OUR CONGREGATION
AND COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS

OUR CONGREGATION

     AUMC has ministered to the Annandale community for over 150 years. With about 1950 members and an operating budget of $1.1 million, AUMC is well positioned to meet the needs of a diverse and changing community as we move into the 21^st century. Using the Church Council form of Leadership, an active and committed group of volunteers leads the church in its spheres of ministry. (See Our Organization for a description of these spheres of ministries and the organizational structure of AUMC.)

     We seek "to draw together diverse age and cultural groups to form a vibrant growing, and caring community of disciples of Jesus Christ" (Vision Statement). To this end, our Bread of life Program is designed to attract and welcome new members and visitors. Our Institute for Christian Growth and Servanthood offers study tours, seminars, and educational opportunities. Mission and service opportunities abound. We participate in Volunteers In Missions (VIM) programs, Appalachia Service Project (ASP) and other mission programs. Disciple Bible is offered as are other Bible study opportunities. Our newly rebuilt Wright Hall enables us to sponsor basketball clinics, exercise programs, and fellowship activities; the newly opened Child Care Center provides day care for 55 children. We are working with Ferrum College to sponsor and support Korean students who are studying in this country. We have had an exchange program with the Korean Methodist Church where groups from Korea visit us and groups from Annandale UMC visit them.

COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS

     For the immediate Annandale area, the latest available figures (1995) show that the largest age group is 35-49 years (27% of the total population); followed by 25-34 years (18%). The largest ethnic group at that time was white, with 80% of the total population. The fastest growing group is Asian. Within that group, Korean and Vietnamese are the largest groups. Hispanics make up 9.02%, growing at a rate of 3.14% per year. 56% of the population is married. Other nearby areas, including Falls Church, Springfield, and the Bailey's Crossroads areas, reflect a similar demographic profile.

     The ethnic makeup is changing rapidly, as will be demonstrated in the next census, with the strongest increases expected in the Korean and Hispanic groups.

     The latest available figures (1995) show the median household income to be $64,857, predicted to increase to $69,580 by the year 2000. Approximately 7% of the population has an income below $15,000.

     The median level of schooling is 15.8 years; the largest occupational category is white collar (78% of the labor force); 2% of the labor force is unemployed. The median commute lasts 27 minutes.