News from Lutheran Church of the Abiding Presence

It's time for our annual worship on the lawn and picnic. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blanket and join us on the lawn at 11:00 AM for worship followed by a picnic. Each family is asked to please bring a side dish or dessert to share. The church will provide hamburgers, hotdogs and beverages. (Please note our later start time this year. There will be no 8:30 AM service that morning.) Please sign up on your worship service Count-Me-In or on the sheet in the narthex if you and/or your family are planning to come.

Mother's Day Receptions

We honor the mothers in our lives this weekend 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 youth will 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.

Prime Time Coffee-Monday, May 20 at 10:30 AM at the Church

Those in the prime of their life are invited to get together for coffee and conversation with Pastor. There's no agenda, just come enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with others in the congregation. Simply show up and we'll provide the coffee!

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!

New Members Classes

Mondays, June 3 and 17 from 7:00-8:15 PM OR Saturday, June 8 from 9:00-11:00 AM If you've been worshiping with us, Abiding Presence would love for you to join the congregation. Becoming a member of Abiding Presence means saying that this is the place where you will grow in faith, worship and serve at this stage of your life. There are two sessions of new member classes from which you can choose. Either come to the two Monday classes OR the one Saturday class. New Members will be received into the congregation at worship at one of the services the weekend of June 22-23 or another Sunday that is convenient. If you have questions or want to sign up for the classes, just let Pastor Keseley know.

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!

Worship Assistants Needed-Ushers, Readers and Communion Assistants

We are in need of communion assistants at both the 8:30 and 11:00 services on Confirmation Sunday, May 19th. We are also looking for volunteers to serve as an usher at the 8:30 AM worship service, as it has grown to the point that we now need two ushers during the service. Please contact Lisa Dyson for more information on becoming an usher. We also are in general need of more lay readers and communion assistants. You may sign up in any of the following ways:

By signup genius-go to http://tinyurl.com/apworshipassistants to be directed to the signup sheet on SignupGenius.com. You do not have to register with signup genius but if you do, you will receive e-mail reminders and will be able to use your account to see all signup sheets to which you have been invited. You may also contact Marianne Bleicken or Sharon Downs in the church office to sign up to assist.

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.

School's Out Campfire & S'mores -Wednesday, June 19 at 7:00 PM

Come celebrate that school is out and summer has officially begun! We'll gather for an old- fashioned campfire on the patio, complete with songs, skits, games and s'mores. Families are asked to sign up on the sheet in the narthex to bring some of the fixings for s'mores. If you can bring a fire pit, please let Pastor Keseley know. We hope to make these campfire events an occasional thing during the summer, so if you cannot make this one, watch for the next one.

Abiding Presence at the Nationals Game-Sunday, June 23 at 1:35 PM at Nationals Stadium

Come on out to the ball game with Abiding Presence as we cheer on the Nationals against the Rockies. Tickets will be around $30 with the hopes of getting group tickets if enough people sign up. To reserve your seats, email Pastor Keseley or sign up on the sheet in the narthex.

Cheer on the AP Softball Team at Rolling Valley West Fields (near Pohick Library)

Our AP softball team has begun their season. Two back-to-back games are scheduled each week, either on Monday or Tuesday evenings at Rolling Valley West Field #1 (near the Pohick Regional Library). If you would like to play on the team, please contact team captain Kyle Morrisey. The cost is $40.00 per person. Everyone is invited to attend the games and cheer on the home team. The next evening games are: Monday, May 13, at 6:45 & 7:45 PM. (Earlier rainouts have been rescheduled for May 28 and June 3. )

AP Bridge Group

The Abiding Presence bridge group is actively looking for new members. All who enjoy bridge or want to learn are encouraged to contact us. We play at members' homes the third Friday of every month and have also added sessions at 7:00 PM on Wednesday evenings as part of the Wednesday night gatherings at church. Anyone interested or with questions can contact Dick Bowes or Kris Vick .

The Rite of Ordination of the Reverend Seminarian Brian Bankert-June 7

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 on Friday, June 7, 2013, at 7:30 pm, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church's Clifton campus, 13421 Twin Lakes Dr., Clifton, VA, 20124.

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.

Baccalaureate Sunday-June 9 at 8:30 AM

We will honor our graduating seniors and celebrate with them as they begin the next phase of their lives.

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.Stay tuned for details on our next study scheduled for Friday, June 14th, at 9:30 AM. 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.

