Outdoor Worship on Sunday, January 31

Weather permitting, join us outdoors (with facial covering and maintaining strict physical distance) on this Second Sunday of Christmas, January 31st at 12:15 on the Potomac Street side of the church for a brief service of worship in conjunction of the food collection for AFAC. This brief service includes an order for confession and forgiveness, a reading and reflection, prayers of intercession, the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing. This has become an important way that we can safely gather as church during the pandemic.

Reading the Letter of James in Light of Luther

Join us on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm via Zoom for an exploration of the Letter of James in light of Martin Luther’s treatise, “Freedom of a Christian.” If you are interested in joining in, contact Pastor Linman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Interested in Being Part of New Groups on Zoom?

Those who have participated in our various initiatives via Zoom – Bible Studies, Evening Prayer, occasions for fellowship – have found these occasions to be life-giving ways of staying connected during our pandemic social isolation. If you are interested in being part of a new group or have ideas for such groups, Pastor Linman is eager to communicate more with you about new possibilities. Feel free to reach out to him to get the conversation going: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-972-2076.

Calling for Additional Worship Leaders

For those who have not yet had occasion to be a reader or prayer leader for our home worship videos, we encourage you to volunteer. It’s wonderful to see a variety of our members serve in this capacity on our worship videos, as this gives a sense of our togetherness as a congregation even when we cannot worship indoors in person yet. Consider yourself duly invited. If you are interested or want to learn more about this opportunity, kindly contact Kim Harriz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Pastor Linman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Important Information on RELC's Annual Meeting
January 24, 2021 at 11:00am

Hello Resurrection Member,

We are looking forward to our Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 24 at 11:00 AM. As this is our first digital congregational meeting, we wanted to share some helpful information so all runs smoothly.

This Congregational Meeting will be hosted via Zoom webinar. Zoom webinars differ from Zoom meetings in a few important ways—including how you join, what you see, and how you may participate or ask questions.

• You will need to register in advance to receive the link to join the online congregational meeting. Each member should register individually and use a separate device to log into the meeting, if possible.
• During the meeting, you will see only the staff/council members presenting rather than a gallery of everyone who attends.
• Everyone will be muted upon entry to the meeting. You can raise your hand in order to be unmuted by the host/panelist to ask a question live. You will not have the ability to unmute yourself - only the hosts can do this for you.

Prior to the meeting, please review the proposed changes to the model constitution: Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations 2019

Additional details, including registration information to follow.

Sharing Your Giving Plans

Haven’t let Resurrection know yet how you plan to support its worship and programs? There’s still time. Please consider joining the 42 individuals and families, as of Jan. 4, who shared their intention to provide the resources the church needs for its 2021 budget. Together with 16 members whose automatic contributions will continue through the “Simply Giving” program, the total of 58 pledges is just three behind last year – and five families who pledged and contributed last year have yet to offer their intentions. The pledged offerings we’ve received thus far would only cover a little more than 50 percent of the 2021 budget our Congregation Council is proposing – it’s important for the church to know how you and your family intend to help with Resurrection’s programs. Please submit your giving intent form at one of our outdoor Sunday services, mail it to the church office, or use the online giving intent form.

2021 Offering Envelopes

Yes – although we aren’t meeting in-person each week for worship services, your weekly offering envelopes for 2021 are here! They will be available for you to pick up at our Jan. 17 socially-distant outdoor service – please come and get yours!

For Your Prayers at Home

In addition to our usual prayers of intercession in our home worship, we encourage your prayers throughout the week for the following: the family of Don Hanson; Lee Hanson; Linnea, Bob and Olivia Hoppe; Barb Jensen; Charlotte Boeck; Gretchen Zeltner; Lynn Kiewel; John Beston; Frank Fuelling; Phillip Swingler; Michael Chaffier and family; Maria Liwski; Grant Aldonis; Angie; Debbie; Kat.

Prayer Requests

Should you desire to make prayer requests for persons you care about, or desire prayer for other concerns, please contact Pastor Linman with those requests: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-972-2076. Pastor will make certain that the names you provide will be included in the Prayers of Intercession for Sundays, and they will also be included in a listing of names in the midweek announcements to invite your prayers throughout the week. Making your requests known to Pastor Linman will allow him to follow up with you directly – as your requests for prayer help set the agenda for our Pastor’s ministry at Resurrection Church.

