News from Lutheran Church of the Abiding Presence

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 increasing the number of Sunday School classes that we offer. We are still in need of a few teachers. If you would like more information or to volunteer, contact Sara Dyson, Sunday School Coordinator, or Pastor Keseley.

Noisy Offering for August-This Weekend

The Children's Weekend Food Project is a community outreach program that AP started in April 2011, in response to an immediate need for weekend meals for 25 students at a local elementary school. These students received free lunch at school but also needed support on the weekends. Abiding Presence began by providing 25 children with "Weekend Meal Packages" that contained 2 meals and a snack for weekends during the school year. Over the last two years, the program has grown from 25 to 65 students. Over the course of the 2012/2013 school year we provided approximately 2,600 meal packages! The program will again support 65 children with weekend meal packages. We will begin in September collecting food donations for our first delivery in October. The money collected from the noisy offering will be used to supplement food donations. Please help us in making this another successful year.

New Members
Abiding Presence is excited to welcome new members into the life and ministry of the congregation! A new members' class will be offered on Tuesday, September 17 from 7:00-8:30 PM and Saturday, September 21 from 9:30-11:00 AM (you attend the one class that works best with your schedule). New members will be received into the congregation at one of the services the weekend of September 21/22. If you would like to make Abiding Presence your church home, please plan to participate. For more information or if you have questions, contact Pastor or Vicar.

Lutherans Day at the Ballpark-Sunday, September 15, 1:35 PM

This year's Lutherans Day at Nationals' Park will be on Sunday, September 15. The Nationals will take on the Philadelphia Phillies at 1:35 PM. If you are interested in tickets to see the game, please sign up in the narthex.

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

We are meeting every 4th Friday and following Saturday of the month. Our next sessions will be on Aug. 23-24, at 9:30 AM. We hope you can join us!

AP Children's Fall Consignment Sale-Saturday, September 14 from 8:00 AM-2:00 PM

The work begins Wednesday, September 11th when we bring the clothing racks down from the attic. Consignors drop off their items Thursday and Friday, September 12th and 13th. There will be a Consignors/Volunteer Presale Friday, September 13th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. The doors open to the public Saturday, September 14th at 8:00 am. Check out our webpage for more information www.abidingpresence.net/activities/consignment-sale.

This is a great opportunity to go through your closets and toy chests and find those items you want to sell (or donate). We sell gently used children's clothing, toys, books, bikes, sports equipment, baby equipment and furniture, and even maternity clothes. The church accepts donations and sells the items. 100% of those sales go to the Playground Fund. Bring your donations to the church and place them in the donation box by Fellowship Hall. You can join the committee and help in the planning and promoting. Get the word out. Remember all of the sale proceeds go to the Playground Fund. Contact Lynne Linder with your questions, apconsignmentsale@gmail.com

Flower Chart Open Dates

We have several upcoming open dates on our flower chart. Please consider providing altar flowers for our worship services for one or more of the followings weekends: September 1 & 8, October 27, November 17, and December 1 &8. You may either purchase flowers or provide flowers from your own garden. We need to have them delivered or brought to the church prior to the Saturday Vespers service each week. The flower chart is currently in the church office.

AP Choir Rehearsals Begin Tuesday, August 27

The AP Choir will begin rehearsals on Tuesday, August 27 at 7:30 PM. If you're interested in more information, please send Ellen an email or talk to her after a service anytime.

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.

Ushers Needed for 8:30 AM Service

We are looking for several families to volunteer to serve as ushers for the 8:30 AM service. This is a great ministry for families because all ages can participate. Ushers arrive at least 10 minutes before the service to hand out bulletins, help with the collection of the offering, count the number of people in worship and dismiss people from their rows for communion. We'll provide ample support and training to help get you started. To volunteer or for more information, please contact Lisa Dyson or the church office.

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.

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 Studyand 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 next Friday, September 13, at 9:30 AM at the home of Kathy Schmiesing. 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

Adult Confirmation Class - Begins Tuesday, September 24

There's been a great response from those interested in taking part in the adult confirmation class that will be forming this fall, and there is still plenty of room for others who want to join. 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 are interested, please let Pastor know. The first class will be Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 PM, and we'll schedule the rest of the semester then.

