Merrifield Business News!

On any day, if it’s noon or 5:00 p.m. and you’re in Merrifield, roll down your window. Only then will you be able to listen best to the church bells ringing from the First Baptist Church of Merrifield (FBCM) located at 8122 Ransell Road, Falls Church, VA. FBCM might just be the last church in Northern Virginia that rings out daily hymns. 
                                                                     
Before the church installed electric chimes, the original brass bell that tolled was installed in the early church building in 1895. That bell now has a prominent spot on the church grounds. During demolition of the original church, the old bell was stored on the grounds with the intention of installing it in the new building. However, the roof in the new building wasn’t strong enough to hold the weight of the bell and before proper storage arrangements could be made, the old bell went missing. Miraculously in the early 2000’s, the bell was discovered and returned to FBCM. A grand celebration was held to ring the newly discovered bell. That honor was given to one of FBCM’s oldest members, Deaconess Pauline Gray. 
Determined to have bells in any case, Church members approved the purchase of a new electric system to ring out, and in 1989, the chimes were installed and programmed to play at specified times. Neighbors and businesses around the church expressed delight when hearing the chimes and showed their gratitude with donations.
 
FCBM marked its 150th year of worship this past September of 2020. Due to Covid-19 members were unable to celebrate on the church grounds. However, there will be a grand celebration coming as soon as it’s safe to come together. The entire Merrifield community will be invited to join in the celebration. First Baptist Church Merrifield is your neighbor and desires to share the “FBCM Experience” by blessing and sharing with others. 
Currently, the members are not meeting in person, but you can join Pastor Paul Sheppard and members Sunday morning’s at 10:00 a.m. on this zoom link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6810060171?pwd=emM0YnM0QXFOSDhOZVlsZlNtR0N5dz09

Virtual Bible studies are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. For more details sign on to WWW.FIRSTBAPTISTCHURCHMERRIFIELD.ORG. You have an open invitation to join them. 
 
Besides holding virtual Sunday Services, FBCM has remained very involved in the community both before and during COVID-19 with Community Festivals held in 2018 & 2019, free food giveaways, gift card giveaways, seminars on anxiety and grief and other outreach efforts when there is a need. Community Festivals will again be held in the future - post COVID. Uniting the Community through evangelism outreach is the purpose and focus for the Festival. The Greater Merrifield Business Association calendar includes FBCM activity announcements.
Remember, listen for the Bells and Chimes at noon and 5:00 p.m. daily from the First Baptist Church Merrifield. 
 
Written by Joyce Gray Bellamy, Member First Baptist Church Merrifield

*The picture to the right was taken pre-covid.
A Life Like Yours' VIRTUAL Benefit Breakfast-The Arc of Northern Virginia

This virtual, online fundraising event will provide guests the opportunity to learn more about The Arc of Northern Virginia, and hear stories about the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have been helped by the organization.

For more information on attending, or to donate or sponsor, please click here.
Virginia is for Lovers – GO VIRGINIA!

According to a January study conducted by 24/7 Wall Street, Virginia ranked number 47 in the nation in the most dangerous states in the union. Virginia is the only state outside of New England to rank among the five safest in the country.

According to the report, there were 200 violent crimes in Virginia for every 100,000 people in 2018. This compares to 380 per 100,000 nationwide. Aggravated assault was the most common type of violent crime, followed by robbery.

Well, we’ve known for a long time that Virginia is for Lovers. There are Love signs popping up all over the state, and you can view some of them here. https://www.virginia.org/love

There are sure some creative Love signs out there. If you decide to erect a Love sign, let us know and we’ll feature it in future newsletters, and we’ll help you get it featured in the Virginia tourism site. 
Join the New "Merrifield Business News" Facebook Group!

The Merrifield Business News FB group was established for all local businesses in the Greater Merrifield area to showcase their specials, events, promotions and news. It offers great, no-cost marketing for businesses in and around Merrifield!

We highly encourage the community to join and share their experiences with local businesses through positive comments, questions and photos!

Shop, Eat, Play, Merrifield VA!

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Member News, Events & Promotions
GMBA New Member Special
Now through February 28, 2021
20% off first year of membership,

If you are not a member of GMBA now, we invite you to “come and see.” Membership applications are available on our website, www.greatermerrifield.org

Questions? Email Peggy at [email protected]
NEW members only.
First Baptist Church of Merrifield
Prayer Groups, Bible Study & Events

First Baptist Church of Merrifield invites everyone to join in their zoom-based classes.
For a list of all upcoming events, click here!
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
Wolf Trap Streaming Sessions
Keeping Music Alive

For a full list of live streaming and rescheduled concerts, click here!