In this Issue:
Vol. 3 No. 19
Covering 9/9/2007 - 9/22/2007
September 9
Hank Fairman, preaching
September 16
Chuck Wildman
preaching
Sunday September 9th, we return to two services 9:00 am & 11:00 am
THE NEXT TWO ROCK SPRING NEWS DEADLINES ARE MONDAYS SEPTEMBER 10 AND SEPTEMBER 24
Sunday September 9, 2007
Deu. 30:15-20
Psalm 1
Philemon 1-21
Luke 14:25-33
Sunday September 16, 2007
Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 51:1-10
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
SAVE THE DATE!
This year's Budget Goals Meeting will be held on Sunday October 14th following the 11:00 am service in Carpenter Hall.
SUNDAY FLOWERS NEEDED
A few Sundays are still available to dedicate the altar flowers: Oct. 14 and 21, Nov. 4, and Dec. 16. There is a special calendar on the wall in the
church narthex where you can sign up to provide flowers. Lisa Mikell in the Church Office will be glad to explain the process to first-timers. Thanks
to all who contribute to this lovely Rock Spring tradition.
- Eileen Jinks, for the Board of Deacons
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR CARLIN SPRINGS!
Help kids at Carlin Springs Elementary start the
school off right. Bring the listed school supplies to
the Saegemuller room (look for the Carlin Springs
collection box) anytime between now and Sunday,
September 30th.
Here are the school supplies that are needed:
Glue sticks, tissues, markers and backpacks(a big
need), pencils, index cards, colored folders,
constructions paper, erasers, pencil sharpeners, and
colored pencils.
Questions? Call Iris Gibson at 703-820-7164
SEEKING NURSERY WORKER FOR INFANT ROOM ON
SUNDAYS
Rock Spring is seeking qualified applicants to partner with Fern Lawrence in providing care for our infants and toddlers during Sunday
services (8:45 AM-12:45 PM); a vital part of our family ministry. Preferred qualifications include at least 3-5 years experience as
a primary care provider for children, ages six weeks-3 years, especially infant care (i.e. nanny, childcare worker, in-home daycare
facility). Competitive hourly wage offered. If you know of interested applicants or have any questions, please contact Taryn Roman, roman1735@verizon.net or 703-533-3120.
FILL THE RED BARREL FOR AFAC
The 'Food of the Month' for the Arlington Food Assistance Center is any non-perishable food item, their cupboard is very bare. There is a
red barrel in the corner outside the office to collect non-perishable foods for AFAC. Foods of particular need: cereal, always welcome; canned fruit;
canned vegetables, canned beans; canned tomato products; peanut butter and canned tuna or chicken. Special thanks
to the 'oatmeal' person. AFAC also welcomes monetary donations. Arlington Food Assistance Center 2708 South Nelson Street Arlington, Virginia
22206 Contact: Robin Overholt overholj@yahoo.com
GREEN ACTION: Here's a way to save water and cut your water bill: When starting a shower, place a bucket to capture the cold water while you're
waiting for the heated water to come out. Later, use the bucket to water your plants, or to fill your toilet tank to flush. Try it!
Brought to you by the Rock Spring Eco-Justice Committee.
|
by Hank Fairman
Welcome home!
There are words that warm our souls and hearts, like hot cocoa on a winter's night. Two small words that mean we have found a place of safety,
of family, and of love.
Rally Day welcomes us back from our summer days. On Sunday, September 9, we come home to two services of worship, Sunday School, Youth of Rock
Spring, Children's and Youth Music, Adult Education, and so much more! We come home to our family of faith at Rock Spring.
To be the open, affirming, just, and welcoming place that God calls to be is an ever-evolving labor of love. Just like a family, we engage in
great debates--always speaking the truth in love. Just like a family, we come together, rejoicing in life's passages, and weeping in life's
painful moments. Just like a family, we know we can trust that our family of Rock Spring UCC will be here to help us when we struggle, and when
we dance!
Come home on September 9, and find a place welcoming you, waiting just for you! On that Sunday, we will all remain together in worship (special
programs will be held for our youngest ones, infant-Kindergarten). All Sunday School classes will start for both services the following week,
9/16. Come share the fun, come share the celebration. Come on home!
See you in Church,
Pastor Hank
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS & NOTES
The first day of Sunday School will be 9/16 for both services. Parents, please pick up a Sunday School Enrollment form from the display in the
Upper Atrium of the Hunter Building. These will also be available in worship on September 9. On Sunday, September 30, parents please come
to your child's classroom following worship for a "Meet the Teachers" Day. This will be a moment to put names and faces together, and learn
about the needs of our Sunday School program. NO RSVP Needed!
9:00 Sunday School is offered for grades Pre-K/Kindergarten, and 1st-5th Grades. 11:00 Sunday School is offered from grades Pre-K/Kindergarten,
Kindergarten-1st Grade, 2nd-3rd Grades, 4th-5th Grades, Middle High (6th-8th), and Senior High (9th-12th).
