In this Issue:
Vol. 3 No. 20
Covering 9/23/2007 - 10/7/2007
September 23
Janet Parker, preaching
September 30
Beth Norcross
preaching
THE NEXT TWO ROCK SPRING NEWS DEADLINES ARE MONDAYS SEPTEMBER 24 AND OCTOBER 9
Sunday September 23, 2007
Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Sunday September 30, 2007
Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:1-6, 11-18
Psalm 92
Ephesians 3:8-12
WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP NEWS
Fall Bazaar, Saturday, Nov 3.
Women's Fellowship is sponsoring a bazaar on November 3 to earn funds
to replenish their benevolence coffers. All members and friends of Rock
Spring
are asked to donate handmade crafts, baked goods, services and special
items for the silent auction, and gently used items for the treasures
room.
Helping hands to run these areas and to cook are also needed. How are
you going to help? Board members to contact are Gail Briggs, Catherine
Gahres,
Barbara LaPlante, Robin Overholt. amd Ellen Swain.
Ladies' Night Out
Attend the first ever Rock Spring ladies night out on Friday, October
26, at 7:30 in the Saegmuller Room. This will be a 3D event: Decadent
Desserts
and Discussion. The topic for discussion will be an examination of the
role of women in the life of Rock Spring Church. This event is
sponsored by
the Women's Fellowship Board to create an awareness of both the current
opportunities for women to become involved in activities and to open
doors
for new ideas. Women of all ages and stages of life are invited and
encouraged to attend. If you need a ride, please contact Robin Overholt
at 703
527-9190
ICE CREAM SOCIAL HONORING MARGUERITE LACKEY
The family of Marguerite Wysor Lackey invites her friends from Rock Spring to celebrate our memories of her at an ice cream social on Saturday,
October 13, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. The location will be the lounge at the penthouse level of Vinson Hall, 6251 Old Dominion Drive, McLean.
The visitors parking lot is at the Kirby Road entrance to Vinson Hall and the Arleigh Burke Pavilion. If you will join us, please confirm no
later than Sunday, October 7 to March Price by telephone at 703-620-4757.
ROCK SPRING 20s/30s GROUP
We don't know if you know, but earlier this year, Rock Spring launched
a fellowship group for 20s/30s! At this point, this group's purpose is
primarily fellowship--it's simply a way for our young adults to get
together and get to know each other. So far, we've seen a couple
movies, gone
bowling and mini-golfing, had a Sunday brunch after church and put in
an appearance at the JFFAL Labor Day weekend picnic. Things are pretty
informal; events are organized by members and coordinated via e-vites
(email invitations).
All 20s/30s are invited, whether you are a member or friend of Rock
Spring or a friend of a friend or member of Rock Spring. We've been
working
diligently to contact all of our 20s/30s folks, but if we missed you,
please email us at 20s30s@rockspring
ucc.org and send us your email address so we can get you involved. If you know
someone who would be interested in participating in the Rock Spring 20s/30s Group, email their email address to 20s30s@rockspring
ucc.org and we'll get in touch with them. You can also contact Jason Henderson
(jhenderson@alum.
rpi.edu) with any questions.
We can't wait to see you at our next event!
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
GREEN ACTION:
Here's an easy introduction to solar cooking: Solar S'Mores! Here's how: Put four graham crackers side by side in the bottom of a
glass baking pan. Place a chocolate bar on top of two of the graham crackers. Put 8 mini-marshmallows on top of the other two graham
crackers. Cover the baking pan with a clear glass lid. Put the pan out in an area where it will get full sunlight--no shade! Let
the pan just sit there until the chocolate bars and marshmallows melt. To make a S'More, put one chocolate and one marshmallow graham cracker
together to make a sandwich. You should have two sandwiches.
Try it! Brought to you by the Rock Spring Eco-Justice Committee.
