July 2016

METROPOLITAN CHURCH

A MULTI-SITE UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY

July Sermon Series “Peace of Mind: Mental Health in the Movies” 10am - Worship at Metropolitan Memorial 11am - Worship at Wesley (5312 Connecticut Ave., NW)

This July, we are exploring films with themes around mental and emotional health. There are several reasons to spend some time with this issue, one of which is the way in which we continue to stigmatize those who wrestle with mental health issues.

Depression, substance abuse, and any number of illnesses plague many members of our church community and our family, friends, and neighbors; and by stigmatizing these conditions, we often make it harder for people to get the help that they need. Additionally, mental and emotional health happens primarily through life in the community: when we build life-giving relationships and engage in transformative work.

Come join us for “Peace of Mind: Mental Health in the Movies” during the Sundays in July!

On the Friday evening before each of these sermons, come watch the movie in the Youth Room (Room 206) at Metropolitan Memorial at 7pm – with popcorn, of course!

• July 15 - A Beautiful Mind • July 22 - Dead Poets Society • July 29 - Birdman

July 11, 2016 Volume XXVI, No. 7 Nationalchurch.org

The Messenger Worship and Study Schedule Changes Beginning Sunday, September 4, 2016 Why is the schedule changing? For quite some time, there has been enthusiasm at Metropolitan Memorial for creating a fellowship time to bring together the folks who attend the first service and the folks who attend the second service. By moving the second service to 10:30 am, and creating a coffee/fellowship time from 10am - 10:30am, we hope that the two congregations will have time to meet and mingle and give visitors to our church a chance to engage with our folks. The coffee/ fellowship time will also give us space to have information tables about various ministries happening in the church, so that everyone can be better informed about what is going on and have a better chance to participate. The different adult Sunday school classes will also be able to advertise during the coffee time, so new people can discover all the wonderful things that happen in our adult classes. In many ways, this will be a similar morning schedule to when Bill Holmes was here.

Who made the change? This was not a staff decision. Your Church Council tasked the Praising and Learning pillars (the teams with responsibility for worship and Christian education, respectively) to consider, with broad congregational input, multiple different options for the Sunday morning schedule. In addition to carving out a fellowship time for Metropolitan Memorial, the teams were supposed to find a schedule that would allow the children of Wesley UMC to attend children’s Sunday school at Metropolitan Memorial. At least seven different scenarios were considered, arranged, and rearranged. After much consideration, the group developed a proposal that was presented to, reviewed by, and then approved unanimously at the Church Council meeting on June 7, 2016.

What is the new schedule? Here is what was adopted by the Church Council that will begin on Sunday, September 4: 9am - 10am - Dayspring service

• Children’s choirs will meet following the children’s message (same as last year) • Adult classes may choose to meet during this time 10am - 10:30am - Coffee/Fellowship Time in the Vestry • Children’s Sunday school will meet 10:10am - 11am (same as last year) • Adult Parenting class will meet 10:30am - 11am (so parents can pick up their kids) 10:30am - 11:30am - Chancel Choir Service • Adult classes may choose to meet during this time • Children’s message will occur after the sermon for any kids who come to worship after Sunday school.

11am - 11:15am - Musical Prelude at Wesley UMC 11:15am - 12:15am Worship Service at Wesley UMC (Continued on Page 2)

Summer Contemplative Worship “Space for Healing and Hope” Sunday, July 17 and 24, 5pm, Metropolitan Memorial’s Sanctuary

As we enter into two weeks of political conventions, we are a nation deeply divided, along party lines and within each party. There has been so much derisive rhetoric.

News and talk shows are steeped in righteousness and judgment. We are offering a safe and quiet place. A time away from the barrage of political furor. A place to just be.

These two contemplative worship services will follow the format that we have offered in the past. A time of quiet gathering, hymns sung in the style of taize, Scripture, readings and a short reflection, 20 minutes of silence and ending with communion.

Life at the Metropolitan Church Worship and Study Schedule Changes (Cont. From page 1)

What happens to the Great Hall Sessions? Under this schedule, we will not have Great Hall Sessions between services.

