The Messenger

The Messenger

March 11, 2013 Volume XXIII, No. 3 Nationalchurch.org

Holy Week Observance

Palm/Passion Sunday Worship at Metropolitan Memorial

9am & 11:15am Procession with Eco-Palms and Children’s Choirs 11am Worship at Wesley UMC 5pm Crossroads at St. Luke’s

Maundy Thursday

7:30pm Worship at Metropolitan

Good Friday Services

Noon to 3pm at Metropolitan “Seven Last Words of Christ” 7pm Worship at Wesley UMC 7:30pm Worship at Metropolitan

Easter Sunday – March 31 Worship at Metropolitan 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Choirs, bells and brass Join us for an Easter brunch following each service!

This Lent, we have been focusing on “cultivating happiness,” and part of that journey has involved redefining what we mean by happiness, reclaiming a richer and deeper meaning of that quest. In his great work, The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer coined the phrase “cheap grace” to describe our desire for the power and joy of the resurrection, without the sacrifice and suffering of the crucifixion. One of the ways that the church historically has helped people experience the significance of the crucifixion is through a series of services during Holy Week that allow us to “live through” the events that lead up to the cross: the high celebration of Palm Sunday, the gradual turning in the mood of the crowd, the confusion of the Last Supper, and the devastation of Good Friday. This is what allows us to really experience the joy of Easter.

It is my conviction that to fully experience the significance of the season necessitates being part of these services during the week, and we have a wonderfully rich week prepared for you. Palm/Passion Sunday will start off on a high celebratory note, but as the service progresses, the tone will shift as we turn towards the cross. Maundy Thursday, drawing from the scripture focused upon Jesus’ last supper with his Disciples, will include a reenactment of the washing of the Disciples feet and communion. On Good Friday, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM, we will participate in the very old tradition of a preaching service on the seven last words of Christ. Rev. Dr. John Tate has again assembled a wonderful group of preachers to lead us through this journey. The structure of the service is such that you may be present for a word or two and leave, or stay for the entire three hours. Friday night will be a very dark service focusing on the crucifixion and burial. And then on Easter Sunday, we will really have something to celebrate!

Our sermon series this Lent has been entitled “Through the Darkness: The Pursuit of Happiness.” And, as I hope you have begun to discover, the happiness that our faith talks about is not the absence of suffering; it is centering ourselves on God’s presence with us, even in the midst of suffering. The powerful German theologian Jurgen Moltmann wrote that “the cross is the test of everything which deserves to be called Christian.”

I want all of us as a community to live through the full experience of the cross this Holy Week by setting aside the time to share in our Lord’s passion and fully prepare to experience the power of the resurrection. Come join us as we complete the journey of a Holy Lent.

Blessings,

11am Worship at Wesley 5pm Crossroads at St. Luke’s Rev. Dr. Charles Parker

Contemplative Communion Service Sundays through March 24, 7pm, Great Hall

Join us Sunday evenings for scriptural reflection, silent contemplation, music, and the sacrament of communion as we illuminate the theme of Cultivating Happiness within a supportive spiritual community.

Life at Metropolitan Memorial

Congratulations!

On the birth of Alexander Gill, to Patricia and Matthew Gill. Alexander is the grandson of Tammy and John Gill.

On the debut of Pat Nicolette’s latest novel, Stage Left for Murder. A former KGB agent working undercover with the FBI to catch an al-Qaeda terrorist sneaks into a D.C. theatre during a performance.

Minutes later shots ring out and in the audience a retired U.S. Army general falls. Is it an act of terrorism, a Russian double cross or a run of the mill murder? Find out in Pat Nicolette’s latest Nick Mercante mystery. Now available on Amazon. l

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Calling All United Methodist Men! Saturday, March 16, 9am, Vestry

Join Charlie Parker, Chris Smith and other Men of Metropolitan for breakfast and a time of fellowship and planning as they explore ways in which men of all three campuses in our Parish might get together for fellowship, service projects, spiritual support and discernment. Questions? Contact Charlie Parker, cparker@nationalchurch.org or Helen Simon, Charlie’s Executive Assistant, hsimon@nationalchurch.org. RSVP’s are not required, but would be helpful for bacon buying!

Metropolitan Book Club Monday, March 18, 7:30pm, Parlor

Join us as Sharon Smith leads our discussion of The Sense of An Ending. On April 15, Suzanne Clewell will lead a discussion on My Beloved World. Questions? Contact Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com or Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail.com. All readers welcome.

New Family Welcome Sunday, March 24, 10am, Library

Have you recently baptized your baby in the church? If so, you are invited to an informal reception for a time of fellowship and information gathering as you meet other young parents in the church eager to get to know you. Children welcome, of course!

Sponsored by the Youth and Children’s Ministry Team. For more information, contact Caralee Adams, caralee adams@ verizon.net.

L-R: Sophie, Gabby, Isabelle, Carolyne, and Ali

Race for Sophie/Race for Hope

Please join us in supporting a member of our Metropolitan church and former preschool student, Sophia Posner Brown by joining Team Sophie Bear in the Race for Hope. The Race for Hope is a 5k Run/Walk that is very kid and dog friendly and supports brain tumor research. Sophia (AKA Sophie-Bear) was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 2 years old. She and her twin sister turn 6 on March 23. She has been on some form of chemotherapy or recovering from brain surgery since her diagnosis almost 4 years ago. If you are interested in learning more about Sophie, her battle or brain tumor research please visit this site: braintumorcommunity.org/site/TR?team_ id=57795&pg=team&fr_id=2021&fl=en_ US&et=kLnz2MV2odIs08fACYNZQg&s_tafId=59824 and please consider joining the team or donating online at CureBrainTumors.org.

Sophia and her twin sister Isabelle attended 3 years at Metropolitan Nursery School and are active members of the cherub choir.

Want to write a donation check? Checks should be made payable to: Race for Hope - DC. Send donations to: Race for Hope - DC, P.O. Box 95066, Newton, MA 02495-0066.

Download a printable donation form to include with your donation. If applicable, the memo line of the check should include the name of the individual or team that you want credited for the donation. Donation forms can be downloaded at braintumorcommunity.org/site/DocServer/RFH_DC_11_ EventDonationForm.pdf?docID=5681.

Remembering Others at Easter

Remember family and friends this Easter by donating Altar flowers!

I wish to donate: # ____Easter Lillies ($30 each) #____Hydrangea ($30 each) #_____mums ($30 each)

In Memory of: _________________________________________________

In Honor of:

_________________________________________________

oI will pick up these flowers following 11:15am worship oI wish to donate these flowers to the church for distribution to church members by the Visitor Corp All donations will be listed in the Easter Sunday Bulletin. The deadline for gifts is Monday, March 25.

Please drop off or mail your form and payment to the church office. Orders cannot be taken by phone.

My Name: _____________________________

Phone: ______________

Address: ______________________________

Total Enclosed: $___________

Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016 2

The Arts at Metropolitan Memorial Art Exhibition Opening Reception and Concert Piano Recital - Sunday, March 17, 3pm, Sanctuary

Join us as two excellent young pianists share the bench of Metropolitan's fine Steinway for a recital of works written or arranged for four hands. Win-Yen Chan and Hanchien Lee will play a sonata by Mozart, "Danse Macabre" by Saint-Saens, and, for an exciting finale, Gershwin's famous "Rhapsody in Blue."

Both pianists are graduates of the Curtis Institute and hold doctoral degrees, one from Yale and the other from Peabody. Both have performed in many venues in the United States and abroad both as soloists and as chamber musicians. Ms. Chen teaches at Washington's Levine School of Music, Ms. Lee at the Peabody Preparatory in Baltimore.

Win-Yen Chan

Following the concert, join other art-lovers in the Great Hall for the opening of “Light," a show by the six-artist group Art Spirit. Music, art, food, and fellowship: a fine combination awaits you on St. Patrick's afternoon at Metropolitan.

Hanchien Lee

“Light” as interpreted by Art Spirit Sunday, March 17, 3pm - Concert, 4:15p.m. - Exhibit

“Light can reach in and touch even the darkest corners,” says Martha Finley Johnson, one of the artists in the exhibition “Light” that opens on March 17.

In the words of Art Spirit, the six artists whose work we will be showing: “We chose the theme of Light as it relates to all our work...Light can be seen as representing hope, or the opposite of darkness. It implies infinity, eternity, glory, majesty...Light symbolizes the guiding spirit or divine presence in each person.” One needs to see in person how each of these artists, Lorraine Arden, Martha Finley Johnson, Susan Due Pearcy, Judith Simmons, Terry Svat, and Sandra Wasko-Flood, interprets God’s words in Genesis, “Let there be Light.”

