August 2016

METROPOLITAN CHURCH

A MULTI-SITE UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY

August 8, 2016 Volume XXVI, No. 8 Nationalchurch.org

The Messenger Welcoming Our New Global Mission Fellows This fall, we will be blessed by new additions to our Metropolitan family.

For the first time in our history, we will be hosts to interns from the Global Mission Fellows program. The Global Mission Fellows is a program of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) that operates both domestically and internationally for young adults age 20-30, for a twoyear position to do mission work around the world. Our Fellows are part of the US-2 program since they are doing their work nationally. Last year, both Metropolitan and American University each applied for -- and were awarded -- a Global Mission Fellow to facilitate our work.

August Sermon Series I Can’t Find It (Not in the Bible)

Ever hear someone quoting scripture and think “I don’t think that’s actually in the Bible?” You might be right!

Our August sermon series explores some of the more famous (and problematic) phrases that are wrongly attributed to the Bible.

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

Watch Dr. Parker discuss our new sermon series at youtu.be/6NUXJIpCeAA

We will be profiling them in more detail in future editions of the Messenger, but by way of brief introduction, Stephanie Quammen will be our staff lead in Serving Pillar ministries with a particular focus on Campus Kitchen. Stephanie is a native of Oklahoma and graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University with a degree in English. She has great passion around education and social justice work. Rick Sullivan is a seminary graduate and will be working on AU programs, including ministries that strengthen and build connections between AU and Metropolitan.

Our new Fellows will be living in our parsonage and will be joined by Amber Feezor, a third Fellow who is presently assigned to the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society.

In keeping with our spirit of extending radical hospitality, we are taking a multipronged approach in welcoming them. In addition to the work that is underway to furnish the parsonage, the kinds of support we envision include: • Contributing to 3 welcome baskets with maps of DC, gift cards to Starbucks or Giant or McDonald’s or Safeway or CVS or pizza or movies; Metro cards; information on free opportunities in the city; places where there is free food during Happy Hour – these are just examples of the kinds of things that have been suggested.

• Taking them on a walking or driving tour of the neighborhood or on a driving tour of DC at night.

• Inviting one of the Fellows to dinner or brunch or take them to a ball game or a movie or theater – something that would make them feel welcome in a new city and a new church.

If you would like to be a part of any of these welcoming opportunities, please contact Helen Simon in the church office at hsimon@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, extension 109. We want our new Fellows to feel welcome and nurtured!

Save the Date - Fall Picnic Sunday, September 11, 12pm - 2pm, Metropolitan Memorial

Join the Metropolitan Church community, American University, and the Metropolitan Memorial Nursery School for our fall picnic as we celebrate our growing partnerships and the 50th Anniversary of the nursery school (Learn more about the Nursery School 50th Anniversary on page 4)! We will have a moon bounce, petting zoo, obstacle course, face painting, balloon animals, food, friends for a perfect way to kick off the new school year. The whole community is invited – bring your friends and neighbors of all ages. American University, Metropolitan, and the Metropolitan Nursery School, will provide hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, soft drinks and desserts. Please bring a salad to share. We’ll see you at the picnic! Come a little early to join us for the dedication of our newly renovated playground for the Nursery School.

Sept.

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Life at the Metropolitan Church Worship and Study Schedule Changes Begins Sunday, September 4 On Sunday, September 4, we will begin our new worship schedule that was adopted by the Church Council. The new schedule will be: 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

Pam and her sponsor kids Bertha and Juliet in Zambia

Meet Our New Finance Coordinator!

We welcome Pam Murdoch as our new Finance Coordinator.

Pam previously worked at Centreville Presbyterian Church as their business manager. She grew up in Vienna, Virginia and currently resides in Centreville with her husband, two dogs and sometimes her adult son and daughter.

Pam’s passion lies with the homeless and orphans. She’s involved with The Lamb Center in Fairfax, VA and Every Orphans Hope in Zambia. She’s been to Zambia several times and hopes to return again soon. Pam’s office hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8am - 2pm and Tuesdays from 8am - 4pm. When you’re in the office please say hello!

Congratulations

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 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.

• to Bob and Rosanne Olson on the birth of their granddaughter, Aubrey Juliet Olson on July 22nd. Parents are Charlie and Sarah Olson.

• to Connie McWorkman on the birth of her great grandson, Taylor William Scarborough on July 28th.

Monthly Financial Summary Report To view our brand new monthly “Finance and Trustees” report go to nationalchurch.org/ financialsummary.

