Children’s Sunday School Class is on Vacation Break!
During the summer, the Adult Bible Study Class will continue to meet at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.
The Children’s Class, however, is on summer break. We’ll resume in the fall after school starts. Watch this column for news about Sunday School for children in the fall. We are going to try a new approach!
Independence Day
What to Cherish as U.S. Citizens and Christians on our U.S. Independence Day
Our best values
and our freedom to freely worship and serve
the God who has given them to us.
Inscription on the Statue of Liberty
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breath free;
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless,
Tempest-tossed to me
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
A Prophet’s Word, Micah 6:8
“. . . . What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness,
and walk humbly with your God.”
Jesus’ Word: The Two Great Commandments, Matthew 22: 34-36
“. . . . You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 6: 8
“. . . . you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Leviticus 19:18
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Ideas for this year’s observance of our national holiday from
“Celebrating Independence Day at Home”
by MaryJane Pierce Norton
- In your family devotional time, use the following Scripture and prayer:
Joshua 4:6b-7.
This Scripture talks about the stones placed at the side of the Jordan so that when the children saw them, they would ask to be told the story of the people coming into the Promised Land. Talk together as a family about the “stones” of faith in your house that help you remember the stories of God’s people. Talk about the Bibles in your home, any symbols of Christianity in your home, any music of faith that you play in your home.Think together about the “stones” of our country. Talk about such things as flags; red, white, and blue decorations; parades; and fireworks. Discuss what these things tell us as part of the story of our country.
See the rest of Norton’s article at http://www.gbod.org/ministries/familyu/articles.asp?item_id=16443
Ashita: Summer Mission Intern from Bruen Chapel
Ashita Elanko is a young adult member of our church who has been assigned to “Gum Moon” Asian Women’s Resource Center in San Francisco, CA. She reports that she has settled in and is already involved in her work as a mentor to children served by the center’s ministries.
Go to the following General Board of Global Ministries link for an article on the Mission Intern program and the 9 young adults from various parts of the U.S.A. who are this year’s summer mission interns:
http://gbgm-umc.org/global_news/full_article.cfm?articleid=5423#
Get Set for “Crocodile Dock” Vacation Bible School
Where: Bruen Chapel UMC
When: August 3-7, 2009, evenings 6 p.m.- 8:15 p.m.
For Whom: Children, preschool (age 3) through elementary school (rising grade 6)
If you have children in your home or neighborhood who may be looking for something to fill late summer vaction time in early August, Vacation Bible School at Bruen Chapel UMC during the first week of August may be a perfect solution.
Every night there will be a different Bible Story to enjoy, as well as music, crafts, recreation, and snacks. This year several of the stories are from the Old Testament book of Exodus and the time when Israel left slavery in Egypt and headed toward the Promised land. We will have people on hand who know Spanish or are used to helping children from non-English speaking backgrounds. Children are encouraged to plan to come to our Vacation Bible School for the whole week; however, we will welcome those who can only come part of the time.
Also, we are not absolutely requiring pre-registration or charging a fee. However, we invite people to sign-up ahead of time so we may plan more adequately. Donations would be appreciated as well.
Our leadership team for VBS will consist of some volunteers from the church and ”a mission team” of youth and adults from one of our conference churches on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
As the children are involved in their experience, parents will be invited to stay if they wish - either to be partners with their children as they go to various activities, or to enjoy fellowship with each other and the pastor, and ask questions about the church or its beliefs.
Call the church office for information and sign-up: 703-560-1665
“Chair Dancing” on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Bruen Chapel
Our “Chair Dancing” group meets Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m., for a fun, vigorous “chair dancing” workout. This is a good exercise opportunity for anyone who for likes to combine “getting movin’” with fellowship, including people with mobility and coordination challenges. The community is invited.
