JUNE 2019 STEEPLETALK FAIRLINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH You Are Cordially Invited to a Celebration in Honor of Pastor Mary Beth Blinn, Recognizing Her Years of Ministry to FUMC and the United Methodist Church. Sunday June 9, 2019 In the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service Note :While this Celebration is June 9, Mary Beth’s Last Sunday here is June 16. Write Pastor Mary Beth a Postcard! We know that many of you would like an oppor- tunity to thank Pastor Mary Beth for her service to Fairlington. You are invited to send her a personal post card by filling out one of the blank cards in the specially marked baskets in the Narthex. Complet- ed cards should be placed in one of the “Special Delivery” mail boxes beside the baskets. We will assemble these into an album for her as a gift from the Congregation. Thank you in advance for your help in making this a memorable gift! Love Offering for Pastor Mary Beth To celebrate Pastor Mary Beth’s 38 years of minis- try we are collecting a love offering. You can con- tribute to this offering: a) by making a check or cash donation to FUMC and denoting “Mary Beth Love Offering” in the memo line, or by e-giving by selecting Other on the on-line menu and denoting “Mary Beth Love Offering.” Please note that dona- tions to this love offering are not tax deductible. For questions, contact Mark Elder at [email protected]or Lana Hurdle at [email protected].
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JUNE 2019 STEEPLETALK FAIRLINGTON UNITED METHODIST … · Janine was ordained in 2000 and received her Doctor in Ministry from Wesley Seminary in 2007. She was the lead pastor at
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JUNE 2019 STEEPLETALK FAIRLINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
You Are Cordially Invited
to a
Celebration in Honor of
Pastor Mary Beth Blinn,
Recognizing Her Years of Ministry to
FUMC and the United Methodist Church.
Sunday June 9, 2019
In the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service Note :While this Celebration is June 9,
Mary Beth’s Last Sunday here is June 16.
Write Pastor Mary Beth a Postcard! We know that many of you would like an oppor-tunity to thank Pastor Mary Beth for her service to Fairlington. You are invited to send her a personal post card by filling out one of the blank cards in the specially marked baskets in the Narthex. Complet-ed cards should be placed in one of the “Special Delivery” mail boxes beside the baskets. We will assemble these into an album for her as a gift from the Congregation. Thank you in advance for your help in making this a memorable gift!
Love Offering for Pastor Mary Beth To celebrate Pastor Mary Beth’s 38 years of minis-try we are collecting a love offering. You can con-tribute to this offering: a) by making a check or cash donation to FUMC and denoting “Mary Beth Love Offering” in the memo line, or by e-giving by selecting Other on the on-line menu and denoting “Mary Beth Love Offering.” Please note that dona-tions to this love offering are not tax deductible.
I am thrilled to announce that we have a prospective lead pastor, the Rev. Dr. Janine Howard. Janine joined the Methodist church in her young adulthood after being welcomed and recruited by the United Methodist Women at a
local Methodist Church on the Eastern Shore, where she was living. She had the unique experience of being called, ordained and then serving as the pastor of the very church that first welcomed her.
Janine was ordained in 2000 and received her Doctor in Ministry from Wesley Seminary in 2007. She was the lead pastor at various churches before being called to leadership at the cabinet level. Janine is currently ending her term as the District Superintendent of the Danville District. Janine expressed excitement at serving a Reconciling Congregation. She is ready to lead us through the fallout from General Conference, wherever that takes us. Janine has been involved in Caring for God’s Creation on a leadership level and personally enjoys being out in nature. She will be moving here with her dog, Kobi, who chose her in a street encounter and who loves to hike with her.
Janine is familiar with the area, as she has lived in Falls Church and attended George Mason Junior High and Senior Highschool. Here is a message from Janine.
