AP Musicians' Spring Concert

International Celebration

Featuring Music From Around the World

Sunday, May 5 at 7:00 PM

No matter how we say it, spring is a time to celebrate.  Join the Abiding Presence musicians as they take us on an International Music Celebration on Sunday, May 5 at 7:00 PM in our new sanctuary.   A freewill offering will be received to support Chinese orphans through the Love Without Boundaries Foundation.

Playtime at the Park on Saturday, May 11 at 10:30 AM at Clemyjontri Park

Join Pastor, Julia and other families from Abiding Presence for "Playtime at the Park."  This time we'll be headed to Clemyjontri Park in McLean (6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia 22101). This park has 4 outdoor "rooms" surrounded by a centerpiece carousel.  Come just to play or bring a picnic and stay for lunch, too.

Mother's Day Receptions

We honor the mothers in our lives on Mother's Day weekend, May 11-12 with a reception and fellowship time following each of our worship services.  Please plan to stay following worship and enjoy this time to visit with one another. 

AP Young Couples Group-Sunday, May 19th at 5:30pm

Join us as we kick off our AP Young Couples group for the summer.  Come and enjoy great food and fellowship with other young couples from Abiding Presence. Please bring a main dish, side dish, or dessert to share.  Drinks will be provided.  Questions?  Contact Sara Dyson  or Pastor.  There will be a nursery available for those with children.  Please plan to bring a packed dinner for your child(ren) to eat in the nursery. 

Affirmation of Baptism Service-Sunday, May 19 at 11:00 AM

Our five Level 2 Confirmation youthwill affirm their baptisms during the 11:00 AM worship service on Pentecost Sunday, May 19.  The congregation is invited to join them at a reception in their honor following the worship service. 

Children's Musical-"Pirates of the 'I Don't Care'-ibbean"

Wednesday, May 22

"Yo Ho Ho!"  Come enjoy this musical presentation about Faith and Treasure presented by our children's Sonrise Choirs.  Through story and songs the "pirates" learn what REAL treasure is-and so will you!  Join us for dinner prior to the show and stay after for cake and fellowship.  Times will be published soon.  If anyone is interested in helping with props and staging, please contact Lori Rossett.  Also, if any children 3 yrs.-6th grade are interested in participating, let Ms. Lori know!  There's room for all! 

Red Flowers for Pentecost Sunday, May 19

It is our tradition to decorate the sanctuary with red flowers for Pentecost, as red is the liturgical color for Pentecost.  In the past we have purchased geraniums, but this year we will be decorating with miniature red roses.  If you'd like to purchase a 4-1/2" red rose to decorate the Sanctuary on Pentecost Sunday, please fill out your Count-Me-In form, include $8.00/plant (cash or check), and place in the office or offering plate.  The deadline to order is Sunday, May 12.  You may take your plants home to enjoy (and/or re-plant in your yard) after the 11:00 AM service on May 19.  Thank you for decorating our Sanctuary!

AP Adult Choir

The adult choir always welcomes new voices, and now we're going to make it easier!  If you can't make Tuesday night rehearsals, please join us at 10:00 AM each Sunday in the choir room for a fast-paced, "abridged" rehearsal, and sing with us at the 11:00 service when you feel ready.  For more information, please contact Mandy Hull. 

The Rite of Ordination of the Reverend Seminarian Brian Bankert

The Reverend Seminarian Brian Bankert has been called to serve Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton, Wisconsin, and will begin his service following his ordination as a Pastor in the ELCA.  Members of Abiding Presence are invited to celebrate with our former Vicar at his Rite of Ordination, which will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church's Clifton location.  The service is currently being planned, but a definite date is still pending.  Watch for more information in the near future. 

Contribution Statements

First Quarter contributions statements are available to be picked up in the narthex. Next quarter we will have the ability to e-mail contribution statements. If you would like to receive your statement via e-mail there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex. Please contact Sharon Downs in the church office at 703-455-7500 with any questions.

Calling All 6th Graders!

It's almost confirmation time!  Youth typically participate in confirmation at Abiding Presence in 7th and 8th grade.  If you are interested in being part of our confirmation ministry in the fall and have not yet been in touch with Pastor Keseley, please let her know.  Eighth grade youth who have not yet begun confirmation are also invited to jump into confirmation this fall.

Vacation Bible School-July 15-19, 2013 from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM

Join us for a week filled with fun and faith!  Our theme this year is Kingdom Rock, Where Kids Stand Strong for God.  Each day we will begin with an opening where we will sing, pray and learn about the day's Bible theme.  Then we will travel in small groups to stations for music, science and crafts, games, Bible time and snack.  We'll end each day with a closing celebration. 

Children ages 3 (and potty trained) through completed 4th grade are welcome to join in the fun.  There is a special VBS leadership program for youth who have completed 5th and 6th grades.  

