It’s Back to School and this calls for a celebration! Let’s prepare for the excitement of a new school year. This special Sunday will include blessings for:

• Kindergartners starting school

• Teachers, IAs, adminstrators, professors, counselors and all who work in preschools through universities

• Students at all stages of their education

Blessings will take place at both the 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. services. You are welcome to bring your backpack to be blessed, if you would like. We will have backpack tags, stickers and other goodies to remind you of who and whose you are as you go back to school.

Sunday, August 30 from 9:00-12:30 p.m. at Abiding Presence

At Abiding Presence, our 10th-12th graders play an important role in our children’s ministry by serving as elementary Sunday School teachers. Our training event is open to youth (with a chaperone) from partner churches who are interested in preparing youth to be involved in their children’s ministry.

Sunday, September 13
10:05-10:45 a.m.

We cannot wait to start Sunday School again this September. This fall we are learning from Jesus through parables in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus used parables, short stories, to teach people about forgiveness, listening to God and more. Through exciting activies alongside our amazing Abiding Fellows, our kids will grow in their faith while following Jesus.

Registration is LIVE! Sign-up for a workshop today. Elementary sign-up. Preschool sign-up.

Questions? Reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis.

Sundays from September 13 - October 19 from 10:05-10:45 a.m.

Ninth graders will start the year off on Sunday mornings with Pastor Kelsey getting ready for their confirmation service on Sunday, October 25. They will share breakfast, build relationships and talk about what it means to be confirmed. All current 9th graders are encouraged to attend, regardless of if they have previously participated in confirmation activities. Register for 9th grade Confirmation here. For more information, contact Pastor Kelsey, Associate Pastor for Youth and College-Age Ministry.

Sunday, September 13 from 10:05-10:45 a.m.
Continuing Every Sunday

During the Sunday morning education time, confirmation students are in small groups learning about faith and life. All current 7th and 8th graders are encouraged to participate, regardless of if they have done confirmation previously. Register your student for Confirmation here. For more information, contact Pastor Kelsey, Associate Pastor for Youth and College Age Ministry.

7th and 8th Grade Confirmation Kick-Off Picnic

September 13 5:00-7:00 p.m.

We are SO EXCITED to gather for our annual Confirmation Family Picnic and kick Off! We need your help! Please sign up for a helping slot and also sign up for what you are bringing to share! The church will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and buns. Thank you and we'll see you on the 13th!

Sign up is here!

questions? email Pastor Kelsey at pastorkresse@abidingpresence.net

Tuesday, September 15 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Join us for lunch followed by a presentation on Nutrition and Personal Training for Strength, Mobility, & Healthy Aging. Ben Burgoyne, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist, helps adults build strength, move better, and feel more capable in everyday life—especially those who are new to exercise or getting back into it.

​"My approach starts with understanding where you are now and what you want to be able to do. Then we figure out the next sensible step and build progressively.​ I believe exercise should make you more capable in your everyday life. No extreme workouts and no pressure to be where you think you should be—just practical training built around you.​" RSVP with an email or a phone call to the church at 703-455-7500.

Tuesday, September 15
5:30-7:00 p.m.

We are excited to be expanding our weekday kids ministry programming this fall. Welcome to the Abiding Kids Club! Ms. Michaela, Dr. Dave and Ms. Nicole are exited to gather with our preschool and elementary friends for a time to create music, grow faith and share dinner together. The doors are open and all are welcome.

Questions? Reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis.

Wednesday, September 16
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Bailey Hall

Mainly Music is a drop-in music program for children birth through pre-K and their parent or caregiver. Grownups and their kids get to interact with one another through songs and movement.

Before your first Mainly Music class, we ask you to please fill out our annual pre-registration form. You do not have to commit to any dates, this just helps us keep you informed about cancelations, parties and more!

This is a community outreach event, so spread the word widely and let people know that all are welcome. There is a cash $5/week (or $5.50/week credit card) donation at the door. There is no need to commit in advance to a class, so come when you can and don’t stress when you cannot.

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

Saturday, September 19
from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

In September, we are excited to gather our families with babies and toddlers for a time to play and make connections over coffee and donuts. You can RSVP here for bruch. All are welcome, so bring a friend.

If you have questions, you can reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis.

Confirmation Retreat Family Lunch

September 20th following 11:00 a.m. worship service

Join the Confirmands and their families for lunch following worship on Sunday September 20th at Mar-Lu-Ridge. No need to register the confirmation student but please register each family member staying for lunch separately.

