oa k t on ch u r ch of th e bre th re n organization ......october 8-9 • sunday school schedule...

10025 Courthouse Rd; Vienna VA 22181

Phone: 703-281-4411 Fax: 703-281-4415 E-mail: [email protected]

O A K T O N C H U R C H O F T H E B R E T H R E N

bringing distant items

into focus. Bifocal or

transition lenses are

prescribed in order to

keep sights near and far

in focus.

Symbolically this can

become an issue for

churches as well. Some-

times we get so caught

up in everyday concerns

that we miss the forest

for the trees. At other

times we speak in such

generalities that the

practical aspects of faith

get lost.

I take my glasses off

when I deliver my ser-

mon. I can't read my

text with them on. Un-

fortunately, with my

glasses off I can't see

the people to whom I'm

speaking. Smiling or

frowning faces look the

same without my

glasses. With my glasses

on I can't read what I'm

supposed to be saying.

Myopia is common at

my age. Our eyes can

see nearby things

clearly but have trouble

When this happens it is

helpful to redouble our

efforts to see both the

large picture and its

practical application:

our relationship with

God as disciples of Je-

sus Christ and our rela-

tionship with those

around us.

Sunday morning wor-

ship helps. It combines

the eternal truths of

faith with the specific

personalities of life.

Worship "here and

now" forms the basis of

"Sir, we would see Jesus." John 12:21

An Oasis of Life in Jesus Christ

Pastor: Chris Bowman Director of Music: John Shafer Children’s Ministry: Debbie Seidel Admin. Assistant: Kristin Trombley Moderator: Ali Kianersi

On the web at: www.oaktonbrethren.org

[address change requested]

Oakton Church of the Brethren

10025 Courthouse Rd

Vienna, VA 22181

Non Profit

Organization

US Postage Paid

Permit # 3

Oakton VA

FromthePastor

our faithfulness

and makes real the

essential grace of

God.

See you Sunday.

Keep your eyes

peeled.

This month the HVAC project will be completed. Our thanks go to fi-nancial donors, church leaders, the installation crew, and all who helped make this possible. The facility is now better equipped for the minis-tries of the church.

The HVAC installation is the latest in a series of important, yet time-consuming and costly capital im-provements to our facility. Dead trees have been removed, the parking lot resurfaced, roofs replaced, the Verizon project completed, the church exterior painted, and the southern tree line cleared. We cele-brate the completion of these tasks and the improvements they bring. They were important to do.

Now it is important that we turn to a new vision. What is it that God is now calling us to do and be as the

Oakton Church of the Brethren? What is our mission for the com-ing years? How might we turn our attention in new and faithful ways? On what ministries will we focus our time, energy, gifts, and stewardship?

Through the end of this year, let’s consider together what new thing God is doing at Oakton Church of the Brethren. As the seasons change and we enter a new church year, let’s lay hold of the change that God has in store for us. (cdb)

Turning the Corner

Lovefeast

Join us for Fall Lovefeast

October 3rd at 7:00 p.m.

Feetwashing, agape meal

and communion are impor-

tant parts of the Brethren

Lovefeast which is pat-

terned after Jesus’ last sup-

per in John 13.All members

and friends are invited and

welcome to participate in as

much (or as little) of the service as they wish. Child-

care will be provided.

O A K T O N C H U R C H O F T H E B R E T H R E N

• HVAC Update

• Fall Lovefeast

• Mid-Atlantic Dis-trict Conference

October 8-9

• Sunday School

Schedule

• OCOB Concert

Series

• Profile:

Biddle Family

Turning the Corner 1

District Conference 2

Sunday School

Schedule

3

Profile 4-5

Calendar 6-7

OCOB Concert

Series — Oct. 17

8

Of Record 10

Sermon Themes 11

Brethren Banner

October 2010

Check out the flyer inside for de-

tails on the Pumpkin Party Octo-

ber 23rd at 3:00 in Amissville, VA.

I give you a new commandment,

that you love one another. Just

as I have loved you, you should

also love one another. By this

everyone will know that you are

my disciples, if you have love for

one another. (John 13:34)

You are invited to participate in the

44th annual Mid-Atlantic District

Conference which will be held at

Manassas Church of the Brethren

October 8th-9th.

The theme for this year’s conference

is based on Colossian 3:15 “Let the

peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

Pastor Chris is the conference

speaker and Pastor Jeff Carter is the

worship leader for District Confer-

ence.

The Friday schedule begins at 4:00

p.m. with registration and exhibits

and then dinner at the church, fol-

lowed by a 7:00 concert and fellow-

ship.