In the report, you will be able to see the summary of where we are for the month with regards to the church’s budget as well as a listing and updates of active Board of Trustees projects.

If you have any questions, please contact Bill Potts in the church office, wpotts@nationalchurch.org or 202363-4900, ext. 101.

Metropolitan has collected nearly $30,000 in brand new shoes and clothing from a local shoe store for distribution to the homeless, needy school children, Brighter Day, Friendship Place, Bread for the City, etc.

A “HUGE” thank you to Lisa and her team at the “Vanns” store in Tyson’s Mall. If you find yourself in Tyson’s, please stop in and say “Thank You.”

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Life at the Metropolitan Church Neighborhood Movie Night Friday, August 19, 8pm Woods-Brown Amphitheatre* The Metropolitan Church is joining with American University to sponsor a Neighborhood Movie Night on the AU campus on Friday, August 19. Bring your family and a picnic and enjoy a free screening of "Zootopia" at AU's outdoor WoodsBrown Amphitheatre. Free popcorn. Rain location is Mary Graydon Center on the AU campus. For more information, call 202-885-2167. *4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW. Jazz@Wesley Saturday, August 27 6:30pm, Wesley* For their 6th Anniversary Celebration, Jazz@Wesley presents The Greater U Street Collective. Tickets available at the door or at instantseats.com. 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.

Crafts and Art: The Sign-up Continues The Arts Council of Metropolitan Memorial UMC Presents

Our creative congregants are invited to sign up for the Arts Council’s Congregational Art Show, CongregationalCrafts Craft and Art Show to be held in the Great Hall on October 23. We’re interested in displaying On October Council will celebrate the 30th crafts and art in23, the all Arts mediums: fabrics, jewelry, knitting, anniversary its founding or by sponsoring a Congregational crocheting, woodofcarving fabrication, photos, paintings, and Art Show. We want to show off talents both known drawings,Craft glass, ceramics, baskets, weaving -- and this is and unknown in the Metropolitan and Wesley congregations. not a complete list. Items that can be hung on walls can thefor handmade things we want but to display fabrics, be left inAmong place a few weeks, theare: three-dimensional jewelry, knitting, crocheting, wood carving or fabrication, pieces will be on view for just a single day. photos, paintings, drawings, glass, ceramics, baskets, weaving --

and us this isknow not a complete Things don't have to beof recent: if Please let whatlist.you’re thinking showing: the you made a nice pot or scarf a decade or so ago, show it. Items medium, that approximate size, and number of items, along with can be hung on walls will be left in place for a few weeks, your name, e-mail address, THIS but the three-dimensional thingsand can betelephone shown for only number. a single IS NOT Aday.COMMITMENT; you can change any23,aspects of That will mean from 10am to 6pm on Sunday, October a concert break from 4:30pm. it later, orwith even decide not3pm to to participate.

And of course you can sign Ifup later (though signing up now might serve as a you have any questions, contact Arts Council members good incentive).

Carol Schleicher (rschlei@verizon.net) or Marilu Wood (shedelwood@gmail.com), or Carol Griffith

Send your information to one or more of the following: (carolgriffith33@hotmail.com), Arts Council chairman.

Carol Schleicher, rschlei@verizon.net; Marilu Wood, shedelwood@gmail.com; or Carol Griffith, carolgriffith33@ Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church hotmail.com.

If you don’t use e-mail, you’re welcome to Avenue / Washington DC 20016 corner us3401atNebraska church or NW call us: Carol S. (301-229-2385), 202-363-4900 / www.nationalchurch.org Marilu (202-667-3620), Carol G. (202-966-3287). We’re hoping to be overwhelmed!

Mighty Music Next Month Sunday, September 18 3pm, Sanctuary The second of the Arts Council's two canceled concerts from earlier this year will, we're happy to say, take place on Sunday, September 18. Pianist Carlos Rodriguez will offer us "Two Titans and Two Titanic Sonatas," Beethoven's "Hammerklavier" and Liszt's "Grand Sonata," leaving no doubt that after breaking his wrist in April he is now back in fine fettle.

The Arts Council is co-sponsoring this concert with Levine Music, and there will be a small admission charge: $20 at the door (free to Levine students) or $15 advance tickets at levinemusic.org/events. A light post-concert reception will be held in the Great Hall.

So there's no need to travel to the Kennedy Center to hear a superb pianist this fall; we've got one! (And the parking is $23 less than the KC's -- as always, it's free.)

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.

