News from Lutheran Church of the Abiding Presence

"Trunk or Treat" will be held on Wednesday, October 24. This is a safe and fun way for our families with children ages 6th grade and under to experience Trick-or-Treating. Cars will be parked on half of the parking lot with trunks opened and decorated for Halloween. Kids are encouraged to dress in costumes and to bring friends and neighbors. (Adults are welcome to dress in costume, as well!) If you are willing to provide a decorated car and hand out treats, please let the office staff know as soon as possible. We'll begin our "Trunk or Treat" at 6:15 PM. Our Wednesday dinner will follow from 6:45-7:30 PM. Chili will be provided, but please bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share. There will be no other Wednesday Gathering activities held that evening.

Sunday School Opening Schedule

Preschool through Kindergarten Classes: Service Project in Regular Classrooms

3rd-6th Grade Classes: Puppets in Galatians

Noisy Offering this Saturday and Sunday!
Despite the fact that Fairfax is one of the wealthiest counties in the country, there are over 1700 homeless people here, and some of them stop by right at our Abiding Presence church door looking for Christian charity. Most of the homeless in our county are in families. Some are passing through, but most are here to stay (the majority of adults work). Bring your noisy offering this weekend, and let your loose change help us to provide basic access to the many services designed to help.

Youth Music Ensemble

Youth in grades 6 through 12 and parents are invited to join Mandy Hull, Interim Director of Music, for an information session today, October 21 from 6:00-7:00 PM to discuss the formation of a new Youth Music Ensemble. The group will perform both traditional youth repertoire and praise band music. The Ensemble will perform at this year's Christmas Concert, the Family Christmas Service on Christmas Eve and at the Choristers Guild Festival at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring in February.

Young Couples Dinner-This Sunday, October 21, at 5:30 pm

All young couples in the congregation are invited to gather in the fellowship hall for Halloween/Fall themed pot luck dinner. Childcare will be provided in the church nursery for a suggested donation of $10 per family. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sara Dyson.

Lunch with Pastor-Thursday, October 25, at 12:00 pm

Our October Lunch with Pastor will be held at La Tolteca Mexican Restaurant, 5614 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. We will meet at noon on Thursday, October 25. Please let the office staff know if you are planning to come.

Empty Nesters* Wine Tasting at the Parsonage - Sunday, October 28, at 3:00 PM Empty Nesters (i.e. those in the prime of their life) are invited to get together for wine tasting and appetizers. Sign up to bring either a bottle of wine for tasting and/or an appetizer to share. This will offer folks in the congregation the chance to get together for fellowship with Pastor Keseley and Ben. For more information or directions, contact Pastor Keseley.
*There is no age or family requirement to be an empty nester! Some in the group are single and others married both with and without kids. Most folks in the group tend to be in their late 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. All are welcome!

Tables for Eight Fellowship

(T48 -- which has nothing to do with your age) has been a wonderful year of fellowship. We've enjoyed each other's company in a relaxed social setting. To celebrate this special fellowship, an end of year potluck is planned for Saturday, 1 December, at 6:30pm, hosted by Liz and Tom Quigley. All current T48 members are invited. If you are currently not a member of the T48 group and wish to join for 2013 calendar year, you too are welcome to attend the end of the year potluck. Singles and couples (over 21 years of age) are encouraged to participate. Please bring an hors d'oeuvres to share. Drinks will be provided. Request RSVP to April and Liz by Nov 30. If you would like to know more about T48, or the end of the year party, please contact April Pawlowski.

WELCA Taco Salad Luncheon-November 4 at 12:15 PM

Join the women of Abiding Presence for a Taco Salad lunch on Sunday November 4th at 12:15, right after the late service. This will be a time to relax, talk and get to know our newest members. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come for an hour or two of fellowship.

Please click on http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044BAAA92E5-sunday to sign up to bring items needed for the lunch. After entering the Sign-Up Genius website click on RSVP NOW to be able to a sign up.

