Additional Sunday Morning Ushers Are Needed!
We are still short 4 ushers to serve once a month during the 9:15am Sunday morning worship service. If you are interested in joining an usher team and are a member of MPC, please email John Bouma or call (703) 425-6555 for more information.

Attention Men: Next “Brothers in Christ” Breakfast on March 6
All men are invited to our next “Brothers in Christ” monthly breakfast from 8 – 9:30am on Saturday, March 6, in the McLean Room. Following up on Gen Burgess’ talk on leadership at the last breakfast, Bill Janis will lead us in a discussion on “leadership and wisdom”. For more information, please email Bill Janis, Max Riesenhuber, or call Fox Magee at (703)861-5881. Come for the food, stay for the fellowship, and grow in faith!

Church Spring Clean-Up Day March 27
Please join us on Saturday, March 27 from 9am – 1pm as we prepare the church for spring and do other important maintenance and beautification projects.  Everyone is welcome and no expertise in maintenance or construction is needed.  Please bring work gloves and spare garden tools such as hoes, shovels, and trowels.  For more information, please email Roger Custer or call him at (703)338-8615.

Cono Christian School Choir in concert at MPC
The choir of Cono Christian School, a Christian boarding and day school from Iowa, will perform at MPC on Tuesday, March 16 at 7:30pm. Everyone is invited. The 40-member choir, which sings nationally each year, sings a full range of sacred songs – from gospel music, spirituals, and hymns, to classical choir selections. The choir’s season extends through May 2010. The choir will travel to Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Missouri in March on an 11-day tour. The group will sing 24 times this year with more than a dozen concerts in Iowa. The Cono Choir has been performing since the school began in 1951.  In recent years, it has sung in 38 states, including at state capitol buildings, at the 7,000-member Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida, and at the Moody Church in Chicago, besides singing before hundreds of congregations.  In Iowa, the choir visits local churches and retirement centers. Cono Christian School is a Christian boarding and college preparatory school in Iowa.  Its boarding students have come from nearly every state in the U.S. and from more than a dozen foreign countries over its 59-year history. For more information email Sara Raak at SRaak@ddcadvocacy.com.

Visiting Cono Choir needs Housing
Host families are needed for the Cono Christian HS Choir (a PCA boarding school in Iowa) as they tour locally and perform at MPC on Tuesday night, March 16. Hosts would pick up their student(s) (following the 7:30pm concert) at 8:45pm that evening in the MPC sanctuary and return them Wednesday morning either to MPC or to a designated location in DC as the choir will be touring DC that day.  Please email Sara Raak or call her at (571) 216 – 8968 if you are able to serve as a host for one or more students.

Global Reach Conference: Reaching the World through Your Local Church
On Saturday, March 27, from 9am-2:30pm, the Potomac Presbytery’s annual World Missions Conference will be held here at MPC.  Brochures are available at ministry tables and from the wooden display case in the Grand Foyer.  Dr. Samuel Logan will teach 3 sessions related to building grassroots global networks.  The cost is $18 and registration is requested by March 15.  RSVP to (571)217-7025 or cmtwpotomac@gmail.com.  For other questions, email Vanessa at missions@mcleanpres.org.

New Site for Harvest!
Harvest, MPC’s young adult community, has a new website, and it’s awesome! Click on this image, check it out, then come join us this Sunday, 7pm in the Fellowship Hall. God’s doing amazing things at Harvest, and we want all young adults to be part of it. You can also reach this new site via the MPC website.

Officer Nominations
Now is the time to nominate servant leaders within the McLean Presbyterian church body for the offices of Ruling Elder and Deacon to begin in 2011.  Only members of MPC may nominate, and you are encouraged to do so; this is a solemn and spiritual opportunity and an obligation as members.  The forms are located at the Information Center in the Tower Entrance.  The deadline is April 11th.

Holy Week at MPC
We invite you to join us for Holy Week, March 28 through April 4, as we reflect anew on the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Click here to see our schedule of events. We have also included an insert in this Sunday’s worship service bulletin for you to use as an invitation for friends!

