The Messenger
February 11, 2013 Volume XXIII, No. 2 Nationalchurch.org
"Through the Darkness: The Pursuit of Happiness"
Over the past few years, I have preached a wide variety of sermon series here at Metropolitan. And in all that time, I have never floated an idea for a sermon series that has elicited more skepticism than our Lenten series on Happiness. “Really? We’re talking about happiness during Lent??” “Isn’t Lent all about self-denial and penance?” “Shouldn’t we be focused on something a little more substantive?” “Is that all God is calling us to?” Interestingly (divine coincidence?), I have also been quite struck recently by the impact that unhappiness has on all of us. An unhappy family member changes the dynamics of an entire family system. An unhappy driver on the street starts the cycle of road rage. An unhappy work colleague impacts the productivity of the entire office. An unhappy pastor can kill a church (who wants to go there?). Happiness is a call, a discipline. It is a gift that God gives us, and that we give to each other. Aristotle argued that the purpose of life is happiness. Thomas Jefferson famously wrote that “the pursuit of happiness” is one of our “inalienable rights.” John Wesley (who was never one for frivolity) preached that, “God made all things to be happy… You are made to be happy in God." Part of our struggle with this idea, I suspect, is that we have trivialized the idea of happiness. We have made it all about my personal emotional state. We have contrasted it with the reality of suffering in our world. Ironically, in Buddhist tradition, our happiness is inextricably linked to our deep awareness of suffering. Happiness grows out of our acceptance that suffering is inescapable, and that the path to true happiness lies in moving through suffering to that still center place within ourselves where we meet God and discover true happiness. One of the great truths of our faith is that happiness can never be about my individual state of being. My happiness is tied to the happiness of those around me (see the above observations on unhappiness!). My happiness is tied up with your happiness; and, in fact, my happiness begins to blossom as I work for your happiness. What kind of theology envisions a God who creates us, but does not desire our happiness at the same time? What parent does not desire their child’s happiness? Is it any wonder that we have a hard time spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, when we are morose? What kind of stunted theology would justify the idea that God doesn’t want us to be happy? We need to reclaim a call to happiness: not a frivolous, unthinking cheerfulness; but deep abiding realization that in the midst of the trials and tragedies of life, God is with us. Lent is the perfect time to engage in that journey, because it is the consummate time of the Christian year when our call is to move to that place of deep centering. Come join us on this journey this Lent. Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Charles Parker
Thank You for Your Generosity!
The Christmas Eve offering was designated for the children’s ministries of Brighter Day, a United Methodist Cooperative Parish in Southeast DC. Through your generosity, we have sent a check for $8,277, and we know that these donations will make a significant difference to the children in a disadvantaged part of our city. We are very excited about the ways in which our partnership with Brighter Day continues to grow and be a blessing for Metropolitan Memorial and for Brighter Day. Thank you for sharing some of what God has given to you with children facing significant challenges in our city whose lives are touched and enhanced by these ministries.
Life at Metropolitan Memorial New Position for Dona Collary
Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Margaretha Sawyer, who died on February 1 and her celebration of life and resurrection was on Saturday, February 9 at Metropolitan Memorial.
Dona Collary has held a number of positions at Metropolitan Memorial over her more than 18 years of service here. To all of her positions she has brought the same caring and nurturing spirit that she will bring to her new position. As of February 1, Dona is now working with Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson on the Caring team, and she will also continue to be our wonderful coordinator of weddings and funerals. We are very grateful to Dona for her many years of tireless service and devotion to Metropolitan and look forward to her contributions to this new position.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service An Amazing Day!
