Table of Contents
Docket
Congregational Meeting Minutes, February, 1, 2004
Congregational Meeting Minutes, October 17, 2004
Clerk’s Report
Elders and Deacons of Fairfax Presbyterian Church
Staff Member Reports
Board of Deacons
Christian Education Ministry
Glebe Guild
Membership Concerns Ministry
Presbyterian Women
Web Team
Mission Outreach Ministry
Property Management MinistryNominating Committee
Staff Personnel and Administration Ministry
Stewardship and Finance Ministry
Trustees
Worship Ministry
50th Anniversary Committee Report
Separate booklet 2005 Church Budget
Separate booklet Church Treasurer’s ReportTHE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION OF
FAIRFAX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FEBRUARY 6, 2005
THE DOCKET
Prayer The Rev. Henry G. Brinton
Certification of Call to Meeting
Appointment of Clerk of Session and Clerk of Meeting
Approval of Minutes
Necrology
Date Joined Date of Death Oliver James DeZoute 12/27/64 10/11/04 Robert Lewis Smith 10/11/70 5/1/04 Sylvia Dorothy Faulds Whetzel 9/26/54 9/7/04 For All the Saints
For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!O blest communion, fellowship divine!
Who we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Yet singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Alleluia! Alleluia!Reception of 2004 Annual Reports
Reception of 2004 Financial Reports Ms. Stacie Cage, Treasurer
Review of Year 2005 Budget Elder George Barker,
Co-Chair, Stewardship and Finance Ministry
Vote on Pastors’ Terms of CallOpen Forum
Adjourn with Prayer The Rev. Carrie Yearick
Report of the Clerk of SessionTotal Communicants 835 As of December 31, 2004
Additions: Profession and Reaffirmation of Faith, Restoration 35
Certificate of Membership Transfer 20
Total 55Losses: Removal from Active to Inactive Roll or deleted 138
Removal by Certificate of Transfer 19
Death 3
Total 160Total Communicants as of December 31, 2004---730
Church School Enrollment
Children 131
Adults 68
Total 199Baptisms
Infants 20
Adults 2
Total 22Average Attendance at Sunday Worship 327
Elders and Deacons of Fairfax Presbyterian ChurchElders:
James Ashe, 2004
George Barker, 2006
Dennis Carlton, 2006
Alfred Fowler, 2004
Charlene Griffiths, 2004
Carol Hodes, 2005
Frances Larsen, 2004
Colin McKenzie, 2004
Liane Measell, 2006
Doris Naeher, 2006
Cheryl Richardson, 2005
Gary Sowers, 2005
Ida Mae Speeks, 2006
John Warburton, 2005
Joan Wright, 2005Deacons:
Ginger Avery, 2005
Fidelia Fugar, 2006
Sora Gross, 2006
Al Henderson, 2005
Douglas Jones, 2006
Wally Krupkowski, 2005
Kristin Larsen, 2004
Patricia Libby, 2004
Airlie Lyle, 2004
Kim Philips, 2005
David Richmond, 2006
Charlotte Sabatino, 2006
Imogen Saunders, 2005
Bill Staples, 2006
Kevin Strickler, 2004
Bob Thompson, 2004
Mary Wade, 2004
Mary Beth Wertime, 2006
Senior Pastor
On the religious front, 2004 was the year of The Purpose-Driven Life, a mega-best-selling book by a California minister named Rick Warren. Members of FPC asked me about it, nearby congregations ran the 40-day spiritual program based on its precepts, and because of all the interest, I gave a talk on the book in one of our summer "Mid-Morning Matters" sessions.But as I think about the book’s message and its huge impact, I admit I'm a little confounded. The book challenges people to focus on personal change. It promises people that discovering their purpose in life will reduce their stress, simplify their decisions, increase their satisfaction and prepare them for eternity.
Personal change is an admirable objective. Yet I look around and see a world in flux -- war in Iraq, the disruptions of globalization, the societal changes brought by immigration — and I wonder if a focus on the personal is what we ministers should be emphasizing. Is it enough to preach sermons that center on individual struggles and offer guidance along the path to a more meaningful and fulfilling personal life? I can’t help thinking this is a time when we should be challenging people to move beyond the personal to the public, and commit themselves to transforming the world.
I'm happy to report that the people of FPC did move beyond the personal in 2004, and engage in efforts that helped to create a better world. Our young people embarked on mission trips to Michigan and Puerto Rico, and worked to improve housing for residents of low income neighborhoods. A group called Gals to Guatemala traveled south to perform a ministry of encouragement to the women of the Presbyterian Church of Guatemala. The Midlife Men on a Mission traveled to Honduras and spent a week building a church camp for children and delivering medical supplies to a mountain top medical clinic. All of these people grew inwardly as they looked outwardly, and focused on the transformation of the world around them.
So many members of FPC demonstrate this outward vision as they host the Children of Chernobyl, work with Fairfax FISH, serve the Homeless Committee, or participate in a variety of service projects sponsored by Presbyterian Women and other small groups within our church. As you read this annual report, you will be surprised by the many ways that our members are putting their faith into action and having a positive impact on the society around them. Our church is a congregation on a mission, sent by God to shape a better world in the name of Jesus Christ.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this church, and look forward to the many ways that we will continue to grow inwardly as we look outwardly. We are discovering together that a purpose-driven life can never be limited to personal change, but always has to include the transformation of this world that God loves and wants to save.
Henry Brinton
Associate Pastor
Another year come and gone! It hardly seems possible that 2005 is just around the corner. Many celebrations were had as well as many opportunities for growth. Below are some highlights of the year:* Drove many miles and spent many hours waiting with families experiencing grief or crisis. These holy moments are sacred to me and define the essence of “faith community.”
* Laughed with many a new member about our journeys of faith and the providence of God.* Participated in many stirring moments at multisensory Jubilee services where young and old alike used their gifts to enhance our worship of God.
* Enjoyed being the cargo van on the Junior High mission trip—listened to audio books all the way to Michigan! Marveled at the spiritual growth of FPC’s 6th-8th graders and felt proud moments as their leadership and helpful attitudes were kicked up a notch.
* Traveled to Puerto Rico for a moving Senior High Mission trip. The people of Gurabo were so hospitable and the families we worked with were amazing. We have a lot to learn from them about faith, family, and community!
* Wrote a grant for my sabbatical—and got it!
* Struggled with structure for our youth programs. Adapted small group ministry models with no success, but did create some Holy Wow spiritual experiences along the way!
* Ate up those delicious chocolate chip pancakes from the Easter Breakfast—I believe it was the best Easter breakfast ever! No green eggs this year!
* Made too many trips to the dump with mulch pallets! Thank you congregation for such a great mission fundraiser!
* Took time out for some mini staff retreats. We are truly blessed with such gifted staff!
* Our tent was rescued during a torrential rainstorm while on Survivor weekend. Thanks Charlie O’Connell! Even with the rain, the youth managed to play a rousing game of football—slick pig style!
These are just some of the highlights of the year! It has been exhilarating and exhausting!
Blessings!
Carrie
Director of Christian Education
What a joy to serve and work with such a wonderful group of folks. FPC has become a very special place in my heart because of the people. God has provided a place where I can serve the people of Fairfax in a myriad of ways, such as:* Sat on the FPP Committee as staff liaison, visiting classes from time to time, and supporting the worthy efforts of this ministry in our church.
* Followed up on the very special leadership of Liane Measell, who did all the preplanning for VBS 2004 based on the program Mission around the World, where the children “flew” to five countries, learned their culture and how mission was being done in their country. What a delight our children are when they are engaged in learning activities that are fun and exciting.
* Became the coordinator, resourced, and participated in the Preschool Sunday School programs. We have a wonderful group of volunteers teaching our children from the We Believe curriculum “Grace.” We’ve implemented a rotating group of eight teachers with one leader and two helpers teaching 10 to 15 children each week. We have been meeting every other month for fellowship and leadership learning experiences.
* Directing, designing, garnering volunteers and materials for the Great Explorations elementary educational effort, in its fifth year of the rotation model. The children have learned about King David, the 23rd Psalm, and many of the lesser known stories of Advent.
* Been a resource and idea person for Adult Education, assisting the volunteers in developing programs. Leaders have been excited and energetic about their teaching process. New events for the coming year include a fitness ministry.
* Supported and resourced the new edition of Family Seekers with varied programs, many older church members providing child care, with pizza and salad suppers, and learning experiences based on their Christian values.
* Continued with a second group of participants in the Companions in Christ study group, seeking to deepen their spiritual journey. We’ve changed the format somewhat to meet the needs of the group. The excitement continues to grow within the group and many comment, “I am so sorry I missed the last meeting!”
* Made minor changes to the Child Protection Policy and trained new volunteers in the program. We have made adjustments to the children’s activities to insure their well being and safety.
* Godly Play has offered me opportunities to teach and grow personally as I experienced the depth of the children’s faith as they listen to and participate in the program. We have a very special team of volunteers growing and serving this curriculum.
* Leading worship with the pastors and preaching in regular Sunday worship, participating with the Jubilee Design Team in developing new experiences in emerging worship and leading worship for All Committee Night. What fun it is to join with others to bring the Word of God to parishioners in new and stimulating formats.
* Assisting the pastors in leading special events, developing themes for the seasons of the church year as well as the whole year.
* Joining one of the circles and really enjoy answering some of their unbelievable questions.
* Had the very special privilege of participating in the Gals in Guatemala Mission Trip to Vente de Octobre. Our experiences brought very special spiritual transformation to all who participated, growing in awareness of the abuse and degradation of the women in other parts of the world. My special thanks go to Carolyn Thalman for taking the lead on organizing this trip.
* Participated in several retreats over the course of the year which have broadened my horizons and knowledge in developing spiritual leadership for others.
There are not enough superlatives to describe how I feel about serving with a great team of leaders and volunteers as are found at FPC. I feel very privileged to be able to make the connections with the people of this part of the Body of Christ.
Shalom, Carol
Director of Music
This will mark the end of my second year as Director of Music of this church and it marked the ending of the 50th anniversary year that concluded on Sunday, September 26th. This service was one of celebration which featured the Sanctuary Choir, Joyful Ringers, and brass quartet and tympani. A special commissioned text written by Mary Cathey was sung to the tune of Judas Maccabeus.The Sanctuary Choir gave an Abendmusik on Sunday, March 14 which featured Maurice Durufle’s Requiem and Archangelo Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in D, which included an 18 piece orchestra and soloists. The Abendmusik held on Sunday, December 5 was a concert of multiple pieces featuring choral works, bell works by the Joyful Ringers, a harp solo by Katherine Rogers, a vocal solo by Cynthia Ballentine, and an organ solo by Andrew Dobos. The featured major work was Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols.
The Carol, Chapel, and Teen Choirs combined forces for Palm Sunday and for the spring musical The Tale of Three Trees, by Allen Pote on Sunday, April 25. The musical traveled to Greenspring for an outreach presentation that same afternoon to a very appreciative crowd. During Holy Week, Fairfax Presbyterian Church and Providence Presbyterian Church joined forces to cover the services. Maundy Thursday was held here at Fairfax with our choir providing the choral work for the evening and Good Friday was held at Providence Presbyterian Church with their choir doing the honors. Easter Sunday was rich with joy with music from the Sanctuary Choir, Joyful Ringers, brass quartet, and tympani. In addition, the two churches combined for a Thanksgiving eve service, held at Fairfax Presbyterian Church with the choirs combined to provide music.
On Sunday, May 2, we sponsored the Ecumenical Music Festival that was done in conjunction with the Festival of the Arts of Fairfax County. Four different denominations joined under our roof for an afternoon of sharing music representative of their denominations.
