WESLEY FAMILY NEWS May 2008 ISSUE

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1 WESLEY FAMILY NEWS May 2008 ISSUE Wesley United Methodist Church 8412 Richmond Avenue, Alexandria, VA Honoring Janet and Earl Magill as Good and Faithful Servants Earl and Janet Magill joined the Wesley Family in 1967, and have been hardworking members ever since. Their children, David and Marcia grew up in the church. Earl has been a trustee, and has worked on many maintenance projects. He has been an usher for many years, and helped with recording the services. Janet has helped several older people with shopping, errands and other needs. She helped weddings to flow smoothly, and saw that Wesley contributed to the food needs of the Kennedy Shelter. She has been one of Wesley s regulars with the ROC Kitchen outreach. She has arranged the Coffee Hour hosting schedules recently, and done other scheduling through the years. We send much appreciation with the Magills as they go to their new home in Ashburn, where they will be near their daughter and family. Goodbye and God Bless You!

2 May 2008 Wesley Family News Page 2 I never really know how much of my own faith journey I should share. I am not sure how much of it is just out there for all to see. But if we are going to talk about Jesus being a person, both human and God, then it seems unavoidable to talk of our own encounters with Jesus. We encounter Christ in our devotional life through prayer, study of Scriptures, worship and service. Christ invites us to draw closer, offering himself to each of us. We respond to this offer by giving ourselves and all we are to Christ. I hope and pray that you have experienced this union.. This is the central point of spiritual formation. We are shaped, changed, and formed by Christ s love working in us and our response to Christ. But for both those new to the journey with Jesus and those who have been at it for some time, there are a couple of hindrances that may arise as Jesus connects with us and we with Jesus. The first block is the idea that all past encounters with Jesus were a failure, inadequate, incomplete, and worse not real. I am not sure where this feeling comes from, but left unchecked and unrefuted it causes discouragement and becomes a distraction. We can only move so quickly. Our faith life is a journey, on a path, with a companion, and with an end. It can only be accomplished one step, one day at a time. No runner who completes a marathon looks back and says that strides 153 to 225 were failures. They could only be failures if the runner failed to take stride number 226. Because they were a part of a continuous running that led to the completion of the race all strides were vital. The same is true for our spiritual formation. What has taken place before is not failure, because it has led us to where we are today. We are Message from Pastor Tony... still on the road, taking the trip, moving to the end. The opposite is also true. We can be hindered in our spiritual growth if we believe, prematurely that we have arrived. What has happened to date has been so life changing and earth-shattering that we could not possibly do more than what has already been done. And so we set aside our devotional practices that have mediated Christ to us and us to Christ and begin to live as if Christ no longer has work for us to do. We begin to live out of our own strength and will. Since we believe we are as close to perfection as can be achieved we think more highly of ourselves and less highly of those who cannot match our lofty status. Such superiority is not of Christ and sooner or later, we begin to feel we have not come so far and we must begin again. Thank goodness! Where ever you are in your journey, I recommend that you look and see where things are going. Have you stopped growing in Christ, either because you think there is no more that can change and grow, or and more likely, you think that there is no hope for change and growth? Either thought stalls movement toward the goal. But neither need be a permanent condition. Failure in the life with Jesus only comes when the journey is forsaken and there is no opportunity to begin again. Since there is an opportunity to begin for every person (GOD has NOT FORE- CLOSED! Salvation is still available) each of you may reliably assume that you are successfully journeying with Jesus and that whether you feel as if you are stopping for a rest, restarting, or have been going for awhile, you are on the way and will reach the goal.

3 May 2008 Wesley Family News Page 3 Summer Youth Activities May Mother s Day Presentation June Fathers Day Presentation July Youth Trip to Kings Dominion Parents vs. Youth Bible Trivia Game Day August Summer Youth Mission Activity Join the Prayer Chain Would you like to be a Member of the Wesley Prayer chain? You would receive a call or an e- mail from a member of the chain when requests for prayers are received. Please call Dale Swartz, (703) Wesley United Methodist Church Membership Rosters are updated monthly and are available in the church office. Please stop by the church office between 9:00 and Noon Monday through Friday to pick up your copy. Do we have your Current mailing and/or address? If not, please contact the church office to make any changes. Address Updates Earl & Janet Magill Rosses Point Court Ashburn VA Dave & Karola Scarce 8164 Applewood Lane Warrenton VA