There are still spaces for teachers for the 2007-2008 school year. Truly, it is a blessing and privilege to share your gifts with our children and
youth (and be fed in return). If you are able and interested to help teach, please contact Kathy Michael
(kater411@aol.com) or Pastor Hank (hank@rockspringucc.org). You can also complete the online Christian Education survey by clicking here. You can also complete the online Christian Education survey by clicking here. Teacher Training and curriculum
pick-up will be Wednesday, 9/12 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Attendance is required for all teachers and helpers. This is an open session to learn more
about our Sunday School, and our curriculum Seasons of the Spirit. All are welcome, and encouraged to attend. Who knows? Maybe
you'll be moved to share your spirit with our children and youth!
There are still spaces for teachers for the 2007-2008 school year.
Teacher Training and curriculum pick-up will be Wednesday, 9/12 from 6:30-8:30 pm. This is an informational meeting, and attendance is required
for all teachers and helpers.
YOUTH OF ROCK SPRING
Middle High YoRS kicks off this year on 9/16 at our traditional time of 6:30-8:30 every Sunday (unless we've got something cool planned at a
different time!). We'll see you in Carpenter Hall! If your last name begins with the letter A-M, bring a salty snack to share. If
your last name begins with N-Z, bring a sweet snack to share!
Senior High YoRS begins our planning for Next Summer's Mission Adventure! Where are we going? What labors of service and mission shall we
provide? We're not sure...
But We'll Know Soon!
On Saturday, September 22, we'll meet for an evening of planning, preparing and sharing. Meet at church at 5:30, and get ready for 2.5 hours of
massive meeting! RSVP to yors@rockspringucc.org.
Between now and next summer, we'll have our usual good times, with the addition of some awesome overnights and retreats. We'll plan all of this
at our meeting, so plan on meeting! See you there!
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COUNCIL APPROVES JANET PARKER'S CONTRACT EXTENSION
Members and Friends of Rock Spring Church, As you know, Janet Parker's position as Pastor for Parish Life is a 3-year contract position.
Each year, we must officially extend the contract. I am pleased to let you know that Council has voted unanimously to extend Janet's contract
for a third year, effective now until September, 2008.
It has been a joy to work with Janet over the past two years. She has been such a positive force in her work on social justice issues, the caring
ministry, and in her care and nurturing of our congregation's needs. We have greatly benefited from Janet's many academic and
international connections by being both exposed and linked to issues that reach beyond our community. I know you join me in looking
forward to another joyful year with Janet as we explore ways Rock Spring can continue God's work in the world.
Beth Porter
Council Chair
NEWS &
NOTES
Our prayers are with Carol George on the recent death of her mother...Mary
Barrett and daughter, Amy Ford, on the death of husband and father, Paul Barrett...Martha
Shinn as she recovers from cancer surgery...Mandy Ellis and her family on the death of her husband, Jack
Ellis. A memorial service is planned for Jack, Sat., Sept. 29, 2:00 pm at Rock Spring...Happy Birthday to Don Bacon,
who turned 93 on Aug. 28.
CHURCH DIRECTORY ADDENDUM
An addendum to your Rock Spring Church picture directory is here and
available in the Saegmuller Room. There's one copy per family, please
sign your
name to indicate you've taken a copy.
Because the information is already
three months old, if your information (phone,
address, email address) has changed or does change in the future please
notify the office by email staff@rockspringcongucc.org or by phone
703-538-4886. We will make the changes in the database for the next
print directory. Thank-you.
THURSDAY NIGHT SUPPER
Please join us at Thursday Night Supper, a weekly food and fellowship gathering, at 6:30 pm in Agnes Carpenter Hall on Thursday, September 13 and
most Thursday nights during the school year. This is a potluck, bring a main dish, salad or dessert to share. Beverages and bread
provided. Families, singles, young & old are welcome. We gather about 6:30, eat about 6:45 and then move on to choir or other evening
activities. Contacts: Anita & Sam Cline 703-532-8825; Peg Collier, 703-528-8466; Jim McRae, 703-920-2412; John & Robin
Overholt 703-527-9190
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NEW STEPS & NEW VISION FOR ECO-JUSTICE AT ROCK
SPRING
Would you like to take action on your environmental concerns but don't
have time to participate in another committee? The Eco-Justice
committee would
like to invite you to join them this fall for 3 meetings to participate
in strategic planning/visioning regarding actions that Rock Spring can
take in
becoming a more environmentally friendly church. Through connections
made by Janet, we have the honor of having Beth Norcross, a theologian
and
consultant on greening religious institutions, who has offered her
services pro bono to guide us through the process of developing a
strategic plan
for "greening the congregation." As stewards of God's creation, we feel
that we are at a critical time for action. We would like to invite you
to
help us generate new ideas and positive energy on this important
project. If interested, please save the following dates on your fall
calendar to
join us in this process.
1. September 22: half-day retreat with Beth, noon-5:00 PM, at the church
2. October 16: strategic planning meeting with Beth, 7-9 PM at the church
3. November 27: strategic planning meeting with Beth, 7-9 PM at the church
Plus a Field trip to a neighboring 'Green' Church and possibly other Green buildings: date to be determined.
For all:
September 30: Earth Care Worship Service at both 9 and 11 AM, Beth Norcross Preaching
Please RSVP to Rebecca Halbe or Jane Sessa, Eco-Justice committee co-chairs, if you would like to participate in
this process. We do have some recommended reading for folks to do before we begin with our half day retreat in September
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 |
|
