April 2015

METROPOLITAN CHURCH

A MULTI-SITE UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY

April 13, 2015 Volume XXV, No. 4 Nationalchurch.org

The Messenger Summer Time is Children’s Time

Metro Players Present “Enchanted April”

by Matthew Barber April, 24 - 26 Fri. - 8pm I Sat. - 5pm Sun. - 2pm*

Celebrate the Metro Players 30th anniversary season with this 2003 Tony Award nominated play directed by Bob Benn. When two unhappy London housewives rent an Italian villa for an impulsive holiday getaway, they recruit two very different English women to share the cost and the experience.

All four women clash and bloom again rediscovering themselves in ways that noone could have expected. Tickets: $15/Adults I $10/ Students & Seniors. Contact: Bob Benn, rjb2graphicdesign@yahoo. com. *12:30pm Brunch Available

Jazz@Wesley Presents Integriti Reeves April 25 6:30pm, Wesley*

Celebrate the 100th Year of Billie Holiday with the sounds of Integriti Reeves; a dynamic vocal powerhouse whose “Modern Vintage” style exists at the crossroads of jazz music, embodying the past, present, and future of the genre. Tickets: $10 │$5 seniors │12 & under free. Bring a nonperishable food item or lightly used coat to jazz up someone else’s life. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.

School’s out, but fun and learning don’t stop! Summertime is a wonderful time for children at Metropolitan. Check out these opportunities for children to learn and grow, and for adults to serve our children (and maybe learn and grow too!): Summer Sundays of Service. Beginning May 31, our children will meet in the Vestry during the 10:10am - 11am study hour for a chance to live out their faith through service. Past service projects have included making meals for the shelter, preparing sandwiches for Grate Patrol, creating dog toys for the animal shelter, writing letters to the troops, and drawing birthday cards for Metropolitan’s birthday card ministry.

What this means for adults: Summer Sundays of Service are also a perfect chance for adults to volunteer with our kids. If you could offer one Sunday morning this summer, you would give our Sunday school teachers a much-needed vacation, show our children that the adults of this community love and support them, and get to spend time with some amazing, funny, caring kids. Volunteer to help online at nationalchurch. org/children_service or contact Rev. Janet Craswell, 202-363-4900, ext. 115 or jcraswell@nationalchurch.org.

Vacation Bible School: Splash! What could be more fun than a VBS camp all about water? Join us for Vacation Bible School as we “Splash in God’s Word” with faith-filled games, science activities, skits, stories, crafts, songs and more. This year, our VBS will meet July 13-17 from 9 am until noon. All children from age 4 through rising 5th graders are welcome; students from grades 6 and up are welcome to participate as helpers. Many people have asked if their visiting grandchildren, neighbor children, and friends of children may participate. The answer is always YES! Just please register so we can plan properly. Registration for the morning VBS is $60.

This year we are also experimenting with an extended day program from noon to 3pm for a limited number of children (register early!). For the extended day option, learning and play related to the VBS theme of the day will continue. Children will bring their own lunch, watch a video related to the Splash program, do a service project at the church, and have free time for crafts and games. The extended day option is an additional $100 ($160 total). To register for VBS, go on-line to nationalchurch.org/vbs. You may also register for the extended day program at that address.

What this means for adults: Adults, we need your help to make VBS a success!

Whether your interest is science, food, art, drama, Bible, music, sports, decorating, or just helping out, we can use your talents. You do not need to volunteer the entire week (although if you want to, we won’t say no!); many people volunteer a single morning, and some work can be done before VBS begins or from home. To volunteer, contact Courtney Leatherman, c_leatherman@ix.netcom.com or 202-363-4247.

Don’t let the summer go by without participating in one of these wonderful opportunities for growth, service, learning and fun!

Blessings, Rev. Janet Craswell

Spring Sermon Series “May Deep Call to Deep: Studying Other Religions”

Our series following Easter will explore the other major religious traditions of the world. Join us as we look at the wondrous similarities across different faiths as well as the important differences. All of these sermons will be framed by the question, “Why does a Christian congregation need to engage other religions?”

Life at the Metropolitan Church Our prayers go out to...

• to the family and friends of Emma Dean Cox, a long time member and mother of Karen Cox, who died on March 19 • to the family and friends of Bobbie Rommel, a long time member and mother of Jeff Rommel, who died on April 2.

Metropolitan Book Club Monday, April 20, 7:30pm, Parlor

Join us as Regula Guess leads our discussion of Gray Mountain by John Grisham. The Book Club is open to all who enjoy sharing comments about the books we read. Contacts: Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail.com or Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com.

