Hello Washington Farm Friends! 

Wow, the first two months went by so fast!  From Music Camp to parsonage chat (our third and last gathering is August 30!) to Admin Council to Back to School Sunday, I enjoyed getting to know you, hearing your stories, and serving with you.  It was also wonderful that my family and I got to travel to Japan – I was blessed to be able to reconnect with friends and family, especially since I could not travel last summer due to my health.  
There are a few exciting things happening this fall.  First, starting on September 6, we are having the “Miracle Sunday” series – it is a global United Methodist effort to support theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.  Each Sunday during those six weeks, we'll have a sermon based on that week’s theme, along with video testimonies from clergy and seminary students from those regions.  Pam Wolski is leading an adult Sunday School class based on each week's theme (please see Miracle Sunday info below).  She is excited to welcome you with a hearty breakfast! We will meet at 8:45 am for fellowship, and the class is 9:00-9:45 am.  Please join the conversation so that we will grow in faith together and also celebrate together the United Methodists' worldwide connectionism!

Also, mark your calendar for the Fellowship Luncheon (Sep 13) and Fall Festival (Oct 18)!

I look forward to worshiping with you, growing in faith with you, and serving God and others with you! 

Pastor Keiko

School is back in session, and we're packing early so Woodley Hills students who need food have enough to get through their first weekend home. Come down to the sanctuary basement at 10AM. 

Starting September 10, we return to our regular schedule: the second Thursday of each month.

Thank You for August's Rising Hope Donations
Eighty-four pounds of food and two pounds of clothing went from Washington Farm to Rising Hope on Tuesday. The food went straight onto the shelves for market guests. Thanks for contributing to making folks' meals more appealing and nutritious, and their wardrobes more complete.

Save the Date - Mount Vernon Community Service Day
Saturday, September 26 | Heritage Presbyterian Church | 9 AM

Every fall, neighbors across Mount Vernon set aside a Saturday morning to work side by side for kids in our community. This year's Community Service Day, formerly Day To Serve, is Saturday, September 26. Stay tuned for more information.

Beginning September 6, Washington Farm joins roughly 30,000 United Methodist congregations worldwide invited to participate in a six-week dive into what it means to follow Christ. On October 11, Miracle Sunday, we'll collect a special offering supporting theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. It's an investment in pastors, teachers, and lay leaders who will guide their communities for decades to come.

You'll see the themes carried through Sunday worship and Pam Wolski's adult Sunday school:

Sept. 6 — Disciples Formed by Jesus Christ
Sept. 13 — Disciples Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Sept. 20 — Love Boldly
Sept. 27 — Serve Joyfully
Oct. 4 — Lead Courageously
Oct. 11 — Disciples Transform the World

Download the Bishop's weekly reflections at the link below.

This Sunday, Pastor Keiko will meet with a small group at the parsonage to get to know each other better. If you haven't already, plan to stay after worship and walk over together as we enjoy growing in fellowship.

Thanks to those who've signed up to bring treats this week and on previous Sundays!

We're wrapping up summer outside. Meet at the Pohick Bay Disc Golf Course this Sunday at 3 p.m. No experience needed, no gear required. Just come ready to walk a little and laugh at your own throws.

Use the button link below for a pin to the course.

Starting the following Sunday, SNL returns to our regular time and place, Sunday nights at 6 p.m.

What a summer.
We kicked off in July with volleyball on the new net, and Pastor Keiko's friends Mo and Germany drove over to teach us the game Four Square.  The "Me Show" came next, and everyone brought a paper bag stuffed with things that mattered to them. Turns out you can learn a lot about a person from what they carry. Add in a summer pool party and a whole lot of ordinary Sunday nights together, and it was a great first summer with our new pastor.

Being a church family means celebrating each other, and a birthday is a great reason to do so. These friends are marking theirs in September:

David E., Frank, Kevin, and Susana

If you run into one of them at church, the grocery store, or on a walk, say happy birthday. Send a text. Drop a card in the mail. Being remembered by someone you weren't expecting to hear from is a small, good thing.

Want your birthday on the list? Email Sam at communications@washingtonfarmumc.org. Don't let us miss celebrating you.

Many of us miss the small news in each other's lives, so we're making room for it here. Nothing big required. A new job, a retirement, a puppy, a grandbaby, a project finally finished after years in the garage.

This week, Ella moved into her dorm after transferring to George Mason. She and Josie caught up over lunch at the Student Union between classes. Celebrate Ella as she settles into a new campus and a new routine.

Have news? Send a note or a photo to communications@washingtonfarmumc.org, and we'll include it. 

Ginger had a CT scan yesterday to help her doctors understand what is preventing her from recovering. 
Miriam will likely have a heart monitor implant procedure on September 10. 
Please pray for both of them and their care teams. 

Please also continue to pray for everyone on our prayer list.

Dale & Carol · Sy & Sandy · the family of Carol M. · the family of Jim S. · Garrett & Beth · Miriam · Ginger

To share a prayer request, or to let us know a need has been resolved, contact Pastor Keiko or Sam with the information you'd like included or removed. For private requests, please reach out to Pastor Keiko directly.

When there's an urgent need, we'll send a prayer chain email as soon as we're able.

Sunday, September 13 | 11:15 AM
Sunday Social Potluck
Good food, good company!

Sunday, October 18 | 12 PM
Fall Fest at the Farm
Food, crafts, and games for all ages! 

Sunday, November 29 | 12 PM
We Wreath You a Merry Christmas
A tree-mendous thank you to Mt. Vernon for the Tree Lot!
Fun for all ages!

More details coming soon!

Our neighbors at Good Shepherd Catholic Church are hosting their International Festival on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, from 12 to 5 p.m. Expect children's rides and games, Bingo, live music, a market with local crafters and artisans, and a plant booth selling mums and pansies.

You can buy lots of great food and drinks from the Hispanic Food Booth, the Pub, Rose's Bakery, and a variety of food trucks.

Visit the link below for the full lineup of activities happening that weekend, including a 5k or one-miler, blood drive, and yard sale.

Frederick Buechner wrote that God calls us to the place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger. This week we'll turn to Exodus 3:1-15 and ask where that place might be for us, and what one first step toward it could look like.

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