Rock Spring News Vol. 6 No. 02 February 2010
Rock Spring News Vol. 6 No. 02 Covering the month of February 2010
This Month in the Rock Spring News . . .
Prayerful Illumination
Ordinary Prayerfulness and into Wilderness
As Advent begins the Christian’s year in preparation for Christmas, so Lent becomes an early break from Ordinary Time in preparation for Easter. The Lenten Season is marked by the forty days leading up to Easter, excluding Sundays. More in the Prayerful Illumination section.
A Green Lens for Lent
Rock Spring is getting even more green during Lent! Christian Education, in partnership with the Eco-Justice Committee, will be taking a “green lens” for all ages during Lent.”… More in Learning & Fellowship section.
Hello, Ladies! Annual Women’s Sunday is Near!
Rock Spring’s 11th Annual Women’s Sunday is February 14, 2010. Our theme this year is: Transforming Love. We’ll be leading both the 9:00 a.m. and the 11:00 a.m. services. More in the News & Notes section.
The Parish House: A Mid-Year Reflection
In December 2008, the Church Council gave its blessing blessing for our congregation to again be a place of learning and training for seminary students pursuing a path of service in ministry. More in the Parish House News section.
The Senior Pastor Search Committee Continues to Make Progress
While we continue to make significant progress in our search, we continue to maintain our goal to ensure that we call the ideal person to be the next Sr. Pastor at Rock Spring. More in the Interesting Times section.
From The Staff
Calendar Date Request Guidelines
In order for your activity dates to appear in the church’s master calendar and in the weekly bulletin calendar, the guidelines are as follow:
•All announcements for the Sunday Bulletin or Rock Spring News must be sent to publish@rockspringucc.org. Please specify by request that this activity be added to the master calendar. Once you have sent in your calendar date request, you will receive a confirmation email from the staff.
•If you wish to leave the date request in the church office, please fill out a calendar request form. These are located on the office bulletin next to the calendar. When finished, simply place the sheet in the “Return Calendar Date Request Forms Here” folder.
•If you wish to leave a written announcement, please deposit it in the folder marked “Return Calendar Date Request Forms Here” on the office bulletin board. Be sure to add in your announcement you calendar date request.
This Week @ Rock Spring
As you already may know, This Week @ Rock Spring is a weekly email that includes all the activities that will be going on here at Rock Spring. If you still aren’t subscribed to the mailing list, don’t worry! All you have to do is go to the Rock Spring website and click on the Subscribe to Email button. With a few clicks you will be part of the mailing list and will receive the weekly calendar of events!
Markers & Milestones
Condolences are extended to Rich and Marti Weston, on the loss of Rich’s mother, Elizabeth Dye Weston, on January 4, 2010. A memorial service was held at the Chesterbrook Residences on January 21, 2010.
Congratulations to Chris Sullivan and Debbie Taub Sullivan on the baptism of their daughter, Alexandra, which will take place at the 11:00 service on February 14!
In Memoriam
Rock Spring mourns the loss of long-time Rock Springer George Barber, who died on Friday, January 22nd at Virginia Hospital Center. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his family. Condolences are extended to his wife Mary Jane, and sons Stephen and Michael.
News & Notes
A “Thank You” from JFFL
Thank you to everyone who came to the JFFL-sponsored Church Birthday Party on January 16. It was a fun, intergenerational party. Special thanks to the 40 Days youth band for a terrific concert and to our birthday party cake bakers: Ann Divecha, John & Edith Heins, Donna Vogt, Laura Graves, Walt Wurfel, Florence Otstot, Susan Alverson, Sara Fitzgerald, Joan Yocum, Barbara Wright, Christina Robles, Leigh Ann Slonka and Peg Collier.
Men’s Monthly Lunch
The monthly lunch for enjoyable fellowship among the guys is for Friday on February 5th at Dominion Restaurant in Chesterbook at noon, which is the prior Corkies Restaurant. Contact Emory Hackman for further information.
Hello, Ladies! Annual Women’s Sunday
Rock Spring’s 11th Annual Women’s Sunday is February 14, 2010. Our theme this year is: Transforming Love. We’ll be leading both the 9:00 AM and the 11:00 AM services. One of the most special things about Women’s Sunday is the opportunity it provides for the laywomen of Rock Spring to be involved in worship. There are many ways you can participate.
