The Messenger
August 13, 2012 Volume XXII, No. 8 Nationalchurch.org
Exploring Current Issues of Our Faith
We have all been mesmerized by the Olympics in London this summer and inspired by the discipline and dedication of outstanding athletes from around the world. Scripture uses a great deal of sports imagery to illustrate important truths about our faith journey. We will focus on the Olympics in worship for the next two weeks: August 12 and August 19. On August 12, the sermon title is Olympic Trials: Obtaining the Crown, using as Scriptures Genesis 32:24–26 and I Corinthians 9:24-27. The Apostle Paul, who undoubtedly knew the Olympic games and almost certainly experienced the Isthmian games in Corinth, uses the imagery from these games with great richness. In this first week we will look at the image of wrestling as a metaphor for the faith journey itself, and the centrality of discipline in the faith journey.
On August 19, the sermon title is Olympic Trials: Marathon, using as Scriptures Ecclesiastes 9:11 and Hebrew 12: 1-11. Since the establishment of the modern Olympics in 1896, the final event has been the running of the Olympic marathon. Marathons in particular, and long-distance running in general, are powerful models of persistence, which is another of the hallmarks of a life of faith modeled through the analogy of sports. I will be leading Great Hall sessions at 10:10 between the worship services on both August 12 and August 19 so that we can reflect together on what lessons we can learn from the Olympics, particularly the imagery and meaning of sports in our Scripture texts. Looking ahead, on August 26 we will have a special focus on welcoming back students from American University, and my colleague Rev. Mark Schaefer, United Methodist Chaplain and Adjunct Lecturer in Religion at American University, will be preaching. Our Metropolitan-AU leadership team is already planning some special programs that will welcome the students and strengthen our ongoing partnership with the AU Campus Ministry.
Beginning in September, with the onset of the November election, we will be taking a few weeks to look at how our faith should shape our politics. On Labor Day Sunday, we are going to look at what makes for a healthy labor policy and what a healthy work life should look like for all of us. On September 9 the sermon title is Church and State: Separation? and we will address directly our call to bring our faith commitments to the realm of political discourse. Given our general discomfort with the unknown, I also want to take some time in this sermon to debunk the fears that people may have about Governor Romney’s Mormonism in the same way that it was important to debunk fears about John F. Kennedy’s Catholicism fifty years ago. On September 16, the sermon title is Church and State: Being Right and we will address the reality that one of the characteristics of politics today is the vitriolic demonizing of the other side that happens on both sides of the aisle. What would it look like if we began to hold politicians accountable not just for their positions, but for the way that they enter into dialogue with people who disagree with them? I hope that you will plan to join me in these explorations over the next several months – I look forward to hearing your thoughts and questions (remember that you can always contact me at cparker@nationalchurch.org). I am excited about these opportunities that we will have as a community of faith to explore together the intersection of our faith and our lessons from Scripture with some of the current issues in our lives.
Join us on Sunday, September 9 for our Annual Community Picnic!
Inflatables for kids large and small. Even the adults can get in on the action in the inflatable sports arena. Anyone for a bouncing game of basketball? You bounce yourself not the ball! Fun and Games. Pony rides and a petting farm. Pet an alpaca and hold a bunny in your lap. Games including an opportunity to drench a pastor, and Chuckles the Clown will be making balloon animals for all the children. Live Jazz and Food. Burgers and hot dogs right off the grill, plus salads, desserts, popcorn, and cotton candy. All Free! Come and bring your friends! This picnic is open to the public. Members of the congregations: Help us supply the sides. Please bring, if your last name begins with: A-F: green salad or fruit salad; G-M: cold pasta salad; N-U: potato salad; V-Z: coleslaw. Nursery School and Church Council: please bring desserts. Volunteers are needed to help us make this picnic a success. If you are willing to man the grill, help with set up, or take a 30-minute shift monitoring the games, please contact Jimmy Sherrod, jsherrod@nationalchurch.org or 202363-4900, ext. 24.
