Mission of the Month: Offender Aid and Restoration
October’s Mission of the Month is Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR). OAR is a community-based restorative justice organization that blends compassion and accountability to assist offenders in leading productive and responsible lives, to the benefit of all. Serving Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and the City of Falls Church, OAR works with individuals who have been incarcerated as well as persons who are mandated by the courts to complete community service hours.  To learn more about OAR, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.

Project Christmas Angel
To brighten this Christmas for area children whose parents are incarcerated,
please contribute to this worthwhile O.A.R. (Offender Aid and Restoration) program. Your donated toys and gift cards will be distributed in December, helping children feel connected to those who can’t be physically present during the holidays. A display in the Fellowship Hall provides details on how you can help these needy kids.

Young Adult Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 22, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
We’ll gather at Pastor Kate’s house (the parsonage on 1st Street) for brats and a good time. Not only will we fill ourselves with food and drink, but we’ll also take time to wrestle with a semi-spiritual question together. Brats, buns, and condiments will be provided. BYOB and/or a side dish to share.

Confirmation Sunday
A confirmation reception will take place on October 30th  in the Fellowship Hall from 10:30 -11:00 a.m. and confirmands will share their statements of faith at the 11:00 service.

Installation Celebration
Also on October 30th is the installation of Faith’s co-pastors, Pastor Yvette and Pastor Kate.  If you have not done so already, please RSVP for the 2:00 p.m. installation and the reception after the service. To reserve your place, you may either use Eventbrite or contact the church office.

Several volunteers are needed to bring desserts to the installation reception. You can volunteer using SignUpGenius .

Young Adult Firepit Theology

The rescheduled firepit will take place this Friday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Pastor Kate’s house. Come sit around a fire, eat some s’mores, and talk about God. The conversation will be casual and Pastor Kate will have some questions to get us started or keep things going if needed.  You can find the Facebook event here.

Congregational Meeting
A special meeting of the congregation to take place Sunday, November 6 at 12:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss and consider a recommendation for funding capital projects. This meeting will follow-up on the capital campaign update that was shared on September 18th. All confirmed and voting members of Faith Lutheran Church are encouraged to attend the meeting.

Please contact either Council secretary, Rachel Miller-Bleich, or Council President, Jill Faris, if you have any questions.

Guardians of the Cosmos:
Being a Christian in an Age of Doubt and Mystery
Join us for a four-week Bible Study as we explore what it means to be a Christian in an age of doubt and mystery. Using Guardians of the Galaxy as a metaphor, we’ll unpack the apostle Paul’s claim that we are “servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries” (1 Corinthians 4:1).

We will be offering this study both online and in person on Wednesdays in November (2, 9, 16, & 30) at 8:30 p.m. Either join us for an hour at the church building or on Facebook Live. Recordings of the sessions will also be available on our Facebook page.

Young Adult Gleaning Service Event
We will be volunteering with AFAC for gleaning on Nov. 5 at a farm in Winchester from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. A group will leave from the church at 7:30 am or you can meet the group at the farm at 9:00 am. “Gleaning” means gathering crops after the harvest. AFAC will be donating the gathered produce to a local food bank/distribution center in Arlington. Please contact Greg Blatt (gpb113@yahoo.com) for more information or to sign up.

Arlington Turkey Trot
Come run with Pastor Kate and Kris Finney before you gorge yourself on food on Thanksgiving Day! Bridges to Independence, our August Mission of the Month, is a beneficiary of the Turkey Trot. Register to run and help this wonderful organization while burning off a few calories in advance. For more information and to register, go to www.arlingtonvaturkeytrot.org.

Reformation Sunday and Installation Celebration – Please RSVP by Thursday, October 20!
There’s a lot happening at Faith on Sunday, October 30! It’s Reformation Sunday, Confirmation Sunday, and the installation of Faith’s co-pastors, Pastor Yvette and Pastor Kate.

Please go to our Eventbrite page to reserve your place at the installation service and celebration.   We also need a few volunteer bakers to provide desserts for the reception.  You can sign up here.

Mission of the Month: Offender Aid and Restoration
October’s Mission of the Month is Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR). OAR is a community-based restorative justice organization that blends compassion and accountability to assist offenders in leading productive and responsible lives, to the benefit of all. Serving Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and the City of Falls Church, OAR works with individuals who have been incarcerated as well as persons who are mandated by the courts to complete community service hours.  To learn more about OAR, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.

Project Christmas Angel
To brighten this Christmas for area children whose parents are incarcerated,
please contribute to this worthwhile O.A.R. (Offender Aid and Restoration) program. Your donated toys and gift cards will be distributed in December, helping children feel connected to those who can’t be physically present during the holidays. A display in the Fellowship Hall provides details on how you can help these needy kids.