Opportunity for Bible Study, Lectio Divina, and Supportive Conversation

Join us for about an hour every other Thursday morning at 11:00 am on Zoom for Bible Study, lectio divina and conversation about the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel reading. Pastor Linman leads these occasions. Spending time with our appointed Gospel readings promises to enrich the experience of Sunday Home Worship. The next such occasion is Thursday, January 21.

On the alternating Thursdays, this group gathers for fellowship, checking in and supporting each other, as well as spending time discussing the reflection questions from the previous Sunday sermon.

If you are interested in joining these Thursday conversations, please contact Pastor Linman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-972-2076.

Youth Ministry

Provided is a Home Faith Formation Calendar, updated each week with the following week’s recorded content. For those who couldn’t tune in live, see those resources available to you now. Check out too suggestive home activities, lectionary readings, and resources for racial justice for all ages.

The best ways to contact Pastor Linman

Here are the best and most direct ways to contact Pastor Linman. The email address given for his professional and pastoral use is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Pastor Linman’s direct dial phone number in the church office is: 703-972-2076. Please leave a message there if Pastor does not answer. He monitors and responds to his messages throughout the day even when he's not in the office. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Other Announcements?

Should you have announcements that you wish to communicate in this weekly message as committee chairs or those responsible for other ministry initiatives at Resurrection, please contact Monika at the office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by late Monday mornings for inclusion in the message for the coming Wednesday. Thanks!

Outdoor Worship on Sunday, January 17

Weather permitting, join us outdoors (with facial covering and maintaining strict physical distance) on this Second Sunday of Christmas, January 17th at 12:15 on the Potomac Street side of the church for a brief service of worship in conjunction of the food collection for AFAC. This brief service includes an order for confession and forgiveness, a reading and reflection, prayers of intercession, the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing. This has become an important way that we can safely gather as church during the pandemic.

Reading the Letter of James in Light of Luther

Join us on Monday, January 18 at 6:30 pm via Zoom for an exploration of the Letter of James in light of Martin Luther’s treatise, “Freedom of a Christian.” If you are interested in joining in, contact Pastor Linman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

A New Bible Study Starts January 11

Beginning on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 6:30 pm via Zoom, we will commence a new occasion for adult Christian education and formation which will focus on study of the Letter of James alongside engagement with Martin Luther’s treatise, “Freedom of a Christian.” If you are interested in joining in, contact Pastor Linman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Calling for Additional Worship Leaders

For those who have not yet had occasion to be a reader or prayer leader for our home worship videos, we encourage you to volunteer. It’s wonderful to see a variety of our members serve in this capacity on our worship videos, as this gives a sense of our togetherness as a congregation even when we cannot worship indoors in person yet. Consider yourself duly invited. If you are interested or want to learn more about this opportunity, kindly contact Kim Harriz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Pastor Linman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Important Information on RELC's Annual Meeting
January 24, 2021 at 11:00am

Hello Resurrection Member,

We are looking forward to our Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 24 at 11:00 AM. As this is our first digital congregational meeting, we wanted to share some helpful information so all runs smoothly.

This Congregational Meeting will be hosted via Zoom webinar. Zoom webinars differ from Zoom meetings in a few important ways—including how you join, what you see, and how you may participate or ask questions.

• You will need to register in advance to receive the link to join the online congregational meeting. Each member should register individually and use a separate device to log into the meeting, if possible.
• During the meeting, you will see only the staff/council members presenting rather than a gallery of everyone who attends.
• Everyone will be muted upon entry to the meeting. You can raise your hand in order to be unmuted by the host/panelist to ask a question live. You will not have the ability to unmute yourself - only the hosts can do this for you.

Prior to the meeting, please review the proposed changes to the model constitution: Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations 2019

Additional details, including registration information to follow.

Council Recruitment - There's Still Time to Put Your Name in the Ring

The Council is hopeful that members of the congregation will want to serve on the Council. These are challenging times for RELC and churches in general, but an exciting time to help shape our worship for the future. RELC has many talented people and the Council could benefit from those talents.

