The Messenger
May 14, 2012 Volume XXII, No. 5 Nationalchurch.org
Dancing in the Streets!
A Brighter Day On Pentecost
Stop by the Brighter Day table on the plaza of the church during Pentecost to learn about our growing relationship with Brighter Day Ministries, a cooperative United Methodist parish in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington DC. Metropolitan will be supporting its Summer Academic Camp Explosion this summer through a donation from our Foundation, volunteers, and supplies. See page 7 for more information.
I think the real reason that many of us do not dance in public is not because we cannot dance, but because we are afraid. We are afraid of what others will think, and we are fearful of being embarrassed. That’s why the phrase “dance like no one is watching” can be freeing. We sometimes live out our faith life as if we hope no one is watching. As a matter of fact, there are times when we do not want anyone to know. We get embarrassed. Sometimes we’re ashamed. Yes, even, sometimes we are fearful of what others might think. Although most of us have been profoundly impacted by our faith, learning to share our own story is incredibly difficult. It’s like making that first attempt at dancing in front of others if you are unsure about what others might say or do. So, often we keep the party inside of us. It wants to get out, but we aren’t sure how to make that happen without alienating or leaving ourselves vulnerable in the process. However, is sharing our faith worth that risk? I think so. On May 27, we will celebrate Pentecost. This day, which came fifty days after Passover, was originally a Jewish festival marking the fullness of harvest. Christians also mark the day of Pentecost fifty days after Easter as a day when we celebrate the fullness of the Spirit’s work in us. On this day, we are told in Acts 2, that the disciples were hidden away in a room, fearful of political leaders. As they were hiding out, the Spirit came down like tongues of fire and just like that the disciples’ fear subsided, and they poured out of the room and began “dancing in the streets.” Well, maybe not dancing per se, but most definitely a “party” ensued. They began to proclaim God’s good news of life to the people gathered for the Pentecost festival. In the midst of their dancing, the church was born! On Pentecost, we do not celebrate just the actions of an obscure bunch of folks who were thought to be drunk. We celebrate the beginning of the church and the Spirit’s continuing work within us. It is a time to renew our commitment to sharing our stories. Will you join us to celebrate Pentecost? In recent history, we have shared one service together, but this year, we will have two worship experiences with a Pentecost celebration in between at 10:10 am. This celebration will replace the picnic lunch we have held in recent years. The main event will be between the services with games for the kids and birthday cake for the church. We will also have special doves for you to make and take with you to share with others as we tell the story of God’s love for us. Refreshments and doves will also be available on the plaza following the 11:15 a.m. service.
A Musical Pilgrimage
Many of you know that for a number of years, I have played a Japanese bamboo flute called the shakuhachi, and at the end of this month, I will be leaving on a twelve day pilgrimage to Kyoto, Japan, to attend the World Shakuhachi Festival. Since our Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) has given me this time as continuing education/spiritual development, I wanted to let you all know why practicing this instrument has been an important part of my spiritual journey.
Traditional shakuhachi are made from the root end of a bambooculm and are extremely versatile instruments, playing a wide repertoire of original Zen music, Japanese ensemble music, folk music, jazz, and other modern pieces (including a number of popular movie soundtracks). Unlike a recorder, which has a mouthpiece that funnels the air, the shakuhachi
is blown as one would blow across the top of an empty bottle (though the shakuhachi has a sharp edge to blow against), giving the player enormous control over the pitch. Different fingerings, embouchures (the way one shapes mouth and lips), and blowing angles can produce notes of the same pitch, but with a substantially different flavor. Much of the instrument’s subtlety derives from this rich tone coloring. Bamboo flutes and Buddhism both arrived in Japan from China in the seventh century C.E. The earliest reference to both shakuhachi and Buddhism comes from the ninth century when the shakuhachi was used as an accompaniment to religious chanting. Over the centuries that followed, shakuhachi playing developed into its own form of meditation, called Sui Zen or "blowing meditation” (as opposed to the traditional sitting form of meditation, called Za Zen). The traditional Zen music is the meditative honkyoku and is thought to have evolved from Buddhist chant. (Cont. on page 2)
Life at Metropolitan Memorial A Musical Pilgrimage
(cont. from page 2) During the medieval period, shakuhachi were used by an order of mendicant Zen Buddhist monks, known as komusō ("priests of nothingness"), who wandered the countryside living off of alms (much as the Franciscans in the medieval West) and playing the shakuhachi as a spiritual tool. They generally wore reed baskets on their heads, symbolizing their detachment from the world. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the ranks of the komuso were greatly enhanced by an influx of the master-less samurai called ronin (who began using the root part of the bamboo to make the instrument so that it could double as a weapon!). Much of the traditional Zen repertoire was codified by an eighteenth century monk named Kurosawa Kinko.
Paying attention to one’s breath is at the heart of most meditation practices (both Eastern and Western), and playing shakuhachi is a wonderful way to pay attention to one’s breath. Having studied contemplative prayer for years, I love the process of actually hearing my breath and using it to focus my attention. The Zen repertoire is not particularly melodic in a western sense, but focuses on long meditative, largely independent musical phrases. As I play these long notes and extended phrases, I can feel my heart slow, and my mind focus.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, May 20, 12:30 p.m.
Join us in the conference room for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun!
Campus Kitchen Project @St. Luke’s Mission Center Saturday, May 19, 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 Conn. Ave., NW) from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. to serve. To volunteer, sign up at lotsahelpinghands. com/c/622058/login. Contact: Rev. Kate Murphey, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org, 202-363-4900, ext. 21.
AARP Monday, May 21, 12:30 p.m., Vestry
Please join us as Murray Howder presents a program on opera, “Verdi’s Greatest Hits.” Refreshments will be served.
Seachanters Concert Sunday, May 20, 4 p.m.
Five Seachanters regularly lead the Dayspring choir - our director, Casey Elliott, our pianist, Adam Tyler, and our three soloists, Kristen Pagent, Beth Revell, and Bill Edwards. We are also so blessed to have Caroline Koziol join us when possible. Help us celebrate their contributions, both musically and spiritually, at a special concert on Sunday, May 20th, along with many members of their families coming into town for this occasion. The concert highlights these six wonderful Seachanters in musical selections of their choice. The concert is followed by a light supper in the Great Hall. All are welcome.
In addition to the notes, there is the silent space in between them. Some of you will remember Chris Holmes’s wonderful talk recently on water-color painting, when he spoke very powerfully about the importance of maintaining “white space” in the painting process. The musical equivalent of that is the silence between the notes, and in traditional Zen music that silent space is called ma. In many ways, the moments of silence are more important than the moments of sound. It is in the silent spaces that listening happens, and when we become more aware of God’s imminent presence. As I travel on this journey, I will be posting my reflections on a blog that you can read at nationalchurch.blogspot.com. If you are interested in hearing and even practicing with this wonderful instrument, my teacher Ronnie Seldin will be giving a performance and a group lesson here at the church at 12:30 p.m. on June 17th. I will also be sharing reflections on my trip to Japan that day at 10:10 a.m. in the Great Hall. I hope that you can join us!
Sacred Arias II Sunday, May 20, 7 p.m.
Enjoy a sacred and beautiful concert by our very own B. Jackson Caesar as he presents, “Sacred Arias II.” Joining him will be Patrick Lundy and the Ministers of Music and the Children of Metropolitan Memorial. Accompanists include: Evelyn Simpson-Curenton, Organist; Alma O. Sanford, Pianist; Symphony Chamber Orchestra of Arlington; Jeffrey Dokken, Conductor. Free and open to the public.
Monday Night Book Club Monday, May 21, 7:30 p.m.
Join us in the library as Joan Topalian leads a discussion of Robert Goolrick’s, A Reliable Wife, a Gothic novel like Rebecca; Jane Eyre; or Wuthering Heights. Come join us! Contact: Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com or Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail. com. (we will not meet in July, August)
2012 Pride Parade Saturday, June 9, 3:30 p.m.
March with us in the annual Pride Parade! Join with other reconciling congregations in the area as we meet at the corner of 23rd and N Streets NW, proceed through Dupont Circle and end in Logan Circle at the National Christian Church. Come show off our new logo t-shirts and let folks know that we want them in our church! Unable to walk the whole distance? Come and walk part of it or go in a wheel chair. Being there is priceless. See page 6 for more information.
