northern Virginia. The program selects the neediest families to participate in its holiday program. Gifts will also be collected for the Shaw ministries annual children’s Christmas program.
If you wish to donate a gift or two for these worthy programs, we will have sign-up sheets in the Saegmuller room after each church service on November 22 and December 6. Gifts will be collected in the Saegmuller room on Sunday, December 13. Please contact Sandy Lewis with any questions.
Mark Your Calendar for Church Birthday Party in January
Join JFFAL on Saturday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m. for our church birthday party. This intergenerational social will include 12 decorated tables—each with a different theme—for each month of the year. Enjoy birthday cake and conversation with other Rock Springers who share your birth month. Please contact Laura Graves if you’d like to help with decorations and/or cake baking.
An Announcement From One of Our Members…
Doctors Without Borders and NCM Fathom present a unique, one-night only documentary and LIVE panel discussion event. For the first time ever, Doctors Without Borders gave a documentary crew uncensored access to its field operations in war-torn Congo and post–conflict Liberia. Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders will be showing on December 14th, 2009.
Following the documentary, Elizabeth Vargas, anchor of ABC News 20/20 and Emmy-award winning investigative journalist, will moderate a town hall discussion that will go beyond the headlines of today’s humanitarian crises and go behind the scenes of one of the leading international medical humanitarian organizations.
The panelists will include:
- Sebastian Junger, best-selling author of The Perfect Storm and Vanity Fair contributing editor
- Dr. Tom Krueger, Doctors Without Borders surgeon featured in the documentary
- Sophie Delaunay, executive director of Doctors Without Borders-USA, and other special guests
For more information, visit: doctorswithoutborders.org.
Submitted by: Michael Bell
Advent Activities at Rock Spring UCC
There is something for everyone in this season of expectation!
November 29th
- First Sunday of Advent – The Sunday of Expectation
December 6th
- Second Sunday of Advent – The Sunday of Invitation
- Celebration of Holy Communion
- Advent Workshop for Children and Youth, during both worship services
- Family Potluck, following worship
- YoRS Chocolate Making Party for our Caroling Visits, 6:30 p.m.
December 13th
- Third Sunday of Advent–The Sunday of Preparation
- Sanctuary Choir Christmas Concert, Selections from Handel’s “Messiah,”4:00 p.m.
December 16th
- Women’s Fellowship Christmas Coffee, 10:00 a.m.
December 20th
- Fourth Sunday of Advent – The Sunday of Exclamation
- JFFAL/YoRS Caroling to our Members and Friends 3:00 p.m.
- Post-Caroling Chili Supper 6:00ish
- 40 Days of Christmas Concert, 7:00ish
- Come help us spread the joys of the season as we carol to Rock Springers in nursing homes, retirement facilities and their homes. Then return to Neighborhood House for a chili supper sponsored by JFFL (Just for Fun and Laughter.) Precise starting time in mid-afternoon will be publicized closer to the date, but make time on your holiday calendar for this family-friendly event.
December 24th
- Christmas Eve– A Time of Jubilation
- Service of Angels and Shepherds (Family Service), 5:00 p.m.
- Service of Word and Sacrament (Communion), 8:00 p.m.
- Service of Lessons and Carols (Candlelight), 11:00 p.m.
December 27th
- Christmas Carol Sing, 11:00 a.m. (one service this Sunday)
- Childcare for infants-pre-school. Children and youth join in singing
January 13th
- Epiphany Sunday – The Sunday of Adoration
- Celebration of Holy Communion
Library Alert!
SHHH! This is not a librarian nagging. This is just a reminder or two or three; we love our library to be used, and sometimes we forget that there are those new to our systems.
Please list the due date in TWO places when you are checking out a book; a) on the card, and 2) on the date due slip in back of the book. Your card is filed by due date, and when you return the book, many minutes are spent hunting and hunting your card, if this step has been missed.
If you are donating a book, it is really helpful for you to include a note with your name on it, and/or instructions on what you wish- if our committee cannot use the book because we may already have it, or such. We do so appreciate our many donors. Sometimes, space limits the books we can accept.
We do have a large section of current books; they include purchases within the past year. We have a section of large print books on the wall opposite the current books. We have a huge biography section, listing books by the subject of the biography. We have a very large mystery book section, in the anteroom across from the children’s books.
There is a suggestion box on the checkout table. It is to receive your book requests, or other suggestions. We open this regularly. If you are on a waiting list at the public library, and your number is well past 100, give us your request to buy the book; if we can, we’ll add it to our offerings.
