Noisy Offering Collection is this week!! 

The offering will go to support the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax/Burke

The Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke (SCFB) is a "not for profit" organization dedicated to helping older adults continue to live independently in their own homes by providing enrichment and social networking opportunities that keep life exciting and rewarding for them. Programs include Accompanied Medical Transportation and Companion Shopping, Friendly Callers/ Visitors for people who are mostly homebound, Caregivers Support Groups for those who have loved ones with dementia, low-cost exercise classes, and Lunch N' Life, Adventures in Learning, and Wednesday at the Movies programs, all of which provide mental stimulation and socialization opportunities.  Recently, Abiding Presence has become an active partner of the Shepherd's Center Faith Community, with several members helping provide the offered services.  In fact, the September Lunch 'N' Life luncheon will be held in the Abiding Presence Fellowship Hall on September 19 and will feature "Dr. Gridlock" as the guest speaker. 

"Sundae Sunday" Ice Cream Social-This Sunday, July 21 at 3:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall

Come beat the heat and make your own sundaes!  If you can bring a plate of cookies or bars, it would be appreciated!!

Lunch with Pastor-Monday, July 22 at Noon

This will be the last lunch that Vicar Nicole will attend with us.  We will meet for lunch at Red, Hot and Blue, 4150 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax on Monday, July 22.  If you wish to carpool, please meet at the church at 11:30 AM, or meet at the restaurant at noon.  Please let the office staff know if you are coming.

Vicar Nicole's Africa Trip

Wondering about our Lutheran brothers and sisters in South Africa? - Come join Vicar Nicole on Monday, July 22nd at 6:00 PM to hear about her trip.  She will share some pictures and stories from her 3 weeks there.

Summer S'mores (and Hot Dogs, too!)-Wednesday, July 24 at 6:15 PM

Our "School's Out S'mores" event was such a success that we're planning another night around the campfire. We'll start around 6:15 PM with hot dogs and then move to s'mores later in the evening.  Each family is asked to please bring a side dish to share to go with the hot dogs. All ages are welcome to come enjoy fellowship around the campfire!

Farewell Receptions - Saturday, July 27 & Sunday, July 28

This will be Vicar Nicole's last weekend at Abiding Presence.  We will honor her ministry with us during our fellowship times following the Saturday vespers worship service, and following the Sunday morning services, July 27-28.

Blood Drive - August 5

Our next scheduled Red Cross Blood Drive will be held on Monday, August 5 beginning at 3:00 PM.

25:40 Fundraiser-This Sunday, July 21

Double your fun, double your benefit to 25:40!!

Bring us your dirty cars and we will get them shining like new!  Come to theCardinal Plaza Shell Station,8334 Old Keene Mill Rdin Springfield on Sunday, July 21 from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM.  Then head across the street to Boardwalk Fries, 6230 Rolling Road in Springfield for lunch or dinner, where they will donate 15 percent of your ticket to 25:40!  They are open from 11:00 AM-9:00 PM.

You must bring the flyer on the back of this announcement section in order for 25:40 to receive the benefits of your participation. 

Wednesday Gathering Dinners-Begin September 11

Our Wednesday Gathering dinners will begin again on September 11.  If your family would like to participate, but have not done so in the past due to dietary restrictions, please contact Kathi Schultz in the church office this summer to discuss.  We are obviously not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions, but we will do our best to provide an alternative for people who are vegetarian, need gluten-free foods, etc.  We will be planning for the fall later this summer, so please do not delay in contacting us to discuss the possibilities.

Nursery Assistants Needed

We are in need additional people to help out in our church nursery during worship on Sunday mornings.  We have a paid nursery staff, but we need one volunteer to assist during each service.  Youth are welcome and encouraged to help!  Volunteers would need to serve once every 2-3 months, and you can choose which service time that you would like to assist.  Please contact Susan Magnell if you are willing to give of your Time and Talents in this way, or if you would like more information.

