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NOTE FOR CLARIFICATION:
Some people have been asking about the Tucker interment service that was listed in the calendar for July 18. This interment service was for Marianne Grigsby Tucker, whose parents were members at Rock Spring, and whose grandfather's and husband's ashes are already interred in Memorial Terrace.

VERY GOOD START!
The June memo regarding cash flow issues at Rock Spring Church has produced improved giving patterns in recent weeks. If the trend continues, there is optimism that income will be sufficient to meet expenses this autumn. Responding to ideas contained in Treasurer Steve Hawkins' memo, many people are paying off their pledge early, giving an extra gift, or going to automatic payment. Steve, Financial Secretary Bob Cato, and the Board of Finance want to express their appreciation for prompt action on the part of many Rock Springers.

ROCK SPRING AND BETHEL UCC AT ARLINGTON CO. FAIR

Rock Spring and Bethel UCC Churches are again having a booth at the Arlington County Fair. The Fair is Thursday, August 16-Sunday August 19. We will need help with set-up on Wednesday evening the 15th and breakdown at 5 pm on Sunday, August 19th. We will also need people to "man" the booth during the fair hours Thursday evening thru Sunday until 5 pm.

There will be a sign-up sheet in the Saegmuller Room starting July 22. Please volunteer to talk about Rock Spring - you don't need to be a long term member - you just need to be enthusiastic about being a member of our Church.

This is a Deacon's sponsored event. Please contact Charlie Brown at 703-534-0747 if you have questions.

GREEN ACTION:

This summer, consider making the switch from a gas-powered lawnmower to an old-fashioned, human-powered push reel mower. The push reel mowers have many advantages, including: Less expensive to use, better for your grass (especially when you let the grass clippings fall onto your lawn), easier to start, no pollution, a good fitness workout, much quieter, easier to maintain, and safer. Try it! Brought to you by the Rock Spring Eco-Justice Committee.

HAVE A MINUTE?

by Hank Fairman

Wow! It's good to be back! As I sat down to write these words, my phone rang. The voice on the other end said, "Glad I got you! I've been trying to reach you for a month." How could that be, I thought, I've been here. Then I looked at the calendar. General Synod, a glorious five-day walk with friends from all over our wider church. Senior High YoRS Mission Experience, a deeply moving time with our 15 laborers in mission down in Harlan, KY. Strategic Planning, Educational Program Planning, Middle-High and Senior High YoRS, Cleaning up the Sunday School! What ever happened to the summer slow-down?

I have come to find the "Summer Slump" a moment of fond memory. And this is a good sign in the life of our congregation! Lyle Schaller, in his book 44 Ways to Increase Church Attendance, notes that "The widespread assumption was that may people would be gone during the summer..." is becoming a joyful time for new expressions of service and celebration. What was found, was the expectation of the slow-down was driving the norm! Because of the perception of a summer hiatus in activity, there was one. Not so true anymore!

And such is the life here at Rock Spring. Thankfully, we are not a "Summer Slump" congregation! Hardly! I see the calendar every day, and marvel at the level of passionate ministry and activity that we maintain all season
long. The Board of Christian Education is busily preparing for the fall, and the new programs for the coming year. The Board of Deacons is continuing their diligent attention to worship and pastoral care. The Board of Finance is meticulously maintaining our finances, and preparing for this year's operating budget campaign. The Board of Social Action is living up to its name, engaging society with the Good News of peace with justice. The Board of Music is tuning up for another powerful year of giving thanks to God through our gifts of song. The Board of Stewardship is taking great care
in our outreach and mission ministries. The Board of Properties is busy maintaining our building and our grounds. The Church Council is continuing their guidance in congregational life, and looking forward to the future with our strategic planning. Each group in their own way is answering the call to build up the body of Christ that is the church.

This is who we are at Rock Spring: workers in the field, laboring for the goal of furthering the ministry to which we are asked. No matter who youare, there is a place for you to serve. No matter where you are on life's journey, our congregation will reach out to you. There is a place for you here. Welcome home, and may the warmth of summer remind you of God's love for all of creation!

May God bless you, as we look towards our Rally Day Sunday on September 9. See you in Church,

--Pastor Hank

NEWS & NOTES

Condolences and prayers for Caroline Hufford Anderson, Linda Anderson, and other family members and friends of Del Anderson, beloved member of Rock Spring Church, who passed away on Friday, July 20. Del will be greatly missed at Rock Spring.Born to Lindsay Smith Samora and her husband, Michael, a son, Michael Lee Samora, Jr. Lindsay is the daughter of Brad and Diane Smith. Prayers are requested for Emily Haseltine who is in rehab at the Jefferson recovering from a stroke. Prayers are also requested for Alexander Kincaid, newborn son of Mark and Karin Kincaid, who recently underwent surgery at Inova Fairfax hospital. Please also pray for Josh Lawton, who is recovering from traumatic brain injury sustained in Iraq but is thankfully now living at home while undergoing outpatient treatment at Walter Reed.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HELEN PERREAULT:
A service to celebrate the life of Helen Perreault will be held at Rock Spring Church on Monday, July 30, at 3 PM. Reception to follow. All are invited. A burial service at Arlington National Cemetery on August 21 at 2:00 pm. Assembly in the administration building at 1:30 pm.

ORGAN 101
-- Come hear Rock Spring organist Ed Roberts, after church on any of five Sundays in August and September, discussing plans to replace the Schantz pipe organ and demonstrate its problems and limitations. The sessions, open to all, are scheduled for August 19, 26, and September 2 after the 10 a.m. service, and September 9 and 16 after the 11 a.m. service.

Last year, the Church Council created an Organ Planning Committee to explore options for a new pipe organ. The Committee is at work and will report back to Council this fall. If Council approves the Committee's recommendations, a congregational meeting will be scheduled in November to vote on the proposal. In addition, the church's Centennial Committee, working on plans for 2012 events, has identified a new pipe organ as a central component of the celebration of Rock Spring's first 100 years.

Members of the Organ Planning Committee are Jeff Dale, Don Hall, Emory Hackman, Jeanne Page, Priscilla Taylor, and Co-Chairs Laurie Rodgers and Claudia Sturges Scott. William Neil, organist for the National Symphony Orchestra and National Presbyterian Church in Washington, is consultant to the Committee.

FOOD FRIENDS   FUN

WHAT: Rock Spring Church Picnic
WHEN: Saturday, September 1 at
4:00pm
WHERE: Lacy Woods Park, Arlington
WHO:   YOU!!!! There will be activities for ALL ages - singing, checkers, sack race, 3 legged race, tug of war, a playground, ice-cream cranking (and eating), and good old-fashioned socializing!!!
WHAT TO BRING: A side dish or dessert to share. Non-alocoholic                                    beverages for yourself !!!

**Hot dogs with all the fixins will be provided by JFFAL (Just For Fun and Laughter)!!**

The Church Staff

Senior Pastor	Charles L. Wildman
Pastor for Parish Life	Janet L. Parker
Pastor for Children, Youth & Families	Henry E Fairman
Director of Music	Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock
Asst. Director of Music	Edward Roberts
Office Administrator	Ben Eckman
Administrative Assistant	Lisa Mikell
Bookkeeper	Lisa Mikell
Property Manager	Don Bauman
Nursery Supervisor	Fern Lawrence
Custodians	Willis Gardner & Vicki Morales
Bus Driver	Rico Picarriello

ROCK SPRING CONGREGATIONAL UCC
5010 LITTLE FALLS RD
ARLINGTON, VA 22207
703-538-4886
www.rockspringcongucc.org