horizons - Heritage Presbyterian Church

HORIZONS
March 2012
The Newsletter of the Saints at Heritage Presbyterian Church
Inside:
50th Anniversary ............. 2
Financial Snapshot ......... 2
Christian Education ......... 3
Lectionary Readings ....... 3
Prayer Concerns ............. 4
Outreach ......................... 4
Golden Jubilee ................ 7
March Celebrations ......... 8
HPW ................................ 8
Smellin’ the Roses .......... 9
Around the Parish ......... 10
March Calendar ............ 11
Upcoming Events .......... 12
Heritage
Presbyterian Church
8503 Fort Hunt Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22308
Phone: 703-360-9546
Fax: 703-360-7389
www.HeritageChurchVA.org
Rev. Bill Teng
Pastor
[email protected]
Rev. Holly Davis
Associate Pastor
[email protected]
Elder Mike Larkin
Clerk of Session
Elder Jeff Taylor
Music Director
[email protected]
Miguel Valdes
Organist
Denise Hayden
Office Manager
[email protected]
Perry N. Carvellas
Sexton
“Heritage Presbyterian Church 1962 – 2012 – 2062”
A 50th Anniversary seems like a great time to reflect on our life as
the church and how we can prepare for the years ahead. If you
were alive 50 years ago, you may have wished for a Chevrolet
Corvair convertible, talked about astronaut John Glenn orbiting
the earth, watched the “Beverly Hillbillies” on TV, heard “Moon
River” on the radio, and paid only 28 cents for a gallon of gas!
If you are alive 50 years from now, you may be wishing for your own flying car, you
may have gone into space, you may have a personal nanofabricator and it may be
impossible to buy gas. Oh, and perhaps you’ll still hear “Moon River.”
In 1962, churches were growing. In 2012, churches are dying. Will Heritage church
even exist in 2062?
The church, specifically God’s people, are a family
of faith. Like many families, we have our share of
“crazy cousins” and “selfish siblings.” Unlike any
“The believers devoted
family, we have a Heavenly Parent who perfectly
demonstrates complete and sacrificial love every
themselves to the
moment of every day. Like most children, our problem
is that we don’t pay much attention to our Parent. We
apostles’ teaching,
forget our purpose of loving God first and then each
other.
to fellowship,
Theologian Frederick Buechner wrote this about
the church; “They make you wonder if the best thing
to the breaking
that could happen to many a church might not be to
have its building burn down and to lose all its money.
of bread and
Then all the people would have left would be God and
each other.”
to prayer”
This is a radical and upsetting thought, but do you
get it? The church is not about buildings or programs
-Acts 2:42
or how much money we have or need. It’s about
loving God and loving others.
When we think about the future, we remember — God promises to preserve the
faithful church. That means we need to pay close attention to what it means to be
faithful. We have so much to celebrate this year — not because of what we have done
but because of what God has done for the people of Heritage.
God’s Word reminds us how much he cares for every community of believers. The
epistles are letters to specific churches and their precise situations. I know God cares
about Heritage and knows all about us, too. The Great Shepherd longs for his flock to
flourish, to be healthy and growing and full of joy!
We do not know what will happen in the next 50 years — and that’s okay — because
we know God knows! The Lord will lead us step-by-step, moment-by-moment, day after
day and year after year. Our calling is to follow him.
That’s what it means to be faithful.
50th Anniversary Committee, Elder Krieger Henderson
2012 SESSION
Mike Larkin
Clerk of Session
Glenn St. John
Children’s Christian
Education / Youth
Romelda Guglielmo
Communications/Media
Mary Oliver
Congregation Care
Diana Johannes
Congregational Life
Emily Perez
Discipleship
Chris Stirewalt
Worship
Bill Sams
Finance & Stewardship
Christie Perryman
Evangelism/Outreach
Howard Borgstrom
Missions
Peggy Russo
Personnel
Richard Peterson
Property
Pastor Holly Davis
Associate Pastor
While Presidents Day witnessed Heritage drawing closer to its
historical 50th anniversary celebration, we were captivated for the
moment by savoring another celebration — that day 50 years ago
when John Glenn squeezed into the Mercury 7 capsule and
became the first American in space. Given the tremendous
accomplishments since, there naturally is a lot of conjecture as to
where NASA goes in the next 50, and it is no different for us.
Heritage has, through the dedication and perseverance of many,
many hard working souls comprising membership on a large number of committees,
fulfilled an ever-growing, ever-productive ministry of Christian witness within the context
of our mission statement and ever-validating that, as written in 1963, “The church is
something more than just brick & stone.” The future holds nothing but more of the same.
Now, what the 50th Anniversary Committee is asking you to do is to document in
writing what Heritage has meant to you in all aspects of your Christian life, so that we
may publish a “Memorial Booklet” for the illumination of all — past, present, & future.
Please refer to the submittal process delineated in the February 19 church bulletin
(posted in the church web page) and in an earlier HORIZONS, and let your hearts speak
of God’s wonderful blessings wrought through the Heritage family.
At our February 7 meeting, the decision was made to sponsor a stained glass
window as our Memorial Gift and request voluntary donations now of $50 from each
pledging unit, envelopes marked, “Memorial Gift Window,” and it is hoped that this
amount will not constitute an undue burden for anyone. It is planned that the contractor
responsible for the design and installation of the clerestory windows will be retained for
this project, and the estimated cost is some $4,300. An anonymous donor has also
pledged a substantial level of support for this project. See the window design posted on
our bulletin board opposite the Fellowship Hall.
Plans continue for the April 22 luncheon that will be catered by Red Hot & Blue, as
that restaurant has served us favorably in the past, and now represents the lowest cost
of several we’ve investigated for a full service affair. Given the sizeable reduction in our
requested budget for 2012, how we might fund this affair to the extent that a 50th
anniversary deserves has been a major point of concern and discussion. The matter
has been resolved and further details will be provided soon.
Please keep in mind our March 11 worship service — It will be jointly shared by
Men’s Fellowship & Prayer Breakfast members and our talented choir offering an
anthem of celebratory music.
We earlier set a date for a group photo, and that date has been scrubbed. The photo
will be taken in the Sanctuary following the April 22 worship service, which will begin at
10:30 A.M.
Pastor Bill Teng
Moderator / Pastor
HORIZONS Newsletter
Editor/Layout
Denise Hayden
Contributing
Elder Marge Hernandez
Circulation Staff
Pat Meeks, Ann Perkins,
and Judy Spears
[email protected]
Page 2
Financial Snapshot
2012 Stewardship
Jan.
Operating Fund Revenues $36,177
Operating Expenses
$36,394
Over (Under)
($217)
YTD1
$50,113
$36,394
$13,719
Giving2
Tithes and Offerings
Special Offerings
$41,584
$155
1
$27,648
$155
Budget
$403,229
Includes advance pledge contributions received in 2011 of $13,936 in cash
and securities.
2
Tithes and Offerings in regular (white) envelopes apply toward the 2012
Budget of $403,229 unless otherwise notated. Special-Envelope Offerings
(e.g., One Great Hour of Sharing) and Special Appeals (e.g., Disaster Relief)
are freewill offerings over and above pledged amounts, and do not support
the operations of Heritage but are passed through to various missions.
Looking for
another way to
stay up-to-date on
the latest Heritage
news?
We’re on
Facebook!
Search for our
Page and become
a fan!
Christian Education, Pastor Holly Davis
What’s going on this month at Heritage? Here are just a few
things coming up…
March 4 — CONFIRMATION! Our classes meet every Sunday
after worship from 12:15 to 1:30 P.M. in the Youth Lounge.
Confirmation is an opportunity for each student, 7th grade and
older to explore what it means to be a member of the church. A
light lunch is provided.
March 11 — A Hope & Healing gathering meets on
the second Sunday of each month at 5:00 P.M. You
are invited for a brief time of worship and prayer in the
Sanctuary.
March 12 — Pastors Class begins a 5-week series
to discuss the Lenten sermon series as we walk
through Scripture and think about the meaning of the
symbols in our clerestory stained glass windows.
Pastors Bill and Holly will be leading, 7:30-8:30 P.M.
in the Library.
March 18 — Youth Group — We had such a great
time bowling last month! Thanks to everyone who
came and for bringing friends! Hope you will come to
our next event on March 18. Plan to meet in the Youth
Lounge from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M.
March 30 — Annual Talent/Variety Show — This is
for everyone! Here is your chance to entertain us by
telling your latest jokes, singing a song, showing off
your dance steps, performing a skit…whatever!
Dinner begins at 6:00 P.M. and the curtain rises at
7:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall. Look for the sign-up
poster in the church hallway.
Lectionary Readings
for Sundays in March 2012
Mar 4
Gen. 17:1–7, 15–16; Ps. 22:23–31;
Rom. 4:13–25; Mark 8:31–38;
Mar 11 Exod. 20:1–17; Ps. 19;
1 Cor. 1:18–25 ; John 2:13–22
Mar 18 Num. 21:4–9; Ps. 107:1–3, 17–22;
Eph. 2:1–10; John 3:14–21
Mar 25 Jer. 31:31–34; Ps. 51:1–12 or
Ps.;119:9–16; Heb. 5:5–10;
John 12:20–33
Over seven people attended the recent Family Night featuring
a wonderful hot dog dinner prepared by Jenny Kennedy and
the movie “Dolphin Tales.” Pictured above: John, Alex and
William and friends having fun together; and Lila enjoying a
hot dog and (some carrots and grapes!)
Can you believe It? Vacation Bible School dates are already set for July 16 – 20.
Make sure you put this on the family calendar NOW!
Page 3
Local & World Outreach
Meals On Wheels Needs You!
Cindy Bolbach (General
Assembly Moderator)
Chris Battle (friend of
Rich Cooper)
Gloriela Bolton (friend of
Marcella Magruders)
Gary Davis' father who
is in hospice care in
Florida
Jane Guiliano (friend of
Claire Kluskens)
Walt & Marlese Hubbell
Dennis Myers
Ramona Newsome
(Romelda Guglielmo’s
sister)
Myrna Oliver
Glenna & Dorsie Page
Virginia Russell (Pam
McClelland’s mother)
Nancy Worden
Please pray for Kent
Johannes and his family, as
both his parents died within
eleven days of each other in
Ohio. Funeral services for his
father were held there in midFebruary, and services for his
mother are held on Friday,
March 2.
