August 10, 2015 Volume XXV, No. 8 Nationalchurch.org
The Messenger
METROPOLITAN CHURCH
A MULTI-SITE UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY
“I Do Not Think That Means What You Think it Means”
Our August sermon series, “I Don’t Think That Means What You Think it Means” has been exploring scriptural passages that are often misused and misquoted. 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.
Recently several of our church members have inquired, “What does your new sermon series title mean?” The series takes its title -- “I don’t think that means what you think it means” – from a wonderful movie called “The Princess Bride” (a really delightful movie that I highly recommend if you have never seen it), in which one of the characters regularly misuses a word. Playing off of that idea, during the month of August, the sermons will explore Scriptural passages that are often misused or misquoted. While there is certainly rich material to choose from, we picked four phrases that are widely heard (and often incorrectly). We launched the sermon series on August 2 with the phrase: “The Lord watch between thee and me, while we are parted one from another,” from Genesis 31: 44-50, often called the Mizpah blessing. While most of us have heard this phrase used as a passage with romantic connotations between spouses when they are separated, in fact its Biblical origins are quite different and the passage actually expresses the deep distrust that existed between the patriarch Jacob and his father-in-law Laban. We used this passage as a springboard to look at how we structure healthy boundaries with difficult people in our lives. On August 9, the sermon was based on the phrase, “Vengeance is mine,” and the Scriptural base was Deuteronomy 32: 34-35 and Romans 12: 18-21. While this is often used as an expression of anger against those who we perceive have wronged us, Paul reminds us that God’s vengeance is exactly that: God’s. In these verses, we have an opportunity to look at how we let go of our own anger and hurt, and place our trust in God’s perfect justice. On August 16, the phrase that will form the basis of the sermon is “The poor will always be with you,” and based on Scriptures from Deuteronomy 15: 10-11 and Mark 14: 3-9. These words of Jesus, which are often quoted with a sense of apathy regarding the hopelessness of changing economic structures, are actually a command to allow our passion for social justice to flow out of our relationship with God.
Watch Dr. Parker discuss our new sermon series at youtu.be/ZVDv2CKkFww
On August 23, we will close out the sermon series with the phrase we have all used many times, “God won’t give you more than you can bear.” The Biblical base is from I Corinthians 10: 12-13. This verse from I Corinthians is often (mis)quoted to comfort people going through affliction. In reality, it is a verse that calls us to prepare for hard times. We will spend this week looking at where we find God in the midst of crises and what we can expect from God in those times. I hope that you will join us on this August journey as we explore together these often-used phrases and learn why, “I don’t think that means what you think it means.” Blessings, Charlie
Save the Date - Fall Picnic Sunday, September 13, 12pm - 2pm, Metropolitan Memorial
Join the Metropolitan Church community and American University for our fall picnic! “Celebrity” grill masters, a petting zoo, moon bounces, food, and friends – a perfect way to kick off the new school year. The whole community is invited – bring your friends and neighbors of all ages. AU and Metropolitan will provide hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, soft drinks and desserts. Bring a salad to share. We’ll see you at the picnic!
Sept. 13
Life at the Metropolitan Church Wesley* August Worship Theme on Prayer
There is so much before us—a new intergenerational Bible story hour, the merger assessment, the urban food hub, the chance to birth a connectional system with the power to end inequality in our city. We’ve talked about the Lord’s Prayer, but for the month of August we’re looking at why prayer itself is important and how it can birth vision, hold us through the chaos of obstacles and complications, give us hope, and break through our impossibility to bring God’s possibility. We are following the story of Samuel and David and the birthing of the Israelite nation paired with the beginning of Christ’s teaching, preaching, and healing ministry. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW. •
August 16 – Trusting What God Sees; Scriptures: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13: The Gospel According to Mark 4:26-34 (6B) Using a poem—I like what I see; I’ll wait—we’ll explore what is at work beyond our awareness and how to trust the movement of the Holy Spirit in living into our part of God’s kingdom work, even when we don’t understand or see the whole.
