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FALL CLEAN-UP DAY Nov. 17th
The Property Board has scheduled its Fall Clean-Up Day for Saturday, November 17th beginning at 9:00 a.m. Donuts, coffee and juice will be provided. Please come help. If you have questions, contact Marti Ulken of the Property Board at 703 527-4291.

HARVEST BREAKFAST

Celebrate fall on Sunday morning November 18th. Please come to Carpenter Hall for a delicious pancake breakfast prepared by the JFFAL Committee. We'll be serving your whole family at 9AM for those attending the 11AM service and until 11AM for those attending the 9AM service. It will be festive, delicious, and commemorating a very old Rock Spring tradition . Please mark your calendars. We will collect a free-will offering to cover expenses. Contact Kelly Bracy (703-536-5960) or Donna Cartwright (703-532-3305) for further information.

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.

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.

FROM THE CARING MINISTRY

An orientation session for new caring ministry visitation volunteers has been rescheduled for November 14 from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Saegmuller Room. All new and experienced visitation volunteers are encouraged to attend this session to gain information, to share experiences, and to provide support for one another.

MEALS ON WHEELS REALLY NEEDS YOUR 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.

THULA SIZWE TO PERFORM AT LINCOLN TEMPLE UCC On November 16 Thula Sizwe: The Group Zulu, an 11-man acappella 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: Sent by Jim Alverson via Blackberry from the Amazon in Brazil

When taking a shower, turn the water off while applying soap and shampoo - you will save water, energy and money. Try it! Brought to you by Rock Spring's Eco-Justice Committee.

HAVE A MINUTE?
by Janet L. Parker

On Sunday, November 4, Rock Spring will observe All Saints' Day (which actually falls on November 1) by reading the names of all those in the Rock Spring family who have died during the past year. It will not come as news to anyone that it will be a distressingly long list this year. This has been a year of hard losses for the Rock Spring community as many nearest and dearest friends of ours have passed away. It's important for us to take time as a community to remember these friends and to lift up their names in corporate worship and prayer, lest we forget. Lest we forget that we stand on their shoulders, we who continue the ministry of our church without their aid. Lest we forget that we build on the legacy of those who have gone before us. Lest we forget that who we are as a church was profoundly shaped by the unique personalities and gifts of each person who passed on. By honoring these saints of the church (a "saint" in the biblical sense means one of the faithful, one who was redeemed by Christ, not a person who lived a perfect or sinless life), we keep their memories alive in our hearts, and in that way, they live on in the corporate life of our church. They are then, not so much "departed" as they are present to us in a different way.

Some churches have a lovely tradition that is influenced by the Latin American practice of calling out the word presente! to remember those who have died in the service of freedom or justice. These churches incorporate this practice into the All Saints Day service by having everyone say presente! after the name of every person who has died in the past year is read. Through this act, the community collectively proclaims that those who have left us physically are still present in our hearts and minds. And, from a Christian theological perspective, we can say that they are still present to us spiritually because the body of Christ--the Church--includes all the saints, living and dead. Their presence strengthens us, inspires us, and provides us with an example of how to live faithful lives. On All Saints Day, let us say on behalf of all who have died among us, "Si, presente!"

GIVING CAMPAIGN FOR 2008 UPDATE
By the time you read this message the Giving Campaign for 2008 will be at the midway point. The campaign started with Chuck's stewardship sermon and the Budget Goals Meeting on October 14, and ends on November 18, with the dedication worship service at both 9 and 11 o'clock. By this time we hope that you have received a letter from the committee with a Giving Card and a return envelope addressed to the Rock Spring Financial Secretary. If this letter has not been received, please call the church office so a copy can be sent to you.

As of this moment you may have heard two sermons on stewardship and three Moments for Mission, read the thoughtfully written Q and A's in the Sunday bulletin, been invited to information sessions in the Peace Room on October 21 and 28, and seen the posters dealing with the Giving Campaign--all intended to make you more aware and better informed on the issues involved in making your 2008 financial commitment.

Is this overkill? Yes, for some who are closely involved with the church, but probably not for many others who may be only vaguely aware of the need to make a financial commitment to Rock Spring for the coming year.

More than one-third of the church's members and friends in the past have been unwilling or have neglected to make a yearly financial commitment (pledge); we hope they will do so during this campaign. A second approach that we ask Rock Springers to embrace is the idea of proportional giving; that is, committing fixed percentages of their income to church and other benevolence concerns--an idea more fully explained on the reverse side of the Giving Card.

We intend to keep you informed in the Rock Spring News as to how the campaign is progressing.

If you have not yet received a pledge card please contact the office at 703-538-4886. Thanks.

Jim McRae for the
Giving Campaign for 2008 Committee

NEWS & NOTES
Love and prayers to Lou Per-Lee and family on the loss of Charles Per-Lee, long-time leader at Rock Spring. Charlie's memorial service was held on October 27. Prayers for recovery from surgery for Mabel Montgomery ....and prayers for strength for others dealing with health challenges, including Martha Shinn, Eleanor Basler, Elizabeth Hunter and Alexander Kincaid. The memorial service for long-time Rock Spring member Jo Smith will be held on Saturday, November 10 at 2 PM.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU: From Mary Barrett
To my wonderful Rock Spring friends: Your prayers and expressions of support meant so much to me during Paul's illness and continue to sustain me since his passing. With deepest appreciation, Mary Barrett

WHAT IS INTERIM MINISTRY?: An Evening with the Conference Minister
As we approach Chuck's departure April 13, a search committee is working with the Conference Minister, Dr. John Deckenback, to find a qualified Interim Senior Minister. Come to a special meeting, Sunday, Nov. 4, 7:00 pm in the Saegmuller Room. The topic: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Intentional Interim Ministry and How UCC Churches Select New Pastors. John Deckenback will inform and education us on this topic in an open forum format. Everyone is welcome and urged to be present.

-Jim Meehan, Chair, Sr. Minister Transition Committee

INTERIM SR. MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE APPROVED
Church Council (10-22) appointed a committee to search for a qualified interim senior minister to begin after Chuck Wildman retires mid-April. Jeff Dale has been appointed Chair. He will work with Amy Bergner, Michael Bracy, Maya Lee and Chris Mannes. The committee will be guided by our Conference Minister in its work.

EILEEN JINKS TO BE VOLUNTEER PASTORAL ASSISTANT
On October 22nd, Church Council affirmed Eileen Jinks, chair of the Board of Deacons, to provide 12 hours per week of hospital and in-home calling and other pastoral tasks. Chuck Wildman will be the supervisor. This fulfills a requirement of Eileen's Clinical Pastoral Education program at Goodwin House Bailey's. We are delighted to have Eileen's assistance and to participate in her further education. Her service to Rock Spring in this role will end in late February, 2008.

ROCK SPRING HOSTS COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE
North Arlington churches will worship together at Rock Spring on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 7:30 pm. The choir will be composed of members from the participating congregations and a special reception by the Deacons will be offered following worship. Child Care will be provided. Participants are: Cherrydale United Methodist, Church of the Covenant Presbyterian, Memorial Baptist, St. Mary's Episcopal, Walker Chapel United Methodist and Rock Spring.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS & NOTES

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 (7-12).

As we approach the holiday seasons, please note that we will have several special activity Sundays. The first of these is on Nov. 25. There will be a special session for grades Pre-K to 2nd. Older children and youth are invited to join in worship.

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
Pop Quiz: What are the three basic needs of human life? Food / Water, Community, and Shelter. Over the weekend of Nov. 16-17, we will do our part to provide Food, Community, and Shelter for those who are homeless! We will join with 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 our YoRS Youth and Sponsors.
Parents, a detailed information and registration packet should be in your email inbox. Also, we'll need hands to help organize, and feet to help coordinate. We are expecting a large crowd for this event, and we'll need the many hands of Rock Spring to welcome our friends. If you are able to be an overnight chaperone, or drive the group to Metro on Saturday, please contact Pastor Hank today!

Middle High Dates:
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 held1
1/25/07   No MH YoRS (Thanksgiving Break)

Senior High Dates:
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 WalkFor more information on our Middle High and Senior High Youth Ministries, please email yors@rockspringucc.org.

Summer Mission Experience 2008 The Senior High YoRS Youth 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. These trips can be one of the most meaningful   If you are feeling the gentle nudge to spend an exciting time in mission and service, this is the place for you! Please contact Pastor Hank for an "application."

CONFIRMATION CLASS

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. Upcoming dates and homework for Confirmation are:

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

January 13    Chapters 10-13: Trust, Care, Seek

For those families with youth who are not able to meet on Sunday mornings in the fall, we are attempting to form a second Confirmation study group. Please look for more information in your email.

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