In this Issue:
Vol. 3 No. 22
Covering 10/21/2007 - 11/03/2007
October 21
Dr. Jim Bundy, Guest preaching
October 28
Hank Fairman,
preaching
ROCK SPRING NEWS DEADLINES HAVE CHANGED
Your Monday Rock Spring News deadline is moving! The Monday morning deadline has proved to be challenging and
unrealistic. So, the new Rock Spring News deadline will be every other Wednesday at noon. If it has not been turned in by noon on
Wednesday, it will not make that issue.
So the rest of the 2007 deadlines are now:
October 24 -
November 4 to November 17
November 7 - November 18 to December 1
November 21 December 2 to December 15
December 5 - December 16 to December 29
LECTIONARY TEXTS
Sunday October 21, 2007
Jeremiah 31:27-34 with Psalm 119:97-104 or
Genesis 32:22-31 with Psalm 121 and
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 and
Luke 18:1-8
Sunday October 28, 2007
Joel 2:23-32 with Psalm 65 or
Sirach 35:12-17 or
Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22 with Psalm 84:1-7 and
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 and
Luke 18:9-14
MEALS ON WHEELS REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY NEEDS YOU
HELP! New Meals on Wheels volunteers needed. For many years on the first and third Friday of each month, Rock Spring teams have been
faithfully serving meals to our shut-in neighbors. We cover five routes, serving a total of about 50 people. Time commitment is about 2
hours. New regulars or substitutes are needed to fill out the roster. Contact: Karen Barberie.
5th ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR!
Please
join JFFAL and YORS on Sunday October 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in
Carpenter Hall for our spooktacular Halloween pumpkin carving party.
Come
in costume or as you are for a pizza dinner, pumpkin carving, and the
famous YORS Haunted House -- if you dare. JFFAL will provide dinner
and
drinks (a freewill offering will be collected). As always, this is a
BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) event. It promises to be a hauntingly
good time for all ages! Questions? Need a ride? Please contact
Ashley Martinage at 703/237-4925 or amartinage@cox.net.
NOVEMBER LADIES LUNCH IN
The Women's Fellowship November lunch meeting will feature a catered lunch here at Rock Spring
on Wednesday, November 14th at noon.
And mark your calendar for our Annual Women's Fellowship Coffee, December 19th, at 10:00. There we
will install new Board members, and enjoy some fellowship, music, and homemade treats with our coffee.
All women of Rock Spring are welcome to attend any of our lunches, Board meetings, beading sessions and special
events. Join us when your schedule permits.
FEBRUARY WOMEN'S SERVICE NEEDS YOUR
PARTICIPATION
Beginning in February 2000, a group of Rock Spring women have developed
and led the worship service for our annual celebration of UCC Women's
Sunday.
We have been blessed to witness an amazing process as together we weave
Scripture, prayers and music in new ways. And we have been gratified at
the
response of the congregation to this service. However, as we approach
2008, we are in need of an infusion of new energy and ideas if we are
to keep
this tradition going. A team would need to form soon to set the date
and determine the theme for the upcoming Women's Sunday. If you would
be
interested in participating, please contact Janet Parker or Eileen
Jinks.
THULA SIZWE TO PERFORM AT LINCOLN TEMPLE
UCC
Washington On November 16
Thula Sizwe: The Group
Zulu, an 11-man a cappella singing group from Pretoria, South Africa,
will perform
in Washington, Friday November 16, as part of their fall U.S. tour. The
group sings, dances and drums in the Zulu tradition. Their performance
here is
set for 7 to 9 p.m. at Lincoln Temple Congregational UCC, 1701 R Street
NW. The performance is sponsored by Faith UCC at Lincoln Temple
Congregational
UCC. The public is invited; a free will offering will be taken.
GREEN ACTION: This week, think of ways that you can
reuse, reduce or eliminate use of plastic grocery bags. Recycle them at the grocery store (to avoid forgetting to take them, place the extra
bags in your car's trunk between grocery store trips). Another idea - tuck the bags into an empty tissue box, and when full, leave it in the
AFAC food tub near the Rock Spring office door (along with a food donation such as cereal). Alternatively, consider buying reusable bags,
available at most grocery stores. Try it! Brought to you by the Rock Spring Eco-Justice Committee.
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HAVE A MINUTE?
"The Church is always talking about money!" So goes the refrain in most congregations during fall stewardship season. At Rock Spring, we
are doing a lot of soul searching about the 2008 church budget challenges, increasing our pledging units and proportional giving. There are Sunday
witness moments, bulletin inserts, letters and phone calls. We try to focus most "money talk" in the fall, except for special annual offerings
like the Christmas Fund and One Great Hour of Sharing. But stewardship really is a twelve-month enterprise. And it is not just about
money.