May Noisy Offering-May 18-19

The May offering will be used to create a fund for the immediate needs of those who arrive at our doors with a specific, urgent need. Thank you for your generosity in bringing in loose change to support our ministries through our monthly Noisy Offerings.

Giant Grocery "Cash for Causes"-Help us fund our Playground

If you shop at Giant grocery and are willing to purchase Cash for Causes gift cards from the church, you can help fund the playground without any extra effort. For every $100 in gift cards AP sells, the playground account will earn $5.00. The process is simple. Order forms are in the office. Complete the form and place it and your check made out to Abiding Presence in the specially marked box in the office. We will order gift cards on the 1st and 15th of the month. Cards will be available for pick up on the 5th and 20th. You will need to come into the office and pick up your cards. This is a very easy way to watch the playground fund grow. Our next order will be placed May 15.

Children's Weekend Meal Program

We have two more deliveries between now and the end of the school year! The items needed and deadlines are:

Wednesday, May 29th

27- pudding cups
27-boxed Mac-n-cheese
20-pretzels

Sunday, June 9th

30-pretzels
26-boxes of pasta
25 -cans Hunts Pasta Sauce

You may place your donations in the bin under the coat rack. Thank you for your continued generosity.

Lutheran World Relief Quilt Campaign "13 for 2013" - Tied in faith. Sent in hope. Wrapped in love!

We are meeting every 4th Friday of the month. Our next session will be on Friday, May 24th, at 9:30 AM. We hope you can join us!

ECHO Needs

ECHO urgently needs the following canned or boxed foods: powdered milk, sugar, flour, vegetable oil, jelly, tomatoes, meats, juice and peanut butter. ECHO needs the following hygiene products: shampoo, razors, bandaids, shaving cream, and laundry detergent. ECHO, 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, is open to receive donations on weekdays between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, and between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

You can also help ECHO feed the needy in our community by contributing canned foods to the "Stamp Out Hunger" program of the National Association of Letter Carriers who will pick up food donations as they deliver mail on Saturday, May 11. Look for information from your letter carrier, or bring your donation to your local Post Office.

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.

Sat., 5/11

6:00 am, Korean Congregation
10:00 am, Autism Support Group
10:30 am, Playtime in the Park (Clemyjontri Pk)
4:00 pm, Praise Band
6:00 pm, Vespers Service w/Mother's Day Reception following
7:00 pm, Spanish Congregation
7:00 pm, Sr. High Photo Scavenger Hunt
7:00 pm, Corena family (F.H.)

Sun., 5/12

8:30 am, Praise Service
9:45 am, Learning
11:00 am, Traditional Service
Mother's Day Receptions following worship
12:15 pm, Hallelujah Ringers
1:30 pm, Korean Cong.(Use F.H. till 5:30)
3:45 pm, Girl Scout Troop

Mon., 5/13

10:30 am, Prime Time Coffee

Tues., 5/14

10:00 am, Mainly Music
6:00 pm, Girl Scout Trp
7:00 pm, Sanctuary and Choir Rm Reserved
8:00 pm, Korean Cong.

Wed., 5/15

10:00 am, ESL
10:15 am, Music Together
5:00 pm, Puppets
6:15 pm, Dinner
6:45 pm, Sonrise Preschool Choir
6:45 pm, Holy's Youth Group (K-2nd)
7:00 pm, Confirmation
7:00 pm, Sr. High Youth Group
7:00 pm, Bridge Group
7:15 pm, Sonrise Cherubs Choir (K-2nd)
7:15 pm, Spirits! Youth Group (3rd-6th)
7:15 pm, Preschool Youth Group
7:45 pm, Sonrise Singers Choir(3rd-6th)

Thurs., 5/16

10:00 am, Bible Study
10:00 am, SWW Line Dancing
7:30 pm, Woodbridge Flute Choir
8:00 pm, Korean Cong.

Fri., 5/17

No Activities Planned

Sat., 5/18

6:00 am, Korean Congregation
8:30 am, Men's Breakfast
4:00 pm, Praise Band
6:00 pm, Vespers Service
7:00 pm, Spanish Congregation

Sun., 5/19

8:30 am, Praise Service
9:45 am, Learning- Last Day of Sunday School
11:00 am, Traditional Service-Confirmation
12:15 pm, Hallelujah Ringers
1:30 pm, Korean Cong.
3:45 pm, Girl Scout Troop
5:00 pm, Young Adults Group (F.H.)