Have a Minute?

By Janet L. Parker

“After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias…When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:1, 15

These words from the gospel of John describe one of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to the disciples. Three times, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him, and three times Peter assures Jesus of his love. After each response from Peter, Jesus gives him a command: “Feed my lambs.” “Tend my sheep.” Feed my sheep.” Three variations on the same theme. Peter, the rock on which Christ promised to build his church, is being charged to take care of the community that Jesus is leaving behind as he prepares to ascend to heaven to be with God. Jesus’ presence will remain with the disciples through the gift of the Holy Spirit, but Jesus will not longer physically live among them. Yet the ministry that Jesus began will go on—nourished and tended by the leaders that Jesus has equipped for service.

In just over a week, Rock Spring will say goodbye to the Wildmans as they leave for Cape Cod. It’s hard to believe that the time is upon us. Now, we all know that Chuck is not Jesus, and Cape Cod is not heaven (though it may come close)! But as I was reflecting on Chuck’s departure in the context of the Easter season, this passage came to mind. Chuck has faithfully led this community for almost twenty years; in ways big and small he has been our pastor, our shepherd. Some of us may feel a bit lost after his departure; some of us may feel angry at being left (even though we know his retirement is well-deserved!); many of us will simply miss his presence and the presence of Anne.

But this passage from John reminds us that the best way for us to honor Chuck and Anne and their ministry among us is to continue to do the work of the church: to feed Christ’s lambs and tend his sheep. And through Chuck’s leadership, we have been equipped with all of the gifts and skills we need to keep Rock Spring alive and thriving while we await the arrival of our interim senior pastor—and begin the search for a new permanent senior pastor. Most importantly, of course, the Easter season reminds us that the true Head of the church, the Risen Christ, is always present with us through the Holy Spirit, and that it is Christ who leads us into the future. In the words of the hymn, “My love is built on nothing less than Jesus’ love and righteousness.” Amen!

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News & Notes

Thoughts & Prayers

Prayers are requested for Curtis Miller, who is seriously ill and recovering from surgery at Virginia Hospital Center, and prayers of support for his wife Lois during this time…We offer our condolences and prayers of support to Hans Ravesteijn on the loss of his mother, Judy Bletterman Ravesteijn, and to Carolyn Hart, on the loss of her mother, Billie Cantlay…Condolences also to Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Carolyn Hart and Steve Hawkins on the loss of two dear friends and colleagues recently, Diane Hedgecock and Steve Wilbur

Rock Spring Council Update

The RS council has been preparing for the retirement of Chuck Wildman our long time senior pastor. During the interim period we had asked Janet Parker to assume the role of staff team leader until our interim senior pastor is selected and brought on board.

I hope everyone that is able comes to one of the two celebrations of Chuck’s ministry. On April 5 we have the farewell dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall, and on Chucks last day, April 13 we will have an all church family picnic on the lawn (weather permitting otherwise inside Carpenter Hall). Emphasis will be on a fun time for all especially the children of Rock Spring. Please come for the service of decommissioning and stay for the picnic. It will be a wonderful time.

If you see a blue name badge, that is a member of council. During the interim period we felt that everyone should feel free to ask questions of council members so we want them to be visible. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the council members, and now you can identify them by the blue name badges.

I hope that we can continue a regular section in the Rock Spring News to keep everyone posted on what is happening at Rock Spring.

Jim Meehan
President, Rock Spring Church Council
ance reservations required. The other three Iraqi families will also attend this luncheon.

UCC In the News

by Chuck Wildman

We are much in the news these days as the denomination of Barack Obama.  His home church, Trinity UCC, on Chicago's South Shore, is the largest UCC congregation and a strong outpost of the Christian social justice tradition.  Trinity and its retired senior pastor, Dr. Jeremiah Wright, have stood up for the poor and the victims of racism for decades.   The congregation and Rev. Wright now find themselves under public and government scrutiny. 

In addition, the United Church of Christ is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service concerning whether the UCC violated any laws when it invited Barack Obama to last summer’s General Synod and/or in other activities related to Obama’s candidacy. John Thomas has indicated Synod planners consulted legal counsel in advance of the invitation to Mr. Obama to make certain that all plans carefully followed all relevant legal guidelines.

