Mark your calendar now!  Rally Day is Sunday, September 8

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!!

Farewell Receptions  for Vicar Nicole - This Weekend

This is Vicar Nicole's last weekend with us here at Abiding Presence.  There will be receptions following the worship services.  Please take a moment to wish her well as she heads back to seminary. 

Thank you, thank you! 

We had a fabulous week at Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School.  Thanks to all our volunteers who helped decorate, plan and lead stations, shepherd kids, and clean up.  We had 84 children from preschool through 7th grade, 34 adult volunteers and 17 teen volunteers.  Our week would not have been successful without you.  Thank you for sharing your time, talents and God's love!

Blood Drive - August 5

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

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

The next date will be Tuesday, July 30.  The Utells have planned an outing at the Lee District Playground and Sprayground.  We'll start at the playground and then head over to the sprayground when it opens at 11:00.  For more information on the sprayground, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/lee/lee-spraypark.htm.  On  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.

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.

Prayer List

One of the many responsibilities of the Vicar is to keep the weekly prayer list that we read in worship up to date. If you have a loved one who is not a member of AP on the prayer list, please take a moment to check in with Vicar Christine and let her know how they're doing, if they should stay on the list and the correct pronunciation of their name. That will help us make sure that the list is up to date and help Vicar Christine get a better sense of who is on the list as she begins her ministry with us.

Names can be added to the list each week by filling out one of the prayer request cards located at the end of each row and handing them to an usher. If you would like someone to remain on the list for more than a week, just let Pastor or Vicar know.

Old iPads Wanted
Have you recently upgraded your iPad and now have an old one sitting around the house gathering dust?  If so, Abiding Presence could put it to good use!  We're looking for an old iPad or two that could be loaded with the bulletin/slides and used by our acolytes and crucifiers during worship.  If you have one to donate, please let Pastor Keseley know.

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.

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

Cost is $5.00 per family for each session.

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.

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!  Please contact Sara Dyson or Mike Utell for more details. 

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.