Please Help with the Easter Reception!
Easter Sunday is one of the most important days in the life of the church, and a day when many from outside our church worship with us. Our Easter Reception is an expression of our love and hospitality for all who come to MPC that day. We understand that many of you will be obligated in ways that prevent you from serving others that day, but for those who are able, would you please consider serving on Easter by helping with a portion of the adult reception? We are in great need, and need more helpers than the few who serve on the Hospitality Team to carry out this wonderful event. Here’s where we need your help on Easter Sunday:

*Food prep (on Saturday, April 3) (9am-12noon) – need 6 people
*Finish set-up/put out food (8-9:30am) – need 4 people
*Replenish food during reception (9:30-11am) – need 3 person
*Make coffee & replenish (9:30-11am) - need 2 people
*Make punch & serve (9:30-11am) – need 4 people
*Clean-up during reception (9:30-11am) – need 2 people
*Clean-up after reception (11am-12:30pm) – need 6 people

Please email April Bailey or call her at 703-560-9154 if you can help. Thank you!

Update on Collection for Haiti Recovery Efforts
The Deacons are pleased to report that the body of Christ at MPC has contributed $24,100 to support earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti, specifically to our denomination’s Mission to the World (MTW) organization. This level of giving represents about 4 times the “typical” Deacons’ Fund offering. Praise the Lord for this generous provision! The Deacons will match this amount dollar for dollar from the current Deacons’ Fund, rounding up the total MPC contribution to MTW’s Haiti fund to $50,000. These funds will be used to support local efforts by partner churches in Haiti to provide ongoing construction assistance, counseling, and medical support. The Deacons will work with MTW over the next several months to monitor activities in Haiti and will report back to the congregation on how the Lord is working there through MTW and will consider other ways that we may be able to provide future support.

If you would still like to contribute to this effort, please designate “Haiti relief” on your check, drop it in the offering basin or send it to the attention of Jean Johnson in the church office, and the Deacons will continue to match your contribution up to a total Deacons’ Fund contribution of $35,000.

VBS: Come Join the Fun!
You don’t want to miss out on this dynamic opportunity to share the Gospel with kids ages 4-rising 3rd graders July 12-16.  Childcare is available for volunteers with children under the age of 4.  We need rising 9th graders through adults to be crew leaders; as well as adult station leaders and preschool teachers, and people to help with decorations.  If you are interested please email Jennifer Sargent or call her at (703)531-1998.

From Our Friends Outside MPC…

Family Life Weekend to Remember
Life has a way of overwhelming marriages.  You start out fully focused on each other, but as the years go by, the time you had to simply relax and talk gives way to busy schedules.  A Weekend to Remember conference is a chance to get away from the distractions of daily life, slow down and reconnect.  Insightful speakers will help you work through your differences, improve communication, and even rekindle your romance.  Go to www.familylife.com for information and registration for upcoming conferences in Reston, DC and Baltimore.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Power Camp
Your 8-12-year-old won’t want to miss Northern Virginia’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Power Camp (June 28th – July 2nd ) at Key Middle School (6402 Franconia Rd. Springfield VA 22150).  Local High School Christian coaches and athletes coach your child athletically and spiritually (7 sports offered).  Go to www.novafca.org or call (703)225-0070 for info on all FCA camps.

March 13th Parenting Workshop with the Lay Counselor Institute (LCI)
What is “the biggest job we’ll ever have?”  Many would agree the answer is “being a parent.”  But what does authentic Christian parenting look like?   What are our priorities as parents, and do our words match our actions?  Do we value truth over harmony?  Principles over rules?  Attitude over aptitude?  Scripture provides context for parenting far beyond a few well-known verses.  It is richly relational throughout and its implications, intimately applied to our own lives, will profoundly affect our parenting style.

Lay counselors trained and equipped by LCI often find that parenting concerns are one of the more common in the counseling setting.  Biblical counseling, practically applied to parenting, challenges counselors and parents alike.  To complement its ministry in support of lay counselors and the churches they serve, LCI has entered into partnership with Hyde Schools (www.hyde.edu) to sponsor and co-present Hyde’s “Biggest Job” parenting workshop.  As a non-sectarian, nationally recognized school founded in 1966 on the premise of family-based character education, Hyde operates boarding schools (grades 9-12) in Bath, ME, and Woodstock, CT, as well as several charter schools around the country.  Hyde’s long history of successes working with children and families, combined with LCI’s commitment to biblical counseling in local churches, presents a unique learning opportunity for both parents and counselors.

The workshop will be held on Saturday March 13th, from 9am to 1pm in the Fellowship Hall at MPC.  Registration is $60 per individual or $100 per couple.  Participants will receive Hyde’s book “The Biggest Job We’ll Ever Have” and an LCI outline notebook.  Register online at www.lciministry.org, or for more information contact LCI at thebiggestjob@cox.net.