Rev. Bruce Poynter’s Sermons Available

Several members of Metropolitan have recently expressed interest in having copies of Reverend Poynter’s sermons.

Bruce has graciously agreed to provide copies of “For the Interim,” the sermons he preached during his Interim Pastorate at Metropolitan in 2001, as well as “Afterthoughts,” a two-volume collection drawn from sermons preached at other times in his ministry. If you would like copies of one or both of these collections, please contact Pat Nicolette, 202362-5585 or zoomaster2@verizon.net. The cost for each volume is $12.

Tech Volunteers Needed!

Calling All Techies!

Volunteers are needed to run the sound/ light systems for Metropolitan’s services.

This is a great opportunity to further your skills while making a useful contribution to Metropolitan. For more information and a non-committal tour of our setup, contact David Sproul, davidasproul@ gmail.com or 202-213-7076.

A Special “Thank You”

We would like to thank all who helped to make our Easter Celebration special. From Palm Sunday through Easter we were blessed by the talents of so many. Our children’s choirs, Youth Choir, Dayspring, Chancel, their soloists and directors, and other musicians helped to mold our services; from the Hosanna’s of the entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the contemplative and haunting music of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, to the joyous Alleluia’s of Easter morn. Our services were also enhanced by the glorious flowers that graced the Sanctuary, the participation of volunteer acolytes and lay readers, as well as our pastoral staff. On a glorious Easter morning, our Welcoming Team greeted from the parking lot and helped to direct overflow parking to the lot at American University. The Caring Team coordinated a delicious brunch to sustain us through the morning and to offer hospitality to our visitors. And, we could not have done any of this without the support of Bill Potts and his amazing staff: Rafael Reyes, Juan Nunez, Maria Villalobos and others who helped us get ready for all that Holy Week offers.

Team Sophie Bear

Sophia Posner-Brown is an eight year old member of our church. She spent three years at the nursery school and is part of the morning star choir and Sunday school classes on Sunday. She loves singing, dancing, acting, painting, Taylor Swift, playing hopscotch, and anything that involves her twin sister Isabelle. Her family and friends call her Sophie Bear.

Sophie was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 2. She just finished a phase-one clinical trial (phase one means scientists are still investigating if the drug is safe and if it works). It is an oral chemo but required frequent blood work and hospital visits. Because the drug is a chemotherapy agent, Sophie is immunocompromised and therefore gets sick a lot because her body can't fight off other infections.

While she does still have some "active” tumor spots in various parts of the brain (unfortunately her tumor spread to other parts - most brain tumors do not) the big tumor is pretty much inactive on the MRI. From a scientific point of view this is considered a success because of 1) shrinkage in primary large tumor; and 2) stability in smaller tumor "spots.”

In October 2014, Sophie celebrated her last day of chemotherapy and the Posner-Brown family is currently enjoying the first time since Sophie was 2 that she hasn't been on any type of active chemotherapy. The first post-chemo MRI in January 2015 showed that the tumor is stable - no re-growth in three months. The doctors are very excited about the positive results.

The next MRI will be in mid- April 2015, and if everything is still dormant, Sophie will continue with no chemo. We would like to ask for your support in joining or contributing to Team Sophie bear. If you are interested, please visit the link: http:// tinyurl.com/kmpp6so.

Sophie's family is tremendously thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this clinical trial, while at the same time understanding the risks involved. We are all hopeful that there will be more pediatric-specific brain tumor trials in the future, and thank you for contributing to this very important cause.

Thank you all for your love and support and see you at the Race for Hope!

Blessings, Jessica Posner

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Reconciling Ministries Virginia Clergy Not to Face Trial; Lost Salary Subsidized by Supporters

by Rev. Andy Oliver, Director of Communications, Reconciling Ministries Network

United Methodists are sending a message to conferences like Virginia that would seek to deter LGBTQ people from receiving the full ministry of the church: We will support clergy that The UMC attempts to penalize.

Two clergy in Virginia will not face trial for officiating same-sex weddings, according to a statement by conference officials.

Rev. Amanda Garber was given a one-month suspension without pay for presiding over the wedding of Brittany and Lindsay, two of her congregants. Prof. Emeritus at Shenandoah University, Rev. Dr. John D. Copenhaver, was suspended for three months for officiating at the wedding of Sarah and Rev. Delyn Celec who married in part to care for their niece and two nephews in need of family following the murder of the children’s mother.