Current Status of Fiscal Year 2020 Budget and Stewardship

RELC has a general surplus year-to-date (YTD) of approximately $25,000, thanks to very strong December giving. However, we’re still slightly behind last year in the number of pledges and the level of intent which includes seven pledges from families who didn’t provide one last year. YTD total giving trend (2019-2020) is negative by approximately $32,000. RELC will be able to meet 100% of benevolence budget, although we will fall short of budgeted amounts to reserve funds.

Sharing Your Giving Plans

Haven’t let Resurrection know yet how you plan to support its worship and programs? There’s still time. Please consider joining the 42 individuals and families, as of Jan. 4, who shared their intention to provide the resources the church needs for its 2021 budget. Together with 16 members whose automatic contributions will continue through the “Simply Giving” program, the total of 58 pledges is just three behind last year – and five families who pledged and contributed last year have yet to offer their intentions. The pledged offerings we’ve received thus far would only cover a little more than 50 percent of the 2021 budget our Congregation Council is proposing – it’s important for the church to know how you and your family intend to help with Resurrection’s programs. Please submit your giving intent form at one of our outdoor Sunday services, mail it to the church office, or use the online giving intent form.

2021 Offering Envelopes

Yes – although we aren’t meeting in-person each week for worship services, your weekly offering envelopes for 2021 are here! They will be available for you to pick up at our Jan. 17 socially-distant outdoor service – please come and get yours!

For Your Prayers at Home

In addition to our usual prayers of intercession in our home worship, we encourage your prayers throughout the week for the following: the family of Don Hanson; Lee Hanson; Linnea, Bob and Olivia Hoppe; Barb Jensen; Charlotte Boeck; Gretchen Zeltner; Lynn Kiewel; John Beston; Frank Fuelling; Phillip Swingler; Michael Chaffier; Maria Liwski; Grant Aldonis; Angie; Kyler; Debbie; Kat.

Prayer Requests

Should you desire to make prayer requests for persons you care about, or desire prayer for other concerns, please contact Pastor Linman with those requests: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-972-2076. Pastor will make certain that the names you provide will be included in the Prayers of Intercession for Sundays, and they will also be included in a listing of names in the midweek announcements to invite your prayers throughout the week. Making your requests known to Pastor Linman will allow him to follow up with you directly – as your requests for prayer help set the agenda for our Pastor’s ministry at Resurrection Church.

Opportunity for Bible Study, Lectio Divina, and Supportive Conversation

Join us for about an hour every other Thursday morning at 11:00 am on Zoom for Bible Study, lectio divina and conversation about the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel reading. Pastor Linman leads these occasions. Spending time with our appointed Gospel readings promises to enrich the experience of Sunday Home Worship. The next such occasion is Thursday, January 21.

On the alternating Thursdays, this group gathers for fellowship, checking in and supporting each other, as well as spending time discussing the reflection questions from the previous Sunday sermon.

If you are interested in joining these Thursday conversations, please contact Pastor Linman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-972-2076.

Community Organizations Thank Us for Our Support

• We recently received letters of thanks from the following organizations which RELC supports financially with the leadership of our Social Ministry Committee:
• Arlington Food Assistance Center
• A-Span (addressing homelessness in Arlington)
• United Lutheran Seminary
• Alliance for Housing Solutions
• National Capital Treatment and Recovery (Patient Assistance Fund)
• Culpepper Garden (senior affordable housing)
• New Hope Housing (addressing homelessness)
• Mar-Lu-Ridge Conference and Educational Center
• N Street Village (support for women in recovery)
• Just Neighbors (immigration legal services)

Youth Ministry

Provided is a Home Faith Formation Calendar, updated each week with the following week’s recorded content. For those who couldn’t tune in live, see those resources available to you now. Check out too suggestive home activities, lectionary readings, and resources for racial justice for all ages.

The best ways to contact Pastor Linman

Here are the best and most direct ways to contact Pastor Linman. The email address given for his professional and pastoral use is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Pastor Linman’s direct dial phone number in the church office is: 703-972-2076. Please leave a message there if Pastor does not answer. He monitors and responds to his messages throughout the day even when he's not in the office. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Other Announcements?

Should you have announcements that you wish to communicate in this weekly message as committee chairs or those responsible for other ministry initiatives at Resurrection, please contact Monika at the office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by late Monday mornings for inclusion in the message for the coming Wednesday. Thanks!