Thank you to all of our volunteers for their hard work in making our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service a success! We had over 130 volunteers at our center including students from American University, congregation members, the surrounding community, and volunteers who signed up through the Obama campaign who came from as far away as Georgia and California for the inauguration weekend. What a great mix of people! I would like to personally thank: • John Long and Eric Imperial for leading the work in Shalom Place, our 24 bed hostile for mission work. • Our campus kitchen team Jim Pollock, David Hackney, Veronica Rutherford, and Micaela Samodelov for running all things food for about 12-13 hours a piece including set up, meal stations, and clean up for two meals back to back. • Nicki Allen for an early morning at AU getting all of our paperwork and name tags and follow-up in place with the volunteers. • Cornelius M. Kerwin (Neil), American University President, who joined us and congratulated us on our work at the site and is looking forward toward future work. • Mary Strasser, AmeriCorps VISTA Director for volunteering and for her interest in getting involved with Campus Kitchens again. • The women from the Glover Park Village who came out and volunteered. • Dick Schleicher and his hypothermia work • Rev. Jimmy Sherrod on his excellent videography work • Alyssa Morrison and Erica Goodman for rocking the garden--it looks BEAUTIFUL • Charlie Parker, Julian Blair and Chris Brown who helped lead, made coffee and supply runs There are so many people who helped I cannot thank you all enough for your support and the delight of seeing how much we have grown and expanded from our first service day 3 years ago. In much pride and affection,
A Special Note from Dr. Cornelius M. Kerwin, President of American University
After attending our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at our St. Luke’s Mission Center, Dr. Kerwin sent Dr. Parker a thank you note congratulating us on the work at our mission center and our partnership with AU. He states, “...from our perspective the partnership with you and your congregation is greatly rewarding and a source of pride. I found the work being done at St. Luke's remarkable in both the dedication of those who work there and the vision required to make it a reality. Much credit for that goes to you and your colleagues. It is gratifying to hear that the work of our Office of Campus Life and our extraordinary students have helped with its important mission...Metropolitan and its congregation has played an enduring and important in making this a better community. You can always count on American University to join you in those efforts.”
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Life at Metropolitan Memorial Competing to Fight Leukemia & Lymphoma
Metropolitan Members Jane Ward and Steve Waller are raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as competitors in their Team In Training (TNT) Triathlon program. As part of preparation for the MonticelloMan triathlon in Charlottesville, Virginia, on May 5th, they are raising funds to fight blood cancers. Jane has an aunt and uncle who have suffered from blood cancers. She has done a number of triathlons, marathons, and a 100 mile (“century”) bike ride with TNT. Steve’s father died last year of multiple myeloma, and his mother has chronic leukemia. He ran the Austin, Texas marathon in 1999 with Team in Training, while fundraising for LLS. Each donation helps find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins Disease and multiple myeloma. Nearly 958,000 Americans are battling these blood cancers. We hope that participation in Team in Training will help bring these patients and their families hope and support. Any progress in prevention and treatment for blood cancers will be personally lifesaving for some of us one day. Please use this link, pages.teamintraining.org/nca/montmntr13/wardwaller, to donate online securely plus learn more about our progress. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email and we will be notified as soon as you make your donation. If you would rather donate by check to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society sent to us, and footnoted for Jane Ward/Steve Waller/Monticelloman, we can deposit the check for you. On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team Ward-Waller, thank you! Go Team! and Thanks for helping to Save Lives! Steve Waller & Jane Ward
2013 Baltimore-Washington Conference Scholarship Program
The Joint Scholarship Task is encouraging students to apply to The Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church Scholarship Program for 2013. Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students’ enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university in the United States. Instructions and access to the online application process can be found on the conference website, bwcumc.org. Students must complete the online application each year. Only online applications will be accepted. The online application is open now until April 30, 2013. Scholarship awards are determined by the Joint Scholarship Task Force. Only online scholarship applications that are complete will be reviewed. Complete means the application has been submitted, the student’s statement has been uploaded, the pastor’s statement submitted and official transcripts received. Please review all the instructions and qualifications on the Scholarship webpage, bwcumc.org/finance/ college-scholarships, as they have changed from last year. Note that the online application must be completed and submitted by April 30. The scholarship award letters will be sent out the week of July 30. Funding for the BWC scholarships is provided through the Special Student Day Offering, the BWC Board of Trustees, the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, the United Methodist Women, the United Methodist Men, and other designated gifts. Please help and encourage your congregation to give generously to this annual Special Student Day offering.
Roping off the pews
Many of you have noticed that we have begun roping off some of the back pews during the 11:15am service. In doing so, we are trying to encourage 11:15am attendees to sit closer to one another for better fellowship and singing. We have already heard comments on how much better the singing sounds, and hope that you will try participating from a different pew to see how the service feels! Please know that if you feel strongly about sitting in one of the roped off pews, you are welcome to slip under the ropes and sit wherever is most comfortable for you.