In response to the financial deterrent the Virginia Conference is choosing to place upon Rev. Garber, Reconciling United Methodists across the country have contributed to a clergy defense and resiliency fund, and a check is being sent in the full amount Rev. Garber would have otherwise lost. Donations to this fund are currently needed to aid clergy facing unjust penalties like this one.

In a statement, Rev. Garber said: I am grateful for the support of so many, but also saddened that my new-church-start will have to face this set-back so early in their formation. It is difficult to build denominational loyalty when the people of my church are witnessing this punitive action being taken for my being their pastor. While I am grateful that a resolution has been reached, I am overwhelmed by a deep sense of grief and sadness. I weep regularly as I continually journey with persons who harm themselves, who consider suicide, and who long to have their relationships and commitments accepted and blessed by the church. I weep with those who long to use their God-given gifts as laity and ordained clergy, but are regularly and resoundingly told ‘no.’

I weep as we hurl insults, venom, and labels at each other. I weep as so many of my friends and colleagues leave The United Methodist Church. I cling to the glimpses of grace and powerful support I have experienced and continue to experience on a daily basis. Most of all, I cling to the promise that God’s love is stronger than fear.

Rev. Dr. Copenhaver, who has authored a proposal for change in The UMC, is similarly saddened by the resolution reached: Although I am relieved, and grateful to all parties, that a resolution has been reached, I am saddened the resolution did not include a clear statement by all parties that would recognize and regret the harm experienced by LGBTQ persons by the language and policies of the Book of Discipline. Further, I do not believe my actions deserve any punitive consequence.

Rather I believe that pastors who respond to the pastoral needs of marginalized LGBTQ persons should be commended

by The UMC. Nevertheless I have acknowledged that I have knowingly and publicly officiated at a same sex marriage, a violation of ¶2702.1b, causing felt harm to my bishop, district superintendent, and some pastors and church members. I, therefore, accept the consequence of suspension. At the same time, I hold that the harm felt by these persons is in no way commensurate with the harm experienced by LGBTQ persons who have felt rejected by the Church’s language, have been excluded from representative ministry, and denied the blessing and support of the Church for their marriages.

The Revs. Garber and Copenhaver would like to express their deepest gratitude to their colleague and advocate, Rev. Rob Vaughn, who provided wise counsel and support through the resolution process, and are calling on all clergy, laity, and congregations to sign “Altar for All” (found at rmnetwork.org) to join the movement for marriage equality in The UMC. Matt Berryman, Reconciling Ministries Network’s executive director and Bridget Cabrera, deputy director, said in a joint statement: When the history books of a fully inclusive United Methodist Church are one day written, it will include the names of Rev. Amanda Garber and Rev. Dr. John D. Copenhaver as faithful prophets who through their Biblical Obedience helped the church find its way to end the discrimination of people who long to celebrate their love and follow their call to ministry. We will do all in our power to continue to stand by and enable clergy to do the right thing like these two have done in their witness.

The discriminatory policies of The UMC are meant to dissuade LGBTQ persons from pursuing their calls to ordained ministry, clergy from offering the ministry of marriage to prepared same-sex couples, and church leaders from supporting ministries with and for LGBTQ persons. The Clergy Defense and Resiliency Fund of Reconciling Ministries Network was established to support LGBTQ candidates through the ordination process, and United Methodists facing complaint investigations or church trials due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or service in ministry with LGBTQ persons.

To donate to the Clergy Defense and Resiliency Fund go to rmnetwork.org. To learn more and get involved with Metropolitan’s Reconciling Community, contact Kerm Towler, flautobasso@yahoo.com.

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Adult Study Food for Thought Wednesday, April 15, 6pm - Dinner, 7pm - Study

Join us as we feed our body, mind and soul with a chefprepared dinner followed by a choice of two classes. Dinner is $7/adult, $4/child, with a maximum of $20/family. AU students pay what you can. Reserve your spot for dinner (requested but not required) by contacting Rev. Janet Craswell, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org! Classes include: Bible Study: Job - Led by Rev. Charlie Parker and Bob Olson. Why do bad things happen to good people? Is good rewarded? Is evil punished? The book of Job engages these questions using rich, poetic language; Topical Study: A Hopeful Earth: Faith, Science and the Message of Jesus by Sally Dyck and Sarah Ehrman. Led by Rev. Dottie Yunger. This study pairs the Christian faith of Bishop Sally Dyck and the scientific world of her niece, Sarah Ehrman, as they discover how the church can reach the younger generation by joining them in the race to save the environment that God created.