I am excited about the prospect of our shared ministry at Fairlington. I am already experiencing gracious support and encouragement offered by leaders, lay and clergy, of the congregation. We have a lot to learn about one another in upcoming weeks and months; our "journey of discovery" together promises to be energizing for all. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside you in ministries of peace, justice and compassion with our neighbors, wherever and whomever they are!
The Staff Parish Relations Committee had a chance to meet Janine and we cannot wait until we can introduce you to her when she arrives in June. We know you will welcome her with open arms into our community, as you always do. There will be an opportunity to meet her at our Ice Cream Social on Saturday, June 29 from 2-5pm in the Fellowship Hall. In the meantime, we are grateful to continue our ministry with the leadership of Pastor Mary Beth, whose ministry we celebrate on Sunday June 9 from 12-2pm in the Fellowship Hall and whose last Sunday will be June 16th. We are happy to report that Pastors Devon and Christian will be remaining at Fairlington.
Welcoming . . . Nurturing. . . Serving
Note from Pastor Mary Beth There are many things for us all to think about during these days. As I prepare to retire from active ministry, I am thinking about logistics. When will the movers come to pick up our furnishings? (June 17) By when do we need to get change-of-address cards filled out for our new place? (525 N. 1
st Street, Richmond
VA 23219) What are the parts of my daily work that need to be passed on to others, including Pastor Janine?
There are also big picture questions for me to ponder. Like, how will God use me for good in the future?
You are also thinking about the details of transition: Janine’s first Sunday is June 30. How will we all make her feel welcome?
I know you are also thinking about big things. Who are we as a congregation and what do we value, even as pastors come and go? How is God calling us to reach our neighbors with the Good News?
As I transition to retirement, my mind and heart will be turning to other things. But I’m sure I will prayerfully wonder from time to time: What’s going on at Fairlington? What new thing is God calling them to do these days? With love,
Mary Beth
P.S. Ministerial ethics require that pastors not return to former churches for pastoral visitation, weddings, funerals, and other such responsibilities. These things will be lovingly and faithfully cared for by your current pastors.
Join more than 100 United Methodists from VA, DC and MD who will march in the parade celebrating an inclusive church. Plan to come to the meeting location (near 22nd and P Streets NW, exact location will be announced closer to date) between 5-5:30pm. Given the current friction within the denomination, we are hoping for a larger than average crowd this year to demonstrate that United Methodists in the DC metro area love All God’s Children! No need to RSVP, just show up! Questions? Contact Mark Elder at [email protected] or (571) 258-9984.
Aged to Perfection June Trip
Coming Up!! Thursday, June 20 @ 10:30 am Guided Tour of River Farm Gardens, home of the American Horticultural Society. Lunch at Cedar Knoll Restaurant. RSVP: Marilyn Stephenson, (703) 751-0568.
June Sermon Schedule
June 9 Pentecost / Confirmation Sunday The Power of Words Pastor Devon Earle June 16 Fathers Day Pastor Mary Beth Blinn June 23 We are the Church Pastor Devon Earle June 30
Following the Call
Pastor Janine Howard
Upcoming Young Adult Events!
Everyone in their 20s and 30s is invited to these exciting opportunities to spend time with other Young Adults from Fairlington.
Monday, June 10 @7pm Trivia at Del Ray Pizzeria (2218 Mt Vernon Ave) Trivia is back! Come see what random knowledge you have as we form teams, compete, and enjoy dinner together. Come early for happy hour specials and to order dinner before trivia begins.
Saturday, June 15 @7pm Family Friendly If you have children, bring them along!- Outdoor Movie at Del Ray Cinema @7pm (Mount Vernon Recreation Center 2701 Commonwealth Avenue) Bring a blanket or lawn chair and something to share for a “Potluck Picnic. We will eat dinner together and watch Ralph Breaks the Internet.
Sunday, June 30 @12:15pm Family Friendly Young Adult Lunch location TBD and we’re open to suggestions! Come grab lunch with other young adults after worship. If you have children we would love for them to join as well!
