Sunday, August 23 at both the 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. services
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
Sunday, September 13
Come be part of the excitement as we kick off a new year of learning together. Sunday morning faith formation launches for all ages with preschool Sunday School, elementary workshops, confirmation (7th-9th grade), Abiding Fellows (10th-12th grade) and Abiding Table for Adults. We’d love to welcome you into the Abiding Presence community this year!
Catch up on the action packed summer as we traveled around the Metro-DC Synod to 12 partner congregations to help them put on a week-long Vacation Bible School. Our “On the Road Yearbook” tells the story of the summer. Click here to read it!
We’re diving into the book of Romans this summer as a congregation. Throughout June, July and August, we’ll be reading from Romans as we explore the promise that nothing can separate us from God. Along the way, we will encounter hope, grace and love in this biblical book about which Martin Luther said, “"It would be quite proper for a Christian, not only to know [Romans] by heart word for word, but also to study it daily, for it is the soul's daily bread.”
Join us in worship on Sunday mornings for a sermon series and throughout the week for our asynchronous SpiritFit Bible Study.
Happy Pride! Join us boldly proclaiming God's abiding love for all people not just during Pride, but all year long. Wonder Why Celebrating Pride Month Matters? In a world where many LGBTQIA+ people hear words of hate and damnation from Christians, it is especially important for inclusive churches like ours and followers of Jesus like us to speak up. We want to make sure the loudest religious voices our LGBTQIA+ siblings are hearing are the one that say, “God Loves You!”
May Meal Break for Military Families
Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Served Drive-Thru Style at Abiding Presence
We want military families to accept this as a sincere "thank you" for your service and the sacrifices you make every day. No strings attached, no IDs required, and no questions asked. Just a hot meal for you and your family, on us.
What if prayer didn’t feel like pressure…but like strength training? This course is for you if you’ve struggled to maintain a prayer life, you’re curious but unsure where to start, you want something deeper—but also doable and you’re ready for grace, not guilt. Signup today!
Sunday, April 5 at 6:15 a.m.
Burke Lake Park Amphitheater
Early Easter Sunday morning, we will gather in the Burke Lake Park Amphitheater for a sunrise service. This is a family friendly service where children of all ages are welcome. Dress is casual. We will proclaim, “Christ is risen,” as the sun rises over the lake. Following the service, there will be coffee and donuts.
12:00 & 7:00 p.m. Services of Holy Communion & the Imposition of Ashes
6:00 p.m. Children’s Service
Click here to learn more
The Glas family used to live just down the street from Abiding Presence. While they didn’t attend services, they knew neighbors who were members and saw signs about the Food Pantry every time they drove by. Kim and her husband Tim have put an emphasis on a yearly family project during the holidays. “Last year we did a project to educate girls in Guatemala and raised $10,000” Kim shared. So when they gathered as a family to discuss their 2025 project, Oliver and Abigail chose the Abiding Presence Food Pantry. “Sometimes I volunteer at the Pantry with my husband on Saturday mornings and the kids would ask things like, ‘How long was the line?’ or ‘How did things go this morning?’,” Kim recalled. “One particularly difficult story to tell them was that a few weeks ago someone slept in their car overnight just to get fresh food,” she said. She shared, “The kids feel especially connected to Abiding Presence because they’ve been involved with the Kids Food Pantry packing produce for pantry guests.”
Kelsey and Calvin Hunt, along with their two daughters, are regular worshippers at Abiding Presence and have made weekly church activities a part of their family life. Some people may not know that Kelsey was baptized here as a baby and grew up attending church with her family. “As part of the puppet ministry and choir with Ms. Lori I did everything Abiding Presence had to offer,” Kelsey shared. She recalled, “Through youth service trips, synod events, and nationwide youth gatherings we created lasting relationships with fellow youth.”
“We felt comfortable as soon as we walked in,” recalls Craig Fraedrich, about his first time visiting Abiding Presence with then fiancée Monique. “We knew right from the beginning it would be a place where we were welcomed and engaged in the community immediately as they encouraged new people to participate,” he said. Craig and Monique were married here and raised their two boys in this church with Sunday worship and weekly activities a part of their family values.
“This is not a church of spectators, but one of people being involved,” Craig shared. Monique added, “It’s not even just worship services, but everyone is encouraged to be a part of the ministry happening here.” Having raised their boys from first communions to Confirmation classes and beyond they said, “Our children had the experience of making their own decisions and we gave them that foundation they still carry with them today.”
When Roger moved to Northern Virginia, the first thing he did was find a church. As he moved throughout the area from McLean to Alexandria and finally Springfield, finding a church was always a priority. Growing up in Minnesota as part of a farming family, church was a big part of their community. The family attended church every Sunday and provided not just comfort but guidance. Roger recalled, “being part of a church was a matter of carrying on and honoring the family tradition.”
No matter how much snow we get, it cannot cover over the brokenness of our world that we are seeing on display right now. What is happening is not okay. The grief, fear and heartache over what is happening in Minneapolis, especially the killing yesterday of Alex Pretti, drives us to not be okay. Trusting that when we pray, God gets to work in and through us, we pray together.
If you are struggling to process what is happening in our world right now, reach out. You aren’t alone. Pastor Keseley and Pastor Kresse are available by text, email and phone throughout the snow storm to be of support. We are Abiding Together. Reach out!
