September 8, 2014 by National United Methodist Church

The Messenger

September 8, 2014 Volume XXIV, No. 9 Nationalchurch.org

My Sabbatical...A Great Gift

Sunday, October 12 One Worship Service October 12, 10am St.Luke's Mission Center*

Join us as our entire Metropolitan Church (our multi-site congregation) worships together at our St. Luke’s Mission Center. The service will take the place of the 9am and 11:15am services at Metropolitan Memorial and Wesley’s 11am service. This special service will be an opportunity to celebrate the amazing ways we are able to serve the community through our ministries at St. Luke’s, including the St. Luke’s Shelter, Shalom Place Hostel, Campus Kitchen DC, the Hypothermia Shelter, the Community Garden, and our cooperative work with Friendship Place. Following the service there will be opportunities to tour the facility, learn about the ministries and programs, meet leaders and participants, and get involved! Note: There will be no Sunday School classes at Metropolitan or Wesley on this Sunday, and childcare will be available during worship at St Luke's. *3655 Calvert Street NW

What an amazing gift this past summer has been! And I have never had a summer fly by so quickly. There is no way to capture all of the activities and impressions in a short essay, and I know that we will do a great deal of sharing with each other over the coming months. I look forward to sharing some reflections on my Sabbatical with you on September 14 (see below), and I thought that I might start the conversation by sharing a brief overview of the flow of the summer: • Japan: The summer began with a wondrous month in Japan. Half of that month, I was by myself, and the middle two weeks I was part of a group led by my shakuhachi teacher, Ronnie Seldin. The first week I was in Tokyo, and did a wonderful amount of sightseeing, as well as practicing shakuhachi with two local teachers. I also practiced aikido daily in two different dojos. When Ronnie and the other students arrived, we did some day trips out of Tokyo, and then headed to the southern island of Kyushu. Throughout this part of the trip we saw some amazing sights around the country and did a lot of practice with Ronnie and some other teachers. We ended up in Kyoto and after Ronnie and the other students left, I remained for a final week in Kyoto, studying shakuhachi with Kurahashi sensei, and practicing aikido at another dojo, as well as much more sightseeing. • Vancouver: The other major travel part of the sabbatical was an intensive retreat with shakuhachi performer, teacher, and maker Alcvin Ramos, who lives a couple hours north of Vancouver, British Columbia. These eleven days were pretty intense, with two lessons and a couple hours of flute making every day. It was also a very rich experience, because Al is so good at incorporating shakuhachi practice into his spiritual discipline. We began each morning walking out into the frigid Pacific waters playing the flute as a form of a traditional Japanese practice called misogi, which is a ritual cleansing. Every day also began and ended with half an hour to an hour of silent meditation. It was a wonderful and powerful experience. • Camps: In early July, I participated in a week of aikido camp, held here in DC. There were a couple hundred aikido-ka (practitioners) from all over the country and teachers from around the country as well, and about eight hours of mat time every day. It was exhausting! Likewise, in early August, I participated in shakuhachi camp over several days in Philadelphia. This was also an opportunity to learn from a number of different teachers with a series of classes every day. • Family time: I was also blessed over the summer with a great deal of wonderful family time. In June, my sister Beth and I took our daughters backpacking on the Appalachian Trail for a few days. In July, Jeannine, Julia, and Joshua joined me in Vancouver for 10 days of exploring that amazing city. At the end of July, Beth’s family and our family had a week together in a cabin. And in late August, my family had a chance to spend two weeks in the UK. Whew! It was an incredibly rich and full (and exhausting) summer. As I told the staff this week, the sabbatical was one of the great gifts of my life, and could not have happened without this amazing team of ministry colleagues. Words cannot express my gratitude to you all and to the Lilly Foundation for making this time possible. I hope that I am returning to you more prepared than ever to engage in ministry with you. Blessings,

Rev. Charlie Parker

Sabbatical Reflections from Charlie Parker - Sunday, September 14, 10:10am and 12:30pm, Vestry

Join Charlie Parker as he reflects on his sabbatical at 10:10am and 12:30pm (a light lunch will be served). We will end in time for the Larry Boggs concert, "With a Child's Heart" (see pg. 3).