Saturday starts with continental

breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and registra-

tion at 7:30. Worship at 8:00 and

Call to Order at 9:10, followed by

business, reports and district vision.

After a noon lunch, hymns will be

sung at 1:00 p.m., with a leadership

report at 1:30. At 1:45 Jeff Carter

will lead the Annual Conference

Query/Statement.

Additional information is available

at madcob.com.

The day is drawing near—the day on

which our HVAC installation will

finally be complete! Join your

church friends for a carry-in lunch

to celebrate this occasion and to

thank our Property Committee for

all their hard work — October 31st,

directly after church.

Mid-Atlantic District Conference

Oakton Church of the Brethren Newsletter

Dis

tric

tNew

s

HVAC Celebration Sunday—Carry-In Lunch October 31 after church

Upcoming Sermon Topics

Oct. 3 — (Numbers 11:1-6; John 6:48-51)

“The Word to the Rabble”

Oct. 10 — (James 5:13-17) Anointing Sunday

Oct. 17 — (1Peter 2:1-10) “Cornerstone Kingdoms”

Oct. 24 — (2Tim 3:14-4:5) “Preach the Word”

Oct. 31 — (Hab. 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Luke 19:1-10)

“Simply and Obviously Proclaim the Good News”

Page 11

Brethren Banner October 2010

Read the New Testament

Oakton Brethren are invited to read through the

New Testament from October 2 through Decem-

ber 31. To enhance the conversation between us

and keep us on track, Manassas Church of the

Brethren has created a Bible discussion

blog. Each day, the daily readings will be linked

to an online version of the NRSV, and hopefully

the site will provide a fellowship space for voicing

our comments, reflections, unease and questions

on those readings. The site also provides educa-

tional resources to enhance your reading, such as

introductions to each of the books, and links to

additional materials. Join the journey at

http://blog.manassasbrethren.org/ .

Peace Pole

Sunday, September 19, Oakton Church of

the Brethren planted a new Peace Pole in

observance of the International Day of

Prayers for Peace. Sponsored by the Action/

Reflection Committee, the ceremony served

as the closing of our morning worship service

focusing on peace. The simple, pole-planting

ceremony was held outside and included

scripture reading, prayer, and a blessing.

The Peace Pole has the message “May Peace

Prevail On Earth” (in English, Spanish, Ger-

man, Korean, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, &

Hindi). We asked God to bless this pole as a

symbol for our com-

munity and our

church saying: “May

it be a beacon to oth-

ers in this war-weary

world and a light in

the darkness of our

culture’s ceaseless

clamoring and strife.

And may it be a re-

minder to we who

plant it of our com-

mitment to let the

Peace of Christ rule

in our hearts and

minds.”

It was a joyful noise in the fellowship hall on Septem-

ber 12 when over 80 of us didn’t let the desperately

needed rain dampen our spirits.

Though we

moved our an-

nual church

picnic indoors,

we still enjoyed

grilled ham-

burgers and

hotdogs, deli-

cious food, and

wonderful conversation. As the rain ended, the kids

were able to

enjoy some time

outdoors. It

was a terrific

way to start off

a new fall Sun-

day school sea-

son.

Woodbridge Church of the Brethren

welcomes Pastor Jan King. Janice (Jan)

King, Martinsburg, PA, began her duties

as pastor of Woodbridge COB on Sep-

tember 7, 2010.

Jan is a graduate of Bethany Seminary,

and is a Certified Spiritual Director. Jan

began in youth ministry and over the last

20 years has served in leadership posi-

tions within district ministries and as

chaplain at two retirement villages.

—oo0oo—

WEDDING

Our administrative assistant (and news-

letter editor), Kristin Trombley, will

marry John Carden October 16, 2010 in

Playa del

Carmen,

Mexico.

Kristin and

John have

been to-

gether four

years and

live in Ar-

lington, VA.

Page 10


Mil

esto

nes

Of Record Annual Picnic — Rain and Shine!