CALLING ALL SINGERS: The all-women’s choir is forming and all women are welcome to join in making a joyful noise! The first practice takes place Thursday, January 28, 2009 from 7:00 PM-7:30 PM and the second practice will be February 4, from 7:00 PM-7:30 PM. The final practice will take place on February 11 from 7:30 PM-9:00 PM. The choir performs at both the 9:00 AM service and the 11:00 AM service. Please email Mollie Landers at mollierlanders@hotmail.com if you are interested in joining the all-women’s choir (or just show up on Thursday!) or if you have questions.
LOOKING FOR LITURGISTS: We are looking for people to lead worship! We need readers for the greeting, the prayers, Scripture reading, and the benediction. If you’d like to be a reader, email Mollie Landers at mollierlanders@hotmail.com to let her know in which service you’d like to participate. Respond quickly, though–reader slots are filling up!
CHILDREN’S MOMENT: We need folks to lead the children’s moment–you can work alone, or if you’d like to collaborate with someone else, just indicate that in your email. If you would like to lead the children’s moment but need some help getting started with ideas we have resources. When responding to Mollie Landers at mollierlanders@hotmail.com, please say which worship service you’re interested in.
MEDITATION/SERMON: We’re looking for a couple of women who’d like to share a brief (five minutes max) meditation on the theme of transforming love. Our Scripture focus is on the transfiguration of Christ. You could talk about a transforming faith experience, or a time when you were set free of something.
Hopefully, those of you who are interested in this role can share your stories at both services. Again, please email Mollie Landers to let her know you’re interested.
INSTRUMENTALISTS: Do you play an instrument? We’d love to have you participate in the service and you can play any (brief) selection you’d like! The voluntary, offering, and postlude are all opportunities to share your gifts of music! Please contact Mollie Landers at and indicate the service you are interested in making a joyful noise for.
PLANNING: We’re looking for a couple of ladies who are interested in finalizing the bulletin and helping out with some last-minute, behind-the-scenes stuff–like preparing the choir’s folders. Email Christina Fairman.
Because the planning time is very condensed this year, please do respond to this message as soon as possible so that you can have plenty of time to prepare for the services. Participating in Women’s Sunday is a wonderful and spiritual experience–we look forward to worshipping with you on February 1!
*Image taken from: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=5142325
Centennial Notes
This is one in an occasional series of items about the history of Rock Spring Church as we approach the celebration of the church’s 100th anniversary in 2012.
At a time when a Rock Spring Search Committee is in the middle of another search for a senior pastor, it may be comforting to hear the words of those who have “been there, done that.”
Charles Akre was a longtime Rock Spring member who chaired the search committees that led to the calling of both Rev. Sidney Lovett, in 1957, and Rev. George Booth 10 years later. Of the Lovett search, Akre recalled in an 1986 oral history:
It was a terrible responsibility and we were all learning. I think we were really guided by the Good Lord in our meanderings through the process. First of all, we thought we should find out from the membership exactly what kind of a person they wanted. Did they want a good preacher or a man who was a good minister to his flock, a church school leader, an administrator? We put all these things to the congregation in a detailed questionnaire.” Akre recalled that the congregation had agreed with its interim minister that he would not be a candidate for the job. But “by the time we got half way or two-thirds the way through, he was such an awfully good preacher that people came up wanting to know why we didn’t just have [the interim] as replacement.
Akre was one of two members who traveled to Exeter, NH, to hear George Booth preach a sermon when he was under consideration. “After you have done this a time or two, you realize that people in the congregation spot you when you come in.
First of all, it’s a little unusual, you know, for two men, strangers, to come into any church by themselves. I think we arranged to enter separately and sit separately. Even then, we didn’t fool them. You have to be adroit at the end of the service too. People standing out there in the vestibule greeting the church-goers ask where you are from. They really have in mind exactly what your purpose may be and so you spar to avoid being direct with them. I’m not sure we fooled anybody.”
Akre recalled that they had arranged to meet with George at the parsonage after church and then go somewhere so they could talk about him coming to Rock Spring. He recalled that Janet Booth, George’s then 10-year-old daughter, told her mother, “You know, two men came after church and took my Daddy away.”
Submitted by: Sara Fitzgerald
Moveable Feast Sign up by February 16th: Mixer on Sunday, Feb. 21st, at 12:30 p.m.
