11th Annual Messiah Sing-Along – Sunday, December 9 at 4pm, in the Sanctuary: Celebrate the 2012 holiday season by singing along or listening to Handel’s Messiah (Part I -Christmas portion and the Hallelujah Chorus) with Guest Soloists: Courtney Kalbacker, soprano; Elizabeth Merrill, alto; Peter Scott Drackley, tenor; and Jeffrey Grayson Gates, bass. All singers are invited to join us at 3:30pm for seating in soprano, alto, tenor or bass sections. The chorus, led by Fairlington’s Chancel, Seraphim and Youth Choirs, will be accompanied by TheCHANDOS Orchestra with Dr. Louise Wilson, conductor. Also featured will be Francesco Manfredini’sConcerto in D for Two Trumpets and String Orchestra. Admission is Free. Bring your own music score or purchase a copy of the G. Schirmer edition at the door for $8. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Childcare provided by appointment 703-671-8557 by December 2.
Messiah Reception volunteers neededfor Sunday, December 9th who can help bake/prepare goodies, and/or assist in the set-up and clean-up afterwards. If you would like to help with the reception, please contact Lois Nangle at 703-671-3727.
Bi-District Training Day is January 12th. This year’s theme is IMPACT 2013. Space is limited. Join us for a full day, which will include a keynote address by Rev. Olu Brown of Impact UMC in Atlanta, Georgia, and workshops and roundtables. Members of lay committees in the church are encouraged to attend. Information about the training is available at The cost is $30 if you register by December 18th, ($60 if you register on site and if there is space). Questions? Contact BDTD registrar Sharon Sheldon at 703-820-7200 or email to .
Pictorial Directory News
A make-up day has been added to the calendar for directory photos! Make your appointment forThursday, December 6 between 2 – 9 p.m. by calling the church office at 703-671-8557 or email.
If you want your candid FUMC photos to be considered for inclusion in our directory, please send them to Carol Hunter at .
We will have several pages of group photos and candid photos and would love your contribution! If you missed getting your family photo taken, send one of yours to us at .
Questions? Contact Lois Nangle at 703-671-3727
FUMC Inclement Weather Policy - In times of severe weather we will post updates on the church office phone at: 703-671-8557, WTOP radio (103.5, 103.9, 107.7 FM), WTOP.com, TV Channels 7 and 8, and our website: Closure of the church building during the workweek, including the preschool and church office, follows Alexandria Public Schools decisions.
Bishop: Rev. Dr. Young Jin Cho
District Superintendent: Rev. Kenneth Jackson
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Gregory L. Adkins; Associate Pastor: Rev. Barbara Parnell
Lay Leaders: Gerry Hebert, John Johnson, Ashley Moore
Minister of Congregational Family Life: Rev. Christian White
Director of Music: Dr. Louise Wilson; Office Manager: Carol Hunter
Preschool Director: Carol Keller, 703-671-3939,
Administrative Assistants: Mitzi Holder (AM), Sandy Weldy-Cook (PM)
Youth Coordinator: Jenna Adams; Nursery Care: Yesica Cruz
Custodian: Miguel Muñoz
THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR
December 2 to December 9
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 – Advent I
9:30 amWorship Sanctuary
9:30 amSunday School
10:30 amReception for Pastor Barbara FH
11:00 amWorship Sanctuary
12:00 pmFarewell Luncheon for Pastor Barbara FH
5:00 pmYouth Choir108
6:00 pmYouth Family Christmas Party FH
6:30 pmCompanions In Christ114
MONDAY, DECEMBER3
7:00 pmRenovaré114
7:00 pmCentering Prayer Chapel
7:30 pmAA112
TUESDAY, DECEMBER4
5:30 pmAA112
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
10:45 amBible Study Parlor
6:00 pmFamily Dinner Night FH
6:30 pmCherub Choir308
6:30 pmJoyful Ringers106
7:15 pmChapel Choir108
7:30 pmOA112
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6
2:00 pmDirectory Photo Session114
6:30 pmJubilate Handbell Choir106
7:45 pmChancel Choir108
8:30 pmSeraphim Choir108
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
9:00 amOA308
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 – Advent II
9:30 amWorship Sanctuary
9:30 amSunday School
10:00 amKingdom Christmas Market FH
10:30 amMingle with the Ministers Parlor
11:00 amWorship Sanctuary
12:00 amMingle with the Ministers Parlor
4:00 pmMessiah Sing Along Sanctuary
5:30 pmMessiah Reception FH
Sunday, November 25
Worship Attendance: 274
Offering: Weekly Actual: $11,125 Budget: $17,433
YTD Actual: $816,685 Budget: $809,391
Fairlington United Methodist Church
3900 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22302
PH: 703-671-8557; FAX: 703-820-7399
E-Mail:
Church Website:
Fairlington United Methodist Church
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.
