Fairfax United Methodist Church

Lunch Bunch
2024-09-16 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Fairfax United Methodist Church, 10300 Stratford Avenue, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
We hope you’ll join us for Lunch Bunch at noon on the third Monday of each month at Pastor Pamela’s parsonage on University Drive. Bring a packed lunch (we’ll provide drinks) and enjoy food, conversation, and laughter with friends. Look for the sign in the driveway across the street from the church. We can’t wait to see you there!

Intro to Handbells Workshop
2024-09-15 10:45 - 12:00
Do you love music but feel intimidated by learning a traditional instrument? Are you already a musician looking for a new musical outlet? If so, you are invited to attend an Introduction to Handbells workshop led by our bell choir director, Alan Payne. Gather in the Choir Rehearsal Room on Sunday, September 15, at 10:45am after the service. This workshop is open to everyone, even if you don’t know how to read music or have never played an instrument before. In order to ensure we have enough space and equipment for everyone, please click here to register. Come discover how much fun this wonderful instrument is and how exciting it is to share music with a group of fun, supportive, and energetic people.

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.

THRIVE Youth Group Fall Kickoff
2024-09-08 18:00 - 20:00
On Sunday, September 8, at 6:00pm, all 7th–12th grade students at Fairfax UMC are invited to kick off the fall season with us! This event includes dinner, an activity, and lots of fun as we see old friends and make new ones. We’ll start in the Fellowship Hall for our meal, then head outside or upstairs for the rest of our evening. Make sure you don’t miss it!

Recharge Sunday
2024-09-08 09:30 - 12:00
We are recharging for another exciting year of worship and ministry at Fairfax UMC! Join us for 9:30am worship on Sunday, September 8, and then come down to the Fellowship Hall at 10:30am for our Recharge Picnic and ministry fair! Reconnect with old friends and make new ones while enjoying a breakfast bar and made-to-order omelets from The Omelette Guys. Discover what our many amazing ministries have been up to and find new ways to join in their work through your prayer, donations, or service. It’s sure to be an exciting morning as we celebrate our community and service here at Fairfax UMC!

THRIVE Youth and Parent Interest Meetup
2024-08-25 18:00 - 20:00
As our summer comes to a close and fall quickly approaches, we invite you to join our Youth Director and leaders for a THRIVE Youth interest meeting at 6:00pm on Sunday, August 25. We will have a cookout (weather permitting), sides, and desserts, so please come hungry! This meeting will also include a brief discussion about what the youth group means to FUMC, as well as a chance to gather contact information and discuss logistics. Additionally, this is a great chance to meet other youth group families, invite new friends, and bring up any questions or ideas you have regarding the upcoming year. We’ll see you there!

Splash Down
2024-08-17 12:00 - 15:00
The whole family is invited to enjoy an afternoon of free water fun as we wrap up our summer events with Splash Down on Saturday, August 17, noon to 3:00pm! This events features waterslides, a foam pit, a slip-n-slide, and a splash pad, as well as music, games, food, and snow cones from Capital Snow. No registration is required. The event is happening rain or shine, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Lunch Bunch
2024-08-12 12:00 - 14:00
On the second Monday of each month, gather for Lunch Bunch in the Multi-Purpose Room at Fairfax UMC and enjoy a relaxed lunch full of conversation and laughter with old and new friends. Please plan to bring a packed lunch; drinks are provided. We hope to see you there, and we’ll be ready to greet you with a big welcome!

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.

Welcoming Our New Associate Pastor
2024-07-07 09:30 - 23:30
On July 1, Rev. Angela Schroeder begins her official appointment as Associate Pastor of Fairfax UMC. She will preach in the service on July 7, and everyone is invited to celebrate her first Sunday in her new role with a reception in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Please keep Angela in your prayers during this time of transition. We look forward to her pastoral presence and leadership at Fairfax UMC.

Lunch Bunch Planning Gathering
2024-06-24 12:00 - 14:00
Gather at noon on Monday, June 24, in the Multi-Purpose room and bring a packed lunch, along with your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for how to continue this gathering. If you can’t attend, you can contact Charlotte McComas at sel2glf@cox.net with your ideas. Drinks will be provided. We’ll see you there.

Congregational Care Pillar Meeting
2024-06-23 10:45 - 12:00
The Congregational Care Pillar is meeting on June 23, following the Sunday service, at 10:45am in the Fellowship Hall. If you are a member of the pillar or if you are interested in learning more about Congregational Care, please plan to attend.

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.

Handbell Concert
2024-06-16 16:30 - 18:30
On Sunday, June 16, at 4:30pm, you’re invited to enjoy an afternoon of handbell music presented by the Dulce and Bellissimo Ringers. The concert features pieces from different styles of music that highlight the versatility of handbells. Come celebrate and support our ringers and their dedication to being part of our Fairfax UMC Music Ministry.

Start the Party!
2024-06-15 09:00 - 12:00
This summer, the Fairfax UMC Kids Ministry is going to Start the Party and celebrate the good news of Jesus on the third Saturday of each month! Mark your calendars an event on June 15, 9:00am–12:00pm, and for Splash Down on August 17, 12:00–3:00pm. To register and learn more, click here.

Graduation Recognition
2024-06-09 09:30 - 10:30
Fairfax UMC recognizes its graduates in a special moment during the June 9 worship service. If one of your family members graduates this year and you would like Fairfax UMC to celebrate that person, please send a photo and information to Sarah Pennington at spennington@fairfaxumc.org. Your email should include a photo of the graduate, the graduate’s name as you would like it shown on the screens, and what program the graduate has completed (high school, college or advanced degrees, certification coursework, job training, etc.). You are also invited to include the graduate’s job or college plans. Graduate photographs and information must be received by Sunday, June 2 to be included. We look forward to celebrating these milestones together as a church family and praying over these graduates’ future endeavors.