Join the Moveable Feast and get to know other Rock Springers in a small group setting. Our next mixer is Sunday, February 21st, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. in Carpenter Hall. Lunch will be served. Children are welcome and childcare can be provided if requested. Singles or couples (spouse, significant other, or friend) will be randomly assigned to a group of 6-8 people. Moveable Feast is a Kid-Friendly activity. Groups will arrange to meet at least 3 times over the next 4 months. Groups are asked to be sensitive to issues of children, schedules, geography, transportation, accessibility, and cost.
To make sure we can organize the groups and provide clear information, we need to have you sign up no later than Tuesday, February 16th. You can sign up one of many ways: email Richard Lee (rjleeva@gmail.com), call (703) 521-0163, or sign up in the Saegmuller Room. Next Moveable Feast cycle will start in October.
Prayerful Illumination
Ordinary Prayerfulness and into Wilderness
The first Sunday in January concludes the Christmas season with our celebration of the Epiphany. On this day we rehearse the story from Matthew about the Magi from the East who “saw the light” and followed the star to Bethlehem. Epiphany is a word that simply means “shining on,” or illuminating, something. These seekers and outsiders saw something special that many of the complacent insiders did not. And they journeyed together following their light.
The Sundays in January follow the theme of illumination. On January 10 we remember Jesus’ own epiphany at his baptism, when the Spirit rests on him in a special way and drives him into the wilderness to prepare for his ministry. On the second Sunday after Epiphany our Gospel lesson from John recalls the account of his disciples’ epiphany when Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding feast. On the following Sundays after Epiphany (also called “Ordinary Time”) the Gospel lessons begin to follow Jesus through his ministry in Galilee, while the Old Testament lessons recount a variety of stories of those who “saw the light” of God. People encountered God in the temple, hearing Torah, and in dreams, to name just a few ways. In the New Testament we begin readings from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Of course, Paul himself encountered his own epiphany that changed him from persecutor to apostle of the Way of Christ.
May this be a time of epiphany for us all!
*Image taken from: http://static.open.salon.com/files/lent1236708378.gif
Interesting Times
Progress in the Senior Pastor Search!
The Sr. Pastor Search Committee continues to make progress in its search for our next Sr. Pastor. The Search Committee meets every Tuesday night at 7:30. Most weeks meetings go until 10:00 pm and have gone as late as 11:15 PM. The following is a list of recent milestones that we have accomplished:
The Search Committee has reviewed and acted upon 47 Ministerial Profiles provided by the Central Atlantic Conference.
We have solicited Profiles from over 20 additional Ministers who were provided by either members of the congregation, clergy or Friends of Rock Spring. Some of these recommendations were offered, but most of them were requested by the committee.
We have requested additional feedback, beyond the initial profile, in the form of written responses from over 20 Pastors.
We have interviewed 5 Pastors by phone and have set up another interview for next week.
We have scheduled 2 live interviews with Neutral Pulpit sermons in the coming weeks. Additionally, there is another minister we have informed that we will be contacting references for, in advance of a decision to invite them here for a Neutral Pulpit and/or live Interview.
While we continue to make significant progress in our search, we continue to maintain our goal to ensure that we call the ideal person to be the next Sr. Pastor at Rock Spring. While we are very encouraged by the coming interviews as well as several of the candidates currently in process, it would be premature to say that we have found our next Sr. Minister. We will continue to proceed steadfastly with the best interests of the Congregation in mind.
If you have questions or would like to provide comments, suggestions or names of potential candidates, please feel free to send them to searchcommittee@rockspringucc.org.
*Image taken from: http://funding.niaid.nih.gov/ncn/graphics/clipart/char_investigate.gif
Learning & Fellowship
Christian Education News
A Green Lens for Lent
Rock Spring is getting even more green during Lent! Christian Education, in partnership with the Eco-Justice Committee, will be taking a “green lens” for all ages during Lent. Using various models, all Christian Education at Rock Spring will be centered on five themes, exploring God’s creation, humanity’s connection to creation, and our response to the call to care for all of creation.
Adult Education offering: February 21 through March 21 we’ll be blazing a trail through the recently published “Green Bible,” looking at theology through a “green lens”. Come to the Peace Room at 9:30am (snacks and coffee provided) to explore the themes of finding God in and through Creation, being connected to Creation, how Creation Care is justice, how Creation is harmed by human sin, and how the whole Creation is part of God’s redemption. This will be a Bible study supplemented by essays, the arts, and a call for action. Led by Parish House Intern Mollie Landers.
