The Messenger Dear Friends, I want to provide an update on the next steps for the Stop the Trials initiative. The disappointing news on Rev. Schafer’s trial underscores that we have much work to do. At Metropolitan Church, we celebrate the broad-based support that has been expressed for Stop the Trials at all three of our sites. To make our efforts most effective, we have created three groups to work on various aspects of the initiative. • Communications: Led by Ellen Bachman, ellenbachman@comcast.net and Kerm Towler, flautobasso@yahoo.com • Outreach to Other Churches and Groups: Led by Suzanne Forsyth, suzanneforsyth@ aol.com • Judicial Issues (Resolutions to Annual Conf. and General Conf. and legal implications of some proposed strategies, for example): Led by Nate Kline, nkline1@gmail. com. Please contact them if you are interested in joining one of these groups. Also, if you have not yet done so, please write to our Bishop and any other Bishop with whom you have a connection. Our Website, nationalchurch.org/stop has contact information for all of the Bishops, but below is the contact information for our Bishop (if you can only do one thing, please write this letter): Bishop Marcus Matthews Baltimore-Washington Conference 11711 East Market Pl., Fulton, MD 20759 While you do not need to send me a copy of the letter that you write, it would be very helpful if I knew that a letter has been sent so that I have a sense of our church’s outreach to the Bishop. I am privileged to be in ministry with a community that joins together in such remarkable ways to fight injustice and inequities. We are making a difference (churches from as far away as Oklahoma and as near as Baltimore have contacted us asking about the Stop the Trials banner, and we have sent them our pdf). We will continue to work together to spread the good news of God’s love for all people and to demonstrate that the Trials do not speak for all United Methodists. Blessings,
January 13, 2014 Volume XXIV, No. 1 Nationalchurch.org
What Do We Mean and How Did We Get to This Place? by Ellen Bachman
Many of us in the Metropolitan Community were surprised, dismayed, upset or even angered over the events of the fall, in which Frank Schaefer, a United Methodist minister in Pennsylvania, was found guilty and later stripped of his clergy credentials for having violated rules in the United Methodist Book of Discipline (BoD) when he performed a legal marriage ceremony for his gay son. Some of us were not even aware that such a thing could happen in our denomination. In two meetings following the ecclesiastical trial, the sense of our community was that the first step in responding as a Reconciling Congregation was to call for an end to such trials. But how did we get to a place where we need to demand that our church Stop the Trials? The rules and policies of the United Methodist Church (UMC), set forth in the BoD, are established at General Conference, the quadrennial meeting of the world-wide church, which includes clergy and lay delegates elected from the Annual Conferences. UMC statements on various issues are set forth in the Social Principles, which are included in the BoD, but are not church law. The Social Principles were revised in 1972, to affirm that all persons are of sacred worth, and to call for equal rights for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation. Other provisions of the BoD, however, state that the UMC holds that the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” Subsequent sessions of the General Conference added language prohibiting the ordination of “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals,” preventing clergy from conducting same-gender marriage ceremonies, and churches from allowing such ceremonies being conducted in UMC church buildings. The social upheavals of the 60’s and 70’s lead to greater awareness of many forms of discrimination including those against LGBT persons. The Reconciling Ministries Network developed as an independent organization of United Methodist congregations that favored repeal of the policies outlined above, and proclaimed their welcome of LGBT persons in the life of the church. Metropolitan Memorial became a Reconciling Congregation in 2008 (see our statement at nationalchurch.org/stop). Some UMC pastors found it impossible to reconcile their charge to minister to all persons within their congregations with the prohibition on same-gender marriage, and chose to celebrate those unions. Some notable trials resulted. More recently, it seems that many bishops have chosen to quietly ignore the actions of clergy in their jurisdiction who were conducting marriages, especially if no complaints were filed. However, it is now the case that complaints are pending against at least four other clergy, including a retired Bishop. These trials are expensive for the UMC, result in driving members and clergy elsewhere, and contribute to the disaffection many of the “nones” have with the very idea of church affiliation. Thus, Metropolitan Memorial, in collaboration with other DC area Reconciling Congregations, has called on our denomination to Stop the Trials, in hopes of finding a new way forward. We are working on a resolution to Annual Conference, and other legislative remedies. We encourage each concerned member of the Metropolitan Community to write letters to our Bishop, and to other Bishops as well. Watch for letter writing opportunities soon. If you would like more information, the Reconciling Ministries Network has many resources, at rmnetwork.org. Check out the RMNBlog, and consider joining as an individual Reconciling United Methodist. Next month in the Messenger: Biblical Obedience, and a sampling of letters.
Life at the Metropolitan Church
Poetry, Wisdom & Politics Throughout January, we will engage The Gospel According to Seuss: Poetry, Wisdom, and Politics. Ted Geisel is a wonderful example of an author of “children’s books” who gives both children and adults much to think about. His rich material invites us to consider issues that are both timeless and completely contemporary. Please join us as we spend January with the Grinch, Green Eggs and Ham, the Sneetches, and Horton; and bring a friend along with you! It is a great chance to invite people to see what an engaged, relevant, family-friendly church looks like.
Christmas Eve Offering Helps Friendship Place
We would like to thank all those who donated to our special Christmas Eve Offering. We raised over $11,000 to support Friendship Place’s direct housing program. Funded through private donations, this rapid-solutions program assists highly vulnerable individuals and families secure housing. Since its launch in April 2013, the program has placed 38 households (57 individuals) in permanent housing and is currently helping 23 others find housing. The average subsidy required was only about $1,000, meaning our contributions can make a significant impact. Friendship Place is a highly respected, innovative, and successful homeless service established over twenty years ago by a coalition of congregations and concerned citizens in Northwest DC. Learn more at friendshipplace.org.
Congratulations!
• to Amanda Whitehead, on the birth of her son
Jonathan Dennis Lee Whitehead on January 8 • to Cathy and Bill Anderson, on the birth of their granddaughter, Lillian Daigh McNally, on December 23. Parents are Amanda Daigh Anderson and Matthew James McNally • to Lesli Bales-Sherrod and Jimmy Sherrod, on the birth of their daughter Catherine Grace Sherrod on December 9
Bokamoso Youth Return to Metropolitan Sunday, February 2 9am & 11:15am Worship l 10:10am, Great Hall All Church Lunch, 12:30pm, Vestry (Hosted by VIM - Volunteers in Mission Group)
We are blessed to have our friends from Bokamoso return to lead worship on Sunday, February 2. The word "Bokamoso" means "future" in the South African Tswana language, and that's what this program has been all about since its start in 1999. The Bokamoso Youth Centre's programs in Winterveldt, South Africa, have helped hundreds of young people survive and thrive amidst the poverty, crime and despair of the AIDS epidemic. The Bokamoso Youth Foundation, which is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in Washington, DC, supports the Centre through an annual exchange program that brings twelve young people from Winterveldt to share their life stories through poetry, songs and theatrical performances with people in the US. The intent is to raise awareness of the challenges young people face in Winterveldt, South Africa, and to widen the circle of support for the youth of the Bokamoso Youth Centre. The Bokamoso Youth Centre offers a wide-variety of programs and services to the youth of Winterveldt: • Adolescent Development Program (ADP) is a three-month program where youth come to learn life skills in a safe and supportive environment. • Love Life Program follows ADP and is a nationwide program which trains youth to become mentors for younger children. • Scholarship Program has three main components – college and vocational training, mentoring by staff and a resource center. • Performing Arts Program provides Bokamoso youth with the opportunity to develop their talents in music and theater. Performance pieces include traditional song and dance as well as poetry and drama based on their life experiences. • Counseling and Social Services are provided by a full time social worker who provides counseling, home visits, support, crisis intervention, and helps to navigate government entitlement programs. • Staff Development is provided to assist the staff members who work tirelessly on behalf of the youth. • Youth Leadership Projects have been launched by youth of the centre to “give back” to their community.
Annual Commitment Campaign
Please give careful and prayerful consideration to how you will support the ministries of our Church in the coming year. Submit your 2014 Pledge online at nationalchurch.org/Giving/Annual_Campaign or fill out a pledge card found in the attendance pads in the pews. Want to donate towards our Sanctuary chairs? Please contact Bill Potts, wpotts@nationalchurch.org. Your continuing generous support is vital to our church’s mission and ministry!
Metropolitan’s Volunteers in Mission (VIM) team will be traveling to South Africa and to Bokamoso in May. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about where they are volunteering and to meet some of the amazing people. Join us on Sunday February 2 and invite your friends! This is a morning not to be missed. You will have an opportunity to hear the music and stories of the youth as well as enjoy some casual conversation with them during the 10:10am Great Hall session or at the luncheon following the second service.
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Life at the Metropolitan Church Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, January 19, 12:30pm, Parlor Tuesday, January 21, 1:30pm, Parlor
Enjoy a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! Contact: Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.
Book Club Monday, January 20, 7:30pm Barbara Tate’s Home
Suzanne Clewell leads our discussion of James Newton’s, Uncommon Friends. For directions, call 202-363-5950. Contact: Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail.com or Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com with questions.
Jazz@Wesley: Greater U Street Jazz Collective Saturday, January 25, 6:30pm, Wesley*
Enjoy the sounds of the Greater U Street Jazz Collective, a Washington DC-based jazz collective inspired by the lives of the ordinary citizens of the historic Greater U Street neighborhood, who struggled to assert their human dignity in a segregated Washington between the early 1900’s and the late 1960’s. Tickets available at instantseats.com. $10/entry l $7/Senior I 12 and under free. Bring a non-perishable food item or slightly used coat to jazz up someone’s life. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
Lost and Found
Have you lost a scarf, gloves, or glasses? Come look in our lost and found box in the church office before Monday, February 10. Any remaining items after February 10, will be donated to our various charities to help the needy in our area.
Our prayers go out to... • the family and friends of Kimberly Ann Tilley, who died on December 27 (A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18 at 11am in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception in the Great Hall). • the family and friends of Phil O’Hara, who died on December 31. (A Memorial Service was held on January 10 at Metropolitan Memorial). • the family and friends of Fred Simpich, who died on January 5. (A Memorial Service will be held at Metropolitan Memorial February 15 at 2pm).
Please Note - Out of Order
Our elevator’s Hydraulic lift has seen its final days. We are in the process of having this component replaced. Unfortunately, this will take 8-10 weeks minimum as the company who built the elevator, decades ago, is no longer in business and the replacement component has to be custom manufactured. After the replacement part is ready, we then have to have the new install permitted through the District. Thank you so much for your patience during this transition time. Please feel free to contact Bill Potts, wpotts@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 101, if you have any questions.
Concert and Art Exhibition Opening - Sunday, January 26
Concert - Alpine Horns, Scottish Tunes, and Gypsy Melodies, 3pm, Sanctuary Join the Arts Council as they present a wonderfully varied program by three fine faculty artists from the Levine School of Music that will give insights into how folk music shaped the Austro-German musical tradition. Among the composers will be Schumann, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Dvorak, and Brahms. The program by soprano Joyce Lundy, violinist Jorge Orozco, and pianist Ralitza Patcheva will include Hungarian dances, Scottish and Austrian songs, a Hungarian rhapsody by Liszt, Ravel’s fiery “Tzigane” for violin, and Dvorak’s lovely “Song to the Moon.” A reception and the opening of an art show of modern icons will follow at 4:30pm. Exhibition Opening, 4:30pm, Great Hall A Meeting of Heaven and Earth: Icons by Delphia Dirks and Veronica Royal When the winter show of the Arts Council opens, congregation and visitors will have an opportunity to view, to enjoy, and to learn about one of Christianity’s most beautiful art forms—religious icons. As evolved in Byzantium in the 9th century, after the Iconoclastic Controversy (726-815 AD), the icon was perceived as matter imbued with divine grace and meant to be physically experienced by all the senses: touch, smell, taste, and sound. In the early years of Christianity, when believing was a matter of life and death, worshipers utilized images of Christ and the saints that were already standard in everyday life; i.e., a shepherd carrying a sheep became “Christ as the Good Shepherd.” When Christianity was legalized by Constantine in 313 AD, images of Christ and the saints were allowed. In the Eastern Orthodox Church today, images may be only three-quarter bas-reliefs, in deference to the Old Testament stricture that “thou may have no graven images.” Icons may be embroidered on cloth; painted on wood; carved in stone; cast in metal, particularly precious metals such as silver and gold; and/or laid in mosaic, etc. To see icons “in situ,” step into one of the several Orthodox churches in DC (Greek, Russian,or Uniate). These portable pictures are found within the altar area and hanging on the iconostasis, screens that separate this area from the congregation. On Sunday, join us for an unusual experience for modern Protestants when an exhibit of modern icons by Delphia Dirks and Veronica Royal opens. Our two modern icon painters are still using the subjects, styles, colors, and materials that have been used to make ancient icons. At 10:10am on Sunday, Delphia and Veronica will display the materials they use, often made themselves, and discuss the meaning of icons and how painting these religious images has affected them and their faith. Exhibition dates: Sunday, January 26 - March 2, 2014.
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Life at the Metropolitan Church The Metropolitan Community invites you to participate in
Tables of Eight 2014
Four Saturday Night Dinners: March 1
March 29
April 26
May 17
Tables of 8 is an informal way for members and friends of our parish to get to know new people and strengthen friendships. Its success depends on how many people sign up and on how many new people sign up so we have fresh faces around the tables. How it works: • Sign up by Friday, January 24 with the form below. You can sign up as an individual, or with spouse or a friend, for a Saturday dinner at a different home each month you can attend, March through May. • Email or mail the completed sign-up sheet to Sharon Smith (Email address below) or to the office at Metropolitan Memorial. • In early February the groupings will be arranged. You will receive all the details by early February: who is hosting, the other participants’ names, and food assignments. • Hosts provide the main course and beverages. Participants bring side dishes, salad, bread and dessert. • The host should call the guests about two weeks before the dinner to confirm attendance, answer any menu questions, set a time, and give directions to their home. Don’t worry about scheduling so far in advance: Few of us know our May schedules in January; don’t let that concern you. Sign up for the number of Saturdays that feels comfortable. If you cannot attend, you can get a substitute from a list that’s provided or ask someone at church if they’d like to attend. For more information, contact Sharon Smith, SharonLynn. Smith@wellsfargoadvisors.com or 202-393-0308.
Tables of Eight 2014 Sign-up Please mail, fax, email or deliver your completed form by Friday, January 24 to: Sharon Smith, SharonLynn.Smith@wellsfargoadvisors.com 202-861-4513 (office fax)
Or mail to: Metropolitan Memorial UMC Attn: Sharon Smith 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016
YOUR NAME(S): __________________________________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBERS: _______________________________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS(ES): _____________________________________________________________
March 1st
I can (A)ttend, (H)ost or (S)ubstitute the following nights Write A, H or S under each date you can participate. March 29 April 26
May 17
I am able to host a total of _______ people. Even if you say you can host all four months, we won’t do that to you! But multiple possibilities are appreciated. If you can host, please indicate your maximum capacity. When we have a host shortage, seating for more than 8 is helpful. I/we cannot eat the following foods:______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Additional comments/preferences: _____________________________________________________ 4
Adult Study Great Hall Discussion The Taizé Community and Its Music Sunday, January 19, 10:10am, Great Hall
Taizé is an ecumenical monastic-style community in France, which has achieved world-wide fame for its outreach to young people and its spiritual music. Sibley Hospital Chaplain (ret.) Sue Walters lived in Taizé for 12 years. She will tell us its story and teach us some of the Taizé songs to incorporate into our worship services. Come learn about Taizé and its music. Dayspring Choir will be there too!
Sundays, February 9 and 16, 10:10am, Great Hall
Wondering what it means to be Methodist? Join us in February as Rev. Dr. Charles Parker teaches an Introduction to Methodism during the 10:10am hour in the Great Hall. Come find out about Methodist history and beliefs with Charlie.
Soup and Study 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the Month 6pm - Dinner l 7pm - Classes
Join “Soup and Study” for our exciting winter season! On Wednesday, January 22, Rabbi Noah Fabricant from Washington Hebrew Congregation holds the final session on “An Introduction to the Talmud for Christians.” Bible Study, led by Charlie Parker and Bob Olson, joins Rabbi Fabricant on January 22 and will begin studying the Hebrew scriptures in the February Soup and Study sessions. Rev. Kate Murphey will also hold the second of four sessions on Evangelism. This study is part of our church’s work to intensify our outreach in making Christian disciples. Rev. Kate Murphey continues her study on Evangelism with two more sessions on Wednesday, February 12 and 26. Join us in February as Christopher Geyer starts a new class, “Making Conflict Constructive.” Conflict can be an opportunity for change and growth. The class will focus on practical exercises to change specific behaviors in conflict situations. Also in February, Rev. Charlie Parker and Bob Olson resume their Bible study focusing on the Hebrew Bible. 4. Pam McFarland builds on her previous journaling classes to offer “Journaling Through Transitions.” The class will be two sessions, offering ways to adapt and thrive through transitions by journaling.
Leadership Development Classes
Check out our blog at nationalchurch.blogspot.com!
D E N O STP
Join us on the first and third Wednesdays for our Leadership curriculum! If you are in a leadership position in the church, if you are assuming a new leadership position next year, or thinking about doing so some day, or if this is useful in your work or some other area of your life, this course is for you! You can take all 6 classes or any one class. Questions? Contact Barbara Green, Director of Learning, bgreen@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 105.
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Celebrate Evolution Weekend 2014 Sunday, February 9, 6pm, Baltimore-Washington Conference UMC Mission Center* by Maynard Moore
“Daddy, is that story true or were you just preaching?” This is the title of a book by Pastor James W. Moore and the theme of the 7th annual celebration of Evolution Weekend, an event sponsored globally by The Clergy Letter Project. This theme explores how religious truth and scientific truth are different but complementary ways of understanding creation. Participants will enjoy an evening of scholarship, reflection, and lively discussion led by an on-site panel of distinguished authors and thought leaders: Dr Steve Freeland, astrobiologist; Dr Richard Restak, physician and neurologist; and Dr Ilia Delio, theologian. The session will be moderated by Dr M. Catherine (Cate) Bennett, neurobiologist and member of Board of Directors of the Institute for Science and Judaism. In addition to thought-provoking presentations with audience engagement, a drawing will be held for 6 lucky people (and a guest for each) to take part in a specially-arranged “First Light Tour” on a date in March to be announced. This private tour of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center will be personally led by Dr. John C. Mather, 2006 physics Nobel Laureate. Dr. Mather’s research, all but confirming the Big Bang Theory of the expansion of the physical universe, helped inspire the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The Webb Telescope will image the very first bright objects that formed after the Big Bang, and reveal new insights about our cosmic history, how planets were formed, how life became possible on Earth, and whether earthlike planets and life may be common in the universe. As humanity prepares to come into possession of these and other barely conceivable new vistas of knowledge, the complementarity of religious and scientific truths about creation would seem nowhere more poignant than in humankind’s earnest contemplation of the relationship between the inspiring grandeur of our universe, life, and the human spirit. Come and join the conversation and share your ideas. Admission is free and open to the general public. Sponsored by WesleyNexus (wesleynexus.org) and other organizations that promote dialogue in the broad field of science and religion. For more information, visit EvolutionWeekendMD.org. *11711 E Market PL, Fulton, MD.
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Caring and Learning Weekly Meditation Practice Wednesdays, 8:30am, Sanctuary
Gentle Yoga Thursdays, Now - February 20, Great Hall
Guided and walking meditation that will nurture a sense of inner peace, calm and balance. Under the guidance of Betty Rogers, participants share an opportunity for health and emotional benefits that include receptivity to the presence of God’s Spirit, increased self-awareness, and skills to manage stress. All are welcome. Contact Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 104.
Stretch and strengthen with basic yoga poses.* $100/8 classes; $80/(65+). Drop-in with instructor’s permission: $15/ class. Contact Catherine Gunnerson, cathryn@yogawellbeing.com. *The ability to get up and down from the floor is necessary for this class (you may use a chair). Sponsored by the Congregational Care Committee.
Lunch and More: Feasting, Fellowship and Fun Thursday, January, 16, Noon, Great Hall
Greeters are needed the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 1:15pm – 3pm for Club Memory (a social organization for people with memory impairments and their caregivers).
Join us every third Thursday of the month for “Lunch and More!” After eating together, you can choose to play bridge, canasta or board games, or watch a faith-based movie followed by discussion. This will be a time of feasting, fellowship and fun. We will open with a short hymn-sing. The movie for January 16 is Invictus, a biographical movie about Nelson Mandela. In his first term as the South African President, Mandela initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheidtorn land by enlisting the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The movie stars Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon and Tony Kgoroge. Questions or input, contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com or Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net.
Caregiving Opportunities
Visitors are needed to visit homebound members of Metropolitan Memorial who would benefit from a caring presence. Orientation provided. Many rewards will be received! For both opportunities, contact Drema McAllister-Wilson, Minister of Congregational Care, dwilson@nationalchurch.org, 202.363.4900, ext. 19.
Widowed Persons Outreach
This bereavement support group meets monthly at Metropolitan and is sponsored by Sibley Seniors Association. If you know someone who is recently widowed, please share this support group. Call 202-537-4942 for more information.
United Methodist Women UMW Women’s Retreat - February 7 - 9, 2014 - Register by January 24!
Calling all women of the Metropolitan Community! Mark your calendars for the 2014 Women’s Retreat, February 7-9, 2014. This year our retreat guide will be Dr. Terri Lynn Simpson, who will lead us on an exploration of Celtic spirituality incorporating themes of prayer, poetry and pilgrimage. The setting for the retreat will once again be the lovely Priest Field Pastoral Center in Kearneysville, WV, approximately 90 minutes from DC. This is an opportunity to step away from our hectic schedules and dedicate 48 hours to spiritual renewal and rest while connecting with a diverse and caring group of women. In addition to the program segments led by our capable leader Terri Lynn, our retreat format includes time for quiet contemplation, worship, leisure activities such as crafting, knitting and Tai Chi, and lively conversation over a meal or a scrabble board … Whether your “home base” is Metropolitan, Wesley, or Crossroads, you are welcome and encouraged to join us. Download the registration form at nationalchurch.org/umwretreat. Contacts: Courtney Leatherman, c_leatherman@ix.netcom.com or Suzanne Vieth, MetroUMW@gmail.com. Sponsored by the United Methodist women.
Sojourn to Sacredness: A United Methodist Women Ecojustice Journey! June 6-12, 2014 - Register by January 15!
Who can apply? United Methodist women from those counties through which the Patuxent River flows including Baltimore-Washington Conference including those from Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince Georges, Calvert County, Charles County, St. Mary’s County, Anne Arundel County. Explore with us the history, ecology and the concerns of the Patuxent River from its headwater to the Chesapeake Bay via kayak, van rides, short hikes and outdoor camping under the stars. On this sojourn you will: Explore the ecologies and meet people who intimately know and love the Patuxent river; Search biblical foundations that help us be attentive to and better care for creation; Pray, find time for nature-filled silence, meditate and experience God; Learn and understand the historical, ecological, political and economic policies that have influenced the river and the peoples it’s sustained; Learn about the causes and effects, cautions and actions the river and its communities need in order to slow the effects of global warming; Go home ready to present to others some of the actions we need to undertake in order to transform ourselves for the sake of standing in solidarity with that which is beautiful. Cost: $200 (scholarships available upon request). Spaces available: 10. For more information go to unitedmethodistwomen.org. Contacts: Kathleen Stone, Office of Environmental and Economic Justice, kstone@unitedmethodistwomen.org or Janis Rosheuvel, Office of Racial Justice, jrosheuvel@unitedmethodistwomen.org. Note: We will teach you how to paddle, but you must wear a life jacket in your own kayak. This is an unplugged event—meaning there will be no electronic devices (except cameras), including phones. We will have a phone on board for emergencies. Sponsored by the UMW Office of Environmental and Economic Justice.
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Youth Ministries Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF)
Batman
Begins Sunday, January 26, 5:45pm - 7:30pm
This semester our evening youth program will be using Batman to explore questions of spirituality and ethics. Viewing clips from various Batman movies, we will discuss what a Christian response is to the world around us. Some of the topics we might discuss are what kind of masks do we wear, how do we best help people, and should we all get super hero capes and fancy gadgets. MYF meets twice a month on Sunday nights from 5:45pm to 7:30pm (dinner included). Questions? Contact Patrick Landau, Director of Youth Ministries, plandau@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 112.
Starting in February, we will begin our confirmation class. Confirmation is a process through which a person chooses to respond to God’s grace with an intentional commitment to reaffirm his or her baptism and become a member of the church. Typically, confirmation is open to 7th and 8th grade youth, but older youth who have never been confirmed are also encouraged to participate. Confirmation Sunday is May 4. Questions? Contact Patrick Landau, Director of Youth Ministries, plandau@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 112.
• January 19: Parent and Youth Potluck • January 26: MYF: Batman Begins • January 31 - February 2: ROCK 2014 with Brighter Day Ministries Summer Mission Trips: • Appalachia Service Project (ASP): July 5th through July 12th • Youth 4 the DC Cause (Y4DCC): August 4th through August 8th Visit our youth ministry blog at youthmetropolitan.wordpress.com!
Coming up at the end of the month, we will be participating in the Conference’s annual youth retreat called ROCK. This is an exciting weekend away with hundreds of other United Methodist youth from around DC, Baltimore, and Maryland. This year, we will be going with our partners at Brighter Day ministries. Students in 6th grade through 12th grade are encouraged to attend.
Our Mission
Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites all into a deepening challenges all of us to grow as disciples, seeking justice and joy for the transformation of the world.
relationship
with
God
and
Our Vision
Extending radical hospitality, transforming lives, and pursuing justice.
Reconciling Statement
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church affirms that all individuals are of sacred worth without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, marital circumstances, economic status, physical and mental condition, or criminal history. We declare ourselves in support of the reconciling movement and welcome the full participation in the church of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons and their families, as a reflection of God’s unconditional love. At the same time, we recognize differences of opinion on issues of sexuality and seek to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect.
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Pastoral and Administrative Staff - 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, DC - 202.363.4900 www.nationalchurch.org - Pastoral Emergency Number - 202.510.8555 Rev. Dr. Charles Parker –– Senior Pastor, ext. 108, cparker@nationalchurch.org Rev. Kate Murphey — Associate Pastor, Sharing, Lead Pastor at Wesley UMC, ext. 110, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org Rev. Dottie Yunger –– Associate Pastor, Service/Advocacy, Lead Pastor at Crossroads, ext. 111, dyunger@nationalchurch.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 104, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Barbara Green – Director of Learning, ext. 105, bgreen@nationalchurch.org David Hosey - Pastoral Associate for Crossroads and Campus Ministry, dhosey@nationalchurch.org Princess Bethea — Office Coordinator, ext. 102, pbethea@nationalchurch.org Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 152, bcaviness@nationalchurch.org Jeff Clouser — Director of Communications and Outreach, ext. 113, jclouser@nationalchurch.org Dona Collary — Pastoral Care Assistant/Wedding and Funeral Coordinator, ext. 106, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director/9am Worship Leader/Youth Choir Director, ext. 151, celliott@nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 114, phouse@nationalchurch.org Patrick Landau — Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 112, plandau@nationalchurch.org Bill Potts –– Executive Director of Operations, ext. 101, wpotts@nationalchurch.org Rafael Reyes — Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 116, rreyes@nationalchurch.org Director of Children’s Ministries (Hiring) Helen Simon — Executive Assistant to Dr. Parker, ext. 109, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org
The Messenger is published by The Metropolitan Church - A Multi-site United Methodist Community Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 St. Luke’s Mission Center (3655 Calvert St., NW)/Wesley UMC (5312 Conn. Ave., NW) Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: nationalchurch.org NEXT ISSUE: February 10, 2014 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on February 4, 2014