Life at Metropolitan Memorial Bishop Marcus Matthews Appointed Bishop of Baltimore-Washington Conference Bishop Marcus Matthews of the Upper New York Conference has been appointed to serve as the leader of the BaltimoreWashington Conference (BWC) beginning on September 1. Bishop John Schol, the BWC's current leader, has been appointed to serve the New Jersey area. This appointment will be a return home for Matthews, who began his ministry in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. He enrolled at Wesley Theological Seminary in 1971 and served as a student intern at Douglas Memorial UMC for a year. He became an assistant pastor at Asbury UMC in Washington, where he continued as associate for two years after his graduation from Wesley. From 1976 to 1982, he served as pastor of Jones Memorial UMC in Washington, DC, where he oversaw the building of a new sanctuary and established a community development program. In 1981, he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from New York Theological Seminary. He was pastor of Epworth Chapel UMC in Baltimore, from 1982 to 1986, when, during his pastorate, Epworth received 272 new members.
Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Jane Hart, who died on July 30. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, August 26 at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The family will receive visitors at a light luncheon in the Great Hall at 12:30 p.m. prior to the service.
Please Remember Metropolitan While You are on Vacation!
Summer is the time that many of us retreat from the frantic pace of the school year, and many of us are away on vacations. Please remember that our church’s financial needs do not take a vacation, and we rely on your continued pledge support even when we must miss you in worship. Please keep your pledge current while you enjoy a wonderful summer break!
In 1986, he became District Superintendent of the Baltimore East District and in 1991 was named Conference Council Director, a position he held until being named Washington West District Superintendent in 1999. Matthews was elected bishop in 2004 and served the Philadelphia Area. In 2008 he took leadership of the New York West Area and in 2010 he became bishop of the newly formed Upper New York Area. He has served in leadership positions throughout the denomination. Bishop Matthews is married to Barbara Walker Matthews and they have two children, Jaime S. Matthews and Marci Michael, and five grandchildren. His other interests include movies, reading, jogging, and playing with his grandchildren.
“Dinner and a Play” GROUP FORMING
We are forming a theatre group at Metropolitan. As an opportunity for those of us who love the theatre and would like to enjoy a great time of fellowship, we will be collectively purchasing season tickets to Arena Stage for the upcoming season. Bill Potts has negotiated a reduced group rate for the season tickets but we need at least 10 to take advantage of the discount and we need to act fast. So, if you would like to join together and see some amazing shows and enjoy a great time of fellowship, please contact Bill Potts, 202-3634900, ext. 17 or wpotts@nationalchurch.org.
Farmers’ Market Fridays, 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Metropolitan Parking Lot
Check out our blog at nationalchurch.blogspot.com!
Come and get your farm fresh vegetables, fruits and other goods at the Central Farmers’ market at Metropolitan every Friday afternoon! The Central Farmers’ Market is managed by Bethesda Central Farm Market.
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Life at Metropolitan Memorial Jazz in the Garden Friday, August 17, 6:30 p.m. St. Luke’s Mission Center
Sunday School Starts September 9 Can You Help This Year?
Bring a blanket and enjoy great music in the courtyard by E&ME, a contemporary jazz band featuring a female vocalist backed by a four-piece rhythm section, and Justin Pinkney, the drummer for our Crossroads band. The band renders soulful interpretations of favorite classic and contemporary jazz standards. The jazz band’s tight arrangements combined with rhythmic precision give this group an irresistible vitality that uniquely distinguishes it from the rest. Complimentary popcorn and lemonade available.
Quiet Day of Retreat Saturday, August 18, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
You’re invited to “A Day Apart” for prayerful reflection at Priest Field Pastoral Center (4030 Middleway Pike, Kearneysville, WV 25430...only 90 minutes from the church). Cost is $30 and includes lunch. Email priestfieldpc@aol.com to register. For more information contact Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 19.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, August 19, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 21, 1:30 p.m.
Join us in the conference room for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! For more information, contact Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net or 202-363-5950.