Romanian Christian Enterprises Needs You
RCE is a mercy ministry founded by members of McLean Presbyterian Church nearly 20 years ago, to bring the mercy of Christ to the many thousands of Romanian children who are abandoned by impoverished families each year, particularly those with disabilities. RCE is now supported by churches throughout the area and across the country, and has an active board which works tirelessly to plan fundraising events, ministry trips, and other activities to support the ministry. Our congregation continues to have a special relationship with the ministry, sending members to visit our work in Romania; buying Christmas gifts for children we support; hosting Romanian guests; and supporting fundraising events. The children’s ministry has a special focus on the work of RCE, and the youth ministry is planning their first summer trip to support RCE’s work.

The support team at MPC is currently in need of some active support, such as supporting the coffee table events, communicating ministry needs to the church, hosting visiting Romanian friends, promoting events and many other “hands-on” opportunities. If you would be willing to join the team, or just take on a single project, please email Deborah Perry or Laura Welke to find out how you can help.

Additional Sunday Morning Ushers Are Needed!
We are still short 4 ushers to serve once a month during the 9:15am Sunday morning worship service. If you are interested in joining an usher team and are a member of MPC, please email John Bouma or call (703) 425-6555 for more information.

Attention Men: Next “Brothers in Christ” Breakfast on March 6
All men are invited to our next “Brothers in Christ” monthly breakfast from 8 – 9:30am on Saturday, March 6, in the McLean Room. Following up on Gen Burgess’ talk on leadership at the last breakfast, Bill Janis will lead us in a discussion on “leadership and wisdom”. For more information, please email Bill Janis , Max Riesenhuber, or call Fox Magee at (703)861-5881. Come for the food, stay for the fellowship, and grow in faith!

Cub Scout Religious Emblem Class
If your Cub would like to earn a cool looking patch for their uniform, and perhaps get an opportunity to share their faith, than this class is for them.  MPC will be conducting classes for Cub Scouts to earn the “God and Me” religious emblem patch starting at the end of February.  The classes are for Tiger through Bear Scouts and will be held on four consecutive Sundays at 3pm beginning February 28 (THIS SUNDAY) at MPC.  The curriculum for the class is approved by the PCA.  If your Cub Scout is interested in participating, please email Ted Smith or call (703) 938-3167  to register.  The course book can be ordered when you register ($5) or is available for purchase online from P.R.A.Y.

Update on Collection for Haiti Recovery Efforts
The Deacons are pleased to report that the body of Christ at MPC has contributed $24,100 to support earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti, specifically to our denomination’s Mission to the World (MTW) organization. This level of giving represents about 4 times the “typical” Deacons’ Fund offering. Praise the Lord for this generous provision! The Deacons will match this amount dollar for dollar from the current Deacons’ Fund, rounding up the total MPC contribution to MTW’s Haiti fund to $50,000. These funds will be used to support local efforts by partner churches in Haiti to provide ongoing construction assistance, counseling, and medical support. The Deacons will work with MTW over the next several months to monitor activities in Haiti and will report back to the congregation on how the Lord is working there through MTW and will consider other ways that we may be able to provide future support.

If you would still like to contribute to this effort, please designate “Haiti relief” on your check, drop it in the offering basin or send it to the attention of Jean Johnson in the church office, and the Deacons will continue to match your contribution up to a total Deacons’ Fund contribution of $35,000.

Visiting Choir Needs Housing
Host families are needed for the Cono Christian HS Choir, (a PCA boarding school in Iowa) as they tour locally and perform at MPC on Tuesday night, March 16. Hosts would pick up their student(s) following the 7:30 concert at 8:45 that evening in the MPC sanctuary and return them Wednesday morning either to MPC, or to a designated location in DC as the choir will be touring DC that day.  Please contact Sara Raak  at (571) 216 – 8968 or via email if you are able to serve as a host for one or more students.

From Our Friends Outside MPC…

Family Life Weekend to Remember
Life has a way of overwhelming marriages.  You start out fully focused on each other, but as the years go by, the time you had to simply relax and talk gives way to busy schedules.  A Weekend to Remember conference is a chance to get away from the distractions of daily life, slow down and reconnect.  Insightful speakers will help you work through your differences, improve communication, and even rekindle your romance.  Go to www.familylife.com for information and registration for upcoming conferences in Reston, DC and Baltimore.

