Exodus Bible Study
2025-10-22 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Fairfax United Methodist Church, 10300 Stratford Avenue, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
Join Reverend Angela in a study of her favorite book of the Bible. The study meets on Wednesdays at 11:00am starting September 10. No prior knowledge of the book or attendance at past studies is required; the whole group will read and discover new things together while exploring the foundational story of God’s redemption.

English as a Second Language (ESL)
2025-10-22 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
2025-10-23 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.

Helping Hands Fest
2025-10-25 10:00 - 12:00
Helping Hands Fest returns on Saturday, October 25, at 10:00am, as we partner with US Hunger to pack meals for those in need. This year, we aim to prepare 35,000 meals — in under two hours! So, mark your calendar, invite your friends and neighbors of all ages, and join us for a day of service, followed by a celebratory lunch.

Stewardship 2026: First Things First
2025-10-26 09:30 - 10:30
During Fairfax UMC’s annual Stewardship season, we reflect on what God has done at Fairfax UMC and prayerfully consider our giving for next year to further God’s work through Fairfax UMC and beyond. In our “First Fruits” Stewardship series, we’ll explore how putting God first is an act of worship and how giving changes us from the inside out. Our Stewardship devotional also shows how God has changed peoples’ lives through generosity and helps you think about how you might choose to give in 2026. Pick up a pledge card and devotional at the church starting at the October 12 service, or click here to learn more and pledge online. Then, join us on All Saints’ Day, November 2, as we make and celebrate our commitments and remember the Great Cloud of Witnesses that has gone on before us.

Good & Beautiful God Bible Study
2025-10-26 11:00 - 12:30
Have you ever thought that God wants you to “try harder” or that God blesses you when you’re good and punishes you when you’re bad? We all have ideas about God and how He works in our lives. Some are true, but many are false, and these thoughts determine not only who we are but also how we live.
Starting September 14, we examine why the way we think about God really matters through the book The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith. This study meets Sundays at 11:00am and offers a great opportunity to grow in our understanding of God and be transformed by grace. To help parents who want to attend, we also offer a children’s experience during the study where kids in nursery through sixth grade will continue their journey through Scripture with the Holy Moly program. If you have any questions, please contact Reverend T. Bryson Smith at brysonsmith@fairfaxumc.org.

Dinner Out
2025-10-28 18:00 - 20:00
Mark your calendars for 6:00pm on the last Tuesday of each month and come enjoy a fun and enjoyable evening with your church family at P.J. Skidoos in Fairfax. To help us plan for the correct number of seats, please contact Charlotte McComas at 703-606-6800 or sel2glf@cox.net and let her know you’re coming — but even if you don’t RSVP, you’re welcome to join us.

Women's Bible Study
2025-11-06 07:44 - 09:44
If you are looking for an opportunity to connect with other women while growing in your relationship with God, you are invited to attend this Women’s Bible Study. The Women’s Bible Study meets the fourth Saturday of each month from 9:00 to 10:00am in the Multi-Purpose Room. Come and bring your friends and neighbors. The group is currently reading Max Lucado’s In the Grip of Grace. Each study is a standalone, so no need to worry if you miss a month. Meetings include discussion, prayer, and fellowship time (food provided). If you have any questions, please reach out to Leslie Carter at lesliecarterre@aol.com.

FACETS Meal Preparation
2025-11-07 15:00 - 19:00
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.

Christmas Poinsettias
2025-11-09 - 2025-12-08
If you would like to honor or remember a loved one, you may place a poinsettia in the Sanctuary to be used in each of our services on December 21 and 24. Contributions may also be made to Shineforth (formerly United Methodist Family Services) or Endowment Giving as a very special commemoration of a life well lived. Please click here to fill out the order form online or pick up a print version at the church and return it to the church office or offering plate along with your check for $13 per poinsettia or the desired amount of your contribution. Checks should be made payable to FUMC. Orders must reach the church office no later than noon December 8.

New Member Sunday
2025-11-16 09:30 - 10:30
Interested in joining our Fairfax UMC community? Don’t be fooled — membership doesn’t come with privileges; it’s about a promise to work and serve with the people of Fairfax UMC through your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Our next New Member Sunday is November 16. During this special Sunday worship, those who would like to become part of our church family can stand to publicly make their commitment. If you’re interested or have questions, please contact Rev. Angela Schroeder at at aschroeder@fairfaxumc.org or sign up for Pizza with the Pastor on November 12 by clicking here.

Discovery Days: Faithful Finances
2025-11-16 11:00 - 12:30
On Sunday, November 16, join us after worship for a new Discovery Days workshop: “Faithful Finances: Making the Most of Your Giving.” In this free session, Rev. Brad Duty, a deacon in the Northern Virginia Conference and representative of the Wesley Foundation, will share new ways to save, give, and leave a lasting legacy.

