The Rev. Brent H. Thalacker, Pastor
(C) 571.236.4976
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Nativity Connect
May 12, 2021
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We invite you to join us each Sunday morning as we gather in assembly. Service of the Word arrives in your email and we celebrate Holy Communion drive in style (88.5 on your FM dial) at Nativity. So whether we are on the lawn, in our cars or on our screens our hearts and minds are in the same place. We are together in worship.
Sunday, May 16th, 9:00 am:
Seventh Sunday of Easter.
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Sunday May 23rd: Day of Pentecost.
Sunday May 30th: PB in SC, Pastor Ron from Messiah will preside and preach as our guest.
June 4th-6th: Virtual Synod Assembly. See below for details.
Wednesday June 9th: Anneliese Betz's interment is at Arlington Cemetery June 9 at 11 am. Arrive at 10:15 for vehicle/id check at the administration building.
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SEEK to grow in God's Word
TELL the story of Jesus' love & forgiveness
ACT as God's Hands in the world
REACH OUT to welcome all
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Like a lot of other home owners in the year past, Sue and I have made some much needed modest home improvements. One of the things we agree on (many are the things we don't) is that we love our home; it's the only place we've lived for thirtysomething years...and hope to call it home for as long as humanely possible. So we figured we'd not wait until it's too late to enhance what we enjoy most now.
'Enhance' might be a bit ponce, none of the projects were created on an artistic whim; they all fell into the 'we have to do it sooner rather than later, so why not now' category...outdoor lights, furnace (leaking coolant), and the deck. Not surprising, for these items date back to the house's 80's origin. We had checked everything off of the list...except the deck. When I was approached with a subtle query about what I might favor as a significant retirement gift from Nativity, I almost replied 'A new deck'. But I considered that a bit pushy, and you know I never am that!
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Our deck has pretty much been on it's own for almost four decades; aside from an occasional sealing, it's been left to fend for itself...so I expected the worst. But I am connected: my brother in law has become a master builder of decks since his retirement; lucky us! Not only is Uwe a craftsman, we trust his judgment in everything else, so we could easily add our deck to that list. He would give us an honest appraisal and assessment of options, not just concerning aesthetics, but more with an eye to safety first. (His wife would kill him if he let anything happen to her sister!)
After a rigorous inspection, we got the verdict: the good news is that the posts are securely moored and sturdy, the beams, supports, even the guardrails are solid...and I was much relieved! The bad news I'd anticipated, since I could see it: boards were decaying or warped, nails were protruding, the planking needed to be replaced. Now this is no easy job; and with lumber prices soaring, not cheap either. Then there were the installation and labor charges...very favorable, even for a brother!
So pictured above is the rightfully proud producer of our new deck! It will take some time for the new boards to season, then an attractive stain will knit it all together as one; you won't be able to tell the difference. This project isn't veneer; there's nothing more important than sound footing, especially when suspended in the air. While we are planning no 'raves' or overcrowding that would endanger anyone, security coupled with beauty and newness is a good combination...we are pleased. I have a new grill, still in the box as a Christmas gift, that waits in the wings for the grand opening. And we might update the furniture from the current banged up metal to something more modern (and lightweight) as an anniversary present to each other. It will be a welcomed transformation, easing worries, and a welcoming place for sure!
You know I wouldn't be wasting your time with the story of my deck replacement without a connection: the image of the deck mirrors the many transitions we are undergoing, including ours at Nativity. I believe the foundations, the structure, the support beams are intact and strong. The need for refurbishing is obvious; the facing may or must change, both for the look and substance. You can swab the deck only so much...then comes the swap. But a tear down is not required, and after a bit of curing, these changes will become a seamless upgrade to our whole home.
And this should happen without diminishment or disruption: no one need be decked or hit the deck to accomplish meaningful change. Rather, it's a call for "all hands on deck". Amidst all the shuffling and discards as we gather around the deck at one table, all we need to say is 'deal me in'. We are a vital component in a system that reproduces the sound of love. We both record and play back the music of the gospel. And we will be true to our namesake holiday when we sing in unison, "Deck the halls...tis the season to be jolly". While new birth makes us happy, it is in resurrection we find our true joy. So it's time to get dressed in the garb of faith, decked out in hope, and decorated with love.