Stewardship is about the giving of our whole lives in response to God's generosity. Many Rock Springers also give time and talents, like
tending church gardens, teaching Sunday School, serving on boards and projects, promoting social justice, assisting with worship. One member
volunteers as our IT manager. He keeps our seven office computers updated and running, and installs new ones when needed (sometimes
paying for them himself). Giving takes many forms.
The historic generosity of Rock Spring inspires me. We express our concern for the nation and the world by strongly supporting OCWM (Our
Church's Wider Mission, the support program for the global reach of our United Church of Christ). We also support a long list of vital local
non-profits. We volunteer in many of these local projects, like those providing food and shelter to our neediest neighbors. In
emergencies we are also there and not only with special offerings. The youth spend a summer week building houses in WVA. A couple
travels to Biloxi, MS to assist Katrina victims rebuild their homes. And, we undergird the ministries of Rock Spring by providing a carefully-managed
budget for church operations- utilities, maintenance, salaries.
Right now, we face a steep challenge. After several years' study and discussion, a majority of members at the 2005 Annual Meeting voted to
increase staff to three full-time clergy and two office assistants. This decision provided for increased ministry to our growing number of
children, youth and young families; more pastoral and programmatic attention to older members; adequate administrative assistance. While it will take
a while to evaluate the results, exciting changes already are evident- professional leadership for children and youth; a growing under 40's ministry;
the Caring Ministry program; more pastoral care to seniors; the eco-justice program.
This is a season for reflection on God's generosity to each of us. It also is the time to support our financial commitment to a strong and
growing, open and
affirming church in the progressive tradition. Consider increasing your pledge toward the goal of 5% of family income. If you have not pledged
before, please do so now. Giving commitments (pledges) are not legal commitments, only good faith promises that enable the
congregation to plan its income.
Thank you for doing your best. Together, we are helping Rock Spring "fulfill its promises."
For the promise is for your children and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him. -Acts 2:39
-Peace, Chuck
NEWS &
NOTES
Love and prayers to Lou Per-Lee and family on the death Oct. 5 of Charles
Per-Lee, long-time leader in Rock
Spring. Memorial service plans will be announced soon... to Mandy Ellis on the death of her husband and long time member,
Jack Ellis. A
memorial service was held Sept. 29...We pray for strength for Martha Shinn as she undergoes chemotherapy...and for Elizabeth
Hunter ...Ann
Sessa...Sarah Ulis...and for healing for little Alexander Kincaid...Congratulations to
Cathi and Christopher Geeslin on the birth of Caroline
Dorothy Geeslin, born Sept. 16
Annual Budget/Goals Meeting Materials Available...from the church office.
WELCOME DR. JIM BUNDY, GUEST PREACHER
The Rev. Dr. Jim Bundy, pastor of Sojourners UCC, Charlottesville, will be guest preacher, Oct. 21. Jim and Chuck Wildman are exchanging
pulpits that day so that both can give their congregations fresh voices on stewardship issues.
Dr. Bundy was born in Washington, DC and reared in Silver Spring. He has a Ph.D from the University of Chicago Divinity School and has served
churches in the Chicago area for over 30 years. He also has been an adjunct faculty member of UCC-related Elmhurst College. He and his
wife, Ava Baum, came to Charlottesville in 2000. Sojourners is a recent new-church start of the United Church of Christ and the only UCC
congregation in Charlottesville.
FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee has begun its work finding new Council and Board members for terms starting in 2008. If you are approached for a
position on Council, one of the Boards -- Deacons, Property, Personnel, Finance, Stewardship, Social Action, Audit, Christian Education, Music -- or
as a Delegate, please give the opportunity prayerful consideration. You may also indicate your desire to serve to one of the members of the
Nominating
Committee: Peggy Greenwood, 703-941-7303, Carolyn Hart, 703-536-7115, Carol Foster, 703-534-0953. or Elizabeth Ravesteijn, 703-532-5532.
WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP ANNUAL BAZAAR
The Women's Fellowship Annual Bazaar is scheduled for November 3rd, from 10:00 - 3:00 PM. Come get a jump on your holiday shopping and support
the Ladies as we raise funds for local charities and projects here at Rock Spring.
Come peruse the Treasure Room for jewelry, art, antiques (yes, probably some of those vases were bought in the 50's!) tools, toys, puzzles, kitchen
gadgets and other amazing finds.