Middle High and Senior High YoRS will also join in the journey, looking at the deeper impact of the Green Bible. YoRS will be focusing on the same themes as the adults, and may even get to take a field trip. The youth will be looking through the green lens, to see how being an active part of God’s creation touches every part of our lives. It’s a lot more than just Bible study!
Sunday School: During the 11am Sunday School hour, CE will introduce not only the “green” theme, but will also a pilot the Rotational Sunday School model for grades K-5. (Note: The Pre K, middle high and senior high classes will continue with their regular programming during this time period.) Using Rotation, students study the same passage or concept over many weeks using different approaches (i.e., “stations,” such as a music station, a craft station, an acting station, a reading station, etc.).
For example, students might study the story of Noah. In week one, the student might study the story primarily through music. In week two, the student might act out the story in the “theater station.” In week three, the student might study the story by creating a craft, etc. Students will be “shepherded” to stations each week by one adult leader and an additional teacher will staff and run each station. As we get closer to the pilot program, parents with students in grades K-5 will receive more detailed information.
**The “Green Bible” (which is an NRSV Bible with essays and bible studies on the theme of creation care and eco-justice) is available for purchase for $20. See Janet Parker to obtain one. Copies that are not purchased will be available for borrowing from the Library.
Please take this opportunity to be a part of a church wide “green” Lent.
New Members Information Sessions coming in March
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 was memorable, and that you would consider learning more about the mission, vision, and ministry of our congregation.
We also know from past gatherings 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.
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 March, from 7:30-9:00, following our Lenten Vespers service at 7:00. The Sessions will begin on March 3, 2009. Childcare and light snacks will be provided. The sessions will cover:
3/3 UCC History and Identity
3/10 Rock Spring UCC’s History, Commitments, and Beliefs
3/17 Congregational Life at Rock Spring
3/24 Rock Spring’s Present: Our Interim Time and Joining the church
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.
Intergenerational Communion—March 7
In the traditions of the United Church of Christ, all are welcome at the Communion table. This extravagant welcome extends to our children, who will carry the faith and traditions of the church to the coming generations. Two years ago, we began holding two services of Communion designed to engage all of the members of the church, regardless of age.
On Sunday, March 7, children and youth grades 2-5, Middle High, and Senior High, are encouraged to remain in the sanctuary for the entire Service of Word and Sacrament.
Continued on next column…
For our younger ones, our regular Sunday School programs will take place. Parents, please use this time in worship and celebration to engage your child on the meaning of Communion, and your family’s individual traditions and beliefs
Youth of Rock Spring (YoRS)
Before we get to Lent, there’s a lot going on with our youth ministry programs! 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:
2/5-7 Family Life Retreat!!
2/14 Mardi Gras on Dimanche! Come join in a little flavor of New Orleans.
2/21 Special Lenten Focus begins: Green Bible
2/28 Special Lenten Focus: Green Bible
SH-YoRS Dates:
2/5-7 Family Life Retreat!!
2/14 Come early and share in Mardi Gras! No regular SH YoRS
2/21 Special Lenten Focus begins: Green Bible
2/28 Special Lenten Focus: Green Bible
2010 SH YoRS Summer Mission Experience
Details for this year’s Summer Mission Experience are in the works. We’ll be returning to Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity-Franklin, WV… and we’ll be bringing friends!
The Youth of Rock Spring will be joined by the youth of United Christian Parish-Reston, VA; Little River UCC-Annandale, VA; and Christ Congregational UCC-Silver Spring, MD for a joint work trip! We’ve been talking about doing something “bigger” than us for a couple of years, and this is the beginning of that journey.
The organizational meeting for the trip will take place on January 31 at 1:00. All Senior High youth are invited to take part. Please note: there is a limited number of bed spaces reserved per church. We’ll need to commit our numbers at the 1/31 meeting. More information will be sent directly to the SH YoRS + families.
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, 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, 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
*Image taken from: http://www.dobysbridge.org/images/christianEducation.jpg
Eco-Justice News
Green Lent Calendar
Back by popular demand . . . During this Lenten Season, you will have the opportunity to follow your own journey of faith by reflecting on the need to care for God’s creation, and by performing an action each day to contribute to a healthier Earth. The “Green Lent” calendar can serve as your guide on this journey. Each day on the calendar will list a suggested action for you to take. The calendar will be available on Rock Spring’s website, and a copy will be placed at the ends of each pew. A green path lies ahead . . . where will it take you?
Save the Date!
On April 25, Rock Spring will celebrate its annual Earth Sunday service, with an event after the 11:00 service . . . details to be revealed . . . Please stay tuned!
The Eco-Justice committee is beginning to plan for Earth Sunday. The next meeting of the committee is Wednesday, March 4, at 7:30 in the Saegmuller Room. All are welcome!
*Image taken from: http://www.councilofchurches-scc.org/images/articles/20080411150821272_1_original.jpg
Green Tip
This month, try to reduce your use of paper towels. The paper industry is one of the worst polluters, and paper towels contribute to the 40 percent of landfill content from paper. In addition to using wood pulp, the manufacturing of most paper towels involves bleaching with chlorine-based chemicals that can lead to the release of toxic emissions. Instead of paper towels, reach for cleaning cloths that can be washed and reused. If you do use paper towels, try to use them sparingly, and look for paper towels with a high percentage of post-consumer waste (paper used and recycled by consumers). Choose unbleached paper towels identified by the label PCF (processed chlorine free), and select products free of dyes and fragrances. Try it! Brought to you by Rock Spring’s Eco-Justice Committee.
*Image taken from: http://www.givinghand.org/images/recycle.jpg
Women’s Fellowship News
Women’s Fellowship Points of Contact 2010
o Convener, note taker, Rock Spring News, WF email recipient – Peggy Greenwood
o Council Rep –Joyce Madder
o Memorial Services: Primary – Jacki Brown; Backup – Carol George
o Kitchen Point of Contact – Cristina Robles
o Treasurer – Pam Henriksen
o Spirituality (Retreat, Sacred Circle) – Judy McDowell
o Library – Anita Cline
The Kitchen: Cristina Robles, the Women’s Fellowship kitchen point of contact for 2010, is looking for several people (men or women) to become certified food managers. Women’s Fellowship will provide the study guide and will pay for the testing. Rock Spring Church food managers do not have to cook, serve, or clean up, rather they check to make sure food preparation and storage is done safely. This is a great way to add a credential to your resume! It is good for five years. Email Cristine or WF@rockspringucc.org for more information.
Annual Meeting Lunch: Lunch on January 24 was provided by the Women’s Fellowship Board and members.
WF Board: Many thanks to Donna Cartwright who is stepping down from the Board. She worked very hard this year representing WF on Council, organizing the Fall Fest, and pitching in wherever she was needed. Two new members join the Board – Susan Alverson and Denise Calvert. Other Board members include Jacki Brown, Carol George, Peggy Greenwood, Pam Henricksen, Edith Heins, Joyce Mader, Judy McDowell, and Cristine Robles. Jacki will organize memorial services, Peggy will coordinate the Board, and Joyce Mader will represent WF on Council.
Women of Rock Spring what activities would you like in 2010? Contact WF@rockspringucc.org with your ideas. The Board will begin making plans at the February 9th meeting.
*Image taken from: http://www.gracenaz.net/women13c.gif
Parish House News
The Parish House: A Mid-Year Reflection
In December 2008, the Church Council gave its blessing blessing for our congregation to again be a place of learning and training for seminary students pursuing a path of service in ministry. With the support of the pastoral staff and a group of engaged members, The Parish House pastoral intern program came to life.
We have learned much in these past twelve months—both the interns and the congregation. We have rethought our property usage, opening the parsonage as a residence for two of the interns and families. We have enlivened our worship, with liturgies written from three unique perspectives. We have enjoyed theological reflection and education experiences together. Soon, the preparations for the next program year will begin. But before we get thinking too far forward, let us hear from Doreen, Mike, and Mollie on their experiences with us so far:
Doreen Mannion
Dear Rock Spring,
It’s difficult to believe that one of my four semesters as a pastoral intern has already passed by. And what a semester it was! At the start of the semester, I barely knew what liturgy was, let alone an entire liturgical calendar. It has been fun being an intern with Mike and Mollie and all the pastors. I think it would be very lonely to be the only intern. Triple intern time is never lonely!
