RSN September 2011

September 2011 Vol. 07 No. 09

Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ

! ! 5010 Little Falls Rd. Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 538-4886

www.rockspringucc.org

The Rock Spring News

September 11, 2011 will mark ten years since the tragedy of 9/11.

This event took the lives of many and shook the consciousness of our nation and world.

World Peace SundayS u n d a y , S e p t e m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 1

9 : 0 0 a . m . s e r v i c e

Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ and Dar Al-Hijrah

Islamic Center have declared Sunday, September 11, 2011 World Peace Sunday and are joining in a day full of events. The day begins with a worship service that will include comments from

Imam Johari Abdul-Malik,

Director of Outreach for the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center, Janet Parker, Pastor for

Parish Life and Kathy Dwyer, Senior Pastor, and a joint choir, with members from both the Islamic Center and Rock Spring.

The full schedule of events is on page 2.

http://www.rockspringucc.org

http://www.rockspringucc.org

http://www.daralhijrah.net




ROCK SPRING NEWS SEPTEMBER 2011 2

Event Schedule for World Peace Sunday

9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Worship at Rock Spring

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Brunch in Carpenter Hall

12:30 p.m.

Depart from Rock Spring for American University

to participate in the Unity Walk**

1:00 p.m.

Registration for the Unity Walk & Opening Program***

@ Hebrew Congregation 3935 Macomb St. NW

Washington DC

4:30 p.m.

Depart from the Gandhi Memorial

2121 Massachusetts Avenue

NW Washington, DC

5:00 p.m. - Arrive at Rock Spring

WORLD PEACE SUNDAY

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world

gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."– John 14:27

World Peace Sunday will be followed by a three-week Wednesday evening course designed to help develop our understanding of the Islamic tradition as well as to deepen our friendships with the members of Dar Al-Hijrah.(See related article on page 8)

* Please see article about the brunch on Page 8.

** We have 2730 spots reserved for Rock Springers on a bus we are sharing with Dar Al-Hijrah. If you would like to reserve a spot, please contact the church office or sign up in the Saegmuller Room.

*** Some of the Open Houses and locations along the walk have specific traditions regarding dress, and we ask that you respect these traditions as much as possible- in particular we ask that you avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless

shirts (both men and women). Also, a head covering is

recommended in several places for both men and women. Some sites ask that you remove your shoes upon entering, so wearing easily removable shoes may be helpful. As for other items, feel free to bring your camera for outdoor pictures, but cameras are sometimes restricted inside some locations. Also, remember, no banners, please.


You may have heard me light-heartedly joke about the number of surveys Rock Spring conducts; some of you have explained it to me as being part of the DC culture, others just know it as familiar. Recently, so many of our IMAGINE task forces wanted to survey the congregation that we created one big survey (for a limited time you can still fill it out here (http://bit.ly/rsimagine). This idea of having one survey rather than numerous ones received various responses ranging from “I love how well thought out this is” to “This is way too long!”

Seeking input and the creativity of others is always important but I think our survey frenzy also speaks to another reality at Rock Spring: we are unsure about what is at our core, the values and things that are most important to the congregation as a whole. Many of us know what is essential for ourselves, but my observation is that we are often unsure about whether our values are the same that are held by the majority of the congregation.

This became most clear to me earlier in the summer when I met with all of the IMAGINE Task Force leaders. Each Task Force has made great strides this year and they have also reached a point in their work when they are ready to make bigger, more lasting and more impactful decisions. Each Task Force wants to work in concert with the others and honor the essence of the congregation. If they are hesitant, it is because they are uncertain about how to define the congregation.

To facilitate reaching a shared understanding of who we are at our core, this fall we will launch IMAGINE 2.0: Setting the Table. The process will begin on Sunday, September 18 with a congregational lunch following worship at which we will engage in a process that will help us begin to identify our core values. In September and October, we will have a series of IMAGINE 2.0 parties, small group gatherings in the homes of members, where we will break bread together and continue an interactive process to help us clarify these values. We hope you will participate in the congregational gathering AND a house party. We will keep you informed about the responses along the way and hope to have the congregation affirm these values before the end of the year. If you would like to host a gathering, please contact Ashley Martinage. Very soon you will be able to sign up to attend an IMAGINE 2.0 party in Saegmuller Room and I hope you will.

Grace and peace,

Kathy

REFLECTIONS . . .

Kathy Dwyer

Senior Pastor

http://bit.ly/rsimagine

http://bit.ly/rsimagine


SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS AND NOTES

Welcome back! The Board of Christian Education hopes you had a great summer, and that you are ready to come back to another year of encountering God’s still-speaking word. “Back to School” Sunday is Sunday, September 18, 2011. Following our Peace Sunday celebration on 9/11, we return to two services of worship, with our educational and special offerings paired with our worship!

Getting to Sunday School is half the fun! Our building has a couple of twists and turns to get from the Sanctuary to the Hunter Education Building. In order to help our participants and parents find their way, we’ve paired the color of each room with a grade level.