If you have questions about any of these opportunities, contact Pastor Devon, [email protected].
See Washington’s Pro-fessional Soccer Team
in Action!
The Fairlington United Methodist Men is organizing a group outing to see DC United play Toronto .
Saturday, June 29 8pm at Audi Field next to Nationals Park
Whether you are a soccer fan or a novice to the game, consider the chance to spend a great even-ing with your Fairlington friends and family! For further ticket information contact Rolf Blank at [email protected].
Formation Groups for All Ages Sundays in June 9:30-10:30am See our website under “Connect” or our printed publications around the church, or contact Christian directly!
Confirmation Sunday is June 9
You are invited to join us to celebrate our young people who will be joining the church. At both services, we will celebrate their time of study and reflection, share their gifts that God has given them, and confirm them for ministry in God’s church. Please keep them in your prayers over the coming weeks as they prepare.
Amelia Jones Olivia Kamber Thomas McLenahan Ava Miller Ashlynn Prisby
We also thank God for the Mentors who have generously given their time, shared their faith, and guided our young people during this time.
Meg Broadwell, Meredith Caskey, Steve Glomb, Brenda Mason, and Sarah Laryea.
We will honor our newly confirmed members with a reception at 10:30am in the Fellowship Hall.
Fairlington Youth Events All youth grades 6th-12th are invited to join any program at any time! Contact Christian with any questions.
Sunday, June 2nd (5:00-6:00 pm) Summer Mission Program Training
Sunday, June 2nd (6:00-8:00 pm) Youth Dinner and Program Night Senior Recognition
Summer Mission Trips
July 7th - 13th Jeremiah Project July 6th – 13th Carolina Cross Connection Sunday, July 28th (9:30 & 11:00 am) Summer Mission Sunday
Save the Date! Sunday, September 8th (6-8:00 pm) Youth & Parent Dinner/Program Night
Registration Fee: $10 per child/$25 maximum per family, to be collected with your application. Please make your check out to FUMC. Financial assistance is available.
On Sunday, April 28 The Church Council sponsored a presentation by Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, President of Wesley Theological Seminary, to share his perspective on next steps in the UMC. The Council invites you to a follow up session June 2 (see below).
Key Points from Dr. McAllister-Wilson’s Presentation
Initial reactions to the 2019 General Conference of the UMC vote and UMC Judicial Council decisions that have declared the Book of Discipline’s current language and the ban on ordaining clergy or allowing clergy to marry same sex couples constitutional, have been wide ranging. Some have accepted the ruling as final while others have decided to engage in “holy resistance,” defying the decision.
Disaffiliation: The UMC expects to permit local church disaffiliation through 2023. A process for this will need to be worked out at the next General Conference in 2020. David McAllister-Wilson confirmed that Wesley Theological Seminary will not disaffiliate due to its ecumenical posture and breadth of theological perspectives. The seminary serves
Korean, AME, British, and Mexican Methodist groups, as well as 22 other denominations. Because of its diversity and reach the seminary can be an important venue to continue to educate from a theological perspective.
The Issue of Disobedience is complex. Large numbers of clergy disobeying the Book of Discipline may so overwhelm the system that their actions create a different catalyst for change. Financial leverage through adjusting apportionments is unlikely to be significant enough to have an impact in time for the 2020 General Conference. While ending second mile giving that currently helps Africa or the larger UMC may be more effective as a means of protest that might come at the cost of not supporting programs for the poor globally, something that is a core value for Methodists.
Current Options Stay together as one UMC under a paradigm that all ideological groups can live under – closer to the One Church
plan model; Create a new Methodist denomination (this is complex and the church does not yet have a process in place for this); Become independent as a local church (complicated by resources, pension and health benefits for staff and property
issues); or Choose a gracious exit, originally designed for traditionalists, and now an option for others too (terms have not yet
been set for this option).