XYZ (Xtra Years of Zest) OktoberfestTuesday, October 18, 11:30 a.m.
Pastor Kate is hosting the annual XYZ Oktoberfest at the 1st Street parsonage. Brats, buns, and condiments will be provided. BYOB and/or a side dish to share. Be sure to let Carolyn Baker know that you are coming: 703-671-0312

Young Adult Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 22, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
We’ll gather at Pastor Kate’s house (the parsonage on 1st Street) for brats and a good time. Not only will we fill ourselves with food and drink, but we’ll also take time to wrestle with a semi-spiritual question together. Brats, buns, and condiments will be provided. BYOB and/or a side dish to share.

Young Adult Gleaning Service Event
We will be volunteering with AFAC for gleaning on Nov. 5 at a farm in Winchester from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. A group will leave from the church at 7:30 am or you can meet the group at the farm at 9:00 am. “Gleaning” means gathering crops after the harvest. AFAC will be donating the gathered produce to a local food bank/distribution center in Arlington. Please contact Greg Blatt (gpb113@yahoo.com) for more information or to sign up.

Arlington Turkey Trot
Come run with Pastor Kate and Kris Finney before you gorge yourself on food on Thanksgiving Day! Bridges to Independence, our August Mission of the Month, is a beneficiary of the Turkey Trot. Register to run and help this wonderful organization while burning off a few calories in advance. For more information and to register, go to the Arlington Turkey Trot website.

Mission of the Month: Village of Hope
September’s Mission of the Month is the Village of Hope (VoH), a Christian fundraising organization committed to supporting programs and ministries in Haiti that promote excellence in education, spiritual growth and primary health care. To that end, VoH funds a school for 640 students and a health center which provides health care, food, immunizations, health education and midwifery. To learn more about VoH, visit their website.

You can support Village of Hope by praying for their ministry, giving to them through Faith’s mission of the month program, sponsoring a child, or going on a mission trip. Donate to the mission of the month by using the special mission offering envelopes in the pews or online at www.flcva.org.

Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m.
Gather in the upper parking lot off Jackson Street for a special service of blessing for our animal companions. All pet varieties are welcome on a leash, in a crate, in a bowl, or other habitat/container as appropriate.

First Friday Family Potluck, October 7, 5:30 p.m.
It’s Taco Friday! Join the Families of Faith for a Taco Bar, fellowship, and activities on Friday, October 7 in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up online at http://tinyurl.com/TacoBarFriday to bring something to the potluck and help set or clean up. All ages are welcome!

Sunday School
Sunday School classes are held from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Please note the new time! PreK – grade 3 students should go directly to their classrooms downstairs, and grades 4/5 should report to the Lounge at 9:30. All classes will return to worship at 10:15 to participate in the offering, children’s message, and Communion.

Young Adult Firepit Theology, Friday, September 30, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Come sit around the fire at Pastor Kate’s house (the 1st Street parsonage), roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and talk about God. The conversation will be casual and Pastor Kate will have some questions to get the conversation started and keep it going. Bring your own beverages and a comfy chair to sit in.

Young Adult Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 22, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
We’ll gather at Pastor Kate’s house (the parsonage on 1st Street) for brats and a good time. Not only will we fill ourselves with food and drink, but we’ll also take time to wrestle with a semi-spiritual question together. Brats, buns, and condiments will be provided. BYOB and/or a side dish to share.

Upcoming XYZ (Xtra Years of Zest) Events
Tuesday, October 4, 10:30 a.m. departure from the parking lot for a trip to the Shamrock Restaurant and Catoctin Orchard.

Tuesday, October 18, 11:30 a.m., Oktoberfest at Pastor Kate’s (1st Street parsonage). Brats, buns, and condiments will be provided. BYOB and/or a side dish to share.

Stray Kitchen Items Need Good Homes
There is a growing collection of stray water bottles, containers, etc., that people have left in the kitchen. Please stop by and retrieve your items by October 10, after which remainders will be donated.

Faith’s Athletic Department Needs Your Help!
Faith has a large collection of playground balls, volleyballs, and basketballs that are partially or completely deflated. If you own an air pump, please help by taking some home to inflate and then return by next weekend. The balls are in mesh bags located under the green cover in a bin next to the Fellowship Hall stage.

Employment Opportunity at Columbia Gardens
Faith’s neighbor, Columbia Memorial Park (Columbia Gardens Cemetery), is seeking a bilingual (English/Spanish) receptionist/administrative assistant. For more information or a position description, please contact the manager at (703) 527-1235.

