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Issue Date:
December 1st, 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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Midweek Advent at Abiding Presence - "Characters, Carols & Communion"
Wednesdays in December from 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
Join us for "Characters, Carols & Communion," an inter-generational midweek Advent study and worship experience based on the characters in the nativity. Each week we will meet around round tables in the fellowship hall to light Advent wreaths, read and discuss scripture, sing beloved Christmas carols and share in Communion. There will be something for all ages. If you have never been to Wednesday Night Gathering, now is a great time to give it a try. Our three children's choirs will all rehearse together from 6:45 pm - 7:15 pm. Dinner will be served from 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm.
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 Advent at Abiding Presence
Advent is the season of the church year when we watch, wait and prepare for Christ to come again. We look forward to Christmas to remind us of how Christ came the first time as a baby who was both the Son of God and the Son of Man. Throughout the season of Advent, we are reminded that the story is not yet finished. God has promised to come again, sending God's own flesh, Christ Jesus our Lord, to dwell with us on earth a second time. On that day when Christ returns, God's kingdom will be fully revealed to us. Advent is the season of promise and hope.
The church is clothed in blue, the color of expectation. The blue draws our minds to the sky and towards heaven. Amidst the blue is sprinkled the green of the evergreens that remind us of the everlasting life we have through Christ. By lighting the candles on the Advent wreath, we create a visual way to watch, wait. prepare and mark time until Christ comes again.
Advent is also the beginning of a new church year. The church year take us through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost. Throughout this church year we will be reading primarily from the Gospel of Luke. Over the course of the Advent and Christmas seasons, we will read the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. This will provide us with the foundation for all that is to come as we hear the stories of Jesus' birth, life, ministry, dying and rising again over the course of the coming year.
In hearing the beginning of the story of Christ's coming among us, our eyes, ears and minds will be open to the many and various ways that Christ might come again. In hearing the story of how God fulfilled God's promise of old that the Messiah would come, we can trust and believe that God will fulfill the new promise made that Christ will come again.
Join us this Advent season in delving into the Gospel of Luke. Read, study and hear God speak to us anew through these sacred stories. On Saturday evenings and Sundays during our traditional service, in addition to hearing the gospel we will sing it by including the songs of Zachariah, Mary and Simeon in our worship liturgy. During our midweek Advent gatherings we will be taking a closer look at the various characters who we encounter in the nativity through the gospel. Together, in the words from the introduction of the Gospel of Luke, may we come to know the truth.
- 7:15 pm.
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 Stewardship 2013 - Serve Boldly Thanks very much to so many of you who have already submitted your Time and Talent forms and your Pledge cards. So far we have received commitments from 59 households. Your submissions are helping to build our 2013 programs both within Abiding Presence and beyond our doors through our combined efforts to Serve Boldly. If you have not yet submitted your forms, it is not too late, and we still need you. Just as our scripture for this year's campaign reminds us, we each have our own unique gifts from God, and our work in serving God will not be complete without you and your gifts. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 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. If you no longer have your Stewardship packet, extra forms are available at church. Thank you again for your generosity! Abiding Presence Welcomes Scott Zacaroli and Kelsey Ward We are delighted to have Scott Zacaroli (brother of Alec Zacaroli) and Kelsey Ward with us this weekend. They will be leading the music at our praise service as well as offering a mini-concert beginning at 9:45 AM in the Fellowship Hall. The concert will commemorate World AIDS Day. We give thanks for the ways that Scott and Kelsey are sharing their gifts with us this morning. Sunday School Opening Schedule Preschool & Kindergarten Classes: Service Project in Regular Classrooms 3rd-6th Grade Classes: Concert in Fellowship Hall World AIDS Day This weekend we will commemorate World AIDS Day in our prayers and with a concert between services. As people of faith, World AIDS Day, which is December 1, offers us the opportunity to pray for healing and hope to all those touched by HIV/AIDS. 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. 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 Concert and Cookies - Sunday, December 9 at 5:00 PM Our annual Congregational Christmas Party will have a different format this year. Please join us for a concert featuring Abiding Presence musicians of all ages. We will join together in singing familiar Christmas carols and end the evening with a visit from Santa and chance to sample Christmas cookies. Please bring a dozen or two Christmas cookies to share. 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 Poinsettias, Greenery, and Liturgical Furnishings to Decorate Our Church Building There are 3 ways to give this Christmas to honor a loved one: 1) Poinsettias to decorate the Sanctuary-The cost of each poinsettia plant is $10.00. (The deadline to order is December 16.) 2) Contributions for Outdoor Wreaths & Greenery-You may donate any amount towards the cost of wreaths and garlands. 3) Contributions toward liturgical furnishings for our new Sanctuary Please fill out your Count-Me-In form for poinsettia, wreath and/or furnishing donations, and indicate if they are "in Honor of" or "in Memory of" a specific person, or if the donation is "to the Glory of God". Please also indicate the item you are donating on the memo line of your check. |
 
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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.
