We give thanks for those assisting with worship:Pastor - The Rev. Alex Stall, Jr.; Assisting Minister - Debbie Lewis; Altar Guild - Desiree Jessimy; Greeter - Ingrid Berdahl; Usher - Nancy Jairrels; Organist - Rhonda Rose; Videographer - Shane Gainer; Social Hour Hosts - Shelley & Alex Stall; Counters - David Falksen and Nancy Jairrels.
CHURCH PICNIC | Sunday, noon - 4 PM. Join the fun and fellowship at the home of Debbie L. Email the office for directions or pick them up in the Welcome Center on Sunday. Bring a swimsuit if you want to cool off in the pool!
From the Pastor's Desk - Week of June 8
Rick is doing remarkable work keeping our infrastructure functioning, but the air conditioning unit that serves the kitchen area has stopped working. We hoped to be able to eke out cool air through the rest of the summer, but it was too far gone. Rick is (once again) working with contractors to get us the best possible price for a replacement unit. This past Sunday, after worship, we convened a quorum of council members. We presented a motion to proceed with the replacement of the AC unit, at a cost of around $10,000, from our Capital Escrow Fund which exists for these kinds of expenses. The unit has been ordered, but some parts are on backorder, so we anticipate that work will be done in late August. We are fortunate that our financial position is better this year than last year – we have the funds available, and there is still some money remaining in the Capital Escrow Fund. We’ll need to manage further expenses, but we will keep on moving! Gifts toward Capital Escrow, helping to rebuild it, will always be welcome! Leadership is grateful for the generosity and support shown by this congregation toward our facilities and our mission. We are especially grateful for Rick’s time and talents helping us have a comfortable place to worship and be renewed in faith.
I was browsing through some devotional reading the other day and I found this anonymous prayer: Long warm days... The pace of life slows... A time for picnics and rest in the shade... Lord, help me to rest awhile in the cooling shade of your presence. Slow down my restless heart and fill me with gentle compassion for all your people.
In our fast-paced world, it is easy for our hearts to become restless, to react to times of quiet and calm by looking impatiently ahead to what’s next instead of appreciating the now. As the summer heat grows, we are almost forced into a slower, more reflective pace of life. Not for nothing is summer a time of vacations, picnics, resting in the shade, and seeking moments of calm. Summer echoes with God’s call to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate.
Summer can be a time to slow down, just a little, and reconnect with the deeper currents of God’s love and grace. We often read Psalm 23 at funerals, but the call to rest is applicable all our lives, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul." Through the psalmist, we are invited to lie down in the green pastures of God’s love and be refreshed.
This summer, let us embrace the warmth of the season and the call to rest, and the opportunity to fill our hearts with divine compassion. Whether under a shady tree or in quiet prayer, let us ask God to slow our restless hearts. As we slow down, we will better see others with the eyes of Christ, extending kindness and empathy to all God's people.
May your summer days be a time to renew, restore, and radiate God's love to the world around us.
Grateful always, Pr. Alex
Women's Bible Study
will start meeting on July 21 with the topic of “Wisdom,” exploring Sophia as the Holy Spirit using materials from the Women of the ELCA Gather magazine. We'll continue meeting on the first and third Sunday after social hour. Shelley S. and Shelly H. will lead the sessions.
Every Sunday, two members meet after service to count and record the offerings given during that service. During the summer months, it can be particularly challenging to ensure that two people are available for this important task! We are looking for volunteers to work with our experienced counters to maintain an accurate records of the weekly offering. No particular accounting skills are needed - we will make sure you understand how the process works. If you are interested in helping out, please let David F. or Pr. Alex know, or contact the office - we’ll help get you set up!
Are You Interested in Landscape & Gardening?
Are you concerned about the environment?
If yes, you are invited and encouraged to join the Landscaping Committee to plan Advent’s ecological and fiscal stewardship of our beautiful property, particularly the north lawn. We will consider how best to care for and use it, including ideas presented to the Church Council - a rain garden or butterfly garden, a bird sanctuary, or additional trees. Our first meeting will be on Sunday, July 28th, at 11:30 AM after the social hour. The discussion promises to be lively and the more participation, the better!
Help now with summer gardening and watering
In this time of drought and hot weather, Advent’s plants are thirsty! If you are able to help out with watering, speak with Ingrid Berdahl. Training is available. If we have several volunteers we can take turns watering. Of course, as soon as we have a watering team, the rains will begin!
Coming Up at Advent!
August 4
Intro to Native Gardening with Melinda Soltys of Wild Ones NoVA Chapter.
August 17
Advent: The Gathering - "Wishing and Hoping and Thinking and Praying . . .
Planning and Dreaming."
September 14
First Ever Unsale on the Ridge - like a yard sale, but everything is FREE.
November TBD
Health and Wellness Expo (possible)
More information about these events will be available in the coming weeks.
The Lutheran World Federation's (LWF) 2024 Council meeting took place in Chavanne, Switzerland in June. One of the 48 Council Members, Bishop Leila Ortiz attended the meeting along with one other rostered leader, two lay leaders from across the church, and two advisors from churchwide. The Council approved five public statements on:
Freedom of religion or belief
The war against Ukraine.
Justice and peace in the context of global conflicts.
The crisis in Gaza, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Israel.
Transparent, participatory, and accountable governance.
Learn about and experience the power of restorative practices at Building Community, Making Peace: A Restorative Church Gathering, from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM on Saturday, August 3, at the Church of the Epiphany in Washington, D.C. Tickets are $45 or $25 (reduced for students and others) and include lunch. Spanish interpretation will be provided. You must register in advance via the link below.
The 2nd Annual Synod Block Party is Saturday, August 3, at Shepherd of the Hills in Haymarket! Gather your congregations and friends for an unforgettable day of fellowship and community building. You'll get to know your neighbors, play games, jump in the bounce house, and enjoy delicious food. There's fun for all ages!
Your help is needed to make the day a success. You can pitch in by bringing food, sharing a talent, or helping at the event. Click the link below to sign up to attend and, if you are able, to help!
The Metro D.C. Synod’s candidacy committee invites anyone feeling called to ministry or looking for a space to actively discern their call to join the Fall Discernment Cohort. We are excited to offer this space for holy listening, discernment, and pondering in partnership with the Virginia Synod.
The cohort will meet on Zoom from 5:00–6:00 PM on the first Thursday of the month beginning August 1, 2024, and running through January 2025. If you are interested in joining this confidential discernment group, please click the link below to register.
Kindling Faith: Lutheran Perspectives in a Critical Election Year
You are invited to engage in thought-provoking discussions during the workshop "What does it mean to be Lutheran in a crucial election year?" to explore the intersection of faith and civic responsibility. Rooted in the ELCA's Social Statement on Church in Society, attendees will ponder how their Lutheran faith informs their thoughts, actions, and voting on critical issues.
Continuing through October, speakers including Dr. Roger Willer, Rev. Kaari Reierson, Dr. Caryn Riswold, Dr. Mary Streufert, Heather Dean, Dr. Ryan Cumming, and Dr. Richard Perry will lead these sessions online via Zoom (recorded for later viewing). The cost is $20 per individual or $80 per congregation, with unlimited attendance. Registration is available through the link below.