We can still have some of these wonderful presentations after the second service, in the afternoon, or during the week.

We hope that all of our adult Sunday school classes will continue to meet in the fall. In addition to choosing to meet during the worship services, they could also choose to meet for brunch after the second service. They could also decide to alternate times – maybe meet during the first service for the fall, and during the second service for the spring, or change it month by month. It’s up to each class to decide. They may also elect to break into two different classes, and give more opportunity for people to be part of the wonderful small group experience that our adult Sunday school classes provide. Some new classes may be born during this time too. We know that our small groups are a valuable part of the spiritual life of our church family.

We will all be living into this new arrangement for a few months. There will be a chance to re-evaluate the schedule in the spring, and if it isn’t working by then, the Church Council can always vote to change it back.

If you have any questions or concerns about how the schedule change affects worship times or choirs, please contact Pat House, Director of Worship, Music & Arts, phouse@nationalchurch.org. For questions about the Christian education program and classes, please contact Rev. Janet Craswell, Director of Christian Education, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org.

Litany for Orlando On Sunday, June 19 our congregations planted rainbow flags in honor of the 49 who were slain in Orlando and recited the following “Litany for Orlando” (adapted from the UCC, Florida).

Today we stand with the LGBTQ community in Orlando, Florida, and with all who are grieving for the victims of the massacre at a gay nightclub in the early hours of last Sunday morning.

Their grief is our grief.

We pray for the families and friends of the 50 who were killed.

We pray for the many injured and for their doctors and care-givers.

We renew our resolve as a church to work in Florida and in communities across America for the safety, dignity and freedom of our LGBTQ members and neighbors.

We renew our resolve as a church to work for sane laws that will curb the epidemic of gun violence in this country.

We now know the assailant was a U.S. citizen and a Muslim. We join with the leaders of Muslim communities in the United States who have denounced the attack in Orlando and the unreasoning hatred that motivated it.

The time has come for churches to end the spiritual violence they perpetrate against their LGBTQ members and neighbors.

Preaching hate against others because of their sexual orientation or gender identity has taken a terrible toll of lives lost to suicide, and is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus Christ. We call on every church to stand with, and not against, the LGBTQ community.

We are angry, but we will not return hate for hate. Hate will not stop the cycle of violence--not in this country, or anywhere in the world. And so we remember at this time the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

- Patrisha House

Our prayers go out to...

• the family and friends of Monica Pree, who died on June 27.

• the family and friends of Russell Tilley, who died on June 28.

• the family and friends of Charles Butler, who died on June 13.

Were you unable to attend worship on Sunday?

If you miss any of the sermons in our sermon series, you can listen to the audio version of the sermons on our website at nationalchurch.org/Praising/Sermons_ Podcasts.

Check out our blog!

Read up on what’s happening at The Metropolitan Church and discover what’s on the minds of our Ministers and congregation members! Log on today at nationalchurch.blogspot.com.

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Life at the Metropolitan Church August Sermon Series - “I Can’t Find It” (“Not in the Bible”) Last August, we engaged in a sermon series that received a great deal of positive feedback called, “I do not think that means what you think it means” (you can’t go wrong with a good “Princess Bride” quote!), focusing on often misused Biblical passages. This year, we’re complementing that series with one on lines that people often quote as being from the Bible, but which really aren’t. This should be an entertaining and enjoyable way to dig into some important Biblical and theological concepts.

Sunday, August 7 “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves” - Scriptures: Psalm 121:1-2, I John 3: 16-18 According to a recent survey, over 8 in 10 Christians believe that this is a Biblical verse; many cite it as one of the 10 commandments. Originally, it is found in Aesop’s fables, and makes its way through history (particularly in Benjamin Franklin) as an example of pithy common sense. While there is a kernel of truth in it, it is also a dangerous bit of extremely bad theology.

