703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 1

Poe Middle School food programAUMC provides meals to over 300 Poe students on Tuesday afternoons. To serve on one of the weekly teams or to help in other ways (like baking cookies), contact Sheila Kyer at Sheila.Kyer@dbhds.virginia.gov.

(Continued on page 2)

better way to make ourselves more aware of God’s presence. Find a regular time and place free of distraction to talk with God. To do so after our Bible reading and to ask God to show us ways to apply our Biblical reading to our lives would be a great way to begin 2018.

Third, to engage our discipleship in transformative ways through mission. AUMC offers several missional opportunities to make a difference. Seek out one that resonates with you, and that allows God to use your gifts, talents and abilities fully. The feeling of reward is greater than you will get from other endeavors.

Fourth, seek opportunities to share your faith with others who are in need of the love, grace and mercy that we find in our relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the most needed thing in a world of brokenness and pain, and is the imperative given in all of the gospels.

I look forward to sharing with you in these disciplines as we together seek to be faithful to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Yours for a Vital Witness to Christ,

Clarence

Vol. 15 No. 1 We are a Stephen Ministry Church January 16, 2018

AUMC WITNESSOur Mission: Love God, Love Neighbor, Serve the WorldAnnandale United Methodist Church 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 P: 703-256-8330 F: 703-914-8896 office@annandale-umc.org

Ministers: Rev. Dr. Clarence R. Brown, Jr.

Rev. Peter KwonRev. Chenda Lee

Resolutions

Grace, peace and blessed New Year!

I pray that the Advent season offered you times of refreshment, illumination and joy. As I write this, I offer to you my deep thanks for your many expressions of

kindness and generosity.

But here we are, embarking on yet another year together. And, as is the custom, many of us are making lists of resolutions. There are, of course, the usual suspects: to lose a couple of pounds, to get ourselves more organized, to pursue some of the tasks that eluded us during the previous year.

I would offer a few that should be at the top of all of our lists, and they are those that should yield a greater depth of relationship with Jesus Christ.

First, we should become more intimately familiar with our source document, the Bible. Bishop Lewis has challenged all Virginia United Methodists to read through the Bible this year. A plan for doing so can be found on the Conference web page (www.vaumc.org). I encourage us all to do so.

Second, to engage the discipline of prayer. There is no

In 2018, resolve to get involved in our missions program At AUMC, we are blessed with an abundance of opportunities to serve our neighbors. Our mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” has led us to help those in Fairfax County, Appalachia, Haiti, Brazil and Mozambique. So why not make it a New Year’s resolution to get involved in one of our many mission projects? Here are a few you might consider:

AUMC Mission Center In addition to the food distribution program on Thursday evenings, the Mission Center (7901 Heritage Drive) coordinates activities with local schools (collecting school supplies, for example) and provides homework assistance on Wednesday afternoons. For food and school programs, contact Betsy Clevenger at 703-425-6424; for tutoring, contact Jerry Beyer at 703-399-1395.

703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 2

So many ways to serve in the New Year…

Lenten Mission Projects 2018 Each year, the Missions Committee identifies projects our congregation can support both financially and through hands-on volunteer work. The funds col-lected during Lent pay for projects that are outside of our normal operating budget. For 2018, our fundrais-ing goal will again be $100,000. Below is the lineup for this year. Look for more details on these projects as Lent approaches.

• AUMC Mission Center food programs - $15,000• Support for ACCA - $8,000• Poe Middle School meals program - $7,000• Camp High Road service projects - $10,000• Rise Against Hunger meals - $5,000• Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church - $10,000• Support for 100,000 Homes - $15,000• The Mission Center in Cambine, Mozambique - $5,000• The Shade and Fresh Water Program in Brazil - $10,000• Rebuilding in Haiti - $10,000• Puerto Rico disaster response - $5,000

here are just a few(Continued from page 1)

ACCA Rebuilding Together On the last Saturday in April, AUMC joins with ACCA to help repair the house of a local homeowner in need. Many of these homes are occupied by elderly or disabled individuals. Work consists of painting, carpentry, electrical work, yard work and variety of minor repairs. Contact John Clarke at clarkejh1@gmail.com.

Camp Highroad May 18–20, members young and old are invited to spend a weekend at Camp Highroad, a Methodist adventure camp near Middleburg. In addition to service projects,

there are plenty of family-oriented activities, including canoeing, archery and a zip line. Contact Mark Bradley at bradleyfam@aol.com.

Appalachian Service Project Each fall, AUMC takes a team to Appalachia to spend a week repairing homes in West Virginia. Projects have included building stairs and decks, painting, carpentry and a variety of home repairs. The team stays at one of the ASP facilities. Contact John Clarke at clarkejh1@gmail.com.

