June 26 - July 2, 2025
Falls Church, Virginia • w w w . fc n p . c o m • Free
Founded 1991 • Vol. XXXV N o . 20
The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia
Important New Laws In Effect On July 1
A LAYING ON OF HANDS
Del. Simon Outlines What Public Needs to Know by Del. Marcus Simon
A new set of Virginia laws goes into effect next Monday, July 1, and they’re going to impact all of us right here in Falls Church and across the Commonwealth. These changes touch everything from road safety and consumer protection to digital privacy and environmental responsibility. Some of these are big shifts. Others are more technical but still important. Together, they reflect the work we did during this year’s General Assembly session to address the real-world issues Virginians are facing, whether it’s keeping our kids safe at school, protecting sensitive health data, or simply making sure people buckle up in the back seat. Here are some highlights: Environment & Health As of July 1, large restaurant chains (those with 20 or more locations) and nonprofit food vendors are banned from using polystyrene takeout containers. That includes foam cups, plates,
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AT THE DULIN United Methodist Church on E. Broad in Falls Church last Sunday, a packed house said its goodbyes after 25 years to the Rev. M. Davies Kirkland by bestowing upon him a full congregational laying on of hands to sanctify his elevation as pastor “Emeritus” of the church. (Photo: News-Press)
Dulin Church Says Goodbye to Its Rev. Kirkland
by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
It was a memorable scene in the recently remodeled and enlarged semi-circle for worship in the sanctuary of the Dulin United Methodist Church on E. Broad in Falls Church last Sunday. A standing room only gathering was there to pay homage to their pastor of the past two-dozen years, the Rev. M. Davies Kirkland, who is retiring at the end of this month from a total of 35 years in ordained ministry. A crowning moment in the emotional service came at the very end, when it was announced that the church’s leaders had formally
voted to ascribe to Kirkland the title of “Minister Emeritus,” with “Emeritus” being attributed in online definitions as “an honorary designation given to a retired individual, most commonly in academia or religious leadership, to recognize their distinguished service and accomplishments. It signifies that while they have retired from active duties, they are still acknowledged and honored for their past contributions and may retain certain privileges associated with their former position.” The service concluded with members of the congregation invited to perform a “laying on of hands” connecting to ones placed on Kirland’s head standing on the dais. Then the
hundreds of congregants moved out to the church’s Fellowship Hall for a special meal held in Kirkland’s honor. As he technically has one more week to go in the church’s leadership, he will formally depart July 1. He told the News-Press in a formal interview last week that his plans are to get some rest, but to remain active. It was his role in the wider Falls Church community that made him a welcome face wherever he went around the community that he also loves. Coming to Dulin in 1999 at age 41, he has completed his service here at age 66. His congregation has grown to an average Sunday attendance of
well over 200 according to official United Methodist Church data. He is the longest serving minister of the church since its founding 155 years ago. More recently, the Rev. Paul D Perez served as Associate Pastor from 2007 to 2008, the Rev. Joanne Maughlin served as Associate Pastor from 1998 to 2002. and Rev. J Wade Munford: Served as Pastor from 1992 to 2000. Kirkland dates his call to ministry to his fourth grade year in Petersburg, Virginia where he grew up as the son of a tobacco buyer. He graduated from Duke University at age 28 and had a decade of ministry assignments
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