Sunday, August 14 “Everything Happens for a Reason” - Scriptures: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; Matthew 10:29-31 The implication of this truism is that God somehow pre-ordains everything; and therefore even tragic events have some greater purpose. This is not only bad theology (i.e., says something about God that is not true), but fosters a sense of apathy about the state of the world, and allows us to not take responsibility for our own destructive actions. As in other areas, good theology will foster strong discipleship.

Sunday, August 21 “Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner” - Scriptures: Matthew 7: 1-5; James 4: 11-12 This commonly used phrase often crops up in the LGBTQ debate.

Sunday, August 28 - AU Sunday Rev. Mark Schaefer will preach on the importance of ministry on the modern college campus.

The Arts at the Metropolitan Church Congregational Art Show Craft and Art: The Sign-up Begins!

Jazz@wesley July 22 and July 23, 6:30pm, Wesley*

On July 22-23, Washington Women in Jazz Festival (WWJF) holds its 2-night Summer Vocal Summit at Jazz@Wesley.

Four top D.C. female jazz vocalists will perform jazz standards, as well as blues, world music and revamped pop songs. Friday, July 22: vocalists Alison Crockett and Akua Allrich; Saturday July 23: vocalist Janine Gilbert-Carter and Amelia Brown. Concerts run from 6:30-8:30, with The Amy K. Bormet Trio performing both nights. Entry $10 I $7 Seniors I Children 12 and Under Free. For more information email wesleyinfo@nationalchurch.org or call 202-966-5144, ext.

325. Bring a non-perishable food item to jazz up someone else’s life. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.

Our creative congregants are invited to start signing up for the Arts Council's Congregational Craft and Art Show, to be held in the Great Hall on October 23. As we've said previously, we're interested in displaying crafts and art in all mediums: fabrics, jewelry, knitting, crocheting, wood carving or fabrication, photos, paintings, drawings, glass, ceramics, baskets, weaving -- and this is not a complete list. Items that can be hung on walls can be left in place for a few weeks, but the three-dimensional pieces will be on view for just a single day.

Please let us know what you're thinking of showing. We'd like to know the medium, approximate size, and number of items, as well as your name, e-mail address, and telephone number. THIS IS NOT A COMMITMENT; you can change any aspects of it later, or even decide not to participate. And of course you can sign up later (though signing up now might serve as a good incentive).

Send your information to one or more of the following: Carol Schleicher, rschlei@verizon.net; Marilu Wood, shedelwood@gmail.com; or Carol Griffith, carolgriffith33@ hotmail.com. If you don’t use e-mail, you’re welcome to corner us at church or call us: Carol S. (301-229-2385), Marilu (202-667-3620), Carol G. (202-966-3287). We’re hoping to be overwhelmed!

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Study at the Metropolitan Church The Racial Justice Task Force – Library Resources at Metropolitan A number of book and video • The Autobiography of Malcolm X: as told to Alex resources are now available in Haley, by Alex Haley the Church Library at Metropolitan • The Persistence of the Color Line: Racial Politics Memorial. The Racial Justice and the Obama Presidency, Randall Kennedy Task Force, which began meeting • Where Do We Go from Here? Chaos or Community, on a bi-weekly basis in February,

by Martin Luther King, Jr. has gathered a number of relevant titles, through • Jesse Jackson and the Politics of Race, by Thomas contributions and purchases during the recent UMW Landess and Richard Quinn Book Fair. These books are being processed now and • The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the by mid-July will be available for circulation through the American Dream, by Barack Obama regular Library loan system. Some of the titles available • My American Journey, by Colin Powell, with Joseph include the following: E. Persico • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in an Age of • Whistling Vivaldi: How Sterotypes Affect Us and Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander What We Can Do About It, by Claude M. Steele • The Fire Next Time, by James Baldwin • Race: How Blacks and Whites Think & Feel about • Trilogy on the Civil Rights Movement by Taylor the American Obsession, by Studs Terkel Branch 1. Parting the Waters: America in the King Years • America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America, by Jim Wallis 1954-1963.

2. Pillar of Fire: America in the King Years 1963-1965 The Task Force will be adding additional titles in the 3. At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years months ahead. We seek contributions of relevant material from anyone in the congregation who would 1965-1968.