Rise Against Hunger Several times a year, AUMC hosts a Rise Against Hunger meal-packaging event. Rise Against Hunger is an international hunger-

relief organization that distributes food and aid to those most vulnerable around the world. The highly nutritious dehydrated meals consist of rice, soy, vegetables and 23 essential vitamins and minerals. Look for announcements about upcoming events or contact Mark Bradley at bradleyfam@aol.com.

International mission trips AUMC has created close working relationships with Methodist missionaries in Brazil, Haiti and Mozambique, and annually fields teams to work in these countries for a week to 10 days. For details about upcoming trips and ways that you can help (even if you aren’t on the team), contact Ryan Witkowski at witkowskir@gmail.com or Erin McKenney at hoopsfan1@verizon.net.

Join the Missions Committee The Missions Committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. and is actively recruiting new members who have a passion for mission. Come help us plan AUMC’s mission projects, coordinate efforts with other community groups like ACCA and establish funding priorities for our mission ministries. Contact Ryan Witkowski at witkowskir@gmail.com.

Donations for Haiti mission trip Our mission team to Cayes, Haiti, will be leaving Feb. 16 to do construction work and host a Bible school program. As in past years, the team will be collecting supplies and asking for cash donations for the vacation Bible school.

The following donations are requested:• 10 regulation-size soccer balls (deflated) and two hand-operated air pumps• 10 Chinese jump ropes• 20 regular jump ropes 14’ or 16’ long (jump ropes available at Amazon)• Eight plastic beach balls to use with the parachute• Stickers (anything child oriented)• 350 boxes of 8-count Crayola crayons (this box size and brand only)

Place donations in the marked boxes in the atrium by Feb. 11. All cash donations will help purchase a snack and juice box for children attending VBS. For many, that will be their only meal of the day. We anticipate at least 350 children each day! For details, contact Mark Bradley, bradleyfam@aol.com.

703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 3

Kitan and Kate Petreski’s brave journey from the Republic of Macedonia to America Kitan and Kate Petreski may be new to our congregation, but they are not new to the United Methodist Church. Kitan is a retired Methodist minister who served in Macedonia (the former Yugoslavia) and then in Virginia when they came to the U.S. in 2001. Kate’s family has ties to the

church going back three generations, including an uncle who was a Methodist minister. Kitan’s first 20 years of service in the church were difficult, given that Macedonia was under Communist control until 1990. “It was a very tough time for clergy,” he says. “Ministers were persecuted and put in jail. Kate’s uncle disappeared, killed by the Communists. Despite the consequences, I felt a calling and decided to go to seminary in Northern Yugoslavia where Communism was more tolerant of Christians.”

Finding ways to share their faith During Communism, he explains, ministers were constantly watched and couldn’t recruit anyone new to the church. “We were limited to visiting members and their families,” he says. “I could never raise my religion with anyone outside of the church. If I was asked about it, though, I could respond to their questions. That is how I was able to share my faith.” On Sundays, spies monitored worship services. “We could not say anything considered political in nature,” he says. “My sermons could not stray from the Bible, a practice I continued even after I came to America.” Despite the restrictions, and many attempts to close down his church, Kitan feels he was able to witness to Christ by the way he lived and interacted with others. “God was always leading me to the spiritual life,” he says, “and demonstrating to others that there is more than just a physical life.” In the 1980s, as the Communist Party grew weaker, the Methodist Church was able to renovate and build churches, he says. After 1990, there was much more freedom. In 1992, he was selected to be the superintendent of the United Methodist Church’s District of Macedonia. Kitan met Kate when he became the pastor of her family’s church. They were married in 1976. “I attended every Sunday growing up,” Kate says. “Especially at Christmas and Easter, there were special programs for the children with songs and Bible stories. Even though we knew we would be punished for attending church when we went to school on Monday, we were not afraid. We were joyful. The Methodist children were respected for sticking together and having discipline.”

Studying and preaching in America Kitan made friends with several influential American pastors, who encouraged him to come to the U.S. Two of Kate and Kitan’s children were already studying in America. In 2001, he, Kate and their youngest son decided to move to Kentucky, where he attended Asbury Theological Seminary and completed a Doctor of Ministry. Kitan then received an appointment to serve in the Virginia Conference, first in the Petersburg area and then at Saint Andrews UMC on North Howard Street, where he retired as the head pastor this past July. Drawing on his experiences in former Yugoslavia and the Republic of Macedonia, his ministry has been one of acceptance, tolerance and community building. “We have to learn to tolerate each other and accept others,” he says, “to love one another and not show hate.” Although he no longer has a church, Kitan says, “I will never stop preaching the gospel, and the power Christ has to forgive our sins and enrich our lives.” Kate and Kitan have three grown children: Samuel, Maggie and Vladimir.

