Congregational News and Events

REV. NANCY FITZGERALD TO BECOME OUR NEXT PASTOR  

Rev. Nancy Fitzgerald accepted the call of the Church Council on October 19th to become the next pastor of the Arlington Church of the Brethren.  The unanimous call by members of the congregation came after a weekend of events during which Pastor Nancy was introduced to the church.  On Saturday, October 18th, the Church Board met to review and accept the pastoral compensation package negotiated by the Search Committee.  Immediately thereafter, a carry-in dinner offered the congregation an opportunity to meet Nancy and her husband, Larry 'Fitz' Fitzgerald, and ask her questions.  On Sunday morning, Pastor Nancy visited each of the Sunday School classes and participated in the worship service, providing a children's story, prayer, and sermon.

The worship service was followed by a congregational business meeting, moderated by Mid-Atlantic District representative Loyal Vanderveer.  The Pastoral Search Committee presented its recommendations for the Council to approve the call of Nancy Fitzgerald and to accept the compensation package previously approved by the Church Board.  Following the secret ballot vote, Pastor Nancy accepted the call.

Pastor Nancy's first Sunday as full-time pastor at ACOB will be on December 7, 2008.  She has been Pastor of Congregational Life at Manassas Church of the Brethren since 2004.  Prior to Manassas, she served on the staff of the Nokesville Church of the Brethren, working in Christian education.  She is a graduate of Murray State University and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  During her seminary education, she completed coursework on Brethren Belief and Practices and other studies through Bethany Seminary.  She was licensed into the Church of the Brethren in 2001 and ordained in 2004.  She currently serves as vice-chair of the Ministers' Association of the Church of the Brethren and was on the Mid-Atlantic District Leadership Team until her term expired in 2007.

Nancy and Fitz have two grown children, a son Lowell, who lives in Richmond and is completing his last semester at Virginia Commonwealth University, and a daughter Melody, who lives in Atlanta and is in the doctoral program in art history at Emory University.  Fitz works for Norfolk-Southern Railroad as a signal maintainer.  They currently reside in Nokesville, Virginia.

We warmly welcome Pastor Nancy and the Fitzgeralds to Arlington.  Also, many thanks go to the Pastoral Search Committee for the fine work they did, in particular Search Committee Chair Jo Ann Cubbage.  Congratulations to all!

FALL STEWARDSHIP EMPHASIS BEGINS

Members and friends of the Arlington congregation are continually asked to make commitments of time and energy to serve in the varied aspects of our church's life.  In the fall of each year, we are also asked to make commitments of our financial resources to support the work of this congregation and its local outreach, and in support of district and denominational programs.

I was sorry to miss the activities of October 18 and 19, when the congregation met with and called a new pastor to work with us.  I understand there was a feeling of excitement and a great sense of hope for our future during those two days.  This is good!  Now we have the opportunity to contribute financially toward building this exciting future.

Over the next few weeks, part of each Sunday's worship will be devoted to our congregational giving.  You will soon receive a letter and a commitment card, giving you a chance to think about your personal giving, including a possible increase.  I urge you to consider with excitement the possibilities that are ahead.

We will join together in a service of commitment later in November.

Everett Fisher
2008 Stewardship Chair

OUR WORSHIP DURING NOVEMBER

As we anticipate with excitement being lead in worship by Pastor Nancy Fitzgerald beginning December 7, we continue to be blessed with guest speakers during the month of November.

November 2 - John Smallwood returns with Brian Cubbage as Worship Leader.

November 9 - Jeannine Sanford, a new face and voice to us, will be preaching. Her friend Silena Davis will serve as Worship Leader.

November 16 - Donna Leahy returns with Nancy Weimer as Worship Leader

November 23 - Bridgewater College Deputation Team will share their youthful energy, enthusiasm, and talents with us.  Everett Fisher is coordinating the service for this Sunday.

November 30 - Denise Wilson returns.  Sue Hillmer will again serve as worship leader with her long-time friend.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16

The annual fall Church Council Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2008, in the fellowship hall following morning worship.   A Pot-Luck Lunch will be served prior to the meeting.  Some meat is being provided; please bring other main dishes, or vegetables, salads, or desserts to complete the meal.

This Council Meeting will include adoption of the church budget, confirmation of new board members, as well as commission reports.  All members and friends of the congregation are invited and encouraged to attend this important meeting, although only members are eligible to vote.

ATTENTION ALL 2009 CHURCH BOARD MEMBERS

The yearly Church Board Retreat will be held on January 16-17, 2009 at Shepherd's Spring Retreat Center.  Please reserve this weekend  to attend this important time together as a Church Board.  Non-Board members and church friends are also welcome and encouraged to attend.  (Each person attending will be responsible for the cost of their lodging and meals; reservation information will be provided at a later date.)

For information on the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Response to disasters, see General Board News Updates.

We encourage you to take a few moments each Friday to pray for peace.

Arlington Church of the Brethren
(703) 524-4100