March 13th Parenting Workshop with the Lay Counselor Institute (LCI)
What is “the biggest job we’ll ever have?”  Many would agree the answer is “being a parent.”  But what does authentic Christian parenting look like?   What are our priorities as parents, and do our words match our actions?  Do we value truth over harmony?  Principles over rules?  Attitude over aptitude?  Scripture provides context for parenting far beyond a few well-known verses.  It is richly relational throughout and its implications, intimately applied to our own lives, will profoundly affect our parenting style.

Lay counselors trained and equipped by LCI often find that parenting concerns are one of the more common in the counseling setting.  Biblical counseling, practically applied to parenting, challenges counselors and parents alike.  To complement its ministry in support of lay counselors and the churches they serve, LCI has entered into partnership with Hyde Schools (www.hyde.edu) to sponsor and co-present Hyde’s “Biggest Job” parenting workshop.  As a non-sectarian, nationally recognized school founded in 1966 on the premise of family-based character education, Hyde operates boarding schools (grades 9-12) in Bath, ME, and Woodstock, CT, as well as several charter schools around the country.  Hyde’s long history of successes working with children and families, combined with LCI’s commitment to biblical counseling in local churches, presents a unique learning opportunity for both parents and counselors.

The workshop will be held on Saturday March 13th, from 9am to 1pm in the Fellowship Hall at MPC.  Registration is $60 per individual or $100 per couple.  Participants will receive Hyde’s book “The Biggest Job We’ll Ever Have” and an LCI outline notebook.  Register online at www.lciministry.org, or for more information email LCI at thebiggestjob@cox.net.

Additional Sunday Morning Ushers Are Needed!
We are still short 4 ushers to serve once a month during the 9:15am Sunday morning worship service. If you are interested in joining an usher team and are a member of MPC, please email John Bouma or call (703) 425-6555 for more information.

Attention Men: Next “Brothers in Christ” Breakfast on March 6
All men are invited to our next “Brothers in Christ” monthly breakfast from 8 – 9:30am on Saturday, March 6, in the McLean Room. Following up on Gen Burgess’ talk on leadership at the last breakfast, Bill Janis will lead us in a discussion on “leadership and wisdom”. For more information, please email Bill Janis , Max Riesenhuber, or call Fox Magee at (703)861-5881. Come for the food, stay for the fellowship, and grow in faith!

Cub Scout Religious Emblem Class
If your Cub would like to earn a cool looking patch for their uniform, and perhaps get an opportunity to share their faith, than this class is for them.  MPC will be conducting classes for Cub Scouts to earn the “God and Me” religious emblem patch starting at the end of February.  The classes are for Tiger through Bear Scouts and will be held on four consecutive Sundays at 3pm beginning February 28 at MPC.  The curriculum for the class is approved by the PCA.  If your Cub Scout is interested in participating, please email Ted Smith or call (703) 938-3167  to register.  The course book can be ordered when you register ($5) or is available for purchase online from P.R.A.Y.

Don’t Forget to Bring Those Bottles Back…
Please bring your baby bottles filled with loose change to the ministry table in the Tower Entrance by February 28th (Why not go put the bottle in your car right now?).  The monies donated support the work of the Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center which serves young women and men facing difficulties as young moms and dads.  Free pregnancy testing, childbirth & parenting classes, mentoring and material resources are offered.  Also, join the Bowlapalooza Team for a bowling outing in support of the Center on Sunday afternoon, February 28th in Arlington.  For more information, email Debbie Kipps.

Update on Collection for Haiti Recovery Efforts
The Deacons are pleased to report that the body of Christ at MPC has contributed $24,100 to support earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti, specifically to our denomination’s Mission to the World (MTW) organization. This level of giving represents about 4 times the “typical” Deacons’ Fund offering. Praise the Lord for this generous provision! The Deacons will match this amount dollar for dollar from the current Deacons’ Fund, rounding up the total MPC contribution to MTW’s Haiti fund to $50,000. These funds will be used to support local efforts by partner churches in Haiti to provide ongoing construction assistance, counseling, and medical support. The Deacons will work with MTW over the next several months to monitor activities in Haiti and will report back to the congregation on how the Lord is working there through MTW and will consider other ways that we may be able to provide future support.

If you missed last Sunday and would still like to contribute to this effort, please designate “Haiti relief” on your check, drop it in the offering basin or send it to the attention of Jean Johnson in the church office, and the Deacons will continue to match your contribution up to a total Deacons’ Fund contribution of $35,000.

