Announcements
Worship
Pentecost Sunday
Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter, commemorating the birth of the church and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. It is seen as a time of renewed spiritual energy and empowerment for believers.
On Pentecost Sunday, we remember the day the disciples received the Holy Spirit in a special way. The story in Acts 2 describes a powerful wind and tongues of fire as the Holy Spirit was poured out on people from all over the world who came to Jerusalem to celebrate a Jewish feast. At the first Pentecost over 3,000 people were baptized, creating the first church. This is why Pentecost is known as the birthday of the Christian church.
The word Pentecost comes from a Greek word meaning fiftieth. The Jewish Festival of Pentecost (called Shavuot, meaning "weeks" in Hebrew) falls on the fiftieth day after the original Passover. On that day, God gave the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Christian festival of Pentecost falls on the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus.
Pentecost for Christians culminates the celebration and work of the church begun on Easter Day. In much of early Christianity, Easter Day (not Pentecost) became the primary day for baptisms.
Two colors are historically associated with Pentecost. Red is a visual reminder of the “tongues of fire" that empowered the apostles and others to proclaim the good news of Christ's resurrection in many languages to the crowds of pilgrims from many lands. White was used in some places, including England, where Pentecost had also become a day for baptisms by the Middle Ages.
If you are so inclined, wear red to celebrate Pentecost Sunday.
Community
March in the Capital Pride Parade!
When: Saturday June 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Where: on 15th Street NW (between U and P streets), the exact location to be shared with participants the day before the parade.
Who’s organizing this event: Capital UMC Pride, a group of United Methodist congregations, laypeople, clergy, and affiliates from the Baltimore-Washington and Virginia Annual conferences that plan, organize and execute the UMC contingent at the Capital Pride Parade.
Capital UMC Pride Mission: Extend a warm, inclusive welcome to the 700,000+ parade spectators and invite queer Christians and allies to connect with our United Methodist communities.
This year the United Methodist parade contingent will be 18+. There is also the opportunity for families and individuals of all ages to join other United Methodists in watching the parade. Please keep in mind this is a celebratory event for LGBTQ+ people and this a time for individuals to share the fullness of who they are.
Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget
From Fear to Courage, From the Upper Room to the Streets. Before Pentecost, Jesus' disciples hid in fear. After Pentecost, filled with the Holy Spirit, they boldly stepped into the streets for public witness. Today, people of faith are called to do the same.
Amid growing fear in our nation—fueled by a political climate that threatens truth-tellers and targets the vulnerable— we are called to proclaim the truth that sets us free. Congress is debating a proposed budget that turns biblical values upside down by rewarding the wealthiest Americans with tax cuts while brutalizing the most vulnerable with massive cuts to clear social needs. The moment demands a visible, moral witness grounded in faith and justice.
What
A public procession and vigil led by clergy and congregants, religious and lay leaders at the U.S. Capitol before a key Senate vote on a reconciliation package that threatens to slash care for the sick, in Medicaid, and feeding the hungry, in SNAP: and other vital social programs that support and uplift vulnerable people among us.
When
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
10:00 AM: Gather and prepare
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Vigil at Upper Senate Park (200 New Jersey Ave NW)
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Procession to the Senate Steps
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Public Witness at Senate Steps (songs, scripture, prayer)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch break and informal gathering
2:30 PM onward: Senate office meetings for registered participants
Possible debrief following meetings
Where
Gathering & Vigil: Upper Senate Park (200 New Jersey Ave NW)
Procession Route: From Upper Senate Park to the East Front Senate Steps
Public Witness: Senate Steps, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC
Senate Meetings: Senate Office Buildings
Who
Clergy and people of faith from across our Christian traditions and others moved by moral conscience. We will come in robes, collars, and religious garb, singing, praying, testifying, story telling, reading Scripture verses about people experiencing poverty in the Bible and standing for justice–and a moral budget.
Why
Because people who are hungry, thirsty, immigrant, naked, sick, and imprisoned—the very people Jesus calls us to protect—are under real and dire threat. “As you have done it to them, you have done it to me.” This is a test both of our faith and our democracy.
How
We will:
- Preach and invite participation in our congregations on Pentecost Sunday, June 8
- Mobilize to Washington, DC, for the June 10 action
- Participate in the public procession, vigil, and Capitol Hill witness
- Join scheduled Senate meetings to advocate for a moral budget
- Report back to our congregations and communities the following Sunday
- Carry the spirit and courage of Pentecost into continued local action
Volunteer with Community Assistance
It’s time to volunteer for Community Assistance. Our next event will be on June 14. Please volunteer to help our neighbors in need receive some much-needed help with food and gift cards. Slots to volunteer are available from 8 AM through 12:45 PM. Sign up on the SignupGenius.
You can make a financial contribution to Community Assistance, at mountolivetumc.com/giving and indicate Community Assistance. Thanks for your continued support of our Community Assistance Ministry.
Pastor Appreciation for Pastor Delishia A. Davis
Join our friends at Calloway UMC (5000 Langston Blvd) for this special celebration on June 22 at 2 PM! Rev. Dr. James Victor is the speaker and special music will be provided by St. Joseph Gospel Choir, and Chris Reynolds and Faith. Food, fellowship, faith and fun!
Racial Equity Resources
Wearing clothing not in accordance with the gender assigned at birth is not a new phenomenon, dating back millennia. In the mid 1800s some US cities began criminalizing crossdressing or masquerading or using other catchall crimes such as vagrancy to police what people wore. Learn more about this topic in this week's resources.
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Caretakers of God's Creation
Did you know that there are bi-weekly garden talks by the garden at Arlington Central Library? Sponsored by Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture, upcoming topics include weeds, bugs, and seeds.
Virginia Interfaith Power and Light’s Faithful Voter Reflection Guide
VAIPL has created a guide for faith communities to remain mindful of voting for their values and for environmental justice as election day approaches. The guide is ideal for a seven-week or seven-session study. Register to download the 2025 Faith Climate Justice Voter Guide and get started today!
Reminder: Wear Your Nametag
Wearing a name tag at worship services helps us all become a more welcoming congregation. It makes us feel special when Pastors Sara, Stephanie or Jeff says our name at the communion table and it allows us to greet each other by name when passing the peace. We invite you to wear your name tag each Sunday. If you need a new one, just request one on the attendance card or when registering attendance via the QR code.
Adults
Children & Families
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Potluck and Playdate
Join us on June 6 at 5:30 PM for Potluck and Playdate. We have a potluck supper at a church member's home and enjoy some relaxing conversation. Everyone is welcome. Be prepared, there are lots of kids running around!
Youth
Fire
Fire Update: Week of June 1
Construction continues to progress on schedule. HVAC, electrical, framing, and plumbing have all passed county inspections. Insulation is complete and drywall installation continues. Wiring for security cameras was completed. Cameras will go in closer to the end of the project. Low voltage wiring for internet access is ongoing. Our new picture updates this week include Mark Accardo from Jenkins Restorations, our amazing superintendent, that is on site managing the project all day, Monday – Friday.
The restoration is scheduled to be finished by late 2025, depending on weather and other factors. We are looking forward to being able to "Open the Doors" and use our full building!
Meanwhile, the church continues to operate with a reduced footprint. We are limited to the sanctuary, preschool, youth area, fellowship hall and L-8 and L-9. Staff continue to work at home. We thank you for your patience as we move through the restoration and remain grateful for your continued support and prayers.