The choir camp was held from Monday, July 19—Friday, July 23. The featured musical was It’s Good, by Kathleen Brumm. Thirty four participants and 18 volunteers worked and played joyfully during the week, which culminated in a presentation on Friday and during the Sunday 8:45 a.m. service. Much gratitude is expressed to the following volunteers who worked so hard to make it a wonderful experience for the campers that week:
Chris Parrott, camp director
Christy Fesak, assistant director, instrument making teacher
Ednamae Trevey, singing instructor
Esther Bevis, choir chime instructor
HeeJung Wescoat, prop-making teacher and picture show designer
Alex Parrott, accompanist
Sam Brinton, computer wiz
John Kepler, photographer
Jan Parrott, snack coordinator
Kathryn Jones
Marian Lokay
Jared Berman
Gisela Berger
Marlene Williams
Barbie Nelson
Sora Gross
Lisa Maynard
Lisa Bokovoy
Gretchen Bush
The Choirs have maintained their numbers from last year and the Chapel Choir has seen significant growth to 15 members. Andrew Dobos continues to provide wonderful service music and accompaniments and adds to the excellence of the music ministry of this church.
The church is blessed with wonderful volunteers who help lead and teach the groups and do other vital functions so that the music ministry can function well. These include: Carol Choir—Sheri Zimmerman and HeeJung Wescoat; Rockin’ Ringers—Carolyn Klein; Choir Chimers—1st half of year—Kim Mattes and Polly Harris; 2nd half of year—Frank Correll and Adrianne Knight; Radiant Ringers—Karen Hammond; Instrumental Ensemble—Mark Schroeder; Jubilee Music—1st half of year—Judy Viccellio; Choir parents—Lisa Bokovoy, Christy Fesak, Marlene Williams; Librarians—Beth Tuttle, Patti Tuthill.It continues to be a joy to lead the music ministry of this church and to watch the music grow in its ministry to all those who hear it—not only to those “in house”, but also to those to whom we reach out to throughout the year.
Blessings and peace, Brenda J. Weiser, Director of Music
Board of Deacons
The Board of Deacons met ten times in 2004. There are 17 adult and one youth Deacons. Due to the expansion of the number of parishes from eight to nine we welcomed seven new Deacons, two additional Deacons to support the additional parish. We also welcomed one Deacon to fill the unfinished position of a Deacon who resigned in 2003.Our primary mission of care giving was evident this year not only in the delivery of flowers to those members recently bereaved or recovering from health problems but also in sending notes to those who lifted up prayer concerns each Sunday. The Board continued its goal to reach each member by sending a letter to each home and calling parish members to extend support through care giving visits to members in the hospital and their home. In conjunction with the Membership Concerns Committee the Deacons have been put on the prayer concerns email list to receive early notification of serious health or passing of members and relatives in order to notify others and support the care needs of our church family. The Deacons and Elders served homebound communion four times this year to homebound members. This year one of our Deacons had to leave the Washington area to be at the bedside of a terminally ill parent who passed away this summer. Early this year the Elders assigned responsibility to the Deacons for managing an Elder Caregiving Fund created by an anonymous donation. Bob Thompson brought together Ida Mae Speeks, Dixie Hopple, Al Henderson and Carrie Yearick as a committee who surveyed more than eighteen FPC current and former medical and health care members concerning the needs of the aging at FPC. This is an ongoing program. I would like to express thanks and deep appreciation of their care giving and spiritual gifts to the following deacons completing their active service this year: Bob Thompson, Mary Wade, Patsie Libby, Kristin Larson, and Kevin Strickler.
Al Henderson, Moderator 2004
Christian Education Ministry
Christian Education is the effort of the entire congregation to develop disciples of Jesus Christ through prayer, study, and application of God’s Word, development of character, and involvement in mission. Through a variety of experiences and programs for all ages, we seek to lead people into growing relationships with Christ, to model the Christian response to the scriptures making them relevant to daily encounters, and to inspire the joy and passion of the Christian experience. The Christian Education Ministry had a tremendous year.
Children's Committee
Our Nursery is attended by two adult paid employees during most church functions. Children ages 6 weeks to 3 years attend during the morning worship and educational hour. Children up to 5 years can attend during the second worship service.Godly Play is a Bridges to Worship program teaching the children the stories of the Bible through the use of small figures and a quiet teaching style. Children from Kindergarten through 3rd grade attend during the early worship service on all Sundays except Jubilee Sunday. Christy Fesak, Midge Coward, Deb Berman, Carol Barrett, and a number of volunteers lead this wonderful effort. Godly Play uses Jerome Berryman’s developmental Montessori approaches. Children learn the elements of worship using wooden figures and hearing the story in a serene environment. Children learn through storytelling, art and music that enable them to experience God using their senses. Program elements include the greeting, hymn singing, Biblebased stories, scripture reading, prayers, and benedictions. This summer, Godly Play was taught to the Children of Chernobyl through a translator. This year, for the first time, one of the children led the class telling the Bible stories in Russian.
Preschool Sunday School reaches out to our children from 2 to 5 years, using the We Believe curriculum on “Grace.” A team of 10 teachers rotate the leadership responsibilities. Teacher training workshops that include a time for fellowship, curriculum development, and teaching skills development are held every two months. HeeJung Wescoat, Amy Byrd, Catherine Potter, Kristin Larsen, Margaret Pontzer, Emiko Seibold, Julie Moskowitz, Jaimee Nygaard, Ellen MacGreger, Stacie Cage, and Cate Rodman led this effort.
Great Explorations continues to enrich the learning experiences of the children in 1st through 5th grades. The Great Explorations are rotating workshops for the elementary children. These workshops incorporate Howard Gardner’s approach using the multiple intelligences of learning. The lessons taught using music, storytelling, art, cooking, science and computers are: Sacraments, Beatitudes, Trials & Crucifixion, Doubting Thomas, Pentecost, Big Event, King David, Psalm 23 and Advent. In the spring, children collected money for the Heifer project. The Sunday school began mission projects in the fall collecting diapers for the 25:40 project and collecting candy for the Lamb’s center. Eighty pounds of Halloween candy was collected under the “Share Your Sweets” project for children at the Lamb Center. Bibles were given to the third graders in the fall. A tremendous cadre of volunteers implements this program:
Pat Wishart
Sue Newman
Dave Newman
Joyce Strickler
Kevin Strickler
Leigh Sexton
Mary Beth Wertime-Walker
Sheri Zimmerman
Sue McKenzie
Colin McKenzie
Brenda Weiser
Cindy Peters
Andy Peters
Mac Mercer
Serena Mercer
Nora Thapa
HeeJung Wescoat
Heather Young
Pete Young
Cathy Diaz
Carolyn Gore-Ashe
Dana Zarou
Liane Measell
Jim Ashe
Carol Barrett
Wally Krupkowski
Susan Krupkowski
Vacation Bible School was held July 26 to July 30 with 97 children and over 75 volunteers. “God Calls us Around the World in 5 Days” taught us to bear witness to God’s love for the world. The children learned Bible stories that helped them understand their call from God. They heard letters written by people from a variety of mission sites. Through music, food, games, crafts, and language the children sampled the customs and cultures of the Philippines, Guatemala, Malawi, Pakistan, and Peru.
The children collected school supplies as a mission project for local shelters. The biggest highlight was a first-ever intergenerational dinner for all families, leaders and children with 90 people attending. Special thanks to all the people who donated artifacts from all around the world. Adult leaders included:Cate Rodman
Dana Zarou
Pat Wishart
Nancy A. Cook
Leigh Sexton
Becky Buschor
Elizabeth Ceres
Mandy Kittelberger
Katie Vardeman
Jane Lee
Margie Ralston
Julie Moskowitz
Nancy Partridge
Kathryn Jones
Tad Thompson
Carolyn Gore-Ashe
Stacie Cage
Sheri Zimmerman
HeeJung Wescoat
Jaimee Nygaard
Midge Coward
Christy Fesak
Mary Beth Wertime-Walker
Ednamae Trevey
Frances Bowen
Joyce Strickler
Adele Uphaus
Carol Barrett
Liane Measell
Ava Wolfram
Cate Rodman
Sheila Wrede
Elliot Walker
Dan Carlton
Kathryn Jones
Hillary Ward
Thank you to all of the volunteers—young children’s teachers, workshop leaders and shepherds, Godly Play leaders, VBS volunteers—without them these programs could not be possible.
Adult Education Committee
Led by Reverend Ed Gross, Michele Fincher, and Cathy Diaz, the Adult Education Committee offered several courses through the year, including Basic Bible, Genesis, Connections, and a course based on the PBS television series, “From Jesus to Christ.” Leaders included: Cathy Diaz, Reverend Ed Gross, Reverend Carol Barrett, Reverend Henry Brinton, Reverend Carrie Yearick, Michelle Fincher, Peter Young, Charlie Uphaus, Judy Viccellio, Bill Wall, Marian Parrott, Greg Stewart, David Bush, and George Rodgers.Library
The library's extensive holdings continue to serve as a resource to members of all ages. Most frequently used are children's books and reference books for Bible Study. Allocated funds for 2004 were used to maintain subscriptions to five periodicals as well as to purchase 16 new books, eight for children and eight for adults (four of the adult books to support upcoming adult courses). In addition, Membership Concerns donated nine books to support the ongoing small group emphasis. Other valuable donations came from individuals: Midge Coward, Jim Fahs, Nancy Kay, Cate Rodman, Gary Sowers, and Ida Mae Speeks. Volunteers during the year included Marian Lokay, Ida Mae Speeks, and Betty Young.Scouting
Fairfax Presbyterian Church continues to support youth in the Scouting programs through several avenues. In the spring, Reverend Henry Brinton led a class in the God and Country program, which allows scouts to further explore their faith. This year, seven scouts earned God and Country program awards, including Kellye Young, Mary Fesak, Sarah Newman, Jessica Mason, Samuel Brinton, Brian Hess, and Mitchell Phillips. The awards were presented in June, with the Reverend Susan Andrews, Moderator of the PCUSA, assisting in the presentation.Two adult leaders were recognized this year, as well. Leigh Sexton and Sue Newman were presented with the Celtic Cross awards (sponsored by the Association of Presbyterian Scouters) for their service to Girl Scouts and to FPC. Mary Fesak completed her service project for the Bronze Award, under the Girl
Scouts of America program. The church continues to sponsor Cub Scout Pack 889, and provides meeting facilities. Marty Farmer serves as Cubmaster, and Eileen Walsh serves as Committee Chairwoman. Bobbi Hess is Charter Organization Representative, and serves as FPC’s interface with the pack.Fairfax Presbyterian Preschool
Fairfax Presbyterian Preschool (FPP) was blessed during the year 2003-2004. Although the winter season gave us more snow and difficult situations than we would have liked, we were successful during our registration process in January. All returning church families, returning FPP families, and alumni families were registered with room left over in each class to welcome new families to FPP. During the 2003-04 school term, FPP had 89 students enrolled. During the 2004-05 school term, FPP has 85 students enrolled. This year we had three FPP families visit, participate, and finally join FPC as new church members. Over 20 preschool families and over 30 preschool children attended the Vacation Bible School program over the summer months. With the start of the 2003-04 school term, FPP had 10 staff members and saw the return of the majority of the FPP staff. During the 2004-05 school term, FPP has 11 staff members.Our families reached out in Christian love through many mission opportunities. We participated with the Church’s Share your Sweets Program; FPP families donated over 40 pounds of candy. Our families also gathered food for the FISH Pantry during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and donated money to UNICEF. We hosted a very successful community event for children and their families, Breakfast with Santa. Over 200 children and adults attended this event and donated five large boxes of new toys for the Toys for Tots drive by the US Marine Corps. The 2003-04 Preschool Committee revised the Parent Handbook in preparation for the 2004-05 school term. The Preschool committee made some difficult decisions regarding NAEYC Accreditation and the Inclement Weather Policy. The NAEYC Accreditation process was deferred until the 2004-05 school term and the Inclement Weather Policy was changed to include a two-hour delay policy that would allow us to continue to serve families needs during the snowy winter months.