For complete information on both of these matters, including a pastoral response from UCC President, Rev. John Thomas, go to the UCC web site (UCC.org).  Printouts of all material issued by the UCC are available in packets from the Rock Spring office.  Janet Parker, Hank Fairman and I  stand ready to discuss the issues involved with anyone who wishes to learn more.  Meanwhile, we keep Trinity Church and the entire UCC in our prayers

Earth Sunday--April 20, 2008

This year, Rock Spring will celebrate Earth Sunday, also called Integrity of Creation Sunday, on April 20 during both worship services and during an after-church event.  The Eco-Justice Committee is planning fun, interactive, and educational indoor/outdoor activities for all to celebrate Earth Day and to remind us of our stewardship responsibility to care for God's creation.  Come for lunch and fun activities including a truly “earthy” project to help green our church grounds and plant an organic garden that will produce fresh vegetables for AFAC; demonstrations to learn what's what about wattage and compact fluorescent light bulbs; and more.  Dress code for church that Sunday is casual!  Wear clothes that can get dirty if you want to help with the garden or landscaping. Mark April 20 on your calendars and plan to join us!

Iraqi Family

by Marti Weston

Update

Our Iraqi family becomes more independent by the day. They are getting some job search support from the Multicultural Center. Job hunting is still going on, though there are no lack of interviews. We are still hoping that Barnes and Noble in Clarendon might come through, as it will offer Salam much opportunity to practice his English and to be around books, since he left his entire (and very substantial) library in Iraq. Speaking of English, both parents have graduated from their first class at the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia. Salam has done so well that he will move to more advanced programs, maybe at NOVA Annandale campus, a possibility he is very excited about. Nahidah is proud to be one of the top students in the class, and she will probably take another class at LCNV.

If you can help with job hunting please let me know. We continue to hope that an entry level job might be discovered in a law firm that needs Arabic speakers- even if at the beginning it is in the mail room. At many of his job interviews potential employers notice the mid-June expiration date on his work permit - there because he should have asylum long before then. This is easy to explain, but not so easy for potential employers to understand. Nahidah, who has raised five wonderful children, is hoping to find a child care or clerk position not-too-far from home. She was offered one, from 7:30 to 5:00 each day, but it was more than an hour away by public transportation. We encouraged her to keep looking so that she would not be away from her family for so many hours each day.

Now that I am in the loop for Iraqi refugees, I hear of cases every day - Iraqi's working for the US who want to leave Iraq with their families. Many have sponsors in Iraq, but need sponsors here. As we know from our experience, it takes much effort to support one family through the asylum process, and yet so many more need our help. There are two more Commission on Public Integrity families desperately waiting in Baghdad. At a meeting of Unitarian Church volunteers several weeks ago, we thought about making a PowerPoint presentation and taking it on the road to Northern Virginia churches with a goal of encouraging other churches to help.

Two important family dates:

April 8th -- Haider's 17th birthday. Consider sending a card. We can provide the address.
About 25 Rock Springers can sign up to attend. We must have an RSVP for this.
Marti Weston

Lawyers' help needed:

Janet Parker has volunteered to collect the names of any lawyers in our congregation that would like to provide any help to Salam as he searches for a job in a law firm. If you are willing to help circulate Salam's resume or make connections for him to law firms in the area, for a job at any level (even the mail room), it would be appreciated. We're trying to help him get his foot in the door with the legal community in the area with some form of employment. If you would like to be on the list, please let Janet know.

NOVAM Benefit April 26

Just imagine that we could help everyone who has AIDS or is HIV positive! That is what faith leaders in Northern Virginia did when they started the Northern Virginia Aids Ministry (NOVAM). This organization provides services, education, and support to hundreds of people who are living with the disease. Our church contributes to NOVAM from its annual stewardship budget, but the organization also needs Rock Springers' support as well. Come to the IMAGINE party in Carpenter Hall as we join other faith communities imagining, and maybe even helping to create a world that takes care of everyone with this terrible illness. Bring a covered dish and a small contribution on Saturday, April 26th at 6:30 PM. All contributions are welcome, and a $25 contribution admits one person to the silent auction at the Torpedo Factory later on in the evening. In addition, bring a picture, poster, or other memento of someone you know who is fighting or fought AIDS so we can celebrate their lives.

Communication Class for Parents

Want PEACE in your home? Are you frustrated with your relationship with your kids? Try "How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and How to Listen so Kids will Talk." A Communication Class for Parents. May 1 - June 5th,
Thursdays at 7:00 - 8:45, RSC, $115. Registration will be open until April 24th. Questions? Ask Bill Clarke, Rose Mary Garcia, Deborah Duffy, or the CE Board.

Sunday School News & Notes

Our Sunday School program continues with strong classes with skillful teachers, and awesome students! Each week, our classes for Pre/K-K (non-readers), K-1st Grade, 2nd-3rd Grade, 4th-5th Grade, Middle High, and Senior High share in the wonder of God’s love for all people, wherever they are on life’s journey. Come see what God is speaking through our children and youth! Come to class this week! For more information on all of Rock Spring’s educational ministries, please visit: please visit: www.rockspringucc.org/html/education.