Volunteers: we need a couple more checkers to serve following the 2nd service, once a month. We welcome additional people on our book selection committee, meeting the first Wednesday of the month, 10:30 in the morning. We also welcome another helper or two on the 4th Wednesday of the month, to help process new books.
For answers to what you REALLY wanted to know, contact Anita Cline, or Pam Henriksen.
Did You Know?
Did you know that our library was established in 1915 by our church ladies as a memorial to Mrs. Charles Rohrer, and began with only a market basket to circulate a small number of books? Also, it was the first library in Arlington which was then a rural area. Few people owned cars, and the nearest library was in DC, at 7th and K Streets. Thus, this small Rock Spring Library served the community as well as the church. In 1924 it obtained its own room, occupying an enclosed porch off of Neighborhood House. Finally in 1941 the library was moved to its current location. (To read more of this history, see the report kept in the library written by Marion Suter in 1974 and updated in 1992).
In this same location, on the first Wednesday of each month, at 10:30 a.m., several dedicated Rock Spring women sit together to select 10 new books for our library. Anita Cline, head librarian, Pam Henriksen (since 1950), and Cecily Angleton are the “behind-the-scenes” workers who choose children’s and adult’s books for our congregation. Judy McDowell and Bettie Clark have recently joined. (***We are always looking for other interested persons to join this committee***). We each offer suggestions and discuss book reviews. Two of our latest selections are “ Thirty-Three Teeth” by Colin Cotterill, a mystery set in Laos, and “True Compass: A Memoir” by Edward Kennedy. Our library is a part of Women’s Fellowship. The above is just a small sample of the work that goes into maintaining this unique library.
On Sundays, you may see families reading to their children in the children’s section, or adults browsing through titles in the adult area, or just reading quietly. Our library is such an integral part of Rock Spring. We are indeed privileged to have such a special and historical library.
Learning and Fellowship
Women’s Fellowship News
Annual Meeting Review
Twenty women gathered the evening of November 18th for the Annual Meeting of Women’s Fellowship. Proceeds of $7,200 from the Fall Fest were allocated to various service organizations in the Virginia and DC area.
Thank you to all at Rock Spring who donated to the Silent Auction, Treasures, the Bake Sale and made beads; to all those who bid, bought, and ate; and those who worked in the kitchen and at the Fall Fest tables. You all made the following gifts possible: The Christmas benevolence donations: A-SPAN $500; AMEN $300; Arlington/Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless $500; Arlington Food Assistance Center $1,400; Arlington Free Clinic $200; Doorways for women $800; Dinner Program for Homeless Women $400;Hoffman Homes for Youth $300; Lancaster Seminary $300; Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry $400; Northern Virginia Women’s Center $300; Our Daily Bread $800; Planned Parenthood $200; Share, Inc. $200; Shaw Community Ministry $600.
Anne Troy, Executive Director of Shaw Community Ministry, shared her personal story of rise from a Chinese immigrant background in New York City. She didn’t begin to learn English until she was 5 years old. She credits volunteers at the local Jewish Community Center with encouraging and aiding her toward academic success.
Now this woman, who is also an ordained minister and a lawyer for DOE, is successfully leading Shaw’s increase in programming for children, teens, and adults. Ms. Troy thanked Rock Spring for its generous gifts of money and service on its board. But, she says gifts of time and talent are also needed. For instance, Shaw has only 8 buddies for over 40 children. Women’s Fellowship will be looking at ways it can interact with Shaw.
The Annual Women’s Fellowship Christmas Coffee
This year it will take place Wednesday December 16 at 10:30a.m. in the Saegmuller Room. All women, all ages, are invited. Please bring a donation for the scarf, hat, glove, sock collection for the homeless. Cookies are always welcome. Join in the joy of advent, hear the story, sing some carols, and enjoy the fellowship. If you need a ride, contact Peggy Greenwood.
For the Homeless…
Women’s Fellowship is coordinating a Christmas season collection of scarves, hats, gloves and socks for the homeless. Please leave your donations in the marked boxes at church.
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.
20’s/30’s Fellowship News
Rock Spring 20s/30s Dinner on 12/14
Rock Spring 20s/30s, please join us for a potluck Hanukkah party at 7:00 p.m. on December 14. E-vites were sent out on 11/16–if you haven’t received yours yet, or you’re a 20s/30s new to the Rock Spring community, please email for more information and to be added to our mailing list. RSVPs need to be in by 12/1. See you there!