From Bishop Ortiz Concerning the Events of January 6

Dear Friends in Christ,

This morning, clergy from Delaware-Maryland and Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synods gathered in prayer as protest at Luther Place Memorial Church in Washington D.C. What began as a solemn, peaceful witness, was interrupted by self-identified Trump supporters who barged into the encircled sacred space held by those present. These individuals proceeded to re-enact the murder of George Floyd in our midst and took pictures in front of the Black Lives Matter sign and Martin Luther statue.

In the words of Bishop Bill Gohl of the Delaware-Maryland Synod, “This holy ground was desecrated by those who mocked our purpose and prayer, including a man dressed in a faux animal skin vest who made fun of ‘…that n*gger George Floyd.’ This is a surreal experience that our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) colleagues know all too well. Kyrie eleison.”

I am writing this as a Bishop who is Latina; as one who has experienced first-hand the sinful nature of racism and white supremacy throughout my entire life. As I stood with my colleagues and witnessed evil manifest right before my eyes, I was paralyzed. I was paralyzed by the audacity and the spirit of entitlement and pride. I was paralyzed by the utter inability to recognize the humanity in Black and Brown bodies to the point of mocking and re-enacting such a violent act.

Later, as we left the space and blessed Pastor Karen Brau, along with those who were staying in prayer locally throughout the night, we received word of protestors growing in number around the Capitol. I safely arrived home to the unfolding of utter chaos.

I am writing this as I watch the news and witness anarchy. Our democracy has never been perfect and what we are collectively experiencing is testing the resolve of our nation.

I honestly don’t have the words in this moment, so I turn to the prophets of our past. The words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have been guiding me personally and professionally. In his sermon entitled, “Transformed Non-Conformist,” inspired by Romans 12:2, Dr. King states:

“In spite of [the] prevailing tendency to conform, we as Christians have a mandate to be nonconformists. The apostle Paul, who knew the inner realities of the Christian faith, counseled, ‘Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.’ We are called to be people of conviction, not conformity; of moral nobility, not social respectability. We are commanded to live differently and according to a higher loyalty.”

The conviction and loyalty that we are called to as people of faith is to the Gospel. Dr. King continues, “If the church of Jesus Christ is to regain once more it’s power, message, and authentic reign, it must conform only to the demands of the Gospel.”

What we are witnessing today is a conviction of sorts and, some might argue that, the actions of the protestors in D.C. are an embodiment of their convictions. However, we must interrogate the convictions that inspire such actions, behaviors, and presence in the world.

As people of faith, we are called to conform only to the demands of the Gospel; demands that always bend towards justice. The demands of the Gospel never justify the killing of a community, of a body, of a spirit. The demands of the Gospel recognize humanity in each of God’s beloved human creation. The demands of the Gospel require dignity and respect, for stranger, for neighbor, and for creation. The demands of the Gospel speak to life, and life abundant.

As the church of Jesus Christ, in this moment, you and I are called to “…stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We are called to take up the whole armor of God so that we may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” – Ephesians 6:11-13 I am in prayer with and for you, myself, and our nation and I ask that you join me. Look to hear from me and your church leaders in the coming days and weeks as we live into our call as the church of Jesus Christ, for such a time as this.

May God give us grace never to sell ourselves short;
Grace to conform only to the demands of the Gospel;
Grace to lean into life and life abundant;
And grace to stand firm in bold and boundless love.

In the name of the Triune God, the One who creates, liberates, and sustains us all. Amen.

Bishop Leila Ortiz

Here is a link to the full message and video.

Outdoor Worship on Sunday, January 17

Weather permitting, join us outdoors (with facial covering and maintaining strict physical distance) on this Second Sunday of Christmas, January 17th at 12:15 on the Potomac Street side of the church for a brief service of worship in conjunction of the food collection for AFAC. This brief service includes an order for confession and forgiveness, a reading and reflection, prayers of intercession, the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing. This has become an important way that we can safely gather as church during the pandemic.