Broader Issues Including the Impact of Schism When the church is debating who is or can be a member it is in trouble. The loss of LGBTQ and allied members would be a significant blow to the enrichment they provide. The impact on mission and seminary work that UMC currently supports, that benefit from economies of scale, will be
severely hampered. The impact of young people in the ordination pipeline is already slowing down and young people, in general, are
beginning to disaffiliate. This does not bode well for growth. UMC started as a grassroots movement and has become an “institutionalist” and clergy-centric organization. Neither
is serving us well. If centrists/progressives split off, the slow, incremental advances re women, African Americans, Filipinos, Koreans and others would be negatively affected. We need the courage to stay together despite our differences.
UMC Next: Special Report Sunday, June 2 at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall UMC Next is a gathering of 600 centrist and progressive United Methodists who are discerning a response to the Tradi-tional Plan passed at the 2019 Special General Conference. They are envisioning a Methodist movement where All God's Children are included. FUMC member Mark Elder and members of the Virginia Conference will share their experi-ences at the gathering and discuss next steps. There will also be time for conversation and soliciting feedback from those who attend. Light refreshments will be provided. For more info, contact Mark at [email protected].
Our Virginia Annual Conference will be held on June 20-22 in Roanoke. Our clergy will be attending as well as our lay members Wray Sexson, Mark Elder and Beth Strausser. Election of lay and clergy delegates to the 2020 General Conference will be held. Fairlington member Roma Sexson is on the list of nominees to be considered for election as a General Conference Lay Delegate. It is quite possible that petitions will be considered to be sent to General Conference 2020 regarding the future of the church. A special offering will be gathered from all our churches, with FUMC’s offering to be taken up Sunday, June 9. Recipients are: Africa University Scholarships / Cambodia Pastors Training / Mozambique Lay Leadership Training / Brazil “Shade and Fresh Water” children’s program / Just Neighbors Matching Funds Grant for Immigrant Legal Counsel in our districts.
God’s gathered community in a home setting is traditionally called the household of God. In Acts, we learn of two such households, one led by the widow Lydia and a second led by a married couple named Priscilla and Aquila.
Both families welcomed the Apostle Paul as he began his ministry among the Gentiles. They heard Paul’s stories of Jesus, converted to Christianity, and became leaders within the first home churches. Join FUMW this month as we celebrate these early women leaders with our mission efforts.
President, Fairlington UMW JUNE 2 – Mission Activity: UMCOR Kit collections. Contact Marcy Lewis ([email protected]) and Katie Courlander ([email protected]). 8 – Mission Activity: Days for Girls at Our Lady Queen of Peace (1:00-5:00pm). Contact Laura Daub ([email protected]). 9 – Fellowship Activity: celebration of Pastor Mary Beth Blinn (12:15-2:00pm) 15 – Mission Activity: Assemble and pack UMCOR kits into boxes for Annual Conference (10:00-12:00 in Fellowship Hall). Contact Marcy Lewis ([email protected]) and Katie Courlander ([email protected]). 22 – Fellowship Outing: American History Museum special exhibit A Vote, A Voice, which includes a section on women’s suffrage (9:30-12:30). Contact Karlene Masters ([email protected]). https://americanhistory.si.edu/democracy-exhibition/vote-voice 29 - Mission Activity: Crafts for Kids at Cora Kelly Recreational Center (9:00-12:00). Contact Kathy Richards ([email protected]).
THANK YOU for supporting the Fairlington UMW StepALIVE! team on Sunday afternoon, May 5. With your help, we raised $475 for scholarships for the ALIVE! Child Development Center. StepALIVE! raised almost $100,000 so every donation truly made a difference!
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: …a time to plant and a time to uproot.” Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2 Weeds have been uprooted, peppers are planted in place soon to be followed by other vegetables. This is the season when we see the progression from seed, to blossom to fruit….a perennial cycle that reminds us that God is constantly at work making all things new, each in its season. Come and see and remember that we, too, are being invited to our own renewal from seed, to blossom to bearing fruit. In the garden God is waiting to be gracious to us all.