Please pray for those who
need gainful employment in
this depressive economy
and
for the safety and
protection of the men
and women serving our
country in the Armed
Forces.
Page 4
SE R
VE
Meals on Wheels {MOW) delivery is seeking new participants to
serve in a hands-on mission project that benefits those in need in our local community.
On each fourth Thursday of the month, Heritage has been assisting with MOW. New
changes have made it easier for the teams of two to three persons. The next date is
March 22. Meals are prepackaged and picked up at the Gum Springs Community
Center and delivered to a list of approximately fifteen people in South Alexandria
(between Sherwood Hall and the Fort Belvoir area). Our MOW project is coordinated
through the Presbyterian Women but is not an exclusive women’s mission, all are
welcome to assist. The coordinator is Jennifer Santa Anna. Please sign up to assist
one month on the poster inside the Fellowship Hall or call Jennifer at 703-660-0736.
Rebuilding Together — Making a Difference
Ever wish that you could make a difference in another
person’s life? On April 28, you can! Join with other
members and friends in this year’s Rebuilding Together
— a ministry devoted to the repair and rehabilitation of
homes of low-income, elderly or disabled homeowners. The approach is simple: months
of planning and preparation culminate in a Rebuilding Day, when both skilled and
unskilled volunteers, in communities across America come together to repair and
rehabilitate the houses of needy residents in their community. Heritage has participated
since 1994. This is a comment that was received from a 2009 recipient: “Rebuilding
Together is a wonderful organization that has changed my life. I had so many repairs
that I wasn’t able to afford to do. Rebuilding Together has changed my life on a day to
day basis…it was a great experience.” Last year 27 members and friends of Heritage
definitely made a difference in the life of two elderly women in our community. Our
project included two houses in the same neighborhood and involved: applying eleven
gallons of paint, repairing and rescreening a porch, replacing a rotting bathroom floor,
replacing grab bars and rebuilding deck stairs. The photo below shows the Heritage
Rebuilding Together team in action. It takes many hands to accomplish such tasks in
one day. We have knowledgeable and skilled team leaders but we need willing workers
of all skill levels to carry out the tasks. If you would like to help make a difference, and
can donate at least two hours on April 28, please sign-up on the poster in the
Fellowship Hall or call Elder Howard Borgstrom at 703-329-1059.
An Update From Malawi
Dear Friends,
Joyous Advent and Christmas Greetings!
During Advent we prepare for the joyous celebration of the birth of Christ
through whom all our hopes and fears are met. Traditionally Advent has been
a time to reflect upon our lives, a time to remember the joys and the sorrows,
the faithfulness and unfaithfulness of our lives. Indeed, there is much to
reflect upon in the past year that fills us with much sorrow related to the
economic and political state of affairs in the U.S., Malawi and throughout the
world, and we may wonder will the people of the world ever find that peace
and joy, love and justice that often seems so elusive these days.
As we of the College of Theology look back over the past few months we
look upon trying times: Financial Challenges – delays in paying monthly salaries; Life and Death Challenges - the death
of a daughter of one of our students and many other deaths of extended family and friends; The Political and Economic
Challenges of the Nation – people gathering for peaceful demonstrations, going on strike and petitioning the government
to resolve the current economic crisis and end the suppression of human rights, events which were marked by
government intolerance, threats, abuse, teargas, and death. As these matters of grave concern remain unresolved the
local currency continues to devaluate, now at MK 166 to the U.S. dollar and predicted to go lower. Fuel shortages along
with the U.S., U.K. and other governments imposing economic sanctions on Malawi due to human rights abuses
contribute to rising prices: Petrol now is at $9.92 a gallon and bread, sugar, maize and other basic commodities have
increased in price by 38% over the past four months.
All of these events are deeply felt and experienced in the lives of our students, faculty members and their families,
and we reflect upon what we could have done differently or better or what we failed to do to overcome these adverse
circumstance and bring forth justice and abundant life. Through refection we once again encounter within us and
amongst us the sincere hope and deep belief in the promise of redemption for the future. This promise and hope flows
forth from the crucible of the refining fire of these challenging times as the grace and love of God and God’s faithful
people lift us above the storm through countless blessings.
Among these blessings are the gifts of new life, redeeming life: children born to our students; a stronger sense of
community amongst faculty and students; messages, phone calls, prayers, solidarity and support from all of you. These
are among the many grace-filled moments, showers of blessings that daily sustain us and give us determination and
hope to strive to make this world a better place as we courageously walk into God’s future together. Thank you for
sharing the journey. Your fellowship, the communion and presence of your lives with us, makes a difference, gives us
hope and life!
