FACETS Meal Preparation
2026-02-06 15:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Fairfax United Methodist Church, 10300 Stratford Avenue, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
At 3:00pm on the first and third Fridays of each month, FACETS volunteers from FUMC prepare and deliver hot meals for families and individuals who are homeless in our community. Please contact Jim Conklin to assist with this critical ministry. Volunteers to cook and deliver the meals are always needed.

English as a Second Language (ESL)
2026-02-04 19:00 - 21:00
Fairfax UMC offers citizenship and ESL classes on Wednesday nights, September 10, 2025–May 6, 2026. Citizenship classes meet at 6:00pm–7:00pm and help students prepare for the US Naturalization Test. ESL classes meet at 7:00–9:00pm. These classes are offered at all levels and are meant for students whose first language is not English. Both classes do require a fee to help cover books and other expenses. ESL classes cost $40 for the whole class year, and the citizenship class costs $20 for the whole year, or you can take both classes for $50. You can pay by cash or check at in-person registration or on the first night of class. Tuition assistance and discounts for multiple family members are available. Classes are for students age 18 and older; childcare is not provided at this time.
If you are interested in attending ESL or citizenship classes, please click here to pre-register, then come to in-person registration on September 3 or September 8. This helps us to assess your needs and determine what class level is best for you. If you have any questions, please contact the ESL Coordinator, Laura Zotian, at eslatfairfaxumc@gmail.com or call or text 703-463-7563. We hope you will join our community of language-learners.

The English as a Second Language (ESL) fall class session begins Wednesday, September 10. The ESL team is always seeking passionate volunteers to help us serve our community. No prior teaching experience is required, just a heart for helping others and a willingness to learn. The team especially needs someone to lead the Citizenship class, which prepares students for the U.S. Citizenship Test. Other volunteer positions include lead instructors for other classes, class assistants, admin support, and class hosts. These roles involve the following responsibilities:

Lead Instructors: Lead classes, create engaging lessons, and provide support to students.
Class Assistants: Help with classroom activities, offer one-on-one support, and assist the lead instructor.
Administrative Support: Assist with registration, materials preparation, and class coordination.
Hosts: Assist students with getting to class and set up an inviting snack time.

Curriculum for each class is provided; all the instructors need to do is guide the students through the material. Training and resources are provided. If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact Laura Zotian the ESL Coordinator at 703-463-7563 or email eslatfairfaxumc@gmail.com. You can also click here to complete the ESL volunteer form.
Fairfax UMC has a rich history of using ESL classes to serve our community and build connections with students from all over the world by allowing people to improve their English language skills in a warm and welcoming environment. We hope to make a meaningful impact on their lives and on our community as a whole. Together, we can help individuals achieve their language goals and feel more connected to one another. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve and share the love of Christ through education.

Lamb Center Meal Preparation
2026-01-22 09:00 - 11:00
On the fourth Thursday of every month at 9:00am, you are invited to come together for an hour in the Fellowship Hall to pack lunches for the homeless guests of the Lamb Center. The church needs your help to make these lunches. If you can make a sandwich or bag vegetables, there’s a place for you! No sign-up or heavy lifting is required.

Change for Change: Advent Mission Giving
2025-11-30 - 2025-12-25
This Advent season, we’re celebrating our series “Home for the Holidays” by helping others find a home as well. Beginning November 30, we invite everyone to take part in Change for Change, a simple but powerful way to make a difference. Each week of Advent, bring your spare change for an offering to support the Lamb Center, our local daytime drop-in center for the homeless. Together, our small gifts can create big change by providing meals, showers, counseling, and hope to our neighbors in need. Our goal is to raise $500 to bless the Lamb Center this Christmas. Bring your change and help us change the world, one coin at a time.

ESL Class Registration
2025-09-08 19:00 - 20:30
Fairfax UMC offers citizenship and ESL classes on Wednesday nights, September 10, 2025–May 6, 2026. Citizenship classes meet at 6:00pm–7:00pm and help students prepare for the US Naturalization Test. ESL classes meet at 7:00–9:00pm. These classes are offered at all levels and are meant for students whose first language is not English. Both classes do require a fee to help cover books and other expenses. ESL classes cost $40 for the whole class year, and the citizenship class costs $20 for the whole year, or you can take both classes for $50. You can pay by cash or check at in-person registration or on the first night of class. Tuition assistance and discounts for multiple family members are available. Classes are for students age 18 and older; childcare is not provided at this time.

