Weekend of October 17-19 at Caroline Furnace
All men of the congregation are invited to this intergenerational weekend retreat. Led by Chad D, the retreat is a chance for men to get to know one another, dig into scripture, pray, eat great food and relax. Cost is around $100 and scholarships are available.
Hot Dogs & S'mores!
Wednesday, June 25 from 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Let's kick off a summer of fun with some hot dogs and s'mores. We will grill out, eat some good food, and meet new and familiar faces. Abiding Presence will provide hot dogs, chips and s'mores treats. Feel free to bring potluck style fruits, veggies or salads to share. There will be a free will donation at the door. Hope to see you there! If you have questions or would like to help grill, reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis.
Tuesday, June 24 from 12:30-3:00 p.m. in Bailey Hall
Have you considered what will happen to your assets after your death? Do you have a great love for your church oranother charity and want to help create a sustainable mission for them long into the future? Sadly, 70% of estate plans fail to pay out the way the donor intended.
There are so many complexities to what will be probated and how much money it costs to probate and what assets are best for family and loved ones.
Creating a comprehensive charitable estate plan means ensuring you are providing for family and loved ones while leaving a planned gift to a charity or faith community you care about. It can get complicated and overwhelming.
To support those who are interested in learning more about the process of creating a comprehensive charitable estate plan, we are hosting a free Planned Giving Workshop with ELCA Deacon Mitzi Schafer.
During this workshop, you will learn about the realities of what it means to say, “I am leaving you in my Will.” You will learn which assets are probated and which are not. You will learn what assets have tax and other implications for family and loved ones, and how to leave the best assets to the best beneficiaries in the best ways.
All are welcome to attend.
Monday, June 23 from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: A Novel by Jonathan Safran Foer
The Abiding Presence Book Club welcomes all readers of the congregation to join them. Start reading today! For more information, contact Pastor Keseley who will put you in touch with the group. The group meets in classroom #1 at the church.
Pride Potluck Picnic for LGBTQIA+ individuals, families & allies
Sunday, June 22 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Abiding Presence
Come enjoy fellowship with others in the congregation as we seek to build community and support among LGBTQIA+ individuals, families and allies. Families of all shapes and sizes and individuals of all ages are encouraged to attend. The church will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and fixings. Bring a picnic side dish or dessert to share.
Saturday, June 14 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Anderson’s House
Come taste recently brewed beers from the homebrewers of Abiding Presence! The event includes a BBQ and brew tasting at the Anderson's back yard patio. This is event is for adults 21 and up. Pulled pork will be provided. Please contribute a BBQ friendly side, dessert, or drinks. Sign up here.
New date coming soon!
from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
We got rained out for our "fishing" party this weekend, but have no fear! We are going to reschedule for another weekend soon. Stay tuned to for more details on our rescheduled brunch date coming very soon. If you have questions, please reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis.
Monday, June 2 from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store: A Novel by James McBride
The Abiding Presence Book Club welcomes all readers of the congregation to join them. Start reading today! For more information, contact Pastor Keseley who will put you in touch with the group. The group meets in classroom #1 at the church.
Presented by United Lutheran Seminary (ULS), Aging Grace-Fully examines how to age with grace and live, fully, with the physical, mental and social changes that are often difficult to accept when growing older.
Join us to seek understanding and acceptance of these challenges in our eight-part series featuring leading authors who share their knowledge and experiences about aging including suffering, love and loss.
Featured in this session: Frank Bruni, author of The Beauty of Dusk
This series is an in-person event in the Abiding Presence sanctuary and livestreamed from the United Lutheran Seminary.
Weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
This gathering is for those whose vocations and livelihoods are being impacted by the current situation in the federal government. During this confidential gathering, we will talk, pray, network and support one another. The group is open to all in the community, so spread the word to friends and coworkers. No RSVP necessary, simply show up!
5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave
(6th-12th Grade) No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.
6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pr. Kelsey (7th-10th Grade) and 6th Grade Hangout with Ms. Michaela
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey and Ms. Michaela for devotions, pizza, and games or projects on Wednesday nights. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student for pizza dinner. You can also donate $65 for the whole semester here. Choose “pizza” in the drop down menu.