A New Bible Study Starts January 11

Beginning on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 6:30 pm via Zoom, we will commence a new occasion for adult Christian education and formation which will focus on study of the Letter of James alongside engagement with Martin Luther’s treatise, “Freedom of a Christian.” If you are interested in joining in, contact Pastor Linman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Calling for Additional Worship Leaders

For those who have not yet had occasion to be a reader or prayer leader for our home worship videos, we encourage you to volunteer. It’s wonderful to see a variety of our members serve in this capacity on our worship videos, as this gives a sense of our togetherness as a congregation even when we cannot worship indoors in person yet. Consider yourself duly invited. If you are interested or want to learn more about this opportunity, kindly contact Kim Harriz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Pastor Linman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Sharing Your Giving Plans

Haven’t let Resurrection know yet how you plan to support its worship and programs? There’s still time. Please consider joining the 42 individuals and families, as of Jan. 4, who shared their intention to provide the resources the church needs for its 2021 budget. Together with 16 members whose automatic contributions will continue through the “Simply Giving” program, the total of 58 pledges is just three behind last year – and five families who pledged and contributed last year have yet to offer their intentions. The pledged offerings we’ve received thus far would only cover a little more than 50 percent of the 2021 budget our Congregation Council is proposing – it’s important for the church to know how you and your family intend to help with Resurrection’s programs. Please submit your giving intent form at one of our outdoor Sunday services, mail it to the church office, or use the online giving intent form.

2021 Offering Envelopes

Yes – although we aren’t meeting in-person each week for worship services, your weekly offering envelopes for 2021 are here! They will be available for you to pick up at our Jan. 17 socially-distant outdoor service – please come and get yours!

Responding to Resurrection’s Needs

This has been a difficult year, one like few of us have ever experienced. Yet even though we haven’t been able to meet in person as a congregation since March, this pandemic has shown us in new ways how important our church is to our lives, our families, and our community. Resurrection has responded to this crisis by developing virtual worship and education programs and by supporting ministries to our community in innovative ways.

Now your church needs you to respond. In the absence of our usual Sunday services, Resurrection has missed out on a large part of nearly $20,000 given in loose offerings at services last year, although members are using the “Donate” button on the RELC website to continue to make offerings. Even so, our offerings have dropped off more than 9 percent this year and are currently 8 percent behind the church’s actual expenses, even though our expenses are also less than anticipated.

As you consider your year-end contributions, remember what Resurrection has meant to you, your family and your neighbors in these trying times and the importance of providing our church with the resources it needs to maintain and expand its work. And please remember to pledge your intent to ensure that the congregation will support Resurrection’s proposed budget for its services and ministries in 2021. Please prayerfully consider a generous year-end offering to celebrate the light of Christ’s coming and God’s blessings in these dark days.

Important Announcement on RELC'S Annual Meeting

The next RELC annual meeting will be Sunday, January 24, 2021 and will be conducted virtually. More details will follow. The Council has approved changes to the model constitution for congregations that were approved at the 2019 church wide assembly and must be sent to the congregation 30 days before the meeting date. These changes were recommended by RELC's Administration Committee for the 2020 annual meeting but were deferred to the annual meeting in 2021. The proposed changes to the model constitution are below.

Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations 2019-RELC-121020

Coming Soon: Elections for New Members of the RELC Congregation Council!

Elections for new members of RELC's Congregation Council will take place as usual at our Annual Congregational Meeting in January. The Congregation Council serves as a core team of leaders for our congregation as we undertake together as a local church God’s mission in the world. These are both exciting and challenging times for our church, for our nation, and for our world. If you have passion about the future directions of Resurrection Church’s mission, and if you sense the possible nudges of God’s call to you to serve on Council, please engage in prayerful discernment about becoming a nominee for election to the Council.

You may contact members of this year's Nominating Committee for more information, to express interest in being nominated or to enquire about how to nominate someone else:

• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For Your Prayers at Home

In addition to our usual prayers of intercession in our home worship, we encourage your prayers throughout the week for the following: the family of Don Hanson; Lee Hanson; Linnea, Bob and Olivia Hoppe; Barb Jensen; Charlotte Boeck; Gretchen Zeltner; Lynn Kiewel; John Beston; Frank Fuelling; Phillip Swingler; Michael Chaffier; Maria Liwski; Grant Aldonis; Angie; Kyler; Debbie; Kat.