Mark your calendar now! 

The 2013-2014 Sunday School year will begin on Sunday, September 8. There will be opportunities for all ages to get involved in learning and growing in faith. Given the growing number of children in our congregation, we are going to need to increase the number of Sunday School classes that we offer. Please prayerfully consider if you might be willing to serve as a Sunday School teacher or helper this year.  If you would like more information or to volunteer, contact Sara Dyson, Sunday School Coordinator, or Pastor Keseley.

Sunday School Teachers Needed!

We are gearing up for Sunday School this fall and looking for teachers!  No experience necessary-only the desire to help the children of Abiding Presence learn about the stories and love of Jesus. 

Please talk to Sara Dyson (Sunday School Coordinator) or Pastor if you have any interest in teaching or helping out in some way!  There will be a Sunday School teacher interest meeting on Sunday, August 11 following the 10:00 AM service.  If you have even the slightest bit of interest in teaching this fall, please come!!

Mainly Music Summer Sessions-Tuesdays, July 23 and August 13 at 10:30 AM 

Cost is $5.00 per family for each session.

Pre-Baptism Dinner-Sunday, August 4 at 5:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall

Families who are thinking about having their children baptized at Abiding Presence are invited to join Pastor Keseley for a pre-Baptism dinner. It's a chance to learn more about baptism and get to know other families in the congregation. Infants are welcome to attend with their parents. Childcare will be available in the nursery for older kids. RSVP to Pastor Keseley.

Playtime at the Park-Tuesday July 30 at 10:00 AM, Lee District Playground and Sprayground

Join Pastor and Julia for outdoor playtime this summer.  The next date will be Tuesday, July 30.  The Utells have planned a July 30 outing at the Lee District Playground and Sprayground.  On July 23 and August 13, please join us for a summer session of Mainly Music in the Fellowship Hall.  Outdoor events are all weather permitting, so call the office if you're not sure if we're there.

Back by Popular Demand-Bible Study 101

Tuesdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 7:00 PM

3-B's Friday Bible Study

Starting this fall, Pastor Keseley will be putting together a group of adults who are interested in taking part in an adult confirmation experience. The group will meet approximately 2-3 times per month from September through May and then have the opportunity to affirm their faith. The adult confirmation group is geared towards anyone who is looking to grow in their faith regardless of whether or not they had a confirmation experience as a teenager. If you might be interested, please let Pastor know so that she can begin putting together a calendar for the classes.

Summer High School Youth Group Bible Study

Who: All rising high school freshman to rising college freshman

What: Dinner, games, and Bible study

When: Sunday nights, 6:00-9:00 PM

Where: Home of the Luckys, 6834 Camus Pl. Springfield, VA 22152

Why: To build a Christ based community where you can learn about God, life, faith, and how they all fit together while enjoying the fellowship of some new and old friends

Lock-In, July 23-24. Lock-Ins are always a blast! We hope to have as great of a turn out as the fall lock-in. Stay tuned for more information! 

A small group dinner will be held on August 17.  

Please sign up on the sheets in the narthex, or email Sara Dyson  or Mike Utell  to sign up! 

Saturday, August 3 - Family Travel Day.  

Whether you have kids or not, please join us for a day out!  We are still planning the location and details, but are trying to make it only a day trip, and thinking along the lines of the Children's museum or aquarium in Baltimore.  Ideas are always welcome! 

Save the Date-July 24-27, 2014-Ninth Triennial Women's Gathering 

"Of Many Generations" will be the theme of next summer's Ninth Triennial Gathering of the Women of the ELCA.  The Gathering will be in Charlotte, NC from July 24-27, and will consist of workshops, inspirational speakers, fellowship and worship opportunities.  Registration will begin sometime this fall, with early bird discounts available.  If you are interested in being placed on an email list to receive more information as soon as it is available, please contact our synod's Triennial Gathering Promoter, Carol Moonan.