Floris United Methodist Church

Floris Art Gallery Open Call for Artists
2025-10-24 - 2025-11-23 | Floris UMC, 13600 Frying Pan Road, Herndon, VA, 20171
Floris Art Gallery Open Call for Artists
Theme: Love Boldly. Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously.Submission Deadline: November 23, 2025Exhibit Dates: January 21 – February 28, 2026

Event Description
Do you express your faith through art? Whether you paint, sculpt, photograph, or create with fiber or mixed media, the Floris Art Gallery invites you to be part of our next community exhibit. This upcoming show, “Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously,” will celebrate the ways our congregation and staff embody these core values through creativity and imagination.
Art has always been a reflection of the divine spark within us—a way to communicate truth, hope, and beauty that words alone cannot express. At Floris, we believe creativity is one of the many ways we live out our faith. This exhibit provides a space for artists within our church community to share their gifts and inspire others to see God’s presence in new and meaningful ways.
We welcome submissions from all mediums and experience levels. Whether you’re a lifelong artist or just beginning to explore your creative side, your work can be a powerful expression of faith that moves and uplifts others. Selected works will be featured in the Floris Art Gallery throughout January and February 2026.
Join us as we fill our gallery with the colors, textures, and stories of our own community—each piece a reflection of what it means to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in today’s world.

How to Submit
Please submit your artwork by November 23, 2025.Visit florisumc.org/art-gallery
Come share your gifts, celebrate creativity, and help us bring faith to life through art.

Student Fall Retreat
2025-11-14 - 2025-11-16
Student Fall Retreat – Deepen Faith, Build Community
All students are invited to join Floris UMC for the Student Fall Retreat at Camp Highroad, a weekend designed to grow in faith, strengthen friendships, and build community.
Throughout the retreat, students will participate in exciting camp activities that foster teamwork, fun, and connection. From outdoor challenges to interactive games, every activity offers a chance to make memories and engage with others.
The retreat also features large group teaching sessions led by dynamic leaders, giving students opportunities to explore their faith on a deeper level. In small group discussions, students can reflect, ask questions, and share experiences in a safe and supportive environment, creating strong bonds and meaningful spiritual growth.
The Student Fall Retreat is more than just activities and lessons—it’s about community, reflection, and connection. Whether it’s sharing laughter in a game, engaging in meaningful discussion, or having quiet moments of prayer, this weekend provides space for students to grow in every way.
Don’t miss this opportunity for adventure, faith, and friendship! Register now to secure your spot and join us for a transformative weekend.
Event Details:

Dates & Times: November 14, 6:00 p.m. – November 16, 12:00 p.m.
Grades: 6–12
Cost: $200 if registered by September 30; $225 beginning October 5
Location: Camp Highroad
Register Here

Creative Community
2025-11-15 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Join Our Creative Community and Let’s Get Creative!

Invite a friend and join us in a time of connection and fellowship as we spend a day crafting together at Creative Community.

We provide the creative space – you bring your craft project!

These events are free for adults and teens(14 and up).

For more information, contact Tracy Janiak.

LEARN MORE >

Floris Feeds Our Community
2025-11-16 07:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-17 08:30 - 16:00, 2025-11-18 08:30 - 16:00, 2025-11-19 08:30 - 16:00, 2025-11-20 08:30 - 16:00, 2025-11-23 07:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-24 08:30 - 16:00, 2025-11-25 08:30 - 16:00 and 6 more dates
Floris Feeds Our CommunityNovember 16 – December 14
This holiday season, Floris is coming together to make a difference for our neighbors in need. From November 16 through December 14, we invite you to join us in supporting Floris Feeds Our Community, a churchwide food drive that provides essential items to local families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
All donations will benefit trusted community partners, including the Cornerstones Food Hub, Community of Faith UMC’s Food Pantry, and Floris’ Grace Ministries monthly food distribution. Together, these organizations help hundreds of families across Northern Virginia put food on the table and find hope during the holiday season.
Your generosity can make a real impact. Whether you pick up a few extra items during your next grocery trip or organize a mini collection with friends, every contribution counts. Simply bring your donations to the church and place them in the blue bins in the Gathering Space.Collection hours are:

Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Shopping List of Needed Items:

Bag of rice (1 lb up to 5 lb bags)
Peanut butter
Jelly
Masa (5 lb bag)
Spaghetti (1 lb)
Spaghetti sauce jars
Canned vegetables or beans
Canned fruit
Canned chicken or tuna
Cooking oil (24 oz)

Every bag of rice, every jar of peanut butter, and every can of vegetables helps share the love of Christ with someone in need. Let’s come together as a church family to support our community and remind our neighbors that they are not alone this season.
Join us in feeding hope, one donation at a time.