As you make your plans for the fall, please plan to be a part of your child’s Christian education by volunteering to be a greeter or a teacher for our Sunday School Godly Play classes. We are specifically searching for volunteers for the first- and second-grade class, the Joyful Spirits. 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 8. 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.
Monday Evening Book Club Monday, September 17 7:30 p.m., Library
Join us as Sharon Smith leads the book club in a discussion of “The Newlyweds” by Nell Freudenberger. We will meet in the church library at 7:30 p.m. This marks our second season and we invite anyone who loves to read to join us. Please contact either Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail. com, or Suzanne Clewell, reader1021, with any questions you might have about the book club.
Campus Ministry Sunday Sunday, August 26
Join us to greet new and returning American University students, who begin classes on Monday, August 27. Rev. Mark Schaefer, the AU Methodist Chaplain, will be preaching at both worship services. Following both services, Rev. Schaefer and members of Metropolitan’s Campus Ministry Team will be in the Vestry to outline the work of the campus chaplaincy and Metropolitan’s campus ministry. Coffee and snacks will be provided.
Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” Friday, August 24 8 p.m., Metropolitan parking lot
Bring your blankets and chairs and join us for a free evening of fun under the stars! Our movie for the evening will be Universal Pictures’, “The Lorax.” Movie begins at dusk.
ASP Returns!
In the beginning of August, our youth went on their annual Appalachia Service Project trip, a more than 40-year-old service mission that Metropolitan has participated in for nearly all of ASP's existence. While in Washington County, Virginia, our group renovated and repaired the homes of people living in poverty. Check out September’s issue of the Messenger for reflections and photos!
Greetings from Bus 52!
My name is Chris Simon, and I'm a life-long Metropolitan member spending this year traveling the country, finding inspirational stories of people and groups who are finding creative, innovative ways to help out their local communities. We have just passed the halfway point, and it has been an amazing journey thus far - the people we have met have been welcoming, passionate, and making a real difference in their community, and it has been an honor and joy to share their stories with the world.
This project truly could not have happened without Metropolitan - it has been so wonderful for me to have the support of my church family as I continue on this often daunting project. It was such an honor to receive a prayer shawl when I set out on Bus 52, and I wear it often to remind me of my church family back in DC. To all those who have prayed for, supported financially, or spread the word about Bus 52, I really cannot thank you enough. - Chris Simon
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Life at Metropolitan Memorial Dear Friends of the Metropolitan Rain Garden
Thank you to everyone who helped plant our rain garden. What a wonderful contribution you have made to our church and our watershed. It was so amazing to watch everyone planting, planting, planting. I think we had just the right number and combination of people for the job: everyone kept busy until the job was done, no one tripped over anyone else, no one got poked with a trowel or pitch fork. AND it was such fun! We had volunteers from Master Gardeners, Watershed Stewards Academy, American University Sustainability Program, DC Department of Environment RiverSmart Communities Program, and Metropolitan Memorial. Lots of good networking and friendships forged. Thank you to those organizations who came through with volunteers, financial and technical support: Leah Lemoine, Jenny Reed, Maria Sqambati, Lee Cain, Sandy Farber, Chris and Josh, and Bill Potts. I am so grateful for all your good spirited help! And I hope you will come by to see the beautiful garden you created as it blossoms and grows. - Mary Rollefson
Metro Players Fall Potluck – All are welcome! Saturday, September 29, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Vestry
Are you a long-time member of Metro Players or do you love theater and have always wanted to try acting; or maybe you love theater but you don’t want to be on stage but would love to be a part of the group (backstage, costumes, set-building, make-up and more); or maybe you are new to Metropolitan and would just like to find out more about our drama troupe. All are welcome. We will gather on Saturday, September 29, for a potluck dinner in the Vestry. This will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and welcome new friends into our midst. Bob Benn, our director, will share plans for the fall and beyond. We have lots of new and interesting opportunities on the horizon. There will be sign-up sheets for those who would like to work on set construction for our December musical “A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol” the weekend of December 7, 8, and 9. We will also be recruiting volunteers for behind the scenes jobs, including publicity, ticket sales, hospitality and more. Bring a dish (based on your last name/enough to serve 6) and a beverage to share A-G (Main Course)
H-L (Salad/Veggie)
Silver Spring Stage Presents
“Assisted Living”
A One-Act Play by Jeffrey Neuman Produced by Pam Burks and Jacy D’Aiutolo Directed by Bob Scott Starring Bob Benn as The Old Man Nancy Blum as The Nurse David Dieudonné as The Young Man A tense visitation occurs in an assisted living facility as an old man lies confined to a hospital bed, imprisoned by aphasia and robbed of his ability to communicate. Weekend Three of Silver Spring Stage’s One Act Play Festival
August 23, 24, & 25 - 8 p.m. August 26 - 2 p.m.
M-Q (Appetizers)
R-Z (Dessert)
New Release “Conversations with Nora” A novel by Elaine Lohrman
Congratulations to our own Elaine Lohrman on the release of her new book, Conversations with Nora. A heartfelt dialogue between friends, this novel follows the journey of two sisters as they each struggle to understand the grip of Alzheimer’s on their family. The novel, inspired by a true story, takes the reader from the sisters’ first realization that something is wrong with Mother, through her agonizing denial and efforts to thwart the daughters’ attempts to care for her, and plunges the reader, along with the entire family, into the dark and confusing maze of dementia. The path to finding a place where Mother will be secure and can feel at home is filled with many obstacles, not the least of which are her own fight for independence and a medical system that seems unwilling to help them. Told through dinner conversations between the eldest daughter, Allison, and her friend, Nora, the healing power of love and caring takes on a fresh meaning. Nora’s supportive, patient, and nonjudgmental presence provides a safe place for Allison to move through a raw and painful reality towards healing. Available in paperbook and Kindle at Amazon.com and on Nook at Barnesandnoble.com.
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Caring and Learning AARP Driver Safety Course Thursday, August 30 9:30 a.m., Great Hall
Your local AARP chapter is co-sponsoring the AARP’s Driver Safety classroom course in the Great Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Lunch provided by AARP DC). The course is designed primarily for drivers 50 and older and may lead to a discount on your car insurance. To register, contact the instructor, Leonard Washington, 202-575-7711. Cost: $5/Educators; $12/AARP Members; $14/General Admission (Purchase tickets at the door).
Lunch and More Thursday, September 20, Noon - 2 p.m., Great Hall
Beginning in September, join us every third Thursday of the month for “Lunch and More!” After eating together (sandwiches will be provided) we will plan future activities which might include movie watching, study, games, and/or book discussions. Mark your calendar! This will be a time of feasting, fellowship, and fun! Questions or input, contact Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@ nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 19.
My Life as a Caregiver Wednesday, August 22, 6:30 p.m. The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew (15300 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD)
When did you know that it was time? Meet caregivers who have placed their loved ones at Arden Courts as they share their personal journey.
Spirituality Groups at the Carpenter’s House 5148 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda, MD 20816 www.carpentershousedc.org; 301.761.4166 Calling Discernment. If you sense a call to a new vocational pursuit, but do not know what that is, come because you believe God and others can help your discernment. Tuesdays, September 11 - December 11, 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Meditation. Guided meditation grounded in letting go to welcome God. Mondays, September 10 - December 17, 12:45 pm. - 1:15 pm. Communal and Intercessory Prayer. Mondays, September 10 - December 10, 6.30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Christian Meditation. Thursdays, September 13 - December 13, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Sign up and get more info online at 222.meetup.com. Peaceful Relationships. With Self, Others and God. Wednesdays, September 12 - December 19, noon - 1:15 p.m. Location: Bethesda United Church of Christ, 10010 Fernwood Rd.