Graduation was also a time of great blessing, a wonderful celebration and time of rejoicing! The University of
Livingstonia conferred the bachelor of education degree on fifty College of Education students and the bachelor of
theology degree on five College of Theology students. We deeply regret that our fifth graduate, Ms. Ruth Kumwenda,
was ill with malaria and graduated in absentia. Thankfully she is now well.
Our two female graduates, Ms. Ruth Kumwenda and Ms. Agnes Kachali, were both primary school teachers who
entered our bachelor degree program to upgrade their education. They are now serving as secondary school teachers.
Our other three graduates (Rev. Lewis Mwazembe, Rev. Witcane Gama and Rev. Reuben Msowoya) are ordained
Ministers of the Word and Sacrament who were serving congregations prior to entering the bachelor degree program.
They are now once again serving as pastors of congregations and leaders in the community. We give thanks to God and
God’s faithful people who have made this possible!
Graduation Celebrations began with a Baccalaureate Service of Worship in which Rev. Dr. Joel Manda preached on
the vocation and calling of these future leaders and the Principals of the Colleges of Education and Theology shared
wisdom to guide them into the future. Renewing Tradition for Shaping the Future was the graduation theme. Scottish
missionary, minister and medical doctor, Rev. Dr. Robert Laws who established Livingstonia Mission in 1878 with
remembered for his focus on education. In partnership with the people of Malawi Robert Laws helped to established 700
schools, and he envisioned a university as well, a dream which remained unfulfilled until the Synod of Livingstonia
established the University of Livingstonia in 2003. Mr. Yamikana Hara, a third year College of Theology student, was
given the honor of presenting Dr. Law’s moderator’s hat (in the box – see above) to the Vice-Chancellor who capped
each student with the hat to symbolize the tradition being passed on to them and the call upon them to take this tradition
into the future to give life to the people of Malawi.
Such memorable moments of redeeming grace inspire to us to go into the future with a hope that cannot be
extinguished by the stormy gales of this earthly life. The incarnation of God through Jesus Christ who came into our
world to give us redeeming life two thousand years ago remains a living presence with us today through the Spirit of
Christ who dwells within us. You and I and people throughout the world are the body of Christ here on earth. Christ’s
love and compassion and justice are made real as we give our lives in Christ-like love to one another.
O come to us, abide in us, our Lord Immanuel! A Joyous Christmas to you all!
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Deborah A. Chase, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mission Co-Worker
Page 5
One Great Hour of Sharing
Sharing Brings Joy. To Others, to God, and to Us
Community Events
St. Luke’s
Episcopal Church
March 3, at 7:30 P.M.
An evening of chamber
music for piano, violin and
horn featuring music of
Mozart, Schumann, Brahms
and Ravel. The young piano
virtuoso Edvinas Minkstimas
will be joined by violinist
Claudia Chudacoff and horn
player Mark Questad.
Route One Task Force
For Human Services
March 21, at 7:00 P.M.
Verdia A. Haywood
Conference Center
South County Building
Budget Briefing with
Supervisor Gerry Hyland
and Deputy County
Executive for Human
Services, Patricia Harrison
Presbyterians’ gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing are for all
God’s children. Following the January 2010 earthquake in
Haiti, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Presbyterian
Hunger Program provided seeds and tools for thousands of
Haitian farmers to grow enough food for hundreds of
thousands of displaced Haitians. This project allows Haitians to
participate in their own recovery and makes use of indigenous
seeds and grain. In the United States, Self-Development of People has partnered with
community leaders in Detroit to use vacant lots to cooperatively grow and produce food
and provide a base for long-term sustainable income and community redevelopment. In
order to continue reaching out in new ways, the One Great Hour of Sharing programs
depend on your support in making a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in
Christ.
The Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP), Self-Development of People
(SDOP), and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) each receive 32% of
undesignated One Great Hour of Sharing gifts. The remaining 4% goes to PHP for its
work on homelessness and affordable housing.
During Lent, we are reminded that, through the simple act of sharing, we are blessed
and experience God’s abundance in surprising ways. Thank you for your longtime
support of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Envelopes are available in your
offering box or in the pews. The offering will be collected on Easter Sunday, April 8.
Status Report on Mexico Mission
Eric Sapp has sent us a report on Faith Ministry and the church and community in
Miguel Aleman, where Heritage members have participated in mission activities over
many years. Eric is on the Board of Faith Ministry and offers many helpful insights about
the progress that is being made. A copy of Eric’s report is on the Mission bulletin board
in the Fellowship Hall, and you are encouraged to read it.
Potomac River Cleanup
Domestic Violence
Intervention Workshop
March 22
Faith Communities in Action
(FCIA) presents “First Steps
for Clergy and Faith Leaders”
Call Tenia Simmons at
703-324-3453 to register.
As part of the 24th Annual Potomac Watershed Cleanup sponsored by the Alice
Ferguson Foundation, the Arlington Fairfax Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of
America will be conducting a shoreline cleanup of trash at Mason Neck State Park on
Saturday April 14, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Participants will meet in the Park’s
Visitor Center Parking lot at 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton. Conditions may be muddy,
boots are recommended. For more information, please call Colin at 703-200-3994.
Mental Health First Response
Check out
for community news and
other events!