MCLEAN DAY 2010: Coordinator Needed
Knowing MPC is a mission station, we recognize that God is presenting us with a great opportunity to meet our neighbors in a non-threatening environment.  On Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 11am to 5pm, people from McLean and surrounding areas will gather at Lewinsville Park for a community festival called McLean Day.  Last year, over 12,000 people, both adults and children, enjoyed the exhibits, rides, and game booths.  In previous years, MPC has participated in this festival as an outreach to children and families in our own backyard!  Before we apply for a space this year, we need an enthusiastic coordinator who’s willing to lead other volunteers.  Choose a craft or activity to lead, and let the fun begin!  Interested?  Email Vanessa or call (703)821-0800 right away!

VBS is Open for Registration & Recruiting
This year’s VBS is High Seas Expedition: Exploring the Mighty Love of God.  It will be held the mornings of July 12-16 for kids age 4 through rising 3rd graders.  Click here to register.  We are also looking for 1-2 creative and organized people to help lead the decorating effort for VBS, as well as volunteers for VBS week.  If you would like to serve, please email Jen Sargent or call (703)531-1998.

From Our Friends Outside MPC…

Family Life Weekend to Remember
Life has a way of overwhelming marriages.  You start out fully focused on each other, but as the years go by, the time you had to simply relax and talk gives way to busy schedules.  A Weekend to Remember conference is a chance to get away from the distractions of daily life, slow down and reconnect.  Insightful speakers will help you work through your differences, improve communication, and even rekindle your romance.  Go to www.familylife.com for information and registration for upcoming conferences in Reston, DC and Baltimore.

March 13th Parenting Workshop with the Lay Counselor Institute (LCI)
What is “the biggest job we’ll ever have?”  Many would agree the answer is “being a parent.”  But what does authentic Christian parenting look like?   What are our priorities as parents, and do our words match our actions?  Do we value truth over harmony?  Principles over rules?  Attitude over aptitude?  Scripture provides context for parenting far beyond a few well-known verses.  It is richly relational throughout and its implications, intimately applied to our own lives, will profoundly affect our parenting style.

Lay counselors trained and equipped by LCI often find that parenting concerns are one of the more common in the counseling setting.  Biblical counseling, practically applied to parenting, challenges counselors and parents alike.  To complement its ministry in support of lay counselors and the churches they serve, LCI has entered into partnership with Hyde Schools (www.hyde.edu) to sponsor and co-present Hyde’s “Biggest Job” parenting workshop.  As a non-sectarian, nationally recognized school founded in 1966 on the premise of family-based character education, Hyde operates boarding schools (grades 9-12) in Bath, ME, and Woodstock, CT, as well as several charter schools around the country.  Hyde’s long history of successes working with children and families, combined with LCI’s commitment to biblical counseling in local churches, presents a unique learning opportunity for both parents and counselors.

The workshop will be held on Saturday March 13th, from 9am to 1pm in the Fellowship Hall at MPC.  Registration is $60 per individual or $100 per couple.  Participants will receive Hyde’s book “The Biggest Job We’ll Ever Have” and an LCI outline notebook.  Register online at www.lciministry.org, or for more information email LCI at thebiggestjob@cox.net.

2010 Women’s Retreat:  “Holy Ground or Stuck in the Mud: A Look At Daily Spirituality”
Are your days built on “holy ground” as you seek Him and praise Him in all you do? Or when it comes to spiritual matters do you find yourself “stuck in the mud” -  too caught up in the demands of everyday living to enjoy the awe and wonder of God working in your life?  It’s not too late to decide to come to this year’s retreat! You won’t want to miss a weekend away to enjoy fellowship with friends, time to study the Word, and being inspired by our speaker.  Chris Purcell will be teaching us more about experiencing God’s presence in the daily grind. Rooms are still available but in short supply, so register quickly. Some rooms are in need of just one more roommate, maybe you are the one! You can register online.  Registration closes Monday, February 15. Questions? Email Brooke Swayze.

A New Year’s Resolution for you–Get B-O-U-L-D-E-R!
Are you looking for a new way to serve the body of Christ at MPC in 2010?  Do you have a heart for ministering to our covenant children and their families?  We are looking for only 2 more volunteers ( 9:15 service) on the 1st/3rd Sundays to teach a new Boulders class for 2-year-olds this spring.  We will be opening the class on February 14. We have a number of little ones ready to graduate from the nursery into their very own class!  Please prayerfully consider ministering to these children and email Melanie Janetsky or call (703)394-0576 to volunteer.