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August 23 — All that Trusting Paying Off; Scriptures: 1 Samuel 17: 1a, 4-11, 19-23, 32-49; The Gospel According to Mark 4:35-41 (7B) Finally a glimpse of being in the right place at the right time! For the Israelites and David, it’s all that trying to be the family of God and trying to trust God’s crazy guidance where in taking out Goliath the pieces finally start to fall into place and there’s a glimpse of what God has been up to all along. For the disciples, a little more trust would have turned a moment of disappointment into celebration, but that glimpse of what God can and does do was there for them
Intergenerational Bible Story Hour First and Third Sundays 9:30am, Wesley*
Join us on the first and third Sundays of the month for a more indepth look at the stories in scripture we’ll be reading in worship at Wesley. Meet at 9:30am to sing a few songs together. At 9:45am step into the story tent on the stage in the fellowship hall. Pastor Kate will re-tell the story, and then we’ll have until 10:45am to reflect on the story using different art mediums-drama, drawing, painting, modeling clay, journaling. This is a time for all of us to gather--no matter what age--for some Wesley family time in exploring scripture together. Contact Pastor Kate with any questions or ideas. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
Worship is a Contact Sport!
This may seem like an odd statement: Worship as “sport” and one that in our current vernacular denotes physical contact. First let’s look at the definitions of sport and contact (Merriam-Webster.com). Beyond the obvious athletic events, another definition of sport is: “a physical activity that is done for enjoyment and improvement.” When we add the definition of contact: “the state or condition that exists when people see and communicate with each other,” it becomes apparent that when we worship we are indeed involved in a physical activity for our enjoyment and improvement AND it involves being in communication with each other. Sundays this fall are NOT just for football! “Worship Training Camp” Saturday, September 12, 9:30am to 12:30pm, Vestry (Lunch to Follow) The Praise Pillar invites you to become a part of our team. On baptism and new member Sundays, we respond as a congregation, to “renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness…” When we actively participate in worship we are present, we pray, and we bear witness, AND, we do all of this in communication with each other. Our focus this September will be on expanding and supporting our Welcoming Ministries, including our dedicated usher and greeter corps. We will be joined by Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson and other members of the Caring Pillar as we explore what it means to be on the front line of this very important ministry. Our ushers and greeters are often the very first person a visitor meets when they come to Metropolitan. We will explore what is involved, how we can do it better, how we can expand our reach (into the parking lot and more) and how we can grow. The morning will be structured with a time of gathering and prayer (lectio devina) and opening remarks from Drema. We are offering breakout groups on several different areas we would like to expand and grow in the coming year. Rev. Charlie Parker will join us as well. The areas were chosen based on the visioning done by our Church Council last year: Welcoming Team, Contemplative Worship, Leading Worship at 11:15, Scriptures as Drama, Acolytes, and Flower Arranging. I hope that you will join our team. There is a place for everyone: whether you function as a quarterback and want to lead worship, or you see yourself as welcoming people to worship; maybe you’d like just a small part in a drama (no memorization required), or you love to arrange flowers and beautify our Sanctuary; maybe you have teenagers (or preteens) and becoming an acolyte or their mentor will offer a doorway to worship; maybe you’ve enjoyed our Lenten Contemplative Communion services or our Wednesday morning meditation groups and you’d like to help grow that ministry. Come join our team. We have a place for you. For more information or to rsvp for the training event, please contact Pat House at phouse@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 114.
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Life at the Metropolitan Church Neighborhood Movie Night Friday, August 21, 8pm Woods-Brown Amphitheatre*
The Metropolitan Church is joining with American University to sponsor a Neighborhood Movie Night on the AU campus. Bring your family and a picnic and enjoy a free screening of “Monsters University!” Free popcorn. Rain location is Mary Graydon Center. *4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW.
Jazz@Wesley Presents: Mark G. Meadows & Somethin’ Good Saturday, August 22 6:30pm, Wesley*
Save These September Dates! Join Wesley and Metropolitan in Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
• September 26, 6:30pm, Wesley* Jazz@Wesley with Colombian flutist and vocalist Verny Varela *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW. • September 27, 3pm, Metropolitan Memorial - More Latin jazz with Verny Varela, and an exhibition of art by Haitian artists.