Flowers on the Altar NeededIf you would like to place flowers on the altar in memory or honor of a loved one, please circle the date(s) you wish and return the form below

along with a check, made payable to AUMC. Cost: $30 per arrangement. Flowers are not placed on the altar on the first Sunday of each month, Communion Sunday; Easter Sunday and the Sunday before Christmas have special flowers.

January 21 28February 11 18 25March 11 18 25April 8 15 22 29May 13 20 27June 10 17 24July 8 15 22 29August 12 19 26September 9 16 23 30

October 14 21 28November 11 18 25December 9 30

Name of Donor: ___________________________________

Phone:___________________________________________

r In Memory of r In Honor of (check one)____________________________________________I/we wish to leave the flowers for distribution to shut-ins or those in the hospital. YES _____ NO ______

703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 4

Look who came to the Mission Center Santa made a special appearance at the AUMC Mission Center on Dec. 21, along with his helper, Mike Moser. Santa talked to approximately 100 children and distributed stockings and stuffed animals. The Mission Center distributes food to families in need every Thursday evening. If you’d like to help, contact Betsy Clevenger at 703-425-6424.

FACETS Year-End Report for AUMC from a female mentor to help her organize her apartment and offer companionship.• Keith – suffers from substance abuse and depression. He would benefit from companionship and transportation to AA meetings (per his request).• Gregory – suffers from health issues that led to his leg being amputated. He could benefit

from employment assistance and in-home support.

If you can help in any way, contact Cyndi Jones at cyndij123@verizon.net.

Updating your will in the New Year? Consider a bequest to AUMC Your will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. It’s a statement that reflects how you wish to distribute your property and bestow gifts on the people closest to you — and on charitable organizations most meaningful to you during your lifetime. Many people find that including charitable organizations in their will is a sensible and satisfying way to support the work of organizations they care about. A bequest remains the most popular vehicle for distributing property after your death because it does not affect your current assets, income or lifestyle. By directing in your will that a portion of your estate be paid to one or more charities, you can leave an enduring legacy — probably one that is larger than you could have created during your life. It is important to have a will. Should you pass away without one (i.e., die “intestate”), state laws direct who will receive your estate. No charities will be included unless you name them in a valid will. Bequests and planned gifts should be discussed with a financial advisor and a tax or legal professional. Please contact Bill Iwig, president of the AUMC Foundation, at 301-365-7532, to discuss potential gifts to AUMC through your will or estate plan.

Over the past several years, AUMC has made a sizable financial contribution towards ending homelessness in Fairfax County. One way we do that is through our Lenten Mission offerings for FACETS’ permanent supportive housing programs (also known as the 100,000 Homes Campaign). Our contributions have enabled FACETS to continue operating five supportive housing programs for single adults and families. According to FACETS’ year-end report, the people being helped “are those who are most likely to die on our streets, or in the woods, without the help of FACETS and the compassion and generosity of Annandale United Methodist Church.” Last year, FACETS assisted 78 single adults and two families through its housing programs. “The funds donated by Annandale United Methodist Church were used to assist in paying utilities and move-in costs for people moving from the street into one of our permanent supportive housing programs,” FACETS said. “Together, FACETS and Annandale UMC have changed the future for the people we are honored to serve,” FACETS said. AUMC members can help make the transition to permanent housing a smoother one for these seven individuals FACETS has identified as needing one-on-one mentoring and support:• Steven – recovering from throat cancer and needs a

mentor, possibly someone who has had their own healthcare battles.

• Chris – has diabetes and an intellectual disability. Would benefit from a male volunteer to teach him healthy eating habits, provide conversation and a regular walk around the neighborhood.

• Bernice – has a young daughter and would benefit from any assistance to help her meet her goals of part-time employment and child care.

• Joe – could use help with transportation to and from medical appointments and help with healthy cooking lessons.

• Alejandra – a domestic violence survivor, she is currently working on her bachelor’s degree. She would benefit

703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 5

A big thank you to AUMC from the students at Poe Middle School

AUMC members who serve a meal each Tuesday afternoon at Poe Middle School recently received about 60 thank-you notes from the students. Many thanks go to our four volunteer teams and to the congregation for supporting this vital ministry, which touches the lives of children who would not otherwise have enough to eat. If you would like to serve on a team, contact Sheila Kyer at Sheila.Kyer@dbhds.virginia.gov.

Rising Hope embarks on $500,000 capital campaign Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church serves those living in poverty along the Route 1 Corridor south of Alexandria, providing hypothermia shelter, food assistance, clothing, job counseling and other services. AUMC has supported Rising Hope since its founding in 1996.

