Good News SUMMER Providence Presbyterian Church

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1 SUMMER 2017 Providence Presbyterian Church Inside this issue: Be the Church. 2 Youth Corner 3 Creation Celebration 4 Children s Ministry 5 Spotlight on Mission 6 Prayers for 9 What s Next? 10 Kids Page 11 Paul, the Apostle, gives instructions to the saints in Corinth when collecting their offering for a gift to the fellowship of believers in Jerusalem. In the life of the early church, Paul is already implementing a planned giving program for mission. In his letter, he states that the Corinthians should follow the instructions he gave to the faithful in the churches of Galatia. They are to set aside whatever extra they have each week so collections do not need to be taken when he arrives. 1 Corinthians 16, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Collection for the Saints 16 Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. We carry on the tradition of faithful giving through our mission work. In this newsletter you will see a few of those undertakings highlighted. We are a dedicated community of believers that chooses to Be the Church and Make a Difference. We do make a difference, and we will do even more with God s help. I can think of no better way than following Jesus. Paul s passionate faith in our Lord and Savior gave him strength through the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill God s call in his life. May the Spirit continue to inspire us to do the same. Faithfully, The Rev. Dr. Michael P. Burns

2 Be the Church. Make a Difference. Page 2 Providence partnered with ACCA on April 29for Rebuilding Together. Much time and many talents were used to help rehab two properties this year. See page 6 for the full story.

3 Page 3 Youth Corner Summer is a strange and wonderful time of year. Schedules seem to slow down and fill up at the same time. We don t overplan the summer, but we do keep some things regular in the hopes of touching base as families come home to do laundry between camps, vacations, and summer projects. Here is a rundown of our summer schedule. I hope to see you when you re in town! *** 6 th graders (soon to be 7 th graders!), you are welcome to begin participating in any and all youth events beginning with your grand PYF kickoff event: Messy Night on June 4! Some events (like Montreat) you ll have to wait another year or two to jump in, but most things are for EVERYONE, including you! *** July 18: Fun Summer Tuesday July 24-28: Vacation Bible Camp August 1-3: Jr High 3 Days of Mission (for current 6 th -8 th graders) August 8: Fun Summer Tuesday August 15: Fun Summer Tuesday August 22: Fun Summer Tuesday August 25: Kickoff Unlock Have a adventurous but restful summer! Mary Ellen June 4: Messy Night, 5-6:30 pm June 11: Graduation Sunday June 24-July 1: West Virginia Mission Trip July 9-15: Montreat (for current 8 th -12 th graders) The Youth participated in a clean-up along a stretch of Long Branch Creek on Creation Celebration Sunday, April 23.

4 Creation Celebration Sunday Page 4 Creation Celebration Sunday, 2017 On April 23, Providence celebrated its 5 th annual Creation Celebration Sunday. In celebrating the Creation we draw our attention to God s creative powers; God created all that was, all that is, and all that will ever be! During the worship service, Mick provided an inspiring message about how the creation is groaning and we need to be listening. David Kepley reported to the congregation on the results of the annual Environmental Audit that the Earth Care Team must present to the Presbyterian Church (USA) to continue to be an official Earth Care Congregation. Despite needing only 50 points to be re-certified, Providence scored 519 points for activities that we did in in the areas of worship, education, outreach, and facilities (for more on the points, see environment/earth-care-congregations). This speaks well of both the staff, the Session, and the deacons, all of whom have all been extremely supportive of our efforts to make Providence a terrific earth care steward. We were also blessed to have a number of artists from our Providence family share with us their visions of God s magnificent creation that Sunday. The following artists shared their work with us: Charlie Braceland, Harvey Doerksen, Scott Durbin, Nancy Jones, David Kepley, and Carlin Smittle. In addition, you may have noticed that we brought some live trees into the Commons Area. It was a way of reminding us that nature is part of our sacred space. Burke Nursery loaned the trees to us. We also hope that you carry out the good news of creation care stewardship in your homes and places of business by implementing some of the ideas provided in the insert to the church bulletin. There will be other Earth Care related activities at the church in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to the church bulletin for announcements! Thanks be to God for this wonderful celebration of God s Creation! Earth Care Team

5 Page 5 Children s Ministry Vacation Bible Camp 2017 Maker Fun Factory Mornings, July 24-28, 2017 COST: Early bird (through July 9): $30 per child, no more than $60 per family. After July 9: $35 per child, no more than $70 per family. Registration begins June 1 st! Registration closes July 19, on a space-available basis. VBC is a summer adventure designed to address the spiritual, creative, and relational needs of children from ages 4 through rising 6 th graders. It will be great fun! Taylor Hall will be transformed into a toy factory that kids can tour! The VBC Celebration is on Friday, July 28 th, right after VBC ends at noon. Families and the entire church are invited!