Grate Patrol Last Sunday of Each Month 10:10 a.m., Vestry Kitchen
Join the Grate Patrol team to make sandwiches and prepare the meal bags that will be distributed the following day. During these cold weather months, the people who rely on these meals are all the more in our thoughts. For more information or to volunteer go to nationalchurch.org/servenow.
Serve Now! Sign up for our many ongoing parish service activities! It is easier than ever for you to get connected with our online volunteer scheduling system at nationalchurch.org/servenow!
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Life at Metropolitan Memorial Confirmation class for Adults! Sundays through March 17 3:30pm, St. Luke’s Mission Center*
Interested in learning more about the Christian faith, United Methodism, and our own faith communities? Then you are invited to join us for an adult confirmation experience. This six-week one hour class will be an in-depth look at these areas and is designed for folks who are interested in joining the church or just looking to expand theological horizons! The class will be held in the Wesley Room at the St. Luke’s Mission Center, just prior to the Crossroads worship service. Although you do not need to be at all sessions, it will help if you can commit to being there most of the time as we seek to build community in our learning together. For more information or to sign-up, please contact Rev. Jimmy Sherrod, jsherrod@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 24. *Wesley Room, 3655 Calvert St. NW
Soup and Study Wednesday, February 13 - No classes
There are no Soup and Study classes on Wednesday, February 13. Please join us for dinner before our 7:30pm Ash Wednesday service (see below).
Great Hall Discussion Club Memory Sunday, February 17 10:10am, Great Hall
Marti Bailey leads a presentation on “Club Memory,” an informal social organization for people with memory impairments and their caregivers. Metropolitan Memorial and Sibley Hospital are in joint partnership in providing this service for our community on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the Great Hall from 1:30pm – 3pm. Discover more about this new ministry as well as gain information about dementia and Alzheimers. Questions? Contact Sue Roach, susanroach@verizon.net or Penny Pagano, penny.pagano@verizon.net, our Caring Leaders. Hope to see you there!
Metropolitan Book Club Monday, February 18, 7:30pm, Parlor
Join us as Joan Topalian leads our discussion of Richard Ford’s, Canada, a book that the Washington Post picked as one of the 10 best books of 2012. We meet at 7:30pm in the church parlor every third Monday of the month. If you have questions, please contact Suzanne Clewell, sfclewell@verizon.net or Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail.com.
Ash Wednesday - February 13 Services of Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes Metropolitan Memorial - 7:30am & 7:30pm* Wesley UMC (5312 Conn. Ave. NW) - Noon *Join us for a supper of soup, bread, salad and dessert at 6pm before the 7:30pm service.
Campus Kitchen Project @ St. Luke’s Mission Center* Saturday, February 16, 3 p.m.
The Campus Kitchen Project empowers thousands of students each year to recycle food from their cafeterias into nourishing meals that are then delivered to those in need. How can you get involved? Join us from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at St. Luke’s Mission Center to prepare the food or join us at Regency House (5201 Connecticut Ave., NW) from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. to serve. To volunteer, sign up at nationalchurch. org/servenow or contact Rev. Kate Murphey, kmurphey@ nationalchurch.org. *3655 Calvert St. NW
Wednesday Night Bible Study at Wesley “Journey through the Psalms” Wednesdays, February 20 - April 3, 7pm Wesley Campus*
Our Lenten sermon series this year is on the work of cultivating happiness--how we unfold the happiness that resides within ourselves, centering ourselves in God instead of swinging back and forth with the ups and downs of daily life. This study teaches us how to use the psalms as prayers that give voice to our anger, fear, and pain and also provide a vehicle for us through such feelings and reactions to deeper peace and connection with God, creation, and neighbor. *5322 Connecticut Ave. NW
Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, February 17, 12:30pm Tuesday, February 19, 1:30pm
Join us in the parlor for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! Interested in joining? Contact Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.
Check out our blog at nationalchurch.blogspot.com!