4 May 2008 Wesley Family News Page 4 We would like to thank Clyde Phelps for his generous gift honoring Jim Phelps, Bob Phelps, Raymond Phelps and Louise Phelps Dingley. Clyde has lost all four of his siblings in the last year. Cheering Each Other On.. Though we might feel we have nothing to give, we can give encouragement. In keeping with Wesley Member Care Ministry vision we would like to gather joys from the congregation. Therefore we invite you to share your special joys and recognitions with the church office via (wesleychurch@verizon.net) so that they may be shared with the congregation in the monthly newsletter. Member Care Ministry Vision: Assure that every member of the congregation feels cared for in times of illness, crisis and in times of joy. Wesley Family News Deadline The deadline for submission of articles/ items of interest for the Wesley Family News is at Noon, the 15th of each month. Please submit all items in writing. When possible, please send them via to WesleyChurch@verizon.net

5 May 2008 Wesley Family News Page 5 Wesley Internet Prayer Group Begins All are welcome to become a part of the Wesley Internet Prayer Group. This group was recently formed with six members and a structure that can be refined as we go along. We use to establish our prayer list which reflects joys and concerns from the Sunday worship service and persons included by members of the prayer group. Each member takes turn sending out the weekly prayer list. During our personal prayer time we each open our heart in an honest, humble and personal conversation with God. In addition to our personal prayers we also offer intercessional prayer for individuals on the weekly prayer list. The following 'loose' structure is currently used: a. Daily personal and intercessional prayer at a time and place which is best for you. b. Check into our Wesley UMC Devotional page: wesleyva.org/devotional.html for daily scripture and the Upper Room Daily Devotional c. Quiet time followed by your personal prayer d. Group Intercessional Prayer: Prayer for individuals by name. As an example: Lord we intercede for (individuals, by name on the weekly ). Help each find solutions and understanding to today's concerns, problems, etc. Give (by name) appreciation for the natural beauty of your creation and your blessings. Surround each person with your healing presence and fill us with compassion, joy & the love of Christ. Prayer for our church, community, our nation and beyond. The Lords Prayer or 23rd Psalm For more information or to become a part of this group please jim@sodigital.org VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2008: GOD'S BIG BACKYARD "Where Kids Have a Blast Serving Jesus!" June :00 pm 8:30 pm

6 May 2008 Wesley Family News Page 6 Kits for Conference Local churches are encouraged to gather items for kits and send them to annual conference. The inventory has been greatly diminished as UMCOR responded to the numerous disasters experienced in the United States and in other countries around the world. The Sager Brown Depot reports there is a need for ALL types of kits (except flood buckets). Local churches are encouraged to collect any of the following UMCOR kits and bring them to annual conference for delivery: School Kit Items Value: $11 (Please note change to contents.) 1 pair blunt scissors (rounded tip) 3 pads (or loose leaf) of 8 1/2" x 11" ruled paper (construction paper no longer included) 1 30-centimeter ruler 1 hand held pencil sharpener 6 unsharpened pencils with erasers 1 eraser, 2 1/2" 1 box of 24 crayons (only 24) Prepare a 14" x 16" (finished size) cloth bag with handles and an optional closure (Velcro, snap or button) and place items in the bag. Patterns are available from UMCOR Sager Brown. Sewing Kit Items Value: $18 3 yards of cotton or cotton-blend, solid color or print fabric (must be 3 yards of uncut fabric) 1 pair sewing scissors 1 package of needles 1 spool of thread 5-8 matching buttons Wrap sewing notions in the fabric and place in a sealed one-gallon plastic bag. Layette Kit Items Value: $35 6 cloth diapers 2 shirts or 2 one-piece body suits 2 baby washcloths 2 gowns or sleepers 2 diaper pins 1 sweater open in the front 2 receiving blankets Bundle the items inside one of the receiving blankets and secure with the diaper pins. Health Kit Items Value: $12 (Please note change to contents.) 1 hand towel (15"x25" up to 17"x27", No kitchen towels) 1 washcloth 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized) 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers) 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up) 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes) 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages $1.00 to purchase toothpaste

7 May 2008 Wesley Family News Page 7 GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up! GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you will be supporting UCM. Just go to and be sure to enter United Community Ministries (be careful - there are several so be sure to select the one in Alexandria, VA) or another charity as the charity you want to support. And be sure to spread the word to friends and family! May 10 UCM's Spring Gala and Auction Belle Haven Country Club 6023 Ft. Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 6:30 p.m - 11:00 p.m. There will be both a silent auction and live auction with our "mystery auctioneer". Live music and dancing with 'pto' (formerly Franklin Gothic) and a wonderful International Buffet Station will be available. For further information, please contact Betsy Damitz at , ext. 328, or via at betsy.damitz@ucmagency.org. May 10 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive - National Association of Letter Carriers Help end hunger by placing bags of nonperishable food items next to your mailbox. Your letter carrier will pick them up and deliver them to UCM's food bank. May 17 Creekside Village (formerly Janna Lee) Community Day UCM's Community Center at Creekside, 7966 Janna Lee Avenue. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. June 7 Sacramento Community Day UCM's Community Center at Sacramento 8792 Sacramento Drive 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

8 May 2008 Wesley Family News Page 8 Rising Hope Requests Food Donations Rising hope called Wesley last week asking for food donations. They are especially low in rice and pasta. They also need canned meats or chunky soups to feed the families that they assist. Basic Lay Speaking Course Calloway UMC, 5000 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA ( ) May 31 and June 7 from 9:00am - 3:00pm (must attend both sessions to receive certification) Cost $20.00 Attention Seniors: Fairfax County Police Want You The Police Department is reaching out to county residents over 55 years of age, who are interested in serving on new Seniors & Law Enforcement Together (SALT) councils. These groups will serve the important function of helping to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and this fast-growing demographic. The focus of the new councils will be to enhance law enforcement s response to crime-related issues experienced or feared by older residents. The Police Department wants to hear first-hand from older residents about any of their unmet needs and quality of life issues. It is anticipated that these councils will play an important role in helping guide police department programs and policies. Potential members should be willing to express their concerns about crime issues and may be asked to help share police-related information with their peers. The councils will be based in local police districts, with meeting times and spaces to be coordinated with local district officers. Police plan a training component to the councils to help new members better understand the police department and its function in the community. The Fairfax County Police Department places a high priority on meeting needs of the senior community and welcomes them into their planning process. For more information on SALT councils, or to volunteer, call 703/ You will be directed to your local crime prevention officer.

9 May 2008 Wesley Family News Page 9 05/05 Kelly Wareham 05/05 Ryan Tracey 05/06 Kevin Wareham 05/08 Lily Chong 05/09 Nicole Jankovits 05/10 Tom Swartz 05/13 Tom Loftus 05/14 Connie Lorentzen 05/16 Mary Pryor 05/16 Jimmy Smith 05/16 Michael Smith 05/17 Jeremy Sonntag 05/17 Conrad Swartz 05/19 Chris Anderson 05/19 George Anderson 05/20 Katie Chase Parrish 05/22 Rhonda Reeves-Long 05/23 Andy Nees 05/23 Seth Mitchell-Galoci 05/24 Charles Hinkle 05/25 Dale Swartz 05/26 James Harris 05/27 Corey Tullar 05/29 Audry Pomerening 05/30 Meaghan Cromwell 05/04/2007 Gregg & Melanie Englert 05/10/1969 Mike & Donna Adams 05/16/1965 Gerald & Odell Wareham 05/22/1966 Ron & Nancy Clingenpeel Date 05/04/ /11/ /18/ /25/2008 Acolyte Nicholas Skidmore CJ Tracey Ryan Tracey Abby Baggette Lector Joey Forstall Nora Rudd Devin Loftus Rhonda Reeves-Long Childcare Linda Baublitz & Rosemary Salak Christina & Erika Swartz Donna Adams & Audry Pomerening Margaret Minnie & Connie Lorentzen Counters Lou DeVaughn & Jeff Nees Watson Pryor & Steve Skidmore Donna Adams & Corey Tullar Linda Baublitz & Dave Restifo Coffee Hour Lauren & Gary Walker Diana & Lance Tracy Nancy & David Restifo Nancy & Chuck Anderson Communion Steward Mary & Watson Pryor Sunday School Nancy Nixon & Tom Swartz Rosemary Salak & Bud West Rosemary Salak & Bud West Edie Skidmore & Jeff Nees