Build a snowman with us! This Sunday’s winter weather is closing the church building, but we’re still out being the church. Enter our snowman making contest! Spread some cheer in the snow.
We’re looking for 10 Lutheran churches in the area to partner with us this summer to reach out to their neighbors by offering a week of summer camp in their location.
Sundays, December 28 & January 4
10:00 a.m. (One Service Only)
We continue the celebration of Christ’s birth in worship as we gather for the singing of carols and to hear the rest of the Christmas story.
Abiding Presence’s new ministry that takes us out into the community to care for our neighbors, sharing God’s love along the way.
Wednesday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple B’nai Shalom
For nearly 40 years, Abiding Presence and Temple B’nai Shalom have worshipped together on Thanksgiving Eve in an interfaith service filled with prayers, music and scripture. A reception follows the service. All are welcome!
Friday, October 31 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Free food distribution for federal workers, contractors and active duty military. Government worker ID required. Shelf stable food, eggs, butter, produce and Halloween treats will be provided, as well as a hot to-go lunch. Food will be distributed curbside as vehicles drive-thru the line.
Check out our 2025 Summer Yearbook that tells the story of our summer ministry to kids, teens and college-age young adults.
Are you looking for a church home? Are you curious about faith? Do your kids (or yourself) have big questions about God? Welcome to Abiding Presence! We would love to have you participate in this community of faith. We know people go looking for a church home for a variety of reasons. Whatever your reason, we’re delighted you are looking at churches and especially delighted that you are looking at Abiding Presence.
We are offering 9-weeks of summer day camp for ages preschool through 12th grade. Click here to check out the schedule and register.
Easter Sunday, April 20
Festival Worship at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Easter Petting Zoo from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon on the Lawn
Donuts, Coffee & Family Pictures from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on the Patio
Easter Sunday will feature two identical worship services. Music will be led by a large music ensemble that includes choir, brass, strings, woodwinds, percussion, organ and piano. Our festival services will include a children’s moment with puppets, scripture, sermon, prayers and Holy Communion.
To those whose livelihoods and vocations are with the federal government...
What you do is important. It matters. May the loudest voices you hear about the work you do be the ones that thank you for answering the call to serve your country and your neighbors (the ones you know and the ones you will never meet).
Wednesdays, March 12 - April 9
6:00 p.m. Soup Supper
7:00 p.m. Worship Service & Children’s Activities
Our theme for Lent is “Life Interrupted.” Interrupt your week with worship and community. All are welcome!
Worship Services at 12:00 noon & 7:30 p.m.
Children’s Worship Service at 6:30 p.m. (Pizza Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Sign Up Here)
OWLs Luncheon at 1:00 p.m.
Ash Wednesday Youth Workshop from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
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.
Wednesday, September 9
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.
Thursday, September 10
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Students of all ages are invited to join Ms. Michaela and participate in a service project for the Abiding Presence Food Pantry. On the Thursday before every Abiding Presence Food Pantry, you can come learn about how the food pantry operates, help pray over the produce and the people who are coming, and learn about service as a spiritual discipline.
*You can sign up through our Sign-Up Genius here.A parent or guardian must accompany all students.If you have questions or need accommodations, please reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis.
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!
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.
Weekend of September 18-20 at Caroline Furnace
All men of the congregation are invited to this intergenerational weekend retreat. Led by Chad D, the retreat is a chance for men to get to know one another, dig into scripture, pray, eat great food and relax. Cost is $125 and scholarships are available. Register by purchasing the below product here. Need a scholarship? Reach out to Chad or Pastor Keseley.
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.
September 20-21 2026
Mar Lu Ridge, Jefferson, MD
Join us at Mar-Lu-Ridge for our Confirmation Retreat. We’ll get started on Sunday morning at Mar-Lu-Ridge at 11:00a.m. for worship. Confirmand families are encouraged to worship with us and then join us for lunch in the dining hall. All family members MUST register for lunch here. After lunch, families will depart and Confirmands will continue overnight into Monday(FCPS is off for Rosh Hashanah). The retreat will finish up at 3:00 p.m. on Monday. We will gather for relationship building, scripture study, outdoor adventures, great meals and lots of fun! A packing list will go out to registered participants as we get closer to the retreat! If the cost is a barrier, reach out to Pastor Kelsey . Scholarships are available.
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.
Monday, September 21
12:00-1:30 p.m.
“Lunch Bunch with Ms. Michaela” is a way for Ms. Michaela to get some 1:1 time with our upper elementary Abiding Kids to help grow in faith, build friendships and have fun. Each lunch bunch will be on an FCPS day off of school and will include lunch and an activity like gaga ball, friendship bracelet, Just Dance, and more! RSVP here to help us prepare. If you have questions, you can reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis.
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.
Thursday, September 24
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Students of all ages are invited to join Ms. Michaela and participate in a service project for the Abiding Presence Food Pantry. On the Thursday before every Abiding Presence Food Pantry, you can come learn about how the food pantry operates, help pray over the produce and the people who are coming, and learn about service as a spiritual discipline.
*You can sign up through our Sign-Up Genius here.A parent or guardian must accompany all students.If you have questions or need accommodations, please reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis.
Tuesday, September 29
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 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.
Wednesday, October 21
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.