Tuesday, September 22
5:30-7:00 p.m.

We are excited to be expanding our weekday kids ministry programming this fall. Welcome to the Abiding Kids Club! Ms. Michaela, Dr. Dave and Ms. Nicole are exited to gather with our preschool and elementary friends for a time to create music, grow faith and share dinner together. The doors are open and all are welcome.

Questions? Reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis.

Wednesday, September 23
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Bailey Hall

Mainly Music is a drop-in music program for children birth through pre-K and their parent or caregiver. Grownups and their kids get to interact with one another through songs and movement.

Before your first Mainly Music class, we ask you to please fill out our annual pre-registration form. You do not have to commit to any dates, this just helps us keep you informed about cancelations, parties and more!

This is a community outreach event, so spread the word widely and let people know that all are welcome. There is a cash $5/week (or $5.50/week credit card) donation at the door. There is no need to commit in advance to a class, so come when you can and don’t stress when you cannot.

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

Wednesday, September 30
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Bailey Hall

Mainly Music is a drop-in music program for children birth through pre-K and their parent or caregiver. Grownups and their kids get to interact with one another through songs and movement.

Before your first Mainly Music class, we ask you to please fill out our annual pre-registration form. You do not have to commit to any dates, this just helps us keep you informed about cancelations, parties and more!

This is a community outreach event, so spread the word widely and let people know that all are welcome. There is a cash $5/week (or $5.50/week credit card) donation at the door. There is no need to commit in advance to a class, so come when you can and don’t stress when you cannot.

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

Wednesday, October 7
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Bailey Hall

Mainly Music is a drop-in music program for children birth through pre-K and their parent or caregiver. Grownups and their kids get to interact with one another through songs and movement.

Before your first Mainly Music class, we ask you to please fill out our annual pre-registration form. You do not have to commit to any dates, this just helps us keep you informed about cancelations, parties and more!

This is a community outreach event, so spread the word widely and let people know that all are welcome. There is a cash $5/week (or $5.50/week credit card) donation at the door. There is no need to commit in advance to a class, so come when you can and don’t stress when you cannot.

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

Fields of Fear at Cox Farms

7th-12th grade

October 11, 2026

Meet at church at 6:30p.m. for carpool

Join us for our annual trip to Cox Farms for the spooky and scary “Fields of Fear.” Please RSVP to let us you’re you’re coming by buying this free “item.” All participants, adult chaperones included, will need to purchase their own tickets at fieldsoffear.coxfarmsva.com.

Wednesday, October 14
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Bailey Hall

Mainly Music is a drop-in music program for children birth through pre-K and their parent or caregiver. Grownups and their kids get to interact with one another through songs and movement.

Before your first Mainly Music class, we ask you to please fill out our annual pre-registration form. You do not have to commit to any dates, this just helps us keep you informed about cancelations, parties and more!

This is a community outreach event, so spread the word widely and let people know that all are welcome. There is a cash $5/week (or $5.50/week credit card) donation at the door. There is no need to commit in advance to a class, so come when you can and don’t stress when you cannot.

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

Amazing Race DAY 7th-12th grade

November 10, 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
We're bringing the Amazing Race Camp we all know and love to the school year! On select days that FCPS has off of school, Pastor Kelsey and our youth will head into DC for adventures in service, learning, teamwork and exploring! Just like over the summer, students will meet Pastor Kelsey at the Franconia Springfield Metro at 9:00a.m. and return as close to 4:00p.m. as possible. Students will need to carry their own metro card and their packed lunch. Everyone will be on a team that figures out clues, navigates to destinations, and looks at a bible story together. Parent chaperones will be needed to make this a success. Registration is below.

If the cost is a barrier, please feel free to use one of our discount codes:

For a full scholarship use ABIDING100

for a 50% scholarship use ABIDING50

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

There is NO Youth Wednesday this week because it is Veteran’s Day!

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Wednesday November 18th is going to be a very special edition of Youth Wednesdays!!

To celebrate out students' love for Cranberry Sauce and everything Thanksgiving, we're doing Friendsgiving! Please sign up here to send something with your student for our special dinner. We will not be ordering pizza that night. If you have any questions or your student has dietary restrictions, please email Pastor Kelsey at pastorkresse@abidingpresence.net

There is NO Youth Wednesday November 25th because we have our joint Thanksgiving Eve Service with Temple B’nai Shalom.

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.