The cost for the week is $25 for one child or $50 per family for multiple children.  Registration forms are available in the narthex.  Scholarships are available for those in need; simply talk with Pastor Keseley. 

VBS Helpers Needed

It's time to start putting all of our helpers in place for Vacation Bible School this summer!  VBS will be held July 15-19 from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM.  Adults are needed to serve as small group guides and station leaders.  Youth who have completed 7th-12th grade are needed as helpers.  Please let Marlys Loyer or Pastor Keseley know if you are able to help.

Mainly Music Spring Session 

Continues every Tuesday morning through June 4 from 10:15-11:45 am.  Visit our website to register:  www.abidingpresence.net/children-and-youth.  For more information contact Leslie Trieu.

  

Senior High Photo Scavenger Hunt Take Two-Saturday, May 11

Per request, another great Photo Scavenger Hunt is scheduled and waiting for all of you.   This time there will be a surprise twist.  Next Saturday, May 11, we will start at 7:00 PM at church and will conclude at 9:30 PM after great adventures.  It will be an awesome event!

Senior High Youth

We are gearing up for the spring and our last few Wednesday Night Gatherings.  We are excited and want you to join us.  Here is what it will look like for you...dinner is served from 6:15-7:00;  hang out time till 7:15 (starts when you finish dinner); help Pastor/Vicar with youth groups 7:15-7:45; the BEST part of the night is a trip for ice cream/frozen yogurt and some faith talk 7:45-8:30.  You should bring some money for our ice cream/frozen yogurt adventure.

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 1 Timothy.

Thursday Morning Bible Study-Hallelujah, the Bible and Handel's Messiah: The Easter Portion

This study continues, as we reach the Easter portion of the Messiah.  This study continues through May 16.  Our Bibles are the main text as we learn the source of Handel's music.  Our group welcomes new members at any time.  If you are interested in joining this study, please contact Kathryn Ives. 

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.  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. Our next study will be on Friday, May 10 at 9:30 AM at the home of Lynne Imre.  We also meet at the church on the 4th Friday of every month to help with the Quilt Campaign.  For more information, please contact Kathy Schmiesing.

Retirement and Estate Strategies Workshop-May 6

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and your local representatives will host a retirement and estate planning workshop at and 12:00 PM-Bethlehem Lutheran-room 109, 8922 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax and 3:00 PM on Monday, May 6 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield. Guest speaker will be Jonathan Doering, Thrivent Financial Consultant with 22 years experience, who will share strategies on: alternative options to low-yielding savings vehicles; 2013 tax law changes on income, estate, and investments; tax-advantaged investments strategies; multi-generation IRA and charitable planning...and more!   To reserve a seat for you and a guest call Jennifer at 877 593-1195 x218 or email Jennifer.Gi@thrivent.com.

Kirkwood Big Band Concert and Party-May 11

Concerts from Kirkwood, is celebrating its 10-year Anniversary with a Big Band Concert and special post-concert party on May 11th, at 3pm at, Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Parkway, West Springfield, VA.  A special Instrument Petting Zoo- for kids of all ages begins at 2:30PM.

The 19-piece band will perform music from the last 80 years including jazz from the 20s and 30s, golden oldies, swing from the 40s and 50s, and a more contemporary version of jazz. All are welcome and, as always, admission is free.  For further information, please contact Concerts from Kirkwood at 703-451-5320 or concerts@kirkwoodpres.com

Shepherd's Centers of Fairfax-Burke Spring Activity-May 16

Are You 50 or Better?  The next Lunch N' Life sponsored by the SCFB will be on Thursday, May 16, 2013, 12:00-2:00 PM at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Road Burke, VA.  Lt. Col. Robert J. Darling, USMC (Ret.) will do a presentation entitled In the Bunker with the Vice President on 9/11.  For reservations, call Faye Quesenberry, (703) 620-0161, by May 10th.  The cost is $10.00; checks payable to SCFB.  If transportation is needed, call the SCFB office, 703- 323-4788.

Identity Theft Workshop-Saturday, May 18th

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is holding an Identity Theft Workshop at 10 AM on Saturday, May 18th at Lord of Life Lutheran church, 5114 Twin brook Rd. Fairfax.  At this free workshop, you will learn how identity theft happens, how to prevent it and what to do if it happens to you.  For more information or to signup  go to  Thrivent.com or contact Mark Knauff at 703-209-2406 or mark.knauff@thrivent.com.

Thrivent Financial Workshop-"From We to Three" - Saturday, June 1

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will present a workshop for soon-to-be parents.  It will be held here at Abiding Presence on Saturday, June 1 from 10:00-11:30 AM.  The workshop will help you learn how to make ends meet when you have or adopt a child and will help you to understand the importance of protecting your family.  For more information, or to register, please contact Mark Knauff at mark.knauff@thrivent.com or 703-209-2406.  There is also a registration form in the church office.  Nursery will be provided.