Now that I've got a deck, I guess I have to start thinking about what I should ask for...since I lost this text twice while writing one column, maybe a new computer is a heck of a good place to start!
Soon to exit the desk chair for the deck chair, I remain your Pastor (for 50 more days),
Brent,
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No, it's not a date tree, rather a hickory. But since we're talking about wood, I thought I would bring you up to speed on a photo we ran a few weeks ago (left); I don't like to leave my readers hanging. I was wondering if this large tree next to our house had survived another winter; it was lagging behind the oaks, beech, all of the forest in sprouting leaves. And I was also musing in how much it would cost to remove!
Lo and behold, it's alive! I'll try not to be concerned next year (if I remember), and if I correctly recall, the golden foliage in the fall still hangs around weeks after the others are empty; there's something to be said for late bloomers extending beauty after the rest of the hardwoods have tired. I understand that it's not just a matter of genus; they say individual trees also establish their own timeline in adapting to life's seasons...kind of like humans.
I have a special affinity for hickory; since the beginning of my favorite sport, baseball, it's been the best choice for making bats...using this wood means fewer get broken, and allows the ball to better jump off the bat. This year's batting averages in baseball have never been lower; some attribute that to the weather, or the overall effects of the virus, a different ball composition perhaps. Blame the hitters or the good pitching, but you can't blame the bats; it's the same ol' hickory.
In fact, I know of only one harder wood...whatever was used to fashion the cross. It has stood for thousands of years; you'll never see it splinter...rather you'll hear the crack when it lifts the ball (keep your eye on it) over whatever fence you face or barrier bearing down on you. And the only time you lay it down is when you race around the bases, heading for home. pb
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Synod Assembly Update from Bishop Ortiz
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"It’s that time of year. It’s preparing for synod assembly time of year. And this one will be like nothing we’ve done before. This assembly will be completely online and the Theme is Alive: Inspired by the Holy Spirit, which is timely because of the Pentecost season that approaches and the Holy Spirit’s invitation to all of us to come alive- to live, profess, and prophesy boldly and courageously; as if each of us have been called, anointed, and declared beloved by the God of the universe for such a time as this."
Read the full blog here:
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The Metro D.C. Synod will be hosting the virtual 2021 Synod Assembly from June 4 – 5, 2021. We will also be hosting a Closing Worship Service on Sunday morning, June 6 at 10am that will be available to the entire synod. We are excited about the opportunities for increased engagement this new format will bring!
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Late Registration Open Through May 15th
After May 15th, we are unable to make any changes to your registration, make any new registrations, or transfer your registration to another person due to the digital nature of this event. Therefore, please be sure you have provided the correct registration information no later than May 15.
All Attendees to Sign Up for Training Dates
Due to the online format of this year's assembly which will impact registration, voting, and every other component of the assembly, we are asking that ALL attendees attend one training. Please choose the date that works best for you during the registration process. If circumstances change, you will be able to attend a different session. The New Voting Member Orientation on Friday, June 4th, will cover different topics.
Training Dates Announced
- Wednesday, May 19th 7-9pm
- Saturday, May 22nd 1-3pm
- Thursday, May 27th 7-9pm
- Tuesday, June 1st 7-9pm
Due to the online format of this year's assembly which will impact registration, voting, and every other component of the assembly we are asking that ALL attendees attend one training. Please choose as best you can during the registration process. If circumstances change you will be able to attend a different session. The New Voting Member Orientation on Friday, June 4th, will cover different topics
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Caroline Furnace Open House & BBQ Picnic Dinner
Saturday, May 22 | Noon - 6:00 pm
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Celebrate the Caroline Furnace community on May 22! A BBQ picnic dinner, worship, and time outdoors, plus live music by Cabin Creek Bluegrass will be provided. Feel free to bring games, activities, fishing poles, and musical instruments. No cost to participate - please RSVP for the BBQ Picnic Dinner by May 15.
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LYO Applications Now Being Accepted
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The application process for our high school leadership development program, the Lutheran Youth Organization, is now open! If you know of a youth who will be in grades 9-12 next year and shows gifts for leadership, please invite them to apply.
If you missed the LYO info sessions, you can watch a recording here to learn more about the goals of the LYO and how we accomplish them.
Applications will be accepted through June 15 and can be completed online. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Julie Stecker.
