The Christmas Tree Project has been a beloved tradition and an important fundraiser for our church. In recent years, fewer volunteers have been able to handle the physical work, leaving the load on a small group. To continue safely, we would need about 18 volunteers, each serving at least five four‑hour shifts over the two‑week season.

As the Church Council discerns the future of this ministry, your honest feedback matters. Please share your response by May 10 through the link below or in the narthex.

Pastor Claire is heading into a full and meaningful stretch of ministry this month. From May 13–23, she’ll be in England on the Wesley Heritage Tour, walking in the footsteps of John Wesley. The trip is led by Bishop Sue Haupert‑Johnson. We can’t wait to hear about everything she experiences when she’s back with us on Sunday, May 24.

We’ll celebrate Pastor Claire’s years of ministry at Washington Farm on her final Sunday, June 14, during worship and our Summer Picnic. After that, she’ll head to the Virginia Annual Conference and then on to her new church home.

We look forward to welcoming Pastor Keiko on her first Sunday at Washington Farm on July 5.

If you need pastoral care while Pastor Claire is traveling, during Annual Conference, or in the transition before Pastor Keiko arrives, please reach out to Bev Card or Sam Barnes. They’ll connect you with the right person who can offer support.

Music Camp is nearly full—register today! A waitlist will be available once we reach capacity.

Applications are now open for the Washington Farm Undergraduate Community Service Scholarship, provided by Washington Farm United Women in Faith. This scholarship supports both first‑time and renewing undergraduate students who are active in the life of Washington Farm and committed to service. Awards will be presented on June 14.

Help support our Woodley Hills Elementary School neighbors experiencing homelessness by packing weekend food sacks on Thursday, May 14, at 10 AM in the Sanctuary Basement. Have questions? Contact Donna Julian or Mary Rohweder.

A lovely afternoon is planned at The Fairfax on Sunday, May 31 at 11:30 AM. The cost is $38. Payments may be made online using the link below or placed in the offering plate marked “UWIF” by May 10.

Let’s collect this year’s Kits for Conference! Our Virginia Conference is requesting Cleaning Buckets, Hygiene Kits, and Menstrual Health Kits to support communities in need. Click below to download a supply list and instructions, or stop by the display in the narthex to pick up a tag, and help us gather needed items. Donations are due Sunday, May 23, and can be placed in the narthex drop box.

For fifty years, the Mount Vernon Garden Club has been nurturing beauty, friendship, and a love of growing things. For the past decade, Washington Farm has been their home base. The club gathers monthly on second Tuesdays, welcoming everyone from seasoned gardeners and flower arrangers to neighbors who simply enjoy learning and being part of a community.

Their meetings are lively and hands‑on: learning how to propagate native plants, exploring new gardening techniques, arranging flowers, trading plants, and enjoying their “virtual yard tour,” where members share photos and stories from their own gardens.

The club’s service extends well beyond its meetings. Members help tend Washington Farm’s flower beds several times a year, and their president recently donated Black‑Eyed Susans to brighten our grounds. They also serve twice a month at Spring Hills Senior Living, offering Garden Therapy sessions that bring color and connection to residents.

We are truly blessed to have the Mount Vernon Garden Club as part of our Washington Farm community. If you're interested in attending a meeting, contact Bev Card. 

Thank you to Steve Brown and his team of hard‑working volunteers who bagged leaves, laid mulch, trimmed branches, and gave our church grounds a fresh new look last month. The Washington Farm campus looks cared for, welcoming, and ready for spring thanks to your time and energy. We are grateful for you!

This Sunday, we’ll reflect on Matthew 15:21–28 and the bold, persistent faith of a parent through the story of the Canaanite woman. We’ll explore how her courage and determination reveal a powerful picture of trust, hope, and God’s expansive grace.

Thanks to those serving in worship this week!
Liturgist - Drew Barnes
Ushers - Sue Irvin
Acolyte - Kristin Miller
Music Director - Kevin Sapp 
Organist - Beth Evans
Altar Flowers - Gail Mlinarchik