Confirmation Class

With the varied and busy lives our youth lead today, this year’s Confirmation Class agreed to meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:30, on a (mostly) every-other-week schedule. Upcoming dates and homework for Confirmation are:

We’ll have a special meeting to work on our Mission Project on Saturday April 19, from 10:00-3:00. We’ll be digging, leveling, and building raised vegetable gardens to grow food for the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). This year is the second in AFAC’s local effort to obtain more fresh produce for the families it serves. It is part of the national Plant A Row for the Hungry program through which gardeners are urged to donate a portion of their vegetables and fruits to local food pantries. The Confirmation Class will build it; we’ll plant it as part of our Earth Day celebration, and then we’ll need everyone’s help to tend it over the summer months! Look for more news on this in the coming RSN’s.

This year’s class will conclude with a special dinner on Saturday, May 17, beginning at 5:00. The Confirmands will share their Affirmations of Faith at a special service following the meal in the sanctuary. The Service of Confirmation will take place on Sunday, May 18, with the Confirmands leading both worship services, with the Order for Confirmation at 11:00.

As we come to the end of this year’s program, a note of thanks for the families of our confirmation class, and for the Confirmands! This year has been a good and fun time of sharing!

Middle High YoRS

Our Lenten Journey with the Many Faces of God was wonderful! Thanks to all who helped share, especially our guests Amarnath "Dave" & Jessie Divecha . who shared the Hindu faith; and Howard Raback, who shared the Jewish faith; and thanks to Pastor Hank for learning to be Muslim-for-a-day!

Middle High YoRS Dates:

Senior High Youth of Rock Spring (SH-YoRS)

For decades, war has ravaged the lives of the people of Sudan. Since 2003, over 2.5 million people of Darfur, in Western Sudan, have had to permanently leave their homes and between 250,000-400,000 have been killed.
To respond to this tremendous tragedy, SH-YoRS is joining with the UCC Office of Global Ministries, One Great Hour of Sharing and the Week of Compassion, in an innovative new project called "Tents of Hope". Through this project, SH-YoRS will create an active learning experience using a simulation refugee tent to raise awareness of the conflict in Sudan through education, advocacy and fundraising for humanitarian assistance.
As part of this 6 month effort, SH-YoRS is going to learn about the conflict in Sudan and hold a "tent-raising" to design and decorate a canvas tent. Through painting and decorating the tent, our youth will have the chance to artistically express their concern for the Sudanese people. Additionally, throughout the next six months, our youth will plan activities with the tent as a centerpiece, including (but not limited to) a program at Rock Spring, put on by SH-YoRS, to educate our congregation on the terrible tragedy in Darfur and how our congregation can respond.

The project will culminate in an event in Washington, DC over November 7-9, 2008, where our Youth and the broader Rock Spring community will have the chance to display our tent on the Mall and join in a national lobby day to voice our concerns for the people of Sudan directly to our Representatives and Senators.

On April 6, beginning at 12:30 pm in the Peace Room, the Senior High YoRS crew will begin their "Tents of Hope" activity with a slide show and presentation by Carrie Hessler-Radelet on the conflict in Sudan and an initial viewing of the tent. All are welcome.

Senior High YoRS Dates

For more information on our Middle High and Senior High Youth Ministries, please to email Rock Spring YORS.

Summer Mission Experience 2008 and this Year’s Fund Raiser

We’re all set to go, and our registrations are in! Now, we need your help with some of the expenses for the trip. We are excited to offer to you:
The First-Ever “Bake a Cake for your Mom” Mother’s Day Cake-and-Bake Sale!

Here’s the details:
From now until May 1, orders will be taken by our Mission Experience Team for specialty cakes for you to give to your mom, grandma, mother-in-law, and all the many “situational” moms in your life. The cakes will be baked on Friday, May 9; decorated on Saturday, May 10, and will be ready for pick-up after worship on Sunday, May 11.
Each cake costs $24 (that’s one dollar for each person going on the Mission Trip). Order forms are available in the Saegmuller Room, or by clicking here .
These funds will go to support the travel costs of the trip to help out the Pittsburgh Project. If you are a baker, you are welcome to help with providing items for the bake sale, too! Our hope is to raise $2000, to reduce the per-person cost of the trip for everyone. Please, share in the Cake-and-Bake fund raiser, and you too can enthusiastically shout, “And I helped!!”

The Details on the Mission Experience:
Who: High School Youth, who have completed 9th grade
When: June 29-July 5 (as agreed)
How much: $450, with food/lodging/transportation included
**Please note: the cost per person will go down, based on our fund raising.  In the case of financial need, please contact Pastor Hank personally (and confidentially).

Registration:
All forms have been turned in! Yea!!
Participants and Parents, please remember--the balance of fees ($400) is due 4/27.

For more information on our Middle High and Senior High Youth Ministries, please email yors@rockspringucc.org.

Church Staff