HHK Packaging
2025-11-16 10:00 - 14:00
HHK Packaging – Help Package Essentials
November 16, 202510:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Join us for an impactful, hands-on opportunity to support families and children in our local community. Floris UMC partners with Herndon Helping Kids (HHK) to assemble care packages filled with essential items for students experiencing food insecurity and other challenges. These gatherings are energetic, meaningful, and an excellent way to serve alongside others who are passionate about loving our neighbors.
HHK Packaging Events are simple, high-impact service opportunities suitable for individuals, families, students, and anyone with a heart to help. Volunteers will work together to sort, prepare, and package items that will be distributed through our community partnerships. Every bag packed makes an immediate difference for a local child.
We’ll be hosting this event on two separate dates:

Friday, October 17 — in The Hanger
Sunday, November 16 — in the Fellowship Hall between morning worship services

You’re welcome to join one date or both. Come when you can and stay as long as you’re able within the scheduled session. No prior experience is needed, and all supplies will be provided.
No Registration Required
This is a drop-in service opportunity. Simply show up, check in with our volunteer leads, and jump into the packing stations. We anticipate around 20 participants, but additional hands are always welcome.
Why It Matters
Food insecurity and limited access to essential supplies affect children right here in our community. By helping assemble HHK packages, you are directly supporting our mission to Pour Out love through action and compassion.
Questions or Details
Come help us bless our neighbors, one package at a time. Your time, energy, and compassion truly matter!
If you have any questions about attendance, registration, or scheduling, please reach out to her at dcali@florisumc.org

Hiking for the Soul
2025-11-16 14:00
Hiking for the Soul
Step away from the busyness of everyday life and experience the peace of God’s creation with Hiking for the Soul, a new monthly gathering sponsored by Floris UMC. Each hike is designed not only to get us moving outdoors, but also to nourish our spirits through reflection, prayer, and community.
Each month, we meet at a local park for a short and accessible hike (about 1.5 miles), perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a relaxed outdoor activity. But Hiking for the Soul is more than exercise. It is a space to slow down, notice the beauty around us, and connect with God in meaningful ways.
We begin with a short reading or meditation to open our hearts to God’s presence in nature. Midway through the hike, we pause for a simple grounding exercise that helps us center ourselves and fully embrace the moment.
After the trail, there is time for fellowship and sharing. Whether reflecting on the reading or simply enjoying conversation, Hiking for the Soul builds community while offering spiritual renewal.
Upcoming hikes:

Sunday, October 12 at 2:00 PM – Banshee Reeks | We’ll gather at the Nature Center parking lot for a scenic fall hike.
Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 PM – Bull Run Park | We’ll meet at the Atlantis Water Park parking lot to enjoy the trails together.

Bring your walking shoes, a water bottle, and an open heart. Join us for Hiking for the Soul and discover how nature can refresh your spirit.
Register today to save your spot for October’s Hike!
Register today to save your spot for November’s Hike!

Happy Hour Step Meeting
2025-11-17 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-11-24 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-12-01 17:30 - 18:30
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings at Floris UMC

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking is welcome, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income or profession. And it’s free. At meetings you can just sit and listen and learn more about recovery, or you can share about your situation. It’s completely up to you. A.A.’s primary purpose is to help alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Alcoholics Anonymous > | Virginia AA >

For more information, contact us at florishappyhour@gmail.com.

Happy Hour Big Book Meeting
2025-11-20 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-11-27 17:30 - 18:30

Coffee Hours: Ask an *Almost* Pastor
2025-11-21 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-28 13:00 - 16:00
Coffee Hours: Ask an *Almost* Pastor
Have you ever had a question about faith, life, or the Bible and wished you had a safe space to ask it? Maybe you’ve wondered about how to pray, what a particular scripture means, or how to navigate life’s challenges through the lens of faith. Or maybe you just need a place to pause at the end of the week with a good cup of coffee and a little community.
That’s exactly what “Almost Rev. Meg” Coffee Conversations is all about. Each Friday afternoon from 1–4 p.m., (October 3, 2025 at 2-4 p.m.) join Almost Rev. Meg at Meanwhile Coffee in Woodland Crossing (2309 Woodland Crossing Dr, Herndon, VA) for an open, welcoming time of conversation and connection.
Bring your toughest questions—Meg can promise you plenty of almost-answers! You don’t need to prepare anything in advance; just come as you are. Whether your questions are about the Bible, daily life, or where faith intersects with culture, this is a space to ask honestly, wonder together, and share perspectives without pressure.
Not in the mood for questions? That’s okay too! This gathering is also a casual co-working opportunity. Bring your laptop, grab a latte, and settle in alongside other Floris folks. You’ll find a supportive, relaxed environment where you can catch up on work, enjoy good company, or simply take a breather.
This weekly meetup is about more than coffee—it’s about building community. It’s about creating room for curiosity, for laughter, and for being together outside of Sunday morning. Whether you come once or make it a regular Friday ritual, you’ll find a warm welcome and a fresh perspective.
So, mark your calendar, bring your questions (or your to-do list), and join us. See you Fridays at Meanwhile Coffee!
Want more ways to connect?
Explore other Groups at Floris or check out upcoming Church Events.