October 24, 2015
Mark recently released his second album, “Somethin’ Good” which has received worldwide acclaim. Voted 2014 “Artist of the Year,” and “Composer of the Year” by City Paper, his versatile music background allows him to interconnect every walk of life. Join Mark and Friends for an exciting Jazz experience. Tickets available at the door and at instantseats.com. $10 entry │$5 seniors │12 & under free. Bring a nonperishable food item or lightly used coat to jazz up someone else’s life. Jazz@Wesley information line 202-966-5144, ext. 325. Check out the 5th season jazz promo at youtube.com/watc h?v=N8FhXoQZmSk&feature=youtu.be. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
Check out our blog at nationalchurch.blogspot.com!
The United Methodist Women United Methodist Women’s Bazaar - Volunteer Now!
Work toward the UMW's fall bazaar has begun! Join the sorting and pricing team on Tuesdays from 10am to noon, in the Parlor or nearby. It's a great way to get connected with folks you may not know very well, and.... many hands make light work! Just stop by. The more the merrier! Have items to donate? Drop off your gently-used items at any time beside the UMW closet. We take kitchen things, china and other collectibles, puzzles and games, "attic treasures," Christmas decorations, unused nicer items for the Gifts boutique, and women's accessories such as scarves and belts and handbags. (No books. Please save them for the spring book sale since our storage space is limited.) Questions? Contact Barbara Gaskill: BETQGaskill@gmail.com or 202-244-3512. Jewelry donations should always be delivered to the church office for safe keeping. The jewelry team checks there weekly before their work sessions. Want to help with the jewelry? Contact Alison Daifuku (adaifuku@verizon.net or 202-363-4885) for days and times. Boutique-quality women's wear for the "Fashion Mania" section is the only clothing sold at the bazaar -- no shoes, no men's or children's clothing. For now, please do not drop your boutique-quality women's wear at the UMW closet. We want to keep it in excellent condition. Details regarding donation of these items coming soon. Thank you! What don't we take? As noted above, no shoes, no men's or children's clothing; no furniture (we don't have space); no used electronics (the outdated stuff doesn't sell); no magazines or textbooks (these don't sell well); and no crutches (people don't buy these at a bazaar -- they receive them at the hospital when the broken leg is treated). Thanks! When is the Bazaar? Saturday, November 7 -- first Saturday in November, as always. Mark your calendar now! Questions, thoughts, suggestions? Contact Bazaar Coordinator Barbara Gaskill: BETQGaskill@gmail.com or 202-2443512.
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Youth Ministries Youth in Mission
Our middle school students took a week out of their summer for mission work throughout our city with our Youth 4 the DC Cause. This week-long mission camp, centered around our St. Luke’s Mission Center, focused on issues of environmental sustainability and food security within the Anacostia Watershed. We learned about the effects our actions have on the surrounding environment and what efforts are being taken by people to help clean up our rivers in the DC metro area. This year’s Youth 4 the DC Cause participants were: Holly Adams, Chloe Bautista, Max Breton, Will Burks, Caleb Grim, David McConnell, Andy McFarland, Andy O’Daniel, Sander Rodman, Katelyn Rommel, Ashley Rommel, and Christopher Smith. Below are some pics of our fun week in mission. If you’d like to learn more about our Youth Ministries, contact Patrick Landau, Director of Youth Ministries, plandau@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 112.
Check Out Our Youth Blog
Discover more about our youth and what they are doing! Follow their adventures at youthmetropolitan.wordpress.com.
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Children’s Ministry Vacation Bible School 2015!