Biscuits with Bryson
2025-11-20 09:00 - 11:00
Are you looking for an opportunity to ask more questions about a Sunday sermon, share a story about how you fell in love with God’s grace, or have intentional discussion about growing in faith? Join Pastor Bryson at the Fairfax Circle Chick-Fil-A at 9:00am on September 18, October 16, and November 20 for Biscuits with Bryson and “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

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.

Advent Devotional
2025-11-30 - 2025-12-25
This Advent and Chrismas season, join us in reading Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen as a church community. You can pick up a copy at worship on Sunday or contact the church office if you can’t make it to the service. Together, we will kick off the church’s new year by exploring the season’s themes of waiting, hope, anticipation, and celebration.

Hanging of the Greens Service & Advent Brunch
2025-11-30 09:30 - 12:30
On November 30, we celebrate the Hanging of the Greens during the 9:30am Sunday service. In the United Methodist tradition, the Hanging of the Greens is more than decorating. It’s a spiritual practice in which every ornament, wreath, and candle is a reminder of God’s presence, God’s promises, and the hope that comes with the advent of Christ. As we place the symbols of the season — evergreens that remind us of eternal life, lights that proclaim Christ as the Light of the World, and the Advent wreath that points to His coming — we do so with prayers of gratitude, hope, and anticipation. After worship, all are invited to bring their favorite breakfast meal to share and kick off the season with an Advent Brunch in the Fellowship Hall.

Pastor’s Open House
2025-12-07 14:00 - 17:00
Rev. Bryson’s family warmly invites you to a Pastor’s Open House at the Stratford Avenue parsonage on Sunday, December 7, 2:00–5:00pm. Whether you’re a longtime member or a first-time visitor, you’re welcome to enjoy a taste of Christmas with fellowship, light refreshments, and good conversation as we celebrate the season of Advent together. Please park in the church parking lot close to the house and use the path to come to the door.

Christmas Lunch Bunch 2025
2025-12-09 11:00 - 14:00
Come celebrate Christmas with the Lunch Bunch on Tuesday, December 9, at 11:00am in the Multi-Purpose Room. Bring a dish to share and a wreath to decorate and enjoy conversation, food, and crafting time with friends. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Charlotte McComas at 703-606-6800 or sel2glf@cox.net.

Holiday Market 2025
2025-12-19 17:00 - 20:00
This winter, the Holiday Market returns for its 9th year of providing for area families who would otherwise be “left out” of Christmas. On Friday, December 19, 5:00–8:00pm, we give parents the opportunity to pick out an age-appropriate toy, as well as gently used books and coats, for each of their children at no cost to them. We also offer a free gift wrap room so parents can prepare their children’s gifts. Each family additionally receives a $20 gift card for Walmart and a $30 Butterball gift check.
If you’re able to give to the Holiday Market, please drop off your donations of new, unwrapped toys, gently used books and coats, stocking stuffers, and other items in the bin in the Narthex. You can also donate $20 Walmart gift cards by dropping them off in the church office. Want to help with the event itself? Click here to sign up for one or more hour-long time slots. If you have any questions, please reach out to Leslie Carter by email at lesliecarterre@aol.com or by phone at 703-587-4575.

Lessons, Carols, and Cookies
2025-12-21 09:30 - 11:30
Join us during the 9:30am service on December 21 for our beloved Lessons and Carols service and be guided by Scripture and song through the story of God’s love and Christ’s birth. Experience the beauty of sacred music, the richness of Advent readings, and the joy of coming together as a church family for worship presented by our sanctuary choir, along with guest musicians and our amazing organist, Hyeyoun. After the service, we invite you to gather in the Fellowship Hall and bring your favorite Christmas cookies to share as we continue our celebration with fellowship, laughter, and sweet treats.
If you would like to join the choir for a short-term commitment and sing in this wonderful service, we would love to have you. Rehearsals are scheduled for December 4, 11, and 18 at 7:00–8:15pm in the choir room. We welcome high school and adult singers from the church and community. If you plan to take part, please contact Mike Horanski at mhoranski@fairfaxumc.org so we can have enough music and seats for everyone.

Blue Christmas Worship
2025-12-21 19:00 - 20:00
You are invited to gather for a Blue Christmas worship service on Sunday, December 21, at 7:00pm in the Fairfax UMC Chapel. This service offers a quiet, reflective space for those experiencing grief, loss, or stress during the holiday season. Through Scripture, music, and prayer, we come together and acknowledge the difficulties of this season while holding onto the hope and comfort that Christ brings. All are welcome to come and find peace, support, and God’s presence through this sacred time.