Wesley Bible Study “The Gospels and the Kingdom of God” Wednesdays, 7pm, Wesley Library*

Follow the liturgical calendar of Jesus’ life, ministry, and teaching, as we compare the different lenses of the four Gospels to fully understand the meaning of the kingdom of God Christ calls us to claim. Contact: Rev. Kate Payton, kpayton@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 110. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.

Mondays at the Parsonage Monday, April 20, 6:30pm, Parsonage*

Join us for a potluck dinner and reflection on how we make space for God using Don Postema’s, Space for God. Contact: Rev. Kate Payton, kpayton@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 110. *3311 Nebraska Ave., NW.

How We See Jesus: A History Sunday, April 19, 12:30pm, Vestry

Rabbi, rebel, healer, miracle worker, sage, mystic, prophet, Son of God, Son of Man, savior, Christ, Lord, Mary’s son ...Jesus of Nazareth has been known by many names and through many lenses over the years. On the weekend of May 1, Metropolitan Memorial will host “The Rhetorical Jesus Goes to Church,” a presentation of the Jesus Seminar on the Road (JSOR). The Jesus Seminar focuses on ‘historical Jesus’ scholarship – an attempt to discern what we can learn about Jesus of Nazareth behind the text of the New Testament. To frame the JSOR discussion and to better understand traditional Christian teaching, join us Sunday, April 19 for lunch and a lively romp through 2000 years of Christology (stuff we say about Jesus Christ). Augustine, Calvin, John Wesley, the fundamentalists, Bonhoeffer, liberation theology, historical Jesus scholarship and more – all have shaped how we see Jesus. Led by Rev. Charlie Parker and Rev. Janet Craswell. For more information, contact Rev. Janet Craswell, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org or 202-3634900, ext. 115.

The Rhetorical Jesus Goes to Church Friday, May 1, 7:30pm l Saturday, May 2, 9:30am Registration Begins April 17!

The Jesus Seminar on the Road presents “The Rhetorical Jesus Goes to Church,” with Professors David Galston and Bernard Brandon Scott. Jesus of Nazareth used irony, hyperbole, paradox and other rhetorical devices to speak of God and God’s kingdom. What can we learn about the historical Jesus through the study of his rhetorical “voiceprint”? What does this scholarship mean for the life of the church? Friday, May 1, 7:30pm - 9pm; Saturday, May 2, 9:30am - 4pm. Registration: $60/before 4/17; $75/after 4/17.

To register go to westarinstitute.org/regional-programs/jsorregistration.

Campus Ministry

College Bible Study Wednesdays, 7pm, AU Lounge

All college-aged folks are welcome to join us on Wednesday nights for Bible study on "church words": Language that Christians often use that we often don't define or reflect on.

We'll examine words like "fellowship," "discipleship," and "blessed," to see what they might have meant in their original context and what they might mean for us today. Dinner at 6pm in the Vestry, followed by study and conversation at 7pm.

College Students! Free Food Friday Fridays, 11am, AU Lounge

Our ever popular Free Food Friday is back for the spring semester! All college students are welcome in the AU Lounge (across from the Parlor) from 11am - 2pm for free pizza, veggies, snacks, drinks, and great conversation.

Bring your appetite and a friend!

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The United Methodist Women United Methodist Women’s Great Day of Service Saturday, April 25, 9am, St. Luke’s Mission Center and the DC Diaper Bank

We need all hands on deck to support our Great Day of Service this year! As our church has expanded its reach in service ministries, so have we. All are welcome to join in this “Great Day” (including children and youth)!

9am – noon at St. Luke’s Mission Center (drop-in anytime), 3655 Calvert St., NW Projects in the Chancel: • Making sandwiches and filling Bags of Grace for Friendship Place • Filling Outreach Bags for Courtney’s House • Painting watercolor cards for the Metropolitan greeting card ministry • Making 60-100 “Good Morning, Sunshine!” kits for the children of Brighter Day Ministries Contributions of the following are most welcome for the kits: toothbrushes, wash cloths, combs, and hairbrushes; and fullsize toothpastes, shampoos, bar soaps, and boxes of tissues.

10am – 1pm at the DC Diaper Bank Warehouse, 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, MD Volunteers will help with inventory and packing diapers. Space is limited to 5 volunteers, so please e-mail MetroUMW@ gmail.com or contact Jeanie Mah, 202-363-6885 to sign-up.

