Hello, Washington Farm!  It was such a blessing to meet you and worship with you (yes, I am small, but I can talk and sing loudly!) on July 5.  Thank you very much for your warm welcome to my family and to me.  Thank you also for the messages some of you sent via email, a basketful of goodies, and a reception with yummy cakes.

During the summer, I plan to start a sermon series, “Who we are to be (as a church and as Christ’s followers).”  My prayer is that we will be reminded of who we are and who we are called to be.  Especially this Sunday, during worship, we will have a moment of prayer and blessing for all the leaders, volunteers, and campers who take part in the Music Camp.  May God’s love cover the entire church campus so that everyone will get to know Jesus and his love!  Also, youth and young adults – the summer SNL will kick off on Sunday!

During my message last Sunday, here is a part of what I said: 

“I don’t have a magic wand to grow the church overnight.  That’s everyone’s responsibility; I am here to encourage you and to participate in God’s mission with you. I am here not as your enemy (even when we don’t see things eye to eye), but as a co-worker of God’s ministry.  My prayer is that, in weeks and months to come, we will cultivate mutual trust, learn from one another and grow together, so that we live as God’s people we claim ourselves to be – Rooted in love, Growing in faith, Serving with joy.”  May it be so. 

See you in worship!

Pastor Keiko

We're gearing up for another wonderful Music Camp, July 13–17, and we can't wait to welcome our campers.

Volunteers, join us this Sunday in worship — we'll be praying over each of you before camp begins, and praying for our campers and their families as well. If you signed up to bring snacks, please drop them off this Sunday.

Didn't make the volunteer training? There's a Zoom session tonight, Thursday, July 9, at 7 PM. Contact Eileen if you're able to help.

We still have a few openings — help us spread the word! Invite a neighbor, share the link below, and let's fill this year's camp with energy and new faces.

Hey SNL crew! Here's what summer has in store for us on Sunday nights at 6 PM:

• July 12 – Let's kick things off with Four Square or volleyball
• July 19 – "Me Show" - a fun way to get to know each other 
• July 26 – Q&A time — bring your questions!
• August 2 – Frisbee golf at Pohick Bay Park
• August 9 – Summer party (off-site)
• August 30 – You tell us! We'll talk through what you want SNL to look like this year

No SNL on August 16 or 23rd.

Mark your calendar for August 23. There's no SNL that night, but join us in worship that morning for the Blessing of the Backpacks before heading back to school.

Ever thought about making a meal for SNL? Reach out to DeNise Enck to volunteer for a Sunday, or just to find out what's involved. She'd love to hear from you!

Pastor Keiko will be hosting three Sundays at the Parsonage after worship this summer, so we can get to know her and she can get to know us. Choose one of the dates below, then plan to stay after worship and walk over together as we enjoy growing in fellowship.

Pick a date: July 26, August 9, or August 30

We'd also love your help providing a dozen sweet or savory finger foods for these gatherings. Sign up below or in the narthex!

Sunday, July 26, is our monthly collection for Rising Hope Mission Church, whose Food Market and kitchen serve more than 300 families each week along the Route 1 corridor.

Their ongoing needs include: canned protein, low-sodium vegetables, beans, pasta, cereal (regular and single-serve), sugar, protein and granola bars, shelf-stable milk, baby wipes, and diapers (sizes 1 through 4T).

Please place donations in the Rising Hope basket in the narthex.

Want to get more involved? Visit Rising Hope's website or follow them on social media to learn more, or sign up to volunteer — it's a great way to get to know our neighbors while supporting a ministry that makes a real difference.

Gather with us around tables in the sanctuary basement as we make sandwiches, pack 154 weekend food sacks, and deliver them to neighbors in need.

These food bags go to individuals and families facing housing and food insecurity along the Route 1 corridor, in motels, apartments, and shelters. This is part of Phoenix Rising, the Alexandria-wide coalition of churches sharing this work on 5th Fridays.

This Sunday, Pastor Keiko shares a message titled "Embrace Christ's Peace," reflecting on Matthew 11:25–30. In this passage, Jesus invites the weary to come to him and find rest. As we hear this invitation, may we take time to acknowledge one another and the burdens we carry, and be reminded that church can be a place of peace and grace.

The flowers on the altar are given by Sue Irvin in memory of Kathy Swiger. 

Thanks to those serving in worship this week!
Pastor - Rev. Keiko Foster
Liturgist - Bev Sapp
Ushers - Pam Wolski
Acolyte - Hava M.
Organist - Beth Evans
Music Director - Kevin Sapp
Altar Flowers - Gail Mlinarchik