Youth
2004 was a banner year for the youth of FPC. Twenty-four senior high youth and five advisors led a worship service at Greenspring Village retirement center in February, furthering our ongoing relationship with The Village Church. Fourteen 9th graders participated in confirmation classes throughout the spring and were accepted into membership in June. The youth prepared and served the most successful Easter breakfast ever, with the congregation consuming vast quantities of French toast, eggs, bacon, and fruit, while generously supporting the youth summer missions. Speaking of summer missions, 22 senior high youth and 5 advisors traveled to Guarabo, Puerto Rico, and 14 junior high youth and 4 advisors traveled to Lansing, Michigan in July to drywall, paint, build wheelchair accessible ramps, and provide other repairs to homes of low income residents. Back at home, the youth delivered care packages to shutins and members who were sick, prepared and mailed packages to our college youth, offered free babysitting to members of the church, and led youth Sunday worship services. In addition to the emphasis on service and spiritual development, the youth also enthusiastically participated in fellowship and community building activities together, from lockins and scavenger hunts to shared weekly meals and youth worship on Sunday evenings. The dedication of our youth advisors made programming of this scale possible, along with the support of parents and the congregation.Family Seekers
In the spring, Cate Rodman, Heather Young, and others revived the Family Seekers program to provide fellowship opportunities to families with young children. The group meets monthly to enjoy pizza, company, a brief worship service, and light study. The DCE, Carol Barrett, has contributed tremendously to this ministry, as well as FPC members Phil Beauchene and Carolyn Klein, Nancy and Chuck Partridge, and Mac and Serena Mercer, who have supported this effort by providing child care, while parents participate in the study portion of the evening.Coordination
In February, the Christian Education Ministry said goodbye to Stephanie Voss, who served as Director of Christian Education for a brief period. Reverend Carol Barrett was asked to serve as the DCE, and has become an integral part of the CE Ministry.The Christian Education Ministry is successful because of the many wonderful volunteers who selflessly and tirelessly work to implement this outstanding program. We have tried to recognize the many people who have contributed to the ministry, but regretfully have overlooked others who have contributed to this program. To all who have worked to make the program a success, thank you.
Ida Mae Speeks , Michelle Fincher, Liane Measell, Carol Barrett, Jim Ashe, Carrie Yearick
Glebe Guild
The Glebe during the year of 2004 provided a colorful approach to the church grounds through the cool spring and a relatively cool summer. Only a minimum amount of watering was needed. Organized activities during the year included a spring planning luncheon on March 7 at the home of Marty and George Whipple; a spring cleanup work day on March 27 and a followup clean up on June 5; a spring annual flower planting day on May 8; and the fall cleanup work day on October 16. The Glebe Guild is most thankful to Mac Mercer for his help in maintenance of the lighting installation and Tom Larson for taking care of the fish pond throughout the year.The Glebe, with the exception of the grass mowing and maintenance, is maintained through the combination of volunteer services of members and friends and finances from the special fund. The fund is maintained through gift contributions and interest received from investments. The Glebe fund is currently used to purchase annual flowers, obtain arborist services, buy replacement trees, and other miscellaneous work. It is likely that in the not too distant future funds from the church's general operation will be needed to secure professional grounds keeping services to offset the attrition of many of the current volunteers. This will result in a significant increase in membership financed expenses.
We are most grateful for the diligent and sustained work of the many members that spend several hours, individually and during the organized workdays, helping to enhance and maintain the Glebe's appearance. The respective plot area coordinators are: Tad Thompson – Parson’s Corner, Marion Lokay – Sundial Semicircle, Doug Dunbar - Hawthorne Corner, Bob Wright - lower terrace bed, David Watson - Beech Tree Corner, Margie Ralston - Magnolia Semicircle, Cliff Wallington - English Holly Corner, Marty Whipple - upper terrace bed, David Ralston - lower divider bed, Tom Larsen - fish pond, and Mac Mercer - lighting. Active workers in addition to these coordinators are: Ginger Avery, Brian Watt, Mel Barb, Cathy Bowen, Paulie & Norm Brew, Val Bruton, Janet Butler, Vivian Cannon, Elaine & John Creigh, Bob Dickson, Doug Dunbar, Tim Henderson, Julia Heim, Jeff Hodes, Dixie Hopple, Jan Johnson, Toyoko Kepler, Lillie Kite, Claudia Leo, Patsie Libby, Fred Lokay, Carolyn and Lou Major, Serena Mercer, Jan & Bill Parrott, Jane Rolofs, Jean St. Clair, Imogen Saunders, Sarah and Charles Speer, Joyce, Shyler and Kevin Strickler, Jack Thompson, Patti Tuttle, Cliff Wallington, George Whipple, Shelby & Otto Will.
The opportunity to help with gardening on the Glebe is open to all who enjoy and have an interest in helping maintain the beauty that the Glebe and church grounds provide to our community of faith and the surrounding neighborhood. It is enjoyed by residents of the Fairfax Nursing Center, their families and the staff; and by the Preschool children, staff and parents. It is common to see nearby workers taking a noon time break by having lunch in a pleasing garden setting and listening to the birds sing and the fish pond water flow. We give thanks to all who help bring a refreshing respite to our busy and cluttered lives.
Submitted by Margaret & David Ralston, Glebe Guild Coordinators
Membership Concerns Ministry
We are a community of faith sent to: Encounter the God who awakens, surprises, and supports; Experience the Christ who connects us to God and one another; and Express the power of the Spirit who ignites and transforms – and this team does!In 2004, the Membership Concerns Ministry continued to fulfill its mission to reach out to the community, connect people to others who are connected to God, and to nurture a supportive church community.
Members this year were: Susan Aarhus, Mary Ann Campbell, Sora Gross, Al Henderson, Barbara Henderson, Sandy Henderson, Ken Klein, Tom Larsen, Fred Lokay, Carolyn and Lou Major, Kathleen Meyer, Sarah Speer, HeeJung Wescoat, Marty Whipple, and Shelby Will. Members of the Bread Team and Web Team are listed below.Outreach
The Membership Concerns Ministry reached out to the community in the following ways this year:The Bread Outreach Team has been headed by Shelby Will, and includes a team of dedicated bread bakers and deliverers: Gisela Berger, Ester Bevis, Marilyn Cromartie, Cindy Daily, Sora Gross, Polly Harris, Jan Johnson, Frances Larsen, Adria Law, Patsy Libby, Marion Lokay, Barbie Nelson, Ginger Smith, Lenny Pacholski, John and Ann Warburton and Shelby Will. New bakers this fall are: Jean Schlappi, Clara Richcreek and Jan Price. Each week freshly baked bread is delivered to the homes of first-time visitors to FPC along with a special bag filled with brochures, Octagon and most importantly, a welcome note. The team averages 3 to 7 deliveries each week. In order to shorten the delivery time, a new system has recently been implanted. There are 46 new volunteers who will occasionally deliver to a family who lives near them. Mary Ann Campbell and Shelby Will will be coordinating visitors and bread delivery from the map grid. There are 10 bakers who bake every 10 weeks. Shelby has set up a lovely area in the office from which to arrange these ‘Outreach Bags’. If anyone would like to volunteer for this welcoming outreach ministry, please contact Shelby Will. Our response from recipients is heartfelt. Shelby has agreed to continue heading this team for another year. Thank you Shelby!
Neighborhood Brochure Ministry led by Ken Klein and Barbara Henderson help our Outreach team by mailing a church brochure along with a letter from our pastors to new people in the Fairfax/Oakton and Chantilly areas.
The Welcome Information Team is led by Tom Larsen. He is looking for new members to join him on this team in welcoming not only the visitors that walk through the door, but also its regular members. If you would like to join this vital team, please contact Tom Larsen or one of us.
Web Team We would like to thank this dedicated group for their endless support in keeping the website up-to-date with the latest information and pictures that they receive. Team members are Jim Conrad, Linda Carlton, Lisa Thamasett, Frances Larsen, and Dave Newman. This year, a calendar was added and they will soon be adding audio to the weekly sermon for high speed users. Visit www.fairfaxpresby.com. Look for their report on a separate page. In the year 2001, the average was 790 hits per day, in 2002 it was 1,359. In November, the site received 143,455 hits; this represents 4,251 separate visits – an average of 4,781 hits per day or 141 separate visits. In December, we have already had 183 visits and it is only December 21. Thank you web team for all your hard work!!
New Member Classes Each year the Membership Concerns Committee schedules new member classes and receptions. There were 55 new members this year; fourteen of these were youth who joined the church through the Confirmation Class.
New Member Receptions: This year Marty Whipple graciously agreed to head our new Reception Committee. Along with Carolyn Major and Tad Thomson, she coordinates the receptions for our new members. If you would like to volunteer to bake or help with this committee, please contact Marty Whipple. Sora Gross helps to make these new members come alive to the members of the church in writing up their biographies for The Octagon and Bulletin.
New Member Folders: Sandy Henderson graciously looked into the purchasing of the folders which contain information on the life of the church and are given to new members at the first class. Information from the various ministries is included and welcomed.Outreach Cards: This Spring Lou Major helped to design cards which were mailed to neighboring areas and church members, inviting them to our Easter Services. Another card was mailed for the Christmas season to 5,000 in our area inviting them to our Christmas Eve services. The response to the mailings has been very positive.
Publicity: Fred Lokay has volunteered to help in publicizing special events. If you live in Fairfax, you might have seen the nice article and picture he put in the various papers telling of our special evening concert, Abendmusik.
Verizon ad: New members tell us that our bold and informative ad in the yellow pages veered them to Fairfax Presbyterian Church.
New Note Cards and Bookmarks: Updated note cards showing the church with the 1992 fellowship hall addition and bookmarks were designed to be used for Outreach. These items will also be sold by the Presbyterian Women for anyone who would like to purchase them.
Pictorial Directory: This Committee is in the initial stage of planning a pictorial directory to be printed in 2005. A new church brochure will be designed at the same time.
Friendship Pads: This year new updated friendship pads were ordered to replace worn ones. The old pads will now be available to be used with the Jubilee team. The new pads are designed to allow special events to be publicized inside the cover.
Church Records: In November, MCM sent letters and response cards to members who have not been attending regularly. This year 157 members were taken off the rolls. Marion Lokay helps us with this ministry.
Connecting
The Membership Concerns Ministry tried to connect people to others who are connected to God in the following ways this year.Men’s Breakfast: Al Henderson continued to provide leadership to this group of about 35 men of all ages. A hardy breakfast is provided each month by cooks Tom Larsen, Mike Watson or Charlie Brown, with additional helpers. Dave Ralston has been so faithful in leading the cleanup team. Good food, fellowship, devotion, and a thought-provoking menu of speakers bring together the men of the church on the first Saturday of each month. Check the website for the topic or a possible change of date due to holiday or golf tournament, etc.
Presbyterian Women: The women of the church have been busy this year in mission, special events with speakers, their monthly circles of devotions and their annual Christmas dinner. Please read their report below. If you would like to join the women in a circle, or for any special event this year, please do so. Questions can be answered by Moderator Frances Larsen.