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 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. |
Young Couples Christmas Dinner - Sunday, Dec. 16 at 4:30 PM at the Newbern's House
Kathleen and Chris Newbern are hosting a young couples Christmas Dinner at their home. All young couples are invited to participate in this potluck fondue style meal. There will also be a white elephant gift exchange. Childcare is being arranged in the church nursery. For more information or to RSVP, contact Kathleen Newbern.
Lunch with Pastor-Thursday, December 13 at Noon
Our December Lunch with Pastor will be held at Villa Bella Restaurant, 6050 Burke Commons Road in Burke. We will meet at the restaurant at noon. Please let the office staff know by Wednesday, December 12 if you are planning to attend.
Wednesday Night Dinner Help Needed on January 16
We need assistance with cooking our Wednesday Gathering dinner on Wednesday, January 16, as two of our dinner cooks will be gone that evening. If you can help, please contact Kathi Schultz in the church office. She will be happy to discuss what will need to be done, and help plan a menu based on what you feel comfortable cooking. We will need a minimum of two people to assist with dinner that evening.
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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. |
 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. |
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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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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Children's Weekend Meal Program - Next Delivery Date is Dec. 6 - Updated Amounts
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 Dec. 6 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 Dec. 5
5 boxes of oatmeal
Due by Dec. 12
62 cans Hunts pasta sauce (on sale now at Shoppers, Walmart also has a good price)
60- 16oz. Boxes of spaghetti
45- bottles of Pampa jelly (Dollar Store or Shopper's)
7 boxes of Chocolate Carnation Instant Breakfast drink
5 boxes of granola
47 individual packages of cookies
Noisy Offering for December
Noisy Offering for the month of December will be designated to ELCA Disaster Relief - Sandy. In the aftermath of Sandy there has been at least 16 ELCA congregations damaged along the East Coast as well as numerous families left without or with damaged homes. As the days, weeks, months, and years continue ELCA Disaster Relief will be in those areas impacted by the storm providing help and support to those in need. Remember your change the weekend of December 15th and 16th so we can make some noise during worship.
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.
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
The ELCA is a leader in disaster response for events like Hurricane Sandy. 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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Monday, December 24 3:30 PM-Contemporary Family Service with Holy Communion 5:30 PM - Traditional Family Service with Holy Communion  Monday, December 24 7:30 PM - Candlelight Service with Holy Communion 10:00 PM - Candlelight Service with Holy Communion |
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Sun., 12/2 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
4:00 pm, Daisy Troop
5:00 pm, Hallelujah Ringers
5:00 pm, High School Christmas
Celebration
Mon., 12/3 3:00 pm, Blood Drive
6:30 pm, Cub Scouts, Pack 685
Tues., 12/4 10:00 am, Mainly Music
6:00 pm, Girl Scouts
7:30 pm, AP Choir
Wed., 12/5 10:00 am, ESL
10:15 am, Music Together
5:00 pm, Puppet Team
6:15 pm, Dinner
6:45 pm, Children's Choirs
7:15 pm, Advent Worship
Thurs., 12/6 10:00 am, Bible Study and Prayer
7:30 pm, Woodbridge Flute Choir
Fri., 12/7 No Activities Planned
Sat., 12/8 9:00 am, Christmas Decorating
4:00 pm, Praise Band
6:00 pm, Vespers Service
Sun., 12/9 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
5:00 pm, Christmas and Cookies Concert
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