Mission of the Month: Bridges to Independence
Bridges to Independence (“Bridges”), formerly the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless, is a nonprofit organization providing shelter and support for homeless women and families and those at risk of becoming homeless. Bridges’ goal is to provide people with the skills and resources they need to lift themselves out of poverty and achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency.

You can give to the mission of the month by using the special mission offering envelopes in the pews or through Faith’s website.

Summer Sunday School
Throughout the summer, families with Sunday School-age children are invited to bring children directly to the Fellowship Hall before the 9:30 service. There, we’ll have a variety of fun activities planned. Then children will join their parents in worship during the offering. Summer Sunday School Schedule

Upcoming XYZ Events
Tuesday, August 16, 11:30 a.m. – It’s time for lunch at the Longhorn Restaurant at Bailey’s Crossroads!

Job Vacancies at Faith
The Council has decided to divide the Communications Coordinator & Office Administrator position into two new part-time positions. If you know someone who would be interested in either position, please email Jill Faris, Council President. Brief descriptions are offered below; for the complete job description, click on the job title.

Communications Coordinator – This position develops, manages and oversees key aspects of Faith Lutheran Church’s communications and operations, including but not limited to communications by phone, email, or other electronic means, website, social media, weekly worship bulletins, announcements and other printed material. This position is also responsible for routine office tasks, maintaining membership records, and preparing annual reports.

Church Business Administrator – This position is responsible for the business affairs of Faith Lutheran Church by providing administration and support in the areas of property and facility management, financial management, audio/visual and information technology. This position would work closely with the Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Bookkeeper, Legal Trustees, Stewardship Chair, and service contractors.

Looking for a way to help out at Faith?
Sign up for the Brew Crew! We need help preparing coffee on Sunday mornings and keeping the refreshment flowing. Sign up to help out

Welcome, Pastor Kate!
Rev. Kate Davidson’s first day as Faith’s newest pastor is tomorrow, August 1. We are thrilled to welcome Pastor Kate on board!

Cheer on the Faith Kickball Team!
Faith is fielding a kickball team for the 11th annual Safe At Home Kickball Tournament to benefit Bridges to Independence this coming Saturday, August 6, at Long Branch Park in Crystal City. The tournament “kicks off” (pun totally intended) with an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Bridges to Independence is Faith’s Mission of the Month in August. Come cheer on Faith’s team!

Next Week: Learn More About Bridges to Independence (B2I)
If you haven’t gotten fired up about B2I watching the kickball tournament, come to church on Sunday to learn more about their work. A representative will give a brief presentation during worship and be available to answer questions between services.

Mission of the Month: Ciudad Juarez Ministry
Doctora Mendóza-Bruce provides health services and education to vulnerable people in Juarez. She also assists 95 students in all grade levels with school scholarships. Her ministries rely solely on donations and volunteers. More detailed information is available in the summer issue of the Key.

You can give to the mission of the month by using the special mission offering envelopes in the pews, or online.

Summer Sunday School
Throughout the summer, families with Sunday School-age children are invited to bring children directly to the Fellowship Hall before the 9:30 service. There, we’ll have a variety of fun activities planned. Then children will join their parents in worship during the offering. Complete schedule of Summer Sunday School offerings.

Upcoming XYZ Events
• Tuesday, August 2. 11 a.m. – We will be taking the van to Gainesville to have lunch at the Golden Corral.

• Tuesday, August 16, 11:30 a.m. – It’s time for lunch at the Longhorn Restaurant at Bailey’s Crossroads!

Family Movie Night
Saturday, August 13, 7:30 p.m.—Come enjoy a movie under the stars. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a family-friendly move (TBD) at the Quattlebaums’ house (contact the office for the address). Popcorn and lemonade will be provided. RSVP to Mary .

Job Vacancies at Faith
The Council has decided to divide the Communications Coordinator & Office Administrator position into two new part-time positions. If you know someone who would be interested in either position, please send an email to Jill Faris. More complete job descriptions will be available on Faith’s website.

Communications Coordinator – This position develops, manages and oversees key aspects of Faith Lutheran Church’s communications and operations, including but not limited to communications by phone, email, or other electronic means, website, social media, weekly worship bulletins, announcements and other printed material. This position is also responsible for routine office tasks, maintaining membership records, and preparing annual reports.

Church Business Administrator – This position is responsible for the business affairs of Faith Lutheran Church by providing administration and support in the areas of property and facility management, financial management, audio/visual and information technology. This position would work closely with the Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Bookkeeper, Legal Trustees, Stewardship Chair, and service contractors.