Hope
Welcome to Worship
Advent I
December 2, 2012
T
he first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year. It is, in that sense, like January 1. The word Advent comes from the Latin verb advenire, which means "to come toward, to draw near, to approach." This is the time when we remember and celebrate God's drawing near to us in Jesus Christ, beginning with a focus on his final coming in glory to judge the living and the dead and bring forth a new creation. Advent is a time to prepare.
As you arrive we invite you to sign the Friendship Pad that is at the end of each pew and pass it to others on your row. If you have prayer requests, fill out the yellow prayer cardand pass it to the inside aisle for collection during the first hymn. Gift bags for first time worshipers will be provided by the ushers during our ritual of welcoming.
Ushers can help with providing large print hymnals and hearing devices. They can also assist children and families with the Kid’s Pack and direct families with children to the Nursery, or to our Family Room located in the balcony.
Communion will be taken this week to homebound members. Please contact the church if you or others would like Communion brought to your home.
Children’s Churchis available for children ages 3-7 as noted in the Order of Worship. If this is your child’s first time in Children’s Church, please plan to walk with him or her to Room 210 to sign-in.
The Red Rose on the Altar celebrates the birth of Kennedy Lynn Weronski, daughter of Jen and Matt Weronski, born November 27th.
Remember with Prayers: Prayer is a central practice for Christians. Each week as we begin worship you are invited to place names on the yellow prayer cards located in the pew rack. We pray for them on Sunday morning and during the week during church staff meeting. Your prayer request will be read in today’s service and will be included in the list below for the coming two weeks. You are also invited to contact the church office with your prayer requests.
November 18: Mila Hipp & Family; Coskey Family; Richard Cherney; Yurasko Family; Debra; Sondra; John; Dave Kranz; Jean Wilkerson; Bob; Ronnie; Patricia; Michael; Hayden Crowe; Roxanne Cowhich; persecuted Christians; David; John; Andy & Nikki Bappe; Annabelle; Rosie; Pete; Ginger; Lenore; Mark; Karen; Charles Gilmer; Shari Cannon; Jennifer Caldwell; Phoebe; Noah; Meredith; Luiz; for everyone who will be alone for Thanksgiving; all those in War torn countries, especially Israel & Palestine; Daniel & Winnie; Sandy Brown; Delaney Jones; Judy Kalish; Jackie & her family; Mary Moran; Cathy Case; Corey; Charlie; Patti; Bill on his new journey; Pat Shand; Darcie V.; Carl; Lawrence Hyde; Hal; Cassidy; Kathryn; Steve; Alex & Michelle Klesha.
November 25: Frances Saylor; Tom; Marianne Gannon; Kristen Guarnieri; The Zwolinski Family; John Charles Rodenberry; Daniel & Winnie; Annabelle; Rosie; Pete; Ginger; Lenore; Mark; Karen; Scott & Brynne; Kathy Jensen’s Family; Barbara; Martha & Becky; Daisy & Emma Johnson; Rosie Dacey; Bev Hoffmaster; Art Wiese; Dave Kranz; our Church’s Missions; Lisa DeGrandi; Family of LaviniaPitzer; Rosalie Johnson; Hayden Crowe; persecuted Christians; Willy; Ernie; Chris & Anne; Jean & Sonny Spears; Debra; John; David; John; Frances; Cathy; MarenMollooy; Charles & Cassidy;
Clara M. Biswas (missionary in Phnom Penh, Cambodia); prisoners, those on death row; families of crime victims; the unemployed; those suffering from natural disasters; UM Clergy Women in Mozambique.
Serving Today
Acolytes: Isa Gallegos; Josh Baker.
Readers: Janese Bechtol; Al Ross.
Nursery: Yesica Cruz: Beth Strausser; Lucy Perez.
Children’s Church: Debbie Grant & Leslie Casson-Stevens
Welcome Greeters: Linda Hauenstein; Addie Hebert.
Ushers: Stan Beall, Mark Johnson, Linda Hauenstein, Jeff Barnes, David Hauenstein; Sally Lafferty, Joan Bready, Oswald Welsh, Don Cook, Peggy Cook.
CONNECT
If you are interested in joining our church family, please contact Pastor Greg Adkins at or Associate Pastor Barbara Parnell at or call the church office 703-671-8557. Our next New Member Sunday is January 27th,2013.
Pastor Barbara Parnell will be leaving Fairlington at the end of December. We will celebrate her 2 1/2 years of servicetoday. Please join us for cake and coffee after the 9:30 am service and for lunch in the Fellowship Hall following the 11 am worship service. No RSVP needed.
Mingle with the Ministers: Have you participated in worship at Fairlington a few times? Interested in learning more about our congregation? Meet the pastors today,at 10:30 or Noonin the Parlor, following each worship service. Pastor Greg Adkins will be there to greet you and share more about Fairlington with you. Welcome!!
Holiday Stress? We have the relief you need- Prayer! Advent is a time of preparation, and prayer is central to our readiness. You are invited to join us on Mondays, November 26 through December 17thfrom 7 - 7:30 pm for Centering Prayer Sessionsin the Chapel. Come, recharge, and refocus- no preparation required.
Christmas Trees: The Fairlington United Methodist Men’s (FUMM) annual Christmas tree sale has begun! The trees will be sold every day 9am – 9pm until the trees are sold out. By purchasing a tree from Fairlington, you will help to support community service and church programs such as Cub Scouts, ALIVE!, Carolina Cross Connection and scholarships for Youth. Volunteers are neededto help with sales. On weekends, the youth will be selling wreaths to benefit youth mission trip programs. If you can volunteer to help, please send an email to Dave Walker indicating your preferred day and time,
Kingdom Christmas Market: This Christmas, find gifts that your friends and family will love AND that help support great causes in our community. Join us, againthis year for Fairlington's 4th Annual Kingdom Christmas Marketon Sundays, December 9th 16th from 10am -1pm in the Fellowship Hall. It's a great opportunity to put your Christmas dollars to work for many good causes and reclaim Christmas for the Kingdom. A few of the many participating vendors include: 10,000 Villages, African Team Ministries, ALIVE!, Yes We Can (supports UMCOR), Equal Exchange, Pink Crow Jewelry, MujeresArtesanas de Alexandria, Amanecer, And More! If you or a friend has an idea for a group that could participate in the Kingdom Christmas Market, please contact Dave Mooreat
Christmas Poinsettias: The sanctuary will be decorated with poinsettias on Sunday, December 23rd. If you wish to place a poinsettia in honor or memory of someone, please complete the pink form located on the Connect walls and turn it in no later than Monday, December17.