Brethren Banner October 2010 N

ews

Class Age Teacher Location

Small Wonders

Gather ‘Round

2-3 years Michelle Gill Main Level

Wee Folks

Gather ‘Round

4-5 years Sherry Bowman Upstairs

Explorers

Gather ‘Round

1st-3rd grade Pam Young-Schultz Upstairs

Middlers

Gather ‘Round

4th-5th Jan Fischer Bachman Upstairs

Junior High

Gather ‘Round

6th-8th Joel & Sue Comer Upstairs

Senior High

Idolatry: what idols are, what

they represent, risks of idol

worship and alternatives to it

9th-12th Leslie Connolly & Bob

Seidel

Basement

Common Ground

TBD

20s-40s Ryan Richardson Main Level

Providence

Characters and the Role of

Individuals in the Bible and

God’s Plan

30s-50s Brian Bachman Upstairs

Sojourners

Corinthians and Future Trends

in American Religion

40s-60s Harry Biddle Basement

Pathfinders

A Guide for Biblical Studies:

The Inescapable God

50s & up Mark Phillips Main Level

Brethren Beliefs Anyone interested in learn-

ing more about the church

Chris Bowman Pastor’s Office

Fall 2010 Sunday School Classes

All classes begin at 9:45 a.m.

Pro

file

Harry Biddle was raised in Lewis-

town, Pa, and attended Lewistown

Church of the Brethren. His father

worked for Penn Central Railroad,

and was in charge of all traffic from

Harrisburg to Altoona, PA. His

mother was a school librarian. Harry

and his twin brother are the young-

est of 4 children.

Harry served in the Army for 4 years

to earn rights under the GI bill,

which enabled him to attend Millers-

ville University in Lancaster, PA.

While working part time at a Wool-

worth’s at Park City Mall, he met

Sharon Burkey, who was a full-time

employee there.

Sharon was raised in Lancaster in

the Catholic church, and attended

three churches there as her family

moved within the area. Her father

worked for Armstrong Floors; her

mother was a homemaker. Sharon

is also a twin—she and her twin are

the oldest in her family, with three

other single siblings. Sharon at-

tended Penn State, and graduated

with a B.S. in German with a Busi-

ness Option.

Harry graduated with a Bachelor of

Science in Computer Science and

Information Technology from Mil-

lersville. Sharon completed a Mas-

ter’s in International Business Stud-

ies (MIBS) from the University of

South Carolina.

They were married on Aug. 6, 1988,

at St. John Neumann Catholic

Church in Lancaster. After their

wedding, they applied to jobs in

cities along the East Coast, and

made a pact that, whoever got a job

offer first, that is where they would

move. They each received job offers

on the same day, both in Northern

Virginia, and moved to Annandale.

Sharon has worked for the Depart-

ment of the Air Force ever since,

Familiar Faces: The Biddle Family


By Jan Burket

Page 9

Brethren Banner October 2010

Alex Ramirez, pianist, and Michelle

Schulman, soprano, delighted the

audience at the latest concert of the


Community Concert Series held on

Sunday, September 12. The theme

of the concert was “Great Voices of

the Hollywood Films, and the two

musicians performed a series of

songs made famous over the years

by great

Holly-

wood

actors

and ac-

tresses.

Ms.

Schul-

man

dis-

played

great versatility, singing in styles

ranging from opera (Bizet’s

“Habanera” from Carmen) to old

favorites such as Herbert’s “Ah,

Sweet Mystery of Life” to tunes

from musicals like Herman’s

“Hello, Dolly!” She was able to

effectively lighten her substantial

soprano voice to sing songs in the

style used by Barbara Streisand,

including selections from “Yentl.”

She was particularly effective in her

September Concert

Delights Audience interpretations of the classic Cuban

song “Siboney” and Lara’s

“Granada.” Alex Ramirez provided

dazzling accompaniment, much of

which he arranged or embellished

himself.

Mr. Rami-

rez per-

formed his

own med-

ley of selec-

tions from

the musi-

cal

“Showboat” which were beautifully

woven together and exquisitely per-

formed. He also presented a med-

ley of songs from Judy Garland’s

films.

Ms. Schulman and Mr. Ramirez

interspersed entertaining comments

and anecdotes about the music be-

tween selections which added

greatly to the experience.

Photos of Alex

and Michelle

courtesy of

Al Zebrowski

certo Competition, and, as an ac-

companist, has been a finalist in

the National Music Festival in Nova

Scotia and a semi-finalist in the

Eckhardt-Gramatté Competition in

Manitoba.

Tyler Sieh (Continued from page 8)

Oakton Church of the

Brethren Concert Series-

Oct. 17 at 5 p.m. — A

Recital of Music for

Strings and Piano

Concert series favorite

violist Tyler Sieh is back

on Sunday, Oct. 17 and

he is bringing along

some very talented col-

leagues: pianist Sophia

Kim-Cook, cellist Chris-

tine Choi, and violinist Mari Wash-

ington! The three musical selec-

tions for your enjoyment are Sonata

in D major, op. 78 by Johannes

Brahms; Sonata for Cello and Piano

by Claude Debussy; and Serenade in

C major, op. 19 by Ernst von Doh-

nányi.