AP Book Group-Monday, October 29, at 7:30 PM

The AP Book Group meets at the church on the last Monday of most months to discuss a different book each month. Everyone is welcome to join the group. The book that will be discussed on October 29 is Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas. For more information, please contact Diane Gawalt.

Third Quarter Contribution Statements

The third quarter contribution statements are available for pick up. They are on the credenza next to the nursery.

Healing Service-Sunday, Oct. 21 at 8:30 a.m.

Are you wondering what a healing service is? Are you thinking, "I am not sick so what would a healing service have to do with me?" On October 21, 2012 at the 8:30am service Abiding Presence will be having a healing service. This service will still include all of the normal parts of worship with one addition. The addition will be during communion, when there will be 3-4 stations located around the sanctuary with an individual who is willing to lay their hands upon you and pray with you. This prayer can be specific or general depending on your own personal comfort, and there is no expectation except to be open to God's Spirit. The reality is we all need healing in some way even if we do not have the words to express our own needs. This is a time to join together in prayer and be open to God's Spirit working among us as God's people.

All Saints Sunday-November 4

During our worship services celebrating All Saints Sunday (November 3-4) we will honor those loved ones who are now part of the Church Triumphant. If you would like to have your family member included, please fill out your Count-Me-In form on the reverse side of the Prayer Request insert and place it in the offering plate or drop it off in the designated Count-Me-In basket in the church office. The deadline for submitting names is October 28.

Annual Synod Reformation Service-Sunday, October 28, at 4:00 PM

A worship service commemorating the Reformation is hosted annually by the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod. The service will be on Sunday afternoon, October 28 at 4:00 PM at the Washington National Cathedral. All are invited to attend.

Joint Thanksgiving Eve Service-Wednesday, November 21

Our annual joint Thanksgiving Eve Service with our friends from Temple B'nai Shalom will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 8:00 PM. It was AP's turn to host this year, but due to our sanctuary remodeling project, Rabbi Perlin has graciously agreed to host the service at Temple B'nai Shalom, 7612 Old Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Rabbi Perlin will bring the message and joint choirs will sing. There will also be a reception following the service.

Hallelujah Ringers

The Abiding Presence Handbell Choir will rehearse today, October 21 from 5:00-6:00 PM in the music room. We invite you to join us, regardless of experience, and we welcome anyone from students in grades 6 through adults.

Adult Choir Sip and Sing!

Have you wanted to sing with the Adult Choir but are unable to make a long-term commitment, or would you like to "try before you buy"? Please join us this Tuesday, October 23 at the home of Don Pruefer from 7:00-9:00 PM to Sip and Sing! We'll gather to socialize and begin learning our Christmas music. A few choir members will meet in the church parking lot at 6:45 and follow one another to his house. Afterward, beginning Tuesday, October 30, all who would like to sing with the choir for the Christmas season are invited to join us from 8:15-9:00 throughout November and December to prepare music for the Christmas Concert and the late service on Christmas Eve. Rehearsals take place in the music room. No experience is necessary, but the ability to sing on pitch is extremely helpful! Of course, we hope you enjoy your experience so much you'll consider joining us on a more permanent basis, but we'll take you however we can! Please contact Mandy Hull for more information.

Musicians are enthusiastically invited to share your gifts during worship services at Abiding Presence!

Whether young or old, your fellow worshipers appreciate what you have to offer. A sign-up sheet is available on the bulletin board outside the music room door for Sundays through Advent. Please choose an available date, complete the information on the sheet, and Mandy Hull will contact you with further details.

Student Instrumentalists

Mandy Hull is compiling a list of student instrumentalists of all levels. If your child plays an instrument, whether just starting out or already at an advanced level, please contact her with your child's name, your name, instrument, level, and age.