To look after the ALIVE! garden on the playground, contact Anne Wilson [email protected]. To tend the rose garden out front, contact Carol Goodloe [email protected].
P.S. Did anyone plant the yellow seeded crosses you were given on Easter Sunday? Did anything come up? Did something bloom?! Be sure and take a picture any time this summer and send it to [email protected] to share.
Allison Daugherty Meaghan Daugherty Meg Moore 6/20 Troy Gilley Maegan McBride
6/21 Marilyn Romines 6/22 Greg Fish Silvio Gonzalez 6/23 Sylvia Rahim Elizabeth Hatcher
6/24 Keith Davis Michael Smith Lana Hurdle Michael Harmon 6/25 Olivia Imo 6/26 Ashlynn Prisby
Jennifer Kern Nicole Otallah Alex Frye 6/27 Stevie Williams Gunter Przystawik 6/28 Alvin Mason
Edie Moore 6/29 Brian Griffin Kevin Golliday 6/30 Drema McAllister-Wilson Luis Alonso Mollie Welty Josie Twomey Debbie Grant Ayufumi Kozuka
Death April 5
Jack Felt
Fairlington UMC is a Reconciling Congregation with open hearts, open minds, and open doors. We proclaim and welcome every person as a beloved child of God regardless of age, race, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, faith history, or life experience.
SteepleTalk is a publication of Fairlington United Methodist Church. 3900 King Street, Alexandria VA 22302
www.fairlingtonumc.org / 703.671.8557
The deadline for the JULY/AUGUST SteepleTalk is Friday, June 7.
Please submit your announcements to [email protected]. Please send them single spaced, and no more than 200 words in length. Photos are warmly welcomed! Please include email addresses or phone numbers of all contacts.
ver Shield Fraud Prevention Group, and a financial
expert. Attendees will also learn about what legal
documents everyone should have in place and what
to expect if not prepared. The AARP “Document
Shred Truck” will be onsite. This annual commu-
nity event is free and open to the public with light re-
freshments. RSVP to www.seniorservicesalex.org or
call (703) 836-4414, ext. 110.
Aged to Perfection - Advance Trip Schedule With winter now behind us and the spring flow-ers blooming, it is time to think about new activi-ties. Please watch the church bulletin and web-site for specific dates and details, or call the trip organizer for more information.
June 20: See page 3 for details.
July: No trip planned
August: Riverside Dinner Theatre to see South Pacific - Sheila Bradley, (703) 768-6424.
September: WV Train Ride (may be overnight trip) - Jean Gillen, (703) 644-7598.
October: Lorton Workhouse - Marian Houser, (703) 370-1581.
November: Indoor craft fair and lunch at St. Matthews UMC Vicki Ratcliffe, (703) 823-5232
December: Botanic Gardens to view the holiday plants and decorations with lunch at a local res-taurant - Marilyn Stephenson, (703) 751-0568
Returning to FUMC: Foster Grandparents Would you like to have a special relationship with a young person in our church? A relation-ship that might include going to band concerts, soccer games, working on a project together, or just talking about life? Here’s your chance to do it! Find out more about the program. Email Vicki Stones [email protected]
Family Fun Day is a great way to spend time with your family and get to know other families who spend time at Fairlington. Activities begin at 11:00am on June 22nd and end after the campfire at 7:00pm. Or, if you want to extend the adventure, overnight camping is available at a designated campground with breakfast on the 23rd.
FEES: Individual Admission for Family Day - $35 Families with more than 4 people over age 5 - $130 Children 5 and under - FREE Overnight camping and breakfast-$20 per person
REGISTRATION: bit.ly/FamilyFun19 or leave a check for Christian White made out to FUMC. For more info: Christian White [email protected].