Additional Sunday Morning Ushers Are Needed!
We are still short 4 ushers to serve once a month during the 9:15am Sunday morning worship service.
If you are interested in joining an usher team, please email John Bouma or call (703) 425-6555 for more information.

Attention Men: General Burgess Breakfast RESCHEDULED to February 13
All men are invited to this year’s first “Brothers in Christ” monthly breakfast from 8-9:30am THIS Saturday, February 13, in the McLean Room. The topic for the spring will be “leadership.” Our kickoff speaker will be Lieutenant General Ron Burgess, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Using the example of Joshua, General Burgess will discuss leadership and the need for courage, obedience and wisdom. For more information, please contact Bill Janis, Max Riesenhuber, or call Fox Magee at (703)861-5881. Come for the food, stay for the fellowship, and grow in faith!

Coffee and Missions, with Donuts on the Side
If you’re one of the many MPC folk who enjoy the coffee and donuts in the Grand Foyer on Sunday mornings, be sure to thank the volunteers who have served there in honor of a particular MPC missionary or ministry partner.  We currently have very few host groups scheduled to work the table.  Without ministries and volunteers stepping forward, the coffee and donut table will be empty.  If your MPC-supported ministry or adopted missionary might benefit from this awareness-raising tool, consider signing up to help host the table for a couple of Sundays this summer. If you’d like more information or are ready to sign up, email Brooke or call (703) 608-5018.

Don’t Forget to Bring Those Bottles Back…
Please bring your baby bottles filled with loose change to the ministry table in the Tower Entrance by February 14th.  (Why not go put the bottle in your car right now?)  The monies donated support the work of the Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center which serves young women and men facing difficulties as young moms and dads.  Free pregnancy testing, childbirth classes, parenting classes, and mentoring and material resources are offered.  Also, join the Bowlapalooza Team for a bowling outing in support of the Center on Sunday afternoon, February 28th in Arlington.  For more information, email Debbie Kipps.

LEADING WITH A LIMP – HFG Leaders’ Summit
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. And what could be more romantic than attending the next HFG Leaders’ Summit?! Don’t answer that question… but do plan on joining us on Sunday, February 14, at 9:15 am in the McLean Room.

MCLEAN DAY 2010: Coordinator Needed
Knowing MPC is a mission station, we recognize that God is presenting us with a great opportunity to meet our neighbors in a non-threatening environment.  On Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 11am to 5pm, people from McLean and surrounding areas will gather at Lewinsville Park for a community festival called McLean Day.  Last year, over 12,000 people, both adults and children, enjoyed the exhibits, rides, and game booths.  In previous years, MPC has participated in this festival as an outreach to children and families in our own backyard!  Before we apply for a space this year, we need an enthusiastic coordinator who’s willing to lead other volunteers.  Choose a craft or activity to lead, and let the fun begin!  Interested?  Contact Vanessa at missions@mcleanpres.org or (703)821-0800 right away!  We’d like to register before February 12.

VBS is Open for Registration & Recruiting
This year’s VBS is High Seas Expedition: Exploring the Mighty Love of God.  It will be held the mornings of July 12-16 for kids age 4 through rising 3rd graders.  Please click here to register.  We are also looking for 1-2 creative and organized people to help lead the decorating effort for VBS, as well as volunteers for VBS week.  If you would like to serve, please contact Jen Sargent at (703)531-1998 or via email.

______________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE DIACONATE

Due to the snow storm last weekend, the Deacons’ Fund collection for Haiti will take place during this weekend’s worship services.

Haiti Disaster Relief Fund
The Deacons are collecting funds from the congregation to support our denomination’s Mission to the World (MTW) Haiti disaster relief efforts. MTW is not a “first responder” organization, but typically “comes later and stays longer” after the initial disaster circumstances have eased and the long-term recovery process begins. MTW teams will be working through churches to provide long-term medical, counseling, and construction assistance in Haiti.

In addition to dedicating the entire February 13/14 Deacon’s Fund collection to Haiti recovery efforts, the Deacons will also use the current Deacon’s Fund to match the congregation’s contributions dollar for dollar up to a maximum Deacon’s Fund contribution of $35,000. That is, if the congregation contributes $35,000 to support Haiti disaster relief efforts, the total MPC contribution to MTW will be $70,000.