***For questions about any of the announcements above, please contact Mandy Hull, Interim Director of Music Ministry.

Memorial and Celebration Committee - Update:

The Memorial and Celebration Gifts Committee would like you to know that we have had several donations of items and cash toward the furniture for our new sanctuary! We are so grateful and blessed! We have the cross, the baptismal font with glass insert, pulpit, pulpit platform, flower stand and the paschal candle spoken for. There is a good amount donated toward the altar but we can still use your help! Please consider giving a little in honor of someone you know or in honor of special birthdays and anniversaries.! If we all work together I know we can accomplish our goal.

Still needed: Altar table, ($4,900 already given, $850 still needed)

Credence tables, 4 at $2,000 each

Processional candle holder and stand, 2 at $1,500 each

Thursday Bible Study

The Thursday morning Bible Study Group meets weekly at 10:00 AM in the Martin Luther classroom. The coffee and goodies are in place 15 minutes before we start. We are currently studying Acts. Lively discussion and support of each other is a hallmark of the group. The study lasts for one hour, and then those who wish to remain spend time praying for our congregation and the needs of members. We welcome additions to our group at any time. If you have questions, contact Kathryn Ives or the church office.

3-B's Friday Bible Study

3B's is a women's fellowship group that meets in each other's homes for a light Breakfast, Bible study and a time to share our Blessings from God. We meet on the second and fourth Friday mornings from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. However in November, December, June, July and August we meet once a month due to the holidays and vacation schedules. The Bible study we use comes from the ELCA's women magazine, "Gather". This year's study is "Gathered by God"- a look at all the ways God calls us to gather. Our next meeting is on Oct. 26th at the home of Janelle Orrico. We would love to have you join us. For more information, please contact Kathy Schmiesing.

Adult Forum on Prayer

Sunday's in October at 10 :00 AM, Join Sister Liz Castner as we explore the topic of prayer.

Adult Bible Study on Sunday Mornings

Adults interested in Bible Study will gather at 10 AM in the library with Mike Magnell for a study on 2 Peter.

First Holy Communion

Pastor and Vicar will be teaching two sessions of first holy communion classes. Any child who is interested in receiving communion or learning more about it is encouraged to attend one of the sessions. Session 1: Wednesdays from 5:15-6:15pm on Oct. 24, Nov. 7 & 14 and Saturday, Nov. 17 at 4:30 pm for bread baking and rehearsal. Session 2: Saturdays from 4:30-5:30pm on Oct. 27, Nov. 3 & 10 and Saturday, Nov. 17 at 4:30 pm for bread baking and rehearsal. Children will receive their first communion either the weekend of Nov. 27 or Dec. 9, depending on which works best for the family. For more information, contact Pastor Keseley.

Holy's & Spirits! Elementary School Youth Groups
The Holy's (kindergarten-2nd grade) and Spirits! (3rd-6th grade) have started a new year of fun and faith on Wednesday evenings. The Holy's meet from 6:45-7:15 PM and the Spirits! from 7:15-7:45 PM. All elementary schoolers are welcome to participate!

Mainly Music Fall Session-Tuesdays thru December 11

Our fall session of Mainly Music will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 18 through Dec. 11 from 10:15-11:45 AM. The cost is $50.00 upfront for 13 sessions ($52.00 if paying by PayPal), or $5.00 per session. Visit our website to register: www.abidingpresence.net/children-and-youth. For more information contact Leslie Trieu.

Calling All Babysitters

Several AP parents have asked for a list of teens/adults in the congregation who babysit. To get your name on the list, please email Pastor Keseley.

Sr. High Youth Fields of Fear & Lock-In -Saturday, October 27, at 8:00 pm
This is like our traditional lock-ins, but with a twist! First we'll head to Cox Farm for their Cornightmare, Haunted Hayride and Fear Games. More information and registration forms are available on the Sr. High Youth bulletin board or see Pastor, Vicar or Bill Johnson.

Confirmation Lock-In-Saturday, November 3, at 8:00 pm

Confirmation youth will be holding their first lock in of the new year! Registration forms are available in the narthex.

