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Author: Faith2014

Announcements: April 3, 2016

Mission of the Month: Arlington Foster Care/Adoption Program
Today, we are pleased to welcome Erica Serrano, Resource Parent Recruiter for the Arlington Foster Care /Adoption Program.

The Arlington Foster Care/Adoption Program is a service offered by Arlington Department of Human Services, Child and Family Services Division. One goal of the program is to ensure a temporary living arrangement is available for children who can no longer live in their homes because of abuse, neglect or other severe family problems.

You can help out by becoming a foster parent, by sharing information with people you know who might be interested in becoming foster parents, by purchasing a car seat (see insert), or by making a monetary donation to the “Mission of the Month” program.

For more information, see this month’s Key, or visit Erica’s display in the Fellowship Hall.

Stewardship at Faith
Throughout April we will be thinking about what it means to take hold of the freedom we have in Christ and serve as faithful stewards of God’s gifts. Members of Faith will share in worship why it is meaningful to them to give to Faith’s ministry, and we’ll invite everyone to think about their own stewardship and consider filling out a plan for giving for this year.

Today we’ll hear about the work of Arlington Foster Care, our newest Mission of the Month. We’ll invite our kids to make “Giving Jars” to take home and help them remember that they are stewards of God’s gifts, too!

XYZ to Visit the Cherry Blossoms
On Tuesday, April 5, the eXtra Years of Zest social group will take the van from Faith’s parking lot at 11 a.m. and head to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms. Afterwards, they will have lunch at the Silverado. If you’re interested in going along, please call Carolyn at 703-671-0312.

High School Youth Coffee & Conversation
Starting next Sunday, April 10, at 10:30 a.m. Catch up with your Faith friends and enjoy coffee and conversation with Dan, Sam, and Annie.

“First” Friday Potluck, April 8, 5:30 p.m.
Join us for a new favorite! Bring the family for crafts, a lesson from Pastor Yvette, and, of course, food. Program begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner starts by 6 p.m. RSVP and sign up for the potluck at www.flcva.org/signup.

Upcoming Young Adult Events
• Saturday, April 16th, 9:45am – Seven Hills of Bluemont Hike. We’ll hike a 5.5-mile lowland trail, which is especially beautiful in early spring, and has seven moderately steep climbs of 50 to 350 feet each. After the hike, we plan to visit a historic Loudoun county town and stay for dinner. Please email Greg Mantell at greg@sharptel.com to sign up or for more information.

SWO Convention
The Metropolitan D.C. Synodical Women’s Organization Convention will be held on Saturday, April 16, at Saint Luke Lutheran Church, 9100 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. We invite all women to join us in a day worship, learning, and fellowship. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. with a Continental breakfast, exhibits and shopping. There will be a worship service and a plenary session in the morning, followed by lunch and a choice of several workshops in the afternoon. These include a Bible Study, a testimony from Young Adults in Global Ministries, information from LSS/NCA on sponsoring a refugee family, and chair yoga.

Registration Fee: $40.00 per person. Final deadline: Mail-in by March 31, Electronic by April 10. Discounted registration: $15.00 for women under the age of 40 or first time attendees (Lunch included). For more information, see the display in the Fellowship Hall. You can also check out the SWO website at http://dwyercl2.wix.com/welca-metrodcsynod

Vacation Bible School – July 11 – 15
The VBS Staff is busy getting ready to catch the wave of God’s amazing love. Please help us “build” our surf shack! If you have any of the following items to donate or loan, we will happily accept:
• Tiki torches
• Hawaiian / beachy décor
• Surf or boogie boards
• Aquatic stuffed animals (fish, crabs, dolphins, etc)

Garden Events
We’re gearing up for another great growing season in the garden! Work days are planned for Saturdays, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3 and October 1. This year, we’ll be setting up a “farm market” one Sunday per month, May – August, to sell extra produce at church. For details, and to sign up to help out with the garden, visit www.flcva.org/garden.

