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Issue Date:
November 16th, 2012
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Worship Schedule
Saturday Evenings
Vespers
6:00PM
Learning
9:45AM
Traditional Service
10:00AM
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Staff Listing
In case of an emergency, contact Pastor on her phone via voice or text 410-599-3803
Vicar
Music Ministry Children's Choirs Office Manager Financial/Office Secretary Organist
Melody Light
Office Assistant
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(Staff can be reached via email or through the church office at 703-455-7500)
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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.
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 Sunday School Opening Schedule Preschool & Kindergarten Classes: Service Project in Regular Classrooms 3rd-6th Grade Classes: Puppets in Galatians Coffee with Pastor- this Sunday at 10:00 am in Pastor's Office
Those who are new to the congregation or just interested in hearing what's going on at Abiding Presence are invited to join Pastor Keseley for an informal cup of coffee and conversation. Let Pastor know if you have questions. Meal Ministry AP is starting a new meal ministry similar to the cookie brigade. Members of the meal ministry team will be assigned a week. Pastor will identify a family in the congregation who could use a meal delivered. It you would be willing to prepare and deliver a meal approximately 3-4 times a year, please contact Susan McClean at smcclean4@cs.com. Stewardship 2013 - Commitment Weekend This weekend marks the fourth week of our Serve Boldly Stewardship Campaign with its culmination in our Commitment Weekend. We ask you to bring your Time and Talent forms, as well as your pledge cards, forward following the litany of thanksgiving portion of our worship service. The scripture passage we have chosen as our guide during this campaign reminds us of the many gifts we have received from God. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God that empowers all of them in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 We are grateful for your commitment to share your varieties of gifts with us at Abiding Presence and throughout our local community and the greater world as we carry God's message and Serve Boldly together. Altar Flower Chart for 2013 The altar flower chart for 2013 is up on the wall outside the church office. Please sign up to provide flowers for our worship services next year. It is not necessary to use a florist; your own flowers or a purchased bouquet in a vase are welcome additions. December Blood Drive-Monday, December 3 from 3:00-8:00 PM Our next Red Cross blood drive will be held on Monday, December 3. Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex if you can donate. Announcements Deadline-Nov.19 Due to Thanksgiving Week being a short week. All announcements for Thanksgiving Weekend, Nov. 24-25, are due on Monday, Nov. 19. |
 
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Sanctuary Christmas Tree Trimming - Saturday, December 8 at 9:00 AM
Many hands are needed to help decorate the church for Christmas. Come for this festive time of preparing our worship space for Christmas.
Christmas Eve Worship - Monday, December 24
3:30 PM-Contemporary Family Service with Holy Communion
5:30 PM - Traditional Family Service with Holy Communion
7:30 PM - Candlelight Service with Holy Communion
10:00 PM - Candlelight Service with Holy Communion
Christmas Concert and Cookies - Sunday, December 9 from 5:00-7:00 PM
Our annual Congregational Christmas Party will have a different format this year. Please join us for a concert featuring many of the musicians of Abiding Presence. There will be choral and instrumental ensembles. We will join together in singing familiar Christmas carols and end the evening with a visit from Santa and chance to sample Christmas cookies. If you are planning to come, please bring a dozen cookies to share.
Giving Tree
"The Giving Tree" is now set up in the narthex. Please stop by to check out gift ideas for ECHO's annual Christmas store, Gifts of Hope, and more. ECHO clients who are parents of young children will be invited to come to ECHO by appointment to choose gifts for their children. Abiding Presence helps ECHO brighten the lives of these children by donating new toys and games by the Giving Tree. If you are planning to provide a toy or gift card for ECHO's Christmas shop, please bring in unwrapped items by December 7.