We urge you to give generously to this effort at the February 13/14 worship services. You can also contribute before then by dropping your check in the offering basin this Sunday or next, or drop it off to Jean Johnson in the church office. Be sure to write “Deacon’s Haiti Relief Fund” on your check and we will be sure to include your contribution in this campaign.

The Deacons will also communicate closely with MTW about their Haiti relief effort and will report back to the congregation on activities and progress over the next several months. Please let us know if you have any questions about the upcoming Deacon’s Fund offering (email Aaron McKethan, amckethan@gmail.com or (703) 209-7007.

Important News If You Donate to Haiti Relief Efforts
On Friday, January 22nd, President Obama signed Public Law 111-126 (H.R. 4462).  The new law permits individuals who give money for Haiti earthquake relief efforts before March 1, 2010 to deduct the amount given on their federal income tax return (Form 1040, Schedule A) for 2009, instead of on their 2010 return, as would ordinarily be the case.

The church finance department will issue a special statement in early March 2010 reflecting Haiti Relief donations made to our church in January and February 2010 for tax purposes.

________________________________________________________________________________

From Our Friends Outside MPC…

New RTS Class
Dr. Daniel Dreisbach is teaching The Bible in the Founding of America at RTS, Tuesdays from 7:30-10pm from February 16th-April 27th. Join Dr. Dreisbach as he leads the class in a deeper exploration of the relationship between faith and politics at America’s founding. This is the same class Dr. Dreisbach taught during Sunday School a few years ago, so if you missed out, here is your chance to learn more! MPC members can audit the class for free. If you are interested in auditing, please email Jennifer McGahey for a registration form (due February 15th).

IMPORTANT UPDATE!
Due to the impending snow storm, we have canceled the Saturday evening worship service this Saturday (2-6). Be sure to check the home page of our website or call our Weather Update Line (703.821.0800) for updates on the status of our Sunday worship services.
__________________________________________

2010 Women’s Retreat:  “Holy Ground or Stuck in the Mud: A Look At Daily Spirituality”
Are your days built on “holy ground” as you seek Him and praise Him in all you do? Or when it comes to spiritual matters do you find yourself “stuck in the mud” -  too caught up in the demands of everyday living to enjoy the awe and wonder of God working in your life?  It’s not too late to decide to come to this year’s retreat! You won’t want to miss a weekend away to enjoy fellowship with friends, time to study the Word, and being inspired by our speaker.  Chris Purcell will be teaching us more about experiencing God’s presence in the daily grind. Rooms are still available but in short supply, so register quickly. Some rooms are in need of just one more roommate, maybe you are the one! To register online, click here. Questions? Email Brooke Swayze.

A New Year’s Resolution for you–Get B-O-U-L-D-E-R!
Are you looking for a new way to serve the body of Christ at MPC in 2010?  Do you have a heart for ministering to our covenant children and their families?  We are looking for only 2 more volunteers ( 9:15 service) on the 1st/3rd Sundays to teach a new Boulders class for 2-year-olds this spring.  We will be opening the class on February 7. We have a number of little ones ready to graduate from the nursery into their very own class!  Please prayerfully consider ministering to these children and email Melanie Janetsky or call (703)394-0576 to volunteer

Additional Sunday Morning Ushers Are Needed!
We are still short 4 ushers to serve once a month during the 9:15am Sunday morning worship service.
If you are interested in joining an usher team, please email John Bouma or call (703) 425-6555 for more information.

Attention Men: General Burgess Breakfast RESCHEDULED to February 13
All men are invited to this year’s first “Brothers in Christ” monthly breakfast from 8-9:30am, now NEXT Saturday, February 13, in the McLean Room. The topic for the spring will be “leadership.” Our kickoff speaker will be Lieutenant General Ron Burgess, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Using the example of Joshua, General Burgess will discuss leadership and the need for courage, obedience and wisdom. For more information, please email Bill Janis, Max Riesenhuber, or call Fox Magee at (703)861-5881. Come for the food, stay for the fellowship, and grow in faith!

Coffee and Missions, with Donuts on the Side
If you’re one of the many MPC folk who enjoy the coffee and donuts in the Grand Foyer on Sunday mornings, be sure to thank the volunteers who have served there in honor of a particular MPC missionary or ministry partner.  We currently have very few host groups scheduled to work the table.  Without ministries and volunteers stepping forward, the coffee and donut table will be empty.  If your MPC-supported ministry or adopted missionary might benefit from this awareness-raising tool, consider signing up to help host the table for a couple of Sundays this summer. If you’d like more information or are ready to sign up, email Brooke or call (703) 608-5018.