Announcements: March 20, 2016

Appearing In Worship Today: The PromisedLand Quartet
The PromisedLand Quartet performs a variety of styles of Christian music, ranging from traditional worship to bluegrass and country. For more information, please check out the bulletin insert.

Last Chance to Dedicate an Easter Lily!
Honor a loved one with an Easter lily dedication this year! There are still lilies left. To dedicate a lily, use our online form. 

Bring a Coffee Cake on Easter Morning!
Help us to have a well-stocked fellowship hour on Easter morning. We’re looking for coffee cakes and hard-boiled Easter eggs to serve to members, friends and guests of Faith Lutheran. Sign up to bring goodies!

Holy Week and Easter at Faith
You should have received a postcard with a clip-off portion you can use to invite a friend to Holy Week and Easter services. If you didn’t get yours, there are some extras available by the sanctuary entrances.

Here’s a handy schedule of events to help you stay organized.

Thursday, March 24 – Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 25 – Good Friday Worship at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 26 – Families of Faith Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast, 9:00 am.
Join us for a Faith favorite! We’ll begin with a potluck breakfast at 9:00 a.m., followed by a family-friendly activity and Easter egg hunt on the grounds of Faith Lutheran Church. Feel free to bring friends and neighbors! Please RSVP by March 20.

Sunday, March 27 – Easter
Traditional worship services at 8, 9:30 and 11. Coffee cake and fruit bar available starting at 9 a.m. Sign up to bring goodies for Easter morning.

In Memoriam: John Hibbits, Dick Irby
It is with heavy hearts that we report the death of John Hibbits, who passed away on Thursday, March 17. A service will take place at Faith; more details to come.

At the beginning of March, long-time member of Faith, Dick Irby, passed away. Condolences can be sent to his wife, Carolyn, at their home in California: 1056 Albion Street, San Diego, CA  92106.

Preschool Announces New Program for Two-Year-Olds
This Fall, Faith Lutheran Preschool will offer a two-day class for 2-year-olds. This first year, only one class of 10 children will be admitted. The class will meet on Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 – 1:30 a.m. More details and an application are available online.

Mission of the Month: ELCA World Hunger
Working with and through Lutheran congregations all over the world, and with other partners, ELCA World Hunger responds to communities in need through their support of food pantries, homeless shelters, feeding programs, development and health projects, and education programs. More information about ELCA World Hunger can be found at www.elca.org/hunger.

Upcoming Young Adult Events

  • TODAY, 12:30pm – Luncheon at Bilbo Baggins Restaurant. We’ll meet in fellowship hall and car pool to Old Town Alexandria to lunch together on Palm Sunday. Please email Greg Mantell at greg@sharptel.com by Wednesday, March 16th to sign up or for more information.
  • Saturday, April 16th, 9:45am – Seven Hills of Bluemont Hike. We’ll hike a 5.5-mile lowland trail, which is especially beautiful in early spring, and has seven moderately steep climbs of 50 to 350 feet each. After the hike, we plan to visit a historic Loudoun county town and stay for dinner. Please email Greg Mantell at greg@sharptel.com to sign up or for more information.

 

Garden Events
We’re gearing up for another great growing season in the garden! Work days are planned for Saturdays, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3 and October 1.  This year, we’ll be setting up a “farm market” one Sunday per month, May – August, to sell extra produce at church. For details, and to sign up to help out with the garden, visit www.flcva.org/garden.

SWO Convention
The Metropolitan D.C. Synodical Women’s Organization Convention will be held on Saturday, April 16, at Saint Luke Lutheran Church, 9100 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. We invite all women to join us in a day worship, learning, and fellowship. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. with a Continental breakfast, exhibits and shopping. There will be a worship service and a plenary session in the morning, followed by lunch and a choice of several workshops in the afternoon. These include a Bible Study, a testimony from Young Adults in Global Ministries, information from LSS/NCA on sponsoring a refugee family, and chair yoga.