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Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center in Jefferson, MD is in need of a reliable 4-wheel drive pickup truck. We intend to use the vehicle for everyday work and for seasonal plowing. Please contact the Director Sarah Lefler at sarah@mar-lu-ridge.org or 800.238.9974 for more details.
RSVP for Mar-Lu-Ridge Community Dinner on June 13
Join MLR on Sunday, June 13 beginning at 5:00 pm in the main camp pavilion for a picnic supper, fellowship with our summer staff, and community worship. We can’t wait to see you all again! We will follow all COVID regulations such as face coverings and social distancing as we gather safely to celebrate and welcome back summer camp!
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Feel Good Friday
From Striving to Thriving, Friday Cuteness, and Building Bridges
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"From Striving to Thriving" - "For 50 years, we've been serving our community --- and serving it well. But our community needs more from us!"
On April 14th, United Community's President & CEO Alison DeCourcey and Senior Director of Collective Impact Yolonda Earl Thompson testified before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors about United Community's ongoing COVID relief efforts.
The testimony also included a 3-minute video recapping the agency's major initiatives from this past year. Click here to watch!
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Spring Has Sprung!: Here's some cuteness for your Feel Good Friday!
For the past six weeks, kids in Sacramento Neighborhood Center's "Eggs to Chicks" program have been learning all about eggs; specifically about how baby chicks are born. They got their very own egg incubator with 12 little eggs. The kids have been so patient, as they've waited for their little friends to arrive.
So you can imagine how "egg-cited" they were to hear that the chicks finally hatched this week! On Thursday, they got to meet and hold the baby chicks for the very first time!
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Building Bridges Across Route 1 - One Step at a Time: “The world for my children is not a better place if I’m excluding children who come from a different place. The world is a better place if everybody has the opportunity to get to wherever it is they want to get to.”
Ever since she started teaching in the area, Riverside Elementary educator Kathy Lehner has been "building bridges across Route 1" -- from organizing Girl Scout service projects, to planning after-school activities at the Creekside Village Community Center.
Now in the COVID era, Kathy has taken her efforts to the next level --- organizing almost-weekly diaper drives to help parents impacted by the COVID pandemic in the Sequoyah neighborhood!
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New Faces at United Community: We are excited to welcome Tamara (Tam) Cobbs to the United Community team! Tamara joins us as a new Director of Community Empowerment.
Tamara has over 18 years of community based services experience in the Virginia, Maryland and DC area. She has a talent for cultivating positive environments for personnel and developing programming that supports families. With a love for community using a heart centered approach, Tamara believes that appropriate resources and great supports can give communities the ability to thrive and flourish.
Tamara holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Johnson C. Smith University and a Master’s of Science in Administration for Public and Community Health from Trinity University. Tamara is the proud mother of 4 young men.
Please join us in welcoming Tamara!
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From your Editor
Marianne
We have been sending the Connect and Worship via email for many months now and will continue to do so even as we gather again. I am always looking for a funny picture, anniversary, graduation, birth or an intercession for someone close to you whom we can pray for, an insight, idea or something to lighten everyone's spirit...feel free to email them to me at momwendel57@gmail.com. This is something Pastor does on Sunday...but not often enough! I would love to share these special moments with our whole church family by adding them to our Connect.
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New Address
As a reminder, please use the new PO Box for donations, or bring your donation to church on Sunday and deposit it in the familiar collection plate (same plate-different location).
If you need it, here is the PO Box info:
Nativity Lutheran Church
PO Box 8083
Alexandria, VA 22306-9998
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ELCA
Below are the links to our Church websites where you will find up to date info about what is being done by and for Lutherans across our nation and the world.
Quick Links
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The Rev. Brent H. Thalacker,
Pastor
bthalacker@cox.net
Carrie Brutscher, Music Director and Council Secretary
Bob Kehler, Council President
Eric Remick Vice President
Debbie Bowers, Treasurer
Donilou24@gmail.com
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Joe Mattis, Stewardship
Sandi Kottman, Council Member (at large)
Brian Bauman, Council Member (at large)
2brianbauman@gmail.com
Marianne Wendel, Administrative Assistant (Volunteer)
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Address:
1300 Collingwood Road,
Alexandria, VA 22308
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