If you are interested in attending ESL or citizenship classes, please click here to pre-register, then come to in-person registration on September 3 or September 8. This helps us to assess your needs and determine what class level is best for you. If you have any questions, please contact the ESL Coordinator, Laura Zotian, at eslatfairfaxumc@gmail.com or call or text 703-463-7563. We hope you will join our community of language-learners.

Aprende inglés
En la Iglesia Metodista Unida de Fairfax
10300 Stratford Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030
Inscríbete para la sesión de clases 2025/2026
Pre-registro aquí, luego asista al registro en persona el:
Miércoles 3 de septiembre, 19:00-20:30 h. Sala 116
Lunes 8 de septiembre, 19:00-20:30 h. Sala 116
Clases los miércoles por la noche

Del 10 de septiembre de 2025 al 6 de mayo de 2026, de 19:00 a 21:00 horas.

Clase de inglés como segundo idioma

Clases los miércoles por la noche, del 10 de septiembre de 2025 al 6 de mayo de 2026, de 19:00 a 21:00 horas.
¡Se ofrecen clases de inglés para todos los niveles!
Para estudiantes cuyo primer idioma no es el inglés
Pre-registro aquí para asistir a la inscripción el 3 o el 8 de septiembre

Clase de ciudadanía

Clases los miércoles por la noche, del 10 de septiembre de 2025 al 6 de mayo de 2026, de 6 a 7 p. m.
Estudie y prepárese para el examen de naturalización de EE. UU.
Pre-registro aquí para asistir a la inscripción el 3 o el 8 de septiembre

Tarifa de la clase de ESL: $40 por todo el año de clase (del 10 de septiembre de 2025 al 6 de mayo de 2026).
Tarifa de la clase de ciudadanía: $20 por todo el año de clase (10 de septiembre de 2025 – 6 de mayo de 2026).
Clase de inglés y clase de ciudadanía: $50
Pague al inscribirse en persona o la primera noche de clase. Por favor, traiga efectivo o cheque para el pago.
Descuentos en el costo para varios miembros de la familia. Hay ayuda disponible para la matrícula.
Las clases son para adultos mayores de 18 años.
Lo sentimos, en este momento no tenemos cuidado de niños.
Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con la coordinadora de ESL, Laura Zotian, t leslatfairfaxumc@gmail.como llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 703 463 7563.
¡Únete a nuestra comunidad!

Summer Honduras Mission Trip
2025-07-27 - 2025-08-02
Fairfax UMC is organizing another missions team to go to Honduras this summer, July 27 through August 2. This trip will include time helping students and teachers at the Honduras Independence Bilingual School and the organic teaching farm. If you would like to donate items for them to take to support HIBS’s work, please click here to see the list of needed items (which can be purchased on Amazon or elsewhere) and have your gifts dropped off or delivered to the church by July 25. Thank you for supporting this ministry.

Lamb Center Collection
2025-06-01 - 2025-06-30
The Lamb Center is a daytime drop-in shelter that offers meals, showers, medical assistance, Bible studies, and more to individuals experiencing homelessness in Fairfax. During the month of June, Fairfax UMC is collecting items to help the Lamb Center continue its mission by filling its most urgent needs. Starting June 1, pick up a paper grocery bag and attached list of needs; then return the bags to the collection point in the Fellowship Hall by June 30. You can also click here for a list of suggested donations. If you have any questions, please call Richard Phelps on 703-204-1454 or email him at richffx552@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting this mission!

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
2025-04-09 19:00 - 21:00
The spring session of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at our church runs January 15 through April 2. Classes are held Wednesdays at 7:00–9:00pm. These classes support individuals who want to build their English skills in a warm and welcoming environment. Classes are for adults age 18 and older. The cost for this class is $30 for new students or $10 for students returning from the Fall 2024 session. To learn more or to inquire about assistance with the fees for this class, please reach out to Laura Zotian by email at eslatfairfaxumc@gmail.com or by phone at 703-463-7563.

Hypothermia Shelter
2025-03-09 - 2025-03-16
Fairfax UMC is joining with the FACETS Hypothermia Shelter ministry to host our homeless neighbors overnight the week of March 9–16. This ministry offers many in-person volunteer opportunities, including the following:

Early Morning (5:00–7:00am): Make coffee and serve breakfast casseroles.
Afternoon (4:00–5:00pm): Set up before guests arrive.
Evening (5:30–8:30pm): Sponsor or prepare and serve evening meals (great for a group), be available to talk with guests, make sandwiches for takeaway lunch, or donate breakfast items.
Overnight (9:30pm–5:30am): Stay awake in the Fellowship Hall and help out with tasks as needed.

Please click here to sign up for the time slot of your choice. If you cannot come in person, you can also donate items including clothing, snacks, or funds for bus passes and gas cards. We are specifically looking for the following donation types:

New men’s and women’s undergarments, socks, and warm clothing.
Individually packaged snacks.
Fresh fruit and vegetables for snacks.
Magazines and books.

Place clothing and shelf-stable snacks in the blue bins located in the Narthex or church office. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be dropped off in the main kitchen during the week of the shelter, and monetary donations marked for can be given in the offering plate or online.
Whatever the weather, we plan to provide a loving, warm, and safe environment for our brothers and sisters. Thank you for your help and support! If you have any questions, contact Christie Johnson at christie.johnson92@gmail.com.

Holiday Market
2024-12-20 17:00 - 20:00
As the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas quickly approach, we need your help for the Holiday Market. This event, held on Friday, December 20, at 5:00–8:00pm, provides for area families who have not been sponsored for Christmas. We offer parents an opportunity to pick out and wrap gifts for each of their children, as well as stocking stuffers and a $20 Walmart gift card, at no cost to them. Donation bins are available in the Narthex and by the Multi-Purpose Room for you to give new, unwrapped toys, gently used books, coats, and stocking stuffers until December 15. Gift card donations can be given to the ministers or placed in the Lay Leader mail box. Additionally, we need volunteers to help set up, run, and clean up after the event. A sign-up sheet is available by clicking here; please consider how you might be able to serve. If you have any questions, please reach out to Leslie Carter by email at lesliecarterre@aol.com.

Holiday Market
2024-12-20 17:00 - 20:00
The Holiday Market returns on Friday, December 20, 5:00–8:00pm. This event provides for local families who have not been sponsored for Christmas and would otherwise be left out of the festivities. We offer parents a night to come pick out a new, unwrapped, age-appropriate gift for each of their children, as well as gently used books and coats to add to their holiday gift-giving, at no cost to them. Parents can also wrap their children’s gifts in our free gift-wrap room, and families receive a $20 Walmart gift card and, thanks to a generous endowment from the church, a $30 Butterball gift check to further assist them in celebrating.
As a churchwide mission event, the Holiday Market requires plenty of hands and help to make it a success! A donation bin will be available in the Narthex starting November 3, and we invite you to donate new, unwrapped toys, gently used books, coats, stocking stuffers, and other items, or $20 Walmart gift cards as you are able. We also need volunteers to help set up, run, and clean up after the event. A sign-up sheet with one-hour time slots is available by clicking here. We encourage you to sign up for whatever time commitment works best for you. If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Carter by email at lesliecarterre@aol.com.

Helping Hands Fest
2024-10-19 10:30 - 14:00
In the last two years, people of all ages have gathered together for our fall service events, first packing flood buckets for those affected by hurricanes and then assembling over 31,000 meals for people in Honduras and at our local food banks. This year we will gather on Saturday, October 19, at 10:30am, to make three different types of kits to help children in the hospital, children facing food insecurity, and adults in need. We will also have stations to make cards to bring comfort to those often isolated in our community. Afterward, we’ll all celebrate with lunch. This is a great opportunity for all ages to serve our community. To help us plan, we ask that you click here and RSVP for the event. Please join us and bring a friend.

Additionally, in light of the recent floods in the south from Hurricane Helene, and with the prospect of more storms on the horizon, Fairfax UMC is collecting completed flood buckets at our Helping Hands Fest on October 19 and at worship on Sunday, October 20. You can find instructions on how to purchase and assemble a flood bucket on the fliers in the Narthex or on the UMCOR website. After we collect the assembled buckets, we will take them to the UMCOR depot along with the kits packed at our Helping Hands Fest. If you have any questions, please contact Angela Schroeder at aschroeder@fairfaxumc.org.

Hurricane Flood Buckets Collection
2024-10-19 - 2024-10-20
In light of the recent floods in the south from Hurricane Helene, and with the prospect of more storms on the horizon, Fairfax UMC is collecting completed flood buckets at our Helping Hands Fest on October 19 and at worship on Sunday, October 20. You can find instructions on how to purchase and assemble a flood bucket on the fliers in the Narthex or on the UMCOR website. After we collect the assembled buckets, we will take them to the UMCOR depot along with the kits packed at our Helping Hands Fest. If you have any questions, please contact Angela Schroeder at aschroeder@fairfaxumc.org.

ESL Class Registration
2024-09-09 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-09-04 19:00 - 20:30
If you are interested in attending ESL classes starting September 11, we ask that you register at one of our two walk-in registration sessions, offered 7:00–8:30pm on Wednesday, September 4 and Monday, September 9. At these events, you will meet the teachers, be assessed for class level placement, and pay the $30 class fee. Signs at the church will direct you where to go. Registration takes about 30 minutes.
ESL classes meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm, September 11–November 20. Citizenship classes meet Wednesday evenings, September 11–November 20, with the exact time to be determined. Classes are for adults age 18 and older. We look forward to seeing you there.

Holiday Market Closet Cleanout
2024-08-12 - 2024-09-08
It’s time to clean out those closets for fall, and we hope that you’ll keep the Holiday Market in mind as you do. The Holiday Market needs new, unwrapped toys and new or gently used goods, along with coats and winter clothing. Collection bins are available in the Narthex from now until September 8 and will return in November. If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Carter by email at lesliecarterre@aol.com or by phone at 703-587-4575. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Honduras Donations Needed
2024-06-20 - 2024-07-25
A youth and adult mission team from Fairfax UMC is traveling to Honduras July 28–August 3 to continue our work with the Honduras International Bilingual School (HIBS) and Organic Learning Center. If you would like to help support our partners in Honduras, you can do so by donating items including first aid products, feminine hygiene products, medicines and vitamins (no gummies), reading glasses, school supplies, toys for young children, twin-size sheets, and cargo working/garden pants (sizes 28–34). Click here for a full list of suggested donations. Please drop off your donations in the Narthex or church office by Thursday, July 25, and make sure to keep our mission team in your prayers.

Support the Lamb Center!
2024-06-02 - 2024-06-30
The Lamb Center is a daytime drop-in shelter that offers meals, showers, medical assistance, Bible studies, and more to individuals experiencing homelessness in Fairfax. During the month of June, Fairfax UMC is collecting items to help the Lamb Center continue its mission by filling its most urgent needs. Starting June 2, pick up a paper grocery bag and attached list of needs; then return the bags to the collection point in the Fellowship Hall by June 30. If you have any questions, please call Richard Phelps on 703-204-1454 or email him at richffx552@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting this mission!

Youth and Adult Mission Trip Information Meeting
2024-02-25 17:00 - 18:00
Fairfax UMC is planning a youth and adult mission trip to Quimistan, Honduras, for July 28–August 3. This trip will include various projects working with the students at Honduras Independence Bilingual School and the Organic Learning Center, as well as a side trip to the Copan Mayan Ruins. An information session is scheduled for Sunday, February 25, at 5:00pm in the Sanctuary. If you’re interested or just want more information, you are invited to attend. Please contact Andrea Kennedy (andreakennedy80@gmail.com), our youth director, Jenn Zotian (jzotian@cox.net), or Reverend David Bonney (dbonney@fairfaxumc.org) for further details.

Hypothermia Shelter
2024-02-04 - 2024-02-10
On February 4–11, Fairfax UMC is hosting the Hypothermia Shelter in partnership with FACETS and other faith communities. This ministry provides overnight shelter for members of the Fairfax community who are currently homeless. There are several ways you can share love and care with our guests. We need groups and individuals to make coffee and serve breakfast casseroles in the morning, to set up in the afternoon before guests arrive, to sponsor and serve evening meals (feeding 30–40 people per night), to provide community for guests in the evening, or to make breakfast casseroles. You can also help by donating items such as clothing, snacks, or money for bus passes and gas cards. For clothing, all types are appreciated, but we are especially looking for new men’s and women’s undergarments, socks, and warm clothing. For snacks, please consider providing individually packaged items like chips or pretzels, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables and ever-popular hard-boiled eggs (we go through two dozen a day). Place your donations in the blue bins located in the Narthex or church office. Fresh fruit and vegetables and eggs can be dropped off in the main kitchen during the week of the Hypothermia Shelter. Thank you for your support as we provide a loving, warm, and safe environment for our brothers and sisters, whatever the weather. Please contact Christie Johnson at christie.johnson92@gmail.com with any questions and click here to learn more or sign up.

Holiday Market
2023-12-15 17:00 - 20:00
Fairfax UMC’s annual Holiday Market event focuses on providing for families in the area who have not been sponsored for Christmas and would therefore be “left out” of the festivities. On Friday, December 15, at 5:00–8:00pm, we offer parents a night to come choose a new, unwrapped, age-appropriate toy for each of their children, as well as gently used books and coats to add to their holiday gift giving, all at no cost to them. A free gift wrap room is also available so parents can wrap their children’s gifts. Additionally, parents receive a $20 Walmart gift card and, thanks to a generous endowment from the church, a $30 Butterball gift check.

This is a churchwide mission event, and we need lots of hands and help to make it a success. If you’re able to give, watch for donation bins in the Narthex starting November 11. These will be ready to receive new, unwrapped toys, as well as gently used books, coats, and stocking stuffers and $20 Walmart gift cards. We also need volunteers to help set up, run, and clean up after the event. A sign-up sheet with one-hour time slots is available by clicking here, and we encourage you to sign up for whatever time commitment works for you. If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Carter by email at lesliecarterre@aol.com or by phone at 703-587-4575.

Decorate the Mitten Tree
2023-12-03 - 2024-01-01
During Advent, Fairfax UMC decorates the Mitten Tree in the Narthex with gloves, scarfs, hats, and socks for people in our community who can’t afford to buy warm winter clothing for their families. After Advent ends, the items on the tree are distributed to those in need.

ESL Classes
2023-11-15 19:00 - 21:00
Fairfax UMC offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for beginner and intermediate-level English language learners throughout the year. We also offer a Citizenship Class to prepare students for the U.S. Citizenship test.

The Fall 2023 ESL session begins Wednesday, September 13, and ends on November 15. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00–9:00pm. This 10-week class session costs $30, which covers class materials and a book for students to keep. These classes are for adults ages 18 and over; child care is not provided.

To pre-register for class and sign up for an in-person registration slot, fill out the ESL Registration Form. If you have questions, contact the ESL coordinator, Laura Zotian, by email at eslatfairfaxumc@gmail.com or by phone at 703-463-7563. For a full list of English classes offered at churches in the area, visit the ESL and Immigrant Ministries site.

Want to help with ESL? Let us know you’re interested by completing this ESL Volunteer Form or contacting Laura at the previously stated phone number. No teaching experience is required!

Fairfax UMC & US Hunger Meal Packing
2023-10-21 10:30 - 15:00
On October 21, help Fairfax UMC accomplish our goal of providing 30,000 meals for those in need. We’ll set up our assembly lines to pack a delicious and nutritious meal that will be distributed to families in our community and around the world. Shifts are scheduled for 10:30am and 1:00pm, with lunch offered to everyone at noon. This event is open to all ages and is a great opportunity for families to serve together. Want to lend a hand? Click here to sign up!

Stock the Shelves
2023-04-15 11:00 - 15:00
Our Stock the Shelves food pantry ministry, which originally served 20 families when it was founded in 2020, now serves 50–70 families every month by providing them with necessities such as food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products. Your donations make this possible! You can give financially to support the food pantry via our online donations portal, or you can donate shelf-stable goods in the blue bins located in the Narthex and church office. Each month has a different item focus, which you can learn about on our Facebook page, or you can click here for a list of all suggested donations. Or, if you want to get even more involved, we invite you to sign up to help collect distribute donations during one or more of our events.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT STOCK THE SHELVES EVENT