Consider the crafts. Rock Spring handmade beadwork will be for sale, as well as other needlework, accessories, pot
scrubbers, and decorative crafts.
Place your bid in the Silent Auction, for weekend vacations, and services such as babysitting, beer brewing, and specialty
cake baking, provided by our talented community. We have Collectibles and Antiques, tickets to shows and sporting events, and dinners hosted by
our members.
Don't miss lunch. We know that you can't shop on an empty stomach, so, we will be selling something delicious to keep up
your strength.
You can't leave without desert! Our bake table will feature home made delights- pies, cookies, brownies, preserves
and jams.
So where do we get all of this stuff? From you! To repeat our past bazaar successes, we need your contributions
and help the day of the bazaar. If you've contributed before you know that this is a fun way to meet some new members and make some new
friends,
as we share our talents. Items for the Treasure Room, can be brought to the stage in Neighborhood House, starting on October
30th.
If you have questions, please contact any of the following WFB members:
Gail
Briggs Cathrine
Gahres Pam Henrikson Barbara
LaPlante
Robin Overholt Ellen Swain
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SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS & NOTES
Did you know that we've been averaging over seventy children and youth
in Sunday School this year? It's great to see you all! Please,
take some time and invite your friends to come share in the faith and
fun!
At 9:00, we offer professional care in our Infant and Toddler
Nurseries, and classes for Pre-K & Kindergarten, and Grades 1-5.
At 11:00, we
offer professional care in our Infant and Toddler Nurseries, and
classes for Pre-K & Kindergarten, Grades K-1, Grades 2-3, Grades
4-5, Middle High
(Grades 6-8), and Senior High (9-12).
Our Sunday School uses the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. For more
information on the scope and sequence, the foundations, and the
specifics
of the curriculum, please visit www.spiritseasons.com
YOUTH OF ROCK SPRING
Middle High YoRS will be getting ready for two big events! First the JFFAL/YoRS Halloween Party and Haunted House will take place
on Sunday, 10/28.
After we're done with our spooky house, we'll join with the Senior
High YoRS, and the Youth of the Potomac Association-UCC to take
part in the 20th Annual Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Walk.
This will be a combined lock-in and event, hosted by the Senior High
YoRS
group. Parents, a detailed information and registration packet is on
the way. Also, we'll need hands to help organize, and feet to help
coordinate. If you are interested please contact Pastor Hank (yes, we
need your help chaperoning at the lock-in, too!
Middle High Dates:
10/14/07 Talking about "Home," Planning for Haunted House
10/21/07 Work on Haunted House
10/28/07 JFFAL Halloween Party/YoRS Haunted House
11/4/07 Paint the Wall Day!
11/16/07- MH/SH YoRS Lock-in with Potomac UCC Churches (Hosted at Rock Spring), and
11/17/07 20th Annual Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Walk
With the lock-in, our regular meeting on 11/18 will not be held
11/25/07 No MH YoRS (Thanksgiving Break)
Senior High YoRS will be finalizing the
plans for next summer's Mission Experience at our meetings in October
and November. In
the coming weeks, they will be interviewing for Chaperones and Advisors
to help in their mission work and fellowship fun. If you are
interested, see Pastor Hank for an "application."
Senior High Dates:
10/21/07 Planning/Fun Lunch--12:00-3:00, meet in Peace Room
10/28/07 JFFAL Halloween Party/YoRS Haunted House
11/4/07 Planning/Fun Lunch--12:00-3:00, lunch details TBD
11/16/07- MH/SH YoRS Lock-in with Potomac UCC Churches (Hosted at Rock Spring), and
11/17/07 20th Annual Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Walk
For more information on our Middle High and Senior High Youth Ministries, please email yors@rockspringucc.org.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
The Confirmation Class of 2008 met on Thursday, September 27, and set
their meeting schedule for the year. Confirmation is open to any youth
who is
currently in or beyond ninth grade. Confirmation is a year-long group
study in personal faith and spiritual discernment. Classes are
focused on teaching the faith and order of the United Church of
Christ. You can still join this year's class! Contact Pastor Hank for
specifics!
With the varied and busy lives our youth lead today, the class agreed
to meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:30, on a (mostly)
every-other-week
schedule. The first class was held on Sunday, October 14. Upcoming
dates and homework for Confirmation are:
October 21 Chapters 1-4: The Bible
November 11 Chapter 5: God, the Creator
November 18 Chapters 6-7: God, the Redeemer
December 2 Meet with the Mentors (Review of Chapters 1-7)
December 16 Chapters 8-9: Ourselves & What We Believe
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 |
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