Glebe Picnic: The Membership Concerns Ministry hosted a potluck in the Fellowship Hall this year after the Glebe service. Pizza and ice cream were provided and a good time was had by all.Festival of Ministries: In September, Membership Concerns Ministry organized the Fall Festival of Ministries in which all of the ministries of the church displayed their programs on tables in the fellowship hall. To make the festival fun, and to encourage members from outside areas to shop in Fairfax, gift certificates provided by local merchants were given out by our Master of Ceremonies, Lou Major. Following the festival, we hosted a delicious potluck brunch. Al and Sandy Henderson and the Deacons worked behind the scenes to make the brunch one to remember.
Friends of the Arts Reception – Abendmusik: To welcome all who attended this year’s Abendmusik, a reception was held in the narthex.
Book Discussions: Carol Barrett led us in fellowship this year in published and potluck dinners. First we read and discussed Who Moved My Cheese, and later in the year Five People You Meet In Heaven. This is a wonderful way to meet the person who sits on the other side of the sanctuary. We hope that you will join us next year for these lively small group book discussions. A special thank you to Cheryl and Bob Richardson for hosting these wonderful events.
Movie and Dinner Night: A small group of members headed up by Kathleen Meyer went to see the movie Cheaper by the Dozen and enjoyed dinner afterward at Cantina D’Italia.
Movie Night at FPC: Henry Brinton led a lively discussion of the movie Moulin Rouge on two nights. Before the movie, the group shared a causal dinner in the multipurpose room. Mary Ann Campbell has agreed to lead this group next year.
Tables of 7, 8 or 9: Twice this year, potluck dinners were organized by Kathleen Meyer and held in various members homes. The dinners are designed in such a way that singles and couples could get to know one another better in a small group setting.
Seekers Groups: We successfully restarted Family Seekers in March, and they are now in full swing, meeting monthly under the direction of the Christian Education Ministry. An adult Seekers group continues to meet. There is interest in starting another Seekers group, if you would like to join this small group for fellowship, devotion, and study/Bible Study, please contact one of us.
Euchre: This small group met for a planning meeting. They would like to get started next year. Please contact Kathy and John Jones if you would like to participate in this fun relaxing evening. There has also been an interest in starting a Bridge group. If you are interested in any of these groups, please contact Kathy and John.
Young Adults: Susan Aarhus and Sarah Speer have been instrumental in starting a new Young Adult group. They have already had several social events.
Book Club: FPC has one active book club, and an additional club will be formed early in 2005. If you have an interest in joining the new book club, please contact Maryann Campbell or Rosanna Kurowski.
Writing Club: HeeJung Wescoat is the chair of this new and exciting fellowship team for writers of all levels. If you would like to join, please contact HeeJung. They meet monthly.
Easter Egg Hunt: This year we revived the Easter Egg Hunt, complete with all the delicious cupcakes, candy and colorful filled plastic eggs. Heather Young was instrumental in the success of this event. If you would like to head this Fellowship event next year or help with it, please contact one of us.
Nurturing
The Membership Concerns Ministry endeavored to nurture a supportive church community in the following ways this year:Deacons A member of the Board of Deacons has attended and participated in each monthly MCM meeting, providing an integral link in identifying needs, concerns, and joys in the congregation. Al Henderson or Kristin Larsen have attended our meetings this year. The Deacons presence on this committee is vital in helping our team to nurture a supportive church community. Deacons this year were: Chair: Al Henderson Team: Kristin Larsen, Bob Thompson, Mary Wade, Sora Gross, Kevin Strickler, Wally Krupkowski, Kim Philips, Ginger Avery, Imogene Saunders, Fidelia Fugar, Doug Jones, Dave Richmond, Arlie Lyle, Bill Staples, Charlotte Sabatino, and Mary Beth Wertime. Look for their report later on this page.
Bereavement and Care: Sandy Henderson has joined MCM in developing a bereavement and care group. If you would like to help with making cookies for funeral receptions or help with this team, please contact Sandy.
Care Books: Booklets on the life of the church and topics on the life of an individual or family were bought for this outreach ministry and are available in the narthex. A donation was graciously accepted to help in this project. The Deacons also ordered additional booklets for placement in the narthex, which were very well received and quickly disappeared. More will be coming in the New Year.
Membership Concerns Library: A new idea and one that has been very well received is a rotating library of donated books and tapes placed in the narthex extension, and available to all. Some wonderful books and videos have been donated for this nurturing ministry and already many members are taking advantage of this new opportunity.
The Membership Concerns Ministry has purchased new books for the FPC Library on movies and various small groups. Be sure to check out the website under Fellowship or the Calendar for new and interesting ways to connect with people.
If you have any comments to share, would like to join a small group, or help us in any way and cannot locate us, just email your comments to MCM at the website. Many thanks to all who have supported the Membership Concerns Ministry this year with their time and talents, especially Tom Larsen and Lou Major, our spokesmen, and to Carrie Yearick who is our Staff Liaison.
Frances Larsen and Cheryl Richardson
Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women (PW) is open to all women of Fairfax Presbyterian Church. PW is the national women's organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). With a history of more than 200 years, PW is committed to nurturing faith, supporting the church's mission, working for justice and building community. It is organized at all levels of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in congregations, presbyteries and synods as well as General Assembly. Presbyterian Women is open to all women who choose to participate or be supportive in any way. We are members of the Presbyterian Women of National Capital Presbytery and our Synod is the Mid-Atlantic.Purpose of Presbyterian Women
Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study; to support the mission of the church worldwide; to work for justice and peace; and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God's kingdom.The activities of Presbyterian Women have tried to reflect these goals. October 27 marked the fifty-first year of the Women’s Association of FPC. They had approximately forty-six women divided into one day circle and one night circle. By the end of the fifties there were two day circles and five night circles. In September, 2004 we started a new year with seventy-seven members and eight circles. The coordinating team spent time in getting to know each other, organizing our year and planning our Annual Christmas Dinner. Each circle has welcomed new members this year and the number of women has grown to around ninety-three.
The coordinating team will review our constitution, determine our planning dates and times, and when our year will begin and end. We will continue to search for new ways to reach new church members. We will continue Bible study and support each other through prayer, friendship and study. We will continue our emphasis on mission, prayerfully and financially. We will continue to pray for each other, our church, our pastors, the youth, the nation, and for world peace. We will continue to support the work of FPC.
Presbyterian Women's Circles and Study
If you feel you are too busy to join a circle at this time, please come when you can or just join us for our retreats, mission, or fellowship activities. We welcome your participation as you are able. Please contact a circle leader through the church office at 703-273-5300 if you are able to join. This years Horizon’s study book is What She Said, Quotable Women in Scripture by Dale Lindsay Morgan. The supplement to the study, What She Could Have Said, and the Horizons magazine are in the church library. The nine lessons in this study cover nearly 2,000 years. It represents both Testaments from the call of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis to the early days of the church described in Acts. The supplement this year provides insight into each lesson through archeological treasurers, imaginative artifacts to enhance the study of scripture and add to your perception of the women quoted in the study.Hannah Circle meets on the first Tuesday of every month, September to June at 10 am in the homes of members for Bible study and fellowship. All ages are welcome. Our representative of this circle is Diane Onks. Each month a collection is given to the Lamb Center. Thanksgiving donations were made for a family.
Martha Circle meets in the church parlor the second Monday of each month from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Child-care can be provided. We welcome non-church members in our circle. We place special emphasis on outreach to women and children in the community. Because our lives are so busy, our study consists of listening to spiritual audiotapes (a theme is determined each year). These tapes lead to many thought-provoking discussions. This year we are listening to Overcoming Overload and are enjoying it. Our circle is informal and unstructured to allow time for fellowship which is a great source of personal support to our members. We participated in the Adopt-A-Family at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Two new members have joined since September. Sue McKenzie is our circle representative.Sarah Circle gathers on the first Thursday evening of each month at 7:15 p.m. We have two dinners, one in February and one at the end of the year. Members take turns as hostess, providing their home and refreshments for the evening. Bible study is accompanied by fellowship, friendship, networking, laughter, community mission, and prayer. We participated in the Adopt-A-Family this winter. We welcome new members and have had three join us since September. Our representative for this circle is Marilyn Cromartie.
Mary Circle is a tapestry of ages. Members are stay-at-home moms, working professionals, professional students, and retirees. We enjoy Bible study, fellowship, mission, and friendship. We also look for any excuse to eat, whether it be the first or the last meeting or Christmas. This circle tries to meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm at the homes of members. Each year we join with the Elizabeth circle in the Adopt-A-Family at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have welcomed several new members this year. Our circle representative is Chris Parrott.
Esther Circle is a fun-loving and supportive circle whose goals center on Bible study, service and fellowship. We meet once a month on a Thursday that most members can come at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. We celebrated the holidays with a wonderful Christmas party, participated in the Adopt-A-Family program at Thanksgiving and Christmas and have gained three new members since September. Our circle representatives are Ednamae Trevey and Anne Warburton.
Rachel Circle meets the second Tuesday of every month in the church parlor at 9:30 a.m. The members share in Christian fellowship, Bible study and prayer. We support an ongoing mission project with Main Street Child Development Center. We have just finished a morning of offering refreshments and helping them wrap Christmas presents, one of the projects that we do each year. After a monthly meeting we go out for lunch. Esther Bevis is our circle representative.
Ruth Circle members meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the home of a member or at the church. As a treat, we occasionally have a meal at a restaurant. Many of us are in the older stages of life, but our younger members refresh and enlighten us. We use the study book from Horizons, currently What She Said. We participate in mission projects as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas projects. We donated to the Presbyterian Children’s home of the Highlands at Wytheville, as well as the Adopt-A-Family at Thanksgiving and helped a woman at Christmas. We also use the Mission Yearbook. As part of our Missions study this year, Dixie Hopple told about the Presbyterian Church in Sudan and the desperate situation in Darfur. Anne Warburton will speak of her trip to Guatemala, and one of the men will tell about their Honduras experience. Our lives are enriched by our wide-ranging discussions, fellowship and caring for one another. We welcome others who would like to join us. We have had two new members since September. Our circle representative is Dixie Hopple.
Elizabeth Circle meets the third Monday at 7:00 p.m. This circle includes women with diverse backgrounds, ages, and life stages who share a love of learning and growing in our faith through a Christian book study among friends. We welcome new members to join us on our journey. Three new members have joined since we started in the fall. We have been reading Amazing Grace by Kathleen Norris. Working with Mary circle, we participated in the Adopt-A-Family at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our circle representative is Cate Rodman.
Mission
One of the main emphases of the Presbyterian Women is Mission Outreach. PW supported the mission of the church worldwide and locally in many ways. The women participate in the Birthday Offering, Thank Offering, Main Street Child Development Center, Church World Service Blankets, Rosebuds for New Babies, Special Interest Programs, Parlor Memorial Fund, Salvation Army Christmas Stockings, The Lamb Center, Bethany House, Thanksgiving and Christmas Family Assistance, Global Mission and assist the church as asked. Delegates may be sent to Local, Synod and National PW Gatherings.Many of our circles participate in the community at Thanksgiving and Christmas by filling food baskets and providing Christmas gifts for needy families in the community. Donations were also sent to the Presbyterian Children’s Home and Lamb Center. The women of the circles helped to fill the FISH pantry after the donations to the church. Each month a circle bakes cupcakes for the birthday children of the Main Street Child Development Center so they will be able to celebrate with a party. One of our circles has adopted MSCDC and assists them throughout the year. February was designated Tools of Hope and Blanket Sunday. For the first time, through the generous contribution of FPC’s membership, the Presbyterian Women helped to raise $4,280. This was sufficient to drill a borehole well and provide the mechanics to make it work for a cluster of villages in Kenya’s Vihiga district. The money was sent to the Church World Service Tools of Hope and Blankets program.
Care Packages were sent to over thirty college students of the church this year, postage was over $100. A $200 donation was given to Sue Newman for her participation in the Breast Cancer Walk. PW is the sponsor of Christmas stockings for the Salvation Army. This year 150 stockings were filled by the Fairfax Presbyterian congregation for needy children and delivered to the Salvation Army. Presbyterian Women will be donating a gift to Fairfax Presbyterian Church from the sale of the 50th Anniversary Cookbooks. The women will now be selling the items from the 50th Anniversary – tote bags, throws, ornaments and note cards.
Fellowship, Study, and Outreach
The Spring retreat was held at Missionhurst Mission Retreat Center on March 12, 13, and 14 with Dr. Janet Weathers as our featured speaker as we explored the theme Free to Be Faithful. Nineteen women attended. PW hosted a Generations of Women Spring Luncheon on April 18 with the theme Weaving a Spirit of Community. A great time with a wonderful message was experienced by all. About 70 women attended. PW helped to support Glebe Sunday on June 13. The Fall Gathering was held at Riverdale Presbyterian Church in University Park, Maryland on September 25, 2004. Workshops included Officer Training, Prayer, Music, How to Maintain a Spiritual Life in Today’s Busy World, Hospitality, Quilting and a Crop Walk.A Fall Retreat was held at Fairfax Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 2 with Critty Fairback speaking on God’s particular compassion and sensitivity to women. Mrs. Fairback also told of her experiences with Congresswomen, Senators, and her travels around the world. Our annual Christmas Dinner was held on Friday, December 3 with about 93 attendees. This event, like all others, is open to the whole church. The food was a gourmet feast complete with Cornish game hens and roast beef and the musical entertainment was outstanding. FPC’s Alex Parrot provided beautiful gathering piano music. The featured entertainment, the Annandale Brass, was a huge success. A special thanks to all the circles for their hard work in making this festive annual dinner a successful event. We donated leftover dinners to the Lamb Center along with some items we had collected for their needs.
The women of Fairfax Presbyterian Church were invited to partner with 2,500 other women in the Washington Metropolitan Area at McLean Bible Church on December 6 for An Evening in December with spirit filled music from Kathy Troccoli and an inspirational message from Ellie Lofaro. This moving evening was enjoyed by those who attended and they are already talking about attending next year.
Nurturing
Presbyterian Women sent care packages to the college students for the first time this year for Valentine’s Day. They were very well received and over 30 packages were sent out. Thank you notes and calls came in to show appreciation. Care packages will be sent again this year. This fall, the circles have been corresponding with 23 students monthly. Comments of appreciation have come in from the students as well as their parents. The circles are also in prayer partner with each other. This year, each circle has been asked to donate a book to the church library. Some wonderful books and audio study tapes have already been donated. Look for our previous fall retreat speaker, Ellie Lofaro’s new book, Leap of Faith, which she sent to us. The Guide Post Daily Devotion Booklet is purchased by PW and is found in the Narthex extension. A daily devotional is found at http://www.nationalcapitalpby.org/Devotional Inspirational.htmlFor the Rest of Our Year
The Annual Prayer Breakfast, Healing Our World: Praying the Difficult Issues, will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2005 (snow date January 29) 9:00 a.m. – noon at the National Presbyterian Church. Childcare is available upon request with your registration. Registration of $6.00 is due before January 17. Call 703-765-2083. February 15 is the deadline of the hymn writing contest to honor the celebrating of the Ordination of Women.Sacred Circles, a celebration of Women’s Spirituality will be held February 18 – 19 at the Washington National Cathedral. There will be workshops with more than 40 women leaders designed to engage both reflective and active compassion in your daily life. For more information call 202-537-2221. www.cathedral.org/cathedral/pdfs/ SacredCircles2004.pdf. Cost is $109 and a $30 registration fee.
International Women’s Day will be March 6. The Spring Pot-Luck Generations of Women Luncheon will be held on March 13. Cate Rodman will be heading up this event. Our annual spring retreat is being planned for April 8, 9, 10. We are planning a weekend of fellowship, study, and mission at a local motel. We hope that you will save this date and join us. Celebrating the Gifts of Women Sunday will be June 5. This Sunday is set aside to honor women who contribute their gifts and talents to the church and community – 100 years as Deacons, 75 years as Elders, 50 years as ministers of Word and Sacrament. This year the celebration focuses on women’s call and ordination to leadership in the PC USA. If the weather permits, we will have a Labyrinth Walk.
A Flame in Our Hearts, November 5 – 7, 2005 at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Downtown Chicago with McCormick Theological Seminary. For more information, call 312-243-8300. An Evening in December has been scheduled for December 5. Ellie Lafaro will be attending. Plan to attend the 2006 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Louisville, Kentucky on July 7 - 11, 2006.
Our tradition calls us to gather and listen to the voices of women who study, serve and preach the Gospel today. Celebrate with others and plan to attend one of these events. You can make a difference in your own unique way. Presbyterian Women have given generously of themselves to each other and to the church. A special thanks to our Vice-Moderator, Carolyn Major; Treasurer, Kris Richmond; Global Mission, Serena Mercer; Publicity, Kathleen Myers; Historian, Virginia Foster; Parlor Memorial Fund, Patsie Libby; Search Committee, Marilyn Hartell, Renna Jordan, Sheri Zimmerman, Sue McKenzie, Nancy Partridge, Kristen Larsen and Clara Richcreek.We have come to know and support each other in the context of a caring community of women who, with Christ as our center, can make a difference as we seek to serve each other, our church, and the world. The invitation to join us is always there, please come.
Frances Larsen, Moderator
Web Team
In December 2004, the web site averaged 183 visits to our pages a day, which represents a 44% increase from June (six-months ago) and an amazing 71% increase from May 2004. Working with the entire FPC community, we hope to continue this trend while supporting the life of this church.The year 2004 proved to be a busy one for the FPC Website, www.fairfaxpresby.com, as we strive to keep the website up-to-date with the latest information that we receive. To reflect the vitality and flavor of the church, we have added more pictures not only to the homepage, which are changed throughout the year, but also to the inside pages of the various ministries. Newly purchased software helps to make our updates easier, even when we are traveling.
The home page continues to include the latest information and announcements. Check there if you have a question regarding church cancellations due to inclement weather or other breaking news.
The 50th Anniversary Page was very popular this year and the Youth pages have the latest medical forms and schedules as we receive them.
We have added a three-month interactive calendar, which contains FPC event times and locations to help publicize and direct participants to your events.
We are looking into adding audios of the weekly sermon for high speed users.
This year, we have received many comments and were even able to reunite old friends, when a person found a long lost friend listed in one of the new member classes. An FPC member heard at a Presbytery function that their church recommended visiting the FPC site, because they use the Bible Promises in their Sunday school classes and enjoy the quotes on the Prayer Page. Many new members have commented that they came to FPC because of our welcoming site detailing the rich life of our church.
If you have something to add to the calendar (or an update), pictures for the site, or an idea you would like to see included, please email us at webteam@fairfaxpresby.com. If you have a page on the site, you can help us by keeping the information up-to-date. Old information will be deleted, so please help us promote the church and its activities!
Jim Conrad, Linda Carlton, Lisa Thamasett, Frances Larsen and Dave Newman
Mission Outreach Ministry
While standing in the sanctuary on October 10, 2004, when the Mission Outreach Ministry presented their vision for 2005, one only needed to look around at the number of you standing in the Sanctuary, at the end of the presentation, to be aware of how dedicated you, the members of the congregation of FPC, are to mission outreach. We extend our thanks to all of you for the commitment of your time, talents and treasures to local and global mission efforts. In 2004, we have seen the mission's program grow and become more dynamic. We are especially pleased with the energy we are witnessing in the reintroduced Jail and Aftercare Ministry, your hospitality to and support of the Children of Chernobyl, and your loving contributions to 25:40; especially the efforts of the Sewing Ladies Ministry. In addition to these items, which we have supported in the 2004 budget, you have also generously given to and supported Jen Thalman's year in Guatemala, Gals to Guatemala, Midlife Men on a Mission in Honduras and 26 Miles for 25:40. Thank you for your faithfulness, your generosity, and your willingness to extend ministry to the "least of these among us" on an even broader scale. The following reports describe many of the various ways Mission Outreach Ministry projects were carried out at FPC in 2004. Doris Naeher and Joni Wright, co-chairs of MOM for 200425:40 is a new charity that MOM chose to start supporting during 2004. This ministry was organized during 2003 by a young couple in our area who wanted to provide relief to South African children who are HIV positive or who are orphans as the result of AIDs. Most of their funds go directly to two orphanages in that country and to a clinic in Hamburg, a remote small town that is providing care to HIV positive children. While the committee's budget only allowed us to give 25:40 about $500, Henry's Chicago Marathon run raised over $5,500 that was presented to the charity in November. The Sewing Group has also provided layettes for a number of babies in Hamburg.
Alternative Christmas was sponsored by FPC’s Mission Outreach Ministry (MOM) to provide a more Christcentered way to celebrate Advent and Christ’s birth. Designed as an alternative to traditional Christmas gift giving, the Alternative Christmas Program allows donors to make a charitable donation to worthwhile causes in honor of a friend or loved one. MOM is grateful for the congregation’s generous support which totaled $2825.00 this year. Donations were designated to the following charities: Amnesty International Urgent Action Network; Belarus Mission/Bethlehem Baptist; Fairfax FISH; Heifer International; The Lamb Center; Main Street Child Development Center; Opportunities International; Plan Escalón School, Las Entradas, Honduras; Presbyterian Hunger Programs; Rudensk Orphanage; Volunteer Emergency Families for Children (VEFC); and 25:40.
Amnesty International. Since the 1980's FPC has participated in the Prisoner of Conscience letter writing campaign of Amnesty International's Human Rights Program. Each month a person or group being persecuted unfairly somewhere in the world is selected by Amnesty International. We are encouraged to write letters on behalf of the persecuted. Calling the world's attention to the case may influence immediate release, may encourage the government to allow representation by an attorney may prevent torture and in many cases prevent executions. This year due to budget constraints at FPC the letter writing project has not been in effect. Many other worthwhile human rights violations have been publicized through the Human Rights Newsletter and magazine which are displayed on the kiosk in the narthex.
Bethlehem Baptist Church. FPC continues to assist the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minsk Belarus. This church is flourishing with about 300 members and a large Sunday school. The church is in the neighborhood of a large apartment complex of over 100,000 residents. This is the source of unbelievers for this church. FPC continues to pledge $1,000 per year for this Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Rudensk Orphanage. This is an institution for orphans ages six to sixteen. Many of these children are suffering from the results of the Chernobyl disaster but are ineligible to be sponsored under the medical respite program. Because of the shortage of funds, only the most essential materials are provided. Items such as warm clothing, school supplies and other items are not available. This year FPC contributed $1,500 to this orphanage for the purchase of these items.
Children of Chernobyl. This past summer we were thrilled to host six girls, two boys, and Luida, our chaperone/interpreter. This would not have been possible without the generosity of FPC members. The children enjoyed six wonderful, fun-filled, and relaxing weeks with their host families. The respite boosted their immune systems with plenty of healthy food and fresh air. We are so thankful for our wonderful, caring host families, the Naehers, Fesaks, Fitzgeralds, Measells, Mayols, Lints, and Uphauses, for opening their homes and hearts to these loving children.
We really appreciate the support we received from FPC members. Lynne Thompson and her sewing group spent numerous hours collecting, organizing and sewing clothes for the children and their families. Eleanor Breen took the children to the zoo, Marian and Fred Lokay hosted their annual end of visit pool party, Nancy Anne Cook and Cathy Diaz hosted swimming dates, HeeJung Wescoat had the boys over to play and many others made generous donations of their time and money. Local dentists donated their services seeing some of the children several times each. While they were here the children also participated in Music Camp and Vacation Bible School. They experienced God’s love in so many ways. The children returned to Belarus happy, healthy, and showered with love from FPC members. Respectfully submitted by Megan and Jim Lyons
Christmas in April. In April 2004, FPC participated in Christmas in April. This is a mission program whereby many organizations throughout the United States offer to repair homes for people that are unable to keep up their own homes due to old age, ill health, and/or insufficient financial means.
The amazing thing about Christmas In April is it is a one day event! Anyone who has ever been involved in this mission program is forever amazed by the amount of work that can be accomplished by a large group of people with a wide variety of skills during one very long day!
Last year, with a group of 34 volunteers, we repaired a home for an elderly couple hampered by illness and financial difficulty. The house we worked on had been in the family for three generations and was in serious need of repair. Work performed included thorough cleaning inside and out, fence repair, yard cleanup, interior room painting, fascia repair, exterior door replacement, plumbing repairs, handicap fixture installation and electric repairs.
During the work day, their refrigeration failed and we were able to gain approval from Christmas in April staff to replace their refrigerator with a new unit. What a deal! But this was not the end of our story. This family has an adult daughter recuperating from serious illness, living at home, unemployed and trying to get her life on track. She requested we convert a laundry room into a space in which she could wash and groom dogs. This was a skill she developed in her youth. Even though this task was not a necessary repair project, Christmas in April personnel agreed that we could add this project to our scope of work. Our volunteer team relocated the washer and dryer, added a large wash basin for pets, and paneled the walls. This project offered the resident’s daughter the opportunity to begin earning some money to reestablish herself, building selfesteem and starting on the road to financial independence. What a gift FPC offered this family!
FPC will once again participate in this mission program in 2005. Mark your calendars for Christmas In April on April 30, 2005! Please consider participating in this wonderful and rewarding mission program in 2005. Skilled craftsman or not, all of us have abilities and talents that can be used for this mission program. See you in April for a Christmas celebration!Submitted by Sal Sparacino
FISH – For Immediate Sympathetic Help. This volunteer ecumenical program is made up of 18 member churches who serve the FISH area by providing help with rent and mortgages, utilities, prescriptions, gasoline, transportation, clothing, and food on a one time emergency basis. It is funded by donations. We receive clients through Fairfax County Social Services, which screens client referrals and tries to match client needs with available community resources. For the FISH fiscal year ending March 2004, Fish helped 879 adults and 762 children financially. Fish pantries served over 1,336 clients, representing 6,120 adults and children. The FISH Clothing Closet helped 4,300 people with clothing, household items, shoes and toys. FISH provided $17,000 to the Lamb Center so that it could remain open on Saturdays. We provided 130 clients with holiday baskets this year. At FPC, Senior Highs, Presbyterian Women’s Circles and individual members provided six Thanksgiving baskets, eight Christmas baskets and Christmas gifts to ten of these families.
Unfortunately, we have had to close the Clothing Closet since we lost our free space. We are currently looking for another site with free space near public transportation to continue this ministry. The Cavalry Baptist Church's food pantry is losing its food manager due to health concerns. This pantry is the only one open two mornings a week for regular hours for referrals from Fairfax County Social Services. We are trying to coordinate services, particularly stocking food donations, without a manager but if we are unsuccessful, this pantry may also have to close. About 80 to100 clients access this pantry each month.
FISH will need a new secretary in March since the current secretary is resigning this position, but will remain active in FISH. This position takes about one or two hours per month to distribute minutes and update schedules.
Fairfax Fish will continue to strive to meet the challenges of assisting those in need in our community. We are proud of our organization, of our many caring, dedicated volunteers, and our many loyal supporters in the community. Our church is on duty three days every fifth week in two four-hour shifts. Volunteers serve four hours a day during this time. We are always in need of more volunteers. A big thank you goes to the following dedicated members of this team: Judy Chambers, Kathy Uphaus, Lois Bingham, Elaine Creigh, Eleanor Duffield, Cherie Gordon, Jan Johnson, Carolyn Klein, Marylove Klein, Malcolm Mercer (who also serves as vice chair), Kathleen Meyer, Betty Michael, Doris Naeher, Dave Ralston, Cheryl Richardson, Tad Thompson, Cliff Wallington, Marty Whipple, Otto Will, and Bob Wright. It is these special people who make FISH a successful ministry.Respectfully submitted, Serena Mercer, FPC’s FISH Representative
Gals in Guatemala. God calls each and all of us in the midst of our North American lives into the Third World to acquaint us with how different our lives are from the majority of the people who inhabit our planet. We have such privilege and wealth. When Carolyn Thalman, Anne Warburton, Trina Fischer (a friend of Jennifer Thalman from New York) and Carol Barrett traveled to Guatemala this past summer, we learned of the poverty, oppression, and spiritual wealth of the people of that country. Yes, spiritual wealth! We met the women of their churches who are seeking positions of leadership. We learned of the oppression under which they live, keeping them from the offices of the church through ordination as elders and ministers. Fortunately, and unfortunately, their loss has been our gain partially because of their outpouring of love and gratitude for our visit. Despite their lot in life, we met happy people, full of life, seeking God in much of what they do. We visited in the small, rural village, Vente de Octobre, which had cobbled streets, rude buildings for homes, no running water, outhouses for toilets, and diets insufficient for good health. The people were warm, loving, and hospitable. We slept in their beds, ate at their tables, washed dishes and clothes in the pila (sink), walked to their church, and shared craft and spiritual workshops with each other. Their children are active and happy, getting into mischief, seeking affection from us, and ill because of their environment. And we met God in the midst of their poverty. They are a people of deep faith, and accepting what they have. The ministry we offered to them was returned to us more than ten fold. We are so very grateful for this opportunity to learn more about other people in God’s world.
Homeless Concerns Committee. The problem of homelessness does not go away. The numbers remain constant both in the metropolitan area and in Fairfax, and are likely to in the future until the social conditions associated with homelessness are remedied. In the meantime, Fairfax Presbyterian, along with a consortium of other churches, has a program dedicated to softening the blow. It is aimed at helping families gain self-sufficiency. It is a local impact, handson, directly-operated part of the Mission Outreach Ministry. Persons in temporary transitional housing and housing shelters receive mentoring and support services under the program. Assistance is most often rendered in a one-on-one relationship between members of the Homeless Concerns Committee and the family being helped. It takes whatever form, major or minor, the situation dictates. In 2004:
* Clothing, furniture, transportation help and tutoring were provided to one family.
* Advocacy assistance and a house full of furniture were given another.
* A third family required budgeting help and major car repairs.
* Moving help, furniture, a security deposit, clothing and budget development was needed by another.
* The fifth family received advocacy and budget help, a household of furniture, moving assistance, a security deposit, clothing and car repairs.Provision is also made for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. 26 people in the five families were assisted during the year. As the transition is made from temporary to publicly-supported housing, the Committee stays with the families for a period to ensure a degree of stability in their new situation. Homeless Concerns works with Project Homes, a County program, Homestretch, a non-profit transitional housing provider, and with a group of like-minded churches in Interfaith Housing Ministries. Active Committee members are: Ginger Avery, Laurel Barry, Lois Bingham, Pat Bradshaw, Octavio Diaz, Bill Golightly, Cheri Gordon, Cathy Kerby, Carolyn Major, Lou Major, Liane Measell, John Scudi and Jamie Van Hook. Thanks also to supportive spouses, those providing special help, and the congregation at large for their generosity.
Hunger Program. The purpose of the Hunger Program of Fairfax Presbyterian Church is to help alleviate hunger among the poor, the destitute and the homeless on local, national and international levels. Two times a year, FPC conducts Food Drives to collect groceries and diapers which are distributed to needy families in the Fairfax City and nearby Fairfax County areas. Also, twice a month our church prepares and distributes hot meals to homeless individuals housed in nearby motels in the Fairfax City area. Members of the Hunger Program are active in two local ecumenical organizations dedicated to help overcome hunger: FACETS and Our Daily Bread.
FACETS is an acronym for Fairfax Area Christian Emergency and Transition Services. This organization has more than 35 participating groups and churches in the northern Virginia area. FACETS' purpose is to provide direct food assistance to the homeless population housed in motels each day of the year. In 2004, the FACETS Hot Meals program provided evening meals to homeless people sheltered in the motels. On the first and third Monday of each month, FPC volunteers prepare a meal of ravioli, an apple, slices of celery, two cookies and milk for each recipient. The meals are delivered in the Salvation Army canteen or private automobiles with additional FPC volunteers serving the meals. In 2004, FPC delivered more than 3,200 hot meals to homeless people sheltered in the motels.
Our Daily Bread is an interfaith organization that has more than 25 participating congregations dedicated to ease the plight of impoverished and homeless families in northern Virginia. Each year FPC participates in their Food Outreach program by conducting two Food Drives to collect and distribute groceries and diapers to needy families. The Food Drives are conducted in March and October. All surplus collections are shared with our Fairfax Fish pantry and the Lamb Center.
Thanks to the combined efforts and gifts of many individuals, members and friends of FPC, our church had another successful year. Our church was able to deliver more than 108 bags of groceries and numerous diapers to approximately 48 needy families in 2004. The two Food Drives also generated an additional 128 bags of groceries and 63 bags of diapers which were donated to the FPC Fish pantry. A total of 20 bags of groceries were donated to the Lamb Center.
All of the above combined efforts are the work of individuals who have given their time, talents, resources and energy to support the FPC Hunger Program. Special thanks to: Allie Rebellion, Kelly Grant and Missy; Jim and Will Ashe; Meg and Kent Ashley; Ginger Avery and Brian Watt; Jared and Deb Berman; Frances Bowen: Sarah and Sam Brinton; Val, Anna and Jamie Bruton; David and Benjamin Bush; Nancy Brauer; Catie and Dan Carlton; Michelle Coon; Mark and Jake Dowhey; Christy, Mary and George Fesak; Nikki and Rich Fischer; Virginia and Jack Foster; Charlene Griffiths; Kathy and Jack Henderson; Kim Jensen; John, Lauren, and Tyler Jones; Toyoko and John Kepler; Ken and Wellington Kwaku; Frances, Kristin and Tom Larsen; Sue Lyle; Megan, Keith and Jim Lyons; Vasantha Mba; Shannon McKenzie; Kayla Measell; Anita, Ibem and Ndidi Obasi; Debra Fitzgerald-O'Connell; William Parrott; Amy and Rachel Pacholski; Kim and Molly Phillips; Jackie Price; Margaret and Dave Ralston; Violet and John Richardson; Charity and Leo Schenck; Mark and Jim Schroeder; Sarah Speer; Maribel and Stephanie Street; Kevin Strickler; Lynne and Bob Thompson; Corinne, Catelyn and Cameron Thurman; Sue Vodicka; Lilly and Dan Webster; Carrie Yearick; Dan Young; numerous donors; and any others who may have been overlooked inadvertently.
The homeless and hungry people who received your gifts are truly appreciative and extend their thanks to everyone.
Submitted by Bob Coon
International Student Program. Dear members and friends of Fairfax Presbyterian Church: Leviticus 19:33-34 reminds us that when foreigners reside with us in our land, we should love them as we love ourselves. In 2002, in response to that reminder, the National Capital Presbytery’s Global Mission Team established the NCP International Student Program. Since its inception, the program has been coordinated with great skill and enthusiasm by the Rev. Dr. Chris Looker, who helps us to open our homes to students from abroad at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Fairfax Presbyterians again participated in this program in 2004. Six families hosted 12 students for Easter dinner (the only other congregation that hosted more students was Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria, with 18 students in eight homes). Three FPC families hosted nine students at Thanksgiving. In an effort to determine how many FPC families might be interested in participating in the International Student Program in 2005, we plan to include a brief questionnaire in the January Octagon. Please take the time to respond!
Esther Elstun and Barry Soesanto FPC Coordinators, National Capital Presbytery’s International Student Program
Jail Ministry. Much joy and gratitude for God's glory have accompanied the revival and renewal of Jail Ministry, which now includes an AfterCare component. Beginning with an invitation to the chaplains at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center (ADC) to meet with MOM and other interested volunteers in March, followed by their presentation to the Men's Breakfast group in April, Jail and AfterCare Ministry has made some significant strides in helping to meet the needs of another group of the least among us. The congregation responded to a Minute for Mission in April by reestablishing the tradition of donating all-occasion cards and stamps. During 2004 more than eight carton-size boxes of greeting cards were delivered to the ADC. For many of the 1,200 inmates, these cards provide the only means of contact with family and friends who live at a distance. By mid-December three members of FPC will have security clearance to mentor inmates at the ADC. The first volunteer to be trained in security has contributed more than 35 visits to inmates of approximately two hours each since March and has recently received a security upgrade so she can move more freely through the ADC. Other notable milestones during 2004 include:
* Attendance by seven FPC members at the annual Good News Jail and Prison Ministry (GNJPM) fund-raising banquet in April.
* A tour of the ADC in April led by Chaplain Lettie Watkins for five enthusiastic volunteers.
* Diligent contact work by Carl Waltrip to assess pastoral interest in establishing a multiple-church aftercare component to assist the newly released toward making a successful transition back into the community.
* An invitation to Eleanor Duffield, who now serves on the President's Council of GNJPM, which provides financial, advisory, and prayer support for the chaplains.
* An invitation to FPC from Shirley Coffield, Coordinator of the newly established Prison After-Care Ministry at Truro Episcopal Church, to participate in its training program, to be implemented in January 2005.Volunteers will serve both directly with inmates and the newly released and also in supportive ways to help ensure the ministry's future.Jail and AfterCare Ministry receives financial support in the FPC budget, but its needs are truly handson, face-to-face. We invite all who have Christ's heart for the incarcerated, many of whom suffer from addictions, rejection, and years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, to join us in serving our Lord. ADC mentors take God's Word to the inmates and help them to understand that only the Lord can deliver them and empower them to new freedom. AfterCare givers will begin that work in the ADC and continue for approximately six months after their release to assist the former inmates toward connecting with community resources and finding a church home.
Jail and AfterCare Ministry members include Nancy Ashley, Lois Bingham, Dottie Cousineau, Jane Lee, Serena Mercer, Jane Rolufs, Imogen Saunders, Clarence Selph, Carl Waltrip, and Eleanor Duffield.Lamb Center. The mission of the Lamb Center is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed to poor, hurting and homeless people in our community; to know them; to love them; to discover their needs with them; to foster and encourage their relationships with our Lord; and to help them to discover and enjoy the many gifts that God has given them, for His glory, for the good of the church, and in ministry to others. Lamb Center volunteers are ordinary Christians just like you. Some are extremely comfortable with strangers, but many others are not. Some are perfectly at ease when sharing their faith with others, but many others are not. Some are cradle Catholics; others are born again Baptists. What we all hold in common is our faith in Jesus Christ, and our desire to learn to love others. Everything else we hold in common, we hold in common with our guests too: we are all poor and needy, and we are all desperately in need of God's grace. Together with our guests, we are met each day by Jesus, just as we are. And with our guests, we find that, over time, we are not who we used to be.
Main Street Child Development Center. Main Street Child Development Center has had many successes this past year. Four staff members who have been at the Center for more than ten years, one who has been a teacher for 15 and another who has taught at the Center for 20 years were recently honored. In April, Main Street again received accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. They are now certified until 2009 - a great achievement!
The quest for a permanent home for the Center continues to be the most pressing need. They are grateful to the City of Fairfax Mayor and City Council for the extension of their lease at the Green Acres School through June 2006. It is a wonderfully bright professional space that the teachers, children and parents enjoy greatly. The Staff and Board of Directors continue to be challenged by the financial restraints of planning for a yet uncertain future beyond 2006.
All children come into the world ready to learn. The first five years of life are a time of enormous growth of linguistic, conceptual, social, emotional and motor competency. Main Street provides a quality early childhood learning opportunity for Fairfax's limited income working families. The Center now hears twelve languages spoken from twenty countries. Seven special needs children have individual education programs and six children have been referred for special services. For 61% of the families at Main Street, English is a second language. In 49% of the families enrolled, there is a single parent. Almost half (48%) of the parents have no health coverage or insurance.
Fairfax Presbyterian Church's long history of support for Main Street Child Development Center is essential to the continuation of the Center's excellent programs. In addition to budgeted financial assistance, our church encourages support by individuals. Circles provide cup cakes on each child's birthday, the Sewing Ladies provide clothing, painting smocks and attractive decorative items for classrooms, and two members of the church serve on the Board of Directors. Many other people offer usable books and clothing for the students and special assistance to families at holidays.
Midlife Men on a Mission. Twelve men answered Henry’s challenge of June 15, 2003 and joined him for a Midlife Men on a Mission trip from October 23-31, 2004 to LaEntrada, a dusty crossroads town in Honduras. We men joined the mission for a variety of personal reasons. Brian Jacobs, our missionary host, informed us on our first night in Honduras that we had been called to be on this mission and Henry agreed, observing that we probably did not even know that we were called.
We midlifers worked on three construction projects at Rancho Vida, a Youth for Christ camp in LaEntrada. We also carried medical supplies to Lisa Armstrong, a medical missionary working at an isolated clinic in the mountainous coffee-growing area of the country, and attended Sunday service at Plan Escalon, a school for impoverished children. We talked. We connected. But most of all, we worked. One of our group commented that no one could pay him enough in Fairfax to do the hard physical labor that he so willingly did at Rancho Vida. Upon our return we men pledged to give Plan Escalon School sufficient funds to sponsor a student for a year.We returned to Fairfax motivated to revisit LaEntrada in 2005 and work again with Mauricio Erazo, the Youth for Christ director in Honduras, to move Rancho Vida one step closer to completion. We also see the possibility of working with Lisa Armstrong to help her improve the quality of life of the villagers she so willingly serves.
Prison Ministry/Angel Tree Project. This unique ministry gives our church an opportunity to share Christ's love at Christmas each year by helping to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the families of prisoners. Participating in Angel Tree is a great opportunity for our church community to lovingly answer the biblical call to minister to the least of these. Angel Tree works by connecting parents in prison with their children through Christmas gifts. In most cases local church volunteers purchase and deliver gifts to children at their homes in the name of the prison-parent. This year over 70 gifts were purchased and delivered to 20 families living in the FPC area. Incarcerated parents as far away as Texas and Louisiana were able to connect with their children through Angel Tree. A new feature of the program is a catalogue for the incarcerated parent to browse and give suggestions of what the child may like. This allows them to have input in the gift giving. As always, it is the dedicated care givers who indeed receive our love and respect for the task they willingly take on.
Sewing Group. This mission outreach group has been serving our church, community, and the world since the spring of 1998; Frances Bowen, Val Bruton, Ethel Gorman, Sora Gross, Polly Harris, Patsie Libby, Margie Ralston, Lynne Thompson and Pat Ward currently contribute their time and talent. Several members relocated or were unable to participate by the end of the year - Paulie Brew, Esther Bevis, Leah Ehlers, and Shelby Will. We are pleased to add Mary Ann Campbell and Jean Schlappi to our regulars. We generally sew once a month for approximately five hours. During the summer and when we have a specific project we work more often.
Chernobyl children project: summer and winter clothing was made for eight children - Yanya, Elona, Tanya K, Tanya A, Viktoryia, Anastasiya, Fadzei, and Stanislau. Garments included sleepwear, shorts and tops, dresses, blouses, shirts, slacks and jumpers. Church members and friends generously donated new and used clothing which was sorted, repaired, altered, and coordinated with other items to make nice outfits. Gifts were sent for parents, siblings, and the foster children in one of the homes.
Midlife Men on a Mission: All excess clothing from all sources was used for the children in need in Honduras or donated to the Echo and Immanuel Bible Church clothes closets. Fourteen mosquito nets were made. Serena Mercer, Christy Fesak, Edna Mae Trevey, Toyoko Kepler, and Janet Butler joined us for our first Saturday meeting.
Wheel chair and walker bags: We continue to furnish walker/wheel chair bags when needed. Bags are furnished to church members and friends upon request at no cost.
Northern Virginia Training Center: Adult size coverups are made for residents. Some bibs, as well as some jeans adapted for a multiple-handicapped child were sent to Madison, Alabama, whose mother found us on the FPC Web Site.Music ministry: Brenda’s couch cover was finished and Shelby Will made her some throw pillows. Lynne hemmed and shortened sleeves of the Chapel Choir robes.
Deb O’Connell, Becky Nelson, and Lynne Thompson made labels and put them on the confirmation blankets.
A drive for baby clothing was held in the fall, receiving blankets were made and the Sunday school children donated diapers. Janet Broadhead, a church member, volunteered to take the layettes to South Africa. We assembled 20 layettes to fill a suitcase which Janet took in early December. Dr. Carol Hofmeyer will distribute them to the babies who come to her clinic.
Main Street Child Development Center: Ethel Gorman made two aprons for the children and three were purchased.
China orphanage: A suitcase of baby clothing was also taken to an orphanage in China.
Facets: Homeless - On December 6, 16 wool and sweat suit fleece blankets were made to be distributed by Facets when they delivered hot meals to the homeless.
Submitted by Lynne Thompson
Volunteer Emergency Families for Children. VEFC is a temporary foster care program with service provided by volunteers. It is unique to Virginia, and gives law enforcement and child protective agencies an alternative to placement of atrisk children in a group home or detention facility while awaiting court action. Fairfax Presbyterian supports VEFC in two ways. First, the church has members who are active care providers, willing to receive children taken from abusive or threatening situations. A placement frequently takes place at awkward times – some at night – but can only last a maximum of three weeks. Most are of shorter duration. An average of ten children a year has been directly supported in this way over the last number of years. There is a small paid staff, mostly part-time, that coordinates the program statewide and ensures recruitment and training of families. VEFC is largely dependent on churches for family recruitment, and because it is a non-profit organization, churches also play an important part in financing. Direct contribution to the VEFC budget is the second way Fairfax Presbyterian offers assistance. In Fairfax County, 150-200 placements per year are supported. Throughout Virginia over 14,000 children have been helped since VEFC was established 25 years ago. VEFC is an innovative, cost-effective way of improving the lot of neglected children. The organization is constantly on the lookout for new member families in churches. “Give Your Heart to a Child” is VEFC’s motto. Fairfax Presbyterian’s contact is Jean Golightly.
Property Management Ministry
During 2004, the Property Management Ministry was co-chaired by Elders Gary Sowers and Colin McKenzie. We were extremely fortunate to benefit from the talented support of Joe Cardassi, Mac Mercer, Dave Ralston, Otto Will, Bill Vardeman, and Jerry Cook.* Joe Cardassi has volunteered his time three or four days a week to be the facilities coordinator in the church office. We rely on his extensive historical knowledge of the church and shrewd business sense in dealing with the many contractors and repairmen needed to keep the church infrastructure running smoothly. Joe also coordinated the recarpeting of several classrooms in the Preschool spaces this summer.
