Summer 2013

Pastor’s Corner

In This Issue...

Pastor’s Corner, page 2

w New Pastor Appointedw Summer Worshipw Pastor Denise’s

Farewellw Rev. Clayton’s

Commentsw An Appreciationw Preschoolw ReCreationw Graduatesw Confirmation

New Pastor Appointed to LeadSt. George’s UMC

Summer Worship Schedule Begins

Pastor Denise

It is important and helpful to express thanks, and grief, and anxiety, and loss and hope for the future. It is important to acknow- ledge the unknown future and our trust in God, believing that God is at work even in Good-bye. It is import-ant to laugh and cry together, remembering with thanksgiving, joys and sorrows shared. And isn’t it interest-ing the things that we remember and trea-sure about each other? Often it is the small things…the kindness

Saying Good-bye is Important.

Worship and Sunday School continue at the same times this summer but with a more relaxed atmosphere. Starting June 16, you can join the choir each Sunday and sing familiar music with only a brief practice before worship.

Sunday School classes will continue for all ages throughout the summer, including classes from Pre-kindergarten through Senior High School and two Adult Classes (Couples Class and Journey through the Bible). August will focus on missions so you might see the youth writing letters to the shut-ins or the younger ones sharpening pencils and cleaning up the church pews. We will be back to the regular schedule on Sept. 8. A super thanks to all teachers!

In May, the Alexandria District announced that Pastor Denise Childers would be appointed to Great Falls United Methodist Church. Replacing her as pastor of St. George’s UMC is Rev. Steven Wells, former pastor of Round Hill UMC in Winchester, Va. The appointment will be made by Bishop Cho at the annual conference in June.

Rev. Wells has served under appointment in the Virginia Conference for 27 years, begin-ning his ministry in 1982 at Windsor Hills UMC in Roanoke where he served as a summer youth director for four months. He graduated

from Ferrum College in May 1982 and attended Wesley Seminary in Washington, DC, graduating in 1986 During that time he served as the

youth director and assistant pastor of Pender UMC in Fairfax He met his future wife, Karen, who was the

church organist and they were married in 1985. He is originally from Roanoke County; Karen was raised in Chantilly, Va.

Since 1986, he has served in rural, suburban, urban, and extension ministry

settings, including pastor of Mountain Valley UMC in Harrisonburg, associate pastor of Shady Grove

Rev. Steven and Karen Wells

See New Pastor, page 4

http://www.stgumc.org

Summer 2013 Page 2Pastor’s Corner con’t.

So Many Mixed Emotions

It has been such a blessing to come to St. George’s UMC and to enjoy the support and fellowship of this congregation over the last six years. Denise and I feel conflicted emotionally as we move from here to serve

in Great Falls. There is excitement and anticipation about new ministry opportunities but there is also pronounced grief in leaving so many who have become dear to us. I feel sure many of you may be experiencing similar emotions during this time. You are a wel-coming and loving congregation. The call of Christ to be bearers of God’s love to a hurt-ing world is clear, and it is seen here in the way you bless one another. I know I have felt that love and support over and over in worship, in Sunday School class, in choir, in our times of service and fellowship -- especially, during some of the hard times, like when I broke my leg. Thank you for all you have done. Bonds of friendship have been created that I will always treasure. I thank God for you all. - Rev. Clayton Childers

brother, Dwight, died. When my Mom came here to live with us. I’m pretty sure there is no other calling and vocation in the world that is quite the same as serving as a pastor. I am grate-ful and humbled by the privilege. As I offer my Good-bye to you, I continue to entrust you into God’s faithful loving care and into the care of your new pastor and his wife, Steve and Karen Wells. Say “Hello” and welcome them into your lives. Offer your hearts, as they offer theirs. And may the God of peace fill you with peace and joy as you continue to journey together in this place in the name and in the power of Jesus Christ! Shalom is a Hebrew word meaning peace, completeness, prosperity, and wel-fare and interestingly can be used to mean both hello and goodbye. Shalom to you, my friends. With love, Pastor Denise Childers

spoken in the moment of need…the card sent and the smile shared…the word of thanks and even the unknown deed that eased the way…the paying attention and offering up a prayer. Thank you for all these moments. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor. Thank you for cele-brating with us the joys of our life: Allison and Ben’s wedding; Carly’s graduation; my initiation into “Grandmotherhood;” life together in this place. Thank you for supporting us. When Clayton got “motorcycle fever” and broke his leg – 10 days before Allison’s wed-ding. When I had foot surgery. When my

Change is good, it is said. Yet somehow, many of us want to hold on to the familiar, the comfortable...and those we love. During these last six years, we have become familiar with, comfortable with and learned to love our Pastor Denise. But now it’s time for change. We will miss her and Clayton and their contributions to our lives and spiritual growth.

In departing, we can offer nothing better than the wonderful prayer from the Old Testament: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Shalom!

Rev. Clayton Childers;Pastor Denise Childers

http://www.stgumc.org

Summer 2013 Page 3

With Appreciation to You, Pastor Denise

Preschool Ends A Successful School YearThe Preschool finished off a wonderful

school year with family picnics on the playground at the end of May. Families spread out blankets and were happy to just miss the rain! Looking back at the 2012-2013 school year, the children enjoyed visits from Fairfax County Fire Department’s Fire Safety Puppet Show, Jonathan Austin’s Juggling/Magic Show, Dr. Kramer’s Pediatric Dentist Office’s Dental Health Presentation, Pharmacist Michael Clarke’s Poison Prevention Presentation, Veterinarian Dr. Cryan’s Mobile Vet Clinic, and the Under the Sea’s aquatic presentation. The preschool is blessed to have the support from the church, preschool families and the local community. There are still a few openings for the 2013-14 school year! Please contact the office at 703-385-4422 or information@stgpreschool.com for more information.