Page 6
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board is holding an introductory training
session on Mental Health First Response — how to recognize and respond to mental
health and substance abuse emergencies among youth and adults. The session is on
Saturday, March 24, from 9:00 A.M. to noon, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3801
Buckman Road, Alexandria. While registration is not required, it is requested that
interested participants contact Ann Bahr at [email protected] or call 703-3247010. See the flyer on the Mission bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall or visit
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/announcements/2012 -03-24-mental-health-firstresponse.htm.
“The task ahead of us is never as
great as the Power behind us.”
Golden Jubilee Remembrances
From the March 2, 1962 issue of Horizons
NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEETS SUNDAY - Looking forward to the election of the first officers
for the Heritage Church nominating committee composed of Ross MacAskill and Floyd Hill of
the Advisory Commission, and F.K. Nichols and Mrs. Henry Green of the Heritage congregation, with the organizing minister (ex officio) will meet this Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in the
Parish House. This committee has the responsibility to propose persons for the first Session of the church. Col. Nichols and Mrs. Green would welcome any thoughts on this from
people of the congregation.
YOUTH TO HEAR MR. VAUGHN - Mr. Leonard Vaughn, a teacher at Mt. Vernon High who has lived
in South America, will be the guest speaker at the youth Fellowship meeting this Sunday
evening. He will show pictures and comment on the Christian mission in some of the Latin
American areas. All Junior and Senior High young people are invited to the meeting at 7:30
p.m. in the Parish House.
COMMUNION VESSELS SOUGHT - The Worship Committee has been examining various kinds of Communion trays and plates with the possibility in mind of securing a new set in time for the
next Communion, April 15. Perhaps there is a family or person who would wish to present
this to the church as a memorial or a special gift. This would be an excellent contribution
to our church. Speak to George Boe (Worship Chairman) or the minister if you are interested in this worthy project.
Worshipful Jazz Sunday
A big thank you to everyone, participants and congregation
alike, who contributed to making our annual Worshipful Jazz
Sunday, on March 19, one of the most anticipated worship
services of the year. There were 158 in attendance. The
Sanctuary Choir and Marty Nau Quartet led worship in a
variety of spiritual, gospel and jazz-inspired music to the
glory of God and to the delight of the congregation. The
quartet featured Robert Redd on piano, Leonard Cuddy on
drums, Marty Nau on reeds and Steve Novesel on bass.
Pianist Jean Swinbanks and the trio led the congregation in
the hymns.
Each year, we try to incorporate some new music as
much as possible. If anyone has suggestions for old time or
not so old time hymns, gospel songs, spirituals and the like
that might be appropriate for use in this service, please
forward them to me while you are thinking about it. This will
be of great assistance to the music team as we plan next
year’s service.
— Elder Jeff Taylor
Laugh of the Month
A pastor waited in line to have his car
filled with gas just before a long holiday
weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there
were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the
attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump.
“Pastor,” said the young man, “I’m so sorry about
the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the
last minute to get ready for a long trip.” The pastor
chuckled, “I know what you mean. It’s the same in
my business.”
There were plenty of hot dogs and fixins at
Family Night for everyone to enjoy,
thanks to Jenny Kennedy!
Page 7
March
Celebrations
Birthdays
1 Myrna Oliver
3 Ellen Ferguson
John McLellan
5 Catherine Perryman
8 Tammy Smith
9 Noah Abbe
Susan Palmer
10 Kari Ann McDonald
Larry Jones
11 George Alford
12 Amy Sauer
Michael Sauer
Michele Adamson
13 Cameron Coates
Sam Armstrong
15 Glenna Page
Melanie Morris
17 Sheryl Campbell
19 David Johns
Fred Frederick
21 Glen Miller
23 Adeline Sauer
Nancy Rubel
25 Betty Japikse
Nicholas Cooper
26 Nancy Walker
27 Brennan Vaughan
Chie Cole
28 Ben Spencer
30 Malcolm Doldron
31 Charley Budde
Kathy Boswell
Anniversaries
Carolyn & Carl Liebeck
Adrienne & John Magnuson
Beth & Dave Gallante
Karen & Bill Teng
Dorothy & Arnie Porter
Lynn & Rich Abbe
Chie & Craig Cole
Cathy & Rich Johns
Sylvia & Mike Larkin
Page 8
Heritage Presbyterian Women, Elder Mary Oliver
Presbyterian Women of Heritage live out the mission of our church to Connect, Grow,
Serve. Each month we connect and grow through Bible study circles. This year we
continue in the study of the Beatitudes. Dorcas Circle will meet Tuesday evening,
March 7, at 7:00, hosted at the home of Mary Lyons with Lucy Willis leading the
lesson. Dorcas Circle leaders are Elizabeth Tolles and Pat Carvellas. Rebecca Circle
will meet Wednesday, March 14, at 9:30 A.M. in the church Library. Kala Thompson
will host, Gail Trimble will lead the Bible study lesson and Pat Meeks will provide the
devotion.