Lower Level:Infant / Toddlers! ! OrangePreschool! ! ! Red

Kindergarten/ 1st Grade! Purple

There will be signs at the stairways to help guide you to the correct classroom.

Just follow the colors!

CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES

Upper Level:2nd/ 3rd Grade! ! ! Sky Blue

4th/5th Grade! ! ! Grass GreenMiddle High (6th-8th)! ! Deep Red (Interns’ Office)

Senior High (9th-12th)! ! Dove White (Peace Room)

Hank Fairman

Pastor for Children, Youth, & Families

FOR OUR YOUNGEST ONESRock Spring offers seasoned, professional Child Care available in our Infant and Toddler Nurseries from

the beginning of the 9:00 service to the end of our Fellowship Hour following the 11:00 service.

When you drop off your child with our excellent caregivers, you will receive a small vibrate-only “Parent Pager.” Parents, if you are needed by our caregivers, we’ll “buzz” you to come down to the Nursery. We hope that the pagers will allow our families with younger children the freedom to share deeper in worship and in the life of the congregation.

During the year, we share in many different educational, fellowship, and small-group events. It is our promise to have childcare available at every offering. If you are panning on attending one of the many events, please feel free to call and let the organizer know that you will be using our childcare so that we can have the appropriate number of folks to help out!


GODLY PLAYBuilding on the many years of our ministry with

the youngest in our midst, this fall brings us to a time of Godly Play. This approach teaches children the art of using Christian language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives. The authors describe the approach as:

• Godly Play is a creative and imaginative approach to Christian nurture.

• Godly Play is based on long established, tried and tested approaches.

• Godly Play encourages participants to make meaning for themselves by inviting them into stories and providing the opportunity for them to connect the stories with their personal experience.

• Godly Play is a non-coercive way to encourage people to move into larger dimensions of belief and faith through wondering questions and open-ended response time.

• Godly Play values process, openness and discovery.

• Godly Play is a way of preparing children to join in the worship and life of their congregations as they develop a deeper understanding of stories, symbols and rites.

We will begin using this curriculum at our 9:00 a.m. Multi-age class and our 11:00 a.m. Preschool class this fall.

Faith Practices returns for another year of incredible faith-building fun. What is a faith practice? Faith Practices is a set of activities that help us to build on the core values of the United Church of Christ, and keep our ears and eyes listening and looking for more light to break through from our Still-Speaking God.

Dorothy Bass defines activities like this as:Christian practices are things Christian people do

together over time to address fundamental human needs in the light of and in response to God's grace to all creation through Christ Jesus.

This fall, we will share in “Giving Testimony and Witness (Engaging Others Faithfully):”

Most people go to church to experience God, but our encounters with the Holy are in the very fabric of our lives. We live as individuals and in relationship to others as family and friends, at work and in the community. Our faith can be nourished in these relationships by becoming aware of God’s action and learning how to give witness and testimony to it.

The activities designed for the individual will help a person gain some comfort in sharing one’s faith and living out that faith in daily life. The activities designed for the home and family are suggestions for family groups, however each person experiences that. In these activities we will practice sharing our experiences of God and the way our faith informs their life with one another.

As with all faith practices, giving testimony and witness require discipline. Some of the activities are low-risk, while others will require more courage. You have to be willing to accept resistance or flat out rejection. Sharing is a two-way street; if you are also willing to listen to others the rewards are great!

For more information on the curriculum, check out www.faithpractices.org.

To help connect our Sunday mornings to our daily and family life, we will be adding some additional “connections” this year.

Continued on next page.


http://www.faithpractices.org

http://www.faithpractices.org


First, the weekly “FP @ Home” email will be delivered to your inbox every Monday. This will share the Sunday school lesson for the week, the scripture stories that were shared, and a way to continue the practice with your family through the week. This message will also share information on upcoming events, special activities, and ways that your family can join in the life of our congregation.

Second, at the end of each Faith Practice (every 6-8 weeks), there will be a Family Feedback session held at 10:15 in between our two services. If you come for the 9:00 service, please hang out for a bit; if you come for the 11:00, arrive early, and grab a cup of juice or coffee.

Third, we have awesome teachers. Please check in with them every week, and see what wonderful things were shared in class!

COME MEET YOURTEACHER(S)!

Please come and meet our Sunday School teachers on Sunday, September 18, following our 9:00 and 11:00 worship services. This is a time to meet the students and parents in each of our wonderful educational programs. Rest assured, juice and cookies will be provided! Children and Youth Information Update

At the beginning of each program year, the Sunday School reviews its roster to make sure that we know everyone’s name, grade, and birthday. Parents, please fill out a Sunday School Registration form, verifying your children’s information.

These are located in the Atrium to the Hunter Building, by the bulletin boards. We are working on an online form as well, and will send an email when this is ready. The Board of Christian Education thanks you in advance for helping us keep good records!

You can also do this via S u r v e y M o n k e y : h t t p : / /w w w. s u r v e y m o n k e y. c o m / s /2011SSRegistration

CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2012

The Confirmation Class of 2012 will be forming this month. Confirmation is open to any youth who is currently in or beyond Ninth Grade. If your child is in this age group, you will be receiving an invitation letter in late September.