Save the Date! “Leading Ladies” Friday, April 12, 8pm Saturday, April 13, 4pm Sunday, April 14, 2pm

Jazz@Wesley Presents “Tiya! Close to You” Saturday March 23 6:30pm, Wesley*

Tickets available online at instantseats.com. Sweet and Savory items available for purchase with complimentary Coffee and Tea. Bring a nonperishable food item or lightly used coat to jazz up someone else’s life! Donations for the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place will be taken. Tickets are $10, $7 for seniors, 12 and under free. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW

So, you might ask, what is "Leading Ladies" about? … from the director, Bob Benn. Two English Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, find themselves so down on their luck that they are performing "Scenes from Shakespeare" on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania circa 1950. When they hear that Florence, an older ailing woman, in York, PA, is about to die and is looking for her two long-lost English nephews - Max and Steve, her sister's children who moved away to England as children - in order to include them in her multi-million dollar inheritance, they resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. The trouble is, when they get to York, they find out that the relatives aren't nephews, but nieces! Romantic entanglements abound, especially when Leo falls head-over-petticoat in love with the old lady's vivacious niece, Meg, who's engaged to the local minister.

Meg knows that there's a wide world out there, but it's not until she meets "Maxine and Stephanie" that she finally gets a taste of it. Meanwhile, Jack is falling for Florence's aide, Audrey. Florence recovers just as the pair arrives, but they decide to keep on, both to try to outlast her health and to stay close to the objects of their interest. Leo convinces Meg, who is enamored of Shakespeare and a fan of Jack and Leo, to put on a production at Florence's estate, to give himself more of an opportunity to be with her, both as Leo and Maxine. Meanwhile, Meg's fiance Duncan grows increasingly suspicious of the "Leading Ladies."

Slapstick goofiness, scrambled Shakespeare, and good-natured laughs

- Montana Repertory Theatre This is a wonderful opportunity to invite neighbors and friends for an evening or afternoon of merriment. Appropriate for all ages.

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Service and Advocacy at Metropolitan Memorial Welcome Rebecca Ballard as Director of the St. Luke’s Mission Center

In January, Rebecca Ballard was hired for a new part-time position as director of our St. Luke’s Mission Center. She will give oversight to the service and outreach ministries operating at our St. Luke’s campus, including the St. Luke’s Shelter, the Campus Kitchen Project, Shalom Place Hostel, and the hypothermia shelter. Her initial focus will be on creating a leadership structure for the Mission Center and cultivating support – new leaders, new volunteers, and new sources of funding – to support the growing work at St. Luke’s.

Rebecca is a graduate of Duke University and the University of North Carolina Law School.

She has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and administration, including work with faith-based nonprofits in the United States and overseas. She recently returned from a year and half in Asia where she worked with a number of different nonprofits including the Heifer Project International, Oxfam International, and Amnesty International.

She grew up in the United Methodist Church and her grandfather, mother, and uncle have all been United Methodist pastors. “I love that I was raised in a denomination with such a strong emphasis on social justice on a local, national, and international level,” says Rebecca. “I absolutely enjoy living in Washington, DC, and feel truly honored to be working on issues of homelessness and hunger in this city.” Rebecca lives in Dupont Circle with her husband John Means, and their rescue dog, Penny. You can reach Rebecca at rballard@nationalchurch.org.

HandyMan Needed!

Rebuilding Together

Each Spring, Metropolitan participates in the city-wide Rebuilding Together workday by organizing a volunteer team to do home repairs for an elderly or disabled DC homeowner. This year, we need a co-captain who can help organize in advance of the April 27 workday by scoping out the work site, assembling supplies, and planning volunteer tasks. And, working under the guidance of our experienced captain, Lee Crocket, help to lead the volunteers on the 27th. This once-a-year project is a great short-term volunteer opportunity for anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference in the life of others. If you want to learn more, contact Ann Michel, amichel@ wesleyseminary.edu or Kate Murphey, kmurphey@ nationalchurch.org.

Come and See Our Church At Work in the City!