• Reflections of an Affirmative Action Baby, by Stephen like to purchase a new book or donate to us one or several additional books, especially any studies of L. Carter racism in Washington, DC through history, and/or • Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates studies of racism persisting in the churches. We will • God of the Oppressed, by James H. Cone also be adding several videos as these are contributed • A Black Theology of Liberation, by James H. Cone and cataloged. We encourage all interested members • The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the to check the special shelf containing these books, and the notebook that contains numerous articles on Politics of Race in America, by Michael Eric Dyson • Roots: The Epic Dream of One Man's Search for his racism and white privilege in America. We have hope that these resources might also be utilized for study, Origins, by Alex Haley research and commentary by our young people.

Children’s Ministries Children’s Summer Sunday School Sundays, 11:10am, Room 202

Campus Kitchen collects nearly 5,000 pounds of food per month, perfectly good food that would have previously been discarded.

The food is then repurposed into nearly 2,500 meals per month that are delivered to various feeding programs around the area.

Learn more at Campus_Kitchen!

nationalchurch.org/Serving/

We’re doing something new this summer: Lego Summer Sunday School!

We'll be using "Building Faith Brick by Brick," a fun and easy Sunday school curriculum. Each week there is a Bible story, a snack, and a chance to re-create the story through building with Lego bricks. During July and August, there will be a single worship service at Metropolitan Memorial at 10 am, followed by Sunday school from 11:10am – noon.

Volunteers are needed. Sign up for one Sunday or many!

Sign up at nationalchurch.org/childmin_volunteer.

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Study at the Metropolitan Church Metropolitan’s Campus Ministry Welcomes AU Chaplain, Joey Heath

The American University Methodists have a new chaplain! Rev. Joey Heath has been appointed to serve as Chaplain effective, July 1. Joey was raised in southern Georgia where he attended college at Valdosta State University. In 2008 Joey felt God leading him to be a part of being change in the church as a pastor. In response to this calling, he enrolled in Wesley Theological Seminary and began a Master of Divinity degree. In 2012, Joey graduated and began his first appointment at Stone Chapel UMC in New Windsor, MD. This was followed by three years at Silver Spring UMC. Joey is passionate about seeing life changing transformation in the world and being the church where all are welcomed and embraced for exactly who God has created each one to be. Our Campus Ministry Team welcomes Joey and we are excited to work with him in supporting the AU United Methodist worshipping community. To learn more about Campus Ministry at Metropolitan, go to nationalchurch.org/ learning/college.

Metropolitan Book Club Monday, September 19 7:30pm, Parlor We wish all readers a novel summer! Join us in September as we discuss A Nation of Nations by Tom Gjelten. For questions contact, Joan Topalian, topajoan62045@ gmail.com or Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com.

Learning Survey

The Adult Learning Team invite your input on programming for the 2016-17 program year. What topics would you like to study? Are you ready for a long-term Bible study? Please complete the survey at nationalchurch.org/learning survey!

Summer Study Hour - Sundays at 11am Children’s Sunday School Youth (HS and MS) Inspired Parenting Science & Religion (9am)

Room 202 Room 206 (HS) Room 204 (MS) Fireplace Room Parlor

Children’s Ministry: Children (preschool - middle school) are invited to “build faith brick by brick” with Legos!

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

Youth Ministry: Our Middle School youth follow the Biblein-Life curriculum, walking them through important Biblical stories. Our High School youth participate in regular discussions shaped by their lives and current events.

Contact: Patrick Landau, plandau@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 112.

Inspired Parenting. Open to parents with kids of all ages, this class offers a safe space to share parenting challenges and joys. Contact: Caralee Adams, caralee. adams@verizon.net.

Science & Religion Class. (Please note we meet Sundays at 9am). Join us as we read The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Contacts: Maynard Moore, emaynard8@yahoo.com or Kent Weaver, kenthweaver@gmail.com.