Save the Date!

Square Dance Friday, September 30 7pm, Vestry You won't want to miss a chance to swing your partner and do-si-do at Metropolitan Memorial! On Friday, September 30, the Arts Council and the Blue Zones Lifestyle study group are reviving what used to be a popular event at the church. We have a caller, and we have a place, so put it on your September calendar.

No experience required. For more information, contact Kelly D'Angelo, kellysclothes@aol.com or Pat Simpich, pat.simpich@verizon.net.

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!

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Metropolitan Memorial Nursery School 50th Anniversary

Metropolitan Nursery School celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The nursery school, which was founded in 1966 and directed for more than 40 years by Barbara Rollinson, has enjoyed a long partnership with Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church during its half century. Linda Smith has directed the school for the past eight years.

The life of the nursery school is closely interwoven with the life of the Metropolitan's congregation. Many families have sent their children, and in some cases, grandchildren to Metropolitan Nursery School.

"Metropolitan Nursery School was the first experience my children had away from me and our home. It was always so reassuring to know that my children were so well cared for and at home there, " said Martha Mizroch, who enrolled her younger of four children at Metropolitan and has served on its board of directors for many years.

Anita Seline, another parent alumni of Metropolitan, said, "My kids look back on their formative years at Metropolitan with a lot of love. It was a wonderful time in their childhood to be able to attend nursery school where they also attended church and make friendships that last today."

To mark this 50th anniversary, the nursery school parents and alumni are raising funds to refurbish the church playground. A gala, with a retrospective of the school, is planned for Thursday, October 20 in the Great Hall.

teacher, 1968

To contribute to the 50th anniversary fundraising effort, please visit nationalchurch.org/egiving, log in and find the Nursery School Fund Raiser and 50th Anniversary section. Or send a check to the nursery school at church. All gifts are tax-deductible.

kow Mrs. Mimi Dar

n , Kindergarte

Picnic and Playground Groundbreaking Sunday, September 11 The Metropolitan community looks forward to the annual picnic every year and this year's feast promises to be even more special with a celebration of Metropolitan Nursery School's 50th anniversary and a groundbreaking ceremony for playground improvements.

There will be plenty of amusements for the kids such as moon bounces, balloon animals, and face painting.

A special table will be set up for members of the congregation and nursery school to write thank you letters to longtime nursery school teacher Donna Parzow, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

American University will prepare our picnic fare of hot dogs and hamburgers. The congregation will provide the potluck salads and sides. Nursery school parents Taylor and Carly Llewellyn will provide ice pops from their company “Squeaky Pops.� Picnic organizers encourage people to bring picnic blankets to lay out on the lawn and more seating will be available under the picnic tents.

The picnic will begin after the second service at Metropolitan with a groundbreaking ceremony. Food will be served at 12 noon. The picnic will run until 2 pm.

Class of 1984

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Metropolitan Memorial Nursery School 50th Anniversary

Playground Improvements Planned After nearly 20 years of use, the church playground will get a major overhaul, under plans of the Metropolitan Nursery School, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Innovations in playground design present an opportunity to improve the playground for our nursery school students, congregation, and the community. Planners have met with three playground designers over the past several months to field suggestions.

Class of 1990

“Halloween P

arade� Class

of 1994

One major improvement will be to replace the large playscape at the center of the playground. Parts of the piece are becoming worn and rusty. In addition, planners hope to replace the storage shed, which holds much of the playground equipment but also reduces sight lines on the playground. Some smaller sheds, in which children can help their teachers pack and unpack, will be added. Finally, the sandbox will get some needed improvements including enlarging the sandbox area and installing better borders. Construction will take about three to four weeks, once designs are selected and fundraising completed.

The project is expected to cost about $50,000. The nursery school spring fundraiser has already raised about onethird of the funds needed. Groundbreaking for the playground work will be Sunday, September 11 at the church picnic.

Class outing, 1990

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Study at the Metropolitan Church In the Great Hall Dr. Belinda Forbes UM Missionary Sunday, August 14, 11am, Great Hall Come hear Dr. Belinda Forbes, a United Methodist Dr. Belinda Forbes oversees a dental procedure in missionary with the General Nicaragua. Courtesy of Board of Global Ministries. Dr. Belinda Forbes Forbes serves in Nicaragua with Acción Médica Cristiana (Christian Medical Action or AMC), a Nicaraguan Christian ecumenical organization specializing in community health and development in impoverished rural communities, many of which are home to indigenous and Afro-descendant populations. As AMC’s international liaison for community health, Dr. Forbes serves God and the church by contributing to a community-based primary dental health program, mentoring volunteers, and interfacing with AMC’s international partner organizations.