On January 30, many hands joined to serve a meal to the Nurturing Parenting
Program of Fairfax County. A sincere thank you to Rea Ayers, Pat Carvellas, Karen
Christenson, Beth Gallante, Romelda and Rose Guglielmo, Marge Hernandez,
Diana Johannes, Winnie Larson, Marcella Magruder, Jennifer McAllister, Eve
McIntosh, Rachel Messman, Susan Palmer, Emily Perez, Karen Quick, Peggy
Russo, Evie Stroebel, Kala Thompson, Gail Trimble, and Sylvia Wasylyk. We have
been invited by the Nurturing Parenting program to help with this mission by providing a
meal on September 24, 2012 at the Mount Vernon Church.
The HPW Coordinating Team meets monthly to plan ahead for various activities.
Coming up are an update for the church kitchen sink, a spring Women’s Retreat at
Meadowkirk and the Palm Sunday Fellowship Hour, as well as continued work with
circles, Made By The Bell, Meals on Wheels and local and worldwide mission. We
welcome anyone who would like to assist in our planning efforts to attend the next HPW
-CT meeting on Monday, March 26, at 9:30 A.M. in the church Library.
Presbyterian Women — Together in study, service and fellowship committed to
building an inclusive, caring community of women.
Made By The Bell
Made By The Bell’s 2012 Christmas Craft Sale is ahead of us. Work has already
begun for this major effort that yearly provides a connection with the Mount Vernon
Community and raises money for projects supporting women and children in our
congregation and into the greater world.
A very successful sale last year means we have a smaller inventory of crafts
remaining and we have already begun with many ideas for the upcoming year. Shared
effort is how we work. With many hands offering to take on a small task (cutting, gluing,
painting, stitching, offering ideas, packaging), we are able to provide a unique crafting
opportunity to our community and church. Save the Third Thursday of each month for
fellowship and this joint effort. Contributions by our male crafters are always welcome
too.
If you can meet with the cooperative crafting group, please join us on Thursday,
March 15, at the church. If you can assist with a portion of a project or offer materials or
ideas — please contact Elder Mary Oliver or a circle leader.
There are so many ways you
can participate here at
Heritage: ushering, greeting,
hosting Fellowship Hour,
sponsoring flowers, Mondloch
House, just to name a few! See
the sign-up posters outside the Library and in
the Fellowship Hall and please sign-up today!
A Friendly Reminder…
Newsletter articles are due on the
15th of each month. No newsletter in
August or January. Pictures are
always welcome!
If you have friends or family who you think would enjoy getting Heritage’s daily
Thought of the Day or our weekly eNewsletter, eHappenings, or if you need to update
your e-mail address, please notify
the Office Manager via email at
[email protected] or 703-360-9546.
Smellin’ the Roses, Elder Marge Hernandez
Happy Birthday to Carolyn McDonald who, toward the
end of January, celebrated a significant birthday! Come to
think of it though, all birthdays are significant, aren’t
they??...Hugs to Romelda Guglielmo, who is still very
much concerned about her sister and her illness…Spotted
one recent Saturday evening at Pema’s on Route One
were Marcella & Clarke Magruder, and also a noisy
bunch of Heritage folks from the Congregational Life
Committee...And then there was that (maybe) even more
noisy bunch of HPC-ers celebrating the Lunar New Year
at the Peking Duck Restaurant...Still, the big place to
gather for HPC folks seems to be the Mount Vernon Rec
Center on Fort Hunt Road. It’s reported by a reliable
source that Richard Peterson holds several records there
with his weightlifting prowess...Jean Coyle is teaching
water exercises there now, too...Myong Jensen was
spotted with a group of friends enjoying (and supporting!!)