Don’t Forget to Bring Those Bottles Back…
Please bring your baby bottles filled with loose change to the ministry table in the Tower Entrance by February 14th.  (Why not go put the bottle in your car right now?)  The monies donated support the work of the Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center which serves young women and men facing difficulties as young moms and dads.  Free pregnancy testing, childbirth classes, parenting classes, and mentoring and material resources are offered.  Also, join the Bowlapalooza Team for a bowling outing in support of the Center on Sunday afternoon, February 28th in Arlington.  For more information, email Debbie Kipps at dbkipps@verizon.net.

LEADING WITH A LIMP – HFG Leaders’ Summit
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. And what could be more romantic than attending the next HFG Leaders’ Summit?! Don’t answer that question… but do plan on joining us on Sunday, February 14, at 9:15 am in the McLean Room.

MCLEAN DAY 2010: Coordinator Needed
Knowing MPC is a mission station, we recognize that God is presenting us with a great opportunity to meet our neighbors in a non-threatening environment.  On Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 11am to 5pm, people from McLean and surrounding areas will gather at Lewinsville Park for a community festival called McLean Day.  Last year, over 12,000 people, both adults and children, enjoyed the exhibits, rides, and game booths.  In previous years, MPC has participated in this festival as an outreach to children and families in our own backyard!  Before we apply for a space this year, we need an enthusiastic coordinator who’s willing to lead other volunteers.  Choose a craft or activity to lead, and let the fun begin!  Interested?  Email Vanessa or call  (703)821-0800 right away!  We’d like to register before February 12.

VBS is Open for Registration and Recruiting
This year’s VBS is High Seas Expedition: Exploring the Mighty Love of God.  It will be held the mornings of July 12-16 for kids age 4 through rising 3rd graders.  Please visit www.mcleanpres.org to register.  We are also looking for 1-2 creative and organized people to help lead the decorating effort for VBS, as well as volunteers for VBS week.  If you would like to serve, please email Jen Sargent or call (703)531-1998.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE DIACONATE

Haiti Disaster Relief Fund
The Deacons are collecting funds from the congregation to support our denomination’s Mission to the World (MTW) Haiti disaster relief efforts. MTW is not a “first responder” organization, but typically “comes later and stays longer” after the initial disaster circumstances have eased and the long-term recovery process begins. MTW teams will be working through churches to provide long-term medical, counseling, and construction assistance in Haiti.

In addition to dedicating the entire February 6/7 Deacon’s Fund collection to Haiti recovery efforts, the Deacons will also use the current Deacon’s Fund to match the congregation’s contributions dollar for dollar up to a maximum Deacon’s Fund contribution of $35,000. That is, if the congregation contributes $35,000 to support Haiti disaster relief efforts, the total MPC contribution to MTW will be $70,000.

We urge you to give generously to this effort at the February 6/7 worship services. You can also contribute before then by dropping your check in the offering basin this Sunday or next, or drop it off to Jean Johnson in the church office. Be sure to write “Deacon’s Haiti Relief Fund” on your check and we will be sure to include your contribution in this campaign.

The Deacons will also communicate closely with MTW about their Haiti relief effort and will report back to the congregation on activities and progress over the next several months. Please let us know if you have any questions about the upcoming Deacon’s Fund offering (email Aaron McKethan or call (703) 209-7007).

Important News If You Donate to Haiti Relief Efforts
On Friday, January 22nd, President Obama signed Public Law 111-126 (H.R. 4462).  The new law permits individuals who give money for Haiti earthquake relief efforts before March 1, 2010 to deduct the amount given on their federal income tax return (Form 1040, Schedule A) for 2009, instead of on their 2010 return, as would ordinarily be the case.

The church finance department will issue a special statement in early March 2010 reflecting Haiti Relief donations made to our church in January and February 2010 for tax purposes.   __________________________________________________________________________________

From Our Friends Outside MPC…

New RTS Class
Dr. Daniel Dreisbach is teaching’ The Bible in the Founding of America’ at RTS, Tuesdays from 7:30-10pm from February 16th-April 27th. Join Dr. Dreisbach as he leads the class in a deeper exploration of the relationship between faith and politics at America’s founding. This is the same class Dr. Dreisbach taught during Sunday School a few years ago, so if you missed out, here is your chance to learn more! MPC members can audit the class for free. If you are interested in auditing, please email Jennifer McGahey for a registration form (due February 15th).