The recital is free admission, with

donations accepted. There are no

tickets or reservations. Parking lot

space and seating are ample.

This is a high-quality concert

in a convenient and peaceful

venue. Don’t miss it! Mark

your calendar now for Sun-

day, Oct. 17 at 5 p.m.!

About the Musicians:

Mari Uehara Washington is

a graduate of the Oberlin College

Conservatory of Music and Univer-

sity of Maryland in where she

earned her Bachelor and Master of

Music respectively. Violist Tyler

Sieh studied with Thomas Turner

of the Minnesota Orchestra before

studying with Mark Jackobs and

Lynne Ramsey at the Cleveland

Institute of Music. He has per-

formed with the Toledo Symphony,

the Erie Philharmonic, the Annapo-

lis Symphony Orchestra and the

National Gallery Orchestra in addi-

tion to others. In 2007 he joined

the United States Air Force Strings

stationed in Washington, D.C.

Christine Choi is a graduate of

both the University of Southern

California and Manhattan School

of Music. She earned her Bachelor

and Master of Music under the tute-

lage of Eleonore Schoenfeld and

Alan Stepansky. In 2006 she joined

the United States Air Force Strings.

Sophia Kim Cook decided to pur-

sue piano studies first at the Con-

servatoire de musique de Québec de

Montréal, followed by Marianopolis

College for a Double D.E.C Music

and Natural Science, and McGill

University, receiving both her

Bachelors and Masters of Music

there. She continues to excel in

competition. She has won, as a

soloist, the Lakeshore Competition

and the McGill University Con-

(Continued on page 9)

October 17th Concert Series with Tyler Sieh

Page 8


Tyler Sieh,

self-portrait

Jessica Stitt and

Tyler Sieh at last year’s

concert

Brethren Banner October 2010 P

rofile, co

nt.

and is now involved in Human Re-

source policy. Harry has had four jobs

in that time, but currently he is Direc-

tor of the IT Department for the

American Academy of Otolaryngology,

Head and Neck Surgery Foundation—

an association and foundation for doc-

tors of ears, eyes, nose, throat, and

neck.

In 1996, he and Sharon built a home

in Woodbridge. Sharon is a member

of Holy Family Catholic Church in

Dale City. Harry began attending Oak-

ton when the couple moved to Annan-

dale. Since that time, he has served as

Treasurer, Board Chair, on the Prop-

erty and Finance Committees, and has

been a Sunday school teacher and Dea-

con. He sings in the choir, and has

contributed his energy and leadership

to large, time-consuming projects such

as the Disability, Verizon, and HVAC

projects, and roof and parking lot re-

placement.

Their daughter, Stefani, is a senior this

year at Forest Park High School in

Woodbridge. She is active in Girl

Scouts, and is working on her Gold

Award, the highest accomplishment.

She sings in her school choir, and is a

member of the vocal ensemble group

Platinum. She is considering colleges

and is interested in studying interior

design. Her two top choices are James

Madison University here in Vir-

ginia, and High Point University,

in North Carolina. She enjoys

hanging out with her friends and

listening to music. Stefani was bap-

tized and became a member at

Oakton last year.

Son Michael Biddle is in 8th grade

this year at Saunders Middle

School in Woodbridge. He tried

out for the football team this year,

and plays lacrosse in the spring.

He also intends to try out for

track, where he has competed for

the past 2 years. His events are

800-meter and 400-meter races,

although he has also competed in

mile runs. He plays French horn

in the band. He likes playing X-

Box games when he's not spending

time with friends in his neighbor-

hood or at school.


Sunday Morning Schedule:

Fellowship Time—9:15

Children’s Choir Practice—9:30

Sunday School—9:45

Worship—11:00

Mark your calendars!

Congregational Business Meeting

Nov. 14th at noon. Please plan to

attend this important meeting.

Christmas festival is December 5 at

5:30 p.m.

October 16th Church Workday

Please join us at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Octo-ber 16, to help with Fall Workday at the church. "Many hands make light work" as we spruce up and clean up the church facility.

Look for our list of jobs to be posted in the Narthex. Pick a job to do that day (or another day of your choos-ing). Contact Mary Ellen Judd or Christina Sharon for more information.

oa k t on ch u r ch of th e bre th re n organization ......october 8-9 • sunday school schedule...

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