Last Sunday’s worship was a beautiful mix of celebration and tenderness as we gave thanks for Pastor Claire’s four years among us. We shared stories, laughter, and tears—because while she will always be part of our Washington Farm family, we will miss seeing her in the sanctuary each week.

On July 5 our church family expands again as we celebrate the arrival of Pastor Keiko Foster and her family with the love, openness, and grace of a Washington Farm welcome. Come enjoy worship and stay for the celebration. 

Pastor Keiko will be hosting three Sundays at the Parsonage after worship this summer to help us get to know her, and for her to get to know each of us. Choose one of the dates—July 26, August 9, or August 30—and plan to stay after worship and walk over to the parsonage as we enjoy growing in fellowship together.

For those who missed it last week, be sure to jot down Pastor Claire's contact information:
Pastor Claire
Home Address: 33954 Sea Otter Way, Millsboro, DE 19966
Cell Phone: 703-861-8472

We had a great turnout for last Sunday’s Summer Picnic, and while most of us stayed inside to beat the heat, a brave dozen enjoyed the picnic tables under the shade of our new tent. A huge thank‑you to Steve, Andy, Jon, and Demetrius for sweating over a hot grill in 90‑degree weather; to Sue, Mary, Beth J., Ellen, Donna, Gail, and Maru for setting up and cleaning up our mess;  to Gail for getting the cakes; and Bev for organizing everything—from the gifts and photo book, all the way down to choosing tablecloths and flowers in Claire’s favorite colors. A special thank you to Dan Garrett for the beautiful wooden plaque celebrating Pastor Claire's years of ministry at Washington Farm.

It was a great day to pause, share stories and hugs with Pastor Claire, Jan, and Kristin, enjoy catching up with familiar faces, and begin getting to know people we’ve only greeted in passing.

During worship last Sunday, Washington Farm's United Women in Faith awarded $500 Community Service Scholarships to three of our college students to support them as they continue their studies. Josie, Ella, and Braeden have each given so much to our church family and our community. Whether serving on Church Council or Trustees, hauling Christmas trees, replacing lights in the Education Building, wrapping gifts for Rising Hope, or manning the desk at FACETS transitional housing services, they keep showing up with generosity and heart.

We also celebrated the accomplishments of those who have graduated in the past 12 months, including our members' children and grandchildren. Christopher Essem Baidoo added a PhD in Social Work to his JD and will serve as a postdoctoral fellow at Dartmouth. Billy Barnes earned his Certificate in Technical Theater at the Arts Institute for Creative Advancement at DC Theater Lab and works at the Workhouse Arts Center right down the road in Lorton. Carolina Bryant, Sy and Sandy Berdux's granddaughter, earned her BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alabama. Aidan Connors has headed to New York to work as a field organizer after graduating with his BS in International Politics from Georgetown University.  Max Enck finished his BS in Psychology and has started his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Slippery Rock University. Brennan Grace Smith, Anne and Larry's granddaughter, graduated from Holy Cross in Kensington, MD, and is off to Penn State in the fall. Victoria Thomas, Bev Card's granddaughter, graduated from Virginia Tech with a Master's in Mechanical Engineering.

When you see them, offer a word of encouragement or celebration; we're so proud of all they're accomplishing.

Can you believe we’re less than a month away from our church being filled with the laughter and music of more than 70 neighborhood children? Each summer has brought so much joy to our community—the joy of discovering that your own hands can use a wooden box with strings, a metal bell, black-and-white keys, or even a plastic bucket to shape a note or a rhythm into a song.

As we prepare to welcome this year’s campers, please keep our kids, our volunteers, and the whole camp in your prayers. And if you’re able, please grab one of the remaining snack tags from the narthex bulletin board. You can drop off your snacks under the narthex table to help keep our campers energized for all their music‑making.

This Sunday we turn to Genesis 21:8–21 and reflect on Abraham and the other fathers of our faith—imperfect people through whom God worked faithfully and creatively. Their stories remind us that God keeps promises, sees those who feel cast aside, and leads generations forward with grace. Join us as we explore what these ancestors can teach us about trusting the God who guides, provides, and stays with us still.

This week’s altar flowers are offered by Beth Evans in celebration of McKenzie and Deyeis and their upcoming wedding.

Thanks to those serving in worship this week!
Lay Speaker - Eileen Fraedrich
Liturgist - John Schroeder
Ushers - Pam Wolski 
Music Director - Kevin Sapp 
Organist - Beth Evans
Altar Flowers - Sandy Berdux