Registration Fee: $40.00 per person.  Final deadline:  Mail-in by March 31, Electronic by April 10.  Discounted registration: $15.00 for women under the age of 40 or first time attendees  (Lunch included). For more information, see the display in the Fellowship Hall. You can also check out the SWO website at http://dwyercl2.wix.com/welca-metrodcsynod

Save the Date: VBS – July 11 – 15
Surf’s Up! Catch the wave of God’s amazing love this summer with Faith’s Vacation Bible School. VBS will take place July 11 – 15, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., with aftercare available. We are in need of volunteers to help with planning, and especially with teaching, VBS. VBS is for children ages 3 – 12; nursery childcare will be available for volunteers’ children. Contact Mary Quattlebaum at maryqbaum@gmail.com to volunteer. Registration will open April 1– watch your emails for a registration link.

 

Announcements – March 13, 2016

Welcome, Deacon Deb Haynes
Our guest preacher this Sunday is Deb Haynes, a recent graduate of Gettysburg Seminary and a Diaconal Minister awaiting first call in the Metro DC Synod. Diaconal Ministers are a Word and Service roster, meaning they are called to serve God where the church meets the world, often in service to the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalized. Deb is a member of Holy Trinity in Falls Church and first heard her call to ministry there as a volunteer in an emergency hypothermia shelter for the homeless in Fairfax County. She is still involved with the hypothermia program and an ELCA congregation inside the Maryland state prisons. Deb lives in Falls Church with her husband of twenty years and their teenage daughter.

Lenten Mid-Week Dinner Church
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
February 17-March 16

Children welcome!

This year for our mid-week services during the season of Lent, we’re trying something a bit different: “dinner church.” We’ll have a meal together, hear from our speaker, then pray and share communion, all around tables in the fellowship hall. Each week we’ll hear a member or friend of Faith share how they live out their faith in their daily lives. To sign up to help with the dinners, please visit www.flcva.org/signup.

Preschool Announces New Program for Two-Year-Olds
This Fall, Faith Lutheran Preschool will offer a two-day class for 2-year-olds. This first year, only one class of 10 children will be admitted. The class will meet on Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 – 1:30 a.m. More details and an application are available at www.flcva.org/twos-class.

Mission of the Month: ELCA World Hunger
Working with and through Lutheran congregations all over the world, and with other partners, ELCA World Hunger responds to communities in need through their support of food pantries, homeless shelters, feeding programs, development and health projects, and education programs. More information about ELCA World Hunger can be found at www.elca.org/hunger.

Mission Quilters
The Mission Quilters will be meeting twice a month to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. No quilting or sewing experience is required – someone will show you how! The next meeting will be this afternoon, Sunday, March 13, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the undercroft (below the sanctuary). Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch at noon for food and fellowship before the work begins. To be added to the email list, or if you have questions, please email Rachel.

Upcoming XYZ Event
Tuesday, March 15, 11:00 a.m. – We will have lunch at Normandie Farm. The van leaves at 11:00 a.m.

Moms with Babies Bible Study
The moms with babies Bible Study will now be meeting on the third Thursday of each month. The next Bible Study will be Thursday, March 17, at 9:45 a.m.

Upcoming Young Adult Events

Sunday, March 20th, 12:30pm – Luncheon at Bilbo Baggins Restaurant. We’ll meet in fellowship hall and car pool to Old Town Alexandria to lunch together on Palm Sunday. Please email Greg.

Saturday, April 16th, 9:45am – Seven Hills of Bluemont Hike. We’ll hike a 5.5-mile lowland trail, which is especially beautiful in early spring, and has seven moderately steep climbs of 50 to 350 feet each. After the hike, we plan to visit a historic Loudoun county town and stay for dinner. Please email Greg to sign up or for more information.

Holy Week and Easter at Faith
It’s hard to believe that Holy Week is almost here! Here’s a handy schedule of events to help you stay organized. Don’t forget to dedication your Easter lilies – you can do that online, at www.flcva.org/lilies.

Sunday, March 20 – Palm/Passion Sunday
The southern gospel group, PromisedLand Quartet, will return on Palm Sunday to share music at all three services.

Thursday, March 24 – Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 25 – Good Friday Worship at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 26 – Families of Faith Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast, 9:00 am.
Join us for a Faith favorite! We’ll begin with a potluck breakfast at 9:00 a.m., followed by a family-friendly activity and Easter egg hunt on the grounds of Faith Lutheran Church. Feel free to bring friends and neighbors! Please RSVP by March 20 at www.flcva.org/easter-egg-hunt.

Sunday, March 27 – Easter
Traditional worship services at 8, 9:30 and 11. Easter breakfast starting at 9 a.m.

Garden Events
We’re gearing up for another great growing season in the garden! Work days are planned for Saturdays, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3 and October 1.  This year, we’ll be setting up a “farm market” one Sunday per month, May – August, to sell extra produce at church. For details, and to sign up to help out with the garden, visit www.flcva.org/garden.

Save the Date: VBS – July 11 – 15
Vacation Bible School has been scheduled! Please mark your calendars. Registration will open April 1. We are already looking for volunteers to help with planning, and especially with teaching, Vacation Bible School. Contact Mary.

Faith Lutheran Preschool Announces New Program for 2-yr-olds!

Faith Lutheran Preschool has just announced a brand new program that will expand their already incredible preschool to include 2-yr-olds! The 2s classroom will continue FLP’s tradition of bringing the Reggio Emilia philosophy to students in a safe, supportive, creative and enriching environment.

Applications are available now. Apply early, as only 10 children will be accepted into the inaugural class.

Learn more.

Announcements – March 6, 2016

Sunday, March 6: Seed Blessing
This morning the seeds that will be planted in the community garden, as well as the hands that will do the planting, will receive a blessing. This year, the Sunday School will be planting and growing the seedlings. Stay tuned for a schedule of garden events and a sign-up for garden work in the coming weeks.

Lenten Mid-Week Dinner Church
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
February 17-March 16
Children welcome!

This year for our mid-week services during the season of Lent, we’re trying something a bit different: “dinner church.” We’ll have a meal together, hear from our speaker, then pray and share communion, all around tables in the fellowship hall. Each week we’ll hear a member or friend of Faith share how they live out their faith in their daily lives. To sign up to help with the dinners, please visit www.flcva.org/signup.

Confirmation Service Event
This weekend, confirmation students and mentors will be volunteering at Lifeline Partnership’s annual Easter Egg Hunt and Decorating Party! For details, check with Pastor Yvette.

Sunday, March 13: Guest Preacher
Our guest preacher next week is Deb Haynes, a recent graduate of Gettysburg Seminary and a Diaconal Minister awaiting first call in the Metro DC Synod. Deb is a member of Holy Trinity in Falls Church and first heard her call to ministry there as a volunteer in an emergency hypothermia shelter for the homeless in Fairfax County.

Mission of the Month: ELCA World Hunger
Working with and through Lutheran congregations all over the world, and with other partners, ELCA World Hunger responds to communities in need through their support of food pantries, homeless shelters, feeding programs, development and health projects, and education programs. More information about ELCA World Hunger can be found at www.elca.org/hunger.

Mission Quilters
The Mission Quilters will be meeting twice a month to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. No quilting or sewing experience is required – someone will show you how! The next meeting will be Sunday, March 13,1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the undercroft (below the sanctuary). Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch at noon for food and fellowship before the work begins. To be added to the email list, or if you have questions, please email Rachel Miller-Bleich at r.miller.bleich@gmail.com.

Upcoming XYZ Event
Tuesday, March 15, 11:00 a.m. – We will have lunch at Normandie Farm. The van leaves at 11:00 a.m.

Moms with Babies Bible Study
The moms with babies Bible Study will now be meeting on the third Thursday of each month. The next Bible Study will be Thursday, March 17, at 9:45 a.m.

Holy Week and Easter at Faith
It’s hard to believe that Holy Week is almost here! Here’s a handy schedule of events to help you stay organized. Don’t forget to dedication your Easter lilies – you can do that online, at www.flcva.org/lilies.

Sunday, March 20 – Palm/Passion Sunday
The southern gospel group, PromisedLand Quartet, will return on Palm Sunday to share music at all three services.

Thursday, March 24 – Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 25 – Good Friday Worship at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 26 – Families of Faith Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast, 9:00 am.

Sunday, March 27 – Easter
Traditional worship services at 8, 9:30 and 11. Easter breakfast starting at 9 a.m.

Save the Date: VBS – July 11 – 15
Vacation Bible School has been scheduled! Please mark your calendars. Registration will open April 1. We are already looking for volunteers to help with planning, and especially with teaching, Vacation Bible School. Contact Mary Quattlebaum at maryqbaum@gmail.com

Announcements – February 21, 2016

Lenten Mid-Week Dinner Church
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
February 17-March 16
Children welcome!

This year for our mid-week services during the season of Lent, we’re trying something a bit different: “dinner church.” We’ll have a meal together, hear from our speaker, then pray and share communion, all around tables in the fellowship hall. Each week we’ll hear a member or friend of Faith share how they live out their faith in their daily lives. Learn more and sign up to help with dinner.

Mary Beth Allen Memorial Service
The memorial service will take place Saturday, February 27 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith and will be followed by a reception.

Mental Health and Wellness Breakfast
Saturday, February 27, 10:00 a.m.
Save the date for a very special informational breakfast open to everyone in the congregation and hosted by the Men of Faith. Our presenter will be a licensed clinical social worker from Arlington County, who will share information about Arlington County’s mental health resources. Faith’s own Liz Talley, author of More Than Bipolar: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope, will also share her own experiences. Please register online so that we know how much food to prepare! Thanks!

Change to Moms with Babies Bible Study
The moms with babies Bible Study will now be meeting on the third Thursday of each month. The next Bible Study will be Thursday, March 17, at 9:45 a.m.

Volunteer at the Homeless Services Center
Once a month, Faith covers an evening shift at the Homeless Services Center near the Courthouse in Arlington. Two to three volunteers are needed to serve the meal and help out in the clothing room. The shift starts at 5:30 p.m. and last until about 7 p.m. Our next service date is next Today, February 21. To sign up contact Ginny or Cindy.

Save the Date: VBS – July 11 – 15
Vacation Bible School has been scheduled! Please mark your calendars. Registration will open April 1. We are already looking for volunteers to help with planning, and especially with teaching, Vacation Bible School. Contact Mary for more information.
Mission of the Month: AFAC
Please consider helping the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) by:

Donating Food: Items requested below can be placed in the bins marked AFAC in the Fellowship Hall. 40% of the food AFAC distributes is donated to them.

• Low sodium canned soup
• Low sodium tomato products (diced, paste, & sauce)
• Low sodium canned tuna
• Low sodium canned beans
• Low sugar cereal

Donating Funds: Please use the designated envelopes in the pews to contribute as you are able. You may also contribute online by clicking the “Give” button at www.flcva.org, or by scanning the QR code on the back of this bulletin. All designated funds collected in February will support AFAC’s Back Pack Buddy Program described below.

AFAC Backpack Buddies
The Backpack Buddies program runs year-round. AFAC coordinates with all of the Arlington Public Schools as well as several community centers, after-care programs, and summer camps to make sure all children in our community have the food they need after school, and over weekends and holidays by sending them home with backpacks filled with food. The children then return the backpacks on Monday morning, so that they can be filled and redistributed the following Friday.
The food for the Backpack Buddies program is more expensive than other food AFAC purchases for the families in our care because it is pre-packaged and prepared. AFAC estimates that the Backpack Buddies program costs approximately $7.50 per child, per week.

Giving Envelopes Are In
Unless you’ve been giving to Faith electronically, you should have received your giving envelopes for the first quarter in your mailbox at home. If you have not yet received envelopes, and think you should be receiving them, please email the finance team, or call the office at 703-525-9283. We may need to update your address!