UCM’s fundraiser with the Capitol Steps...Did you notice
all the cars in the church parking lot the day of the blood
drive at HPC? Surely that was one indicator of a
successful day. Good work Chairperson Jenny
Kennedy!...Glenna & Dorsey Page, how are you? We
still miss you lots...Dennis Myers has had a bout of
pneumonia, complete with a stay at Alexandria
Hospital. And now there’s rehab at Manor Care, also
known to HPC folks as Collingwood Nursing Home. Hurry
and get well please Dennis...Dennis’ sister Frances
Myers is about to retire after an impressive career as a
nurse
with
the
National
Institutes
of
Health. Congratulations Fran! We are proud of you!!...Ask
Wolfgang Maier about his trip to the sunny tropical land
of Costa Rica. Sounds very lovely indeed!...We’ve heard
that Sandy & Jeff DeFord recently found their way to this
tropical paradise also...Seeing Myrna Oliver out and
about with husband Lee on a cold February Sunday
afternoon was a wonderful surprise. They were in
attendance at the February service of Hope &
Healing...Many, many thanks go to Jeff Taylor, the Marty
Nau Quartet, the Sanctuary Choir, Jean Swinbanks and
Miguel Valdes, who made our Worshipful Jazz Sunday
such a very special time! We dare you to ever sit through
one of those services and come away with a frown. It’s
just not possible!...Thanks Susan Palmer for the King
Cake and for all the Mardi Gras trimmings. A great time
was had by all!!...Don’t forget to sign up for the
Progressive Dinner. It’s just around the corner. This is
always a special time, and a great opportunity for us to
have dinner with a small group of Heritage friends, and to
enjoy getting to know one another on a different
level...Have you noticed the missing sign in our front yard;
the one that has proclaimed messages such as “Diverse
and Devoted” and “Come and See”? There is a story
behind its disappearance. Seems, on a recent cold
evening, someone, long after hours, drove his car into the
HPC parking lot, and smashed into the cement base of
one of our light posts. Thankfully that post was strong
enough to withstand the blow. But, then, still able to drive
the car, he tried to depart the parking lot by driving
between the Heritage bell in the front yard, and our
sign. He missed the bell, but not the sign. Before
departing the scene however, he stopped and left his
contact information with one of our neighbors...Sara Sams
please get over this streak-up-the-arm-itis that seems to
be plaguing you! ’Nuff’s enough! Do get well, please...Eve
& Dick McIntosh were planning a trip to Ohio for the
winter graduation of their granddaughter from Ohio State
University! While there, they planned to visit Wright
Patterson Air Force Base, where Dick was stationed once
upon a time, and they hoped to be able to find the little
house where they lived. Ask them about it...Lots of hugs
and much sympathy go to Kent & Diana and Anna
Johannes on the loss of Kent’s dad, followed eleven days
later by the loss of Kent’s mom. This gentleman and this
lady were lovingly cared for by their family during the last
several years of their long lives. Kent’s mom died with
Kent, Diana and Kent’s sister at her side. We should be all
so fortunate!...And now, we have another saint to
mourn. This time it’s the patron saint of brownies, Juanita
Holst. Juanita, a long-time member and friend, along with
husband Elmer, moved to Pilot Mountain, North Carolina,
several years ago to be nearer to her relatives. Juanita,
during her many years here, always, but always, supplied
brownies for every reception and dinner held in the
church. She also appeared often at the doors of her
friends, a large plate of brownies in hand, saying “I
thought you might need some of these.” Juanita stayed in
touch with her friends at HPC, often phoning us to ask
“What’s goin’ on at church?” or to state that she was
concerned about one of us, and to ask another of us to
make sure everything was okay. “Why doesn’t Eve (or
Anne) (or Frances) answer her phone? Is she out of
town?” She worried about us, and she wanted to know
what we were doing. Juanita suffered a major stroke in
early February, and died the next day, six days short of
her 85th birthday. She was buried next to her beloved
Elmer, who died last summer. Juanita, we love ya and
we’ll always remember those wonderful brownies!
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T
NEC
CON
Around the Parish
Small Group Discussion
Lunch Bunch
Beyond March
April 1
Palm Sunday
April 3
Small Group
9:00 A.M.
Dorcas Circle
7:00 P.M.
April 4
Lunch Bunch
Noon
April 5
Maundy Thursday
Calvary Presbyterian
7:30 P.M.
April 6
Good Friday Service
Mt. Vernon Presbyterian
7:30 P.M.
April 7
Men’s Breakfast
7:00 A.M.
April 8
Easter Sunday
April 10
All-Committee Night
7:00 P.M.
April 11
Rebecca Circle
9:30 A.M.
April 15
Youth Group
5:30 P.M.
April 17
Session Meeting
7:00 P.M.
April 22
50th Anniversary Celebration
Page 10
What a great turnout to celebrate Lunar
New Year Family Day at Peking Duck! It
was fun and the food was delicious.
Our next date is on Wednesday,
March 7, at Viet House, 6226 Richmond
Highway. Located across from the Penn
Daw Center, corner of Richmond and
North Kings Highways, where Rick’s
Carpets and Fast Eddie’s is located.
Enjoy the Viet House’s famous Viet
Noodle soup or any of the many
delicious, authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Take a look at their website for a menu to
whet
yo ur
appetites .
(www.phoviethouse.com)
We will need to let management know
the day before we go, so RSVP to Elders
Vivien or Richard Peterson at 703-6606988 or email [email protected].
Better yet, tell us when you get to church!
The Small Group discussion will meet
March 6 — “Be Hospitable To One
Another” (1 Peter 4:9) and March 20 —
“Honor One Another” (Romans 12:10).
Guided by Richard C. Meyer’s One
Anothering series the conversation looks
at the basic keys for a spiritual community.
On the first and third Tuesday mornings
each month, a small group gathers for a
scripture-led discussion on the passages of
One Anothering, to share and to pray
together in the church Library. This coming
month we will be deciding where to take our
next study.
During this season of Lent, make a new
commitment to become part of the
discussion, small group is always open to
new voices in discerning Christ’s call to
each of us in how we live together through
study. Please contact Elder Mary Oliver for
more information.
Progressive Dinner
GROW
One of the nicest traditions at Heritage is the annual Progressive Dinner, scheduled
this year for Saturday evening, March 17. This is a great opportunity to enjoy an
evening of good food, good fun, and good fellowship with members and friends of our
congregation. Participants gather in groups of 8-10 adults to share potluck style
appetizers and main courses in host homes. After dinner, all the small groups will gather
at the home of Elders Chris & Jay Geren to enjoy dessert, coffee and more
conversation. A Progressive Dinner sign-up form will be available as an insert in the
Heritage Sunday worship bulletin. Please sign up no later than Sunday, March 4, and
plan to enjoy a wonderful evening with friends. If you would like to host a small group for
dinner (without having to do all the cooking!), please contact Elder Diana Johannes at
703-799-2596 or [email protected]. This event is sponsored by the
Congregational Life Committee, which promises interesting dinner partners for all
participants. Come and get to know someone new or renew old friendships. If there is
interest in a gathering of families with small children, that could be arranged as well.
HELP WANTED!
There are some unfinished projects that need to be
completed in time for the 50th Anniversary
celebration in April.
The many albums of photos started in November
2011 still need some arranging and a few more pages
completed to be ready for the enjoyment of members
and visitors during the upcoming celebrations.
John Hayes has loaned us the timeline he
prepared for the 30th Anniversary which is displayed
in the Fellowship Hall. We reassembled it in
November but the following twenty years still need to
be completed in his format. Please contact Elder
Mary Oliver at 703-341-6179 if you can help with this
history project.
Church Bulletin
Bloopers
Miss Charlene Mason sang
“I will not pass this way again,”
giving obvious pleasure to the
congregation.
Next Thursday there will be
tryouts for the choir. They need
all the help they can get.
Heritage Presbyterian Church ~ March 2012
Sunday
26
Lent 1
Monday
27
Tuesday
28
Wednesday
29
Thursday
1
Friday
2
Saturday
3
7a Men’s Prayer
Breakfast
(@Denny’s)
6p Hispanic
Worship
7:30p Choir
Rehearsal
4
Lent 2
5
9:30a Sunday
School for All Ages
10:55a Worship w/
Communion
12:15p Fellowship
12:15p Conf. Class
2:30p Hispanic
Worship
Lent 3 12
Lent 4
19
9:30a Sunday
School for All Ages
10:55a Worship
12:15p Fellowship
12:15p Conf. Class
2:30p Hispanic
Worship
7p Dorcas Circle
13
9
14
6p Hispanic
Worship
7:30p Choir
Rehearsal
10
8:30p AA Meeting
15
16
5:30p Hispanic
Worship
9:30a Rebecca
Circle
17
7a Men’s Prayer
Breakfast
(@Denny’s)
1:30p Made By The
Bell Crafters
5:30p Hispanic
Worship
7p All-Committee
Night
20
6p Hispanic
Worship
7:30p Choir
21
22
8:30p AA Meeting
MOW 23
6:00p Progressive
Dinner
24
9a Small Group
5:30p Youth Group 7:30p Pastors
Class
7p Session
25
27
Lent 5 26
9:30a Sunday
9:30a HPW Mtg.
School for All Ages
10:45a Hymn Sing
10:55a Worship
12:15p Fellowship
12:15p Conf. Class
2:30p Hispanic
Worship
8
Noon – Lunch
Bunch@Viet House
9:30a Sunday
School for All Ages
10:55a Worship
12:15p Fellowship
12:15p Conf. Class
2:30p Hispanic
Worship
5p Hope &
Healing
7:30p Pastors
Class
18
7
8:30p AA Meeting
9a Small Group
7:30p Pastors
Class
11
6
5:30p Hispanic
Worship
7:30p Pastors
Class
28
6p Hispanic
Worship
7:30p Choir
Rehearsal
8:30p AA Meeting
29
30
31
6p Talent Show
5:30p Hispanic
Worship
5:30p Hispanic
Worship
12:30p Newsletter
Mailing
6p Hispanic
Worship
7:30p Choir
Rehearsal
8:30p AA Meeting
To add meetings or events to the calendar please contact the church office: 703-360-9546 or [email protected]
MOW= Meals on Wheels
Deadline for submitting articles and announcements for Horizons is the 15th of each month.
Page 11
HERITAGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
8503 Fort Hunt Road
Alexandria, VA 22308
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Mt. Vernon, VA 22121
PERMIT NO. 31
Address Service Requested
“Yea, we have a goodly heritage!”
Please join in celebrating
50 years of fellowship!
Heritage Presbyterian Church will host
a luncheon on Sunday, April 22, 2012.
We hope to see you there!
Please note below the names of adults and children who
plan to attend and return the form to the church Office or
email your information to [email protected].
Please RSVP by April 8.
Adult: ________________________________________
Want to Be Fit?
Join the exercise group on Tuesdays and
Thursdays at 10:00 A.M. in the Choir
Room. Bring a mat, stretch for an hour,
and leave restored — physically and
mentally — and it’s all free! For more information,
please call DeJuana Jones at 703-780-5026.
Joint Lenten Services with
Calvary & Mount Vernon Presbyterian Churches
Adult: ________________________________________
Maundy Thursday, April 5
Calvary Presbyterian Church
Children: _____________________________________
Good Friday, April 6
Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church
Children: _____________________________________
All services begin at 7:30 P.M.
For all the latest news and a full-colored edition of HORIZONS, visit our website at www.heritagechurchva.org.
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