Affordable Housing Tour Saturday, March 16, 2pm

The Washington Interfaith Network is organizing an “Affordable Housing Tour” on Saturday, March 16 from 2 to 4 pm.

One of the sites visited will be the North Capitol Street development, which is being financed in part through a short-term loan provided by the Metropolitan Foundation. It’s a great opportunity to see our money and our mission at work in the city!! The tour will also visit two other affordable housing sites to be developed through our Methodist Connection – one through Emory United Methodist Church on upper Georgia Avenue and the other on the site of the former Calvary/Casa Del Pueblo church in Columbia Heights.

To reserve a spot on the bus, please contact Ann Michel, amichel@wesleyseminary.edu or 202-8858582. The tour commences from Emory UMC at 6100 Georgia Avenue at 2 pm. If you’d ’d like to car pool from Metropolitan Memorial, please let Ann know when you RSVP.

Join the Reconciling Team!

Help Plan September’s Reconciling Ministry Network’s Convocation!

The Reconciling Ministry Network will hold their biennial National Convocation (referred to as the Convo) in the Washington Area Friday, August 30 – Monday, September 3. On Sunday evening, September 2, Metropolitan Memorial will host a gala celebration and reception for the attendees and local reconciling congregations. Festivities will include a community sing with the renowned Dr. Ysaye Barnwell, music from a mass choir of D.C. area congregations, awards for outstanding achievements in the Reconciling movement, and more. To learn more about the Convocation or to register go to rmnetwork.org.

Tuesday, March 26, 7:15am to 8:45am Lutheran Church of the Reformation*

On Saturday, March 26, the Supreme Court will begin oral arguments on California’s Proposition 8 and the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. To encircle this moment in spirit, faith communities from many traditions will join together in prayer, music and ritual at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation. Following the service, we will continue in procession together, led by drums, clergy, community and choir singing in liberation spirit to the United for Marriage Rally at the steps of the Supreme Court. Seating is on a first come basis with ticket. Doors open at 7am. Prelude and opening ritual 7:15am. Multifaith Prayer Service 7:30am to 8:30am. Followed

by Procession to United for Marriage Rally on steps of Supreme Court. Register to attend at eventbrite.com/event/5706111132/ eivtefrnd. *212 East Capital St., NW

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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United Methodist Women A Retreat to Remember: A Journey with Jeremy the Jumping Mouse

This year’s United Methodist Women’s retreat earned lots of kudos from the three dozen participants. As always, the gathering was multi-generational, included representatives from Metropolitan and Wesley and offered fun and fellowship. What made this retreat particularly special was the headliner—Mary Elizabeth Marlow. She is not to be missed (read the next Messenger to get the details). Already some of us are clamoring for her return. Many thanks to the retreat organizers: Jeanie Mah, Mary Jo Marchant, Ann Michel and Barbara Tate.

Reflections from the United Methodist Women’s Retreat

From February 8th through the 10th, 31 women from Metropolitan, Wesley and St. Lukes parish gathered together at the Priestfield Center in West Virginia for our annual United Methodist Women’s retreat. We were joined by Mary Elizabeth Marlow, author, teacher and student of spiritual mysteries from around the world. Using a Native American myth, Mary Elizabeth led us on a spiritual journey that, serendipitously, shares a message with our Lenten sermon series.

We listened as Mary Elizabeth told us the story of Jeremy on his journey from Mouse Village, where he lived a hurry-scurry un-thought life, to his awakening glimpse of the far off mountain top. Through a leap of faith he was able to move out of his comfortable life, through challenging and dangerous terrain toward the mountain. At critical points in his journey, he encountered a raccoon, a frog, a buffalo and an eagle, who helped him in sometimes paradoxical ways to build the trust in himself and in others necessary to reach the sacred mountaintop of self knowledge and happiness.

As we traveled with Jeremy, we were asked to reflect on the thresholds we had crossed in our own lives and the people who had helped us along the way. Through journaling, drawing, and sharing in small groups, we built trust in one another and in ourselves, and gained insight and inspiration for our own spiritual journeys. In the Lenten sermons we hear the message that the happiness, that by our nature, we seek is illusive and found only when we dig deep to discover what is in our own hearts and engage in community that we are created to be in.