6 Page 6 Spotlight on Mission Be the Church. Make a Difference. Are You MAD?!!! There are always opportunities at Providence where you, your time and talents, will have a direct impact on lives near and far. Make a note of these ways you can be MAD (Making a Difference). Rebuilding Together! Please see the pictures on Page 2. Providence partnered with ACCA on April 29 for the annual Rebuilding Together event. Members and friends of area churches gave much time and many talents to help rehab two properties this year. Nine Providence workers joined with friends form John Calvin Presbyterian Church and Ravensworth Baptist for this nationwide outreach. Wow! Much better weather this year and many left the day-long work project with signs of lots of sun. Did you see them when you were in church on Sunday? Breakfast at JCP was the first activity of the day, and then workers learned of the work assignments. Skilled and less than skilled workers helped an elderly widow get her home all spruced up both inside and outside: Clear indoor drains Repair chimney and gutters Replace storm door Repair/repaint soffits Install grab bar Kitchen repairs Shower repairs Replace toilets Install chair rail Remove carpeting Weed and mulch gardens Remove debris Remove stumps and small trees Trim trees and bushes Mow grass And some miscellaneous work Many of our workers brought their own tools, yard tools, wheel barrows, short ladders and step stools, gloves and tools for pulling weeds and spreading mulch. JCP provided the House Captains and Providence provided the Safety Coordinator. When the work was finished, an elderly homeowner rejoiced in her new home and will now be able to stay there comfortably for many more years. Thanks to the Providence members and friends who also participated by providing funds administered by the Mission Committee to support this outreach into our community.

7 Page 7 Summer 2017 All Church Mission Trip June 24 to July 1 Webster Springs, West Virginia In 2015 Providence sent a team to this town to help with repairs and other work to bring much needed help after a flood that left much damage. Just as the area was continuing to recover from this disaster, another flood occurred and devastated fifty-five homes in the area and many people are now needing more help. Not only are many people in this area experiencing damage from the floods, but the area itself is poverty-stricken with many aging and ailing residents. Providence will be sending another team to Webster Springs beginning June 24 to July 1 this year. If you are wanting to be part of this Mission Trip, contact Cathryn Krebs at or CathKrebs@gmail.com. She will be able to tell you if space is still available. The team will be lodging in a modest manse in town or nearby mission center and a few dinners may be provided. The team has breakfast together before starting out with a bag lunch to take to the work sites. Team members will shop for and prepare dinners as needed. Team members will be meeting prior to the trip to get to know each other and learn more about the Webster Springs area and the work to be done during the work trip. The Mission Committee and Youth Ministry are providing financial support for the journey. Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 18 to be part of the commissioning of our Mission Trip Team members during both worship services before they journey to West Virginia. Your strong prayer support is most welcome for the Team and for the residents of the Webster Springs community for health, safety and blessings for all involved. One Great Hour of Sharing Providence members and friends provided $ 4,338 for this special denominational offering taken at Easter. Your generosity will be helping to provide food (Presbyterian Hunger Fund), respond to disasters here and abroad (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance), and move many toward selfsufficiency (Self Development of People). Thank for your reaching out to so many neighbors who will benefit. Is not this the fast that I choose: To loose the bonds of injustice, To undo the thongs of the yoke, To let the oppressed to free, And to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hunger, And to bring the homeless poor into your house; When you see the naked, to cover them, And not to hide yourself from your own kin? Isaiah 58:6-7