Rising Hope is now embarking on a $500,000 three-year campaign to replace well-used kitchen equipment, the refrigerator and freezer in the food pantry, and the building’s HVAC system. It will also use the funds to purchase a new church van to transport individuals to and from Rising Hope and other locations.

Campaign contributions will help pay down the building’s mortgage as well, and provide additional financial resources for the church’s ministry and mission.

Rising Hope is supported, in part, by donations from other area United Methodist Churches. AUMC will be raising

funds for Rising Hope through this year’s Lenten Mission Projects offerings. We are designating $10,000 of LMP funds be earmarked for Rising Hope in 2018.

For more information or to make a donation, visit Rising Hope’s website at www.risinghopeumc.org.

Thank you for your financial commitment to AUMC We are getting closer to our goal of $1 million in pledges for 2018! We are blessed by a generous and giving congregation. If you have not made a financial commitment for 2018, we ask that you prayerfully consider filling out a pledge card. Extra cards are in the pews or in the church office.

Seniors: Get in shape in 2017! Start the New Year off right by joining the exercise class that meets on Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30–10:30 a.m., in Wright Hall. Classes run through June. Cost is $30 for new members. Contact Sue Cook at billnsue41@earthlink.net or Fran Madill at gbmfcf@verizon.net for additional information.

703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 6

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Feb. 13 Mark your calendar for our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Feb. 13. There will be pancakes with all the fixings, activities for the kids, a children’s parade, king cupcakes and pancake races! The serving line will be open 5:45–6:30 p.m. To make a reservation, contact Joyce Kitzmiller at jkitzmiller@annandale-umc.org or call 703-256-8330. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children and $20 maximum per family. Make checks payable to AUMC.

Thank you to AUMC We are so deeply grateful to receive the extraordinary donation from Annandale United Methodist Church. You know better than most how many lives of what you so beautifully call “our wandering saints” we will be able to change because of the compassionate generosity of Annandale UMC. Wishing you peace, health and happiness in 2018!

Thank you for ALL you do to help us,Brenda Dushko, Development Director, FACETS

NEXT DEADLINE: Friday, Feb. 2 is the deadline for the Feb. 13 Witness, which covers Feb. 18 and 25 and Mar. 4 and 11

Tues., Jan. 23 SPRC 7 p.m. Room 210Tues., Feb. 6 Trustees 7 p.m. Room 303Wed., Feb. 7 Stephen Ministry 7 p.m. Room 303 Tues., Feb. 13 Finance Committee 7 p.m. Room 210Tues., Feb. 13 Missions Committee 7 p.m. Room 302

MINISTRY MEETINGS

WEEKLY VOLUNTEERS

Sunday, January 21Door greeters: 8:10 J. Vance, J. Beyer 9:30 M. Pearson; 10:30 P. SnitzerFellowship Hours: Funeral MinistryUshers: 8:32 C. Jones, C. Jones, R. Gordon, S. Fleming (c) 11 A. Bretzfelder, S. Chase, J. Thomas, P. Adams (c)

Sunday, January 28Door greeters: 8:10 C. Cox, S. Fleming; 9:30 D. Ruhter; 10:30 D. JohnsonFellowship Hours: Staff Parish Relations CommitteeUshers: 8:32 J. Clarke, A. Cogswell, A. Powell, E. McKenney (c) 11 A. Bretzfelder, F. Madill, R. Gordon, R. Witkowski (c)

Sunday, February 4Door greeters: 8:10 S. Naugle, J. Vance; 9:30 M. Pearson; 10:30 P. SnitzerUshers: 8:32 W. Annan, C. Jones, C. Jones, S. Fleming (c) 11 S. Fleming, J. Haymaker, J. Thomas, R. Gordon (c)

Sunday, February 11Door greeters: 8:10 J. Beyer, C. Cox; 9:30 D. Ruhter; 10:30 D. JohnsonUshers: 8:32 A. Cogswell, G. FitzGibbon, A. Powell, E. McKenney (c) 11 S. Chase, R. Patton, R. Witkowski, P. Adams (c)

Lenten Study 2018: The Anatomy of Peace

For the 2018 Lenten season, we will explore an international bestseller that instills hope and inspires reconciliation. Through a moving story of parents who are struggling with their own children and problems that have come to consume their lives, we will learn from once-bitter enemies the way to transform personal, professional and global conflicts, even when war is upon us.

Lenten Study 2018 will include a sermon series, book study, class discussion, small groups, and an invitation to support or participate in AUMC mission opportunities. For more information about Lenten Study 2018, visit the Academy website at www.annandale-umc.org/academyofdiscipleship.

Upcoming Lenten Activities• Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, worship at 7:30 p.m.• First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 18• Lenten Communion Services, Feb. 21–March 28,

7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary