The Messenger

The Messenger

June 17, 2013 Volume XXIII, No. 6 Nationalchurch.org

TOP TEN REASONS TO WORSHIP AT THE METROPOLITAN CHURCH THIS SUMMER A multi-site United Methodist Community including Crossroads and Wesley 10. It's so hot and muggy, my air conditioning is broken, and the temperature is always PERFECT in an old stone church.

9. All of my friends are at the beach; there's no one to go out with on Saturday night, but there's always great MUSIC on Sunday morning.

8. The good thing about METHODISTS is that they always have food -- come enjoy lemonade and ice tea along with some sweets.

7. I love to sing but I never have enough time and I can't commit to rehearsals. Come Sunday mornings at 8:30am and sing hymns with the DAYSPRING choir.

6. School's out, spring sports are over, swim meets are on Saturday, so bring the kids for SUNDAYS OF SERVICE at 10am at Metropolitan.

5. Living in Northwest DC, I've always been confused about Wesley (the seminary) and Wesley (the church). Come meet Pastor Kate at 11am at WESLEY Church and groove to the "Rockin' Gospel Choir."

4. It's so hard to get out of bed on Sunday mornings -- I can sleep in, go to CROSSROADS at 5pm, and meet this cool new minister named Dottie.

3. I meant to see all the nominated OSCAR movies this year -- now I can see them on Wednesday evenings and hear Rev. Charlie Parker preach about them on Sunday.

2. We don't just rock and roll; we RECONCILE; come and experience some of our radical hospitality.

1. There's no place like HOME!

Sundays at the Oscars

JOIN US SUNDAYS 9am & 11:15am at Metropolitan l 11am at Wesley l 5pm at Crossroads

It may be summer but worship doesn't take a vacation at Metropolitan. All three worshiping communities continue to worship at their regular times all summer long. We do like to shake things up a bit in the summer and this year is no exception. We kick-off our summer worship looking at some of the Oscar nominated movies. Each movie will be shown on the preceding Wednesday evening at 7pm in the youth room.

June 23: Les Miserables July 14: Moonrise Kingdom

June 30: Lincoln

July 21: Amour

July 7: Life of Pi

July 28: The Pirates! Band of Misfits

An added bonus is that we will be showing “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” on the BIG SCREEN in the parking lot on Friday, August 23! Invite your neighbors and friends, bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and settle in for an evening under the stars.

Yes, summer is vacation time and our pastors need some much deserved "R&R." That would be rest and relaxation NOT rockin' and rollin', though that's encouraged too! Here are some of the special preachers we have lined up: August 18: Rev. Prof. David Wilkinson is a Methodist pastor from the UK, currently serving as a professor and the Principle of St. John’s College of Durham University. He has two PhD’s, one in theoretical astrophysics (he is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society) and one in systematic theology (with a special emphasis on Christian eschatology). Prof. Wilkinson is an enormously engaging speaker and will be sharing his insights on the conjunction of science and religion. He is a preacher not to be missed.

August 25: Rev. Mark Schaefer (UM Chaplain, American University) shares a message as we begin a new school year. We welcome AU students, we bless backpacks for Brighter Day Ministries and our children’s sermons return. This has become a much anticipated tradition at Metropolitan.

September 1: Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson will share some of her experiences from hiking the Camino de Santiago this summer.

As you begin dreaming of your summer vacations, I hope you will think of your own much needed “R&R.” Sunday mornings at The Metropolitan Church is a wonderful way to Renew and Refresh. I hope to see you here!

Life at Metropolitan Memorial

Congratulations • to Megan Dankovich and Dominic Argentieri on the birth of their daughter, Sibyl Gemma Argentieri on Tuesday, May 7.

• to Rev. Kate Murphy and Abraham Payton on their engagement on May 18.

• to Henry and Sandy Yeager, on the birth of their grandson, Jonah Henry Sriqui on May 30. Parents are Margery Yeager and Michael Sriqui • to Dr. J. Philip Wogman who received the 2013 Bridge Builders award at the 9th annual Bridge Builders event for the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (IFC) • to Jim Conley and Brena Gibson who were married on June 15th

Rev. Dr. Peter Storey to Speak at Metropolitan Memorial Tuesday, July 9, 7pm

Eminent South African theologian and anti-apartheid leader Rev. Dr. Peter Storey will speak at Metropolitan Church on Tuesday evening July 9 at 7pm. Dr. Storey is a South African Methodist minister, former president of the Methodist Church of South Africa and bishop of Johannesburg, and former president of the South African Council of Churches. As leader of the ecumenical South African Council of Churches, Storey was a leading voice in the struggle against apartheid.

He also served as the prison chaplain to jailed African National Congress leader and future South African president Nelson Mandela. He played a major role in constructing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the fall of apartheid, and he founded the Gun Free South Africa movement.

Rev. Storey will be painting a portrait for us of the political, racial, and religious context through the lens of his own experience and sharing his sense of South Africa’s current challenges and needs.

South African Volunteers in Mission Trip New Dates!

We extend a special thank you and good luck to our own Christopher Simon who leaves this week for Boston, where he will enter Boston University School of Divinity to earn a graduate degree in Church in the Arts. It has been a pleasure to have Chris back home for the last several months after his year-long stint with Bus 52. During this time, Chris pitched in with his usual enthusiasm and energy. In that time, Chris directed the Dayspring Choir, the Youth Choir, the Morningstar Choir, sang in Dayspring, led music in our Lenten Contemplative Services, assisted with Crossroads, our many Easter services, the reception for Children’s Celebration Sunday, the Pride Parade, the farewell for Rev. Jimmy Sherrod – including putting together the scrapbook of memories, pictures, and letters – and even had a part in the recent Metro Players production and gave a lecture on his experiences with Bus 52. In a short time, he became an invaluable asset to the staff at Metropolitan. We wish Chris much success in his new endeavor and look forward to seeing what lies ahead for him in the future.

Summer Office Hours M-Th 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fri 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Please note our new summer office hours will begin on Friday, May 24. We will return to our regular office hours in September.

To provide more people the opportunity to take part in our planned mission trip to South Africa, the mission team has decided to postpone the trip until after Easter 2014. For more information, please contact Ann Michel, amichel@wesleyseminary.edu or Pat House, phouse@nationalchurch.org.

Anyone interested in the trip is encourage to attend the session with Rev. Dr. Peter Storey on July 9 (see above).

Palisades July 4th Parade

On the morning of July 4, members of our church will gather at the Firehouse on MacArthur Blvd to take part in the annual 4th of July Palisades parade. We will join other groups and churches from around town. For those of you who have seen this parade, you will agree that it is a Music Man moment with lots of music, kids, dogs, politicians and churches. We will have John Wesley and Uncle Sam join us! We need kids on bikes, dogs on leashes, baton twirlers, costumed marchers and marchers not costumed. We now have two convertibles and would welcome more so that folks with walking limitations may join the fun. The parade will be followed by a picnic at Suzanne Forsyth’s house in the heart of the Palisades. The parade is a great opportunity for us to show our town what a wonderful church we are in serving the disadvantaged, taking care of our children, caring for each other, serving globally, and most of all worshipping with gusto!! For more information, contact Suzanne Forsyth, suzanneforsyth@aol.com or 202320-6274 or Maura Porcelli, Maura.Porcelli@gmail.com or 202-607-7045.

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Service and Advocacy

Campus Kitchen Project Receives Good Neighbor Award from Rachel’s Women’s Center

On June 5, our Campus Kitchen Project, which operates out of our St. Luke’s Mission Center, was awarded the “Good Neighbor Award” by Rachel’s Women’s Center, located downtown on 11th Street NW. Rachel’s Center is a day center which serves homeless men and women. Part of the Campus Kitchen Project’s mission is to use “recovered food” – food from retail stores or restaurants that would otherwise be wasted –to feed those in need. For the past year Campus Kitchen volunteers have been making a weekly delivery of over 50 lbs of food from Chipotle to Rachel’s Women’s Center. Michelle Durham, program director for Rachel’s Center, described it as “a Godsend to them.” Special thanks go to those involved in making the weekly deliveries: John Long, Leigh Rollins, Jackie Poortman, and Jim Pollack.

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!

Metropolitan and Brighter Day Partner to Demand More Affordable Housing in Ward 8 Sunday, June 30, 3pm, Parkway Overlook*

Building on our expanding partnership with Brighter Day United Methodist Church in Southeast, Metropolitan and Brighter Day have planned a joint action to demand funding to redevelop 266 units of low and moderate income housing in the abandoned Parkway Overlook apartment complex, which is adjacent to Brighter Day’s Congress Heights campus. On Sunday, June 30, our two congregations will come together for an afternoon worship service at the Parkway Overlook site to demonstrate support for funding the redevelopment of this property. We will be joined by other area congregations, members of the Washington Interfaith Network, elected officials, and members of the press.

Please plan to attend this outdoor worship service, rally, and call to action. If you have questions or want information about transportation, contact Linda Davenport, lindadavenport@ comcast.net or Ann Michel, amichel@wesleyseminary.edu. *2701 Robinson Place, SE.

Campus Kitchen Project Saturday, July 20, 3pm, St. Luke’s Mission Center (3655 Calvert St., NW)

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 3pm - 6pm at our St. Luke’s Mission Center to prepare the food or join us at Regency House (5201 Connecticut Ave., NW) from 6pm - 9pm to serve. To volunteer, sign up at nationalchurch.org/servenow! or contact Rev. Kate Murphey, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org.

Grate Patrol Sunday, June 23, 10:10 a.m., Vestry Kitchen

Join the Grate Patrol team to make sandwiches and prepare the meal bags that will be distributed the following day to those in need in our area. For more information or to volunteer, go to nationalchurch.org/servenow.

Help Victims of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey!

July 14 - July 18

With much celebration, the beaches and the boardwalks have reopened for the summer. But inland, utter devastation remains from the wind and water of last fall's Hurricane Sandy. The Outreach Committee and the pastor of Palisades Community Church invite you to join in the recovery effort for families in the Atlantic City area. Rev. Jeff Stinehelfer is organizing the work camp, under the sponsorship of the national disaster relief office of his denomination, the United Church of Christ.

Jeff has broad experience leading such "people to people pilgrimages" domestically and internationally. The cost for lodging and meals is very reasonable, and the travel is only a few hours by car. Departure is Sunday afternoon, July 14, and return after four days of hard work is Thursday evening, July 18. Participants must be 15 years of age or older. Join members of Palisades Community Church and other area congregations in the work of clean-up and rebuilding! Contact Rev. Jeff Stinehelfer for more information, pletchstine@verizon.net or 240-988-5996.

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Reconciling Ministries Methodist Participation in DC Pride Parade Sets Records

Bishop Marcus Matthews of the Baltimore Washington Conference led a delegation of 137 area United Methodists marching in the DC Pride parade to show solidarity with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons. The participation of our Bishop in the parade was a historic first. In addition to the many District churches participating, the delegation for the first time included more than 140 representatives from reconciling congregations in suburban Maryland and Virginia as well as a record number of clergy persons from our conference.

Support the National Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation in Washington, DC August 30 - September 2

Over Labor Day weekend (August 30 - September 2), Reconciling Methodists from around the country will join together to celebrate God’s wondrous love and the ministry of the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) at the biennial Convocation There are several important ways people from Metropolitan Church can support this important gathering. Register to attend the convocation being held at the National 4H Center. There is no better time to attend this event than when it is being held in our own backyard. Learn more or register at www.rmnetwork.org.

Be a Part of the Mass Choir Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation

Attend the Sunday Night Celebration Sunday, September 1 7:30pm, Metropolitan Memorial Sanctuary

On Sunday, September 1 Metropolitan Memorial is hosting a worship celebration for Convocation attendees and other area United Methodists. We need Metropolitan Church members to support this event and help with a reception to follow. Please contact Ann Michel to volunteer, amichel@ wesleyseminary.edu.

A massed choir, composed of singers and choirs from all over the Baltimore-Washington region, will perform at the Sunday Night Celebration of the National Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation at Metropolitan Memorial. The choir will be prepared and conducted by Dr. Stanley Thurston, Director of Music at Foundry United Methodist Church.

To learn more or sign up to participate, email mittie@bwarm. org. The rehearsal schedule is as follows: •August 24, 11am - 12:30pm, Hughes United Methodist Church, Wheaton, MD. (near Washington Beltway and within walking distance of the Wheaton Metro stop) •August 29, 6:30pm - 9pm, Metropolitan Memorial •September 1, Dress Rehearsal - 6:30pm, Metropolitan Memorial and Performance, 7:30pm, Metropolitan Memorial

Summer Sundays in the Great Hall Join us at the 10:10am study hour for these interesting and thought provoking discussions.

June 23 - “Grounds for Discussion, Les Miserables” - Rev. Dr. Charles Parker June 30 - “Emergency Preparedness at Home” - Jane Ward & Steve Waller July 7 - “Grounds for Discussion, Life of PI” - Rev. Dr. Charles Parker July 14 - “Ground for Discussion, Moonrise Kingdom” - Rev. Dr. Charles Parker July 21 & 28 “C. S. Lewis” - Rev. John Tate August 4 - “Grounds for Discussion” - Rev. Dr. Charles Parker August 18 - “Conjunction of Science and Religion” - Rev. Prof. David Wilkenson (see pg. 1) August 25 - “Grounds for Discussion” - Rev. Mark Schaefer, UMC Chaplain at American University

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Caring and Learning

Camino Prayer May flowers spring up where your feet touch the earth.

May the feet that walked before you bless your every step.

May the weather that's important be the weather of your heart.

May all of your intentions find their way into the heart of God. May your prayers be like flowers strewn for other pilgrims.

May your heart find meaning in unexpected events.

May friends who are praying for you carry you along the way.

May friends who are praying for you be carried in your heart.

May the circle of life encircle you along the way.

May the broken world ride on your shoulders.

May you carry your joy and your grief in the backpack of your soul.

May you remember all the circles of prayer throughout the world.

- Macrina Wiederkehr

As many of you know, I am leaving on Saturday to begin the pilgrimage that pilgrims have been taking since the 10th century, the Camino de Santiago, “the Way of St. James.”

My friends, Anne and Myrta, and I will begin at St. Jean de Pied in the Pyrenees in France, making our way along the ancient 500 mile route to Santiago (and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean at Finisterre “the end of the earth!”). I have been asked why I am doing this. Why would I carry everything I need on my back, sleep in hostels on cots, walk in hot temperatures? Could it be a life crisis? (entering a new decade on the way!). I don’t know the answer to that question, although I feel certain that the answer is multi-layered. I think a main reason has something to do with my eyes and ears. During my training these past months, I have been thinking about Jesus’ questions to his disciples in Mark 8:18, “do you have eyes and fail to see? Do you have ears and fail to hear? Do you not remember?” At this season in my life, what am I not seeing? What am I not hearing? What am I not remembering (now, that is a dangerous question!). I hope to return on July 30th with eyes that see and ears that hear more clearly, with being able to remember the goodness and the grace of God in you and in this world. Would you pray this blessing (see Camino Prayer), for us every now and then along the way?

- Grateful for you, Drema

Stephen Ministry at Metropolitan Memorial

Did you know that there are 8 Stephen Ministers in our church who are equipped and serve as lay caregivers? They provide high-quality, confidential, faith-centered care and support to persons experiencing grief, divorce, illness, job loss, loneliness, disability, and other life difficulties. They have received training and meet monthly for ongoing support. We are looking for others to join this team. Training is offered on Tuesday evenings from October – May at the National Presbyterian Church. If you are interested, please talk with Drema McAllister-Wilson (dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900 ext. 19).

Book Review How to Be a Friend to a Friend Who’s Sick

by Letty Cottin Pogrebin.

Everyone knows someone who is sick and suffering. Yet, when a friend or relative is under duress, many of us feel uncertain about what to do. In a warm and sympathetic book inspired by her own experiences, renowned author and journalist Letty Cottin Pogrebin offers new insights and concrete advice on how to relate to, and help, our sick friends. This is an invaluable guidebook for anyone hoping to rise to the challenges of this most important and demanding passage of friendship.

Weekly Meditation Practice Wednesdays, 8:30am, Sanctuary

Join us for guided and walking meditation that nurtures a sense of inner peace and balance. For more information, contact Betty Rogers, betty.rogers24@verizon.net.

Support Group Meetings 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.

Alcoholics Anonymous Thursdays, 8pm, Metropolitan Memorial Al-Anon Fridays, 5pm, Metropolitan Memorial 5

United Methodist Women UMW Bazaar is Coming! - Saturday, November 2, 2013

Yes, it’s that time already! Work toward the UMW’s annual bazaar begins this month, and all manner of help is needed.

Each year, thanks to the efforts of many, this event raises significant funds that the UMW passes on to projects aiding the welfare of women and children locally, nationally, and around the world.

What can you donate? What’s for sale? All manner of gently-used items, such as: Things for the kitchen / China and other collectibles / Puzzles and games / “Attic Treasures” / Christmas decorations / Jewelry / Scarves, accessories, handbags / Boutique-quality ladies’ wear such as jackets, sweaters and gowns / Hand-made crafts / New and like-new items for gift-giving / And yes, the Bake Sale and Meals-togo, as well as Lunch on site featuring our renowned Harvest Soup and more, will continue!

Changes this year:

•NO BOOKS for sale at this year’s bazaar. Why? Because the terrace-level rooms are now being put to excellent regular use for various ministries and activities, storage space is limited. We simply do not have room to store books at this time of year. Therefore, please do NOT donate books until after the bazaar is over. Kindly hang on to your books for the UMW Book Sale that will be held in the winter/spring.

•NEW FEATURE -- An “alternative gifts” table. Purchase a gift that will directly support a specific UMW-sponsored project. A book describing the projects will be available for you to thumb through.

FYI, ministries supported by the UMW through past Bazaar proceeds have included: Bread for the City -- provides food, clothing, medical care, and other support to low-income individuals in Washington, D.C. Bright Beginnings – a child-care center for homeless families in Washington, D.C.; Courtney’s House – helping girls and boys between the ages of 12 and 18 in the Washington, D.C. area who are survivors of sex trafficking; Fairfield Orphanage and Sponsorship Association –helps

orphaned children in the area surrounding the Old Mutare Mission in southeastern Zimbabwe, near Methodist-founded Africa University; Health in Harmony – provides affordable healthcare and advocates for responsible care of the environment in Indonesia. Just Neighbors – provides immigration services to lowincome immigrants and refugees of all faiths in the Washington area. High Tea Society – promotes civility and the development of the social skills for girls from economically disadvantaged areas through educational and cultural enrichment activities, alternative lifestyles, etiquette and other social skills at afternoon tea. Mabel Jones School - helps to educate poor children in the region of Sitapur, India. The Ballet Studio – provides access to academy-quality dance instruction and literacy through movement activities to low-income children at Brightwood Educational Campus in Washington, D.C. The Methodist Home – a retirement home and health care facility for the elderly in northwest Washington. Wesley Scholarship Fund – supports a seminary student at the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington.

You can be part of this wonderful effort and time of fellowship during the summer: •Donate gently-used items for sale at the bazaar •Drop off outside the UMW closet (Exception: Boutiquequality ladies’ wear, contact Connie McWorkman, 301-3204242 or Elaine Chan, helainechan73@gmail.com) •Work with the sorting and pricing team on Tuesdays between 10 and noon, beginning June 18. Just drop by – all are welcome! It’s an excellent way to meet new people and to learn about our activities. We’ll be near the Parlor / UMW closet area.

•Work with the Jewelry team. Contact Kelly D'Angelo kellysclothes@aol.com for details.

Questions, ideas? Contact Bazaar coordinator Barbara Gaskill Barbara@bgaskill.com or 202-244-3512. We look forward to seeing many friends, old and new!

Youth Ministries Youth 4 the DC Cause

The week of June 23rd is our middle school mission week here in DC. Students in grades six through eight will be engaging in mission learning about issues of poverty, literacy, ecology, and aging. This is an exciting opportunity for our young people to learn about mission here in their hometown.

Appalachia Service Project

On July 6th, we will head out for our annual Appalachia Service Project.

We have over 25 people going including youth and adults. We continue a nearly 40 year tradition of supporting the people of Appalachia through engaging our high school youth in mission.

Upcoming Dates for Youth Ministry:

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June 23 - 28: Youth 4 the DC Cause

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June 30, 12:30pm: Final ASP Team Building Meeting

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July 6 - 13: ASP, high school mission trip

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July 21: Youth at the Ballpark

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August 23: Middle School Lock-In

For a calendar of youth events or to see reflections on our youth program, visit the youth ministry blog at youthmetropolitan.wordpress.com.

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Children’s Ministries

Sundays of Service at 10:10am

This Summer, join us Sunday mornings as we become the hands of God, working on service projects each Sunday to help those in need in our community.

Sunday, June 23 – Prepare meals for St. Luke’s Shelter and snack bags for ASP trip Sunday, June 30 – Prepare for Palisades 4th of July Parade Look for July’s projects announced soon!

Yo Ho Yo Ho! A Pirate’s Life for Metropolitan Memorial

Find your eye patch and fake parrot, and get ready for a special piratical event on Friday, August 23 when Met-Flix presents Pirates - Band of Misfits! In the meantime, here’s a pirate joke for you…

What’s a pirate’s favorite soft drink? Arrrr-C Cola!

Volunteer to be a Sunday School teacher

As you make your plans for the fall, please plan to be a part of our children’s Christian education by volunteering to be a greeter or a teacher for our Sunday School classes. We are building teacher teams of five people to avoid a weekly commitment on each volunteer’s part.

Training for new teachers and returning teachers will be held Saturday, September 7. Please prayerfully consider becoming part of this important ministry at Metropolitan. Contact Anita Seline at aseline@nationalchurch.org if you are interested or have questions.

Bibles for Third-Graders for Next School Year Deadline September 5

Will your child be in third-grade next school year? Metropolitan’s tradition is to present a “first Bible” to these children in the fall of the new school year. If you would like your son or daughter to be a part of this presentation, please contact Anita Seline, aseline@nationalchurch.org. Please provide your child’s full name for the Bible’s personalization. Deadline is September 5, in order to have the Bibles personalized for the presentation September 22.

Registration for Vacation Bible School ends June 30. Reserve your child’s space now for “Everywhere Fun Fair” and our travels to Australia, Japan, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, and Mexico. Cost is only $40, $100 for a family of three or more kids for the week of July 8-12. Register under the learning tab at nationalchurch. org.

Also, our partner church, St. Paul’s Lutheran is offering a Vacation Bible School the week of June 24-28. For more information, contact St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 202-9665489 or office@stpaulslutherandc.com.

Backpacks for Brighter Day Ministries Pick up a Back Pack!

For the past ten years, Brighter Day Ministries, a cooperative United Methodist parish in Southeast DC, has distributed backpacks to kids returning to school in August. If you remember the thrill of starting a new school year with a backpack loaded with notebooks, sharpened pencils, rulers, markers, the promise of a new year, then please consider donating to this cause.

Fill a backpack for Brighter Day Ministries for their backto-school Back-to-School event. We have purchased new backpacks and will distribute them at church for you to take home, fill, and bring back to Metropolitan. Help us help Brighter Day make a difference in the lives of our city’s kids.

All donations must be received by THURSDAY, AUG. 15.

Cash donations are accepted in lieu of a filled back pack.

Congratulations...

to Caroline Brown (left) and London Lordos (right) for leading the Children's Celebration Sunday services on June 2.

Caroline and London preached sermons on the lessons that the story of Joseph and his brothers teaches us. Thanks also to all the children who participated in the worship services and the Sunday School teachers who faithfully taught our kids in Sunday School. We celebrated the end of the Sunday School year with a reception in the Great Hall between the two worship services.

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 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. 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 David Hosey - Pastoral Associate for Crossroads and Campus Ministry, dhosey@nationalchurch.org Rebecca Ballard — Director of St. Luke’s Mission Center, rebecca@stlukesmissioncenter.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/Wedding and Funeral Coordinator, ext. 19, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director/9am Worship Leader/Youth Choir Director, ext. 12, celliott@nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 28, phouse@nationalchurch.org Patrick Landau — Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 24, youthministry@nationalchurch.org Bill Potts –– Executive Director of Operations, ext. 17, wpotts@nationalchurch.org Rafael Reyes — Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 20, rreyes@nationalchurch.org Anita Seline — Director of Children’s Ministries, ext. 22, aseline@nationalchurch.org Helen Simon — Executive Assistant to Dr. Parker, ext. 42, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org

The Messenger is published by Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 St. Luke’s Campus (3655 Calvert St., N.W.)/Wesley Campus (5312 Conn. Ave., N.W.) Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: nationalchurch.org NEXT ISSUE: July 15, 2013 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on July 9, 2013