Confirmation is a year-long group study in personal faith and spiritual discernment, sharing in the faith and order of the United Church of Christ. The schedule of the class will be determined by the participants to provide the best experience for the participants and their families. This walk in faith will conclude in the spring, with the Confirmation Sunday service led by the class.

This year, we will be experimenting with a new approach to Confirmation. This will involve a deeper walk in faith with our confirmands, their families, and the whole congregation. You may be asked to share in this process as a Mentor

(a God-parent for the Confirmation year). If you are asked, please take on this relationship with great honor; it’s really cool to be trusted to walk with our youth on their journey!

KIDS NIGHT OUTRegistration is beginning for

Kid’s Night Out (KNO), a new program for children of the church from infants through 8th grade. Kid’s Night Out aims to provide a safe, fun environment for Rock Spring kids to spend time with their “church friends,” give parents a well-deserved break, and cultivate relationships in the Rock Spring community. Sign your children up now to reserve space in the program and give yourself four free Saturday nights this fall.

Who: Rock Spring Kids, infant through 5th grade

Who else: Older Rock Spring kids – 6th, 7th, and 8th graders with younger siblings may attend to help out and earn back their registration fee

When: Saturday, September 17, October 15, November 19 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm AND December 10 with extended hours TBD

Fee: $10 per child per sessionParents may participate in a

volunteer option – volunteer to help out with one session of KNO and receive complimentary enrollment for your children at a second session.


FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011SSRegistration







Welcome back to all of the Youth of Rock Spring! This year will be a great time for fun, faith, and fellowship for every youth of Rock Spring, and many friends from our community! Every week, updates and information on the weekly gatherings will be emailed out in the “YoRS Weekly Update.” The first of these should have been in your inbox on Wednesday, September 7. If you didn’t get it (and you should have), please send an email to [email protected]. We’ll get you set up!Last spring, the Board of Christian Education approved a new staffing model

for youth ministry. We are currently seeking two staff positions to support our growing youth ministry. The hope is to have these positions in place for the beginning of the program year. Get ready to welcome new friends!

MIDDLE HIGH YORSMH YoRS kicks off this year with a Lock-In on September 16-17! Parents, we’ll need both male and female

chaperones for the night. Please email [email protected] if you are available.

Our first meeting at our regular time of 4:30-6:30 every Sunday will begin the following week, 9/25 MH-YoRS Dates:

9/18 ! Parents’ Fall Information and Organization Meeting, 4:00-6:00, Carpenter Hall9/16-17! MH YoRS Lock-In (starts 7:00 Friday; ends 9:00 Saturday)—No Sunday Meeting!9/25 ! Regular Meetings begin, 6:30-8:30 @ Carpenter Hall

SENIOR HIGH YORSSH YoRS will get together on Sunday, September 18, from 6:30-8:30. We’ll do a pizza-feast for this one, and talk

about the amazing things will be doing this year! PLEASE NOTE: Hold the weekend of 9/24-25 for our fall retreat!! Details ASAP!SH-YORS DATES:

9/18 ! Parents’ Fall Information and Organization Meeting, 4:00-6:00 Carpenter Hall9/18 ! Kickoff Dinner Meeting, 6:30-8:30, Carpenter Hall

9/24-25! SH YoRS Retreat at the Lindsay’s House in Markham

PARENTS OF THE YOUTH OF ROCK SPRINGParents, please join for an Information and Organization Meeting on Sunday, September 18, 4:00-6:00 in

Carpenter Hall. Please bring an appetizer or sweet to share. We will look towards the fall calendar, and discuss our leadership and chaperone needs for the coming year. This is a meeting for parents, guardians, and adults. Members and Friends of Rock Spring, you are also invited to come and learn more about the YoRS groups.

For all of our Members and Friends who would like to help out with our Youth ministries, you are welcome to come and share in this gathering. There is room for all who feel called to walk with our youth! Parents, Members, and Friends, please RSVP to [email protected]. If you have a child in 6th Grade through 12th Grade, YoRS is the place to be!

YOUTH OF ROCK SPRING (YORS)


mailto:[email protected]







CONTINUING THE MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE

WEDNESDAYS IN SEPTEMBER

Wednesdays September 14, 21 & 28

From Understanding to Unity6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Gathering, refreshments

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Program

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Developing an Understanding of the Islamic FaithSusan Douglas, Education Consultant for

Georgetown University, will present the historical and cultural history of Islam. Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, Director of Outreach for the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center will share a macro view of fundamental Islamic principles and practices.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21Contemporary Issues in the Muslim World

The evening will begin with a brief PBS documentary that will address contemporary issues and then hear a panel of American Muslims discuss “hot topics.” There will also be some time for discussion with participants.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28Exploring What Our Faith Calls Us to Do TogetherThis evening will provide an opportunity for

intentional dialogue between the members of Rock Spring and Dar Al-Hijrah. Where is the intersection in our faith traditions? Is there something we could do together to help us live out our faith more effectively?