Gifts of Hope
When you begin to think about Christmas shopping, why not consider alternative giving? Rather than buying a present, buy a symbol. Give Gifts of Hope. The catalog will be available next week, or you may check the web site, www.giftsofhopemetrodc.org, which has been updated and has a Donate Now button, so a donation can be made at any time to the organization. The donation is via Network for Good (which ULA had used before the merger with Gifts of Hope). This year-round donation process will give all our supporters one more way to make a contribution to Gifts of Hope and our many beneficiary organizations.
When making a donation via website: During the process the donor is asked for a designated project. The "Designation (Optional)" line is where the donor adds "Gifts of Hope" (or one of our beneficiary organizations). Then when Network for Good distributes the money to the Synod Treasurer, it is clear that the money is designated for Gifts of Hope. The donor may also send an e-card to the person honored with the gift--and with a personalized message. While many of the card choices pertain to the Christmas holiday, there are several choices which are general use cards. The donor will receive an email from Network for Good, stating that the contribution is tax-deductible.
Coat Drive for ECHO
We are holding our fifth annual winter coat drive for ECHO. All coats are welcomed. They should be new or "gently-used", in good condition and cleaned. You can purchase new coats at Walmart or Ross quite inexpensively. Also needed are winter accessories such as gloves, hats and scarves. Please bring in any donation by November 30.
Advent Friend Signups
Each year at Abiding Presence, individuals and families have an opportunity to be an "Advent Friend." Sign-ups begin this week for everyone interested in participating in our Advent Friends program. Advent Friends perform acts of kindness for other members of the congregation who are also participating in the program. The object is to keep your identity a secret while giving small gifts or performing thoughtful acts for your secret friend or family, usually
one thing per week during Advent. This is a fun way to share our joy in the Advent Season as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Lord. Some suggestions of things to do include sending an Advent or Christmas card (signed "Advent Friend" to keep it secret), greeting your friend during the sharing of the peace at church, as well as leaving cookies, snack items or small, inexpensive gifts on their doorstep or in a designated area here in the church. You may also do anything else you might think of to celebrate your new secret friendship.
Advent Friends sign-ups will run through Sunday, November 25.
Individuals and families who sign up will be notified during the week following Thanksgiving as to who their secret Advent Friend is. You can then begin surprising your secret friends the first week in December, and begin receiving surprises from the friend who has your name. The identities of all Advent Friends are usually revealed at an event in January. If you would like to participate this year, please sign up on your worship folder Count-Me-In form and place it in the offering plate or drop it by the church office by November 25.
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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, December 1, 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.
Young Couples Dinners Abiding Presence young couples will meet in small groups for dinner on December 1st at Mike and Vanessa Utell's house. The dinners are potluck and a great opportunity to get to know other young couples in the congregation. If you are interested in participating, email Sara Dyson. We're also looking for a few more young couples who would be willing to host a potluck dinner for 3-4 other couples in their home sometime in November or early December. All young couples are welcome to get involved in this ministry!
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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. |
 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. Thursday Morning Bible Study-"Hallelujuah, the Bible and Handle's Messiah" The Thursday morning Bible study group has begun a study, entitled, "Hallelujah, the Bible and Handel's Messiah". The study will last through the Advent season, and possibly through Easter. Our Bibles will be our main text as we learn the source of Handel's music. We will use a resource guide to supplement and guide our study. The resource guide is $19.25 including shipping. If you are interested in joining this study, please contact Kathryn Ives. (If you can't commit to the whole study but would like to join us for a part of it, let Kathryn know that, as well.) 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 usually 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. We would love to have you join us. For more information, please contact Kathy Schmiesing. |
 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. Mainly Music Dinner Event and Fundraiser-Tuesday, November 20 at 5:45 PM The Mainly Music group will hold a dinner and fundraiser for Molly Bears on Tuesday, November 20 at 5:45 PM. The event will also include an opportunity to participate in a Mainly Music session. Cost is $15.00 per family, or $10.00 per family if you also bring a 16-17" Teddy Bear to donate. |
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.