Exploring a Trip to the Holy Land During our sermon series on Islam, in the context of Pilgrimages, Charlie Parker noted that Christians did not undertake pilgrimages in the same way as our Islamic brothers and sisters, and he invited folks to contact him if they were interested in being part of a trip to the Holy Land.

Several folks contacted him, and the next step is a meeting on October 2 at 1pm in the Great Hall at Metropolitan Memorial. This meeting will be to explore the possibility of such a trip and what that might look like. We won’t be asking for a commitment at this point, just gauging interest. If you are interested in the trip but can’t make the meeting, you can send an e mail to Charlie Parker, cparker@nationalchurch.org.

Food for Thought - Begins September 14, 6pm - Dinner I 7pm - Class Our popular Wednesday evening Food for Thought series returns on September 14! Join us in the Vestry at Metropolitan Memorial from 6pm to 7pm for a delicious dinner. Classes begin at 7pm. There is always a Bible study and a topical class to choose from. Our first topical class will be "Play Reading and Life Transitions."

Wesley Seminary Professor Emerita Freddie Berger will lead us in a discussion of life, death, spirituality, and God as seen through four different dramas. No acting or prior play-reading experience required; you may also participate by listening to others read the plays. Question? Contact Janet Craswell, jcraswell@nationalchurch. org or 202-363-4900, ext. 115.

Serving at the Metropolitan Church Campus Kitchen DC Feeding the hungry isn't just an important part of Scripture; it's an important part of our hands-on ministry. Last week our senior pastor Charlie Parker attended Campus Kitchen boot camp, where leaders from around the country worked together and shared ideas on how to make this growing Charlie Parker works in the even more kitchen at Campus Kitchen Boot program effective.

Camp.

If you’re interested in helping to make meals and recover donated produce and protein we receive from local food operators volunteer now at nationalchurch. org/volunteerhub. Shifts are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4pm - 7pm and Saturdays from 10am - 1pm at St. Luke’s Mission Center (3655 Calvert St., NW).

Grate Patrol - Many Opportunities to Serve!

Sunday, August 28, 11am, Vestry Monday, August 29, 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, September 4, 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 6

Youth Ministries Youth 4 the DC Cause This month, we are featuring our middle school mission camp: Youth 4 the DC Cause.

Y4DCC is a week long sleep over camp in the District for youth to experience different ways of serving and expand their world to include different communities. This year, our focus was on race and racism, specifically in DC, as a way for our youth to explore and respond to what is going on around them. Read about our youth’s adventures during Youth 4 the DC cause on our youth blog at youthmetropolitan.wordpress.com.

Our youth with Chef Anthony of the Campus Kitchen. (On the left is our summer intern Sean Mullins and on the right is our youth director Patrick Landau)

A before and after shot of a small part of the Anacostia Watershed cleanup project.

A picture with our youth, Rev. LaTaska Nelson of InspireDC, and two adult leaders from the Expectations project at Hughes Memorial UMC.

Elle Smiley, senior at American University, leading a talk with the youth on education inequality in DC.

Our youth with Officer Anthony O’Brien of the Metropolitan Police Department following a tour of our local police station.

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

Do you long for someone who listens to you deeply? Are you looking to discover where God is moving in your life and the world around you? Do you desire to cultivate a discerning heart? If so, you are invited to learn more about Trust Circles. Trust Circles are groups 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 in the group. If you want to find out more about joining a Trust Circle starting fall 2016, attend our workshop on Saturday, August 27th. Lunch will be provided. Accepting registration now through August 20th. To register for a workshop or for more information, please contact Megan Blanchard, megan.b.blanchard@gmail.com or 704-787-3072.

Visitor Corp Meeting Sunday, August 14, 11:15am, Conference Room Current members as well as those who are interested in joining are invited! If you are interested in visiting church members who are homebound or in nursing homes, please contact Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, Minister of Congregational Care, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900 ext. 104. Don’t know what to say or what to do? Drema will provide you with an orientation that will help to make your visit meaningful and joyful!

Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, September 18 11:15pm, Parlor Come and enjoy a time of fellowship, ministry and fun! If you are interested in joining, contact Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.

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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 Coordinator, 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 Pam Murdoch –– Finance Coordinator, ext. 103, finance@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: September 12, 2016

NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on September 6, 2016