Week of September 24, 2017
From Linnea and Marta
We just want to thank everyone for all the thoughts, prayers, support, food, and groceries. The love shown has been overwhelming and will make this difficult journey easier.
Oh, Nuts!
Annual Nut Sale
It is time for the annual sale of pecans! One pound packages of fancy pecan halves, milk chocolate-covered pecan halves and dark chocolate almonds! Each package is just $10.00. You can order using the link below. Orders will be open starting now through Sunday, October 1. Nuts will arrive the first week of November. Questions? Contact Lucinda Maine.
Contact: Lucinda Maine | 703-532-3042 | lmaine@aacp.org
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 1 at 3:00 p.m.
Join us for the annual Blessing of the Animals on the Green. We gather on this day as we remember St. Francis of Assisi who was a friend and protector of all animals, for a brief service of word and prayer including a blessing of our beloved pets. We invite everyone to bring friends, family, and of course, your pets. If your pet(s) does not travel well, please come and bring a picture of your pet(s) instead.
Bus Drivers Needed
Do you want to support Mount Olivet but have little spare time? If so, then driving elderly members in Mount Olivet’s bus to Sunday services could be for you. We need more drivers to keep providing transportation for Sunday school and both Sunday services to those who can’t transport themselves. More drivers give us more flexibility to accommodate anybody’s availability, so chances are we can fit your schedule.
Contact: Charles Lundy | 703-241-8363 | calundy@verizon.net
Charge Conference
Wednesday, October 11
After Wednesday Night Dinner
On Wednesday, October 11, Mount Olivet will hold its fall Charge Conference with the district superintendent. Come for dinner, 5:45-6:30 p.m., at no cost and stay for the conference in the Fellowship Hall.
Liturgical Dance Class & Performance Group
Anyone ages 8-adult who enjoys worship through movement and music is invited to join the Liturgical Dance Class- no prior dance experience required. Combines elements of ballet, modern and classic jazz dance as an expression of worship. Participants will present their dances periodically as part of worship services at area churches (including Mount Olivet). Liturgical classes are offered free of charge through Perfect Pointe Dance Studio on Tuesdays, September 12-December 5 from 7:45-8:30 p.m. Presentation dates TBD (early-mid December). Contact Kendra Slatt to learn more.
Contact: Kendra Slatt | kendra.slatt@gmail.com
Bike to Church Sunday
This Sunday, September 24
Do you normally drive your car to church? Take this opportunity to be different. Join the growing number of bicycle riders on Bike to Church Sunday. As Christians, we are called to follow the spiritual and physical path of Jesus. Jesus led a simple life. He walked on foot, rode on a donkey, or took a boat.
Senior Adults Apple Pickin’ and Fall Color Trip
October 18
Join the Senior Adults for the annual Apple Pickin’ Trip to Stribling Orchard. The church bus will leave the parking lot at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy a day in the country with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lunch provided at the Griffin Tavern in Flint Hill. Secure your spot on the bus by contacting Tina Marcus.
Organ Recital
October 31
Dr. Shaner will lead an organ recital on Organ Music Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation (1517-2017). A Halloween themed lunch will follow the recital in the Gathering Space. Feel free to wear your favorite costume.
Contact: Tina Marcus | tmarcus@mtolivet-umc.org
Save the Date: Mount Olivet Choir Events
October 29 at 3:00 p.m.
The Mount Olivet Choir along with Dr. Steven Shaner will present a concert of choral and organ music celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Strasburg, VA. The event is being sponsored by the Central Valley Conference and is open to all. The offering will go to the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program to support and honor Jacob Dunlop. Jacob, a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Bergton, will be volunteering for the next year with YAGM in Paraguay. Following the concert, a reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall and you are invited to bring finger food to share.November 19 at 3:25 p.m.
The Mount Olivet Choir will be the Prelude Choir to Evensong at the National Cathedral, Washington D.C.Show your support of our choir at these two very special events!
The Mount Olivet Choir along with Dr. Steven Shaner will present a concert of choral and organ music celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Strasburg, VA. The event is being sponsored by the Central Valley Conference and is open to all. The offering will go to the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program to support and honor Jacob Dunlop. Jacob, a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Bergton, will be volunteering for the next year with YAGM in Paraguay. Following the concert, a reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall and you are invited to bring finger food to share.November 19 at 3:25 p.m.
The Mount Olivet Choir will be the Prelude Choir to Evensong at the National Cathedral, Washington D.C.Show your support of our choir at these two very special events!
A Library Jubilee
The Hebrew Scriptures tell us of the Jubilee year, which comes at the end of every seven cycles of Sabbatical years. Among other things, debts are relaxed and property is returned to its original owner. In the spirit of Jubilee, the church library is canceling all fines. Okay, we don’t really have fines. And we hardly ever report anyone to collection agencies. We are asking for the return of all overdue books. You may leave them on the cart in the “Gathering Space Branch” on Sundays or return them to the library. –Linda McKenney, Church Librarian
Mount Olivet Pictorial Directory
Our own resident photographer, Jim Coates, will be available every Sunday in September to take your photo for the Mount Olivet Pictorial Directory. It’s never been easier. The directory is a great way to connect to the congregation, and bring us all closer together. To make sure you get your photo taken when convenient for you, we have created a Sign Up Genius below. Or you can just show up in the Gathering Space and he can fit you in.
Keep Up With The Commission For A Way Forward
Interested in keeping up with the Commission on A Way Forward? Here you will read about the Commission on A Way Forward — the group charged to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph of the Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and explore options that help to maintain and strengthen the unity of the church. You’ll also read about preparations for the 2019 Called General Conference, noted United Methodists in the news and global relief work.
Raise Your Voice! Refugee Advocacy Workshop
Put faith into action. Free hands-on training from NGO experts for influencing legislative developments affecting refugees now. Hosted by NOVA Friends of Refugees on Tuesday, September 26 at Mount Olivet. Register below.
A Message from Caretakers of God’s Creation
Spirituality in Nature Group (SING) will meet on October 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Glencarlyn Park, in the large parking lot at the bottom of the hill near the picnic shelters. The park is along Four Mile Run, part of Mount Olivet’s local watershed. It can be accessed easily by bike. We plan to focus on prayer in and for the natural world and exploration of our environment and our connection to God.