Here at Burke UMC, we welcome all to experience Christ's life-changing love as we worship, learn, and share in caring community!

We believe that a holistic approach to discipleship includes engaging in all the core ministry areas of worship, learn, care, and share. This includes all ages, from the youngest to oldest members of our community. Be sure to scroll through this newsletter and read about upcoming opportunities to connect and engage in February.

When diving into the Bible, particularly the New Testament, we often talk about the Roman customs and culture which was predominant at the time of Jesus. It seems so foreign to us and yet, so much of our customs and culture have Roman influence. Take the month we are moving into… February. Many of our months are named from Roman gods or traditions. February got its name from Februa, which was a Roman spring purification ritual. In early Roman times, March actually began a 10 month year and the Romans just didn’t count the winter months since people did not work. In the 7^th Century B.C., they decided to add two months, January and February. February acted as a time to be purified before the new year. This is a leap year and even that concept was figured out during Caesar’s time and eventually was part of the Gregorian calendar that we use today. The Romans had festivals to gods all the time and one that I find interesting was celebrated on February 23^rd, which was the last day of the year. They had a festival to the god Terminus, who was the god of boundaries. The place between two lands would have a statue of Terminus and at the end of the year you would gather with neighbors at the boundaries of your lands and pay homage to Terminus. I love the idea that the people would join with neighbors as the year came to a close to honor the land and the boundaries that helped them live together in harmony.

I like this idea as we as Christians move through February. We will begin the Lenten season in the middle of the month and many folks will choose to give something up or at least be more intentional in their living. Maybe this year would be a good year to consider the places where we are lacking boundaries. The places where we have allowed ourselves to be overwhelmed or unhealthy. Maybe Lent can be a time to place better boundaries in our lives to bring greater physical, emotional and spiritual health. In essence, that is what most people are doing when they give something up anyway. Boundaries around how much coffee they drink or around social media use. Let us think about the places where placing boundaries would enhance our lives in meaningful ways and allow February to be the start of boundary setting. I am not promoting that you worship Terminus, but instead, to acknowledge Christ’s messages of how we can live an abundant life. Allow Lent and Christ’s message of love and hope to help us in our boundary setting this February, so we might experience the life Christ desires for us all. Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Jason

Lent with Burke UMC:

Lent is the season of forty days (not counting Sundays) beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Saturday. These forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring temptation and preparing to begin his ministry. Lent is a time of self-examination, reflection, repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. For many Christians it is a time to focus on our relationship with God, growing as disciples, and extending ourselves often by choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of ourselves for others. Our 2024 Lent theme is The Last Words of Christ.

• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: February 13 (6 pm)
• Let us know you're coming HERE.
• Ash Wednesday: February 14
• Dispensation of Ashes (6:30-8 am), drive through in front circle
• Worship Service (7:30 pm), Sanctuary, in-person and online
• Weekly Lenten Communion Services: February 21-March 27
• Wednesdays at 11:30 am
• Our Burke UMC Lenten Daily Devotional, written by Burke UMC members and friends, will be available in print or by daily email. If you would like to receive the devotional by email, sign up HERE (select 2024 Lenten Devotional)
• The Stations of the Cross will be depicted beginning March 17 on the windows in the entryway. If you would like to participate as an artist, email Pastor Evelyn.

Learning During Lent:

The holy season of Lent begins mid-February! If you are looking to participate in a class this Lent, there are many opportunities to do so! Please check burkeumc.org/learn for details on each Lenten class. With options for men, women, different age groups and stages of life/faith, there is a place for you to LEARN this Lent!

Lenten Giving Focus:

For many years, Burke UMC took the season of Lent to focus on giving financially to support particular ministries within the church (it was previously called the Share Catalog). As we approach this Lenten season, we want to once again focus on generosity by raising $15,000 beyond our regular operating giving to support ministries for our community, our youth and children, and our green initiative. We hope you will begin to be in prayer about how you might be able to give during this Lenten season. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon!

Gun Violence Guided Conversation:

As Christians, we are concerned, saddened, and angered by the ongoing crisis of mass shootings in our communities. On February 25, at 10:30 am, we will have an optional guided conversation, for anyone who is interested in discussing this topic from a faith perspective. We will come with open hearts and minds, prayerfully discussing this painful topic. 

A group of Burke UMC members & friends traveled to the Frederick Douglass House in Anacostia on January 13! They had a meaningful time learning more about the life of Frederick Douglass and how we can continue to seek justice as people of faith.

Weekly Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30 am, In-Person and online on our website at burkeumc.org/online

• Children’s Church: Children age 4 - 2nd grade, begin Worship in the Sanctuary with their families. They will be escorted to Children’s Church when directed. They will be returned to the sanctuary during the closing hymn (except on communion Sundays, when they will be returned prior to receiving communion).
• February 4: Worship includes Communion. We also celebrate BSA Scout Sunday; many of our Scouts will be participating in our worship service. 