- Mary Rollefson I’m always reluctant to attend the United Methodist Women retreat. I’ve never thought of myself as the type to spend a weekend hanging out with church ladies. It always sounds too wholesome and too earnest. And like it might involve drumming or falling back into another person’s arms as a measure of trust. Nonetheless, in mid-February, for the fourth year in a row, there I was in West Virginia, checking into a pastoral retreat center with three dozen women from Metropolitan’s parish.

By this time around, I knew enough of the attendees that I was confident I’d have some fun conversations, some good fellowship. I’d get to play cards with Barbara Tate and walk the grounds with Drema McAllister Wilson and eat meals with Jayne Mardock Cabigas. I knew I’d be spending time with an unusual intergenerational group of women who range in ages from 26 to 80.

But there were also lots of unknowns. I didn’t know everyone, and that lack of familiarity is daunting to me; these retreats involve sharing intimate details about your life, sometimes with people who on the surface seem unapproachable or unlikeable or unknowable.

And I didn’t know much about our retreat leader, Mary Elizabeth Marlow, whose theme for the Mary Elizabeth Marlow weekend was “Inner Trust: The Art of Listening Within.” Her bio describes her as an author—her latleads the retreat est book is titled “Jumping Mouse,” which seemed weird—and a “transpersonal teacher”—whatever that is. She has worked and taught with both a “teacher of esoteric wisdom” and a Native American mystic and shaman.

That all sounded a little too hippy, dippy, trippy for me.

But it wasn’t. Marlow is so real, so genuine, so engaging, I was drawn into her stories of spiritual healing. Her jumping mouse story relies on animals symbolic to Native Americans—the mouse, raccoon, buffalo, eagle. Each animal prompted us to think about pivotal people and events that have played significant roles in our lives and may have guided us on our spiritual journeys. As Marlow’s tale unfolded, it became easier for me to talk with the women I’d never met before. I marveled at how much I learned about them—their struggles, failures, successes—and cared for them.

I left West Virginia this year feeling uplifted and challenged and grateful that UMW members had encouraged me to attend.

These retreats draw me into the community of the UMW, for sure, but also into the wider Metropolitan community. And I hope they help draw me closer to faith.

I’m still a church lady in denial, but I know I’ll be back at next year’s UMW retreat. Just as Marlow taught us about “inner trust” and listening within for what strikes a chord, these retreat weekends feel right to me. They do something for me that nothing else in my life does. I can’t totally explain it, but I’ve decided to trust it.

- Courtney Leatherman

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Caring and Learning March AARP Meeting Monday, March 18, 12:30pm, Vestry

Leadership Development Class Dealing with Conflict Wednesday, March 13, 7pm, Great Hall

Without conflict, progressive change might not occur. And yet, institutions like churches are change and conflictaverse. However, in environments of trust, conflict can be a useful dynamic as we make positive change and move our church forward. Learn the fundamentals of conflict management and creative problem-solving with Instructor, Dr. Catherine Anderson.

Memoir Class Wednesday, March 13 and 27 7pm, Conference Room

Come reflect on the stories of your life! Pam McFarland, a reporter, writer and editor, will lead two classes during Soup and Study (see below) on March 13 and 27 to help members of Metropolitan Memorial Parish identify why they might write a poem, essay, letter or full-blown memoir about their life, and provide them with tips and tools on how to do it.

There will be plenty of exercises and opportunities to write about and reflect on what your personal histories mean to you. All materials provided, but feel free to bring a favorite journal, a friend, or a memoir you've enjoyed. For more information, contact Barbara Green, bgreen@nationalchurch. org.

Join us as we kick off our spring schedule. Allen Beach, an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in DC, will speak with us about the ANCs, their history and their functioning, and will relate some of his experiences. Social time is at 12:30 pm and the meeting starts at 1pm. Refreshments served.

Meditation Workshop: All Are Welcome!

Monday, March 18, 7pm, Great Hall

The Caring Ministries is hosting a meditation workshop led

by Sharon Salzberg (sharonsalzberg.com), one of America’s leading meditation teachers and authors. Sharon is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, MA and has played a crucial role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the West. For more information, contact Betty Rogers, betty.rogers24@verizon.net.

Lunch and More Thursday, March 21, Noon, Great Hall

Gather for fun, food and fellowship, and an opportunity for three activities: Bible Study led by Charlie Parker; bridge and games; or watching the movie, “The Bucket List,” with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. We will start the movie at 12:30pm to give some time for discussion at the end. Questions or input?

Contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com, Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net or Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 19.

Soup and Study Wednesday, March 13, 6pm, Vestry

Join us for “Soup and Study,” Metropolitan’s Wednesday evening study program. Supper of soup, bread, salad and dessert will be served at 6 p.m. with classes beginning at 7 p.m. Questions? Contact Barbara Green. Classes include: Memoir Class (see above) - Leader: Pam McFarland; Leadership Development: Dealing with Conflict (see above) - Leader: Cathy Anderson; Disciple I - Leader: Barbara Gaskill; Bible Study - Leader: Charlie Parker.

Yoga Before Soup and Study!

Wednesday, March 27, 5pm, Room TBD

We’re trying something new! Join us for yoga before Soup and Study (see above). Dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat (we will have extra mats if you need one). And if getting on and off the floor poses a challenge, feel free to use a chair. Then stay for soup and salad and join in study at 7pm.

Our certified yoga instructor is Cathryn Gunnerson, who many of us already know as a fabulous caterer. Cathryn teaches traditional and gentle hatha yoga for adults and children, and specializes in therapeutic classes for persons with special needs. She believes that the practice of yoga honors each individual body’s abilities, and renews our innate energies, mental clarity, and peace of heart and mind.

Please RSVP to Susan Roach, susanroach@verizon.net, if you are interested in attending. You are also welcome to come at the last minute!

Bible Study at Wesley Journey through the Psalms Wednesdays through April 3rd 7pm, Wesley Campus*

Discover how to use the psalms as prayers that give voice to our anger, fear, and pain and guide us to a deeper peace and connection with God, creation, and neighbor. Questions? Contact Rev. Kate Murphey, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW

Bereavement Support for Widowed Persons

Widowed Person Outreach—Helping and Healing offers support groups for people who have been widowed two years or less. An ongoing group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 2pm at Sibley (5255 Loughboro Rd., NW). For more information, call 202-537-4942.

Club Memory

A supportive social group for people with mild cognitive impairment or early stage dementia, along with their caregivers or family. Meets 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in the Great Hall at MMUMC from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Call Sibley Senior Association for more information 202.364.7602 or Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org, 202.363.4900 ext. 19.

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Children’s Ministries Vacation Bible School July 8-12 Make your plans now!

Pancake Supper

Thank you to all of the volunteers, parents, and children who made the annual Pancake Supper our best attended and most successful event ever. Many thanks to those who shopped, flipped pancakes, baked egg casseroles, decorated the Vestry, served dinner, poured drinks, cleared tables, washed dishes, broke down chairs, supervised crafts, sang, and swept. It was a wonderful Intergenerational event and we collected dozens of canned food for Friendship Place so that others may also feel fed.

Celebrate God’s welcoming love for everyone at Cokesbury’s Everywhere Fun Fair VBS — where God’s world comes together.

Metropolitan will hold its annual Vacation Bible School July 8-12. Meet welcoming neighbors from the Bible. Explore the everyday life of neighbors around the world, such as Great Britain, Zimbabwe, Japan, Australia, and Mexico. Learn to be a good neighbor to everyone.

Discover that God’s love welcomes everyone. Sign up online at nationalchurch.org/vbs. VBS is open to children 4 years old to rising 6th graders and runs from 9 am to 12 noon. We are seeking older kids to work as junior counselors.

Love the Lord your God…and love your neighbor as yourself.

– Luke 10:27, CEB

Upcoming Dates for the Children's Ministry:

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March 10: No Sunday School, Children's Art Showcase in Great Hall during Study Hour.

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March 24: Palm Sunday. Both Cherub and Morningstar choirs are performing. Children should be in the Sanctuary by 8:30 for final rehearsal.

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March 31: Easter. No Sunday School. Please enjoy the annual Easter Brunch in the Great Hall with your families.

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 Rebecca Ballard — Director of St. Luke’s Mission Center, rballard@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 — Pastoral Care Assistant, ext. 19, 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 Kristianna M. George — Cherub Choir Director, aseline@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 Ian Urriola — Interim Children’s Music Director, aseline@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: April 8, 2013 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on April 2, 2013