11:30am – 2:30pm at our St. Luke’s Mission Center, 3655 Calvert St., NW We’ll work with Chef Anthony to help keep the Campus Kitchen spotless and primed for service. Please e-mail MetroUMW@ gmail.com or contact Jeanie Mah, 202-363-6885 to sign-up.

UMW Recognition Luncheon Nominations Needed

Each year the UMW celebrates four outstanding women who have made significant contributions to our church, the community, and embody the spirit of United Methodist Women.

The Recognition Luncheon will be held December 6, 2015.

We are seeking nominations for honorees and need your input. Since we prefer to honor women not previously recognized, please see Page 6 of your new 2015 UMW Directory, which lists people who have already received this honor.

Should you not have a Directory, a list of previously recognized women is also available, upon request, from Carol or Sandy (see below). To nominate someone, please contact Carol Schleicher - 301-229-2385; rschlei@verizon.net, or Sandy Yeager - 301-320-3951; syeager42@yahoo.com.

Esther Barkat and Cynthia Pugh man the bake sale table.

Book & Bake Sale Recap Almost $3,700 raised!

Thank you to all: • Book Donators • Book Un-Packers • Book Sorters • Book Sale Publicizers • Book Sellers • Book Browsers • Book Buyers • Bakers • Book Re-Packers

Thank you to Anita Seline and Martha Mizroch for fearlessly leading us through a wonderfully successful Book Sale! This year, with help from Bill Potts, we were able to process credit cards for the first time. Below are some pictures from the big day!

Shoppers had a wide selection of books to choose from!

Milana and Tim Rousset spend some quiet time together reading a book at the book sale

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Caring Ministries Ministries for Life Transitions - April Meetings

Four groups meet to address specific transitions in members lives. New participants welcome. For more information, contact Barbara Green, bgreen@nationalchurch.org.

• End of Life and Bereavement - Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org. Next meeting: April 15 at “Food for Thought” at 7pm, Room 206.

• Careers – Suzanne Forsyth, suzanneforsyth@aol.com: Next meeting: April 18, 1pm at Suzanne Forsyth’s home (5306 MacArthur Blvd, NW).

• Creative Aging – Susan Elliott, overlookzoo@verizon.net: Next meeting: April 22 at “Food for Thought” at 7pm, Great Hall.

• Chronic Illness and Caregiving – Susan Roach, susanroach@verizon.net and Nancy Nelson, nnelson5758@ yahoo.com: Next meeting: April 22, 7pm at “Food for Thought,” Fireplace Room.

Lunch and More Thursday, April 16, Noon, Great Hall

Join us as we eat together, play games or watch the movie, “The Giver.” This 2014 American social science fiction film directed by Phillip Noyce is based on the 1993 novel of same name by Lois Lowry.

Questions or input, contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com or Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net.

Weekly Meditation Practice Wednesdays, 8:30am, Sanctuary

Nurture a sense of inner peace, calm and balance with guided and walking meditation. All are welcome. Contact: Betty Rogers, betty.rogers24@verizon.net.

Gentle Yoga for Well-Being Thursdays, 4pm, Great Hall

Practice gentle yoga with Cathryn Gunnerson, AYS. Please bring a yoga mat, and wear loose or stretchy, comfortable clothing. Register by contacting Cathryn Gunnerson, Cathryn@yogawell-being.com. Classes are ongoing and open to all.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, April 19, 12:30pm, Parlor Tuesday, April 21, 1:30pm, Parlor

Enjoy a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun in the Parlor! If you are interested in joining, contact Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.

April AARP Meeting Monday, April 20, 1pm, Vestry

Please join us as David Meadows, Chief of Staff for DC Council Member Anita Bonds, discusses the Council’s activities regarding senior citizens. Social time is at 12:30pm, and the meeting starts at 1pm. Refreshments will be served.

Serving Ministries

Campus Kitchen Washington DC - Volunteer Shifts Available Campus Kitchen Washington DC (CKWDC) is an initiative aimed at increasing food security among vulnerable populations and reducing food waste by focusing on food recovery.

Our clients, our volunteers, and our donors are the heart of Campus Kitchen.

Our clients include: • At-risk Youth - Each month, CKWDC provides about 600 meals for youth on free or reduced lunch (an indicator of poverty), as well as their families. These students live in Wards 7 & 8 in the District, and many are in areas of the city with limited access to healthy food. We partner with local churches & Democracy Prep Congress Heights Charter School to deliver these meals.