8 Page 8 Spotlight on Mission, continued Providence ACCA Furniture Team Many hands make the work light!!! The Providence Furniture Team can use some new members. The team will be working on Saturday, June 10 and July 22. Work begins at 8:00 am at the ACCA Furniture Building on the grounds of Annandale United Methodist Church (6935 Columbia Pike) and the work is completed by noon. If you had just arrived from Syria as a refugee, you would need to have a bed to sleep in, a table to eat on, and chairs to sit on. ACCA responds to refugees such as these, and others who may be leaving a homeless shelter to transform an empty apartment into a real home. JUST AS YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE you finish the verse. How about trying your hand at this important ministry of Providence as we work with the ACCA Furniture Ministry. No charge for the weight bearing exercise! Contact Dave Lawhead at or dalawhead@verizon.net He needs to hear from you! Wanted People Interested in FISHing! You don t have to have a rod, hooks, waders or a boat to make a difference in our community by volunteering as a member of the Providence FISHing team. For Immediate Sympathetic Help (FISH) is a volunteer, non-profit ecumenical outreach organization of 14 churches serving the needy in the vicinity of Fairfax City. FISH responds to requests for life s necessities from Office of Coordinated Services Planning (CSP), Fairfax County Department of Human Services including food, clothing, transportation to medical or social service appointments and financial assistance for delinquent rent, mortgage, utility bills and prescriptions. If you can volunteer a few hours once a month to either receive CSP phone requests or become a delivery driver please notify Tommie Curtis at or tjrob@aol.com. Training will be provided. To learn more about FISH activities take a look at their web site,

9 Page 9 Prayers for (as of May 14, 2017) Continuing Care Althea Kepley, mother of David Kepley Sherry Brown, daughter of Tuck Wilson Robin Wareham, niece of Barbara & David Hansen Bob Hamilton Mary Ellen Wright Mary Stuart, mother of Kathy Knorr Marjorie Massey Bill Garber Mary Carter, mother of Annette Young Karen Renner, sister of Doris Gearing, Edwin Spar Jane McClellan Nancy Evans, sister of Sara Bennett Garnet McCall, mother of Bruce McCall Bill Sapp, brother of Walter Sapp Kitty Snead, mother of Ned Snead Shirley Strang In Memoriam Kathy Moss Allen Baker A heartfelt and grateful Thank You from Joe Moss, Helen Burvis, and Rob Moss for the incredible outpouring of support and care for Kathy and our families during her illnesses and, thankfully, her peaceful death. The many, many cards to her and to us, were a testament to the person she was. She would frequently tell me, I just love people, and she did truly love all of you and Providence. God Bless you all.

10 What s Next? SUNDAYS, 10:00 & 11:15 am Communion / First Sunday (children stay with their families during worship) June 4, July 2, August 6 June 11, Graduation Sunday Sunday School classes finish for the school year May 21; they will resume in September 456ers: June 4 PYF: June 4 ADULT MINISTRY Final classes on May 21 & 22; classes will resume in September OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER West Virginia Mission Trip, June 24-July 1 BBQ & Blues Picnic, June 25, 4:30-7:00 pm ACCA Furniture Delivery, 8:00 am June 10 & July 22 Providence Singers June 4, 2:00 pm, The Gardens at Fair Oaks Play Group, Tuesdays, 9:45 am Vacation Bible Camp, July :30 to noon MONTHLY Page 10 Men s Breakfast, 1st Saturdays at 8:00 am June 3 Lydia Circle, 3rd Wednesdays June 21 Shelter Meal Prep & Delivery, 2nd Wednesdays pm and the Tuesday before at 5:00 pm both days June 13 & 14 July 11 & 12 August 8 & 9 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSURES The Church Office will be closed Memorial Day, May 29 Independence Day, July 4 (for up-to-date information see

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12 Providence Presbyterian Church 9019 Little River Turnpike Fairfax, VA S u n d a y s C o m m u n i o n / F i r s t S u n d a y : C h i l d r e n s t a y w i t h f a m i l i e s i n w o r s h i p T r a d i t i o n a l, 1 0 : 0 0 a m, S a n c t u a r y C o n t e m p o r a r y, 1 1 : 1 5 a m, T a y l o r H a l l P r o v i d e n c e P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h L i t t l e R i v e r T u r n p i k e F a i r f a x, V A O f f i c e w w w. p r o v i d e n c e c h u r c h. o r g G r a d u a t i o n S u n d a y J u n e 1 1 S e e W h a t s N e x t? o n P a g e 1 0 f o r m o r e ( for up-to-date information see The Rev. Dr. Michael P. Burns, Pastor The Rev. Mary E. Rodgers, Associate Pastor Mary Ellen Moss, Director of Youth Ministry Daryl Wright, Director of Children s Ministry Lee Faber, Facilities Manager Joe Moss, Financial Manager Kathy Knorr, Communications Coordinator Terry Stoneberg, Director of Music Jane Kaye, Organist Rick Thiele, Music Leader & Tech. Coordinator Gene Kaye, Director of Providence Singers Carlos Guzman, Sexton Editor: Kathy Knorr