1020 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 Map
(703) 821-0800 Contact Us
Single Adult Fellowship (SAF) seeks to reach out to all singles, whether widowed, divorced, or never married, from around age 45 and up. We aspire to minister to the unique needs of singles while encouraging them to remain within the mainstream of the congregation so as to enjoy a whole experience. However, SAF is by no means restricted to members and regular attenders of MPC. Those from other congregations and those who may not have a church home are more than welcome.
Although most of those in the group are 50 or over, there is no age limitation. The warmth and friendliness of SAF make it an inviting context for those of various ages. To us - age is not so much a number, but an attitude!
The Fellowship exists:
If this is the kind of group you are interested in we’d love to have you join us. SAF is led by our Associate Pastor/Minister of Pastoral Care, Dr. Marlin (Butch) Hardman, a former widower who met his wife, Peggy, in SAF. For further information, contact Butch at 703.821.0800, ext 567 or butch@mcleanpres.org.
SAF has no formal membership, but you can become a part of the group by joining us for our Sunday night Bible study or any of our other activities.
To access our calendar, please click here.
One Saturday each month (usually the second one) there are get-togethers ranging from potluck dinners to picnics and cookouts at private residences or parks. These events are accompanied by stimulating and fun-filled conversation, and, depending on the weather, may include tubing, canoeing, etc. Once in a while “Second Saturday” takes place at a local restaurant. This is sometimes preceded or followed by another activity such as visiting a museum, bowling, etc. It is a laid back time of food, fun, and fellowship.
One of the highlights of every fall is our SAF retreat at Black Rock Retreat, Quarryville, PA, in the Lancaster area. Carpooling is provided and the retreat is anything but “non-stop meetings.” Saturday afternoons are free for participants to spend as they desire. A speaker develops a designated theme for the weekend and there are numerous opportunities for getting acquainted and developing friendships.
In addition to the above, there are other enjoyable enterprises which may include a canoe trip, tours, hikes, concerts, a professional baseball game, etc. Our Christmas party is a “dress up” affair and is always one of our outstanding events.
One of the most meaningful and supportive aspects of SAF is what takes place in members’ lives throughout the week. As lives connect, those in SAF communicate prayer and ministry needs, meet for meals, and assist and encourage one another in numerous practical and fun ways. This outworking of the Biblical concept of community makes our group times even more significant and worthwhile.
This is the focal point of our ministry. With the exception of holiday weekends, the Bible study meets every week during the ministry year and every other week during the summer from 6-8pm at MPC in Rooms 14-15. Our leader is Associate Pastor Marlin (Butch) Hardman, average attendance is 15-20, dress is casual, and the format is informal including an “ice-breaker”, some singing, a brief session of prayer, and a time of practical, interactive study of God’s Word. Refreshments are included and many stay after 8:00 for further fellowship.
The dates we will NOT meet during 2008 are as follows:
January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend
February 17 - Presidents’ Day Weekend
March 23 - Easter
April 6 - MPC “Kids for the King’ Concert
May 11 - Mother’s Day Weekend
May 25 - Memorial Day Weekend
June 8 - (During the summer months of June, July, & August, we will meet every other week. To reiterate, these are the dates we will NOT meet.)
June 8
June 22
July 6 - Weekend closest to July 4th
July 20
August 3
August 17
August 31 - Labor Day Weekend
October 5 - SAF Fall Retreat
October12 - Columbus Day Weekend
November 30 - Thanksgiving Day Weekend
December 7 - MPC Advent Communion Service
December 14 - MPC Choral Concert
December 21 - Weekend before Christmas
December 28 - Weekend before New Year’s Day
A ministry team composed of SAF members meets periodically with our Associate Pastor, Marlin (Butch) Hardman, our staff resource. Together they advise, plan, and join with others to carry out the goals for the Fellowship. The Ministry Team is open to and encourages ideas, suggestions, and comments.
How often does the Bible study meet and at what time?
With the exception of holiday weekends, we meet every week during the school year and every other week during the summer from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. See Sunday Night Bible study info above.
Where does the Bible study meet?
Rooms 14-15 at the church downstairs in the middle of the hallway.
How do most people dress for the Sunday evening meeting?
Comfortably casual (jeans included).
How many people attend the Sunday evening Bible study?
On average 15-20.
What is the format for the Sunday evening Bible study?
It is informal consisting of an “ice-breaker”, some singing, a brief session of prayer, and a time of practical, interactive study of God’s Word. We eat before, during, and after.
Is everyone expected to comment during the Sunday evening Bible study?
No. Each person participates in the discussion to the extent that he/she desires.
What is the background or makeup of the group?
Approximately one-third has never been married, another third has been widowed, and the other third has been divorced.