The United Methodist Women UMW Mission U July 29-July 31, Marriott*

The United Methodist Women’s Mission U is coming up July 29 - July 31 at the Bethesda Marriott (Pooks Hill). Courses will be held on: The Bible and Human Sexuality; Latin America: People and Faith; and Climate Justice: Call to Hope.

The commuter rate is $175 if you register by June 30. That includes three lunches and two dinners. To register, go to BWCUMC.org and look under events.

Select Mission U and follow the instructions. *5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.

UMW Bazaar Donations The United Methodist Women are now accepting donations of gently-used items to be sold at the annual fall bazaar! You may drop off your contributions beside the UMW closet at any time. On Tuesdays, beginning on July 19 at 10am, join us for our sorting and pricing sessions! The more, the merrier!

UMW Recognition Lunch - Call for Nominations

Each year the United Methodist Women of Metropolitan hold a Recognition Luncheon honoring women who have made a significant contribution to the church, the nation and the world. This year the luncheon will be held on Sunday, December 4. We are seeking nominations of outstanding women to honor this year. Please submit nominations to Beverly Fleming, Beverly.fleming@gmail.com or 703-978-7654.

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Serving at the Metropolitan Church Our Metropolitan Church’s Response to Flooding in West Virginia

The recent flooding in West Virginia has been devastating; and, as we have done so many times over many decades, our United Methodist connectional system is responding. In addition to offering prayers, Metropolitan members and friends have donated bottled water, shovels, and baby diapers, formula and wipes.

Ned and Ellen Bachman volunteered to transport all the donations we collected to our Baltimore Washington Conference Center from which they will be delivered to a newly opened warehouse in Beaver, West Virginia. If you were unable to donate items to the collection effort, you can still be a part of the Volunteers help assemble donated recovery effort. items to the victims of the flooding in If you wish to make a monetary donation to the United West Virginia Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), please make your check out to Metropolitan Memorial, and in the memo line, write “UMCOR Advance #901670.” You can either place it in the collection plates on Sunday or mail it to the church office (3401 Nebraska Ave. NW, Washington, Some of the donated items collected for the flood victims DC 20016). UMCOR has been responding to areas of need since 1940, and 100% of your donations go to the project you specify.

Youth in Service Appalachia Service Project 2016!

Building something with your own two hands can be challenging and rewarding. From July 2 - 9 youth from our church and larger community stepped outside their comfort zones and provided home repair assistance to families in Central Appalachia. In doing so, they learned about a new culture and community, building relationships with people not like them, and joining in fellowship and worship. This year's trip marked the 42nd year Metropolitan volunteers have participated in the Appalachian Service Project. Below are some photos from the week. To read about their adventures go to nationalchurch.org/Serving/Appalachia_Service_Project.

Grate Patrol Sunday, July 24, 11am, Vestry Monday, July 25, 6:30pm St. Luke’s Mission Center*

On Sunday at 10:10am, help make sandwiches and prepare meal bags in the Vestry at Metropolitan Memorial. On Monday at 6:30pm, volunteers are needed at the St. Luke’s Mission Center to load additional meals prepared by Campus Kitchen into the Salvation Army van and distribute them throughout downtown DC. To volunteer to put together meal bags on Sunday, come to the Vestry or, if a group, contact Anita Seline, amseline@aol.com. If you can go out

on the van on Monday night, volunteer at nationalchurch.org/servenow! *3655 Calvert St., NW.

Sunday, August 7, 6pm St. Luke’s Mission Center*

Help assemble meals (provided by our Campus Kitchen Program) in to-go containers, load meals into the Salvation Army van and distribute them throughout the city. You can volunteer for one or all opportunities. No experience necessary.

Volunteer at nationalchurch.org/volunteerhub! *3655 Calvert St., NW

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Caring Ministries Trust Circles Orientation Workshops - Register Now! Saturday, July 30 OR August 27, 9am -3pm, Great Hall (lunch provided)

Summer has finally set in here in the DMV area! For many, summer is a time for a break.