Confirmation CROP Walk Challenge-Sunday, November 18

The Level I and Level 2 Confirmation Youth are seeing who can recruit the most walkers to join them at the CROP Walk. The winning group gets an ice cream sundae party. Youth will meet at Living Savior at 1:45 pm.

2013 Senior High Youth Mission Trip

We're planning ahead and have already set the dates for our 2013 Sr. High mission trip. We'll be headed to rural Bluefield, WV, for a week of home repair, July 7-13, 2013. The cost will be $550 per person for the week, which will include all meals except for dinner one night. Registration forms available on the Sr. High Youth bulletin board.

Senior High Night at Shadow Land-Saturday, November 17, at 7:30 pm

Senior High youth will gather for laser tag, fun, and a bit of faith, too. RSVP to Vicar Nicole.

Prayer Ministry

Abiding Presence is expanding its prayer ministry by forming a prayer team. First and foremost, the team will pray for the congregation, those in need and our community. They will explore various kinds of prayer and also help the congregation become more connected through prayer. In addition to talking about prayer, Sister Liz will be happy to explain what it means to be a Deaconess. For more information or to get involved, contact Sister Liz Castner.

Thanksgiving Baskets for those in Need

Would you like to help provide a family with a Thanksgiving Meal? ECHO will again be providing us with a list of families in need. This year we are providing only Thanksgiving baskets (not Christmas baskets), and so we would like to be able to assist ECHO by providing 25 Thanksgiving food baskets for ECHO families. Please sign up on your Count-Me-In if you are willing to assist with a basket. We have five ways in which you can help:

You may donate food items for an entire basket along with a $25.00 grocery gift card for families to use to purchase their own turkey, ham or other meat, and perishable items. (Two or more families may join together to provide a basket.)
You may wish to donate only the food items for one basket.
You may donate a $25.00 grocery gift card (Giant, Safeway or Shoppers).
If you do not want to donate all of the food items in a basket, we will have a collection basket in the narthex where you may drop off one or more items to add to baskets.
You may also make a cash donation and we will shop for items we need. Please indicate "Thanksgiving" basket on the memo line of your check.

A list of suggested food items for the baskets is available in the narthex. Baskets will be assembled during the week of Nov. 13-16, and we will have ECHO client families pick up the food during the weekend of November 17-18. If you have questions, please contact Kathi in the church office, 703-455-7500.

Children's Food Project is Back! - First Delivery Date is Oct. 31st

In April 2011, Abiding Presence was approached by a local elementary school with an immediate need for weekend meals for some of their students. In response, Abiding Presence began our program to provide 2 "Weekend Meal Packages" per child to be distributed on Fridays from October-December and February-June. This year we have committed to provide support for 60-75 children. Please help us in making this another successful year. Below is a list of items we are collecting as part of our first delivery on Wednesday, Oct 31. Donations my be left on the blue cart in the narthex.

Pudding
Mac-n Cheese
Oatmeal
Pretzels
Cheezits or Goldfish
Fruit cup or applesauce
Small bag of flour tortillas
Spaghettios/Raviolis
Granola bars
Rice Krispy Treats

"Lunch Buddies" for Rolling Valley Elementary School

The Rolling Valley Elementary school, which AP has been supporting with the children's weekend food program is looking for "Lunch Buddies" . One or two volunteers would just engage in conversation, encourage wise decision making and take an active interest in the academic and social success of a small group of 4- 6 students. Rolling Valley's lunch schedule is from 10:45 AM- 12:45 PM. The group would meet once or twice a week on whichever days work best for the volunteers. They are particularly in need of male volunteers who could be a good role model. Contact Sharon Downs or Clare Maaseide for more information.