Discovery Days: Getting to Know Your Church
2024-06-02 10:45 - 12:45
Our next Discovery Days worship, hosted by Wyatt Bethel and Rev. David Bonney, is planned for Sunday, June 2, 10:45am, in the Multi-Purpose Room. This workshop will cover two topics of current interest. First, it will follow up from the General Conference of the United Methodist Church (concluding on May 3) and explain the main local and global implications of any decisions made by the governing body of the Methodist denomination. Second, it will explain how clergy appointments are made in the United Methodist Church, particularly in the Virginia Conference. Please pick up some refreshments in the Fellowship Hall and get to know your church in this informative workshop.

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!

Celebrating Rev. Pamela Kipps
2024-05-19 10:30 - 12:30
Reverend Pamela Kipps will be assigned to another church in the next appointment cycle, and her final Sunday at Fairfax UMC will be May 19. After the service that day, all are invited to a reception in the Fellowship Hall where we will thank Reverend Pamela and honor her for her excellent pastoral service to our church. Please feel free to bring a favorite dish to share. We hope you will attend and help us send Pamela off with our gratitude, prayers, and best wishes as she transitions to a new ministry at her next assignment.

GriefShare
2024-05-12 10:45 - 12:00
If you have experienced grief or loss, Fairfax UMC invites you to participate in GriefShare, a new group forming at the church. GriefShare is a safe, welcoming place where people can explore the difficult emotions of grief and discover helpful ways to move through it. During this thirteen-week program, you’ll discover the ebbs and flows of grief and its accompanying emotions and learn ways of coping with its unpredictability. On Sundays at 10:45am starting February 11, the group will gather to watch a GriefShare video and spend some time discussing and reflecting. The program is split into two parts, with Part I running February 11 through March 24 and Part II running April 14 through May 12. We hope you’ll consider joining us for this time of learning, and we encourage you to invite family, friends, and neighbors to participate. For more information, contact Pastor Pamela Kipps at pkipps@fairfaxumc.org.

Dinner Out
2024-04-30 18:30 - 20:00
Dinner Out is an opportunity for you to connect with your church family and share conversation and laughter over a meal. The group meets at 6:30pm at P.J. Skidoos in Fairfax on the last Tuesday of every month. We hope you’ll join us for this time of fellowship and community! To learn more, contact Pastor Pamela Kipps.

Lunch Bunch
2024-04-15 12:00 - 14:00
On the third Monday of each month, gather for Lunch Bunch at the University Drive parsonage across the street from the church and enjoy a relaxed lunch full of conversation and laughter with old and new friends. Lunch is provided for April’s event. We hope to see you there! Look for the Lunch Bunch sign in the yard and come up the back stairs by the driveway (which is on Stratford Avenue). We’ll be ready to greet you with a big welcome!

ESL Classes Spring 2024
2024-04-03 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 Spring 2024 ESL session runs January 17–April 3. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00–9:00pm. This class session costs $30 for new students or $10 for students who participated in the Fall 2023 session. This fee covers classes and a book for students to keep.* These classes are for adults ages 18 and over; child care is not provided. 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.

*We never want financial difficulties to be an obstacle to participating in our programs. If you need 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.

Easter Service
2024-03-31 11:00 - 12:00
Fairfax UMC is excited to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with services at 9:30 and 11:00am on Sunday, March 31. Regular attendees, visitors from the community, and our expanded virtual church family are all welcome at worship on this glorious day of triumph and hope. Both services are available in person and via livestream.

To order flowers to be used in our Easter services, click here.

Easter Sunrise Service
2024-03-31 06:00 - 07:00
Begin Easter Sunday with a beloved tradition: the annual Easter sunrise service. This service is offered on March 31 at 6:00am in Old Town Square in Fairfax City and is led by the Fairfax UMC youth. Come enjoy coffee, donuts, fellowship, and beautiful worship and support our students as they use their gifts and talents to glorify our risen Savior!

Stations of the Cross
2024-03-29 07:00 - 19:00
Stations of the Cross returns on Good Friday, March 29. This transformative, self-directed experience is available to everyone at any time between 7:00am and 7:00pm. Come visit the fourteen stations and be reminded of the final hours of Jesus’ life as you contemplate the images, read the Scriptures and devotions, and pray the provided prayers. Stay as long as you would like, and plan to leave with a renewed appreciation for all Christ has done for you.

Table to Cross Service
2024-03-28 19:00 - 20:00
On Thursday, March 28, at 7:00pm, we gather to shift our gaze from the table to the cross as we remember the events leading up to the crucifixion. Journey with us from Jesus’ final meal with his disciples to his death on the cross in one moving service.

Book of Acts Bible Study
2024-03-27 11:00 - 12:00
If you’ve ever wondered what happened after the Resurrection and in the early days of the Christian church, you’ll want to be a part of our upcoming Bible study focusing on the book of Acts. In this six-week study, we’ll read through Acts together and examine the exciting and challenging moments that the church experienced. This is a perfect follow up to our Journey Through the Gospels study or an excellent way for beginners to dive into Scripture. The group meets on Wednesdays at 11:00am in the Fellowship Hall, February 21 through March 27. To learn more, contact Pastor Pamela Kipps at pkipps@fairfaxumc.org.

Palm Sunday
2024-03-24 09:30 - 10:30
On Palm Sunday, March 24, the Chancel Choir will present “Lenten Sketches,” composed by Joseph Martin. This incredible work is a series of tableaus illustrating the pivotal final days of Christ’s earthly ministry: the triumphal entry, the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethesemane, and the crucifixion. These events have inspired artists through the ages, and their wonderful creations in turn inspire this Lenten cantata, which will prepare our hearts for Holy Week.
