Fairfax United Methodist Church

Women in Faith Post-Holiday Games Party
2026-01-11 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Fairfax United Methodist Church, 10300 Stratford Avenue, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
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.

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.

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.

Christmas Eve
2025-12-24 19:00 - 20:30
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Good & Beautiful God Bible Study
2025-11-16 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.

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.

Women's Bible Study
2025-11-15 09:00 - 11:00
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. 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.

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.

Stewardship 2026: First Things First
2025-11-02 09:30 - 12:00
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.

Exodus Bible Study
2025-10-29 11:00 - 12:30
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.

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.

Intro to Handbells Workshop
2025-09-21 10:45 - 12:30
Do you love music but feel intimidated by learning a traditional orchestra instrument like the violin, flute, or trumpet? Are you already a musician looking for a new musical outlet? If either of those descriptions fit you, why not give handbells a try? On Sunday, September 21, at 10:45am to noon, Alan Payne’s Introduction to Handbells Workshop will teach you about this wonderful instrument and how fun it is to play. The workshop is open to anyone, even those who don’t know how to read music and have never played an instrument before. In order to ensure we have enough space and equipment, please click here to register for the workshop. Come discover how exciting it can be to share music with a group of fun, supportive, and energetic people.

Young Adult Night Out
2025-09-19 18:00 - 20:00
You’re invited to another night of fun and fellowship with other young adults in the Fairfax UMC church family. This time, we’re gathering at the Auld Shebeen on Friday, September 19, at 6:00pm. If you have children, you can drop them off for their own evening activities at the church starting at 5:30pm. Please click here to RSVP.

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!

Thrive Youth Kickoff
2025-09-07 18:00 - 20:00
Students in sixth through twelfth grade and their parents are invited to attend the Thrive Youth Kickoff on Sunday, September 7, at 6:00pm. Come enjoy food and games and get a look at what’s coming for the youth group. For more information, contact Jenn Zotian at jzotian@gmail.com.

Recharge Sunday
2025-09-07 10:30 - 12:30
Launch a new season of community and ministry with Recharge Sunday directly after the service on September 7. Bring a favorite side dish or dessert to share and come down to the Fellowship Hall for made-to-order omelets and waffles from the Omelet Guys.

Discovery Days: Meet the Pastor
2025-08-24 11:00 - 12:30
If you feel like you missed out on Pizza with the Pastor, mark your calendar for our next Discovery Day on Sunday, August 24, after the service. Join us in the Multi-Purpose Room to meet our new pastor and his family and learn about his passions in ministry, some things they love to do together, and more.

Splash Down 2025
2025-08-16 12:00 - 15:00
The whole family is invited to enjoy an afternoon of free water fun at Fairfax UMC’s Splash Down event on August 16, 12:00–3:00pm. Come have a blast with waterslides and other water games, as well as music, food, and an ice cream truck! The event is on rain or shine, so bring your friends and neighbors and end summer with a splash!

Lunch Bunch
2025-08-12 12:00 - 14:00
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!

Pizza with the Pastor
2025-08-05 18:30 - 20:30
As we continue to welcome our new pastor and look for opportunities to grow together in faith, you’re invited to Pizza with the Pastor, a time to listen, learn, and love. Gather with Pastor Bryson at his house, 10390 Stratford Avenue, at 6:30pm on any of the next four Tuesdays, July 15, 22, or 29 or August 5, for pizza, fellowship, and discussion. Each session can host 10–15 people. Please click here to sign up for the session of your choice. We look forward to making pizza and enjoying our time together.
