This month in Preschool Sunday School, we’re celebrating the wonder of creation with our October theme: God Made the World. Each Sunday, we dive into a story from Scripture and create a craft that brings the message to life. From coloring pictures of animals and oceans to talking about the stars and trees. The kids are soaking up the beauty of what God made and they’re doing it with joy, curiosity, and a whole lot of giggles.  If you’ve ever wanted to witness delight in action, this is the place.

We’d love to welcome a few more volunteers to help out with our preschool class. Just once a month makes a big difference! Do you have a willingness to sit, listen, laugh, and maybe help with a little glue or glitter. Reach out if you’re interested—we promise it’s the best kind of sacred silliness.

We’re excited to invite you to a special day of service and community on October 31st, as we come together to prepare, package, and deliver meals to our neighbors experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.

This is more than a volunteer opportunity; it’s a chance to embody compassion and share dignity through nourishment.

What We’ll Be Doing

• Assembling sandwiches and other nourishing food items
• Packaging meals 
• Delivering meals to local distribution points and individuals in need

Whether you’re a seasoned sandwich artist or simply someone with a heart to serve, your hands and presence are welcome. We’ll provide all the supplies—you bring the love.

When & Where:

FRIDAY, October 31st 

Prepping and packing start at 10 AM in the Sanctuary Basement. 

We head out at 4 PM to deliver meals to motels, apartments, and the Eleanor P. Kennedy Shelter. 

Questions? Text/call Mary Rohweder (571-268-5931) or Donna Julian (703-851-0192).

Each month, our church partners with Rising Hope Mission Church to support their vital work along the Route 1 corridor. Their Food Market and Kitchen serve hundreds of individuals and families facing food insecurity, and our donations help stock the shelves with dignity and love.

This Sunday, we invite you to bring items that meet their most urgent needs:

Food Market Needs

Canned protein (tuna, chicken, beans)
Canned vegetables
Pasta (any kind)
Baby wipes Diapers (sizes 1–4T)

Kitchen Needs

Protein bars
Granola bars
Single-serve cereal
Shelf-stable milk
Sugar alternative packets

Thank you for giving generously and helping us share God’s love in practical, nourishing ways.

This month, we’re shining a light on a quiet but powerful ministry that’s been unfolding in our Education Building for 25 years.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10am, members of Alcoholics Anonymous gather in the Fireplace Room for open meetings. These gatherings are not hosted by our church, but they are deeply supported by it. By offering space, warmth, and welcome, we’ve helped sustain a healing rhythm that has changed lives.

Our most recent thank-you card from AA members who meet in our building is pictured above. Their words speak volumes:

“This sweet basement is a huge part of my sobriety — I came to this basement 24 years ago. Thank you so much.” “Thank you for providing the open door!”
“Thank you for providing such a great place for us to heal.”
“Many thanks for extending God's grace through offering this facility for our meetings.”

These notes remind us that ministry doesn’t always look like a bulletin announcement or a Sunday morning program. Sometimes, it’s a quiet room and an open door.

We’re honored to be part of this story—and grateful to each of you who help keep that door open.

As a church rooted in love and community, we stand with those affected by the current government furlough. If you or someone you know is experiencing financial strain or uncertainty due to the shutdown, please know: you are not alone. We are praying for you and we’re ready to help however we can.

Whether it’s groceries, diapers, transportation, or just someone to talk to, we’ll do our best to connect you with support from our church and trusted community partners. Please email Pastor Claire at pastor@washingtonfarmumc.org with any needs.

One beautiful example of local generosity: Chalkboard Wings is offering free lunch or dinner every Tuesday from 12–8 PM to furloughed employees until the shutdown ends. 

Now that you’ve had some time with your gratitude journal, we’re curious: what’s been showing up for you? Are certain themes, people, or moments appearing more often than you expected? Has it shifted how you pray, what you notice, how you show up? We’d love to hear a snippet: whether it’s a line you wrote, a habit you’ve formed, or a moment that surprised you. Reach out to Pastor Claire at pastor@washingtonfarm.org or comment on our Facebook or Instagram posts. Let’s keep the gratitude ripple going!