As a part of the September 11, 2011 World Peace Sunday, we will be holding a “Modified” Pot Luck Brunch at the conclusion of the 9:00 am service which is expected to end about 10:30. The meal will be both symbolic and substantial, as we are returning the gracious hospitality we received from the members of Dar Al-Hijrah who will take part in worship with us that Sunday. It is substantial because following this event, there are several other activities which necessitate a substantial meal.

We are particularly sensitive to respecting the dietary restrictions of our Muslim visitors.1

Rock Spring will provide beverages, desserts, and meat that is prepared within the dietary guidelines for this faith. We are asking you to bring a large vegetarian dish to share at the potluck; please also bring a small card that notes the ingredients in the dish. We are expecting a large crowd (a full Rock Spring house plus our visitors) so your

contributions will be most appreciated!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the church office. We look forward to this time for meaningful and delicious fellowship.

1halal (lawful) foods exclude all pork and alcohol.

WORLD PEACE FORUM SERIES WORLD PEACE SUNDAY BRUNCH

(Continuation of World Peace Sunday Article on page 2)

WORLD PEACE SUNDAY






UPCOMING OFFERING BY JANET PARKER

What: At Home in the Circle of Life: Christian and Native American

Perspectives on the path to human and ecological wholeness

When: Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:30, October 5, 12, 19, November 9, 16Where: Saegmuller Room

Where is home for you?Who counts as your family?

How do you relate to the natural world, and is it part of your spirituality and faith journey?

An old Christian hymn asks, “Will the circle be unbroken?” Today, the circle of life is broken. Injustice, violence and ecological devastation tear at the fabric of the community of creation. Come for this five-week series and learn from Native American as well as Christian perspectives on how we might find our way back home to the circle of life, and help restore its wholeness. The course will include a focus on Christian practices that help us “come home” to our local community and awaken to our larger family—the family of creation. Join Janet as she shares with Rock Spring her learnings and reflections from her recent sabbatical and her book project.

Schedule:6:30: Light appetizers and fellowship

7:00-8:30: Program

*Note: it is preferable but not required to attend all five sessions. Stay tuned for suggested reading from Janet.

GREEN TIPAccording to the Worldwatch Institute, over 45

tons of used CDs are sent to landfills each month. What can you do? At the website www.discsfordogs.org, you can learn how to mail in old CDs and DVDs, and they'll be resold with 100% of the funds going to a local SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). If you have a CD or DVD that is scratched, and you want to keep it i n s t e a d o f p u r c h a s i n g a n o t h e r , visit www.auraltech.com and they may be able to restore it for you. Try it! Brought to you by Rock Spring's Eco-Justice Committee.

SAVE THE DATE: FOUR MILE RUN CLEANUPJoin Rock Springers and others in our community

on Saturday, September 17, as we help clean up Four Mile Run stream from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE) at Barcroft Park. Rock Springers and other volunteers will meet at 10:00 at the parking garage located at 4200 S. Four Mile Run Drive in Arlington. This event will include a tally of the trash collected, in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup and Clean Virginia Waterways Day. The cleanup is being organized by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE).

Please wear sturdy shoes that can get wet and bring work gloves if you have them. Snacks and water will be provided. You are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle. Long pants and sleeves are a good idea if you are allergic to poison ivy. Sunscreen is also recommended.

To sign up for the cleanup or to ask questions, please contact Jim Alverson. Brought to you by Rock Spring Eco-Justice.

ECO JUSTICE UPDATES

SPIRITUAL GROWTH & LEARNING

Janet Parker

Pastor for Parish Life

http://www.discsfordogs.org/

http://www.discsfordogs.org/

http://www.auraltech.com/

http://www.auraltech.com/


BEYOND THE WORSHIP WARS(9 CHARACTERISTICS OF VITAL CONGREGATIONS)

THE IMAGINING WORSHIP TASK FORCEOur task force has been reading Beyond the Worship

Wars: Building Vital and Faithful Worship by Thomas G. Long, Alban Inst., 2001. We have found it to be both exciting and helpful, and so we would like to share some of it with you. The following are my notes, and as such are not taken directly from the book. They are very brief and intended to help you get a flavor of the concepts and ideas there-in. If you would like to read the book, some of our task force will donate our copies to the church library so you that you may access them easily. We are on a thoughtful and engaging journey and invite you to come along with us. Linda Carder, Chair, Imagining Worship Task Force

9: They all have strong, charismatic pastors as worship leaders. What else can I say!

7: A relatively stable order of service and a significant repertoire of worship elements and responses that the congregation knows by heart. While the dance of worship is always fluid, graceful and full of spontaneity and sometimes even the unpredictable, one needs to know the dance steps. So there are some parts of worship that we know and can say by heart. Memories are made from this.

6: Have a strong connection between worship and mission. This connection is expressed in every aspect of the worship service. Mission shapes the overall identity of a congregation. Vital churches are not one-cause churches. Mission becomes the implied curriculum. Visually, think of the doors of the church as saloon doors that swing both ways, so that one enters to worship and departs to serve.

