All of us come through various rituals of preparation and take a variety of routes to this corner; but when we gather, we become the First Presbyterian Church of Annandale on the corner of Newcastle and Bristow! Our origins are in many states, even several countries. Our interests are many, our hurts and hopes cover a wide scale. But together, we enjoy and we are grateful to be the church in this place.
Something else shapes our corporate personality: we bid welcome to those who would like to come among us. Our welcome seeks always to include others in our worship, work, fellowship, and affection.
Our Worship
Worship on Sunday mornings begins at 10:00. A nursery is provided for children and the children are welcomed within the service, ~ the choice is the parents’ preference. Members of the congregation share in the leadership of worship. The Chancel Choir enriches the experience of worship. The Hand Bell Choir frequently contributes. We celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month, as well as on special occasions within the Church calendar.
We worship on special occasions, most particularly during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Music is always a significant part of these special services.
For many of us, worship is the way we begin a new week. The experience of God’s grace, the declaration that God is Lord of life, the understanding that God’s Word is a transforming experience ~ these are the emphases of our worship services. We are glad to experience these realities within the context of a community.
Our Work
Within the congregation, we work enthusiastically to provide Christian education for both children and adults. We visit the ill and the home-confined, and we offer an assistance to one another from prayer to providing transportation and meals, from baby-sitting to the special privilege of listening to and sharing individual expressions of what it means to be alive and a child of God.
We go beyond this corner and we go beyond the membership of our church in our expression of faith. Our largest single ministry to the community beyond us is our participation in the Parenting Partnership program in partnership with the Social Service Department of Fairfax County. Our volunteers and funds from our benevolence budget makes this service to the community possible.
Along with nearly twenty other churches, we participate in and fund the Annandale Community for Action (ACCA), a ministry of compassion and sharing that helps citizens of the Annandale area when they need food, furniture, medicine, fuel, emergency housing, and transportation to doctors’ appointments.
Members of our church give of themselves to Bethany House, OAR, Christmas in April, the Crop Walk, and leadership in Scouting activities. Our buildings and grounds are frequently used by organizations within the community. Scouting groups meet here regularly. We serve as host for an AL-ANON chapter that meets in our building each Saturday. We are appreciative and delighted when families from our neighborhood walk our lovely grounds or bring their children to our walks and parking lot to play.
We give of our human and financial resources to our denominational ministries ~ serving on boards and committees; underwriting Campus Ministry, new church development, foreign missions, theological education for future ministers, camp experiences for youth.
Our Fellowship
Like people in most churches, we love to eat. And we do that together frequently. Suppers, receptions, refreshments, lunches and brunches are frequently included in the normal activities of this congregation. And like most churches, we think there is something resembling blessing attached to sharing food with one another. We even, in small groups, find ourselves gathering in the homes of the congregation for the joy of eating and relating to one another. We meet each other for lunch, even breakfast.
We work together on projects like a Fall Festival, the fall and spring clean-up days, special music presentations, Vacation Church School, and the Session Commissions that shape our ministry and programs. Each occasion accomplishes something, but we are convinced that the mutual shaping and sharing we experience is the real value of our activities.
Our Affection
Many of us now share our lives and our days with one another in ways that go beyond the programs and functions of this church. But it was here that such possibilities presented themselves.
In this special place we find ways to meet, ways to bond, ways to share interests and concerns. In all we do here we find such miracles as trust, mutuality, accommodation, and freedom to be ourselves given and returned in such fashion that we open up other arenas of our lives and invite companionship.
An Invitation
The members of The First Presbyterian Church of Annandale invite others to know us.
Our pastor’s study is open and he is glad to listen.
Our worship is enriched when others share the experience with us.
Our church office is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and our secretary enjoys being responsive for us.
Our special programs of music and worship are always accompanied by invitations to the public.
Our building can be reserved for special meetings.
Our grounds are for the enjoyment of the neighborhood.
Welcome to this special place!