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CALL TO ANNUAL BUDGET/
MINISTRY GOALS MEETING
All members of Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ are hereby called to the Annual Budget/Ministry Goals meeting on Sunday,
October 14, 2007, beginning with a light lunch provided by the Annual Giving Committee at 12:15 pm. A free-will offering will be taken
for the meal. Child care will be provided during the business meeting. The agenda:
-Receive, discuss and act upon the proposed Budget/Ministry Goals for 2008, as recommended by Church Council.
-Receive, discuss and act upon any recommendations from the Nominating Committee.
-Receive, discuss and act upon any other business appropriate to come before the meeting.
Significant and exciting visions and challenges will be shared. In order to make informed decisions, it is important that we have as many
members as possible participate.
The proposed Budget/Ministry Goals & other materials will be available from the office by Sept. 30.
-Denise Calvert, Clerk of the Church
Also,
Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Giving at Rock Spring Church, But Have Been Afraid to
Ask--So, now's your chance to get those answers, by writing to the Board of Finance at finance@rockspringucc.org. As part of the Stewardship Campaign, we're soliciting inquiries from
the congregation and we will respond to your questions. Be in touch!
PASTORAL GUIDANCE MEETS SEPT. 30
The next meeting of the Pastoral Guidance Committee will be with our Senior Pastor, Chuck Wildman, 12:30 pm, Sept. 30 in the Peace Room. The
purpose of the committee is two-fold: (1) to serve as a conduit for information, concerns and support to and from our pastors, and (2) to
give considered advice and counsel to the pastoral staff for its ministry to the congregation. Church members are invited to share their ideas
and concerns in confidence with the committee through any of its members: Ellen Bozman, Chair, Will Martyn, John Morland, Claire McCarthy, Jeff
Dale.
EARTH CARE WORSHIP SERVICE ON SEPTEMBER 30
On September 30, we will welcome Beth Norcross to our pulpit as a guest preacher, in a service marking the launch of a new visioning process
at Rock Spring for 'greening the church.' Beth is a trained theologian with a background in environmental policy who has volunteered her time
to
work with the eco-justice committee to begin to develop a more comprehensive vision for becoming a green congregation. If you want to get in on
the ground floor, come to the planning meetings we're having with Beth this fall on September 22, October 16 and November 27. See Janet Parker
for details.
NEWS &
NOTES
Prayers are requested for Edith Black, who sustained injuries from a car accident and a fall
and is recovering at her son's home. Cards are welcome and may be sent to c/o Bruce & Betsy Ann Black 15000 Meadow Pond Lane
Purcellville, VA 22132 540-668-6181. Prayers are also requested for
Martha Shinn, back at Goodwin House and recovering from cancer surgery....for Emily Haseltine as she makes the
transition to living at Arleigh Burke...for Elizabeth Hunter, struggling with health challenges...and for Mary
Barrett, who recently lost her husband Paul to cancer. Prayers and best wishes to Libby Culver, who is moving to
California. We'll miss you, Libby!
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JACK ELLIS
A memorial service to remember and celebrate the life of Jack Ellis, Rock Spring member and husband of Mandy Ellis, will be held on Saturday,
September 29 at 2:00 p.m.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES
Many Rock Springers have recently faced the life challenge of losing loved ones. At times like these, extra support can make all the
difference. Haven of Northern Virginia offers the following support groups for those dealing with bereavement:Widow/Widower Bereavement Group:
begins Sunday, October 14, 2:00-3:30 p.m. General Bereavement Support Group: begins Wednesday, October 17, 7:30-9:00 p.m.Suicide Loss Support
Group: begins Monday, October 29, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Children's Bereavement Support Group: begins Thursday, October 4, 5:00-6:00 p.m. All groups run six weeks. Registration is
required. Contact 703-941-7000 or havenofnova@verizon.net
JOIN THE CARING
MINISTRY:
NEW CYCLE BEGINS
The Caring Ministry program is planning a new cycle of training for Fall 2007-Spring 2008 to equip new volunteers for our visitation ministry
and continue to provide existing volunteers with support. In addition to the visitation ministry, we seek volunteers to participate in our card
ministry, and to provide occasional transportation for those unable to drive. To sign up for any aspect of the caring ministry, fill in one of
the handprints in the pews or contact one of the members of the Caring Ministry Team. Please consider joining us.
The first training session on Oct. 20 (9:30 AM to noon) will introduce the visitation program and cover some of the basics of visitation. Four more
sessions will follow between November and April.
Why should you consider joining our caring ministry visitation program? The training sessions offered by the Caring Ministry will guide you in how to
be with others who are ill or frail or grieving. We focus on skills in the art of listening and being present with another.
We invite you to come to the first training session and see if the visitation program may be a good fit for you. We look forward to seeing you.
Eileen Jinks on behalf of the Caring Ministry Team:
Bettie Clark, chair; Rev. Janet Parker; Susan Daniels; Marcia Johnson (cards); Ann Rosser (transportation); Stuart Scott; and Ellen Swain
(visitation)
OWL LEADER INFORMATION SESSION
By Christina Fairman
On Sunday, September 23rd, 2007, the OWL Launch Team is hosting an information session for people interested in
becoming a leader of the Our Whole Lives / Sexuality and Our Faith (OWL) program at Rock Spring. The session will begin at 12:45 PM in
Carpenter Hall and snacks will be provided. (Please be aware that this session is for people interested in teaching OWL; the OWL Launch Team
will host an information session for parents and potential participants at a later time.)
The first OWL curriculum that will be introduced at Rock Spring will encompass Grades 4-6, but we encourage those interested in teaching any age
level to attend this session; we will take names of anyone who would like to teach a different age group. During the session, potential leaders
will hear more about the OWL program and will learn about the process by which the OWL Launch Team will select leaders for the program.
Several things to note when considering becoming an OWL Leader:
• The OWL Launch Team asks that you not teach a class your child will participate in or would be eligible to participate
in.
• Training is intensive and time-consuming; therefore the OWL Launch Team is searching for leaders who will be available to
teach more than one class of the OWL program.
• The training session for OWL Leaders will be held at Rock Spring UCC from January 25, 2008 through January 27, 2008.
You must be able to attend this session in order to teach Grades 4-6.
Please bring any questions you have to the information session. You can also email the OWL Launch Team at owl@rockspringucc.org.
We look forward to seeing anyone interested in teaching Our Whole Lives / Sexuality and Our Faith at the information session on September 23rd!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL -MEET THE TEACHERS
Come meet your teachers! Please come and meet our Sunday School
teachers on Sunday, 9/30 following both worship services. This is a
time
to meet the students and parents in each of our wonderful educational
programs. Rest assured, juice and cookies will be provided!
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).
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 hold its first lock-in Retreat of the year from
Friday-Saturday, 10/5-6. This will be a fun time of sharing,
silliness,
and good YoRS fun! Please keep your eyes on your emails for complete
event details! All Middle High youth, grades 6-8, are welcome and
encouraged to share in the Retreat. Due to the retreat, we will not
hold our normal Sunday meeting on 10/7. For more immediate
information, please email yors@rockspringucc.org.
At the time of publishing, the Senior High YoRS Massive Planning
Meeting has not yet come to pass. Please keep your eyes on the RSN and
emails
for the outcomes of this upcoming group of spirit-driven youth! For
more information on our Senior High Youth Ministries, please email
yors@rockspringucc.org.
CONFIRMATION CLASS FORMING
The time is now! The Confirmation Class of 2008 is forming now. This
is a time to get to know everyone who will be sharing in the class,
and set our meeting day and time. We will hold a Rally Dinner before
the end of this month (date/time TBD).
Confirmation is open to any youth who is currently in or beyond Ninth
Grade. If your child is in this age group, you should have received an
invitation letter in late August. If you have not received this
letter, please contact Pastor Hank at hank@rockspringucc.org.
Confirmation is a year-long group study in personal faith and spiritual
discernment. Classes are usually every-other-week, and focused on
teaching the faith and order of the United Church of Christ. The class
begins in October, and will conclude on May 18, 2007, with the
Confirmation Sunday service led by the class.
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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