F.I.S.H.
2025-11-21 18:00 - 20:00
F.I.S.H. (Fifth in Service for Him)
Fifth grade is an exciting time—it’s a year filled with growth, new experiences, and the beginning of deeper friendships. At Floris UMC, we know this is also the perfect stage to help students discover the joy of serving others while building a community of their own. That’s why we created F.I.S.H. (Fifth in Service for Him), a ministry just for fifth graders.
Through F.I.S.H., students gather regularly to share in fun, fellowship, and meaningful service. Each month offers a new adventure—one that keeps kids excited to come back, connect with friends, and grow in their faith. One month might bring the thrill of a scavenger hunt or the laughter of a game night, while another invites the group to roll up their sleeves for a hands-on service project that makes a difference in our local community. From progressive dinners to festive Christmas parties, every event is designed to help kids form lasting memories while learning that following Jesus is both joyful and impactful.
At its heart, F.I.S.H. is about connection—connection with peers, connection with caring adult leaders, and connection with God. Students will not only enjoy fun activities, but also discover how their time, talents, and energy can serve others in meaningful ways. It’s a safe, supportive environment where kids can be themselves, build friendships, and experience the values of compassion, kindness, and service in action.
We invite all fifth graders to come and see what F.I.S.H. is all about. Whether your child is new to Floris or has been part of our community for years, they’ll find a welcoming space where they belong. Together, we’ll laugh, serve, celebrate, and grow—because following Christ is best done in community.
👉 Ready to join us? Register today for F.I.S.H. and be part of the fun and service!
Register for October F.I.S.H.
Register for November F.I.S.H.
Register for December F.I.S.H.

Poinsettia Dedication
2025-11-23 - 2025-12-18
Poinsettia Dedications: Celebrate Christmas with a Gift of Beauty and Meaning
As we prepare our hearts and our worship spaces for the wonder of Christmas, you are invited to take part in a cherished tradition that brings both beauty and remembrance to our Christmas Eve services. Poinsettia Dedications are a meaningful way to honor loved ones, remember those who have passed, or offer a gift “To the Glory of God” during this sacred season.
Each dedication is $15 and includes a beautiful poinsettia displayed throughout our Christmas Eve worship. These vibrant plants brighten our sanctuary and represent the love, gratitude, and faith of our church family. You can choose to dedicate a poinsettia In Memory of someone dear, In Honor of a special person or group, or To the Glory of God. Your dedication becomes part of our collective celebration of hope, light, and the birth of Christ.
Your dedication will be included in our Christmas Eve materials so that your tribute can be shared with the congregation as we gather in worship. Many families find this tradition meaningful year after year because it provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and offer something beautiful in the spirit of Christmas.
Making a dedication is simple. Just complete the online form using the link below:
Make a dedication >
You are welcome to dedicate multiple poinsettias if you wish. After Christmas Eve services, you may take home your poinsettia or leave it to be shared with members of our community as a gesture of care.
For more information or assistance with your dedication, please contact Daniel Cho. Our team is happy to help.
Join us in filling our worship space with color, warmth, and love this Christmas. Your dedication is more than a plant; it is a symbol of remembrance, celebration, and the joy we share in this holy season.

XRoads Thanksgiving Dinner
2025-11-23 17:00 - 19:00
XRoads Thanksgiving Dinner
Sunday, November 23 at 5 p.m.
Join the XRoads Students for one of the most heartwarming traditions of the year as they prepare, cook, and serve a homemade Thanksgiving dinner for their families and loved ones. This special evening is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of gratitude, community, and faith in action.
Throughout the fall, our middle and high school students have been learning not only how to cook but also how to work together, serve others, and express appreciation for the people who support them. The annual XRoads Thanksgiving Dinner brings all those lessons to life. Students take the lead in the kitchen, plan the menu, set the tables, and serve a delicious, traditional feast to their families as a way of saying thank you.
The evening will include a time of fellowship, laughter, and reflection as we gather around the table to celebrate the season of thankfulness. Families will enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with joy, teamwork, and connection—a true reminder of what church community is all about.
This event is open to all XRoads families, and everyone is encouraged to come hungry and ready to be blessed by the hospitality and hard work of our students.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to support and celebrate our youth as they put their faith into action through service and gratitude.
For more information, contact Pepe Miller at pmiller@florisumc.org.
View photos from past Thanksgiving dinners here.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of food, faith, and fellowship as we give thanks together!

Blood Drive
2025-11-25 10:00 - 16:00
Hospitals are in huge need of blood and platelets to aid patients. Make a difference through the American Red Cross and donate blood today. Sign up to save a life>
*Those who sign up can expect to have their blood drawn.
If this month is full, check the next Blood Drive with openings.
For more information, contact Debi Cali.