Sunday Morning Coffee Makers Needed

We need additional people this fall to make coffee for our Sunday morning fellowship. It is a very simple job, and it takes only a few minutes to set things up at about 8:15 on Sunday morning. The Coffee Cart can even be set up on Saturday-just leave a note for someone to plug in and turn on the coffee maker by 8:30 on Sunday morning, as the large coffee pot takes about one hour to brew the coffee. If you would be willing to assist in this way, please contact Sharon Downs or Marianne Bleicken.

Fellowship Help Needed!!

We are in need of a few people to coordinate fellowship activities for the rest of this year. The first event is Rally Day, September 8. We need someone to purchase and serve pastries during our learning hour to help kick off the program year. If you can help with this event, please contact the church office. You will be reimbursed for expenses once you turn in your receipts.

25:40's 10th Anniversary Walk for the Kids-Saturday, September 28

The 10th annual walk will be held Sat. Sept. 28th, 8 a.m. at Lake Accotink Park. This is a family-friendly beautiful walk/bike on the 3.8-mile trail around the Lake. So bring heavy duty strollers, your bike and/or your dogs. Registration is free, but we ask you to sign up ahead of time so we can provide enough food and water. Go to www.2540.org/team2540/ to register and for more information on how each footstep you make will help a child in rural South Africa overcome the devastating effects of poverty, disease and violence. For teenagers needing service hours, we need your help! Please contact Monique Fraedrich or Amy Zacaroli.

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. Complete an order form found in the office, and place the form and your check made out to Abiding Presence in the specially marked box in the office. To date the playground fund has grown $173.75 through AP's participation in this program. This is a very easy way to watch the playground fund grow!

Support New Hope Housing (Mondloch House, Kennedy Shelter, Alexandria Community Shelter)

Register NOW for the "Acacia Rock and Stroll" (a Help the Homeless Event). It will be held on Saturday, September 28, at Cameron Run Park. It's a great way to support New Hope's efforts, and you can have fun by running or walking a 5K, participating in Parkour workshops, taking a zumba class, entering a cornhole challenge, participating in kids' activities like face painting and jump roping contests and more! There will also be a BBQ lunch and cupcakes from Alexandria Cupcake.

For information, visit www.newhopehousing.org or contact Jen Burkman at 703-866-1829 or Chris Bramante, 703-799-2293, ext. 22.

ECHO Updates

In addition to food items such as sugar, flour, dried beans, jelly, rice and juice, ECHO needs donations of brown paper grocery bags, C-batteries, new or used bath towels, and new or used food blenders so that clients can make their own baby food. We also need layette items such as baby blankets, baby towels and gowns or kimonos. Please bring donations to 7205 Old Keene Mill Road between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm on weekdays, or on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings between 7:00-9:00.

ECHO has the opportunity to partner with IT specialists from the Sathya Sai Baba Organization to conduct basic computer classes in our building for interested clients. We have an immediate need for 10 laptops in excellent working order. If you are thinking of upgrading, please consider donating your laptop to ECHO for this program, which is designed to enable clients to improve their employment prospects.

Young Adults Trip to Virginia Wine Festival-September 14

Whether you are a young couple, or a young adult, married or unmarried, children, or no children, you are invited to join other young adults from Abiding Presence at the Virginia Wine Festival on September 14. If there is interest we can carpool from church. Sign up in the narthex if you are interested and we will coordinate what time will work best. It is open from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM; the cost is $30, or $18 for non-tasting admission.

Young Couples Group Dinner-Sunday, September 22 at 5:00 PM

The Young Couples will meet for dinner at the Keseleys' house on September 22 at 5:00 PM. More details will follow, but save the date and join us for great food and fellowship as we get to know other young couples at church.

For the fall, Sara Dyson is looking for couples that are willing to "host" a small group dinner for one evening. You can choose whatever date and time you would like, and then other couples will be able to sign up if that date works in their schedule. If you are interested, talk to Sara or send her an email.

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.

Fairfax County Chapter of Thrivent Member Appreciation Day Picnic-Sunday, September 8

The Fairfax County Chapter of Thrivent is hosting a Members Appreciation Day Picnic at Lake Accotink Park in the McLaren-Sargent Picnic Shelter on September 8 from 11am -4:30pm. The Chapter is providing a catered picnic starting at 1:30pm and areas to play bocce ball, Frisbee Golf, soccer and whiffle ball. In addition to these activities, the park offers activities such as miniature golf, paddle boats, basketball, volleyball and hiking. Several information stands will be set up from 12:00 to 4:00pm with representatives of Lutheran and other Christian charitable organizations. Learn more about who these people are and what they do. Please RSVP to Howard Albers by phone at (703) 560-5514 or his email, howardalbers@cox.net.

Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke "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, September 19, 2013, from 12:00-2:00 PM. This meeting will be held here at Abiding Presence, and will feature the Washington Post writer, Robert Thompson, aka, Dr. Gridlock. He will discuss current traffic issues and plans for the future for our area. For reservations, call Faye Quesenberry (703) 620-0161 by September 15th. The cost is $10.00; checks payable to SCFB. If transportation is needed, call the SCFB office (703) 323-4788. Seewww.scfbva.org .

Adventures in Learning

Older Adults Shape Up Mentally and Physically with the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke

Join the Shepherd's Centerof Fairfax-Burke (SCFB) for its Fall session ofAdventures in Learning.This program is open to all adults age 50 or better. Registrants bring a bag lunch and stay for a full day of classes/activities and socializing, or pick and choose the classes that interest them the most. The classes run Mondays, September 30 through November 4, 9:30 AM to 2:45 PM at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Rd., Fairfax; cost $30.00. Beginning August 30th, registration form and class schedule will be available at www.scfbva.org, or by calling 703-323-4788. Registration is open throughout the session.

SCFB Fundraiser

Don't Cook - Eat Out and Support the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke on Thursday, September 12! P. J Skidoo's of Fairfax (9908 Fairfax Blvd.) has generously offered to help support the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke by donating a portion of the bill for each dinner or lunch ordered by participating patrons on Thursday, September 12. Just by dining out you will be eating a nice meal and also helping SCFB. In order for SCFB to get the funds, you must tell your server you are with the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke. Please make a reservation if you are with a party of 4 or more.

CASA Volunteers Needed

Lift up a child's life. Become a CASA volunteer. Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is hosting an information session on Saturday, September 21 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, at the Kings Park Library, 9000 BurkeLake Road,Burke, VA. Nicknamed "the eyes and ears of the Judge", CASA volunteers help protect the fundamental rights of abused and neglected children to be safe, to be treated with dignity, and to learn and grow in a safe and permanent home. Last year, CASA volunteers spent nearly 24,000 hours advocating for these children, but more help is needed. If you would like to learn more about advocating for abused or neglected children, please call (703) 273-3526, x22, please send an email to ekosarin@casafairfax.org, or visit www.fairfaxcasa.org. To RSVP, please email volunteer@casafairfax.org.

Sun., 8/18

8:30 am, Praise Service

9:30 am, Fellowship

10:00 am, Traditional Service

12:30 pm, Iglesia Gosen Cong.

Mon., 8/19

No Scheduled Activities

Tues., 8/20

No Scheduled Activities

Wed., 8/21

No Scheduled Activities

Thurs., 8/22

7:00 pm, Physically Fit Exercise Class

Fri., 8/23

9:30 am, Quilting Group

7:30 pm, Iglesia Gosen Congregation-Sanctuary

Sat., 8/24

9:30 am, Quilting Group

4:00 pm, Praise Band

6:00 pm, Vespers Service

7:00 pm, Spanish Congregation

Sun., 8/25

8:30 am, Praise Service

9:30 am, Fellowship

10:00 am, Traditional Service

12:30 pm, Iglesia Gosen Cong.