/fairfaxs-website/image-f878f-i65ab.png "Fairfax Presbyterian Church")
Dear FPC Members and Friends,
The month of May has been full of transitions at FPC, as we emerge from the pandemic together. The first was our return to worship in the Sanctuary on May 2, with a Service of Remembrance and Lamentation. We were masked and socially distanced as we reflected on the losses of the past year, and gave thanks for the faithfulness of our loving Lord. It felt good to be back in the Sanctuary, and the service was live-streamed for those unable to gather.
Our focus for the next few months will be gathering as a congregation in a variety of ways, reconnecting and rebuilding our relationships. Yes, it’s true that we Presbyterians are teased for being “the frozen chosen.” But this pandemic has taught us how much we need each other. So let’s take advantage of opportunities to safely come together, and share what is in our hearts.
Next, we saw the departure of Tamika Martin as our Church Administrator, and the arrival of Michelle Coon to fill this role. Michelle is a long-time member of FPC, with skills and experience in a variety of management roles. She is excited about the position and looks forward to the range of responsibilities that the role will entail. Please welcome her warmly! Michelle will be working 25 hours per week, and can be reached at 703-273-5300 and at the email churchadmin@fairfaxpresby.com
Yena Hwang began her 3-month sabbatical on May 1, leading to the transition of Erin Sanzero from Associate Director of Music to Director of Christian Formation, a role she will play through the end of July. I am delighted to work with Erin in her new role! Erin writes, “I am very excited to lead worship from the other side of the communion table and bring some of my work with the Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation to FPC. We started to gather together outside of our Sunday morning time during the pandemic and we’ll be keeping that as we reestablish our new normal. While the time apart was difficult, I am grateful for the space to rebuild something even better in this new now together. If you’d like to connect with me personally, I am best reached at erin@fairfaxpresby.com”
Other transitions:
The church building is now open to groups both inside and outside FPC who would like to meet. Social-distancing and mask-wearing will be required. You can make arrangements through the FPC website: https://fairfaxpresbyterian.org/fpc/building-use
Our single service of Sunday worship at 9:30 am will continue through Labor Day. This early start to the summer schedule is Covid-related, and is not a permanent change to our annual schedule. The 9:30 service allows for full musical support, a manageable live-streaming schedule for the tech team, and a cleaner environment than would be possible with two services on Sunday morning.
We have also launched our 2021–2022 Stewardship Campaign around the Scripture verse, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24–25). Tied to our transition to in-person worship, our 2021–2022 Stewardship Campaign is themed “Rebuilding Relationships.” Please prayerfully consider the importance of FPC’s worship, ministries, and mission to you as we reconnect with each other, our church building, and our community. You can make your pledge by submitting an online form at fairfaxpresby.breezechms.com/form/2021-2022-pledge, by calling the church office, or by filling out a pledge card and placing it in the offering plate at worship.
A Called Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 16, after the 9:30 am service of worship, for the purpose of electing member Christopher Lawrence to the position of Elder, filling the remaining period in the term of departing Elder Elizabeth Hughes. If you are not able to gather for worship, join us via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5860589491?pwd=L3MvNVFkVkNSOW9jRGdlU0ZlejR1QT09Meeting ID: 586 058 9491 Passcode: fpc
And two reminders:
On May 9 at 9:30 am, we will have a dedication of the Children’s Worship Area called “The Prayground.” The beautiful furniture for this area was created by Brandon Cage and his fellow Boy Scouts as his Eagle Scout Service Project. Thank you, Brandon! We will also give Bibles to 3rd graders, and will dedicate the AV cabinet crafted by Daryl Salmons.
And on May 16, we will participate in the Fairfax Interfaith Friendship Walk, 2 pm to 5 pm, from Fairfax Methodist Church to Christ Lutheran Church. The theme will be “Renewed Hope.” You can register here: https://www.atfa.us/event-details/fairfax-interfaith-friendship-walk?fbclid=IwAR1e4GFMywtwd7xwLXeMclIz_1F8fGcXvNv-JBza4gYHsyfmRkLS5FaPvro
Please participate in these activities as you are able, as we transition back to our full life at FPC.
Finally, I want to thank you for the very touching video messages that were prepared for my 20th anniversary at FPC, and for the love gift. I will use a portion of the money to help pay for some of the production costs of my next book, The Bible’s Greatest Hits: Top 66 Passages from Genesis to Revelation. I look forward to sharing the book with you!
With appreciation,
Henry G. Brinton