Christmas Eve
2025-12-24 10:00 - 11:30
Bring your friends and neighbors and come Home for the Holidays as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with Fairfax United Methodist Church. Join us for any of our three special Christmas Eve services, each filled with warmth, light, and joy.

10:00am: Gather for a quiet Contemplative Service, a peaceful time to reflect and prepare your heart for Christmas.
4:00pm: Families will love our lively Pick-Up Christmas Pageant, where children (and kids at heart) can step into the nativity story. Costumes and scripts will be provided when you arrive.
7:00pm: Rejoice at our Traditional Candlelight Service, filled with Scripture, carols, and the timeless message of Christ’s birth.

All three services include Communion and candle-lighting as we rejoice in the good news that Christ is born. No matter which service you attend, you’ll find a place to belong, a story to celebrate, and a Savior to worship. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

Tacky Christmas Sweater Sunday
2025-12-28 09:30 - 22:30
We are excited to announce our first Tacky Christmas Sweater Sunday, coming on December 28. Are you ready to share your favorite Christmas sweater? Join us at 9:30am for worship and a touch of holiday whimsy as we embrace the fun and festive season of the spirit. Whether your sweater is glittery, outrageous, or delightfully tacky, come continue our Christmas celebration in style.

Twelfth Night Dinner
2026-01-05 18:30 - 20:30
You are warmly invited to Fairfax UMC’s Twelfth Night dinner on Monday, January 5, at 6:30pm. Celebrate the close of Christmas and Epiphany Eve in traditional fashion by gathering for a meal to give thanks for the blessed season of Christmas and the changed hearts that come from experiencing the birth of Christ. The meal will be catered, so please click here to sign up. Come enjoy a new tradition and bring a festive close to the Christmas season.

Good & Beautiful Small Group Study
2026-01-11 11:00 - 12:00
All are invited to a Sunday morning small group study to explore The Good and Beautiful You by James Bryan Smith and discover the person Jesus created you to be. This journey invites us to rediscover who God really is and how God’s grace transforms our lives as we replace the false stories we tell ourselves about God with the truth revealed in Jesus Christ. The study meets on Sundays at 11:00am, January 11–March 29. Books can be purchased on Amazon, or you can pick up a copy from the church office. A children’s program is offered for kids in nursery through sixth grade to continue their faith journey with the Holy Moly curriculum. Come grow with us as we seek to know the God who is truly good and beautiful!

Women in Faith Post-Holiday Games Party
2026-01-11 14:00 - 16:00
The Northern Virginia District Women in Faith’s Post-Holiday Games Party returns by popular demand on Sunday, January 11, at 2:00–4:00pm in the Multi-Purpose Room. This is a great opportunity to meet women from other UMC churches while playing games, fellowshipping, and sharing snacks. Please bring a favorite card or board game and snack to share, as well as a love offering of a canned good for Stock the Shelves, and come together for a great time, no RSVP necessary. If you have questions, please contact Leslie Carter at lesliecarterre@aol.com or 703-587-4575 or Beth Meserve from the NOVA District at beth.meserve@gmail.com.

THRIVE Youth Blank Slate Party
2026-01-11 17:30 - 19:00
Starting in 2026, the Thrive Youth Group expands to include students in sixth grade as well as those in seventh through twelfth grade. The meeting time also changes to 5:30–7:00pm. We’ll launch these changes and the new year on January 11 with our Blank Slate youth party! All youth are invited to join us for dinner, an ice cream buffet, and planning out your next ten years. See you there!

Super Bowl Sub Sandwiches
2026-01-13 - 2026-02-06
Super Bowl sub sales are back by popular request! Thrive Youth Ministry will be making fresh subs for you and your family to enjoy during the big game. Please click here to place your order by Friday, February 6. Paper order forms will also be available in the Narthex and church office. Subs will be ready for pickup following the church service on Sunday, February 8, and we will have some extra ingredients available to make more subs on pickup day (while supplies last). All proceeds will go directly to Thrive Youth Ministry to support future activities, events, and outreach as decided by the students. Thank you for supporting our youth and our church family.

Lunch Bunch
2026-01-13 12:00 - 14:00
At noon on the second Tuesday of each month, bring a packed lunch and 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. We hope to see you there, and we’ll be ready to greet you with a big welcome!

Women's Bible Study
2026-01-24 09:00 - 10:00
If you are looking for an opportunity to connect with other women while growing in your relationship with God, you are invited to attend this Women’s Bible Study. The Women’s Bible Study meets the fourth Saturday of each month from 9:00 to 10:00am in the Multi-Purpose Room. Come and bring your friends and neighbors. Each study is a standalone, so no need to worry if you miss a month. Meetings include discussion, prayer, and fellowship time (food provided). If you have any questions, please reach out to Leslie Carter at lesliecarterre@aol.com.