5: Creatively adapt the space and environment of worship. The author talks about the theological movement from tent style worship, to temple, to table worship. Currently the focus is on the House of God. It’s necessary to have room for gathering space (entry), movement space, congregational space, and choir space. Altar, Baptism and Pulpit are currently moving closer to the congregation. Long writes, “the space should vibrate with the potential of an encounter between God and humanity, an engagement that will break out in song, movement, praise and devotion, surrender and service.”

4: Emphasize congregational music that is both excellent and eclectic in style and genre. There needs to be something for everyone, and it should include a variety of style and genres and be of high quality. It is possible to find excellent music from all styles and from around the world that fit the scriptures for each day. It’s also important not to just focus the music on one’s individual experience, but also on mission

8: Move to a joyous festival experience toward the end of the service. A service of worship,builds to joyous conclusion. Throughout the service we have been on our pilgrim way, eventually arriving at a place where we get a glimpse of our destination, and nothing can deter the celebration.

3: Recover and make visible the sense of drama inherent in worship. Always ask, is there a way to allow the inherent drama of the Bible passage for that day to be more fully visible, be more inviting to participation, to be experienced and carried out into the lives of the worshippers?

2: Make planned and concerted efforts to show hospitality to the stranger. Hospitality to the stranger understood theologically is more complex than being a friendly church. It is rather an open invitation to belonging: Can you sing, dance, read? Are you interested in a particular mission, etc.? There is a place here for you. The words: Please come to both do and be with us. Visually: All the doors are wide open all the time.

1: Make room, somewhere in worship, for the experience of mystery. The Holy is not something that can be planned, but there must be room for it. It often happens when there is a tension between strangeness and welcome, or by maintaining dialectic between the familiar and surprise, awe and comfort of community. It comes to us unexpectedly as a symbol or feeling of otherness.

THE TASK FORCE CORNER


PREPARING FOR GOD’S HARVEST IN OCTOBER

During the month of October, committees, task forces, and the congregation at large will be teaming together to serve as a pacesetter for the United Church of Christ (UCC) Mission:1 Campaign (http://www.ucc.org/mission1/). “What is Mission:1?” you ask. It is a collective mission campaign for the first 11 days in November (11.1.11 – 11.11.11) involving UCC congregations, colleges, seminaries, and health and human service agencies to achieve the following goals1:

• Collect more than 1 million food items for local food banks

• Raise $111,111 in online donations for Neighbors in Need

• Write 11,111 letters to Congress asking for U.S. foreign assistance be reformed to more effectively serve the world’s poorest people

Rock Spring has been asked to be a “pacesetter” for Mission:1 and to initiate our efforts in advance of the actual campaign start of 11.1.11. At Rock Spring, we will be coordinating our efforts under the theme “God’s Harvest” and activities will culminate on October 30th with our third 5th Sundays service project. The Global Mission Task Force, Eco-Justice Committee, Social Action and Mission Board, Women’s Fellowship, and 5th Sundays Task Force are among the current contributors of ideas and plans for God’s Harvest.

A bushel basket full of ideas has been gleaned, and the ideas are yielding activities for the harvest event. Through this collective effort, we anticipate aligning current Rock Spring activities, as well as some new activities, under the God’s Harvest theme to support our contribution to Mission:1. Anticipated food and hunger activities that will be supported by God’s Harvest include:

• Arlington CROP Hunger Walk (http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/TR/2011FallCROPHungerWalk/TR-Fall2011?fr_id=13273&pg=entry)

• Letter Writing Campaign (in support of Bread for the World’s 2011 Offering of Letters)

• Silent Auction (inspired by the former Fall Harvest Auction)

• 5th Sundays Service Project related to food and hunger

• Informational Sessions aimed at exposing alternative views around food and hunger

• Further details will be forthcoming in late September.

If food and hunger strikes a chord for you and/or you are inspired to apply your passion to cultivate God’s Harvest, we are actively seeking volunteers to assist with the planning and execution of the activities. All communication for God’s Harvest is being coordinated via the 5th Sundays Task Force. Contact us at [email protected] to volunteer or contribute feedback.

1 Mission: 1 Campaign Manual


http://www.ucc.org/mission1/




http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/TR/2011FallCROPHungerWalk/TR-Fall2011?fr_id=13273&pg=entry











SAEGMULLER ROOM TASK FORCE

The Saegmuller Room Renovation Task Force (TF) has been hard at work this summer brainstorming and obtaining estimates. Discussions and preparations continue.

Here are some of the ideas, accomplishments, and issues:

• Flooring: Concerned that the rug is often soiled and is hard to keep clean, the TF has priced both a hardwood floor and the new, very durable, wood-look laminates. The laminate is in the lead as an attractive floor that is easy to maintain. The TF envisions area rugs defining seating clusters if the budget allows.

• Storage for serving dishes and bowls: A lovely buffet has been purchased at half-price to house these items. The top of the buffet will be covered with glass to protect the surface. Also, a very nice coffee table was purchased at half-price.

• New sofas and chairs: the TF has identified a manufacturer and style. An interior decorator related to the firm will visit in early September to assist in final decisions and fabric choice.