Schools let out in June and students and teachers are free from studies for nearly two months. The House, Senate and Courts take recess. Many people take vacations or staycations from their jobs. Yet for others, summer is a busy time…a time for planning and preparation for the year ahead. Here at Metropolitan Memorial folks are already gearing up for the fall.

One new ministry that will be launching in September is Trust Circles. Trust Circles are groups of 3-4 members plus an experienced facilitator who come together on a monthly basis for group spiritual direction. The group commits to listen, recognize, and respond to God's presence in their individual lives, and to do so for the other members of their group.

Some of you may recall that I spoke about Trust Circles at a mission moment in November of last year. I spoke about how I first participated in Trust Circles through my home church in Davidson, NC. At the time, I was discerning my call to ordained ministry. I was feeling as though God was calling me to serve in a deeper and more intentional way. After attending an introductory workshop to learn more, I was immediately hooked.

My participation in Trust Circles created a space for me to wrestle with some tough questions I was facing in my own discernment process. Through Trust Circles, I was able to work through these questions and listen to the ways that God was calling me to respond. I was also able to be a co-listener for others in their own discernment. My discernment process led me to the decision to leave my job, move to DC and go back to school full time.

Yet perhaps even more important than the outcome of my own discernment process was the way that Trust Circles shaped me along the way. Through Trust Circles, I became part of a deeply sacred group that was committed to helping one another discern where God was moving in the midst of our very busy and full lives. Within a couple of months of joining a Trust Circle group I began to notice some of the ways that my participation in this group was changing me from within. My Trust Circle practices and disciplines were infiltrating other areas of my life. I was learning how to be a good listener – a deep listener – to my husband, my family, my friends, my co-workers. I chose to listen and be silent in instances where I previously would have opened my mouth too quickly. I was better able to discern God’s will in the midst of my day-to-day life and not just within the confines of our monthly gatherings.

If you’re interested in learning more about joining a Trust Circle starting Fall 2016 come to one of the two introductory workshop sessions we are offering at Metropolitan Memorial this summer. Attending a workshop does not obligate you to join a Trust Circle. There is no charge. There is no homework. It is simply an opportunity for you to learn more. Advance registration is requested. To register for a workshop or for more information, please contact Megan Blanchard, megan.b.blanchard@ gmail.com or 704-787-3072.

-Megan Blanchard

Weekly Meditation Practice Wednesdays, 9am, Sanctuary Nurture a sense of inner peace, calm and balance with guided and walking meditation. All are welcome. Meets every Wednesday at 9am. Contact: Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net.

Gentle Yoga with Cathryn Ellen Pethick Thursdays 4pm, Great Hall All are welcome to join our yoga practice. We practice standing, seated and reclining yoga poses, breath awareness exercises, and meditative relaxation. To register contact Cathryn, cathryn@yogawell-being. com or 301-946-7045/301-642-3889. Sponsored by the Congregational Care Committee.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, July 17 12:30pm, Parlor Come and enjoy a time of fellowship, ministry and fun! If you are interested in joining, contact Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.

Life Transitions’ Educational Forum “Long Term Health Insurance” Sunday, August 14, 11:15am – 12:30pm, Great Hall Join Social Worker, Mary Anne Griffin, LCSW, as she discusses long term health insurance. You may remember Mary Anne from when she spoke on Medicare at Metropolitan Memorial last spring. She is also a speaker at the Palisades Neighborhood Villages.

Refreshments provided.

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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 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. 108, cparker@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 Princess Bethea — Office Coordintor, ext. 102, pbethea@nationalchurch.org Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 152, bcaviness@nationalchurch.org Melissa Chavez — Dayspring Choir Director/9am Worship Leader/Youth Choir Director, ext. 151, mchavez@nationalchurch.org Jeff Clouser — Director of IT and Communications, ext. 113, jclouser@nationalchurch.org Dona Collary — Pastoral Care Assistant/Wedding and Funeral Coordinator, ext. 106, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 114, phouse@nationalchurch.org Patrick Landau — Director of Youth Ministries/AU Campus 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: August 8, 2016

NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on August 2, 2016