December Aged to Perfection (ATP) - ATP will attend a Christmas luncheon at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Inn on Thursday, December 20th. We will meet in the church parking lot at 11:00am. Completion of the arrangements must be made well in advance of that date with the restaurant. At this time, reservations have been made for 25 attendees and this may be slightly increased or decreased with sufficient notice to the restaurant. We have a choice of three entrees: Honey Fried Chicken - $30; Colonial Turkey Pie - $24; or Seafood Catch of the Day - $29. Lunch entrees include tossed salad, corn muffins, apple or cherry pie, and beverage. Price includes gratuity and tax. Please send your menu selection and payment by December 11th to Marilyn Stephenson, 700 N. Mansfield Street, Alexandria, VA 22304 (703-751-0568). Cancellations with refund of your money may be made until December 11th.
Senior Spotlight: Do you know a senior who deserves a moment in the spotlight? We're looking for FUMC 65+ members to profile in the Senior Spotlight. This is a chance for FUMC to get to know a little more about our members. If you have suggestions, contact Chuck Raasch at or Sandy Johnson at
GROW
Are You Prepared? Advent is a time of preparation- one way we prepare is to study. You are invited to participate in an Advent Bible Study, taking place on Sunday mornings, December 2, 9, 16, and 23 at 9:30am in the Parlor. The group will be using a series based on the Revised Common Lectionary titled Preparing the Way, by Susan Wink. Facilitator will be The Reverend Tim Farabaugh.
Library News: The library has a nice selection of books about the Christmas season. Look for them on display and on the top shelves above the children’s books. They are outlined with Christmas ribbon.
SERVE
Service Opportunities for December are provided on flyers on the Connect boards and under “Serve” on our website.
Campus Connections – Fall Care Packages to be filled Today! If you have forgotten to bring your goodies, you can drop them off in the Fellowship Hall at 6 pm tonight. We are looking for 30 of each item to go in care packages for our college students (think comfort or energy food). The items should be single-serving, wrapped, non-perishable, and suitable for mailing. Grab a flyer from the CONNECT board for full details. Instead of donating items, if you would like to make a monetary donation for purchasing snacks, please note “Campus Connections” on your payment and drop it in the offering plate today. Care packages will be filled tonight at 6:30 p.m. by the youth and mailed on December 3rd. Contact Cindi Davis
Christmas Party for All God’s Children
December 15th at 5:00 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to sort/wrap gifts on December 13th at 6:30pm and to help with the party on December 15th. THANK YOU!!!
Here’s how you can sign up:
1. Fill out a yellow card from the pew rack with your contact information and put “Party” under “Other”. Someone will contact you.
2. Grab a purple flyer from the CONNECT Board in the Narthex, fill it out and leave it in the collection bin on the wall.
3. Take this bulletin home and contact Mark or Lana to volunteer.
4. Go to our website at and click on “Serve” to fill out the online volunteer form.
5. As always, contact the church office or the organizers at any time.
We are also asking for donated toys for this annual Christmas party which benefits100+ children from local homeless shelters and organizations.
We need toys for ages 0-15. Do not wrap your gifts. Feel free to buy whatever you choose, but here are some gift ideas: infant toys; board games; soccer, basketball & other sports balls; dolls; Barbies, pretty ponies; disposable cameras; trucks, action figures, matchbox cars; jewelry, watches, contemporary purses/bags; educational toys; Legos, craft or art supplies; and hand-held games. Please include batteries for toys that require them.
Drop off your gifts in the box provided in the Narthex by
Thursday evening, December 13th.
In lieu of toy shopping, you can write a check to “FUMC” (memo: “Christmas Party”) and drop it in the offering plate.
Event Organizers:Mark Elder, 703-212-8528, Lana Hurdle, 703-243-6809,
OTHER NEWS
2012 White House Ornament Fundraiser - Fairlington Preschool is once again selling White House Christmas Ornaments. The price is $20 per ornament. White house ornaments make great holiday gifts. Red order forms are available on the Connect Boards in the Narthex and parking lot entrance. Orders including payment may be turned in between services in the Fellowship Hall through TODAY or to the church office by Dec. 3. Checks should be made out to Fairlington Preschool, memo: “Ornaments.” Questions? Please call the preschool office, 703-671-3939 or email Carol Keller at .