The youth (and a few brave adults) will be heading for Asheville, NC, and RECREATION EXPERIENCES again this year. The church has formed a long-time bond with this organization that promotes “sharing God’s love through home repair mission – one house, one life at a time.” Twenty-one individuals will be participating in this event the week of June 23-29. We ask for your prayers for safe travels, for each participant and the client we will be serving. It isn’t always easy to work outside one’s comfort zone or easily accept what some consider charity…but these youth tear down not only roofs and porches but the barriers that many have built around them. Look for the nightly emails and join the youth on Sunday, June 30, for RECREATION SUNDAY service where the church will be jumping for the LORD!

Youth ReCreation Experience to Begin

It is with a grateful heart and yet a little sadness that I write this article. In two weeks, St. George’s will have a new pastor to help us continue on our journey as a church down familiar paths, and also begin new travels with Pastor Wells and his wife, Karen. There is much for which we can look forward and we are blessed with a wonderful church family. At the same time, Pastor Denise will be continuing on her journey as she is called to lead a new church. Our church has been graced with her leadership for the past six years. We’ve also been lucky to have her husband, Clayton, worship with us and lead us. Our church has strengthened in numerous ways during Pastor Denise’s time here. I often hear members of our congregation speak of how powerful her prayers are. I know our prayer groups have benefitted on many levels from her leadership. During her tenure, many of us have gone through Disciple classes. Our Youth are a strong force. Our worship services are meaningful and filled with good messages and wonderful music. We are strong in mission both locally and globally. During her time, we have connected with “United College Ministries” at George Mason and now even house their office. Some of my most favorite memories of Pastor Denise will be witnessing and experienc-ing her baptizing babies and children. There is no question she has a gift at baptizing babies! Of course, her weekly leadership in Worship, as well as her direction during seasonal worship, hold deep meaning for us all. We also are grateful for the time Clayton spent with us. He has been a regular member of our chancel choir. Clay-ton has taught us much about the global United Methodist church and about International mission. He has given us lessons on being more directly involved with the “Imagine No Malaria” campaign. We’ve also been blessed with his sermons when he has filled in for Pastor Denise in the pulpit. Finally, his humorous children’s lessons, even rapping, will be something we will all remember! I know we all hold deep appreciation and gratitude for Pastor Denise and Clayton as they head off to Great Falls United Methodist Church. We will miss you both and wish you all of God’s Peace and Blessings.

Carol Henry-Chappell, St. George’s Lay Leader

Vacation Bible

School at the

Everywhere Fun Fair

Where God’s World Comes

Together

July 22-26!

Sign Up NOW!

Summer 2013

The Sentinel is published bi-monthly by St. George’s United Methodist Church, 4910 Ox Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, Tel: 703-385-4550, e-mail: office@stgumc.com. The deadline for newsletter material is the 15th of the month prior to publication. Information for the newsletter may be left with the church administrative assistant, sent to the church e-mail at office@stgumc.org or to the editor’s e-mail at jnash2@cox.net.

The following are key people:Steven Wells Pastor office@stgumc.orgBeth Dash Administrative Assistant office@stgumc.orgSylvia Mulherin Interim Director of Music music@stgumc.orgJen Youngen Youth Coordinator youth@stgumc.orgKevin Phillips Web Master office@stgumc.orgJulaine Ricard Director of Preschool preschool@stgumc.orgJohn Nash Sentinel Editor jnash2@cox.net

VisitSt. George’s UMC

Website

Find directions to the church, read the weekly Bulletin, and join FACEBOOK to get even more information, including the Calendar of Events. You can always be up-to-date at

www.stgumc.org.

Church office: 703-385-4550; Fax: 703-385-7771; Preschool: 703-385-4422

Page 4

UMC in Mechanicsville, associate council director of Youth Ministries/Age Level and Family Ministries for the Virginia Annual Conference in Richmond, and pastor of Lakeside UMC in Richmond, Westover Hills UMC in Richmond, and Round Hill UMC in Winchester.

Karen was employed for 22 years in the Food Service Industry and was vice president of Human Resources until the company was purchased and closed.

“We leave a vibrant church that has seen significant growth in the past few years in membership, worship attendance, stewardship and has received many new members by profession of faith. We come to St. George’s with a great passion and vision for ministry and a blessed hope and faith that God will bless all that lies ahead,” said Pastor Wells. “Please join your hands, hearts and spirits together with ours as we faithfully strive to fulfill God’s vision for ministry at St. George’s UMC. We are honored to come and serve among you and pray that we will be a blessing in your midst as much as we know you will be a blessing to us! Let us all endeavor to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!”

New Pastor, continued from page 1

Congratulations, GraduatesJennifer Youngen and Pastor Denise presented

this year’s graduates to the congregation in May. Pictured in the front row are graduating students and their destinations: Michael Cherry - Woodson HS to American University; Megan Kania - Robinson HS to William and Mary; Michael Mangano - Fairfax HS to Virginia Tech; George Watkins - Robinson HS to Christopher Newport; Abby Youngen - Robinson HS to Bridgewater College; Nathan Kohuth - GMU to Northwest Insurance. Congratulations!

Five Young People Welcomed into Church Membership

Our confirmation class inclujded five 7th and 8th grade students and their adult mentors. Confirmation Sunday took place on June 9. Pictured below are four of the five confirmands: Alayna Ricard, Jordy Ortiz, Molly Mitchel and Christian Rodriguez (not pictured is Bradley Moore, confirmed on June 16). Also pictured are teachers Anne Plantenkamp, Cindy Hardy and Pastor Denise.