* Mac Mercer has taken on several special projects this year, such as researching and coordinating the installation of the new air conditioning system that was installed for the church office area. Mac coordinated upgrades to the church’s fire detection and physical security system. He also investigated and coordinated repairs for several leaks that had developed in the roof and ceilings throughout the church during the year.
* Dave Ralston and his wife Margie headed up the Glebe Committee again this year. Their hard work and coordination of the Glebe workers have made the Glebe a beautiful and serene environment that serves our congregation and the surrounding neighborhood as well. Dave has also been active throughout the year as a general handyman around the church, always on the lookout for little problems that he can fix before they develop into large expensive ones.
* Otto Will and Bill Vardeman coordinated the lawn mowing in the early spring and our annual leaf raking of the church property this fall. Otto also took on the project of researching and purchasing a new snow blower for the church, in order to replace our old one that broke down last year.
* Jerry Cook led a major effort of replacing the main three sets of doors that lead into the Narthex. These doors had to be custom made, using solid mahogany and double pane insulated glass. Jerry contracted with a local lumber yard to have the doors built and found us a skilled carpenter team to install them.
A great deal of thanks goes to these dedicated and skilled volunteers who work behind the scenes to keep our church building and ground in working order.
General Operation and Maintenance
The cost of general operation and maintenance for the year continued to increase as the church building and its infrastructure mature. Utility costs alone consumed nearly $25,000 for electricity, $15,000 for gas, and just over $2,000 for water and sewer. Refuse collection for the year cost over $3,000. Lawn and grounds care services was increased and totaled nearly $5,000 for the year. Property insurance premiums increased to just over $18,000 for the year after a comprehensive independent review of the church’s insurance coverage revealed that the building was under insured. Routine repairs to the heating and air conditioning systems cost nearly $9,000. Roofing and gutter repairs cost over $2,700. General servicing and repairs for plumbing, the elevator, routine equipment, and carpentry totaled a little over $5,000 for the year. Snow removal last winter cost over $1,500 and pest control services throughout the year cost close to $900. Finally, other consumables and miscellaneous expenses totaled nearly $6,000. We have a wonderful facility in which to conduct God’s mission and outreach, but it doesn’t come free.Outlook for 2005
In the upcoming year, the Property Management Ministry will strive to maintain our church building, infrastructure, and grounds in top physical condition. Our church facility will continue to serve as a major resource for our congregation’s mission activities and worship, as well as for outreach to the local community and all of God’s people.Jerry Cook and Gary Sowers
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee for 2004 consisted of ten members. There were six members elected by the congregation: Carolyn Gore-Ashe, Earl Berner, Jean St. Clair, Carolyn Klein, Jim Sabatino, and Bob Thurman. Rounding out the committee were Elder representatives Colin McKenzie (chair) and Ida Mae Speeks (vice chair), Deacon Representative Bob Thompson and Trustee representative Margie Ralston.The task of the committee was to present a slate of candidates for the following offices of FPC for the year 2005: five Elders, five Deacons, one Youth Deacon, one Trustee, and six nominating committee members. The nominating committee began meeting weekly in March and concluded meeting in June. As part of our nominating process, we met with Pastor Henry Brinton. Nomination forms were also provided to the congregation to provide the opportunity for congregational input. We presented the following nominees at the Congregational Meeting on October 17th: Elders – Bob Pacholski, Dave Newman, Megan Lyons, Greg Stewart and Catherine Rodman; Deacons – Martha Weber, George Fesak, Janice Johnson, Charles Uphaus and Janet Butler; Youth Deacon – Sarah Brinton; Trustee – Debra O’Connell; 2005 Nominating Committee – Mike Watson, HeeJung Wescoat, Dave May, Dottie Cousineau, Jan Parrott and Polly Harris.
The Committee worked prayerfully to discern God's will for the leadership of FPC. We are truly blessed to have an outstanding group of individuals who have a real passion for the future of FPC. We pray that each one will reap a rewarding experience while building their spiritual faith in the FPC Community of Faith.
Submitted by Colin McKenzie, Nominating Committee Chair
Staff Personnel and Administration
The Staff Personnel and Administration Ministry (SPAM) provides support to the Head of Staff/Senior Pastor in his role as leader of the church’s program and administrative staff. SPAM also acts as liaison between all members of the FPC staff and the Session to communicate any issues or problems that might arise. Finally, SPAM lends support to the church’s Business Administrator and Facilities Administrator in their oversight of the day-to-day operations of FPC, and coordinates the FPC money-baggers.For 2003, SPAM experienced the following major activities and events:
* Ms. Stephanie Voss, hired as Director of Christian Education in September 2003, resigned early in 2004. The Reverend Carol Barrett, FPC’s Parish Associate who had stepped in as an interim Director of Christian Education was asked by the Session to take on the role full-time for a minimum contract of one year. Rev. Barrett has been serving well in this role for the past nine months and will continue into 2005.
* SPAM worked with the professional staff members in an exercise of goal setting. The focus by the Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Director of Music, and Director of Christian Education was on goals that would be focused first on improving their ministry and second on professional growth. The Senior Pastor also set goals in the area of overall staff improvement.* Recommended and received Session approval for a 3% raise for all staff members with the exception of the Director of Christian Education who was given a 5% raise.
The members of SPAM for 2004 included John Warburton and Charlene Griffiths, co-chairs, and Gregory Stewart, a former elder. It was felt that, due to the sensitive nature of many SPAM activities, limiting committee membership to current and former elders and maintaining a committee size of three would be the most appropriate mix. This has worked well during 2004. As we move into 2005, SPAM and the Session will be working together to discern the appropriate staff mix for FPC as we move forward.
Many thanks to all the FPC staff, in particular, Henry Brinton and Judy Chambers, for their assistance to SPAM through the year!
Submitted by John Warburton
Elder and Co-Chair, Staff Personnel and Administration Ministry.
Stewardship and Finance
The Stewardship and Finance Ministry addressed several issues during 2004. We began the year with a budget that had significant cuts in Christian Education, Membership Concerns, Mission Outreach, and Worship. Major concerns were expressed about these actions during February's Congregational Meeting. The Session adopted a Dollar a Week challenge to the congregation to increase giving and restore funding. The congregational response was heartening, with more than half of those already pledging increasing their giving, often by substantially more than a dollar a week. The generosity of members of Fairfax Presbyterian enabled the Session to restore funding to the four ministries that had been cut and to provide additional one-time funding to four items: Presbytery and General Assembly mission programs, additional mortgage principal payments (above the $12,000 already committed), youth summer mission projects, and building repairs.To help with perspective and understanding, Stewardship and Finance developed three items: a comparison of originally adopted and final 2004 budgets; current dollar, real dollar, and percent distributions of expenditures from 1969 to 2004; and a narrative expenditure report that shows total investment by program area, including allocation of staff time and building space and designated giving. These and members' views of what FPC should become were discussed at two Mid-Morning Matters led by Stewardship and Finance during the summer.
During the last quarter of the year, Stewardship and Finance undertook a pledge campaign, "Building Toward Visions." Although Fairfax Presbyterian faces significant challenges for 2005 because the 2004 budget included giving from the Dollar A Week campaign and parking lot income that will be substantially less in 2005, the ministries of the church kept us focused on our visions of what we want our church to do and to become in 2005 or as soon thereafter as possible. These visions will keep us striving in the years to come.
Submitted by Al Fowler and George Barker
Co-Chairs, Stewardship and Finance Ministry
Trustees’ Report
Dave Thalman, Mac Mercer, and Margie Ralston served on the Board of Trustees during 2004. Their primary responsibility is management of the long-term designated and undesignated financial assets of the church. Trustees also act as agents of the congregation, Session, and Presbytery regarding church property. Trustees receive overall direction from the Session and, in turn, provide counsel to the Session regarding property and financial issues.Trustee funds are held in a conservative, diversified portfolio of mutual funds and money market accounts to provide a workable mix of liquidity and long-term growth. Although the first three quarters of 2004 experienced sluggish investment performance, our portfolio saw modest gains of 2.6% after adjusting for in-year donations and expenditures. The Trustees are grateful for the advice of the church’s investment counselor, Dave McGaughey of Johnson, Lemon and Company. The total value of Trustee funds on September 30, 2004 was $439,339.
In 2001, the church received a gift of six cemetery plots at National Memorial Park, Falls Church. They were offered to the congregation at a reduced cost before being offered to the general public. These plots remain available for sale at an estimated total value of $14,910. Proceeds will go to the Permanent Endowment Fund.
Year-end statements were not available when this report was submitted. Here is a summary of Trustee fund activity through the end of the third quarter:* The Permanent Endowment Fund was established in 1993. The goal of this fund is $1 million, after which annual dividends and interest will be used to expand and enrich the mission of the congregation. There were no gifts to this fund in 2004. Investment gains of $6,299 increased its value to $149,981.
* The Henry A. Baumann Education Fund was established in 1987 in honor of the retiring first pastor of FPC. This is a scholarship fund for members of the church attending seminary. There were no scholarship applications in 2004. Investment gains of $443 and gifts totaling $100 increased its value to $16,278.
* The William R. Naeher Memorial Endowment Fund for Mission was established in 1996 in memory of a beloved son and elder of the church. Its dividends and interest are available for special mission projects not funded by the annual operating budget. Investment gains of $984 increased its value to $26,649.
* Long-term investment growth for all other special-purpose funds of the church yielded $2,816. Income and gifts exceeded expenditures by $16,041. The net value of all designated Trustee funds was $231,521.
* The General Memorial Fund received gifts of $540 and expended $1,400 for the Gals to Guatemala.
* The Glebe/Landscape Fund received gifts of $405 and expended $457 for plants and supplies.
* A designated endowment fund for caregiving was established by Session on March 16, 2004, after receiving an anonymous donation of $10,000 that was inspired by participation in personal caregiving experiences while working with other dedicated caregivers from Fairfax Presbyterian Church. The fund is intended to provide professionally supervised caregiving for the elderly and will be funded from future contributions of others.
* Facility usage fees added $23,206 to the funds designated for the long-term upkeep of the church. A total of $16,354 was expended from the Buildings and Grounds Active Reserve Fund for heating/air system maintenance and refurbishing the associate pastor’s office.
* There was no activity in the Courtyard Memorial, Parlor, Handbells, or Organ funds of the church.
The Trustees provide a representative to the Nominating Committee, Stewardship and Finance Ministry, Property Management Ministry, and monthly Session meetings. The Trustees meet at least annually with the church’s investment counselor. They are deeply indebted to FPC’s Business Manager, Judy Chambers, who keeps the accounts organized and accurate. They also are grateful to graduating Trustee Dave Thalman for his three years of dedicated service and leadership. Trustee-elect Deb Fitzgerald-O’Connell (Class of 2007) will begin her three-year term in January 2005.
Worship Ministry
“Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God. In worship the people of God acknowledge God’s presence in the world and in their lives. As they respond to God’s claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and renewed. In worship the faithful offer themselves to God and are equipped for God’s service in the world.” Book of Order. W.1.1001Just as the church calendar reflects the meaning and purpose of Jesus’ life and teaching, the life of the church is reflected in the work of the Worship Ministry. Closely aligned with the staff and committed to meeting the needs of the congregation, the Worship Ministry is an integral part of Fairfax Presbyterian’s corporate worship experience.
The gift of time offered by members throughout the year enabled the ministry to offer services and programs that challenged and addressed the needs of the worshiping church. Volunteers arranged the bread and cup for communion, ushered at every service, arranged flowers, filled bags for children attending Sunday morning worship and offered music that inspired and prepared special services to enrich the seasonal message. In addition, the Ministry challenged the congregation to reach out to the community on local, national, and global levels.
FPC shared Good Friday and Thanksgiving Eve services with Providence Presbyterian Church, offered the chur