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The Arts at Metropolitan Memorial Jazz@Wesley Saturday, February 23, 6:30pm Wesley Campus*
Come and enjoy the latin jazz sounds of “Verny Varela and Friends.” ($10 cover, food available for purchase) *5312 Connecticut Ave. NW.
Calling All Singers and Wishful-Singers!
Save the Date Art Exhibition Opening Reception and Concert “Light” as interpreted by Art Spirit Sunday, March 17, 3pm - Concert, 4pm - Exhibit
In every culture, music and song are always expressions of our human emotions, particularly happiness. This year’s Lenten theme will guide us through self-reflection and a deepening faith journey toward the discovery of true happiness in Christ. What better way to nurture your own spiritual growth than to join in song with our Dayspring Choir! You don’t have to make a long term commitment; just come sing with us at the 9am service as part of your Lenten journey. We will be singing some of Bill Anderson’s original music, and Chris Simon will be guest conducting for a few Sundays as well. All are welcome, regardless of musical background. Come journey with us! For more information, contact Casey Elliot, caseyelliott@mac.com or chat with any of the members of the Dayspring Choir on Sunday.
Come and enjoy works by artists Lorraine Arden, Martha Finley Johnson, Susan Due Pearcy, Judith Simmons, Terry Svat, and Sandra Wasko-Flood as they present their interpretation of “Light.”
Metro Players Throw Their Hat in the Ring 48 Hour Film Project
Metro Players is planning to create a film as part of the 48 Hour Film Project. This involves making a 4-7 minute film the first week-end in May that is submitted and screened at Silver Spring Theater. There are many talents needed in addition to acting. All ages are encouraged to participate. There are some activities that can be done prior to May and some that MUST occur during that week-end (5/3-5/5). Talent needed: •Core Crew: Camera Operator, Sound Operator, Editor, Graphics •Creative: Screen Writers, Song Writers, Performers (Acting/Singing) •Support: Logistics, organization, set-up, odd jobs If this sounds interesting to you, please send your contact information to Kris Oberdick, koberdick@verizon.net and mention your area(s) of talent - you will be put on the distribution for more detailed notices of upcoming events.
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Caring and Learning
Contemplative Communion Services February 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24 7pm, Great Hall
Metropolitan Memorial is offering contemplative communion services on each of the six Sunday nights in Lent. Join us for worship with scriptural reflection, silent contemplation, music, and the sacrament of bread and wine as Charlie Parker, Senior Pastor, and Drema McAllister-Wilson, Minister of Congregational Care, co-lead this worship series. The liturgy will illuminate the theme of Cultivating Happiness within a supportive spiritual community. Prayer, reflection and sacred music will nurture awareness of the living Spirit among us. Contemplative silence in its fullness allows participation in God’s being from the depth of our own. John Wesley marveled after preaching on “calling upon the Lord while He is near” at the silence when “not a cough was to be heard” and “although squeezed together, everyone stood silent and still.” This service is for all who seek a deeper encounter with Divine Presence and a Lenten experience of renewal and healing. Please join us for one or all of these evening celebrations. A Lenten offering will be received to help support The Ballet Studio which provides dancing opportunities for underprivileged children. Make check out to MMUMC, memo: The Ballet Studio.
Weekly Meditation Practice Wednesday Mornings, 8:30am, Sanctuary
This guided and walking meditation (20 minutes of each) will nurture a sense of inner peace, calm and balance during this new year. Under the guidance of Betty Rogers, participants will share an opportunity for health and emotional benefits that include receptivity to the presence of Spirit, increased self-awareness, and skills to manage stress and release from negative emotions. All are welcome from beginners to experienced meditators. For more information, contact Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch. org or 202.363.4900, ext. 19.
Lunch and More Thursday, February 21 Noon - 2pm, Great Hall
Gather for a delicious lunch, fun fellowship, and an opportunity for three activities: bridge and games; a tour of the art in the Sanctuary, led by art historian, Dr. Marilu Wood; or watching the movie, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” with “Faith and Film.” Questions? Contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com, Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net or Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202-3634900, ext. 19.
