Nokesville Church of the Brethren

June 2023 Newsletter

PASTOR’S PONDERINGS

We’ve had an early spring, and it seems like summer has begun. One of the most notable activities right now is produce gardening. I’ve seen posts on social media and witnessed conversations about the timing, the soil, the purposes, and the weather as they all pertain to gardening for a good harvest. Agricultural references were used by Jesus and continue to provide great word-pictures of faith formation and the Body of Christ.

Gardening begins with the soil. We have to get in the dirt. Some plants need soil that drains easily. Others can grow in almost any soil. For the gardener, breaking up the soil and keeping weeds out are necessary for the best growth. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13), Jesus taught that there are climates, rocks, and weeds that can choke out our faith. But there is a soil where people can grow for the kingdom of God.

Choosing what and where to plant is up to the gardener. There’s a plethora of types and varieties. Some plants produce a lot from a single stem. Others have multiple fruits on multiple branches. Some stay close to the soil and grow laterally. Some produce below the dirt. Others reach up perhaps enlisting the aid of other plants. Gardeners help with this by companion planting. Specific plants near each other may help increase soil nutrients, keep pests away, and get the most out of the garden. The plants benefit each other.

Consider the Body of Christ. We have a Master gardener who’s been at it since the beginning of Creation. God creates all kinds of people, places them in all kinds of places, and gives them purpose. We’ve been given gifts through the Holy Spirit so that we can “companion” with one another. Like the produce garden, there is variety.

Any two people are like two tomato plants of the same variety that appear and produce differently. As followers of Jesus, we are in the garden together, but still individually distinct. Our growth and harvest rely on God. The Apostle Paul said, “that neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:7) Like sunflowers, may we turn our faces to the Son of God so that our roots grow deeply, and our branches produce fruit abundantly.

Grace & peace in Jesus Christ,

Pastor Janet

SERVICE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Senior Socials: We continue to meet for lunch and entertainment on the third Wednesday of each month. Our Nokesville senior citizens are invited, so let your friends and neighbors know that we would welcome them.

Field of Boaz: (local group volunteering for Growing Hope Globally.) Due to your generosity, we raised $1215 which is much greater than the $500 pledge of support that we promised. A celebration of the harvest will be held at Midland COB in conjunction with Apple Fest on October 28; more details to follow.

Nokesville Day: By the time the newsletter goes out, Nokesville Day will have already occurred. Hopefully, you visited our food tent and chatted with friends in the Hospitality tent.

Food Truck Fridays: May 12^th was the first offering and was well attended. Join us on the second Fridays each month for some good food and visiting with your Nokesville neighbors.

CROP Walk: NCOB will team up with MCOB on September 24^th. Stay tuned for details.

Fellowship of the Least Coin: Each time you pray for peace, drop a coin in the collection vessels in the Sanctuary or at the Senior Socials.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

A special thank you to Kerry Molina for the wonderful art activity she provided for our Ladies’ Evening. Some of the artwork can be found on display in the narthex display case.

Upcoming Events

The children are invited to our June Kids’ Lunch on June 11 immediately following worship. Bring your bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen and be ready to enjoy an afternoon of water play! Be on the lookout for more information closer to the date of the event.

We will celebrate the men of our congregation on June 18^th with a special breakfast. Join us to show our appreciation for the men who play important roles in our lives and our congregation.

Coffee Hour: Thank you to everyone who has contributed breakfast for our weekly coffee hour. It is a wonderful way to start our Sunday mornings. Please consider signing up for our future dates. Breakfast can be as simple or as complex as you would like to make it. Once Sunday school is out for the summer, breakfast will begin at 10:15 am.

Food Truck Friday: Our next Food Truck Friday Event will feature Law Dawgs Food Truck on June 9^th from 4-7pm. Friends and family are invited to join us for this community event. See the menu below.

SUMMER MUSIC

We would like to have special music again this summer during worship. It can be instrumental, vocal or groups. If you would like to volunteer or have a suggestion of someone we might ask, please let Suzie Evans (703-403-1571) or Pastor Janet know. Thank you!

RAINBOW PRESCHOOL

Thank you to Pastor Janet for providing a welcome message for our preschool graduation program. We had a fun evening with over 200 people in attendance.

Our first summer camp will be June 5–9, we will also have them July 17-21, and July 31 – August 4. All camps are from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. The camps are open to our current students.

We still have openings in classes for the fall if you or someone you know is interested. For more information, visit our website: rainbowpreschool.us.

FLOWER SHARING

We have created a Signup Genius so you can order flowers online. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EABAE29A4F94-2023

Your offerings can be made through our website. https://www.continuetogive.com/ncobbudget

SERVING JUNE 2023

June 4

June 11

June 18

June 25

Worship Leader

Gayle Hawkins

Coleen Rother

Ron Croushorn

Mark Tinsman

Acolytes

Bev Slabaugh

Jackson Nelson

Melanie & Sara Ali

Jackie Bear

Children’s Story

Gayle Hawkins

Melanie Ali

Suzie Evans

Matt Nelson

Nursery

Dianne Nelson

Katlyn Keesler

Jackie Bear

Megan Nelson

Carrie Diethorn

Pam Breslin

Pianist

Suzie Evans

Organist

Mary Weybright

Hymn Leader

Jeannette Funkhouser

Flowers are given to the glory of God by

Lyn Ficili in honor of her and Tony’s 48th anniversary.

Lyn Ficili in honor of Kerry Molina’s birthday.

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Coffee Fellowship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m.

Pastor Janet’s Office Hours

Tues – Fri

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

jcmyers2@outlook.com