Thrivent, Thanks for the Memories
The Arlington County of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will be hosting a dinner for all Thrivent members and their families on Saturday, March 5 from 5 – 7 p.m. The dinner will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 825 S. Taylor Street, Arlington, VA. In addition to a catered dinner, we will share memories of the Arlington County Chapter before it closes on March 31. We will also have door prizes and giveaways. Children are welcome.

Please RSVP no later than Sunday, February 21 to Christopher Johnston, Chapter President, at 703-256-7646 or chris1223966@yahoo.com.

Word Five: Resurrection

God can bring new life out of those situations in which it appears that all is lost.  However, that seldom happens without our participation.

Accompanying scripture references:
Isaiah 43:1 – 7
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Good News
Good News
Word Five: Resurrection
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Word Two: Grace

As with Mary, God chooses to look upon each of us with favor, with grace. However, that does not mean we are God’s favorites.

Accompanying scripture references:
Micah 5:2 – 5
Luke 1:39 – 55

Good News
Good News
Word Two: Grace
/

Word One: Hope

Hope is not the end of the spiritual journey.  If there is to be a journey at all, hope comes at the beginning, carrying us through even when all seems lost.

Accompanying scripture references:
Malachi 3:1 – 4
Luke 1:68 – 79
Luke 3:1 – 6

Good News
Good News
Word One: Hope
/

Angel Trees

Angel Trees are here! You’ve probably noticed that the Fellowship Hall is decorated with four very special trees. Instead of the traditional ornaments, the Angel Trees are adorned with tags that detail a special need for the following organizations:

  • Good News Prison Ministry – Soft cover new or gently used Bibles and soft cover faith-based books and new greeting cards and stationery for inmates
  • Offender Aid Restoration (OAR) – Metro cards, gift cards for grocery stores, Target, and fast food coupons plus clothing and other needed items to help support adults transitioning back into the community from incarceration (and a big THANK YOU for all the gifts for children whose parents are incarcerated that you contributed in November!).
  • Arlington Foster Care – (focusing on teens age 13 and up who make up over half of the kids in foster care) gel soaps and body lotions (Bath and Body Works), colognes/fragrances (with appropriate message), baseball sports caps (preferably plain), t-shirts or polo shirts (solid colors), ear buds, nail polish, make-up, hair accessories for teen girls and hoodies for both boys and girls (solid color or appropriate message). Also appreciated are gift cards in $25 or $50 increments from these suggested stores: Generic Visa/AMEX, Target, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Walmart, Forever 21, H&M, Old Navy, and Amazon. Deadline: Friday, December 11
  • Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) – backpacks (new preferred or clean, gently used); adult new socks; adult new underwear; hand warmers (“hot hands”); and blankets (new preferred or clean, gently used). All of these thinks would be for the newly opened, indoor Homeless Services Center.  (another big THANK YOU for the donations of items for the homeless population you contributed in November).

Choose one or more tags, purchase the item(s) and place them unwrapped under the matching tree.  We’ll gather up the donations and deliver them to the correct organization.   This year we are collecting items right up to Christmas for three out of four organizations, which are Good News Prison Ministry, Offender Aid Restoration (OAR) and Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN).  The items are useful throughout the year as these organizations serve our community.  Please note, for Arlington Foster Care we have a December 11 hard date as their annual party is December 12, thus we will gather their donations through December 11th to meet their deadline for their annual party.

You may also make monetary gifts using the Special Mission Offering envelopes in the pews or the online giving portal.  Designate Angel Trees and we will use the donations to purchase any unclaimed gifts. Thank you for your generosity!

Questions?  Contact Becky Thomas.

Faith Lutheran Church

3313 Arlington Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

703.525.9283 (Church)
703.525.1375 (Preschool)

Worship Times

9 am Contemporary Worship

11 am Blended Traditional Worship with Livestream

We invite you to join us this Sunday.