One of my learning goals is to discover what it means to be a Just Peace church, and I am doing so by becoming involved with VOICE – Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement. So far I have attended VOICE basic training and one VOICE action. I enjoyed van pooling to the action with other Rock Springers and getting to know people better. (What happens in the van pool, STAYS in the van pool!)
The biggest challenge so far has been trying to find time during the day to meet at Rock Spring. I work full-time in College Park and live in Bowie, MD, plus take at least 2 evening classes at Wesley each semester. Many tasks can be accomplished on the weekend and in the evening, but one cannot get the total picture of congregational life without being at the church at least once in a while on a week day. My supervisor recently gave me permission to work part-time on Tuesdays, so I hope I will see some of you at Rock Spring on Tuesday mornings this semester.
See you there!
Doreen
Mike Slagenweit-Coffman
Greetings Rock Spring!
I have to admit that there are days when I feel like I just started as one of your Parish House Interns—yet now I am beginning to work with Pastor Hank with six great Confirmands as they begin their journey towards affirming their faith. One of the reasons why I chose to make one of my learning activities co-teaching Confirmation is to really explore my own faith, but also to continue to develop my identity as a new member of the UCC. I will also be teaching one of the sessions this month in the “OWL For the Rest of Us” Sunday morning education offering. It was very exciting and enlightening to take part in the Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith training this past fall and I’m looking forward to putting this training to use.
When asked to write what the most fun part of being at Rock Spring has been so far, my first thought was: “How can I choose?” I’ve had many great experiences so far. I think what I have enjoyed most, is just getting to know the wonderful people who make up Rock Spring. From being a part of the Moveable Feast, to the 20s/30s group, and now getting to know some of our youth, I have found myself in a vibrant, diverse, and wonderful faith community.
The biggest challenge thus far, has been trying to understand a theology which is my own. Recently, I shared with the Parish House Oversight team that in our seminary classes there is an expectation that we have the “right answers.” This frequently transfers into us wanting to find the “right theology.” Rock Spring has a big diversity of theological thought in its three pastors and in the congregation itself. What I have been challenged to remind myself is that there is no one right theology, but that I need to have a theology that belongs to me. It’s been a great challenge to wrestle with.
Mike Slagenweit-Coffman
Mollie Landers
Hello all Rock Springers!
As a new semester and a new year are already underway, and so is my involvement at Rock Spring! I’m certainly looking forward to putting on my green glasses with the rest of Rock Spring and experiencing Lent with a “green lens”. I hope many of you will join me as we journey through the Green Bible this Lent. I am also looking forward to learning more about the nitty gritty of what makes a church run through the finances. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot!
I’ve really enjoyed the hospitality and genuine care from the congregation. You’ve welcomed us with open arms, and even ran with my crazy idea to bring my alma mater’s 74-member choir. One of my favorite Rock Spring moments thus far was being part of the 5pm Christmas worship service. I felt part of the family and so far from home!
A difficult part of being a full time student and part time intern is the disconnect that can sometimes occur. There are times when it would be nice to be more involved, or to at least know everyone’s name! Thank you for re-introducing yourself, and I look forward to worshipping, learning, laughing, and getting to know all of you more this semester!
May the peace of Christ be with you,
Mollie
From the Oversight Team
We give you thanks for sharing your lives with these three wonderful individuals. We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing in their journey, and look forward to the second half of this year with The Parish House.
If you are interested in finding out more about the program, or would like to be share in its leadership, please contact any member of the Oversight Team: Dick Metzger, Judy Johnson, Jack Ebeler, with Rev. Hank Fairman.
Worship & Music
Board of Deacon’s News
Extend a Welcome, Wear a Name tag!
Isaiah 43:2 Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
Our names are important to us, are a part of us. Sharing our names is a special part of the hospitality extended in our welcome. Wearing our name tags can make the welcome even more Extravagant! More than sharing our names, a name tag can make it easier to form new connections and foster existing ones. It acknowledges that some people are helped by visual information as well as audible. A committee name on the tag can help a person feel more included by knowing their ideas and/or concerns have gone to the right place. It can relieve the awkward situation of having to ask “What was your name again?” and therefore make it easier to greet one another.
So, now you’re thinking “How do I get a name tag?” The church office is ready to help out! Simply contact the office by phone or email and they will create a name tag and have it waiting for you on the table at the back of the Sanctuary. They will even email you to let you know it’s ready. Another way to notify the office is to leave a note next to your name in the Friendship Pad in the pews. You don’t even have to be a member to get a name tag!