Prayer Requests

Should you desire to make prayer requests for persons you care about, or desire prayer for other concerns, please contact Pastor Linman with those requests: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-972-2076. Pastor will make certain that the names you provide will be included in the Prayers of Intercession for Sundays, and they will also be included in a listing of names in the midweek announcements to invite your prayers throughout the week. Making your requests known to Pastor Linman will allow him to follow up with you directly – as your requests for prayer help set the agenda for our Pastor’s ministry at Resurrection Church.

Opportunity for Bible Study, Lectio Divina, and Supportive Conversation

Join us for about an hour every other Thursday morning at 11:00 am on Zoom for Bible Study, lectio divina and conversation about the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel reading. Pastor Linman leads these occasions. Spending time with our appointed Gospel readings promises to enrich the experience of Sunday Home Worship. The next such occasion is Thursday, January 7.

On the alternating Thursdays, this group gathers for fellowship, checking in and supporting each other, as well as spending time discussing the reflection questions from the previous Sunday sermon.

If you are interested in joining these Thursday conversations, please contact Pastor Linman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-972-2076.

Clothes Closet Update (Not Accepting Donations)

Due to the pandemic, the Clothes Closet is closed. At this time, it has been decided that the Clothes Closet will remain closed until further notice. All previously accepted donations have been re-donated to charities who are still operational. We kindly ask that no further donations be left in the Clothes Closet because the room creates too much moisture for storing clothing. Any items left in the room will likely become damaged and destroyed by mold. The Clothes Closet volunteers and ministry leaders will continue to meet and discuss the future of this ministry at RELC. We thank you very much for your understanding and patience during this time.

Youth Ministry

Provided is a Home Faith Formation Calendar, updated each week with the following week’s recorded content. For those who couldn’t tune in live, see those resources available to you now. Check out too suggestive home activities, lectionary readings, and resources for racial justice for all ages.

The best ways to contact Pastor Linman

Here are the best and most direct ways to contact Pastor Linman. The email address given for his professional and pastoral use is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Pastor Linman’s direct dial phone number in the church office is: 703-972-2076. Please leave a message there if Pastor does not answer. He monitors and responds to his messages throughout the day even when he's not in the office. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Other Announcements?

Should you have announcements that you wish to communicate in this weekly message as committee chairs or those responsible for other ministry initiatives at Resurrection, please contact Monika at the office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by late Monday mornings for inclusion in the message for the coming Wednesday. Thanks!

Outdoor Worship This Sunday

Weather permitting (they are calling for steady rain in the morning as this is written), join us outdoors (with facial covering and maintaining strict physical distance) on this Second Sunday of Christmas, January 3rd at 12:15 on the Potomac Street side of the church for a brief service of worship in conjunction of the food collection for AFAC. This brief service includes an order for confession and forgiveness, a reading and reflection, prayers of intercession, the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing. This has become an important way that we can safely gather as church during the pandemic.

Evening Prayer Via Zoom on the Day of Epiphany

Join us for Evening Prayer at 7:00 pm via Zoom on the Day of Epiphany, Wednesday, January 6th. Watch for your Constant Contact message on Tuesday where you will find the Zoom link to participate as well as a link to the bulletin for each service. May this occasion brighten our lives with the light of Christ on this important festival in the church year.

Calling for Additional Worship Leaders

For those who have not yet had occasion to be a reader or prayer leader for our home worship videos, we encourage you to volunteer. It’s wonderful to see a variety of our members serve in this capacity on our worship videos, as this gives a sense of our togetherness as a congregation even when we cannot worship indoors in person yet. Consider yourself duly invited. If you are interested or want to learn more about this opportunity, kindly contact Kim Harriz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Pastor Linman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Update on Giving Intentions

Thanks to all the individuals and families who’ve pledged their intention to financially support Resurrection’s proposed budget for 2021! As of Dec. 21, 38 families and individuals have affirmed their giving intentions. Combined with 19 members who automatically contribute through the “Simply Giving” program, the total of 57 pledges is only four behind last year’s total – and nine families who pledged and contributed regularly last year haven’t yet affirmed their giving intentions for 2021! We’ve received seven pledges from families who didn’t provide one last year, and twelve families said they intend to increase their offerings for the church’s programs and ministries in the New Year.

If you haven’t pledged your intent to help support the church’s ministries, it’s not too late! The pledged offerings we’ve received thus far would only cover a little more than 50 percent of the budget our Congregation Council is proposing for 2021 – we need to know how you and your family intend to help with Resurrection’s programs. Please submit your giving intent form at one of our outdoor Sunday services, mail it to the church office, or use the online giving intent form.