Take Charge/Age Well Consultations
Designed for older adults who are still living in their homes. This consultation provides customized information and referrals that can help you plan for your future. Commonly discussed issues include: • How to remain in your home as you age • How to decide whether to move or remain in your home •
Legal and financial concerns, such as powers of attorney and how to pay for services
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How to find the right medical help, including assessments for memory loss
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How to manage health issues, including memory loss
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How to find home care
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Which senior living communities might be the best fit for you
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Referrals to transportation services, support groups, and social activities
To schedule a Take Charge/Age Well consultation, call IONA Senior Services: 202.895.9448
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Children’s Ministries Pancake Supper Tuesday February 12, 6pm, Vestry
Shake off the winter doldrums and feast before Lent begins at our annual Pancake Supper! The entire church turns out for this Fat Tuesday celebration at which we serve pancakes, bacon, sausage, egg casseroles, syrup, butter, milk, juice, coffee and tea. There will also be gluten free options! In addition to great food, we will be entertained with performances by the children’s choirs and activities for the kids. Dinner is free, but please bring canned food to support the Friendship Place food pantry. Please contact Anita Seline, Director of Children’s Ministries, aseline@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 22.
Vacation Bible School Make your plans now! July 8-12
All children ages 4 to rising 6th graders are invited to share the unique, relaxed fellowship of Vacation Bible School. VBS opens and closes with a community worship and features music, arts and crafts, recreation, and storytelling. VBS is held from 9 a.m.–Noon. Cost is $40/child with three or more siblings, $100. Deadline for Registering: June 30. For more information contact Anita Seline, Director of Children’s Ministries, aseline@nationalchurch.org or 202-3634900, ext. 22.
Cherub Choir Begins
We are pleased to announce that Kristianna George has accepted our offer to lead the Cherub Choir. Kristianna began working with the children in February and comes to us from American University where she is a senior in business and communications and vice president of the AU Gospel choir. She brings a wealth of singing and acting talent, having worked extensively with children's drama and movement programs. Last summer, she served as an intern at Wolf Trap. Cherub Choir is open to children 4 years old through 1st graders and takes place in the Music Office, down the hall from the Choir Room on the ground floor of the education building. It will be held each Sunday morning after the children's sermon in the 9am service through 10am. From there, the children will be escorted to Sunday School. "Veggie Tales" will no longer be shown in Room 106 during this time and we hope that you will consider supporting this program for youngsters at Metropolitan. If this is not the right fit for your child, those 5 years old and younger are welcomed in the nursery. Older children should stay with their parents in the sanctuary. Also know that the Morningstar Choir, which is open to children in 2nd through 6th grade, is at the same time as the Cherub Choir.
Our Mission
Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites others into a deepening relationship with God and challenges them to grow as disciples for the transformation of the world.
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. 11, cparker@nationalchurch.org Rev. Jimmy Sherrod — Associate Pastor Evangelism, Lead Pastor at Crossroads, ext. 24, jsherrod@nationalchurch.org Rev. Kate Murphey — Associate Pastor Service/Advocacy, Lead Pastor at Wesley UMC, ext. 21, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 19, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Barbara Green – Director of Learning, ext. 25, bgreen @nationalchurch.org Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 15, bcaviness@nationalchurch.org Jeff Clouser — Director of Communications and Outreach, ext. 23, jclouser@nationalchurch.org Dona Collary — Director of Finance, ext. 18, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director and 9 a.m. Worship Leader, ext. 12, celliott@nationalchurch.org Caleb Frazier — Campus Ministry Coordinator, ext. 14, campusministry@nationalchurch.org David Hosey — Campus Ministry Coordinator, ext. 14, campusministry@nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 28, phouse@nationalchurch.org Ohemaa Nyanin — Interim Associate Director of Youth Ministries, youthministry@nationalchurch.org Bill Potts –– Executive Director of Operations, ext. 17, wpotts@nationalchurch.org Rafael Reyes — Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 20, rreyes@nationalchurch.org Anita Seline — Director of Children’s Ministries, ext. 22, aseline@nationalchurch.org Helen Simon - Executive Assistant to Dr. Parker, ext. 42, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org
The Messenger is published by Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 St. Luke’s Campus (3655 Calvert St., N.W.)/Wesley Campus (5312 Conn. Ave., N.W.) Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: nationalchurch.org NEXT ISSUE: March 11, 2013 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on March 5, 2013