October - November 2007
Our mission is to extend the ministry of
Jesus Christ to the world
for the glory of God and the salvation of
humanity.
Upcoming Events
Charge
Conference
The
2007 Charge Conference of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church will be held
at 12N on Sunday, October 21st in the Fellowship Hall. The
Charge Conference is the time when the congregation reports on the events of
the past year and the plans for the coming year, including the election of
committee members. Of particular importance this year will be the submission
of the Church’s strategic plan for 2007 -2010 that was developed by the
Visioning Committee and approved by the Church Council. Before this plan can
become operative it must be approved by the Charge Conference. All Church
members are encouraged to attend this very important business meeting. Mark
your calendar now!
For Children and Youth
Kid’s Club at Pleasant Valley UMC (5th grade
and younger children)
The Kid’s Club at Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church is for 5th grade age children and younger. The Kid’s Club will
meet bi-monthly on the first and third Sunday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for intentional, fun filled Christian learning. The
kids will learn and experience what it means to be a Christian through age
appropriate study, music, cooking, and play. Rev. White will provide the
program. Parents will provide assistance as chaperones and cooks. They will
also be asked to bring some of the materials needed for each Kid’s Club
meeting. If you want to involve your child in this exciting and fun time of
Christian development, please let the church office know @ 703-327-4461. You
will need to provide us with an e-mail address and a phone number so that you
can be made aware of Kid’s Club events. Please mark your calendars for the
following meeting dates:
October 7 and 21
November 4 and 18
December 2 and
16
Jr. UMYF (6th-9th grade youth)
Regularly scheduled Jr. UMYF meetings are held in the
Fellowship Hall each Sunday afternoon from 5:30-7:30 p.m.. The meetings begin with a snack supper prepared by one of the parents – something easy like
pizza or hotdogs – and then the youth engage in some of their favorite games.
Among them are “sardines,” “Ben Hur,” “dodge ball,” “charades” and
“Pictionary.” After a time of fun, the Jr. UMYF settles in for Bible Study.
Please watch the Church Bulletin for upcoming Jr. UMYF activities.
Sr. UMYF (10th-12th grade youth)
The Sr. youth meet each Sunday evening at the home of John
and Heather Amos. The members are very connected to one another and enjoy
discussing what it means to be a Christian as 10th-12th
grade students. They meet for support and accountability. Each year, the Sr.
UMYF sponsors a church-wide ski trip. The “Snowy Luau” is great fun for all
who participate. Please continue to read the Church Bulletin for all Sr. UMYF
activities. Specific activities for this period are:
Oct 7 – 12N Hot Dog Lunch Fundraiser; 6 p.m. meeting at Amos’ home
Oct 14 – Regional: Octoberfest Rally at Centreville UMC
($10/person) 4-8 p.m.
Oct 21 – Corn Maze!
Oct 28 – Regional: Pumpkin Patch at Camp Highroad ($15/person) 2-7 p.m.
Nov 4 – No meeting
Nov 11 – No meeting
Nov 18 – Bake Sale Fundraiser after Church followed by Laser
Tag
Nov 25 – Thanksgiving Weekend – Meeting TBD
For Women
Wednesday Bible Study for women
takes place at 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Beginning September 20, 2007 the group will engage in a 12 week study on Overcoming Fear by
Margaret Feinberg from The Women of Faith Bible Study Series.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you....
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
God knows your heart, and He knows your anxieties. He longs to comfort
you
with His presence and increase your relationship with Him.
Come join in this exciting study and experience outstanding Christian
fellowship. Call Sandi Sorrow at 703-263-2555 for further information.
Worship News 
Thanksgiving Eve Worship (Wednesday, November 21)
It is a Thanksgiving tradition at Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church that members of the church and friends join in a special worship
service in the sanctuary on Thanksgiving eve at 7:30 p.m. We gather to sing hymns, listen to Scripture and preaching, as well as to reflect on the blessings of
the previous year. Many persons will not be able to join relatives who live
at a distance for Thanksgiving. This service can be helpful to these persons by
providing a sense of family during this holiday. Whether you come with family,
with friends or by yourself, do plan to attend this service of Thanksgiving and
join the Pleasant Valley UMC community in praising and thanking God.
Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Events
Even though it may still feel like summer, it is not too
soon to mark our calendars for the wonderful events that our church sponsors
during the Advent and Christmas seasons. The Advent and Christmas Committee
welcomes anyone who would like to work on the planning and offering of these
events. For further information, contact Dorothy Teates at 703-327-4370.
Sunday, November 25th
First Annual Pie Bake Off
5:45 p.m. – Drop off pies for judging
6:00 p.m. – Let the pie eating begin (Milk/Coffee)
6:30 p.m. – Greening of the Sanctuary begins
Sunday, December 2nd
12 noon –Advent Wreath Workshop –Lunch provided!
Sunday, December 9th
12 noon –Soup/Sandwich lunch with Santa/followed by Neighborhood Caroling
Sunday, December 16th
5 p.m. – Drama – Back by popular demand - In
Bethlehem Inn
Monday, December 24th
Time TBD – Children’s Service
Time TBD – Two Candlelight Services
FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Members and Friends of
Pleasant Valley UMC,
I want to talk to you today about some things that my family
has learned about stewardship over the years. When Donna and I first started
dating, money was tight. I was on Virginia Annual Conference “minimum salary.”
To give you an idea of what “minimum” meant, my compensation as a full time
pastor – after having earned a Master’s Degree – was less than half of what I
had been offered straight out of college. It was close to the poverty line.
Donna fared little better as a starting teacher.
When she and I became engaged, we began to talk to one
another about giving to the church. There was a lot of disagreement. Donna
made offerings regularly to the church but had not begun to give at levels that
reflected a faith commitment. What is more, Donna knew that I was
giving the tithe – ten percent as the Bible describes – and that I was often
broke! Sometimes other couples would invite us to go on double dates to nice
restaurants. With a lot of fancy footwork, and an awkward grin, I would
tactfully decline. As we look back on those days, however, we still smile.
We both became more faithful in our stewardship. We had everything we needed.
We were in love with each other. We felt God’s presence in our lives. Life
was good.
Now that we are older, my wife and I are neither living on
“the minimum” nor are we rich. We plan for our retirement. We save for our
children’s college needs. We keep our cars on the road. As we have grown more
mature, which occasionally comes with getting older, we have increased our
giving in order to reflect the blessings that we have received as well as our
faith in Christ. One thing that has changed is that we have become much more
joyful in our giving. When we give to the church, we know that our offering
will be used to teach children in our community about Jesus Christ. We know
that the funds we give help make it possible for Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church to be there for people in the crisis times of life such as deaths,
divorces, and job losses. We know that we play a part in making sure that our
church is there to celebrate with people in the exciting times such as baptisms
and weddings. We know that our gifts, in part, are used to help people around
the world through the United Methodist Commission on Relief. We take pleasure
in knowing that we have played a part, through our giving, in helping to
transform our culture and the world in the name of Jesus Christ. In some ways,
that may sound a little grandiose. Yet, I have honestly witnessed many amazing
things in my seventeen years of ministry that have been made possible through
giving. For example, the
This is the time of year when members and friends of the
church are asked to pray about their giving and to make a commitment for the
coming year. The commitment you make is between you and God alone. Would you
please pray about what God would have you do and then complete your estimate of
giving card and return it to your church prior to October 14th?
Grace and peace,
Will
Being
Faithful With
Our
Gifts
As members of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church we are well aware of the need to contribute to the operation of our church through our
tithes and special gifts. We also are aware of and thankful for the blessings
that result from these contributions. However, how many of us have considered
including the Church in our will or considered a memorial gift to the Church?
If you are interested in talking with someone about including Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church in your overall financial planning, please contact
the Church Office.
From The Staff Parish Relations
Committee
Pleasant Valley
Welcomes New Staff Member
In keeping with our church’s vision to continue to develop
disciples of Jesus Christ, Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church welcomes a new staff person. Cecelia Taylor, a member of this congregation, will
serve as Lay Associate Minister beginning October 1st. In
this capacity, Cecelia will be assisting Rev. White with hospital and homebound
visitation, church administration, worship and preaching, as well as Christian Education. Cecelia began her career as a registered nurse prior to becoming a professor of
nursing at Syracuse University. Later, she became Chair of the Department of
Nursing at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota where she also
served as Vice President of Academic Affairs prior to her retirement. Cecelia
has a distinguished history with the United Methodist Church. At her United Methodist Church in Duluth Cecelia served as Lay Leader, Council Chair, and Bible
Study teacher and was actively involved in District Activities.