Until you get your name tag, or for the times when you forget to bring it to worship on Sundays, there are blank adhesive name tags in the pews next to the prayer cards.
I look forward to sharing my name with you and connecting with who you are.
-Emory
*Image taken from: http://www.kevinwolf.com/images/name-tag.jpg
Music Department News
The Bells are Ringing…
When you hear our Handbell choir ringing some wonderful tune on a Sunday you may not know how the bells came to Rock Spring.
The handbells were donated by the family of Louisa and Jack Burns, long time members of Rock Spring UCC. Not only were the bells donated but funds were also provided for a teacher to train the newly formed choir. Charlotte Shear reported, ”Weekly rehearsals …began on September 13 with 16-18 ringers whose ages span sixty years.” The bells were dedicated in a concert on February 25, 1990.
Folks who have long attended Rock Spring may remember with pleasure the impressive solo performance of Keiko Kimura on these bells.
Submitted by: Daena Kluegel
The 2010 Rock Spring Recital Series
February 7, 2010 – The Clarion Brass ensemble
March 14, 2010 – Deborah Lawrence, soprano & Amy Reiff, mezzo-soprano with Monica Otal, piano
All concerts are at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Suggested donation of $10.00 per person.
Image taken from: http://www.kimberleycalendar.ca/uploaders/images/music-clipart4.preview.jpg
From the Bookshelf
Have you checked out a book from our Library recently?
Do you know that we regularly buy new books? There is a small group of book-loving Rock Springers who work diligently to keep the Library up-to-date. In the next few issues of the Rock Spring News we will introduce you to some of these dedicated workers and the tasks they perform.
Today it’s DON HALL. Don records all of the new books on cards for the card catalog. As soon as a supply of new books comes into the Library, Don records Subject, Title, Author, and other notations on a card that will go into the card catalog.
So whenever you want to know whether our Library has a certain book or not, just go to the card catalog (and thank Don Hall) to see whether that book is in our Library. One of these days we may move into the 21st century and become computerized, but until then, we have a reliable cataloger and catalog.
*Image taken from: http://www.visionsofheaven.com/bookicons/bookshelf.gif
Community and Society
Arlington Interfaith Council News
Christmas Dinner for the Homeless – 2009
87 people attended our dinner. Thanks for donations of food and gifts for the homeless. You made Christmas meaningful for many this year.
Arlington Interfaith Council Meeting
Rock Spring hosted the January meeting of the Arlington Interfaith Council. Thanks to all who brought food and drinks and helped host the meeting.
Diocese of Arlington Peace & Justice Commission
presents:
4th Annual Peace Symposium
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
3304 North Washington Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22201
Seeking A Just Peace Religion: A Source of Peace or Conflict?
9:00 a.m. Mass, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Symposium
Featured Speaker and Moderator Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love.
Award-winning International Educator, New York Times Best-Selling Author, Associate Professor of International Politics at Catholic University
FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/peace/index.php
Mission Outreach to Haiti: Emergency Appeal
Church World Service (CWS), one of the UCC Global Ministry partners, has put out a call for emergency response kits called “Hygiene Kits”. These kits provide basic needs during humanitarian crises, and offer a little bit of solace in a time of uncertainty.
The Boards of Christian Education and Social Action/Stewardship are partnering with the Senior High YoRS to collect the supplies to make as many kits as possible (let’s try to hit 200!). We’ll be collecting through 2/14, and SH YoRS will pack up the kits during their meeting time on Valentine’s Day.
Here is the list of the “Hygiene Kit” contents:
- One hand towel measuring approximately 16″ x 28″ (no fingertip or bath towels)
- One washcloth
- One wide-tooth comb
- One nail clipper
- One bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
- One toothbrush (in original packaging)
- Six standard size Band-aids
- One gallon-sized zipper closure plastic bag
- $2 for processing/shipping
There will be large collection boxes for the supplies in the Saegmuller Room. If you would like to participate in this mission outreach, but are unable to purchase the supplies yourself, you are welcome to donate! CWS puts a value of $10 on these supplies (plus the $2 for processing/shipping).
For more information on CWS, check out their website: www.churchworldservice.org.
Subscribe to RSS
Subscribe to Email