Responding to Resurrection’s Needs

This has been a difficult year, one like few of us have ever experienced. Yet even though we haven’t been able to meet in person as a congregation since March, this pandemic has shown us in new ways how important our church is to our lives, our families, and our community. Resurrection has responded to this crisis by developing virtual worship and education programs and by supporting ministries to our community in innovative ways.

Now your church needs you to respond. In the absence of our usual Sunday services, Resurrection has missed out on a large part of nearly $20,000 given in loose offerings at services last year, although members are using the “Donate” button on the RELC website to continue to make offerings. Even so, our offerings have dropped off more than 9 percent this year and are currently 8 percent behind the church’s actual expenses, even though our expenses are also less than anticipated.

As you consider your year-end contributions, remember what Resurrection has meant to you, your family and your neighbors in these trying times and the importance of providing our church with the resources it needs to maintain and expand its work. And please remember to pledge your intent to ensure that the congregation will support Resurrection’s proposed budget for its services and ministries in 2021. Please prayerfully consider a generous year-end offering to celebrate the light of Christ’s coming and God’s blessings in these dark days.

Important Announcement on RELC'S Annual Meeting

The next RELC annual meeting will be Sunday, January 24, 2021 and will be conducted virtually. More details will follow. The Council has approved changes to the model constitution for congregations that were approved at the 2019 church wide assembly and must be sent to the congregation 30 days before the meeting date. These changes were recommended by RELC's Administration Committee for the 2020 annual meeting but were deferred to the annual meeting in 2021. The proposed changes to the model constitution are below.

Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations 2019-RELC-121020

Coming in January: Elections for New Members of the RELC Congregation Council!

Elections for new members of RELC's Congregation Council will take place as usual at our Annual Congregational Meeting in January. The Congregation Council serves as a core team of leaders for our congregation as we undertake together as a local church God’s mission in the world. These are both exciting and challenging times for our church, for our nation, and for our world. If you have passion about the future directions of Resurrection Church’s mission, and if you sense the possible nudges of God’s call to you to serve on Council, please engage in prayerful discernment about becoming a nominee for election to the Council.

You may contact members of this year's Nominating Committee for more information, to express interest in being nominated or to enquire about how to nominate someone else:

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For Your Prayers at Home

In addition to our usual prayers of intercession in our home worship, we encourage your prayers throughout the week for the following: the family of Don Hanson; Lee Hanson; Linnea, Bob and Olivia Hoppe; Barb Jensen; Charlotte Boeck; Gretchen Zeltner; Lynn Kiewel; John Beston; Frank Fuelling; Phillip Swingler; Michael Chaffier; Maria Liwski; Grant Aldonis; Angie; Kyler; Debbie; Kat.

Prayer Requests

Should you desire to make prayer requests for persons you care about, or desire prayer for other concerns, please contact Pastor Linman with those requests: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-972-2076. Pastor will make certain that the names you provide will be included in the Prayers of Intercession for Sundays, and they will also be included in a listing of names in the midweek announcements to invite your prayers throughout the week. Making your requests known to Pastor Linman will allow him to follow up with you directly – as your requests for prayer help set the agenda for our Pastor’s ministry at Resurrection Church.

Clothes Closet Update (Not Accepting Donations)

Due to the pandemic, the Clothes Closet is closed. At this time, it has been decided that the Clothes Closet will remain closed until further notice. All previously accepted donations have been re-donated to charities who are still operational. We kindly ask that no further donations be left in the Clothes Closet because the room creates too much moisture for storing clothing. Any items left in the room will likely become damaged and destroyed by mold. The Clothes Closet volunteers and ministry leaders will continue to meet and discuss the future of this ministry at RELC. We thank you very much for your understanding and patience during this time.

Opportunity for Bible Study, Lectio Divina, and Supportive Conversation

Join us for about an hour every other Thursday morning at 11:00 am on Zoom for Bible Study, lectio divina and conversation about the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel reading. Pastor Linman leads these occasions. Spending time with our appointed Gospel readings promises to enrich the experience of Sunday Home Worship. The next such occasion is Thursday, January 7.