Leadership Development Training
Enriching the Soul Through Leadership Development Taking on a church leadership role can be a sacred calling — an opportunity to serve God and one another by applying our talents to some aspect of the work in which the church is engaged. When we consent to teach a class, serve on or chair a committee, or organize a one-time or on-going effort, we are assuming a leadership role. What inspires us to perform such a role can vary — and can be deeply personal. How well we succeed in this role, however, often depends on how well we inspire those whom we’ve been asked to lead.Yet good leadership skills come not from being blessed with charisma, but rather from developing a set of tools that enable a leader to foster cooperation, creativity, and commitment among his or her team. By marshaling these strengths, groups are able to effectively perform such tasks and achieve larger objectives. To this end, Metropolitan Cooperative Parish (MCP) is launching a leadership development curriculum— Enriching the Soul through Leadership Development — to equip church leaders with the skills and resources that will help them build a strong team and fulfill their team’s mission. This course will be offered in monthly, two-hour workshops on Wednesday evenings during the popular “soup and study” time. Participation is open to anyone in the MCP community. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to attend as many sessions as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Forsyth, suzanneforsyth@aol.com or 202-686-8819. An overview of the program can be found on our website at nationalchurch.org/Learning/Adult. If you are interested or have a question, please contact Helen Simon, hsimon@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 42.
"Soup and Study" Returns in September!
"Soup and Study," Metropolitan's Wednesday evening study program returns on September 12. Supper of soup, bread, salad and dessert will be served in the Vestry at 6 p.m. with classes beginning at 7 p.m. In addition to Bible Study, led by Charlie Parker, there are several new offerings this fall including: • 2nd Wednesdays - "Enriching the Soul through Leadership Development" • 4th Wednesdays - "Cloud of Witnesses: Christian Writers" • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays - "Living and Dying Well," with Drema McAllister-Wilson (Fall semester only) • Every Wednesday - Disciple I, with Barbara Gaskill (32 weeks) Questions? Contact Barbara Green, bgreen@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 25.
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Service and Advocacy Homeless Ministry Success Stories
In March of this year, the St. Luke’s Shelter transitioned to a new operating model. Working in partnership with Friendship Place’s AimHire program, Metropolitan’s leaders helped transition St. Luke’s from a 7 p.m. - to - 7 a.m. shelter to a facility accessible to residents 24 hours a day and focused on addressing both the employment and housing needs of homeless men. The goal is to help the residents regain their independence and rejoin the community as productive and self-sufficient members. The staff work intensively with each resident to identify his own goals—getting a job, gaining confidence and stability, regaining independence and self-sufficiency. Within the first two months, the results were spectacular! Four of seven residents gained employment. Even better, the average length of stay has been reduced from 6 to 9 months to 3 or 4 months, meaning more residents can be served with the same number of beds. In fact, when the first resident of the new program successfully transitioned into his own apartment, the vacant bed was filled with another resident within 3 hours! One of the residents, who gained employment, moved into his very own apartment. He said that without the stability provided by St. Luke’s, Friendship Place, and Metropolitan, he would not have been able to regain his independence and move on with his life. “Being a part of this process continues to be a truly gratifying experience,” says AimHire Coordinator Drew Gossett. “It’s wonderful and humbling to witness so many lives being improved one day at a time.” On behalf of the AimHire program, Drew expressed gratitude to all the members of Metropolitan, adding “The new model of shelter that St. Luke's represents is a phenomenal success and a tremendously valuable service to all the homeless individuals it serves. Without Metropolitan's dedication to realizing this vision these success stories would not be possible.”
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 lotsahelpinghands.com/c/622058/login!
Charles A., who resided first at Metropolitan House and later St. Luke’s during the past year, has signed the lease to a new apartment. A modest grant from the new Metropolitan House Resident Assistance Fund helped him cross this threshold. But he will be able to continue to afford it because of the employment that he found through AIMHire's services. Charles has not only achieved financial stability and regained his independence, he has been able to reunite with his wife Kim, as homelessness had forced them to live apart. Charles and Kim want to express enormous gratitude to all members of Metropolitan that helped make this possible.
United Methodist Women UMW Craft Day Saturday, September 29, 9 a.m. - noon, Great Hall
Get your craft on and join UMW pals to bead, knit, sew, découpage, glue, whatever. Brush up on an old pastime or try something new – no experience required. You can donate your creation to be sold at the November bazaar, or take it with you. Breakfast goodies provided. For questions and to RSVP, contact Mary Townsend, craft-day coordinator at maryleekt@gmail.com or 202-534-2022 or Suzanne Vieth at msvieth@verizon.net or 202-237-6744.
Bazaar Preparations - Your Donations Are Needed
The UMW is now accepting gently-used items for the bazaar. Your donations may be left at any time beside the UMW closet. We take kitchen things, china and other collectibles, books/CDs/DVDs/tapes/ records, puzzles and games, "attic treasures," Christmas decorations, unused nicer items for the Gifts boutique, and accessories such as scarves and belts and handbags. Questions? Contact Barbara Gaskill, Barbara@bgaskill.com or 202-244-3512. •
Donations of jewelry should be delivered to the church office. Want to help with the jewelry? Contact Eugenia Evans, setevans@comcast.net or 301-320-4036 or Kelly D’Angelo, kellysclothes@aol.com.
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Boutique-quality jackets for the “Jacket Mania” section should be delivered directly to Connie McWorkman on Sunday mornings. Call her ahead of time to be sure you can connect on a specific Sunday: 301-320-4242.
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Other than the above, we do not take clothing. Also, no furniture (we don’t have space); and no used electronics, no magazines, no textbooks (these don’t sell). Thanks!
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Sorting and pricing of items donated for the UMW bazaar is ongoing between now and the bazaar, every Tuesday (except August 14) from 10 a.m. to noon, near the Parlor. There will also be a special Saturday morning catch-up session on August 18 between 10 a.m. and noon. Hope you can join in. Many hands are needed and all are welcomed with open arms to pitch in with this process!
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Bazaar date is Saturday, November 3. Questions, thoughts, suggestions? Contact Barbara Gaskill, Barbara@bgaskill. com or 202-244-3512.
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Campus Ministries Be A Mentor - Learn, Experience and Share
This past year, Metropolitan’s American University Campus Ministry team set out to do a new thing: set up mentoring partnerships between congregation members and members of the AU Methodist-Protestant Community. Metropolitan member Betty Rogers and AU student Emily Fleitz represent the first of such partnerships, which the Campus Ministry team hopes to grow over the coming year. Emily speaks enthusiastically about her relationship with Betty, describing it as “surprising and really awesome.” When the two met, Emily was preparing to lead an alternative break trip to India. Betty has extensive relationships and travel experiences in India, and was able to assist in Emily in her planning. Betty reflects that the trip to India served as a concrete starting point for their partnership. She was able to assist Emily in planning a meditation retreat before the trip, including leading a workshop on meditation for those unfamiliar with the practice. What makes for a good mentoring relationship? Emily says that Betty “is interested in what I’m doing, not just telling me about her.” She adds that Betty is able to connect her with opportunities she would not otherwise be able to take advantage of, and that Betty introduced her to others with similar interests. For her part, Betty feels that she has learned a lot from her partnership with Emily. “Emily is very thoughtful,” Betty says, and “it’s interesting to hear her questions, her concerns.” She notes that the intergenerational aspect of the partnership is important, and that it’s important for younger adults to hear voices other than just their peers. For students interested in a mentoring relationship, Emily has this advice: “Be open. Don’t go in expecting ‘I want to get a job out of this’ or ‘I want this.’ You might get something different out of it than you thought you would.” Betty shares that the program “is rewarding when there’s a good matchup.” She stresses the importance of students coming into the program with a sense of what they’re looking for in a mentor. Are you interested in a mutual learning experience and the chance to share yourself and your experiences with an enthusiastic partner? The mentoring program is for you. The Campus Ministry team is looking for all levels of commitment, from 1-2 year mentor to short-term commitments such as meeting with a student one or two times to work on an internship or paper. We are also looking for new members of the campus ministry team who can deepen their level of involvement with students while serving and socializing at monthly dinners. If you’re interested, contact campusministry@nationalchurch.org or join us in the Vestry after either service on August 26 to learn more about the campus ministry.
Children’s Ministries Bibles for Third-Graders for Next School Year Deadline September 4
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 4, in order to have the Bibles personalized for the presentation September 23.
Summer Sundays of Service
A huge shout out goes to all of the children, parents, and other volunteers who made our annual Summer Sundays of Service a wonderful success. We made 150 sack lunches for the homeless supported by the Grate Patrol, painted 45 cards for our shut-ins and veterans, filled 100 bags of grace for Friendship Place, created 20 stepping stones for Metropolitan’s gardens, packed 250 bags for Brighter Day Ministries’ Summer Academic Camp Explosion, and cooked for seven men at St. Luke’s and planted dozens and dozens of seeds at St. Luke’s community garden to support the men’s shelter. Thanks all!
Backpacks for Brighter Day Ministries
Only a few weeks left to give! We are collecting school supplies, including new backpacks, for Brighter Day Ministries. Donations may be left on the silver shelves in the foyer of Metropolitan. Help us help Brighter Day make a difference in the lives of our city’s kids. All donations must be received by THURSDAY, AUGUST 16. 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. Brighter Day is distributing the backpacks at their annual back to school event on Saturday, August 18. That is why we need your donations now. Cash donations are accepted in lieu of supplies. Thank you very much. If you have questions, please contact Anita Seline, Director of Children’s Ministries, aseline@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 22.
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Our Mission Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites others into a deepening relationship with God and challenges them to grow as disciples for the transformation of the world. Our Vision Extending radical hospitality, transforming lives, and pursuing justice. Reconciling Statement Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church affirms that all individuals are of sacred worth without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, marital circumstances, economic status, physical and mental condition, or criminal history. We declare ourselves in support of the reconciling movement and welcome the full participation in the church of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons and their families, as a reflection of God’s unconditional love. At the same time, we recognize differences of opinion on issues of sexuality and seek to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect.
Pastoral and Administrative Staff - 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, DC - 202.363.4900 www.nationalchurch.org - Pastoral Emergency Number - 202.510.8555
Rev. Dr. Charles Parker –– Senior Pastor, ext. 11, cparker@nationalchurch.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 19, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Barbara Green – Director of Learning, ext. 25, bgreen @nationalchurch.org Rev. Jimmy Sherrod — Associate Pastor, ext. 24, jsherrod@nationalchurch.org Rev. Kate Murphey — Associate Pastor, ext. 21, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 15, bcaviness@nationalchurch.org Jeff Clouser — Director of Communications and Outreach, ext. 23, jclouser@nationalchurch.org Dona Collary — Director of Finance, ext. 18, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director and 9 a.m. Worship Leader, ext. 12, celliott@nationalchurch.org Caleb Frazier — Campus Ministry Coordinator, ext. 14, campusministry@nationalchurch.org David Hosey — Campus Ministry Coordinator, ext. 14, campusministry@nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 28, phouse@nationalchurch.org Ohemaa Nyanin — Interim Associate Director of Youth Ministries, youthministry@nationalchurch.org Bill Potts –– Executive Director of Operations, ext. 17, wpotts@nationalchurch.org Rafael Reyes — Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 20, rreyes@nationalchurch.org Anita Seline — Director of Children’s Ministries, ext. 22, aseline@nationalchurch.org Helen Simon - Executive Assistant to Dr. Parker, ext. 42, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org
The Messenger is published by: The Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: nationalchurch.org St. Luke’s Campus - 3655 Calvert Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20007 Wesley United Methodist Church - 5312 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20015 NEXT ISSUE: September 10, 2012 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on September 4, 2012