Announcements
Worship
Ash Wednesday
We will join our friends at Walker Chapel (4102 North Glebe Road) for Ash Wednesday worship service on February 18 at 7 PM. Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a period of reflection and repentance, where the practice of receiving ashes on the forehead symbolizes the recognition of one's mortality and sinfulness, signifying a call to turn back to God.
Community
Annual Youth Missions Play
Who killed Zeus? When the Greek gods go undercover in modern-day NYC, only one wise detective can stop chaos from breaking loose! Join us for the Mount Olivet and Walker Chapel Players production of Pandemonium on February 13 and 14 at 7 PM or on Sunday, February 15 at 3:30 PM. Tickets are free, but donations encouraged to support Mount Olivet youth missions.
Volunteers Needed to help with Concessions
Short term commitment to help with the youth play by prepping and serving concessions before each performance and during intermission. Kids and adults welcome. All time slots are available. Contact Evan at ehannah@mtolivet-umc.org
Volunteer with Community Assistance
It’s time to volunteer for Community Assistance. 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.
Pancake Supper
Join us on Tuesday, February 17 from 5:30-7 PM for our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in Fellowship Hall. We will be serving pancakes and gluten free pancakes, sausage, bacon, fruit and beverages. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent and it is tradition to use up rich foods before the 40 day fasting season of Lent. Please sign up here and note any dietary restrictions.
Butterfield’s Brigade and Mount Olivet 1861-1862
Completed just before the Civil War, Mount Olivet's original structure was reduced to its foundations by the end of the conflict's first year. It was variously used by the United States Army as – possibly – a hospital, storehouse, picket post, and stable.
In this talk, local historian, Michael Schaffner, will explore the likely uses of the building before focusing on the soldiers camped nearby from September 1861 till May 1862. Their story reveals surprising connections to some of the war's great battles, the United States Colored Troops, and the Army's early efforts at graves registration.
Please join our history team on Sunday, February 22 at 3:00. Let us know you are coming by emailing Monte Campbell.
Join VAUMC for Public Witness in D.C. at Faithful Resistance
The Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice is happening in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, February 25. Bishop Sue and the Cabinet invite you to join us for an upcoming ecumenical gathering and peaceful march calling for the humane treatment of immigrants. The event will take place in Washington, DC on Wednesday, February 25 and opens at 10 AM with worship at Capitol Hill UMC (421 Seward Square SE, Washington, DC, 20003).
A prayerful march to the U.S. Capitol will follow, accompanied by congressional visits in the afternoon for those interested in attending. This is a powerful opportunity to show solidarity for immigrants and call upon Christians everywhere to live out Christ’s call on all of us to resist evil, oppression and injustice in whatever forms they present.
Caretakers of God's Creation
Everything we eat affects the climate. Arlington Public Library will present a program with Mark Easter, author of The Blue Plate: A Food Lover’s Guide to Climate Chaos on February 25 at 6 PM. Register to attend either in person or online.
Bethune-Cookman University Gospel Choir
Join us for an inspiring performance by the nationally renowned Bethune–Cookman University Gospel Choir on Tuesday, March 3, 7 PM in the Sanctuary. This powerful program weaves together songs of praise, introspection, and rejoicing that reflect the depth and joy of the gospel tradition. Come experience an evening of soaring voices, spiritual reflection, and jubilant celebration. Enjoy this video of the choir. BCC Gospel Choir Melodies From Heaven Video 2022
Spring Clean Up Day
Mount Olivet’s Spring Clean-up Day will be Saturday, March 21. Our outdoor projects will include planting spring flowers and mulching; our inside projects will include cleaning the Sanctuary pews. Have a project you’d like added to the list? Contact Ann Speicher.
Racial Equity Resources
Rev. Dr. James Cone, was ordained in the AME church and founder of Black Liberation Theology. His experiences with racism, the assassination of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr., and Euro-centric teachings in seminary led to him developing a new approach to Christian interpretation. Cone upended Christian theology by centering blackness as part of God’s essential nature. He connected the brutality of the cross to the practice of lynching in America, asserting that Jesus was the “first lynchee.” Learn more about Black Theology and James Cone's body of work.
Preschool Now Enrolling for Fall 2026!
Mount Olivet Preschool is welcoming little learners ages 18 months–6 years. Our playbased program nurtures curiosity, confidence, and joy every day. Core hours run 9:15 AM –1:15 PM, with optional afternoon care until 3:30 PM. Come grow, explore, and play with us! For more information call 571-562-0803 or visit us online.
Food Drive
During these difficult times, we are helping the families at Glebe Elementary School put food on their tables by donating canned goods. Place your items in the basket in the Preschool Lobby on Sunday or leave in the bin on the 16th Street porch (entrance door #1). The following low sugar and low sodium items are needed:
- Canned fruits
- Canned tuna
- Canned soups
- Canned vegetables
- Canned tomatoes
- Peanut butter (in plastic jars)
- Cereal
Contact Linnea Carlson with any questions.
Adults
Online Lenten Study
Tell Me Something Good! Can we be “good news” people in a world too often burdened by bad news? Join us for this five-session Lenten study, as we delve in to the good news of the gospel through scripture, art, poetry and hymns. Thursdays, February 26 - March 26 at 7:15 on Zoom. Contact Rev. Stephanie Bekhor for more information.
Children & Families
Youth
Confirmation Class
What is Confirmation? At baptism, we are initiated into the new covenant in Jesus Christ. For many, this happens at a very young age. Baptized infants are a part of the church — the family of faith — but are not yet capable of sharing everything involved in membership. Confirmation is an opportunity to respond to the grace of God available to us, as acknowledged in baptism, and to promise to live as a person of faith. Confirmation is the response of commitment and profession of faith.
Mount Olivet's Youth Ministry is committed to building a compassionate space where all are welcome to explore their faith. Our confirmation study for 8th graders or above begins on March 1 at 4 PM in the Youth Area. There will be 6 sessions (skipping Palm Sunday and Easter). Confirmation Sunday will be April 26. Contact Evan or Pastor Sara at skeeling@mtolivet-umc.org with questions or to register.
Fire
Fire Update
Progress continues toward finalizing our fire side restoration. We are in the final stretch and waiting on county inspections. Installation of all furniture will be complete on February 23.
As a reminder, until the restoration project is finished, we continue to be 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. We look forward to opening the doors to our new space soon!