Ongoing Worship Opportunities:

• Weekly Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30 am, In-Person and Online on our website at burkeumc.org/online
• Children's Church: Children age 4 - 2nd grade, begin worship in the Sanctuary with their families. They will be escorted to Children’s Church when directed. Contact Katie Glick with questions.
• Missed a worship service? Really loved a sermon and want to listen again? Check them out by clicking HERE.

Prayer Opportunities:

Prayer Resource Table - There is a prayer resource table at the entrance to the Narthex. These resources are available to borrow for your use or share with friends. Upper Room devotionals are available in printed copy. You may also view the Upper Room daily devotions here: https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals

Sunday Morning - On Sunday morning between 8:45 and 9:15 am you are invited to gather to pray for our morning worship and its leaders. The Prayer Focus Team members facilitate this gathering, but others are encouraged to participate. A notebook with full instructions is on a small table in the chapel. You may also sign up online to be the leader using this link!

Thursday Morning - Join facilitator Jane Wilson in the Sanctuary on Thursday mornings from 9:00-9:45 am to pray together about current events and issues facing the world and prayers for those on BUMC’s ongoing prayer list. All are welcome and encouraged to attend whenever possible for prayers of the people.

Prayer Chapel - Our relocated prayer chapel (on the lower level underneath our office complex) provides a peaceful, calming area for personal prayer or small group prayer. The chapel is open during church office hours and on Sunday. Stop in and visit this beautiful space and admire the stained glass windows.

Music Ministry at Burke UMC:

Broadway at Burke is back! This event will take place on Saturday, March 9 at 6:30 pm. It's a free event, so be sure to invite friends & neighbors! If you’re interested in singing in our Broadway show, email Tammy Zerbo as soon as possible with your “song & Broadway show” selection. The deadline for signup is February 15.

We are also offering two new, short-term classes this Lent:

"The Voice You Long to Hear" is a class which seeks to answer the question: "What does it mean to listen for God?" The first section of our Barnabas series, this class is a great opportunity to get deeper in your faith through journaling, reading scripture, conversation, and supporting one another along the journey. This class will begin Sunday, Feb 18 at 10:30 am.

In 2024, the United Methodist Church is having a General Conference; in which big decisions will be made for the entire denomination. Pastor Jason will be holding some information sessions about the important legislation that will be voted upon during General Conference. This is a great opportunity to learn more about important news and big changes for the worldwide church! These information sessions will be offered at 6 pm on Sundays beginning Feb 18.

Both of the short-term classes will last for 6 weeks, ending on Palm Sunday (3/24).

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: February 13 (6 pm)

We'll have our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in a few weeks! Let us know you're coming HERE so we can have an idea of how much food to make. Interested in helping out? Email Pastor Jason and he'll get you connected.

Women's Connection: February 25 (4:30 pm - 6 pm)

All women are invited! Light supper & nursery care will be provided. JUMP and Learning with LEGO will provide older children with their own program opportunities during the same time. 

College Student Ministry:

And, suddenly it is February! Are you feeling some "winter blues"? We're guessing that probably some of our College Students are, too. Let's brighten the day and send some 'happy' thoughts and words of encouragement!

Our student for the week is:

Denver Martin, Sophomore at Mary Washington

UMW Box 1643

1701 College Ave

Fredericksburg, VA 22401-4661

Please stop by the Connections Center and sign his card and we hope you'll also consider sending a personal note - it is guaranteed to help end the "winter blues"!

Burke United Methodist Fitness:

BUM Fitness is ordering new athletic shirts! Interested in buying a shirt to wear while you're engaging in activities around town? You don't need to be a part of Burke UMC or the BUM Walkers/Runners group to buy one. Click HERE to order yours today. Questions? Reach out to Kevin Taylor at bumrunners@gmail.com.

Calling All Parents! Survey for Potential New Ministries and Children's Ministry:

We'd love for all parents who are connected with the Burke UMC community to fill out our new survey to let us know their thoughts and preferences about new ministries focusing around parenting, marriage, and children. You can fill out the survey by clicking HERE.

Feeding Ministries:

BUMC is in need of a team who can cook for Rising Hope Mission Church for about 60 guests on the 3rd Monday evening of each month. This is a great opportunity for a family to serve together! If your family is interested, please be in touch with Katie Glick at katieglick@burkeumc.org. We need a new team in place for February. Not familiar with the work Rising Hope does? Here is a message from their pastor:

Welcome to Rising Hope Mission Church, A United Methodist Congregation. Rising Hope is a safe place where you can gain spiritual and physical sustenance. We have several worship opportunities available and offer assistance through our Food Pantry, Rising Hope kitchen, Hope Closet, Hypothermia Shelter, and countless other need-based services.

Rising Hope is a community that reflects life in the Kingdom of God. We are a family. Our home is your home. You don’t need to be a member here or at any church to gather in fellowship with us. We are committed to ministering in love to everyone and to building strong foundations and connections with our community along the Route One corridor.

At Rising Hope, we believe in supporting everyone on their individual path. We work with people at every stage of their journey. Love Unconditionally, Include Everyone, and Celebrate Life is at the core of what we hope you will experience when you come to Rising Hope Mission.