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Life at Metropolitan Memorial Flower Workshop with Designer, Stephen McLeod Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m., Vestry
Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul -The Koran
Join the worship committee as they sponsor a flower arranging workshop! Come feed your soul by creating a beautiful arrangement under the instruction of floral designer, Stephen McLeod. Stephen leads the flower guild at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown, had a retail flower store in Tallahassee, Florida, and his arrangements are featured in Church Flowers: The Essential Guide to Arranging Flowers in Church, by Judith Blacklock. Learn how to prepare flowers prior to arranging; tools and tricks for arranging; and what flowers are best for large arrangements. The completed arrangements will be used on the altar for the Sunday worship and sent home with you after the 11:15 a.m. service. Flowers and containers will be provided. Bring your own snips, clippers or knife. A fee of $35 is necessary to participate. Anyone interested in flower arranging and/or joining the Altar Flower Committee is invited to attend! To register or to find out more, contact Trish Long, pml1949@ aol.com or 301.320.6927. Space is limited so sign up soon!
Happy Birthday...
to Betty and Blanche Major who turn 90 on June 6th!
Congratulations! We congratulate our graduating Seniors! High School Seniors: • Nick Adams will attend Tufts University, Boston, MA • Marisa Remez will attend Princeton University, Princeton, NJ College Graduates: • Larry Boggs, Marymount University • Jennifer Jones, American University • Betsy White, American University • Sara Sheppard, Wesley Theological Seminary
We Are Excited to Announce...
The Metropolitan Memorial Foundation Committee has donated $15,000 to the Brighter Day Ministries Summer Academic Camp Explosion. In addition, they have donated another $15,000 to West River Camp. These donations will support children in need who are attending United Methodist summer camps. For more information on the Brighter Day camp see page 7. West River Camp information can be found at bwccampsandretreats.org.
We Need Your Magazines!
The Wellness Committee needs your old magazines for use in the Faithbooking event at the upcoming 2nd Annual Wellness Fair: "Life Lessons Along the Way" (see page 4). We thank you for any magazines (especially those with pictures) - please leave them in the marked box in the lobby area outside the church offices anytime before Monday, June 11.
Nick Adams and Marisa Remez cut the cake in their honor for high school graduation at our recent Senior Recognition Sunday.
2012 Confirmation Class rooted in the Cooperative Parish!
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. - Psalm 1:3
This year our Confirmation class decided to demonstrate their spiritual growth to the congregation. The symbol they used was a tree. On April 16, we planted a Cherokee Princess Dogwood, which is native to the US and suggests religious symbolism. It is very unusual for a tree to have a blossom with four petals, which the dogwood has, and, in addition, each petal has an indentation at the tip which suggests the nail holes of Christ when he was on the cross. The tree is located in the flower patch between the sanctuary and foyer entrances on the parking lot side of MMUMC. The Confirmation class would like to say a HUGE thank you to Mary Rollefson and Courtney Leatherman for all their help with the preparation and actual planting of the tree. June 3rd is Confirmation Sunday, and we hope that you all will be able to join us at the 9 a.m. service.
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Caring and Learning Soup and Study Wednesday, May 23, 6 p.m., Vestry
Join us for a light dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the fellowship and learning opportunities listed below at 7 p.m. Childcare is available. Questions? Contact Rev. Barbara Green, bgreen@nationalchurch.org or Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org. Bible Study: Join Dr. Parker as he focuses on the book of Revelation and explores where God is speaking to us today through this ancient text. (Room 203) Caregiver’s Support Group: Caring for a family member or friend? Join us as we support one another and share our experiences together. Need someone to stay with your family member during this time? Contact Rev. Barbara Green, bgreen@nationalchurch.org or Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org. (Great Hall) Faith and Film: Join us for the film “The Truman Show” (Choir Room) Test of Faith: Does Science Threaten Belief in God? Come and study some of the BIG questions, such as “Faith and the Universe” and “Creation and Evolution.” Contact: Maynard Moore, emaynard8@yahoo.com or Kent Weaver, kenthweaver@gmail.com. (Conference Room)
CONOVA Presents Guest Speaker, Fr. William Meninger Saturday, May 26, 10 a.m. and Sunday, May 27, 1:30 p.m. Andrew Capel UMC
Contemplative Outreach of Northern Virginia (CONOVA) presents special guest speaker, Fr. William Meninger. Join us on Saturday, May 26 as Fr. Meninger speaks on “Forgiveness” and “A Monastic Approach to the Psalms” on Sunday, May 27. Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, 1301 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA. To register and for more information go to conova. org.
Quiet Days of Retreat June 30, August 18 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
You’re invited to “A Day Apart” for prayerful reflection at Priest Field Pastoral Center (4030 Middleway Pike, Kearneysville, WV 25430...only 90 minutes from the church). Cost is $30 and includes lunch. To register, call 304-725-1435 or email priestfieldpc@aol.com.
Exploring an Incredible Universe: Science Inspiring Praise, Study, and Service Sunday, May 20, 7 p.m., Hughes UMC
WesleyNexus, Inc. and Hughes UMC present "Exploring an Incredible Universe" with guest speaker, Dr. Jennifer Wiseman. Dr. Wiseman is an astronomer, and author who studies star-forming regions of our galaxy using radio, optical, and infrared telescopes, and currently serves as the Senior Project Scientist for NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. She also directs the program of Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Location: Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902. For more information go to wesnex.org. 2012 Wellness Fair: “Life Lessons Along the Way” Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m. - noon, Great Hall
Whether your journey is close to home or far away, this fair will encourage awareness of God’s presence in your life everyday. Participants choose meaningful excerpts for reflection from Joyce Rupp’s book, Walk in a Relaxed Manner: Life Lessons from the Camino, a story of life lessons learned at age 60, when Joyce and a friend completed the 500 mile pilgrimage walk along the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain. These “learned lessons can help all of us travel on life’s up-and-down journey with more grace and lightness.” Our time together includes reflections on the Camino by Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, meditation, yoga, faith booking (through pictures and journaling), and other experiences that enhance insights into our personal journey. For more information or to RSVP, e-mail susanroach@verizon.net or dwilson@nationalchurch.org.
Resources to Help You and Your Family Find Your Way Through Grief and Loss:
When Your Grandparent Dies by Victoria Ryan: Losing a grandparent may be a child’s first experience with death. The elves in this well illustrated book speak from a child’s eye view. They explore feelings, funerals, the meaning of death and how children can hold love as memory. The Divorce Workbook for Children by Lisa M. Schab: Offers parents 40 simple and engaging activities to help kids address and cope with parental divorce. Activities are designed to help kids not feel “caught in the middle” and learn resilience and self-reliance. Facing Change: Coming Together and Falling Apart in the Teen Years by Donna O’Toole. Helps teens understand their losses and discover creative coping strategies to deal with them. How To Go On Living: When Someone You Love Dies by Therese Rando. This comprehensive guide encourages people to grieve in their own way. Readers whose loved one has died suddenly or through an expected death will find solace and useful information. Empty Arms by Sherokee Ilse. This hope-filled book reaches out to all who have been touched by infant death or miscarriage.
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2012 General Conference The United Methodist Church’s top legislative body, the General Conference, met from April 24 to May 4 in Tampa, Florida. General Conference meets every four years and is the only entity that speaks for the more than 12.1 million members of the United Methodist Church. Each Annual Conference elects equal numbers of lay and clergy delegates to General Conference, and every Annual Conference is guaranteed at least one lay and one clergy delegate. The Book of Discipline limits the total number of voting delegates to 1,000, and this year the Conference had 988 delegates, with an increased number of delegates from Africa and Asia. These 988 delegates from all around the world set policy and direction for the church as well as handled other business. The theme of the 2012 conference was “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ to Transform the World.” This General Conference considered a number of significant issues. For the first time in modern history, the denomination did away with “guaranteed appointments” for clergy; allow-
ing Bishops and cabinets to give elders less than full-time appointments or be placed on unpaid transitional leave. The Conference also approved a motion to reorganize some of our General Boards and Agencies. However, the Conference rejected a motion from the Council of Bishops that would have established a position for a new full-time President of the Council of Bishops who would not have any “residential responsibilities” while in that office, but would focus entirely on managing the work of the Council of Bishops. When the Messenger went to press, the General Conference had not changed any of the current restrictive language on homosexuality. The website umc.org has a wealth of very detailed information on General Conference, including the final outcome of the votes on petitions to the Conference.
I didn’t think that I would get the chance to speak at General Conference...
Prayers for Annual Conference
I was honored when my delegation made sure that I had a seat on the floor during the discussion of Palestine/Israel. You see, I lived in Jerusalem for a year and a half, serving as a Young Adult Missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. What I saw there deeply affected me. I saw Palestinian families lose their homes, demolished by the Israeli military for the sake of demographics. I saw people crushed into military checkpoints on their way to work or school or medical treatment. I saw illegal settlements gobble up more and more land, more and more people’s livelihood. And I also saw Israelis, Palestinians, and internationals organizing to resist this systemic violence with nonviolent moral actions.
The Baltimore/Washington Annual (regional) Conference is set for May 30-June 1 in Baltimore. The theme is “Developing a New Generation of Disciples.” This gathering brings clergy and lay delegates from across the Conference to three days of worship, celebration, meetings, and to consider various proposals and petitions. The delegates will consider legislation regarding the annual budget as well as a wide range of resolutions from those to stop bullying in the Baltimore/Washington Conference to youth immigration issues in Maryland to a draft vision for 2020. Metropolitan has a very special honor this year: our own Rev. Jimmy Sherrod along with members of our Crossroads Band has been asked to lead worship for the Conference. Our Crossroads Band provides worship leadership every Sunday night at 5 p.m. at our contemporary Crossroads service at our St. Luke’s Mission Center. The Latin Christian Band, Salvador, will also be providing music leadership at Annual Conference.
It was in support of these nonviolent moral actions, including boycotts, that I rose to speak to General Conference. My hands shook, and I’m sure my voice did too. I had so little time to try to share so much. But I felt compelled to speak by all that I had seen and all the stories that I have heard. I felt compelled to speak up for action, for justice, for peace. After all, if we don’t speak up, who will?
Please keep our Metropolitan Cooperative Parish delegation in your prayers. Lay persons who have been elected to represent the Parish include Phil Potter, Nancy Clarkson, Tim Rousset and a representative from Wesley UMC. You can follow the proceedings of Annual Conference via a live streaming link that will be available on our Website at nationalchurch.org.
As a reserve delegate to General Conference, my role was as a backup to the voting delegates. The other reserve delegates and I had neither voice nor vote unless one of the voting delegates needed to step off of the floor of the Conference. The Baltimore-Washington delegation, however, made a real effort to empower reserve delegates, making sure that we had the chance to sit on the floor and to vote on issues affecting our entire church.
To learn more about United Methodists taking action for justice and peace in Palestine/Israel go to kairosresponse.org. -David Hosey Note: David serves as one of our Campus Ministry Coordinators with American University
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Service and Advocacy Help Feed the Hungry! Gleaning/Harvesting at Clagett Farm Saturday, June 16, 7:30 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to harvest produce at Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD. Clagett Farm is a collaborative effort of the Capital Area Foodbank and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation which provides food to the Foodbank and to individuals in our city involved in a Community Supported Agriculture program. It is a wonderful “hands on” way for youth and adults to help the hungry in our community. We will leave the church at 7:30 a.m. and return around 2:30 p.m. While there, we will harvest produce and assist in other projects as needed to support the farm’s operations. Transportation and breakfast provided; Bring a bag lunch. For more information or to volunteer for this trip, sign up at our Serve Now! website at lotsahelpinghands.com/c/622058/login or contact John Long, jrl11148@aol.com or 301.320.6927.
2012 Nicaragua Volunteer In Mission Trip
This August, our VIM Team returns to the Matagalpa region in Nicaragua, where last year’s ten-person VIM team served. This year’s team will work cooperatively with United Methodist Missionaries in Nicaragua. This third mission trip reflects a deepening commitment to a long-term partnership in serving the underprivileged people of Nicaragua. Following last year’s trip, the cooperative parish raised almost $10,000 through our Christmas Eve offering to help establish and equip a new dental clinic to treat rural populations and finance the construction of a schoolhouse for children in Matagalpa. Interested in joining us? Contact Rev. Kate Murphey, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org or Ohemaa Nyanin, onyanin@gmail.com.
Marching in the Light of God
Suzanne Forsyth and I were invited to attend a youth group gathering at Fairlington UMC to discuss what it means to be a Reconciling Congregation as that congregation underwent its discernment process. Representatives from North Bethesda UMC, whose youth pushed (would "shamed" be a better word?) the rest of the adults membership into being a RC, also attended. One of the questions asked was if anyone they knew had been bullied because they were LGBT or people thought they might be. One member of the group recounted how a high school boy at T.C. Williams High School had been hazed and bullied by other boys in the locker room after he came out. Another told of a boy from Winchester who was asked to leave the church because of his sexual orientation - but later asked to perform in their church musicals because they couldn't put them on without his talent. They still didn't want him attending the church, though. He declined their offer. A bit closer to home, our conference newspaper highlights the problem in our conference. A simple ad was placed declaring for marriage equality in the B-W conference. The following month another ad was placed by an individual who stated that any marriage other than a man or woman was an "abomination" before God. The newspaper apologized for exposing the readership to the controversy and stated that no ads that contravened official UM policy would be accepted in the future. A question that creeps up in Reconciling Congregations is: "We voted to be a reconciling congregation-what now?" It is way to easy for individual churches to lie back on their laurels and congratulate themselves for being so progressive, open-minded or otherwise very Christian. To paraphrase Dr. Parker's sermon last Sunday, being reconciling is not simply a stopping point, mile marker or achievement: we are always on the way to being reconciling because we are always on the way to Christian perfection. There is much work to be done on many fronts. The actions of the most recent General Conference, at which one African delegate in particular equivocated homosexuality to "bestiality," only exacerbates the importance that churches
not only be be the oasis in the religious desert for LGBT folk but proclaim it for the world to hear and read. I think that the general non-religious public interpret official denominational policy as the de facto policy for every congregation. It is our job as reconciling United Methodists to tell people that the exclusionary policy of General Conference is not Metropolitan's policy. We have sung the hymn "Siyahamba" on Sunday mornings and the bell choir has performed it. This song was first sung by blacks in South Africa as they marched for their rights and the end of apartheid. They loudly proclaimed, "We are marching in the light of God." What a powerful witness! Join us in the work as we celebrate the love of God for all God's creation." -Kerm Towler
Actions you can take:
1. Be a voice for change! Sign the petition for Marriage Equality at declareformarriageequality.org. 2. Join us for the annual Pride Parade on Saturday, June 9 at 3:30 p.m. (corner of 23rd and N Streets NW.) when the reconciling congregations in the area parade as a group. The parade winds through Dupont Circle and ends in Logan Circle at the National Christian Church. Be sure to join us afterwords for dinner and fellowship! Come, show off our new logo t-shirts and let folks know that we want them in our church! With all of the positive energy from the crowd, how can you not love a parade? Unable to walk the whole distance? Come and walk part of it or go in a wheel chair. Being there is priceless. Questions? Contact Kerm Towler, flautobasso@ yahoo.com or Suzanne Forsyth, suzanneforsyth@ aol.com and give us your t-shirt size. 3. Join us on Sunday, June 10 for our annual service celebrating the decision to become a reconciling congregation. The Rev. Tom Starnes, a retired minister who attends Dumbarton UMC, will be the guest preacher, plus we’ll have testimonials and music to celebrate this joyous occasion.
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Youth Ministries Youth 4 the DC Cause
Our middle-school-aged youth have a new, special opportunity to do service right here in Washington, DC. We are launching the first Youth 4 the DC Cause, and invite all youth from rising sixth graders to rising high school freshmen to participate in serving mission projects throughout our city. We begin on June 17 to the 19th with two overnight stays at Metropolitan's Shalom Place in our St. Luke's Mission Center in Glover Park. If you would like to participate or have questions, please contact Ohemaa Nyanin, youthministry@ nationalchurch.org.
Youth Talent Show Sunday, June 10!
Are you between the ages of 8 and 20? Have a talent that you would like to show the world? Then this year’s Youth Talent Show is right up your alley! Hosted by Metropolitan, this fun event will showcase the many talents of our amazing youth. Sing a song, play an instrument or plan a routine with your friends! To showcase your talent, contact Ohemaa Nyanin, youthministry@nationalchurch.org.
Children’s Ministries Brighter Day Ministries Summer Academic Camp Explosion!
Our congregation is reaching out again to help Brighter Day Ministries this summer by supporting its summer academic camp for kids. Our fledgling alliance with Brighter Day Ministries, located in Congress Heights in Ward 8, continues to grow stronger. Metropoitan visited Brighter Day Ministries last July and worshipped at their Congress Heights church (Brighter Day encompasses three United Methodist churches). Later Metropolitan helped out with Brighter Day’s Back-to-School Jam, by collecting backpacks and school supplies for kids starting school. We also collected clothes and food for the pantries that Brighter Day operates. Over the holidays, Metropolitan Nursery School adopted five families from among the people that Brighter Day helps and provided Christmas gifts. And recently, Metropolitan’s foundation trustees approved a donation to support Brighter Day’s Summer Academic Camp Explosion. Summer Academic Camp Explosion is organized by Brighter Day for 150 kids. It runs for several weeks after school lets out. Brighter Day organizers are in need of volunteers and supplies and will be on hand during Pentecost to talk about this critical summer program. They seek volunteers who can come and work with the camp kids to teach math skills, spelling, language arts, reading, arts and crafts and more. Place your donations on the silver shelves in the foyer. For questions contact Anita Seline at aseline@nationalchurch.org, Pat House at phouse@nationalchurch.org, Martha Mizroch at Martha_miz@hotmail.com, and Cynthia Pugh at cynthia. pugh1@verizon.net. Supplies Needed for Brighter Day Summer Academic Camp Explosion: School supplies such as folders, pens, pencils, markers, paint brushes, paint, construction paper, composition notebooks, notebook paper, tape, and dispensers, pencil sharpeners, coloring books, crayons, index cards, brown craft paper, Xerox paper, white and color, water, juices, dictionaries, rulers, scissors, paper clips, staplers, dry erase boards, math and spelling books, reading games, basketballs, large and small playground balls, and calculators. Also needed are DVD players, CD players, TVs, computers.
Summer Sundays of Service
Plant a community garden, make a meal, pack a bag of grace, create a garden stepping stone. Or do it all this summer during our Children’s Sunday School, which is focused on helping others. We have a wonderful summer shaping up. June 10, we’ll visit our St. Luke’s Mission Center to help plant the community garden. Later this summer, we’ll support Brighter Day Ministries’ summer academic camp explosion (see related article above) and build sandwiches for the Grate Patrol. Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered and we are looking for just two more service project leaders for July dates. Please check your calendar and step up to help others. We’ll provide a service project to lead if you do not have an idea. Your commitment is just for one hour on one summer Sunday. You can do it! Contact Anita Seline, aseline@ nationalchurch.org.
Well, wiggle dee-dee, two new books by Ellen Cromwell
Congregation member Ellen Cromwell, who is the founder of the Georgetown Hill Early Schools in Maryland, has published two children’s books: “Wiggle-DeeDee…A Story about Friendship” and “Splash Puddle Splash.” Wiggle-Dee-Dee, illustrated by Melanie Halperin, is about an unlikely friendship between a caterpillar and a worm. Splash is about how a child’s walk in the rain inspires a voyage of the imagination. It is illustrated by Desiree J. Sterbini. Check out these sweet and colorful books the next time you’re in the children’s section of the church library.
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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.
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. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 19, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Barbara Green – Director of Learning, ext. 25, bgreen @nationalchurch.org Rev. Jimmy Sherrod — Associate Pastor, ext. 24, jsherrod@nationalchurch.org Rev. Kate Murphey — Associate Pastor, ext. 21, kmurphey@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. 10, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org
The Messenger is published by: The Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: nationalchurch.org St. Luke’s Campus - 3655 Calvert Street N.W., Washington, DC 20007 Wesley United Methodist Church - 5312 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20015 NEXT ISSUE: June 11, 2012 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on June 5, 2012