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.

• Lot Shifts Begin November 29:

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

  • Sundays: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM (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 below. 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 Advent season, our church family is invited to journey together through Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus by Andy Langford and Ann Langford Duncan. Through traditional Scripture readings and meaningful acts of worship, the authors guide readers on an Advent-to-Christmas pilgrimage, drawing us closer to Christ while encouraging us to invite others along the way.

Contact Pastor Claire (pastor@washingtonfarmumc.org)  by Tomorrow, November 21, if you would like to purchase a book ($15) and participate.

Did you know that Washington Farm’s Outreach Committee coordinates our church’s participation in multiple feeding ministries across the local area? Over the last few weeks, Washington Farm has:

• Prepared and delivered 154 weekend food bags to food-insecure individuals and families along the Route One corridor through the Phoenix Rising Program.

• And 65 weekend food bags to students experiencing homelessness who attend Woodley Hills Elementary School.

• Donated $1,000 to Rising Hope for holiday expenses.

• Supplied nonperishable foods to Rising Hope’s Food Market.

Looking for a way to help out?

Rising Hope Angel Gifts 
Please return unwrapped gifts with tags to the WFUMC narthex by Sunday, November 30. Gifts will be delivered to Rising Hope by December 1 and displayed in their Holiday Market, where parents can select items with dignity and joy.
Holiday Market Dates: December 5, 8, 12, and 15 (11 AM–1 PM & 2 PM–4 PM) Holiday Festival: December 13 

Food Collection for Rising Hope
On Sunday, November 23, December 28, and every 4th Sunday, we collect items for Rising Hope’s Food Market and Kitchen. Urgent needs include canned protein, vegetables, pasta, baby wipes, diapers (sizes 1–4T), protein bars, granola bars, single-serve cereal, shelf-stable milk, and sugar alternatives. Drop donations in the basket in the narthex before worship.

Packed With Love for Woodley Hills
Join us on Thursday, December 11, at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Basement to pack 65 weekend food sacks for 15 students experiencing homelessness. Each bag includes 10 shelf-stable items and a message reminding these children they are seen and cared for. 

Looking Ahead
Watch for information on donating Christmas grocery gift cards to Woodley Hills families experiencing homelessness and helping prepare Hypothermia Shelter meals on February 22 and March 22.

Questions? Contact Donna J. (703-851-0192) or Mary R. (571-268-5931)

All senior adults are invited to join us for pizza, laughter, friendship, and the satisfying click of puzzle pieces coming together. 

We have tons of puzzles to choose from, and with only 300 pieces, we'll be able to see the completed pictures by the end of the afternoon.

We'll also reflect on how puzzles can connect us to the Bible. Come discover this meaningful connection while enjoying a relaxed afternoon of fellowship.

Bring a friend if you can, and don’t forget to sign up at the link below!

Stay to help transform our sanctuary for the Advent season. Together we’ll put up the beautiful Christmon tree, hang angels, and drape garland to create a space that reflects the hope and joy of this special time of year. 

Looking ahead to the new year, the Flower Committee is welcoming new hands and fresh ideas. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at creating an altar arrangement, contact Bev at bmwcard@gmail.com. We’d love to have you join in this creative ministry.

Come select a beautiful Christmas ornament for your tree, or as a thoughtful gift for your family and neighbors! Our talented and crafty Women in Faith have been working hard to create these festive treasures, each one made with love and care.

Funds raised from this project will support Women in Faith’s scholarships, missions, and fellowship. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season while giving back to ministries that make a difference.

Stop by to see these beauties and take home a piece of handcrafted joy this Christmas!

Reserve Your Spot Today! Our Annual Women in Faith Christmas Luncheon returns on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 11:15 AM to 3:00 PM in the Fireplace Room. This cherished gathering offers a warm space to celebrate the season, deepen our fellowship, and reflect on the journeys that shape us.

This year’s luncheon will be catered by Smyrna Restaurant, a woman-owned gem located in Hayfield Shopping Center. Smyrna specializes in Greek and Turkish fusion cuisine. The estimated cost is $38.00.

We’re delighted to welcome Rachel Hicks, a poet whose life has taken her across seven countries. Her debut collection, Accumulated Lessons in Displacement, explores themes of faith, longing, and belonging through personal stories and biblical reflections. Rachel will read from her work and share the stories behind her poems. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Help Us Set the Table If you’re available to help with set-up on Saturday, December 13, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, we’d love your support. It’s a great way to serve and connect ahead of the event.

We hope you’ll join us for this special afternoon of fellowship, reflection, and celebration. To RSVP or ask questions, please contact Beth Evans at bevans.piano@gmail.com today.

Last Sunday’s Chili Cook-Off was a tremendous success! Thank you to our talented cooks—Pastor Claire, Demetrius, Beth H., Pam, Bev C., and Bob E.—for bringing their best recipes. Each chili had its own flair, with names that carried us from Mayhew to Arkansas, Cincinnati, Texas, and Virginia. A special thanks to Beth J., Mary, and Pam for making the kitchen sparkle.

The day was filled with laughter, fellowship, and even a touch of nostalgia as we remembered the cook-off thirty years ago, when Lee Fay won in front of Laramie Askin

Upcoming Sunday Socials include:
December 21 - Christmas Cantata Luncheon - Celebrate our cantata musicians, the coming birth of Jesus, and grow the ties of friendship between us.
January 11 – Leadership Recognition Luncheon
March 15 – 60th Anniversary Luncheon
June 14 – Graduation Sunday and Church Picnic

This year’s Operation Christmas Child ministry has again been a beautiful expression of generosity and love. Our congregation packed and donated 81 shoebox gifts for children around the world—each one filled with hope, care, and the message of God’s love.

Many members of our church family filled multiple boxes or gave financial support to ensure every gift reached a child. We are especially grateful to the Girl Scouts, who partnered with us by packing 15 boxes and adding their energy and joy to this mission. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in any way! 

The Ministry Fair on October 19 brought together 26 different ministries, each with its own unique way of sharing God’s love.
Ministry leaders welcomed visitors at their displays, ready to answer questions and share stories. Attendees enjoyed filling their treat bags with goodies while exploring the many opportunities to get involved. Many signed up to participate in ministries that spoke to their gifts and passions.

If you're interested in how you can serve at Washington Farm, reach out to any of the leaders listed in Fellowship Patio articles or for an idea of all of our ministries, reach out to Pastor Claire at pastor@washingtonfarmumc.org.

This season of gratitude, we turn to Psalm 138 and give thanks for God’s unfailing faithfulness. The psalm reminds us that when God shows up, our hearts are strengthened, our prayers are heard, and His steadfast love surrounds us. As we reflect on the blessings in our lives, may we be encouraged to trust that God Shows Up in every moment—guiding, sustaining, and filling us with hope.

Sunday - Rising Hope Food Market Collection
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)