Annual Burke CROP Hunger Walk-Sunday, November 18

Abiding Presence has historically been a major supporter of the walk. Thrivent will match the money we and the other participating Lutheran congregations raise with a $1 for $3 grant up to $1,000. All walkers must register in advance. The walk is under four miles, and will go rain or shine. Dogs on leashes and babies in strollers are welcome-walkers simply need to be able to keep up with a very moderate pace. There is a water/rest stop along the route. If you can't walk with us, but want to support CROPWalk, look for fellow AP members wearing CROP signs on their lapels and offer your donation to sponsor them. Every dollar counts! This fall, Jane Curtis will have a display in the Narthex before and after many of the worship services so that you can get more information and/or register to walk.

ECHO's Fall Yard Sale at St. Bernadette's-Oct. 27

ECHO's ever popular, Fall Yard Sale will be held at St. Bernadette's gymnasium, 7602 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, on October 27 from 8:00 AM until noon. ECHO needs volunteers for the sale as well as for the set up the day before. If you are interested in helping with a one-time commitment, contact ECHO.

ECHO Partnership with SkillSource

ECHO is starting a partnership with SkillSource, a non-profit organization that helps people find jobs. ECHO is seeking volunteers who are willing to be trained to help clients conduct on-line job searches and possibly help them create resumes using a computer at ECHO. The time commitment would be once or twice a month on a Wednesday morning or a Tuesday or Thursday evening. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact ECHO.

Donating to ECHO thru CFC or United Way Campaign

Fall brings the start of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) as well as the United Way Campaign. ECHO is a grateful recipient of funds pledged through these organizations. Please remember that ECHO's United Way number is 8426 and CFC number 74224.

Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke Activities

Luncheon-SCFB will host their next Lunch N' Life for those over age 50 on Thursday, November 15 from 12:00-2:00 PM at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 9350 Braddock Road in Burke. William Page Johnson will provide a talk on "The Civil War: The Engagement at Fairfax Court House". Call Faye Quesenberry by Nov. 8 for reservations (703-620-0161). Cost is $8.00.

Fall Concert

SCFB in partnership with NOVA-Annandale Symphony Orchestra and RMS (Reunion Music Society, Inc.) will present a concert on November 9 at 8:00 PM at the Ernst Cultural Center on the NOVA-Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike. The program will present music by Schubert, Torelli, Aaron Copland and Duke Ellington. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors and teens, and children under 12 free. Advance tickets may be purchased by contacting Lisa Carroll at 703-426-2824. Proceeds will benefit SCFB and the two musical groups.

The Week at a Glance......This Week at Abiding Presence

Sun., 10/21 8:30 am, Praise Service

9:45 am, Learning

11:00 am, Traditional Service

1:30 pm, Korean Cong.

3:45 pm, Girl Scouts

4:00 pm, Brownie/Daisy Troop

5:00 pm, Hallelujah Ringers

5:30 pm, Young Adults Dinner-F.H.

Mon., 10/22 6:30 pm, Thrivent Mtg-F.H.

Tues., 10/23 10:00 am, Mainly Music

6:00 pm, Girl Scouts

7:00 pm, AP Choir-Meet at Pruefers'

7:30 pm, Praise Band

Wed., 10/24 10:00 am, ESL

10:15 am, Music Together

6:15 pm, Trunk or Treat

6:45 pm, Dinner

Thurs., 10/25 10:00 am, Bible Study

12:00 pm, Lunch with Pastor

7:30 pm, Woodbridge Flute Choir

Fri., 10/26 9:30 am, Quilting Group

9:30 am, 3- B's at Janelle Orrico's

Sat., 10/27 6:00 pm, Vespers Service

7:00 pm, Spanish Congregation

8:00 pm, Senior High Lock-In

Sun., 10/28 8:30 am, Praise Service

9:45 am, Learning

11:00 am, Traditional Service

1:30 pm, Korean Cong.

3:00 pm, Empty Nesters Wine Tasting

4:00 pm, Synod Reformation Svc at National Cathedral

5:00 pm, Hallelujah Ringers

6:00 pm, Youth Musical Ensemble Mtg (Youth & Parents)