Come enjoy the watercolors of Mary Carey, lovingly shared by her daughter, Donna Carey. Her artwork has filled the Education Building hallway and Fireplace Room with beauty and warmth.

Stop by this Sunday to take in the exhibit—these pieces won’t be here much longer.

Thank you, Donna, for sharing your mother’s beautiful gift with our community!

Warm up your Sunday with a little friendly competition and a whole lot of flavor. Our Chili Cookoff kicks off right after worship on Sunday, November 16—and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Sign up in the narthex to:

Enter your chili in the cookoff
Bring cornbread, salad, or dessert
Help with setup, serving, or cleanup

Whether you're cooking, tasting, or just enjoying the company, there's a seat at the table for you. Questions or want to help out? Contact Bev Card at bmwcard@gmail.com. She’s coordinating the fun!

Upcoming Sunday Socials include:
December 21 – Advent Fellowship Luncheon
January 11 – Leadership Recognition Luncheon
March 15 – 60th Anniversary Luncheon
June 14 – Graduation Sunday and Church Picnic

The scent of pine, the sparkle of lights, and the joy of giving. Our annual Christmas Tree Project is nearly here, and we need your help to make it a success!

Here’s what’s coming up:

• Tree Rack Set-Up: Friday, November 21 at 10:00 AM (Rain date: Saturday, same time)

• Tree Delivery & Lot Opening: Saturday, November 29 at 8:00 AM Come to help unload and arrange! Lot opens at 10 AM.

• Volunteer Shifts Begin November 29:

  • Saturdays: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Two shifts: 10–2 & 2–6)

  • Sundays: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM (Two shifts: 12–3:30 & 3:30–7)

  • Weekdays: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM

Whether you’re a seasoned tree wrangler or just love spreading Christmas cheer, there’s a spot for you. Sign-up sheets will be in the narthex throughout November. Bring a friend and your best holiday spirit—cocoa will be waiting!

Questions? Contact Larry Smith at smith0911@verizon.net; he’ll get you sorted like a pro.

This season, WFUMC is once again joyfully participating in Operation Christmas Child, a global mission of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers shoebox gifts to children in over 100 countries. Our congregation has embraced this ministry, sending boxes filled with hope, care, and an invitation to experience God’s love

Children who receive a box are also invited to participate in a follow-up Bible study, and many families join in, with countless lives transformed.

What to Pack: Practical Gifts with Lasting Impact

• One Wow! item is encouraged, but every item matters.
• We ask that all gifts be safe, durable, and culturally respectful. Customs regulations vary, so please review the most current guidelines carefully. 

Shoeboxes are packed for:

• Girls and Boys, ages 2–4, 5–9, and 10–14

Key Dates at WFUMC

• October 5: Boxes and instructions available on the Friendship Patio (additional boxes in the Narthex after this date)
• By November 16 (Sunday): Return filled boxes to the Narthex
• November 17: Boxes will be delivered to the collection site at Burke Community Church

Join Us in This Ministry

Let’s pack with purpose. Let’s give with joy. Let’s share the story of Jesus, one shoebox at a time.

Thank you to all who took the time to honor me as your pastor this Pastor's Appreciation Month. I so appreciate your kind words and gifts. I'm humbled to serve as your pastor.
Blessings, Pastor Claire

This week’s focus is on goodness, the kind that grows from a generous and open heart. Titus 3:4–7 reminds us that God’s kindness isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift that renews us. Galatians 6:9–10 encourages us to keep showing up with compassion, even when it’s hard or thankless. Goodness isn’t just about being nice – it’s about being rooted in grace and ready to act. Whether it’s a quiet kindness or boldly choosing compassion, even when it’s costly, let’s bear fruit that nourishes others and reflects the heart of Christ.

Sunday
9:00 AM – Elementary Sunday School
9:45 AM – Preschool Sunday School & Nursery
10:00 AM – Worship Service (in-person & online)
6:00 PM – Sunday Night Live (Youth)