Midweek Update: Perspective in the Pandemic
Dear Fourth Church Family,
I hope you enjoy today’s video, a recording of my Zoom conversation with Dr. John V. Fesko, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Fesko speaks to the question, “How did Christians in former generations endure prolonged periods of change and upheaval?” I pray that his words help bring peace and perspective during this difficult time.
A few reminders for this week. Additional information is below:
- July 29: 5:30 p.m., Join us for Congregational Prayer
- July 29: 6:45 p.m., High School Root
- July 30: Children’s Summer Reading Club and Outdoor Games
- August 5 & 8: “Drive-Through” Food Drive
Grace and Peace,
Tommy
Sunday Services Survey
To help us plan for the fall and winter months, please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and let us know your thoughts about attending services on the Fourth Church campus. The survey closes today, July 29 at 5:00 p.m
Worship Services, Sunday, August 2
We extend a warm invitation to everyone in the community to join us for on-campus worship services! Safety continues to be our top priority in this first phase of regathering. Please note that because of physical distancing, advance reservations are required for all three services.
Outdoor Services | 8:00 & 9:30 a.m.
Lower (east) Parking Lot
Indoor Service | 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Face coverings required
Also available via livestream
- If you need to cancel your reservation, please email Rebecca Sparks-Korossy, rkorossy@4thpres.org.
- Scripture for Sunday, August 2 | Old Testament: Zechariah 3:1-4 | New Testament: Romans 8:31-34
- For now there is no childcare or on-site Sunday school, but online classes and activities are available for children, youth, and adults. All ages are welcome in Sunday worship services.
Congregational Prayer Online, Wednesdays, 5:30-6:00 p.m.
Join our churchwide online prayer time by video or phone. See the information sent to the Fourth community this morning via email. If it’s your first time joining us, you can get familiar with Zoom videoconferencing ahead of time here.
Questions for church staff? Call: 301-320-3600, x205, or email Sallie Holdrich, sholdrich@4thpres.org.
“Drive-Through” Food Drive
Wednesday, August 5, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 8, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
The neighborhood and church family are invited to contribute to a food drive conducted by Fourth Presbyterian Church youth in partnership with our Missions Local Outreach. Donated food and supplies are distributed to our ministry partners including Samaritan Inns’ Clark Inn, Rockville Women’s Center, YoungLives, and neighbors in the DMV.
Instructions
- Mark your contributions FOOD DRIVE and place them in the trunk of your vehicle
- Please wear a mask.
- Drive to the covered entrance on the Ridgefield Road side of the church.
Note the church building is closed and the food drive is outside. - Use the outer lane and remain in your car for safe distancing.
- You will see tables set up for sorting donations.
- Release the trunk, and youth staff or volunteers wearing masks and gloves will unload your contribution.
- Please bring any quantity of the following (NO glass):
- canned soups, especially meat stews
- boxed milk (non-refrigerated)
- baby formula
- men’s full-sized toiletries
- pasta and rice
- canned spaghetti sauce
- canned meat and/or fish
- peanut butter and jelly
- canned or dried beans
- paper goods – toilet paper, tissues, paper towels
- cooking oil
- diapers (any size) and wipes
- baby food
- grocery gift cards in any amount with receipt attached
Ministry Announcements
Family Ministries
Contact: Marie LeDuc, mleduc@4thpres.org.
Children’s Summer Reading Club | Come to our final week of the Children’s Drive-Through Summer Reading Club, Thursday, July 30, 10:00-11:00 a.m., under the Covered Portico Entrance (Ridgefield Road side) to return books and pick up prizes for reading and memorizing Psalm 23.
Children’s Outdoor Games | Join us this Thursday, July 30, in the Lower Lot, 10:15-10:45 a.m., for fun activities and games that can be played while physically distanced. Spaces are limited and RSVP is required.
Children’s Sunday School | Take advantage of your time at home to enjoy this week’s Fourth Family Huddle reading. We encourage you to read, sing, and pray together with your families this week as we explore the Book of Acts.
Youth Ministry | High School Root will meet tonight, 6:45-8:30 p.m., offsite in Olney. Both middle and high school will have grade-specific activities in early August. For locations and event information, please contact the email above. Our virtual Sunday School continues to meet.
Fourth Fellows Program
Contact: David Frerichs, dfrerichs@4thpres.org, or Jennifer Redd, jredd@4thpres.org
In 4 weeks, 12 fellows arrive and will spend 9 months working, studying, and serving among us, while investing in and being invested in by the Fourth community. Please let us know if you can help provide household items for female Fellows who will be living in community housing.
Women’s Ministry
Contact: Jean Bronson, jbronson@4thpres.org.
Women’s Fall Bible Studies | We will study the book of Hosea using Hosea: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible), by Lydia Brownback, which is available from online vendors such as Westminster Bookstore, Amazon.com, and Christianbook.com. If you use Amazon, consider starting at smile.amazon.com and designating Fourth Presbyterian Church (Bethesda) as the charity, and the church will receive a portion of the purchase. More information to come in August.
Community Groups
Contact: Tommy Myrick, tmyrick@4thpres.org
We are making plans for community groups to resume in September with online fellowship and sermon discussion via Zoom. This fall we would like to add several new groups to help accommodate increased interest. Please get in touch if you would like information about leading a new community group.
Adult Sunday School
Contact: Kathy Lofberg, klofberg@4thpres.org
Fall Pastor’s Classes | Online, September 6–December 6.
- The 9:30 class will study Galatians: register here.
- The 11:00 class will study Joshua: register here.
From the Finance Office
Contact: Ruth Williams, rwilliams@4thpres.org
Giving envelopes are mailed every three months to those who request them. We are happy to continue to send them, but if you no longer need or want giving envelopes, please email by Monday, August 17, to be removed from the fourth quarter envelope mailing list.
Did you know?
- If you give by check, your check has all we need to record your gift for tax purposes.
- An envelope with your name and address is needed for tax credit only when you are giving cash.
- Online giving on Fourth’s website is easy and secure. Click GIVE at the top right of any page on the website.