• The Homeless - CKWDC provides about 200 meals a week at the Welcome Center in Tenleytown, a walk-in clinic for the homeless operated by Friendship Place. Once a month, CKWDC provides 125 meals through the Salvation Army’s Grate Patrol, serving homeless in downtown D.C. • At-risk Seniors - CKWDC provides meals to seniors living in affordable housing, and/or who are in need of assistance. For example, twice a month, we deliver 150 meals to Regency House in NW DC. Our volunteers include: • College Students - CKWDC is student-powered hunger relief. We are cultivating the next generation of leaders who will develop a national network of local solutions to

the problem of hunger in our country. Our student leaders come from Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University. Local high school students also volunteer in our kitchen.

• Community Members & Congregations - CKWDC’s home is the St Luke’s Mission Center in Glover Park, which is operated by Metropolitan Church. Volunteers from the congregation and the local community work alongside the college students to recover food and to prepare and deliver the meals.

Our donors include: CKWDC is made possible by donations from local markets and restaurants. Each month, CKWDC recovers about 4,500 lbs of fresh organic protein and produce from Mom’s Organic Market and the Del Ray Farmers Market.

Get Involved: We offer several shift days and times to choose from. To volunteer, go to our Campus Kitchen online resource, nationalchurch.org/volunteerhub.

Grate Patrol May 3, 5:30pm, St. Luke’s Mission Center*

Join us at the St. Luke’s Mission Center to help assemble and deliver the meal (provided by our Campus Kitchen Program). No experience necessary. Contact: Rev. Dottie Yunger, dyunger@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 111. *3655 Calvert St., NW.

Serve Now! Sign up for our many ongoing service activities at nationalchurch.org/servenow.

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Youth Ministry Children’s/Youth Team meeting Sunday, April 26, 11:15am, Youth Room

Join us as we plan our summer and fall activities for families and kids.

Save the Date!

Senior Recognition Sunday Sunday, May 31st

Thank You!

A big thank you to everyone who participated in and helped out with our Youth in Mission Auction on March 22nd. We raised nearly $17,000, which has been the most successful auction in the past few years. This will allow us to offer the ASP trip at a discounted rated to all our youth and will allow some of our youth to go on scholarship.

If you missed the auction or the opportunity to donate, please contact Patrick Landau, plandau@nationalchurch. org or 202-363-4900, ext. 112 to learn how to contribute to our mission work in Appalachia.

Every year we celebrate our graduating seniors as they mark the significant milestone of completing high school and heading off to start their adult lives. This is an important service that I hope everyone will attend. Between the services at Metropolitan Memorial, we will be having a reception to talk with each of our graduating seniors, celebrate this rite of passage, and eat cake!

For more details, please contact our director of youth Patrick Landau, plandau@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext.

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Children’s Ministry The Power to Parent 1: The Vital Connection April 17 and 24 May 1 and 8 9:30am, Christie Room

Join Meghan Leahy, certified parent coach for topics like, “Dealing with resistance and oppositionality in children” and “Addressing the roots of aggression.”

Meghan is the mother of three and has a master’s degree in school counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Learn more at positivelyparenting.com. Cost is free. RSVP to Gwen Castleberry, gwen@zirtual.com.

New Family Welcome Sunday, April 19, 10am, Great Hall

Have you recently baptized your baby in the church? We would like to further welcome your family to our church community at an informal reception on Sunday, April 19. We hope you enjoy this time of fellowship and get valuable information from 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.

Temporary Summer Child Care Position

We are looking for help from 12pm - 3pm the week of July 13-17 at the extended day child care program after Vacation Bible School at Metropolitan Memorial. You would be part of a four-person adult team supervising up to 20 children from ages 4-9 during lunch, service activities, crafts and games.

Pay $15/per hour. Must be 18. Ideal for college students.

Contact Rev. Janet Craswell, Jcraswell@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 115.

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Our Mission: Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites all into a deepening relationship with God and challenges all of us to grow as disciples, seeking justice and joy 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 with-

out 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 Payton — Associate Pastor, Sharing, Lead Pastor at Wesley UMC, ext. 110, kpayton@nationalchurch.org Rev. Dottie Yunger –– Associate Pastor, Service/Advocacy, ext. 111, dyunger@nationalchurch.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 104, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Janet Craswell—Director of Christian Education, ext. 115, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org Rev. Barbara Green – Minister of Life Transitions, bgreen@nationalchurch.org, ext. 105 David Hosey - Campus Ministry Coordinator, 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 Campbell — 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 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: May 11, 2015

NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on May 5, 2015