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Children's Weekend Meal Program - Next Delivery Date is Nov. 28
We have had a great kickoff to the children's Weekend food Program. We have made our first two deliveries and are scheduled to deliver two more time before the end of December on Nov. 28 and Dec. 13. Below is a list of items we are collecting for our next two deliveries . If you are not sure what to get, there are pictures of the items on the bulletin board in the narthex . We are always collecting individual packets of goldfish, pretzels, pudding, cookies, teddy grahams and rice krispy treats. Donations my be left on the blue cart in the narthex. Please contact Sharon Downs or Clare Maaseide with any questions.
Due by Nov. 27
33 Cans of chicken noodle soup
34 peanut butter crackers
50- rice crispy treats (Costco has best price)
5 boxes of granola bars
Due by Dec. 12
41 cans Hunts pasta sauce (on sale now at Shoppers, Walmart also has a good price)
48- 16oz. Boxes of spaghetti
48- bottles of jelly (found at Dollar Store or Shopper's)
10 boxes of Chocolate Carnation Instant Breakfast drink
5 boxes of oatmeal
Lutheran World Relief Quilt Campaign
In 2013 Lutheran World Relief is challenging Lutherans across the U.S. to donate 500,000 quilts to send around the world to people in need. Here at Abiding Presence we are going to answer the challenge by making at least thirteen quilts between now and the end of 2013. Don't worry if you can't sew; there are many jobs that go into making a quilt. Stay tuned for upcoming dates of quilting workshops. If you have any questions about this quilting project, please contact Lynne Imre or Kathryn Ives.
ELCA Disaster Response-Hurricane Sandy
Millions of people have evacuated their homes and communities due to Hurricane Sandy. The storm has claimed the lives of at least 84 throughout the United States and the Caribbean. While destruction on the East Coast is devastating, please also remember the damage of Hurricane Sandy in the Caribbean as millions are feeling the impact of this storm. We need your help. The ELCA is a leader in disaster response. Your gifts will help our church meet the immediate needs of those affected by providing food, water and shelter, and we will continue to help for as long as we are needed.
Your gift, designated for "Hurricane Sandy," will be used entirely - 100 percent - in response to this disaster. You can designate your gift for Hurricane Sandy where the need is greatest, or you can donate gifts specific to the United States or Caribbean. There are several ways that you may give-by writing a check to AP, with the designation of "Hurricane Sandy" in the memo line (designate "US", "Caribbean" or "most needed"), by sending a check directly to ELCA Disaster Response, 39330 Treasury Center, Chicago, IL 60694-9300 (with "Hurricane Sandy" or "Where Needed Most" on your check's memo line), or by going online to www.elca.org/disaster. For more information, please go to this website or pick up an information sheet in the narthex. Thank you!
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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.
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Sunday, November 18
8:30 am, Praise Service
9:45 am, Learning
11:00 am, Traditional Service
1:30 pm, Korean Cong.
2:00 pm, CROP Walk
3:45 pm, Girl Scout Troop
4:00 pm, Daisy Troop
5:00 pm, Hallelujah Ringers
Monday, November 19
6:30 pm, Cub Scout Meeting
Tuesday, November 20
10:00 am, Mainly Music
5:45 pm, Mainly Music Dinner
6:00 pm, Girl Scouts
7:30 pm, AP Choir
Wednesday, November 21
10:00 am, ESL
8:00 pm, Thanksgiving Eve Service-Temple B'Nai Shalom
(No Wednesday Gathering)
Thursday, November 22
Thanksgiving Holiday-Office Closed
Friday, November 23
Office Closed
Saturday, November 24
4:00 pm, Praise Band
6:00 pm, Vespers Service
Sunday, November 25
8:30 am, Praise Service
9:45 am, Learning
11:00 am, Traditional Service
1:30 pm, Korean Cong.
3:45 pm, Girl Scout Troop
4:30 pm, Burke Historical Society
5:00 pm, Hallelujah Ringers
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