Wednesday, May 21
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Bailey Hall
Mainly Music is geared for children birth through pre-K and their parent or caregiver. It is a chance for grownups and their kids to interact with one another and others through songs and movement. Each week we will have a 30-minute music session followed by a time for snack, free play and making new friends.
This is a community outreach event, so spread the word widely and let people know that all are welcome. There is a $5/week suggested donation at the door. There is no advanced registration or commitments, so come when you can and don’t stress when you cannot.
Questions? Reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Putnam-Kwon.
Tuesday, May 20
Headshots 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Resume/Linked in Presentation 7:00-7:30 p.m.
One-on-One Coaching 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand! We will start with a brief presentation on resume and LinkedIn profile strategies followed by opportunities for one-on-one coaching on resumes, LinkedIn profiles and interview strategies.
Sunday, May 18
from 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
This month the 3rd-5th Grade Sunday Club is going to throw an End of the Year Party at Abiding Presence. Following Sunday School, we will meet on the Patio for hot dogs, s’mores and fun games. RSVP here to help us prepare.
There is a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of lunch. You can pay at our giving page here and select “3rd-5th Grade Sunday Club” from the dropdown menu.
We need 3-4 parent chaperones to help us with this event. If you are able to help in this way, please sign-up below. Note: all chaperones will need to be background checked prior to the event.
All students should be picked up from Abiding Presence at 1:00 p.m.
If you have questions, you can reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Putnam-Kwon.
Every 3rd Sunday of the Month from 10:05-10:45 a.m.
The Neurodiversity Ministry Team is for families who have members whose brains observe and navigate the world a little differently. We support each other in navigating the joys and challenges of supporting our loved ones (and, sometimes ourselves) with diagnoses that include ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other disabilities. We also support the whole church through discussions, trainings, accommodations and resources in continuing to be a welcoming church community to neurodiverse families. For more information or to get involved, contact the church office.
Sunday, May 18
from 10:00-10:45 a.m.
We will be accepting art submissions from now until Friday, May 16. Animals are a suggested theme for artists, but not required. All kids and teens are invited to donate art for the auction and all artforms are welcome: painting, sculpture, needle felting, and more! If you can create it, we want to see it!
The Art Auction will be open from 10:00-10:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 18 during the Abiding Tables in Bailey Hall.
If you have questions about art submissions, the inspiration behind the auction, or logistics for the event, reach out to Ms. Michaela. Also, we are looking for a team to help organize the donations and the event on May 18. If you have a heart for art or are a great organizer, reach out to Ms. Michaela to help!
Saturday, May 17
from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
We got rained out last month, but we hope you can join us in May. Ms. Michaela is calling all adventurers to join her at Hidden Pond Nature Center! We will eat pizza and explore the Nature Center, plus we might have time to play on the playground too. RSVP here to help us prepare.
There is a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of lunch. You can pay at our giving page here and select “Wednesday Pizza Dinner” from the dropdown menu.
We need a few parent chaperones for this event. If you are able to help please indicate on your sign-up. All students should be picked up from Hidden Pond Nature Center (8511 Greeley Blvd, West Springfield, VA 22152) at 1:30 p.m.
If you have questions, you can reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Putnam-Kwon.
Saturday, May 17
from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
We got rained out last month, but we hope you can join us in May. The weather is warming up and we’d love to take advantage with a trip to Hidden Pond Nature Center! Join Ms. Michaela to play on the playground, then take a break to snack on donuts while the grownups enjoy coffee. You can RSVP here to help us prepare! All are welcome, so bring a friend.
Hidden Pond Nature Center: 8511 Greeley Blvd, West Springfield, VA 22152.
Questions? Reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Putnam-Kwon.
Weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
This gathering is for those whose vocations and livelihoods are being impacted by the current situation in the federal government. During this confidential gathering, we will talk, pray, network and support one another. The group is open to all in the community, so spread the word to friends and coworkers. No RSVP necessary, simply show up!
5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave
(6th-12th Grade) No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.
6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pr. Kelsey (7th-10th Grade) and 6th Grade Hangout with Ms. Michaela
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey and Ms. Michaela for devotions, pizza, and games or projects on Wednesday nights. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student for pizza dinner. You can also donate $65 for the whole semester here. Choose “pizza” in the drop down menu.