Eco Justice News
Green Tip:
This Christmas season, decorate old pillowcases and use them as gift bags for Christmas presents under the tree – just tie off with reusable yarn or fabric. Children and adults are invited to come decorate a pillowcase at the Advent event on December 6th. It’s not too late to donate any of your old pillowcases – just put them in the ”Pillowcases” bag in the Saegmuller Room. Try it! Brought to you by Rock Spring’s Eco-Justice Committee.
Christian Education News
Almost time for “Tis the Season!”
The season of Advent is almost upon us! For our Sunday School and Adult Education programs, our meeting times may change with the joyful activities of the season.
For our Sunday School families (and all RS families!), check out the “O Come All Ye Faithful” potluck, following the Advent event. Most classes will meet through Christmas, with some notable holiday breaks:
- 11/29/2009 Special Sunday School for Pre-K-5th Grade, Saegmuller Room
- 12/6/2009 Advent Event for Pre-K-Youth, Carpenter Hall with “O Come All Ye Faithful” potluck following 11:00 worship
- 12/20/2009 All-Church Caroling Party, Chili Dinner, and 40 Days Concert
- 12/27/2009 Christmas Carol Sing, all children and youth join in worship
There are lots of other Advent gatherings, too! Check out the church calendar for all the Christmastime fun!
Youth of Rock Spring (YoRS)
December will be a time for us to focus on our fellowship, our blessings, and how we can share them with others! Come see what we can do for our church, community, and world!
Check out the Weekly Update Email for the most current information. If you would like to receive this missive, send an email to YoRS@RockSpringUCC.org
Middle High YoRS meets at 4:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m., and Senior High YoRS at 6:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. every Sunday. Come share in the fun and fellowship with the Youth of Rock Spring!
MH-YoRS Dates:
11/29/2009
No YoRS Meeting (Thanksgiving Weekend)
12/6/2009
Annual Christmas Chocolate Making with SH YoRS, 6:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. <–NOTE THE TIME–>
12/13/2009
I’m Dreaming of a White-Elephant Christmas Party! Details in the coming Weekly Updates!
12/20/2009
All-Church Caroling Party, Chili Dinner, and 40 Days Concert
12/27/2009
No YoRS Meeting (Christmas Vacation)
SH-YoRS Dates:
11/29/2009
No YoRS Meeting (Thanksgiving Weekend)
12/6/2009
Annual Christmas Chocolate Making with MH YoRS
12/13/2009
I’m Dreaming of a White-Elephant Christmas Party! Details in the coming Weekly Updates!
12/20/2009
All-Church Caroling Party, Chili Dinner, and 40 Days Concert
12/27/2009
No YoRS Meeting (Christmas Vacation)
Adult Education Opportunities:
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
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.
For Advent: We will take a break to celebrate the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany season with our families. Check out what’s coming in 2010:
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.
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, 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.
Friday, December 13:
First Light 6: Parables as Lurer
Friday, December 27 through January 3rd:
No Classes
Sunday, January 10:
First Light 7
Sunday, January 24:
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, March 28:
First Light 12
Sunday, April 4th:
No Classes, Easter
Caring For Each Other
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 Rock Spring because we were married here. Some of us come here as singles or couples, for fellowship and spiritual growth. Many of us find 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, 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.
Prayerful Preparation
Prayerful Preparation
With the first Sunday of Advent the Christian calendar begins a new year. The word, “advent” simply means “coming” or “arrival.” Coming of who? Arrival of what? When will it happen? Is it already here? Thus are we reminded that the first act of Christian prayer is to question — and, then, to listen. Life begins in the wonderful curiosity of what will unfold. Hope is born in the questioning expectation that more is yet to come.
From year to year, the four Sundays of Advent rehearse the same themes. The first Sunday hears the prophets of Israel proclaiming a new day of God. It is a day of liberation when wrongs are righted and bonds are loosed. The second Sunday witnesses the appearance of a wilderness prophet, John, who invites his listeners into Jordan’s waters to enter a new life of hope. The third Sunday listens more closely to John as he announces what it means to “Prepare the way of God and make the road straight.” And the fourth Sunday captures the pregnant reality of God’s arrival in the wonderfully poignant story of the young girl, Mary. In her socially unacceptable predicament, she sings glory to God. And then, close on the heels of Advent’s fourth Sunday, Christmas comes in joyful excitement–if not pandemonium!
The following Advent and Christmas calendar is offered as a resource for your own prayerful preparation for God’s advent, always new always happening. Each week presents a theme along with the lessons for that day, from which the readings for worship will be drawn.
Music and Worship
Music Department News
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