Cecelia’s deep faith, her knowledge of and experience with
the United Methodist Church and her administrative experience will serve Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church well at this point in its history. Please
congratulate Cecelia on this appointment.
A Recap of Summer Activities
“Nothing But Nets” A Big Success. At Bible School last summer, the Kid’s Club became interested in the “Nothing But Nets”
campaign. The goal of this campaign was to raise money for mosquito nets which
would be donated to families living in Africa. In that part of the world, many
persons (primarily children) still die from mosquito transmitted malaria. A
pilot program revealed that through the distribution of nets, the death rate
from malaria could be decreased as much as 47%. Bill Gates, of Microsoft fame,
agreed to match any donations received through the United Methodist Church and the National Basketball Association. Each $10 gift, along with the matching funds,
translated into two nets for families living in mosquito infested areas. The
Kid’s Club raised more than $1,000 through their Bible School offering, appeals
to the congregation, and their “Nothing But Nets Hoop Shoot” at the annual Car
Show at Pleasant Valley. Way to go Kid’s Club!
UMYF. Last summer, the Jr.
UMYF took an amazing mission trip to Mountain Top in Tennessee. For one week,
the youth were immersed in the coal mining culture of the Cumberland Mountains.
The youth read the Bible, worshipped with others from around the country, and
became involved in mission with the inhabitants of the Cumberland Mountains.
Some of our youth provided Bible School for impoverished children while others
helped repair the homes (and trailers) of disadvantaged adults. It is the Jr.
UMYF’s dream to participate in this mission again next summer.
The Senior UMYF also participated in the Mountain Top
Mission last summer. Like the Jr. UMYF, the Sr. youth want to return next
summer. Ask one of our Sr. youth sometime about their experience on this
mission trip. You will no doubt hear about the way this event touched their
lives.
15th Annual Fall
Festival and Classic Car Show. This year’s fall
festival and classic car show was a huge success. The event’s organizer, the
Pleasant Valley UMW, writes:
The Pleasant Valley UMW wishes
to extend our gratitude to everyone who helped at the 15th Annual Fall Festival
and Classic Car Show. Without church-wide support, the day would not have been
the success it was. This annual event supports many of our mission projects
and outreach ministries. We hope everyone had a fun time at the festival and
hope to see you participate in next year's event!
With sincere appreciation,
Pleasant Valley United Methodist
Women
And A Good Time Was Had By All!
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15TH ANNUAL
FALL FESTIVAL AND
CLASSIC CAR SHOW
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Weddings
Heather Maynard
and David Rubio, June 2
Sarah DeHart
and Ben Hewett, August 11
Gale Duvall and
Mark Ola, August 25
Meghan Beth
Fuerneisen and William Lee Chaffin, September 1 (Pauley’s Island, SC)
Sally Bauer and Bill Walden, September 15
Stephanie
Teates and Ray Kabacinski, September 22
Shawna Kathleen
Barnum and Jeffrey Allen Shriner,
October 6
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Sympathies To
Lexi Gaber and
family on the death of her father, Robert Edward Nine of Knoxville, TN on
August 21
The family and
friends of Haseltine Shockey, who died on August 27
Brian Volz and
family on the death of his father, William Michael Volz on September 20
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Christian Baptism
Katharine Anne
Hicks, June 17
Kase Robert
Cochran, July 29
Caden Patrick
McBeth, August 5
Zachary Andrew
Klimko, August 12
Connor Michael
Murphy, August 26
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Bibles Awarded to 4th Graders
Allison Bolton
Yui Eileen
Jenkins
George Killian
Stephanie Penn
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Date Ushers
8:45 Ushers 11:00
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Lay Readers
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Greeters
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Ushers
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October
7 8:45
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Jerry
Butkus
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Mary
Hicks
Kelly
Hicks
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Mary
Hicks
Kelly Hicks
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11:00
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Linda
Arsenault
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Cheryl
Gardner
Keith
Gardner
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John Amos, Matt Robey
Matt Dallosta, Lonnie DeHart
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October
14 8 :45
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Louis
Cartwright
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Danielle
Early
Diana
Early
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Danielle
Early
Diana
Early
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11:00
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Nathan
Beach
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Austin
Toren
Loren
Epton
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Jenny Cartwright, Lou Cartwright
Austin Toren, Loren Epton
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October
21 8:45
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Sheryl
Friedley
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Sheryl
Friedley
Abby
Roney
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Abby Roney
Jim Roney
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11:00
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Carrie
Capps
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Al
Human
Shirley
Painter
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Dotte Taylor, Scott Denniston
Al Human, Pam George
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October
28 8:45
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Kelly
Hicks