• Paint: A painting estimate has been obtained for the walls and ceiling.

• Coffee service: The TF discovered that Arlington’s hard water makes it imprudent to invest in an expensive Bunn system. Exploration on this issue continues, including how to store the pots.

• Trash: How to disguise trashcans is a difficult issue. Ideas are welcome.

• Refrigerator: The TF has decided to replace the under-the-counter model with a bigger one equipped with a separate freezing compartment. Some carpentry and electrical work will be needed and an estimate has been obtained.

• Financing: A church member made a generous donation, which allows the TF to think beyond new furniture. Women’s Fellowship is donating the new sofas. We do not, however, have sufficient funds for all of the items mentioned above.

Should you have comments let the Task Force know:

Jacki Brown,Peggy Greenwood,

Becky Halbe,Angela Manning,

&Laurie Rodgers.



Congregational Ga!e"ng

and

Pa#ies Scheduled for !% Fall

The next step in our IMAGINE process is to become more clear about what is at the core of Rock Spring so we are able to confidently make decisions that reflect the values of the congregation. Please plan to participate with IMAGINE 2.0.

The first step in the process is Sunday, September 18th following worship when we will have a congregational luncheon and opening exercise to identify the values we prize most highly. We want as much participation as possible!

Imagine 2.0 H'se Pa#ies will fu#her refine and p"o"tize !ese values.

Interview teams will test ( values wi! less active members and people

who may have recently le) ( congregation.

*e C'ncil will syn!esize ( result and present !em

to ( congregation for a+roval.

Beginning Sunday, September 4 you may register for a party by signing up in the Saegmuller Room or calling the church office at 703-538-4886. If you are interested in

hosting a party, please contact Ashley Martinage.

IMAGINE 2.O: SETTING THE TABLE


OUR CENTENNIAL LOGO, HOW DID IT COME INTO BEING?

One of the pieces of advice that I received about planning for centennials was to start early on creating a logo that could be used throughout the year of celebration. Thus it was that an early planning meeting addressed the question, “what design should we use to portray Rock Spring?” Many churches use an outline of their church building as the symbol of their centennial. I still have a mug from our last building campaign that has such an outline of Rock Spring Church. As we thought about this subject, Kathy Dwyer asked us “what is unique to Rock Spring?” We all immediately said “the Galilee Cross.” The discussion then turned into what words we should include in the logo. After some back and forth (and a bit of irreverence I must admit), we adopted “Celebrating our Past, Embracing our Future”. It was important to our group that we both recognize the accomplishments of our church home in the past, as well as our hopes for Rock Spring’s future.

Our next step, of course, was to ask our long-time member and artist Caroline Hufford-Anderson, who sculpted the Galilee Cross at the request of Rev. George Booth, for her permission to use the cross as the center of our centennial logo. Caroline was pleased to honor our request, and Martha Jolkovski accepted the task of creating a logo that incorporated the image of the cross and the words the centennial planners had chosen. Claudia Scott and Karin Croft took the lead to work with Martha reviewing different versions of her designs. Steve Miller shot some detailed photography of the cross to assist Martha in her design. In addition to render the cross graphically, Martha also faced the challenge of incorporating our lengthy church name, the dates of the centennial, and the words we had chosen. She continues to tell us that she needs to tweak it, but we are so happy with her logo that we shared it with you in our last two articles on the centennial planning process.

As to the centerpiece of our logo, the Galilee Cross, our centennial history, On Foundations Firmly Laid, (which was profiled in last month’s RS News) will include the answers to such questions as, why did George Booth ask Caroline for the sculpture?; what word is inscribed on each of the vertical arms of the cross?; and, what does the oval space made of openwork steel mesh symbolize? The Centennial Planning Committee will be taking orders for this history toward the end of September, and if you get one you will find out those answers, as well as many others. In the meantime when you next see Caroline and Martha you might convey your thanks for their sharing their artistic gifts with our church.

Gail Howell, on behalf of the Centennial Planning Committee

Logo created by Martha Jolkovski

CENTENNIAL NEWS


ROCK SPRING REVIEW

IN MEMORIAM: EMILY HASELTINE

Rock Spring has been saddened by the loss of Emily Haseltine, a long-time Rock Spring member, who contributed to many areas of congregational life. Emily passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, August 15, at Arleigh Burke Nursing Home. A memorial service will be held at Rock Spring on October 29. We extend our prayers and condolences to Emily’s family, particularly Rock Springers Bob and Bobbie Walker, and Wendy, Steve, Nick, Ian and Melanie Keister.

MARKERS & MILESTONESCongratulations on the births of Evelyn Atsumi

Morgan, daughter of Chako and Jonathan, born July 22, and Natalie Claire Koprince, daughter of Anne and Jeff, born August 15.

Congratulations on the baptism of Adelaide Louise Meehan on August 21 daughter of Molly McCracken and vice Meehan.

NEWS & NOTES

MEN'S GROUP LUNCHThe Men's Group Lunch is on the first Friday of

each month, except in September which will be the second Friday. We have been meeting at Mylo's Grill in Chesterbrook at noon or a little earlier. This is an opportunity each month for the men to escape their normal routines, ponder and recharge their batteries, talk, and share. Meetings are free format with each gathering finding its own common ground. There is no requirement to bring or contribute anything, but everybody finds something interesting. Each pays for their own lunch. For further information or to coordinate a ride, call Emory Hackman at 703 288-2941.

LUNCH AT THE SHIRLINGTON EMPLOYMENT CENTER

It was a stifling hot day. The men swooped in to grab fruit and water; chips and sandwiches went next and finally the cookies. There were waves to others to come and get something before it was all gone and expressions of thanks, mostly in Spanish. Rock Spring provides lunch once a month for 25 potential workers waiting for day labor jobs in the park in Shirlington across from the Weenie Beenie as part of SEEC program in Arlington. Grab a couple of friends, get out your calendar, and pick a date to provide lunch; Ann Rudd can fill you in on the further details. Reinmbursment available. Dates available (second Wednesday of each month): October 11, November 9, December 14, February 8, March 14, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8.

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

I just finished reading Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand. What a stunning experience! Stunning because of what the author gave of her life (seven years) and also what a stunning human being Louis Zampirini was.

No matter whether you are looking for a classic, or a mystery, or a quality page-turner of current vintage, you are likely to find it within our church library.

Our library is always in need of more helpers to process new books and to mind the checkout counter after each service. Watch for more news next month; meanwhile, treat yourself to a book that you know about or that is a surprise; visit the church library at Rock Spring.

Anita Cline

PEOPLE ARE FLOCKING TO NAZARETH! PAGE 2


A NOTE FROM THE ST. THOMAS MOORE ACADEMY

Dear 5th Sunday Crew:

Thank you, thank you for all the time and energy you devoted to making last Sunday's event at St. Thomas More Academy so incredible. It was heartwarming for Ms. Coates and me to walk around the school and see all the warm friendly faces working so hard to help get the

school into shape for the new school year. The bookshelf team - oh my

goodness did those guys work hard! The library team - they may not have felt like they

did much, but Ms. Coates was literally brought to tears of joy when she saw the progress that was made! The first floor hallway team - I am so psyched about the difference the scrubbing made! The window crew? It was like night and day - the difference their efforts made. And the bathroom team- don't get me started on how fabulous I think they are. The painter teams - they all worked so hard (and in some cases twice as hard!) to make these look fresh! Janet and Claire were the paint station heroes, and the uniform team - well, they are our school secretary's heroes!

Truly every person and every task made such an absolute difference.

I am so grateful to you all for the heart and the good spirits you have offered our CCA community.

All my best,

Elizabeth Ross

Director of Development at the Consortium of Catholic Academies

ROCK SPRING REVIEW


CELEBRATING THE UCC’S LEGACY OF MEDIA ADVOCACY WORK Come celebrate the United Church of Christ’s half-century of work in support of diverse and open media at the

29th Annual Everett C. Parker Ethics in Telecommunications Breakfast and Lecture on Wednesday September 28 in downtown Washington. In 1959, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. solicited the help of Rev. Parker when television stations in the Deep South were editing nightly network news broadcasts to eliminate all coverage of the civil rights movement. In the denomination’s earliest days, Rev. Parker created the UCC’s Office of Communication, Inc., to pursue a legal challenge that eventually led the Federal Communications Commission to revoke the broadcast license of WLBT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi, and to establish the precedent that the public had a right to participate in proceedings before the FCC. Today, OC Inc. continues to work to promote access and diversity in the media including, increasingly, the Internet and broadband telecommunications. Rock Springer Sara Fitzgerald serves as deputy treasurer on the OC Inc. Board of Directors.

This year’s Parker Lecture will be delivered by Steven Waldman, special assistant to the FCC chairman and principal author of the agency’s recently released Future of the Media report. Waldman was the founder of Beliefnet.com, the largest multi-faith Web site on religion, and served as its CEO from 2002 to 2007. This year’s Parker Award will be conferred on Alex Nogales, president and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition, in recognition of his work to promote diversity in the programming, news coverage, and hiring practices of mainstream media, particularly on behalf of Hispanics. Joseph W. Waz Jr., former senior vice president of external affairs and public policy counsel of Comcast, will receive the 2011 Donald M. McGannon Award in recognition of his work to promote opportunities in the cable industry for young women and persons of color. In addition, this year OC Inc. will present a special Newton Minow Award to retiring FCC Commissioner Michael Copps in recognition of Copps’ 10 years of service at the commission and his work in support of the public interest and to promote diverse media voices in the United States.

The event helps to support the ongoing advocacy work of OC Inc. It will begin at 8 a.m. at The Washington Post Conference Center, 1150 15th Street NW, Washington. (Doors open at 7:30 a.m.) To purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities, or make a donation, go to www.uccmediajustice.org.

ROCK SPRING REVIEW

CHURCH ENDOWMENT FUNDIn June the Rock Spring Congregational Church Endowment Fund ("RSEF") received a notice from the

Internal Revenue Service that its tax exempt status was revoked for failure to file a Form 990 for the past three years. We have been advised by two "in house" opinions over the last several years that we were not required to file a Form 990. Since receiving the notice from the Internal Revenue Service, we have been advised by outside counsel that we are not required to file a Form 990, and have filed with the Internal Revenue Service for a reinstatement of our tax exempt status with an explanation as to why we feel we are not required to file the Form 990. The IRS took this action without notice, and we were one of 250,000 tax exempt organizations to receive such a letter. We promptly filed for reinstatement with appropriate explanations, but the wheels of the IRS move slowly in such matters, and we expect that it will be a number of months before the matter is resolved.

In the meantime, gifts to the RSEF in its non-tax exempt status would not be eligible for an income tax deduction and, accordingly, no gifts should be made to the RSEF until further notice. Gifts that one would otherwise make to the RSEF should be made to Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ with the understanding that, once the RSEF tax exempt status is reinstated, the RSEF would ask that the Church voluntarily pass on to RSEF any funds gifted to the Church that otherwise would have been gifted to RSEF. This situation has no bearing on the RSEF's ability to continue supporting the Church budget and making any other grants as appropriate. If you have any questions you are welcome to contact Don Manning, Chairperson of the RSEF.

http://www.uccmediajustice.org/

http://www.uccmediajustice.org/


MOVABLE FEAST NEWS

Mixer/Pot Luck/Reunion Saturday, October 1st, 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Carpenter Hall. Children welcome and Childcare Provided. Sign up by September 27.

The Details:

Whether you’ve been Movable Feasting since we began this tradition several years ago, or have never tried it, all are invited to come to this fall’s Movable Feast Mixer and Potluck, which will also feature a reunion opportunity for past Movable Feasters!

The Movable Feast program is a wonderful way to get connected at Rock Spring—to make new friends, get to know acquaintances better, and enjoy deeper fellowship with other Rock Springers. We particularly wish to encourage Rock Springers who have joined in the past couple of years to join this fall in order to broaden your social network in the church. And, for former movable feasters, we invite everyone who has participated in any of the movable feast groups to come back to mix, mingle, catch up with, and eat with your friends from your former movable feast group(s). Following the reunion time, the new groups for the next cycle will meet. Those not wishing to “re-up” for the next cycle may leave at this point.

How it works:

Singles, couples (spouse, significant other, partner, or friend) or families will be randomly assigned to a group of six to eight people. Groups arrange their own schedules to meet four times over the next five months. We are looking to be more intentional about organizing successful groups and being more inclusive of children. In the past, some groups have had a hard time getting started with their meetings. To assist with the process, a “shepherd” will be selected for each group responsible for the group getting organized and continuing to meet. Don’t be afraid to try just because you have small or school age children. Many groups have really enjoyed their experiences with children as part of the group. Another alternative this year is scheduling some meetings around the new “Kids Night Out” program, which are planned on Saturdays this September 17, October 15, November 19, and December 10.

To make sure we can organize the groups and provide clear information, we need to have you sign up no later than Tuesday, September 27th. Include the ages of all children in your reply. You can sign up by emailing Richard Lee ([email protected]) or calling (703) 521-0163.

ROCK SPRING REVIEW




FROM ALL THREE OF US, THANK YOU!

Dear Rock Spring Family,

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and celebration for Baby Fairman. Since we found out that we were expecting, your support has been there, asking, "Is everything okay?" "How is Christina feeling?" "Can we know what you're having??" We’ve been glad to be able to respond, "Yes, we're progressing normally!" "Feeling well, considering!" and "A baby! Just wait with us to see."

The baby shower you hosted for us on Sunday, August 28 was a true blessing! We were awestruck by your generosity and well wishes, and we hope you feel awestruck by our gratitude. Your gifts of safety, of books, and of love show just what kind of community Rock Spring is--a place of love for all!

Now, with four weeks to go, we are in a wait-and-see mode. Who knows when the newest Fairman will choose to join us in the outside world? When it happens, we know that you will be there with us, rejoicing. That means the world to us!

Thank you for your generosity, and thank you for being the loving, welcoming congregation that you are!

Peace,

Rev. Hank, Christina and Baby Fairman

ROCK SPRING REVIEW

THE ROCK SPRING NEWSFOR THE PERIOD OF 09/01/11

Published 08/31/11

Rock Spring CongregationalUnited Church of Christ5010 Little Falls RoadArlington, VA 22207 (703) 538-4886

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER FOR SEPTEMBER:

• Sunday, September 11: World Peace Sunday service @ 9:00 a.m.• Sunday, September 11: World Peace Sunday Brunch @ 11:00 a.m. in Carpenter Hall

• Saturday, September 17: Kidʼs Night Out•• Sunday, September 18: “Back to School Sunday”• Sunday, September 18: Imagine 2.0: Setting The Table @ Noon in Carpenter Hall

• Wednesday, September 14, 21 & 28: World Peace Forum Series at 6:30 p.m. @ Saegmuller Room

Documents

RSN September 2011