On the alternating Thursdays, this group gathers for fellowship, checking in and supporting each other, as well as spending time discussing the reflection questions from the previous Sunday sermon.

If you are interested in joining these Thursday conversations, please contact Pastor Linman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-972-2076.

Children 6th grade and younger

As we close out 2020, if you missed our Christmas pajama party, don’t worry. We had so much fun that we will find something to celebrate each month J. Our New Years Eve/Epiphany boxes are now ready for pick up. You will want to have these before New Year’s Eve, as there are crafts/projects to get you ready for your celebrations. Also, you will find a Family Blessing for New Year’s Eve, in each box. Light a candle and spend time together as a family and with God as you close out 2020 and begin 2021. I will deliver boxes to you if you live close to the church. Let me know what works best for you J. More info coming to an inbox near you…

Angie Brooke This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Youth Ministry

Provided is a Home Faith Formation Calendar, updated each week with the following week’s recorded content. For those who couldn’t tune in live, see those resources available to you now. Check out too suggestive home activities, lectionary readings, and resources for racial justice for all ages.

A New Bible Study in January

Beginning on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 6:30 pm via Zoom, we will commence a new occasion for adult Christian education and formation which will focus on study of the Letter of James alongside engagement with Martin Luther’s treatise, “Freedom of a Christian.” If you are interested in joining in, contact Pastor Linman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

The best ways to contact Pastor Linman

Here are the best and most direct ways to contact Pastor Linman. The email address given for his professional and pastoral use is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Pastor Linman’s direct dial phone number in the church office is: 703-972-2076. Please leave a message there if Pastor does not answer. He monitors and responds to his messages throughout the day even when he's not in the office. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Other Announcements?

Should you have announcements that you wish to communicate in this weekly message as committee chairs or those responsible for other ministry initiatives at Resurrection, please contact Monika at the office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by late Monday mornings for inclusion in the message for the coming Wednesday. Thanks!

Blessing of Your Home on the Day of Epiphany

Here is another idea for devotion at home, especially appropriate in this our time of spending more time at home because of the pandemic: a traditional house blessing on Epiphany.

Here is an order of service that you may use at home:

Matthew writes that when the magi saw the shining star stop overhead, they were filled with joy. “On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother” (Matt. 2:10-11). In the home, Christ is met in family and friends, in visitors and strangers. In the home, faith is shared, nurtured, and put into action. In the home, Christ is welcome.

Twelfth Night (January 5), Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6), or another day during the time after Epiphany offers an occasion for gathering with friends and family members for a blessing for the home. Someone may lead the greeting and blessing, while another person may read the scripture passage. Following an eastern European tradition, a visual blessing may be inscribed with white chalk above the main door; for example, 20 + CMB + 21. The numbers change with each new year. The three letters stand for either the ancient Latin blessing Christe mansionem benedicat, which means “Christ, bless this house,” or the legendary names of the magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar).

Greeting
May peace be to this house and to all who enter here. By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3-4)

Reading
As we prepare to ask God’s blessing on this household, let us listen to the words of scripture.

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came into being through him,
and without him not one thing came into being,
and the life was the light of all people.
The Word became flesh and lived among us,
and we have seen his glory,
the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
From his fullness we have all received,
grace upon grace. (John 1:1-4, 14, 16)

Inscription
This inscription may be made with chalk above the entrance: 20 + C M B + 21

Write the appropriate character (left) while speaking the text (right).

The magi of old, known as

C   Caspar,
M   Melchior, and
B   Balthasar,

followed the star of God’s Son who came to dwell among us

20   two thousand
21   and twenty-one years ago.
☩    Christ, bless this house,
☩    and remain with us throughout the new year.

Prayer of Blessing
O God, you revealed your Son to all people
by the shining light of a star.
We pray that you bless this home and all who live here
with your gracious presence.
May your love be our inspiration,
your wisdom our guide,
your truth our light,
and your peace our benediction;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Then everyone may walk from room to room, blessing the house with incense or by sprinkling with water, perhaps using a branch from the Christmas tree. An acclamation may be sung during the procession.

Adapted from Come, Lord Jesus: Devotions for the Home (Augsburg Fortress, 1996). See also “Blessing for a Home” in Evangelical Lutheran Worship Pastoral Care, pp. 337–353.

Copyright © 2016 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS024835.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.