Adult Volunteers
Caralee Adams David Beye Jack Blaylock Frances Bourne Annie Butler Ann Cochran Alex Dibble Cynthia Evans Carol Farris Mike Green David Hosey Becky Hundley Louisa Imperiale Marian Johnson Courtney Leatherman Joanne Lin Allison Maltas Beth McConnell Martha Mizroch Cynthia Pugh Mary Rollefson Anita Seline Chris Simon Barbara Tate John Tate David Taylor Lois Weaver Ginny Weber Lisa Whisenhunt Kelsey White
What a week we had! Metropolitan’s Vacation Bible school was a huge success this year. Forty-eight children and over 30 volunteers “splashed in God’s word” as we explored water stories from the Bible through song, stories, skits, science, crafts, snacks and lots of water. We created aquaponic gardens and learned about creatures that walk on the surface of the water. We played baby turtle vs predator, and created beautiful purple tie dye. We laughed at the antics of our wacky ‘news announcers’ during our morning skits, ate amazing themed snacks (imagine water wells made from Rice Krispie marshmallow treats!), and played in water every day. We acted out Bible stories and met Noah, Jonah, Peter, the Samaritan woman at the well, and Lydia. Those are just a few of the many wonderful experiences we had during VBS. Do you know what happens when you add 45 pounds of cornstarch to water? Ask a VBS participant! Many thanks to all the volunteers (see box to the left) who made VBS a success this year! Special thanks go to our coordinators, Caralee Adams and Courtney Leatherman. Without their skills and enthusiasm, we would not have such a wonderful program. Enjoy some pictures of our adventures below. Blessings, Rev. Janet Craswell
Staff
Princess Bethea Jeff Clouser Janet Craswell Barbara Green Charlie Parker Rafael Reyes Helen Simon Dottie Yunger
High School Students Kierra Johnson David McConnell Cordell Pugh
Middle School Students Holly Adams Caleb Grim Maria Khakbaz
Decorating Staff Grace Taylor
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Caring Ministries Ministries for Life Transitions Exciting Fall Programs in Life Transitions
Our support groups on Creative Aging, Careers, and Chronic Illness and Caregiving invite everyone to join them this fall for our monthly Sunday educational events. Among the many topics discussed, we’ll look at “Meaningful Funerals at Home.” A presentation by Nancy Riker and Sally Craig, both of whom have held home funerals for their husbands and are members of the National Home Funeral Alliance. Also, this fall we will offer a program at “Food for Thought” on Wednesday evenings. Watch the September Messenger for details!
Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, August 16, 12:30pm
Enjoy a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun in the Parlor! If you are interested in joining, contact Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.
Grief Support Group Wednesdays, September 9 - October 21, 7pm
“After the loss of a loved one, there is comfort in the close press of friends, in shared tears and hugs, and remembering. But then relatives and friends go home, and we are left to enter a new and strange land.” Martha Whitmore Hickman Our Life Transitions Ministry will offer a grief support group this fall for those who have experienced the death of a loved one within the last year. The meeting dates are Wednesdays, September 9 - October 21 from 7 - 8:30 pm. Location and more details will come later. For more information contact Drema McAllster-Wilson, Metropolitan contact person, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900 or Janet Burkhart, Wesley contact person, janetburk@hotmail.com or 330-904-2101.
Community Outreach Exercise Program Begins September 9 Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30am, Vestry
Join Carolyn Gichner for a total body workout, from head to toe. Bring your own mat (must be able to get up and down off the floor) and light weights. 10 classes: $100, 5 classes $50., Drop-ins $12. For more information, contact Carolyn, 202-362-4393 or cgichner@aol.com.
Metropolitan Book Club Monday, September 21 7:30pm, Parlor
Join us as we discuss David McCullough’s well-received biography, The Wright Brothers. Our selection for October 19th is the newly released Harper Lee novel, Go Set a Watchman. This is the first draft of the Pulitzer Prize winner, To Kill a Mockingbird. Contacts: Joan Topalian, topajoan62045@gmail.com or Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com.
Weekly Meditation Practice Wednesdays, 8:30am, Sanctuary
Nurture a sense of inner peace, calm and balance with guided and walking meditation. All are welcome. Contact: Betty Rogers, betty.rogers24@verizon.net.
Gentle Yoga for Well-Being Thursdays, 4pm, Great Hall
Join us for Gentle Yoga. Class meets every Thursday and is open to all who are interested. We will do basic yoga poses and movements to stretch, strengthen, improve balance, and lift our spirits. We will practice yogic breathing and meditation/relaxation as well. Chairs are available for those who may need some help getting on/off the floor. Bring your mat, wear comfortable clothing for exercise. Sign on for the 10-week series, or drop in when you’re in town! To register or for more information, contact Cathryn Gunnerson, Cathryn@yogawell-being.com or 301-642-3889.
