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, hot dogs and beverages. (Please note our later start time this year. There will be no 8:30 AM service that morning.)

The Rite of Ordination of the Reverend Seminarian Brian Bankert

Friday, June 7th, at 7:30 pm

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. Please let our church office know if you are planning to attend.

Summer Worship Schedule-Begins June 8-9

Saturday Vespers at 6:00 PM
Sunday Worship at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM with Fellowship Time from 9:30-10:00 AM

New Members Classes

Mondays, June 3 and 17 from 7:00-8:15 PM OR Saturday, June 8 from 9-11 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 Cross Blood Drive-Monday, June 3 from 3:00-8:00 PM

Our next blood drive will be held on Monday, June 3 beginning at 3:00 PM. To sign up for a specific time, please go to www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code 053594, or sign up on the sheet in the narthex.

AP Book Group-Monday, June 3 at 7:30 PM

The AP Book Group will meet to discuss The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett. All are invited to come and join in the discussion at the church.

Lunch with Pastor-Wednesday, June 5

Our June lunch will be held at Brion's Grille, 10621 Braddock Road in Fairfax, on Wednesday, June 5. We will meet at noon at the restaurant, located in the University Mall shopping center (intersection of Braddock Road and Ox Road), or you may meet at church at 11:30 to carpool. Please let the church office staff know by the morning of June 2 if you will be coming.

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.

"Six Sundays of Summer Service"-June 23, 30 and July 7, 14, 21 and 28

The Service Ministry Team is planning a new service opportunity for this summer. During the half hour fellowship period between the 8:30 and 10:00 AM services you can join us in helping with a variety of service projects benefitting those in our community, across the nation and around the world. A schedule of projects is being developed, and there will be bins in the narthex so that you can contribute items to help with the projects. Learn to cut a quilt square, make a bracelet to support a Chinese orphan, or pack snack bags for New Hope children. Projects will be designed for adults and families, and many will include activities that can be completed at home. Join us as we ensure that Every Member Serves!

Worship Assistants Needed-Ushers, Readers and Communion Assistants

We are 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.

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.

Church Office Hours

Beginning the week of June 10 the hours will be: Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM; office closed on Fridays, with the exception of Vacation Bible School week, July 15-19.

Physically Fit for His Service and for Summer

Abiding Presence will be offering an exercise class for ALL fitness levels on Thursday nights this summer, starting June 6th. Wendy Kunc will lead a combination cardio and strength class that will work all major muscle groups and get that heart rate going to a pace comfortable for each individual. All cardio drills will have both low and high-impact options. We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall from 7:00-8:00pm. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring an exercise tube (medium resistance), a mat or large towel for ab work and stretching, and a bottle of water if you like. If you have questions, contact the church office and they'll put you in touch with Wendy.

If you are looking to rid your basement of any unused exercise equipment such as exercise steps, dumbbells, or balance balls, please consider donating to A.P. If you get motivated to use the equipment again, we'll give it back!

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 (ESV).

Young Couples Pool Party Sunday, June 9 at 4 PM at the Eichhorn's

Come join us for a cook out and pool party at 4 pm on June 9th. Erin and Eric will supply the main dish and drinks. Please bring a side dish or dessert, a bathing suit, and towel. If you have a lawn chair that is easy to bring it would be great. If people are interested in childcare we can have the church nursery available. RSVP to Erin.

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.

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. Anyone interested or with questions can contact Dick Bowes or Kris Vick .

Mainly Music Special Session-June 4 from 5:30-7:30 PM
Mainly Music will hold a special evening session on Tuesday, June 4 (there is no morning session on that date). The cost will be $10 for each family, with proceeds going to support the Abiding Presence playground fund. Each family will receive a mainly music show, dinner, desert, bedtime story and lullaby with admission. Pajamas welcome! For more information please contact Leslie by email or on Facebook.

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.

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.

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 held on Friday, June 14th, at 9:30 AM at the home of Kris Vick. 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.

ELCA Disaster Response to Tornadoes in Oklahoma

Lutheran Disaster Response affiliates were on the ground immediately following the outbreak of tornadoes in Oklahoma this past week, assessing both short-term and long-term needs of the residents who were injured, lost loved ones and/or who lost their homes and possessions. Your gifts are needed now to begin coordinating volunteers, rebuilding homes and offering spiritual and emotional care to those in need. Gifts designated to "U.S. Tornadoes" through Lutheran Disaster Response will be used entirely - 100 percent - to help survivors of tornadoes rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

You may donate in three ways: by writing a check to Abiding Presence, with the notation "Disaster Response-Tornadoes" in the memo line, by sending a check directly to Lutheran Disaster Response, 39330 Treasury Center, Chicago, IL 60694-9300, or online through the ELCA website: http://www.elca.org and clicking on the tornado response link on the home page.

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

We are meeting every 4th Friday and Saturday of the month. Our next sessions will be on June 28-29, at 9:30 AM. We hope you can join us!

Do you knit or crochet?

For the past few years, we've given our newly baptized infants a hand-crocheted or hand-knitted afghan to commemorate their special day. As we look ahead to the rising number of baptisms, we're excited to welcome so many new members, but it's become obvious that we need more than one person to make the afghans. If you would like to get involved in this rewarding ministry, please contact Lisa Dyson. She is willing to teach you to knit and/or crochet, as well as give you information about patterns and yarn.

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 June 1.

Children's Weekend Meal Program

We have one more delivery before the end of the school year and we only need 36- boxes of pasta by Sunday, June 9th . You may place your donations in the bin under the coat rack. Thank you for your continued generosity.

ECHO Needs

ECHO's School Partnership Program is seeking adult mentors for Lynbrook Elementary School students. As a Title One school, there is an ongoing need for adults who can take the time to read with, play a game or make a craft with a particular child on an ongoing basis. During the lunch period on a day chosen by the mentor, the adult meets with the student regularly. There is an immediate need for two mentors who could start before the end of the school year and commit to work with the same children next year. If you would like to find out more about how you can make a difference in the life of a child, please send an email to ECHO at echoadmin@verizon.net.

Current Needs: powdered milk, 2 lb. bags of sugar or flour, vegetable oil, dried beans, shaving cream, deodorant, toilet tissue, shampoo, laundry detergent, men's or boys jeans (new or used) and queen size bedding (new or used). ECHO accepts donations and gives receipts from 9:30 am-12:30 pm on weekdays and from 7:00 - 9:00 pm on Tuesday-Thursday evenings. Drive around to the donation door on the west side of our building at 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, and a cheerful volunteer will help you with your donations.

Volunteers Needed: ECHO provides an orientation for anyone interested in finding out more about the organization. They need donation door greeters (mornings and evenings), clothing sorters, and morning food sorters. E-mail echoadmin@verizon.net to arrange an orientation or find out more about the possibilities.

Shepherd's Center of Fairfax Burke (SCFB) Activities:

Bingo Fundraiser for the Family!

All ages welcome on Saturday, June 8, (1:00- 3:00 PM). The doors open at 12:30 pm of the Parish Center Gym, St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 3700 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA. All proceeds benefit the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke (SCFB)and its work for area seniors. Tickets: $12.00 each, which includes 2 Bingo Cards that can be played for the entire event, and complimentary beverages and snacks. Additional cards may be purchased on site--$1.00 per card per game. Prizes for each game will be donated by local merchants. To purchase tickets, please call Lisa Carroll, (703) 426-2824. Go to www.scfbva.org for more informationabout SCFB.

Lunch N' Life

Are You 50 or Better? Please join us for the next Lunch N' Life sponsored by the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke on Thursday, July 18, 2013 (12:00-2:00 p.m.) at Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690 Oak Leather Drive, Burke, VA. Mr. Phillip J. Kenny, JD, CFP of the Collins Firm will speak on Legal Issues for Seniors. For reservations, call Faye Quesenberry, (703) 620-0161, by July 12th. The cost is $10.00; checks payable to SCFB. If transportation is needed, call the SCFB office (703) 323-4788. See www.scfbva.org for more information.

Sun., 6/2

11:00 am, Outdoor Worship
11:45 am, Picnic
2:00 pm, Private Party (F.H.)
4:00 pm, Daisy Trp

Mon., 6/3

3:00 pm, Red Cross Blood Drive
6:30 pm, Cub Scouts
7:00 pm, New Members Class
7:30 pm, AP Book Club

Tues., 6/4

5:00 pm, Mainly Music w/Dinner
6:00 pm, Girl Scout Trp
8:00 pm, Korean Cong.

Wed., 6/5

10:00 am, ESL

Thurs., 6/6

9:00 am, Amer. College of Musicians Piano Guild Auditions (Sanctuary)
10:00 am, Bible Study
10:00 am, SWW Line Dancing
7:30 pm, Woodbridge Flute Choir
8:00 pm, Korean Cong.

Fri., 6/7

7:30 pm, Brian Bankert Ordination at Lord of Life-Clifton

Sat., 6/8

6:00 am, Korean Congregation
8:00 am, Senior High Trip to Lake Anna
9:00 am, New Members Class
10:00 am, Woodbridge Flute Choir
4:00 pm, Praise Band
6:00 pm, Vespers Service
7:00 pm, Spanish Congregation
8:00 pm, Confirmation Lock-In

Sun., 6/9

Summer Schedule Begins
8:30 am, Praise Service
9:30 am, Fellowship
10:00 am, Traditional Service
12:15 pm, Hallelujah Ringers
1:30 pm, Korean Cong.
3:45 pm, Girl Scouts
6:30 pm, Girl Scout Awards Ceremony (F.H.)