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Brian
Volz
Debbie
Volz
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Brian
Volz
Debbie
Volz
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11:00
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Jenny
Cartwright
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Emily
Florence
Matt
Florence
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Frank Sorrow, Nick Wright
Matt Florence, Dale Turner
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November 4 8:45
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Linda
Killian
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Valerie
Butkus
Jerry
Butkus
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Valerie
Butkus
Jerry
Butkus
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11:00
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Barb
DeHart
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Connie
Davis
Matt
Dallosta
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Natasha Smith, Sam Barnum
Nathan Beach, Matt Dallosta
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November 11 8:45
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Robert
Killian
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Jean
Meyer
Katie
Hannett
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Kay Palko
Gary Palko
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11:00
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Lonnie
DeHart
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Rob
Konczal
Linda
Goolsby
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Linda Goolsby, Bob Konczal
Matt Dallosta, Lonnie DeHart
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November
18 8:45
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Abby
Roney
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Mary
Hicks
Kelly
Hicks
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Mary
Hicks
Kelly
Hicks
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11:00
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Kelsey
Gaber
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Mary
Reno
Don
Reno
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John amos, Matt Robey
Matt Dallosta, Lonnie DeHart
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November
25 8:45
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Jim
Roney
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Danielle
Early
Diana Early
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Danielle
Early
Diana Early
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11:00
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Lexi
Gaber
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Austin
Toren
Loren
Epton
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Jenny Cartwright, Lou Cartwright
Austin Toren, Loren Epton
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The ECHO is brought to you by the members of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church and
is edited by Cecelia Taylor and the Office Staff. Material
for the December/January issue must be submitted by November 10, 2007 to Cecelia at ctaylor@css.edu or
through the Church Office.
PLEASANT VALLEY
Non-Profit Org.
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
U.S. Postage PAID
43987 John Mosby Highway
Dulles, VA
Chantilly, Virginia 20152
Permit
No. 039
Telephone: 703-327-4461
www.pleasantvalleyumc.net
Address
Service Requested
Mailing address goes here
October-November 2007
SCHEDULE OF REGULAR EVENTS
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SUNDAY
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TUESDAY
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6:00 a.m.
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Korean Worship Service
(Chapel)
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7:00 p.m.
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Boy Scouts
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8:45 a.m., 11 a.m.
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Worship Services
& Fellowship (refreshments)
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7:15 p.m
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Finance
Committee (1st Tuesday)
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10:00 a.m.
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Sunday School
for All Ages
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WEDNESDAY
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1:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
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Korean Worship
Service
Jr. High Youth Group
Fellowship
Sr. High Youth
Group Fellowship
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9:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
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Women’s Bible
Study
Alcoholics
Anonymous
Chancel Choir
Practice (off July & August)
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MONDAY
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7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
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Korean Bible
Study
Men’s Bible
Study
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7:15 p.m
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Missions
Committee (4th Monday)
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7:00 p.m.
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Bear Scouts (2nd
& 4th Friday)
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7:0 0 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
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United Methodist
Women (1st Mon., Sept.-June)
Church Council Meeting (2nd Monday)
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SATURDAY
8:00 a.m.
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United Methodist
Men (2nd Saturday)
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Office Hours:
Tuesday –
Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Church
Secretary:
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Sheila Barnum
703-327-4461
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