Make a Financial Gift to Support Our Ministries
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Serving Ministries Metropolitan’s feeding ministries have expanded east of the Anacostia River, providing food for folks living in food insecurity and in food deserts (limited access to full service grocery stores). As we continue to provide meals to those in need, we are also addressing the systemic reasons why folks do not have reliable access to fresh, affordable food. We are partnering with the University of the District of Columbia to bring a three-acre urban farm to Ward 7, near the Capitol Heights Metro and on unused DC Housing Authority land. UDC is developing a vacant lot at 5929 East Capitol St. SE (E. Capitol St. SE & Southern Ave SE) into a multipurpose/food production Urban Farm. The farm will provide space for growing healthy food along with space for other community activities. You can help! Join us on Saturday, September 26th (from 8am to 6pm) for a Community Improvement Day. Hosted by the DC Building Industry Association, hundreds of volunteers from across the city will join with DCBIA architects and engineers to renovate the site. We will send a team from our three sites to be part of this. Lunch is provided and no experience is necessary. To see how a DCBIA Community Improvement Day works, visit dcbia.org/event_community.html. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Rev. Dottie Yunger at dyunger@nationalchurch.org. The transformation of the East Capitol Urban Farm provides research and development opportunities for urban agriculture while enhancing the quality of and access to local and sustainable food sources for the community. In addition, the scope of work includes community and themed gardens, nature play and demonstration areas, terraced farming as well as a fully functional marketplace. The goal is to create additional revenue generating opportunities for entrepreneurs in Ward 7 while also providing a fully integrated communal urban farm. For more information about UDC’s project, visit udc.edu/college_of_ urban_agriculture_and_environmental_studies/center_for_sustainable_development.
Grate Patrol - Two Locations to Serve
The Metropolitan Church participates in Grate Patrol twice each month, preparing food and then riding in the Salvation Army van to deliver it to the homeless. St. Luke’s participates on the first Sunday of each month, and Campus Kitchen prepares the food. Metropolitan participates the last weekend of each month. Sandwiches are prepared on Sunday and delivered Monday evening.
Grate Patrol Sunday, August 30, 10:10am, Vestry Kitchen
You can volunteer to make sandwiches on Sunday, serve meals by going out in the van on Monday evening, or both. Volunteer at nationalchurch.org/servenow!
Grate Patrol Sunday, September 6, 6pm St. Luke’s Mission Center*
You can volunteer to put together meals, serve meals by going out in the van Sunday evening or both. Volunteer at nationalchurch.org/volunteerhub! *3655 Calvert St., NW.
Our Mission: Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites all into a deepening relationship with God and challenges all of us to grow as disciples, seeking justice and joy for the transformation of the world.
Our Vision: Extending radical hospitality, transforming lives, and pursuing justice. Reconciling Statement: Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church affirms that all individuals are of sacred worth with-
out regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, marital circumstances, economic status, physical and mental condition, or criminal history. We declare ourselves in support of the reconciling movement and welcome the full participation in the church of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons and their families, as a reflection of God’s unconditional love. At the same time, we recognize differences of opinion on issues of sexuality and seek to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect.
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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. 108, cparker@nationalchurch.org Rev. Kate Payton — Associate Pastor, Sharing, Lead Pastor at Wesley UMC, ext. 110, kpayton@nationalchurch.org Rev. Dottie Yunger –– Associate Pastor, Service/Advocacy, ext. 111, dyunger@nationalchurch.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 104, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Janet Craswell—Director of Christian Education, ext. 115, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org Rev. Barbara Green – Minister of Life Transitions, bgreen@nationalchurch.org, ext. 105 David Hosey - Campus Ministry Coordinator, dhosey@nationalchurch.org Princess Bethea — Office Coordinator, ext. 102, pbethea@nationalchurch.org Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 152, bcaviness@nationalchurch.org Jeff Clouser — Director of IT and Communications, ext. 113, jclouser@nationalchurch.org Dona Collary — Pastoral Care Assistant/Wedding and Funeral Coordinator, ext. 106, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Campbell — Dayspring Choir Director/9am Worship Leader/Youth Choir Director, ext. 151, celliott@nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 114, phouse@nationalchurch.org Patrick Landau — Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 112, plandau@nationalchurch.org Bill Potts –– Executive Director of Operations, ext. 101, wpotts@nationalchurch.org Rafael Reyes — Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 116, rreyes@nationalchurch.org Helen Simon — Executive Assistant to Dr. Parker, ext. 109, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org
The Messenger is published by The Metropolitan Church - A Multi-site United Methodist Community Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 St. Luke’s Mission Center (3655 Calvert St., NW)/Wesley UMC (5312 Conn. Ave., NW) Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: nationalchurch.org
NEXT ISSUE: September 14, 2015
NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on September 8, 2015