Spring Greetings!

I have great news for those who enjoyed last year's "First Fridays at First" (FF@F) series and those who wished they could but missed it--By popular demand FF@F will return this summer to the lawn of FPC overlooking the Ballston skyline (and a brief walk to your Ballston dinner, movie or happy hour spot afterwards)!

Mark your calendars now for the first Friday of every month from June through September for the happiest happy hour in town! As those of you who dropped in for them last summer can attest, these are wonderful and relaxing way to end a week, and kickoff a weekend, with fellowship, music, a lemonade stand and a devotion in the largest green space in Arlington County--you got it, our church's front yard. FF@Fs are a great way to let the week's cares go, grow existing friendships and meet new people.

We are starting now to plan this summer's series which will begin on the First Friday of June (6/6). If you would like to be a part of the FF@F team, send me an email--This is a great way to get involved in the church in a really non-demanding way. There is no long-term commitment required (you can help with one or as many as you like, these practically run themselves and there is little to no setup/clean up required.

Here are four ways you can help:

SPREAD THE WORD! FF@F are a great and neighborhoody way for new and seeking folks to experience God's love and our warm church in a casual and non-threatening environment. We hope this year to attract more newcomers from the surrounding Arlington area so please invite your local friends and neighbors to consider dropping by! If you have marketing talents or interests, we would welcome your help with crafting of the publicity emails or bulletin announcements to the church, and arranging for announcements! We would also welcome your ideas and help in reaching out more to the local arlington community as FF@Fs are a great way to introduce new folks to our church! (**Helping with this takes about 2 hours per event total to coordinate, craft and submit publicity emails and bulletins or other publicity ideas you may have!)

BE A CO-LEADER! FF@Fs are characterized by awesomely fun group singing. We like to have several song leaders for each to help bring the crowd out of their shells and out of their "workweek" selves into the weekend spirit. Take it from me and Clint, no musical talent is needed--all that is needed is a love of helping to lead groups and a willingness to show up about an hour early to review that evening's songs! (**Helping with this takes probably 1 hour per event!)

BRING YOUR GUITAR OR FRIEND WHO PLAYS GUITAR! FF@Fs are characterized by our favorite campfire as well as contemporary christian songs sung acapella or with acoustic guitars. We welcome the warmth that guitars lend to our singing if you or anyone you know plays guitar, please consider sharing those talents!

INSPIRE OTHERS AND SHARE YOUR FAITH--FF@Fs are characterized by lay leadership in celebration of the presbyterian belief that we are a congregation of ministers. At each of the 4 FF@Fs we will have lay speaker from our midst share their faith, a story from their faith journey or their perspective on faith that can inspire, uplift or enlighten us all. Topics last year ranged from the growth that one person experienced practicing their faith in a faraway culture and land, what the superheroes can teach us about discovering and using our gifts in the world, and God's use of humor in the Bible. (**Helping with this takes probably between 4-8 hours to reflect on and prepare, but will be deeply rewarding for you and all gathered for FF@F).

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing everyone and hope you will plan now to turn off that computer, and head to the lawn, to reconnect with God, yourself and others the first friday of our summer months!

See you there!
April Armstrong, FF@F Team Leader