We are supported through an ever-growing community of volunteers, churches, and community support partners. The good news is that there is still room to grow with you! We hope you will come and visit us sometime soon.

Many Blessings,

Rev. Kameron M. Wilds, Lead Pastor

Burke Gives Back Community Co-op:

Our community co-op continues to serve those experiencing food insecurity in the Burke, Springfield, and Fairfax areas. We are always in need of volunteers to help us sustain the co-op. Visit the Outreach section of the BUMC website for the sign-up link. Families are welcome to serve at the co-op together!

Current Co-op Needs:

• Canned soup
• Canned corn
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Pasta
• Flour
• Sugar
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, body wash, shampoo, feminine pads

Donations for the co-op can be placed in the donation bins -- now located in our back parking lot!

Weekend Food Bags

We continue to provide weekend food bags to our partner schools to support children who would otherwise be food insecure over the weekend when they are not receiving school breakfast and lunch. We invite you to donate food items to support this ministry! Find the list of needed items below. If you would rather support this ministry by making a financial contribution, you are welcome to make a check out to BUMC and note Weekend Food Bags. Thank you in advance for your support of this important ministry!

Weekend Food Bag Needs:

• Fruit cups
• Pudding cups
• Milk boxes
• Cracker and cheese (packs of the 6 sandwich crackers)
• Individual pasta cups
• Granola Bars

Burke Gives Back Event

Mark your calendar for our next Burke Gives Back event on Saturday, April 20! At our Burke Gives Back event we partner with the surrounding community to engage in service opportunities (and fellowship!). The event will be held at Terra Centre Elementary School. Interested in helping to plan this event? Reach out to Katie Glick at katieglick@burkeumc.org.



Update on Free the Girls

For several years we have held a bra drive in February in support of an organization called Free the Girls. Free the Girls’ mission is to help victims of human trafficking. Free the Girls is changing their focus and is no longer collecting bras so we will not be collecting them this year. To read more about Free the Girls and why they have chosen not to continue collecting bras visit them here. If you have any questions or suggestions for the Outreach Team, please be in touch with Katie at katieglick@burkeumc.org.

Ecumenical Community Helping Others:

ECHO’s needs for February are in the Clothing Room: sneakers for girls and boys, new underwear for children, men’s sweatpants in all sizes, men’s jeans in 30" or 32” waists, and men’s small and medium winter coats. The Housewares Department is low on blankets and comforters (especially queen and twin sizes), bathmats, shower curtains, and towels. ECHO is at 7205 Old Keene Mill Road. Their Donation Door is open on weekdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and 7:00 to 9:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. See the complete list of ECHO needs and what other items it accepts at the its website: www.echo-inc.org.

Eagle Project: Children's Book Drive

You're invited to donate children's books to support Julia's Eagle Project on February 11 from 8 am-6 pm! Book types that are being collected include fiction, non-fiction, comic books, graphic novels, children's books, young adult, 17 and under books. All books will be donated to Fairfax County Department of Social Services. Learn more HERE.

If you have any questions or suggestions for the Outreach Team please be in touch with Katie at katieglick@burkeumc.org.

Click below to see highlights of upcoming opportunities for kids and youth this February! Visit our website for a full list of opportunities.

We're hiring! Communications Administrator

We are searching for a part time (15 hours per week) Administrator of Communications who will offer internal and external communications support to church staff, front office, and Director of Communications. This position will provide appropriate publicity, advertising, and promotion within the congregation and community to include social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), brochures, postcards, signs, videos, a monthly newsletter, and banners. Please see the job description for more details. To apply, please send your resume to bumcjobopenings@gmail.com. Michelle will continue in her role as Director of Communications, but is shifting from full time to part time.

Leadership Board: 

Our leadership board continues to meet monthly to faithfully lead and serve our congregation. Their next meeting will be on Thursday, February 15 at 7 pm. Use this link to register for the zoom!

Financial Updates:

For calendar year 2023, we received $1.066M in pledges, gifts and grants and expensed $1.072M, thus finishing the year with a $6K deficit. Fortunately, we were able to cover this with our reserves. In addition, we were able to meet 100% of our apportionments.

There were 310 givers in 2023. Of these,152 pledged $819K and gave $814K, 99.4% of their pledge amount. This accounted for 76% of total church income. 158 givers did not pledge but gave $213K which accounted for 20% of income. The remaining dollars came from a Fairfax County grant ($25K) and the rest from unidentified givers ($14K).

For 2024 thus far, 145 givers have pledged $826K. This is barely a 1% increase over 2023, where 152 givers pledged $819K. When you consider that Social Security cost of living allowances (COLAs) have increased 18% over the past three years to help recipients to keep up with inflation and that our church expenses continue to increase, our pledges have not been keeping pace; this is a worrisome trend. Please prayerfully look at ways to increase your giving so we can keep the church on track to fulfilling its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. With your continued generous financial support, we have the ability to meet our budget and fulfill our ministry. Thank you in advance for your financial faithfulness.

To see a full breakdown and recap of 2023, click HERE for Bill's full report.