Wednesday, May 14
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Bailey Hall
Mainly Music is geared for children birth through pre-K and their parent or caregiver. It is a chance for grownups and their kids to interact with one another and others through songs and movement. Each week we will have a 30-minute music session followed by a time for snack, free play and making new friends.
This is a community outreach event, so spread the word widely and let people know that all are welcome. There is a $5/week suggested donation at the door. There is no advanced registration or commitments, so come when you can and don’t stress when you cannot.
Questions? Reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Putnam-Kwon.
Saturday, June 14th from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Anderson’s House
Come taste an assortment of recently brewed beers from the homebrewers of Abiding Presence! The event includes a family BBQ and brew tasting at the Anderson's back yard patio in the Orange Hunt area of West Springfield. This is event is for adults 21 and up.
Pulled pork and a variety of brew samples will be available, we ask that you contribute a BBQ friendly side, dessert, or drinks. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E44A4A72CA6F85-56822781-bbqbrew
Tuesday, May 13 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Join us for lunch and a program. RSVP with an email or a phone call to the church at 703-455-7500.
Monday, May 12 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Abiding Presence
Leaving or losing a federal government comes with finanical considerations. This workshop will address
areas of financial planning in transition
areas of risk to address
a formula to reconcile government compensation/pension with private or self-employed compensation
opportunities available to government employees to leverage
and much more!
Weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
This gathering is for those whose vocations and livelihoods are being impacted by the current situation in the federal government. During this confidential gathering, we will talk, pray, network and support one another. The group is open to all in the community, so spread the word to friends and coworkers. No RSVP necessary, simply show up!
5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave
(6th-12th Grade) No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.
6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pr. Kelsey (7th-10th Grade) and 6th Grade Hangout with Ms. Michaela
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey and Ms. Michaela for devotions, pizza, and games or projects on Wednesday nights. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student for pizza dinner. You can also donate $65 for the whole semester here. Choose “pizza” in the drop down menu.
Wednesday, May 7
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Bailey Hall
Mainly Music is geared for children birth through pre-K and their parent or caregiver. It is a chance for grownups and their kids to interact with one another and others through songs and movement. Each week we will have a 30-minute music session followed by a time for snack, free play and making new friends.
This is a community outreach event, so spread the word widely and let people know that all are welcome. There is a $5/week suggested donation at the door. There is no advanced registration or commitments, so come when you can and don’t stress when you cannot.
Questions? Reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Putnam-Kwon.
Weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
This gathering is for those whose vocations and livelihoods are being impacted by the current situation in the federal government. During this confidential gathering, we will talk, pray, network and support one another. The group is open to all in the community, so spread the word to friends and coworkers. No RSVP necessary, simply show up!
5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave
(6th-12th Grade) No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.
6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pr. Kelsey (7th-10th Grade) and 6th Grade Hangout with Ms. Michaela
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey and Ms. Michaela for devotions, pizza, and games or projects on Wednesday nights. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student for pizza dinner. You can also donate $65 for the whole semester here. Choose “pizza” in the drop down menu.
Wednesday, April 30
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Bailey Hall
Mainly Music is geared for children birth through pre-K and their parent or caregiver. It is a chance for grownups and their kids to interact with one another and others through songs and movement. Each week we will have a 30-minute music session followed by a time for snack, free play and making new friends.
This is a community outreach event, so spread the word widely and let people know that all are welcome. There is a $5/week suggested donation at the door. There is no advanced registration or commitments, so come when you can and don’t stress when you cannot.
Questions? Reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Putnam-Kwon.
We are offering a 4-week Caregiver Support Group led by our therapist-in-residence, Sarah Tran, LCSW. This group is geared towards those individuals caring for a loved one at home who feel overwhelmed, burned out, or needing connection and support due to isolation. The cost is $25 and covers all 4 weeks. This is a closed group meeting on April 1, 8, 22, & 29.
Sarah is a therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families dealing with grief, caregiving, and burnout. With a warm and compassionate approach, she helps people navigate the emotional challenges of loss and caregiving, creating a safe and supportive space for healing. In her support groups, Sarah brings people together to share their experiences, gain new insights, and offer each other understanding and strength. It’s a place to connect, reflect, and grow, while finding the resilience to move forward.