10 May 2008 Wesley Family News Page 10 MAY 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 27 9:00 AM Christian Education 10:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM All Nations Meth Chrch 2:00 PM CS Den 2 Webelos II 5:00 PM UMYF 4 9:00 AM Christian Education 10:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM All Nations Meth Chrch 5:00 PM UMYF 11 Pentecost 9:00 AM Christian Education 10:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM All Nations Meth Chrch 5:00 PM UMYF 18 9:00 AM Christian Education 10:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM All Nations Meth Chrch 12:00 PM Brownie/Bridging Daisy Event 5:00 PM UMYF 25 9:00 AM Christian Education 10:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM All Nations Meth Chrch 2:00 PM CS Den 2 Webelos II 5:00 PM UMYF 28 6:30 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Bell Choir 7:00 PM Trinity Cir 5 6:30 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Bell Choir 12 6:30 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Bell Choir Finance Cmte Mtg 19 6:30 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Bell Choir 7:00 PM Trinity Cir :00 PM Den 8 7:00 PM Women Stp Grp 6 7:00 PM Den 8 7:00 PM Women Stp Grp :00 PM Den 2 6:30 PM Mt Zephyr Neighborhood Watch :00 AM ROCK 7:00 PM 10:00 AM Staff Webelos II Mtg 7:00 PM Den 4 7:00 PM Den 8 7:00 PM Women Stp Grp Admin Board Mtg Troop 993 Committee Meeting 20 7:00 PM Den 8 7:00 PM Women Stp Grp 27 7:00 PM Den 4 7:00 PM Den 8 7:00 PM Women Stp Grp National Day of Prayer 5:00 PM Den I Harmonica Clb 8:30 PM AA :00 AM MOW 3:00 PM Troop 5:00 PM Den I Cadette 7:00 PM Den 3 Troop Lock-in Harmonica Clb Nominations Cmte Mtg SPRC Organist Search 8:30 PM AA 15 12:00 PM Newsletter Deadline 5:00 PM Den I 7:00 PM BS Pack Mtg Harmonica Clb 8:30 PM AA :00 PM Den I 7:00 PM Den 3 Harmonica Clb Trustee Mtg 8:30 PM AA :00 PM Den I Harmonica Clb 8:30 PM AA :00 AM BS Family Picnic 23 5:00 PM Stifel/Ward Rehearsal :00 PM Stifel/Ward Wedding Church Office Closed Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Bell Choir

11 May 2008 Wesley Family News Page 11 Wesley Preschool and Kindergarten May 2008 Newsletter We are now in the home stretch! Can you believe that the end of school is this month?! Our end of the year program will be held on May 23 rd from 10 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited. A reception will immediately follow the program. REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP Camp information is as follows: Cost: A one time $25.00 registration fee due now to secure placement in one or all of the 3 camps. Cost of the camp will be $100 per week. No sibling discounts. Time: 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. bring a bagged lunch. Camp is offered to ages 3 years old to 7 years olds. The camper must be completely and totally potty-trained to register. Unless pre-arranged, we will not pro-rate tuition due to missed days, absences/illnesses. Snow make-up days will be May 8 th, and May 16 th. Our day will be extended. Hours will be 8:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. Bring a bag lunch and plan to have fun! We are still registering for the fall school year. Remember that you are not registered unless you have paid the registration fee of $60. Check the bulletin board in the foyer to see if you are officially registered. St. Jude s Children s Hospital Trike-a-thon will be Friday, May 8 th. Additional info is being sent home. Check backpacks! May Tuition is due If you have an outstanding balance due with Wesley it needs to be cleared before the Graduation date. May 18 th Wesley s Preschool and K will be singing at Wesley 10a.m. Worship Service. Please make plans to attend and bring your student that day. We need your angels voice! Blessed are we whose lives are Touched by people who care. Have a great summer! God Bless You! Darlene Spurlock, Elizabeth Schwenk, Marnie Merriam, And Chong Tae Christensen

12 Wesley United Methodist Church 8412 Richmond Avenue Alexandria, VA (703) /(703) Fax Website: Daily devotions: Address Correction Requested Non-Profit Organization Postage Paid Mount Vernon, Virginia PERMIT #1 Non-Profit Organization Postage Paid Mount Vernon, Virginia PERMIT #1 Sunday May 11th Monday, May 26 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2008: GOD'S BIG BACKYARD "Where Kids Have a Blast Serving Jesus!" June :00 pm 8:30 pm