Fairhaven UMC
E-Messenger
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Mission: To Love, Live, and Serve like Jesus
In our church, community, and world
Sunday Worship
Join us in person or online as we consider “Rooted in Christ: Love Boldly,” which was the theme of this year’s Annual Conference session. Our scriptures are Isaiah 43:1-2, 14-19 and Ephesians 3:17-19. We will hear a report on annual conference from Pastor Ken, Deacon Megan, Sharie Bernard, and Rita Green, a clip of Bishop Easterling’s sermon, along with 2 videos from the opening worship service. Of course, we will honor our fathers in recognition of Father’s Day. Tom Taylor and Kathy Smith will offer the music of the day. Come, celebrate with us!
Lay Reader: Markia Chambers
Ushers: Trica Young
Coffee Hour: United Women in Faith (Happy Father’s Day!)
The link to last week’s service: LINK
Happening This Week
Friday, June 19, Juneteenth celebration hosted by The Route 28 Interfaith Team at The Church of the Latter-Day Saints, Kentlands Ward, 16 Kent Gardens Cir., Gaithersburg, at 7 p.m. Please attend to support the work of many Fairhaven folks: Freddie Payton and Gospel choir, Elaine, Sylvia, and Rita on the planning team. This year, we will share information on the 250-year history of Montgomery County. Light refreshments will be served following the program to provide an opportunity for fellowship with members of the other interfaith community congregations. Overflow parking is available at Rachel Carson ES across the street.
Saturday, June 20, Pleasant View Historic Site Reopening Celebration!
Celebrate the reopening of Pleasant View Historic Site and see what your donations of support have accomplished. The following logistics will help you plan your experience: Pleasant View’s address - 11810 Darnestown Road,
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located next to PV, has granted us permission to use their parking lot. Please park there and walk over.
Schedule of Events:
- 10:00 AM: Festivities begin with the ringing of the bell. Self-guided tours and activities will be available throughout the site.
- Ongoing: The church will feature music and site history. The schoolhouse will host book signings, a screening of Finding Fellowship, a community “quilt” activity, health screenings, and self-guided tours of the historic QO classroom. Outside, there will be a garden exhibit, tree planting, food trucks, and cemetery information.
- 11:00 – 11:30 AM: Quince Orchard High School students will perform under the main tent.
- 12:00 PM: The main program begins under the tent. We ask that all other activities pause during this time.
- Post-Program: The church and schoolhouse will reopen, followed by the pole wrapping at 1:30 PM.
We’re looking for a few volunteers to help out that day. Please contact Gerry 301.318.4630, or Rita 301.648.8294 for information.
Pastor Away: Pastor Ken is taking a week of vacation from Monday, June 22-Sunday, June 28. The Rev. Dr. Paul Johnson, Goshen UMC, is on call in case of pastoral emergencies. Pastor Paul can be reached at 410-299-2570. Rebecca Davies-Venn will lead Thursday Prayer Time, and Jonathan Chambers will preach and lead worship on Sunday, June 28. Pastor Ken will return to his normal schedule on Monday, June 29. Rita will also be away next week and Markia will prepare next week’s bulletin, PowerPoint and E-messenger.
Save the Dates For Future Events!
July 11 - Different Shades of Pink Tea
July 27- 29 – Vacation Bible school
Additional New and Important Updates
Thanks again to all of the musicians who shared their talents during last week’s Choir Appreciation Sunday. Special thanks to Christina Mollard, our music director. Your hard work is genuinely appreciated!
Congratulations to more of our graduates:
Maggie Mooney - from 5th grade to middle school
Shel Mooney – from middle school to high school
Huree University Fairhaven’s relationship with Huree University was featured in Huree’s latest newsletter. Please see the attached copy and thank you for your continued generosity for Huree.
Amazing youth! Wouldn’t you like to get to know our young people better? Please sign up to teach a Sunday or two of Sunday School this summer. Our kids are awesome and this would be a wonderful way to assist with them. There is a sign-up outside of the sanctuary on the bulletin board. Lessons and training are provided if you would like that. Any questions, reach out to Trica at tricasmiles23@gmail.com
Who’s on First? We’ve been challenged to play a one-time softball game against another congregation. If you’re interested in playing, please contact Nathan at 240-506-2249
Different Shades of Pink Tea - The United Women in Faith are hosting an afternoon tea on July 11 at noon. We're looking forward to another wonderful opportunity for fellowship, laughs, food, and a beautiful selection of teas. Please remember to step out in your pink. Whether it's a pink dress, purse, hat, or other accessories, we look forward to seeing you! Feel free to bring your favorite teacup and saucer, if you would like to, and we will have some teacups if you prefer that option. The suggested donation for attending the tea is $15.00, which can be paid after church to Penni Spriggs McDonald, Donna Adderly or Debbie Prather in advance or on the day of the event. See the attached flyer for more information.
CAPITAL PROJECTS 2026
On Sunday, Todd Bridgeman, chair of the Board of Trustees, outlined the major projects the Trustees will undertake this year: replace the split-rail fence along Route 28; install a new heat pump and air handler in the kitchen; and install a new LED road sign. The total cost of these projects is estimated to be approximately $100,000. We are receiving donations from the congregation to help pay for these upgrades, with the remaining expense to be covered by our reserves. Donations may be made to the Capital Fund through the offering plate, mail or Breeze portal. Todd’s presentation can be viewed HERE
Vacation Bible school is July 27- 29 from 6-8 pm!
We are actively recruiting volunteers-- adults and teens for our Vacation Bible School this year. If you’re interested, please reach out to Trica at tricasmiles23@gmail.com
Additional Summer fun activities:
Summer is fast approaching. Have you signed your children up for camp? The BWC is blessed to have three different camp and retreat sites offering a wide range of programs in stunning locations at Harmison, Manidokan, and West River. Registrations are now being accepted. Learn more about summer camps.
Science, Sparks and Summer Fun! Mad Science Camps are coming to Fairhaven United Methodist Church again this summer! Turn your child's summer into an unforgettable adventure filled with bubbling potions and Dinosaurs full of hands-on STEM Experiments. Spaces are limited, and spots fill up fast! Sign up here each week runs from 9am-4pm and is $395.
July/August upper Room devotionals are available
News from the Greater Gaithersburg Hub, the Baltimore-Washington Conference, and the Community
BWC News
Please see the weekly e-connection for an invitation to join Washington National Cathedral on July 3 for We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident. It will be an interfaith service commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States through scripture, music, and reflections on pluralism, the common good, and our shared work toward a more perfect union. Bishop Easterling will participate alongside spiritual and civic leaders from diverse faith traditions in this special service, which will be free and open to the public and available via livestream. Learn more and access the livestream. Also, check out the Discipleship Opportunities and Classified sections.
Community News
Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe’s newsletter notes, among other things, that our neighbor church, Poplar Grove Baptist Church on Jones Lane, was built in 1893. It is the sole surviving 19th century Baptist church of an African American congregation in Montgomery County. Immersion baptisms are said to have taken place in a tributary of the Muddy Branch during the church's early years.
Her newsletter is available on her website: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Balcombe/
BlackRock Center for the Arts is also celebrating JUNETEENTH on June 20 from 1-10 PM. Get ready for an unforgettable celebration at the Official Montgomery County Juneteenth Festival, a FREE day of culture, community, and nonstop excitement presented in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights!