The Messenger
February 10, 2014 Volume XXIV, No. 2 Nationalchurch.org
Lenten Contemplative Communion Services Return
Metropolitan will for a third season, unite worshipers in a Lenten Contemplative Communion Series on each of the six Sunday nights in Lent: March 9, 16, 23, 30; April 6, 13 at 7pm - 8:30pm. Senior Pastor Charlie Parker and Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, Minister of Congregational Care, will lead this reflective worship centered on experience of the Living Word, silent contemplation and celebration of the sacraments of bread and wine. This ecumenical service invites all who seek a closer encounter with Divine Presence and a deeper Lenten experience. Our "Stop the Trials" banner was a victim of arson early this week Civil – and Ecclesial – Disobedience I visited our St. Luke’s campus yesterday to find that someone had burned – yes, burned – our “Stop the Trials” banner, calling for a stop to church trials of clergy officiating at same-gender weddings. An earlier banner at Metropolitan had been cut down. Clearly the volatility around this issue is not going away. In the January 15 edition of the UM Connection, my Board of Ordained Ministry colleague Melissa Rudolph issued a plea for the unity of our denomination based on an obedience to our Book of Discipline. While I am grateful for Rev. Rudolph’s desire to find a middle ground on this issue, I don’t believe that obedience to the Discipline offers that middle ground. I believe that the middle ground is found by allowing pastors of integrity and conscience the space to practice ministry as they have been called. On Good Friday in 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders were arrested for a peaceful march in Birmingham, Alabama. While the protesters were in jail, a group of white clergy wrote an editorial agreeing with the marchers that unjust laws in the U.S. needed to be overturned, but arguing that civil disobedience was the wrong way to go about it; change, they insisted, needed to happen through the legislatures and the courts. The title of their statement was “A Call for Unity.” (Continued on page 4)
In the spirit of Lenten spiritual renewal, these gatherings cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit among and within us and its power to heal brokenness. Scriptural texts and other readings will illuminate this year’s theme of breath as a transformative path to God. The liturgy combines bible readings, prayer, music, and reflection within a supportive spiritual community. Choirmaster and organist Bruce Caviness will assemble a team of musicians to enhance contemplative practice. Breath: When nothing existed but chaos, the breath of God blew across the face of the deep preparing to call forth creation. God formed human beings and breathed into them the breath of life. Jesus breathed on his disciples as he prepared to leave them saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit." At the birth of the church on Pentecost, the breath of God blew through the room of followers creating tongues of fire dancing on their heads. We start our life with a breath and a cry, and end it with a final exhalation; breath is a constant presence in between. In both Hebrew (ruach) and Greek (penuma), “breath” and “spirit” are the same word. Throughout history, spiritual traditions have incorporated the breath as a tool to deepen one’s relationship with the Divine and the world. In Japan, the shakuhachi, a vertical 5-holed bamboo flute, has integrated breath control, centering, and meditation since the 7th century. Players use this unassuming end-blown cylinder to master their inner “spiritual breath.” This deceptively sophisticated instrument allows practitioners to “breathe” music of growing complexity and beauty. Our senior pastor, Dr. Charlie Parker, has practiced contemplative prayer in tandem with the shakuhachi flute for 10 years to generate the balance and calmness of spirit needed for effectively managing daily church life. He will integrate its playing into each service. Methodism's founder, John Wesley, built his renewal movement on what he called “works of mercy” and “works of piety” to maintain a critical balance between spiritual transformation and social justice within the church community. Charlie and Drema will lead participants in an exploration of how to maintain balance in an unbalanced world through practices of breath, music, prayer and meditation. As Charles Wesley said in one of his most beloved hymns, ‘Breathe, oh breathe thy loving spirit into every troubled breast. Let us all in thee inherit, let us find that second rest.” - Betty Rogers
VBS: Workshop of Wonders:Imagine & Build with God Save the Date - June 29 through July 3
The Workshop of Wonders is coming! Metropolitan’s Vacation Bible School, geared towards children age 4 to rising 6th graders, features a half day filled with music, arts and crafts, games and storytelling. This year, we’re kicking off VBS on Sunday, June 29 at 5:30pm and the whole family is invited (Monday - Thursdays sessions will run from 9am - noon). Register now at nationalchurch.org/vbs.
Life at the Metropolitan Church
New Members
We welcome our new members Alena and Ben King, who live in Friendship Heights. Ben, an Iraq War Veteran who is originally from Richmond, is a Personal Trainer/Yoga Instructor who also runs a small business aiding veterans with their transition home. He is also a Redskins fan, which means he usually ends up pretty depressed every Sunday night. Alena, originally from Pittsburgh, is SharePoint Project Manager for a Department of Homeland Security contract. Alena loves to read and travel and worked very hard to make Allegra’s first word “Mama”. Allegra’s first word was “Dada”. Allegra, who is 6.5 months old, loves to drool, laugh and chew on everything but her toys.
Congratulations!
• on the birth of Ruth Spencer Mancinelli, daughter of Sarah and Tom Mancinelli and sister of big brother George, born January 23 • on the birth of Hucksley Ford Ruebensaal, son of Clayton and Rebecca Ruebensaal and grandson of Ann and Chuck Cochran, born January 13 • on the birth of Richard Marshall Cahill born on December 28th, son of Chris and Richard Cahill and brother of big sister, Logan
Our prayers go out to... • the family and friends of John Scales, who died on January 19. (A visitation will be held at Metropolitan Memorial on April 7 at 7pm and a memorial service on April 8 at 11am) • the family and friends of Phyllis J. Evans, who died on January 29. (A memorial service will be held at Metropolitan Memorial on February 16 at 2pm)
Interested in becoming a member? Wonderful! We strive to be a community that takes our partnership with God seriously. We hope that the process outlined below will help you more fully understand what we are about as Christians and better connect you with the community here at Metropolitan Church. If you have questions or concerns about any of these steps, or are ready to jump into the process, please contact Pastor Kate, kmurphey@ nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 110. We’re excited you’re interested in joining us! 1. Meet with Pastor Kate 2. Get connected with a shepherd (who will check in on you, answer questions, help get you connected with other members and programs) 3. Come to Join the Journey small group for 8 weeks •
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Sunday morning 10:10am hour in the Vestry at Metropolitan led by Barbara Gaskill and Caralee Adams • Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the library at Wesley led by Janet Burkhart and Pastor Kate Murphey Practice the membership vows you will be making • Prayers—lead the group in prayer to open or close the small group and pray with another participant (either during the small group as noted above in the schedule or at a time you set up)
• Presence—worship with each of our communities— the 9am and 11:15am services at Metropolitan, 11am at Wesley, 5pm at Crossroads, one service with our sister parish Brighter Day ministries in SE, and one service with the AU Wesley Foundation • Gifts—commit to sacrificial giving with a goal of tithing. Read through and discuss the current stewardship materials with a pastor, foundation trustee, or finance committee member. (There will also be a time for this discussion in the small group itself, but if you miss that session, this is a way to make it up.) • Service—Volunteer with one Campus Kitchen shift to recover food, prep it, or deliver it to one of our partner organizations. Or Volunteer to cook and eat a meal with the guys in our St. Luke’s transitional shelter or Metropolitan House. • Witness—be comfortable sharing with the group why you are a Christian and live the way you do— what difference it has made and what difference you are working to make. 5. Meet again with Pastor Kate to set a Sunday to join! 6. Continue to join us on this journey of discipleship, rounding out the last 8 weeks of the Join the Journey small group, and plugging into any of our various ministries.
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Life at the Metropolitan Church Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, February 16, 12:30pm, Parlor Tuesday, February 18, 1:30pm, Parlor
Enjoy knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! Interested in joining? Contact: Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon. net.
Metropolitan Book Club Monday, February 17, 7:30pm, Parlor
Join us for our discussion of John Grisham’s, The Sycamore Row. Contacts: Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com or Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail.com.
Open Room: Prayer, Reflection, Art Thursdays, 9pm - 10pm, AU Lounge
Sing out for Shelter Concert Saturday, February 22, 8pm, Sanctuary
For over twenty years, the Sing Out for Shelter concert, organized by DC’s own Augmented 8 has brought together the best of contemporary a cappella singing to raise funds for area homeless service organizations, including Metropolitan House, Christ House, and Friendship Place. This year’s concert features acclaimed vocal groups The Tuft University Beelzebubs, Princeton’s Katzenjammers, and Some of the Parts from Baltimore among others. Tickets available at the door or online at augmented8.org ($25/general seating; $50/ preferred seating; $10/children and seniors).
Jazz@Wesley Saturday, February 22, 6:30pm, Wesley UMC*
An open, unstructured space for prayer, reflection, artistic expression--or maybe just a big, deep breath. Art supplies and prompts for journaling provided. Sponsored by campus ministries, but all are welcome.
Enjoy the sounds of Charles Funn and The Dunbar Alumni Jazz Band! 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.
Family Fun Night! Friday, February 21, 6pm, Great Hall
Reception for New Director of Christian Education Sunday, February 23, 10am, Great Hall
Monopoly, Trouble, Scrabble, Twister and more! Spend an evening with other church families and friends enjoying games that you have played a thousand times or challenge yourself to learn a new one. Bring your favorite game to share. We will serve Popeye’s chicken. Bring sides to share. $10/family. GAME ON!
Free Food Friday Fridays, 11am-2pm, AU Lounge
Free pizza, snacks, and drinks, plus music, conversation, and lots of laughs! All college students welcome.
Campus Kitchen Project - New Schedule! Fridays and Saturdays 11:30am, St. Luke’s Mission Center*
Volunteers are needed for our new Friday shifts (11:30am – 3:30pm) and Saturday shifts (11:30am - 3:30pm) to help plan, prep and cook meals for those in need. To volunteer register at nationalchurch.org/servenow. *3655 Calvert St., NW.
End of Year Statements
Please note that the end of year statements have been mailed out. If you have not received your statement or have question regarding your contributions, please contact Bill Potts, wpotts@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 101.
Please join us in welcoming Rev. Janet Craswell, our new Director of Christian Education. Janet comes to us from Salem United Methodist Church in Brookeville, Maryland, where she has been revered for her work with children, youth, and adults. She has led small group Bible studies, youth mission trips, confirmation classes, and is known for incorporating her extensive collection of Bible action figures into children’s sermons. We are delighted to have Janet share her vast gifts with us and want to show our hospitality to her at this informal reception. Children will be invited to attend with their Sunday School classes throughout the hour. Light refreshments will be served. Please drop by to introduce yourself and extend a warm welcome.
United Methodist Women’s Great Day of Service Saturday, March 8, 9am - Noon
Come to the annual Great Day of Service. Various service projects will be available for your participation--ranging from preparing meals for Metro House residents, designing Care Cards to assembling care packages for Courtney’s House. All are welcome, so invite friends and family! Breakfast treats provided. Want to recommend a service project? Share your ideas with Maura Porcelli, maura.porcelli@gmail.com or 202-607-7045.
SAVE THE DATE! BRUSH OF A SINGER: THE ART OF JENNIFER RUTHERFORD March 23, 3pm - Concert l 4:30pm - Reception
Lucky we are, at Metropolitan. Our soprano, Jennifer Rutherford, is not only a fabulous singer but also a talented artist. Many people have been asking to see Jennifer’s artwork, so we are pleased to present an exhibit of our singer’s other creative side – her artwork. Jennifer has asked us to show you a small part of one of her works. On the day that the show opens, you are supposed to find the picture from which it comes! Wen-Yin Chan, the excellent pianist who played in our music series last year with another pianist, doing four-hand music, will be giving a solo recital. Exhibit will run March 23 - April 28, 2014.
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Life at the Metropolitan Church What Makes a National Church by Dr. Marilu Wood
In response to comments and questions, this is the first of several “occasional” articles designed to share with Metropolitan members and friends an idea unique to Metropolitan: the physical expression the idea of a “national church.” Probably the most obvious of the symbols of the designation “national church” are the pews in the sanctuary, each of which carries a silver plaque with the name of a state. Each state paid $1,000 to have a plaque in Metropolitan. As states joined the Union, they added their own silver plaques with their names engraved in different styles. The pews were originally arranged in the order in which the states entered the Union. There are also plaques to indicate pews for the President, Vice-President, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. There were supposed to be plaques for major cities and Canada as well as for officers of the Armed Forces, but these were never realized or were removed during the early phase of the 1932 church. At one point, if visitors wanted to see their state's pew, ushers would refer to a framed list of the states' names in order of placement in the church, which was the order in which they entered the Union. With changes in the configuration of the pews, this list was removed. The church was originally smaller than today and stopped at the crossing, with the chancel occupying another three bays. When the church was elongated in 1959 (there was a demand for a larger building—this growth in the size of the congregation was part of a surge in membership nationwide). The merging of the old and new buildings is obvious only from the outside, where there are differences in roof materials. Inside, it was impossible to tell where the 1932 church ended and the 1959 one began. Of course, new pews had to be added and the order of the plaques rearranged. Since the pew-end caps from the 1869 church, which were used in constructing the 1932 pews, were no longer in the church's possession (at least one pew is at American University), entirely new pews had to be made. While the newer ones are good copies of the ones from the 1869 church, it is possible, with only a bit of study, to see the differences. I am quite sure that the Building Committee for the 1959 church wished that the church had kept the older pews – somewhere. “Pack rats” of the church – unite! Excerpted from Blest Be The Tie That Binds: The Art And Architecture of Metropolitan Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. Manuscript. - Mary Louise Wood, Ph.D.
Service and Advocacy Civil – and Ecclesial – Disobedience (Cont. from page 1). We have come to know Dr. King’s response to that article as the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” In that powerful letter Dr. King argued that for people of color, “‘Wait’ has almost always meant ‘Never,’” and that every person “has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” From the Hebrew midwives in Egypt who saved Moses, to Sophocles, to the apostles before the Sanhedrin, to Martin Luther, to Thoreau, to Gandhi, to Dr. King, to our own Book of Discipline, great leaders and thinkers have long urged us to oppose and disobey unjust laws – whether religious or civil. John Wesley, of course, modeled this very effectively in his own ministry: while we love to quote “the world is my parish,” we don’t always remember that he was responding to a charge of “trespassing” on the parishes of other clergy, by preaching in nearby fields. He defied a church structure trying to silence his calls for justice. Our denomination has spent a lot of time over the past several decades debating whether homosexuality is a sin, and what the Biblical witness about homosexuality really means. I am not going to try and rehash those arguments here. I am clear in my own wrestling with Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience that the current position of our church is wrong. I am also clear that other colleagues of good will and integrity have likewise wrestled with the issue and come to a different conclusion. What I would like to ask is, “can we respect each other enough to allow each of us to act in accordance with our conscience?” I have no interest in trying to force fellow pastors to officiate at same-gender weddings, if that violates their pastoral integrity. But, likewise, I need to officiate at such weddings to act with my own pastoral integrity. To ask me to abide by the Discipline’s prohibition on officiating at a same-gender wedding, is to ask me to violate the Discipline’s call to “support the rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation,” and “relate [my]self in ministry with all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, social status, gender, sexual orientation, age, economic condition, or disability.” The trials of Frank Schaefer and Tom Ogletree are a shame to our denomination and a national embarrassment. You may disagree with their decision to officiate at their sons’ weddings, but pastors of integrity and conscience should not be put on trial for acting out of their conscience. John Wesley enjoined us, as Methodists, that “on all opinions that do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think.” We need to be able to disagree on this issue and act with faithfulness as we discern God’s call. If we force our pastors to violate our consciences in blind obedience to one portion of the Discipline, we are a weaker church, and we will divide as a denomination. Stop the trials.
Rev. Dr. Charles Parker
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Service and Advocacy NEWS FROM THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY TASK FORCE/STOP THE TRIALS ANOTHER TRIAL: As recently announced, the United Methodist Church is putting ministry on trial again. The Rev. Dr. Tom Ogletree will be tried for violating the Book of Discipline when he officiated at the wedding of his gay son. Trial has been set for March 10-11 in Stamford, Connecticut. Baltimore Washington Area Reconciling Methodists (BWARM) is planning to send as many as can make the trip, traveling in caravan on Sunday, March 9, to rally in support of Tom Ogletree, and staying through the trial, which may last through March 11. The Metropolitan Memorial Marriage Equality Task Force welcomes your participation! We need to know of your interest ASAP. Please contact Ellen Bachman, ellenbachman@comcast.net, for details as they are developed. The Task Force is also planning a Prayer Vigil during the trial and a reception where impressions of the trial may be shared. More information about Tom Ogletree and the trial may be found in an article posted on 1/17/14 at rmnblog.org. HOW CAN THIS BE A GOOD THING? Some folks have asked why it seems that Reconciling Ministries Network seems to think the trials are a good thing, especially since we at Metropolitan Memorial have adopted STOP THE TRIALS as a rallying cry. We are dismayed and embarrassed when our denomination gets the negative publicity generated by the trials. We are concerned that, given the provisions of the discipline which call us to justice and mercy, we are seen as hypocritical. We are also concerned that the trials may drive others away from the church, and that young seminarians will chose to practice their call to ministry in other denominations. After forty years of trying to change the language in the Book of Discipline (BoD), more and more advocates have come to the conclusion that change will only come when clergy refuse
to be bound by those discriminatory clauses. Bishop Melvin Talbert has issued a call to Biblical Obedience, which is to encourage United Methodists to live the change we seek. This means that clergy who practice marriage equality in their ministry no longer put rules of the denomination above their call to minister fully to all. They choose instead to uphold the wider, deeper calls of Love and Grace. Jimmy Creech, who was himself tried twice for conducting same-gendered marriage ceremonies, put it this way: “Open conflict is healthier for an organization than false order and unity.” Pastors who are risking trials for their actions do not seek trials, but they refuse to be intimidated by that risk. Trials shine a light on the harmful rules of our church. And that may help to bring about an end to the harm being inflicted on the UMC by our unjust laws. It’s not that trials are a good thing, but that acquiescing to the threat of trials is not the way to accomplish needed change. RESOLUTION SUBMITTED: A resolution urging the Bishop to resolve complaints without going to trial has been drafted by the Marriage Equality Task Force, approved by the Church Council and submitted to the Baltimore Washington Conference for consideration at the Annual Conference in May, 2014. Other groups in BWARM have submitted other resolutions concerning marriage equality and inclusion to the Conference. Copies of these resolutions are available on the Metropolitan Memorial website, nationalchurch.org.
- Ellen Bachman
Adult Study Soup and Study Wednesday, February 12 and 26 6pm - Dinner l 7pm - Classes
This month we have four classes to choose from, including two new ones, as well as two delicious soups each night. For all classes, if you can’t attend the first session, you are welcome at successive sessions. •
Navigating Life Transitions and Journaling. Many of us find ourselves going through major transitions at various points in our lives--new baby, new job or job loss, move to a new city or home, or retirement. Journaling can help us navigate through these transitions and actually thrive. Bring a journal and your favorite pen, and be prepared to write! Two sessions with Pam McFarland
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Building Conflict Skills: How to communicate more effectively in challenging interactions. This class will focus on two main aspects of interpersonal conflict: the science of conflict, and the emotional nature of conflict. What does research tell us is the most effective behavior in these interactions? How do we actually do what is most effective? Participants will identify their own conflict patterns, complete exercises that deepen their own awareness, and have the opportunity to practice their skills. Six sessions with Chris Geyer.
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New Paths in Evangelism. Metropolitan is working to expand our ability to bring disciples to Christ. Explore new thinking on evangelism with Kate. Two sessions with Kate Murphey.
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Bible Study with Charlie Parker and Bob Olson. After our January excursion into the Talmud, Charlie and Bob pick up our regular study again, with a focus on the Hebrew Bible. Ongoing.
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Caring and Learning Weekly Meditation Practice Wednesdays, 8:30am, Sanctuary
Gentle Yoga Thursdays, 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, February 20, 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. 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.
United Methodist Women What Do Women Want? Books! - Donate Now
The United Methodist Women’s book sale will take place on March 29 - 30, and we invite you to donate those novels you won’t read again, those reference books you’ll never refer to again, those once beloved children’s books your children now consider passé, those coffeetable books you’ve dusted once too often, etc. We want both paperbacks and hardbacks, both fiction and non-fiction; also CDs, DVDs, sheet music, and so on. No textbooks or magazines, please. All donations can be placed in the collection bins at Metropolitan Memorial and Wesley UMC or placed outside the Metropolitan’s UMW closet. Volunteers are also needed to sort and arrange in March. Contact Caralee Adams, caralee.adams@verizon.net or Carol Griffith, carolgriffith33@hotmail.com. All proceeds beneft the work of UMW with women and children in need.
Sojourn to Sacredness: A United Methodist Women Ecojustice Journey! Register by March 1!
“Explore with us and others from the Patuxent River area…the history, ecology and the concerns of the Patuxent River from its headwaters to the Chesapeake Bay. June 6-12th, 2014. Open to Women over 21 years of age in the United Methodist Church from the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay area. Our very own Rev Dottie Yunger is a leader on this trip, contact her for more information at dyunger@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 111. On this sojourn, you will: • Search biblical foundations that help us be attentive to and better care for the river • Pray, find time for nature-filled silence, meditate and experience God • Learn from those who can help us understand the historical, ecological, political and economic policies that have influenced the river and the peoples it has sustained. • Learn about the causes and effects, cautions and actions the river and its communities need to slow the effects of globalwarming. • Explore the ecology and meet the people who intimately know and love the river • Sleep out under the stars (know that this is a simple living trip!) • 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 what is beautiful and good. For more information and to apply (application is due March 1, 2014) , contact Rev. Kathleen Stone, Office of Environmental and Economic Justice for United Methodist Women, kstone@unitedmethodistwomen.org.
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Youth Ministries Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF)
Batman
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. We meet twice a month on Sunday nights from 5:45pm to 7:30pm (dinner included). Contact Patrick Landau, Director of Youth Ministries, plandau@nationalchurch. org or 202-363-4900, ext. 112.
On Sunday, February 9, many of our 7th and 8th graders started on their journey through the confirmation process. This is an important time in the lives of our teenagers as they explore the meaning of the Christian faith. This process will lead to Confirmation Sunday, May 4th at which time youth will share their first public profession of faith and become members of the church. This year we have around 15 youth going through the confirmation class. Two of these youth come from Wesley and the others come from Metropolitan Memorial. This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to learn about and fully engage in the life of our church. Please be praying for our confirmation class as we embark on such an important part of their spiritual journey.
• February 16th: Confirmation: Old Testament/Creation • February 21st: Family Game Night • February 23rd: ASP Info Lunch • February 23rd: MYF: Batman – Villains Summer Mission Trips • Appalachia Service Project (ASP) - July 5 - 12 • Youth 4 the DC Cause (Y4DCC) - August 4 - 8 Visit our youth ministry blog at youthmetropolitan.wordpress.com!
On January 31st, a group of our youth drove out to Ocean City, MD to participate in ROCK 2014. This youth retreat, put on by the Baltimore-Washington Conference, was an excellent opportunity to see the diversity of Christianity we have in the United Methodist Church. We joined with Brighter Day’s youth and 4000 other youth and youth leaders to spend a weekend focused on developing our relationship with God. Throughout this weekend, we learned about God’s love for each and every person. We heard stories about overcoming bullying and peer pressure as well as being accepted no matter what mistakes we have made. Toward the end, we shared in communion with other Christians from around the Conference.
Our district superintendent Rev. Joe Daniels leads a workshop on being the Hands and Feet of Jesus
Communion being served by Bishop Matthews with 4000 youth and youth leaders
Our Brighter Day partners cook us some Chicken Teriyaki for Saturday dinner!
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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.
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, bgreen@nationalchurch.org, ext. 105 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: March 10, 2014 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on March 4, 2014