Life at the Metropolitan Church A Story to Share at Metropolitan and Wesley!

Beginning this Sunday through Thanksgiving, there will be a special moment in worship each week when one of the members of our church family will share their story. Our fall sermon series will be focusing on “Hearing Our Stories” in September, “Living Our Stories” in October, and “Sharing Our Stories” in November. If you miss these stories on Sunday morning, they will be posted on our website, nationalchurch.org, and in the Messenger. We’ll be doing some things a little differently this fall, so you won’t want to miss a Sunday. On October 12, we will be having a joint worship at our St. Luke’s Mission Center at 10 am (see pg. 1). Choirs from all services will participate and the Morningstar Choir will sing, as well. It will be a joyous morning of celebration and a chance to tour our facilities and take part in meal preparation for our homeless ministries. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend to worship with us and experience the amazing ministries at our Mission Center. Mark your calendars for November 16 when we celebrate our commitments to Metropolitan Church at Metropolitan Memorial and Wesley. During each worship time, we will celebrate with breakfast and worship (in the Great Hall at Metropolitan Memorial and the Fellowship Hall at Wesley). It will be a time of sharing and celebration. Come be a part of the new story we write! On November 23, we will dedicate our commitments in all of our worship services and participate in a worship of Thanksgiving and Gratitude. Since spices are the most expensive item to purchase for our Campus Kitchen’s program, you are invited to bring a jar of spice to place on the altar as a symbol of your dedication and also to help fill the spice cupboard at our St. Luke’s Mission Center.

Worship Training Event Saturday, September 13, 9:30am – lunch

Come, Come, Everybody Worship are words to a hymn we often sing at 9am. There are many ways to participate in creating our Sunday morning worship, from greeting people as they arrive, to leading prayers, serving communion, creating flower arrangements and more. Join us for a morning of prayer, hands-on training, shared friendship and more. For more information or to make a reservation (requested but not required), contact Pat House, phouse@nationalchurch. org or 202-363-4900, ext. 114.

Rev. Alan Storey Lecture Monday, September 15, 7pm, Foundry UMC*

The Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) presents Rev. Alan Storey, pastor of Central Methodist Mission in Cape Town, South Africa. Rev. Storey, a highly regarded teacher and preacher, has been a leader for justice and development initiatives in South Africa and beyond. Metropolitan is cosponsoring the event. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/1v1LXZ0. *1500 16th Street, NW.

Metropolitan Memorial Book Club Monday, September 15, 7:30pm, Parlor

Join Regula Guess as she leads our discussion of Christina Baker Kline’s, The Orphan Train. Contacts: Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com or Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail.

Metropolitan Ringers - Ring in the Fall!

The handbell choir has an opening for someone who has a musical background and is free Sunday evenings. We can teach you the bell techniques, but it is helpful to have studied piano or played an instrument and can read music. We ring monthly September - May and rehearse in the Sanctuary on Sunday nights. We work hard and laugh a lot! Contact: Susan Staines, staines@rcn.com.

Blessing of the Animals Thursday, October 9 9:30am, Sanctuary

Join us as we welcome the community and their animal friends for a special blessing near the birthday of St. Francis of Assisi.

News From the Green Team American University Wins National “Cool School” Award, Inspire Us Forward

American University placed second in the nation in this year’s national “Cool Schools” competition for sustainable practices. AU has implemented extensive programs for Sustainability, including the biggest combined solar array in the District, 11 all-electric cars on campus, dozens of buildings in the process of getting LEED certified, a policy against idling cars, and the student-led Adopt-a-Tree program, which takes care of trees around D.C. The school has also set ambitious future goals. By 2016, clubs won't be allowed to buy bottled water. By 2017, at least 50% of dining-hall fare will be from sustainable sources. And by 2020, AU plans to be a “zero-waste” campus, sending no waste to landfills or incinerators. Colleges and universities who compete in “Cool Schools” are evaluated on 68 categories of sustainable practices. The University of California, Irvine took first place in the competition, sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the Sustainable Endowments Institute (SEI), and the Princeton Review Sierra Club, and the Sierra Club. Our Green Team congratulates AU and looks forward to opening dialogue with their Sustainability leaders and learning best practices for our own work, which so far has included new drinking fountains outside the office suite and the Great Hall. Both are equipped with bottle filling stations, which count the number of single-use water bottles saved by refilling reusable water bottles. And check out the vestry renovation! In addition to the new paint and new floor, new lights will be installed there this month which will use about one-third of the electricity of the current lights.

The Arts at the Metropolitan Church Concert and Art Show Opening Reception Sunday, September 28, 3pm, Concert l 4:30pm, Reception, Sanctuary/Great Hall

The Arts Council is pleased to begin the 2014-15 season with a concert by the Chicago Piano Duo (see inset) and a show of Art Quilts titled, “Stitched Together” - Art Quilts by SIG-SAC.” Our artists have an intriguing name: SIG-SAC which stands for “Special Interest Group, Serious Art Critique.” They are part of an international art quilt organization, Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA). This group, founded in 1979 with less than 50 members, has grown to over 3,000 members and defines an art quilt as "a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure." The designation of “art” quilt means that the works are conceived, fabricated, and presented as art where line, form, and color are the basis of their “being.” The second part of their name, “Serious Art Critique” refers to the special interest of our SIG-SAC: Every month the artists meet and discuss the works-in-progress that members have brought. They critique how well the quilts exhibit basic design principles of line, form, and color and consider simple changes that the artist can make, such as “hang on its side.” The group has learned effective techniques of critiquing a work of art and applying these suggestions to, specifically, art quilts. This on-going assessment has helped the group produce beautiful and intriguing works of art. Presenting artists include: Susan Callahan, Connie Condrell, Diane Doran, Ann Graham, Cathy Kleeman, Linda Strowbridge, and Susan Walen.

Chicago Piano Duo

Schubert and Brahms: now there's a dynamic twosome. On September 28 at 3pm, the Arts Council's first concert of the new season will let us luxuriate in their music as presented by the Chicago Piano Duo, a group formed in 2010 by William Phemister and Brian Lee. William Phemister is a graduate of the Juilliard School, the École Normale de Musique (Paris), and the Peabody Conservatory, where he was awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts degree. He received a Fulbright Grant to France and won first prizes in several important piano competitions. He retired from his position as Professor of Piano at Wheaton College in Illinois in 2007. Dr. Phemister’s concert career has taken him throughout the United States and to every continent except South America. He is the author of American Piano Concertos and the editor of the multi-volume “Masterworks Piano Library,” which offers classical keyboard literature resources for the church pianist. Brian Lee performs as a soloist and chamber musician and has appeared in a wide array of venues in the United States and Canada. He has collaborated with many prominent artists, including cellist Joel Krosnick of the Juilliard String Quartet, and has been featured as soloist with several orchestras. He has given premieres of works by American composers Gunther Schuller, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, and Alex Freeman. Dr. Lee is a graduate of Wheaton College, New England Conservatory, Royal Conservatory of Music, and The Juilliard School, where he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Currently associate professor of music at Moody Bible Institute, he serves as a piano teacher, chamber music coach, classroom lecturer, and Coordinator of Piano Studies. In their recital at Metropolitan, the Chicago Piano Duo will play four four-hand works by the great master of that genre, Schubert: the much loved Fantasy in Fm, the dramatic Lebensstürme, a rondeau, and a march. Each pianist will also perform a solo work by Brahms: an intermezzo (Dr. Lee) and a rhapsody (Dr. Phemister). The concert is free; a free-will offering will go entirely to the performers.

With a Child's Heart Larry L. Boggs, Jr. in Concert Sunday, September 14, 1:30pm Sanctuary

Come and enjoy the sounds of Metropolitan Memorial's very own Larry L. Boggs, Jr. as he presents music from several genres including classical, R&B, Hymns, spirituals and more! Free admission and dessert social following the concert in the Great Hall.

Jazz@Wesley Saturday, September 27, 6:30pm Wesley UMC*

Enjoy the sounds of latin jazz with Verny Varela and Alina Collins Maldonado! $10 entry l $7 Senior l 12 and under free. Purchase tickets at instantseats.com. Bring a nonperishable food item or a lightly used coat to jazz up someone else’s life. For more information, call 202-966-5144 x-325 or email WesleyInfo@nationalchurch.org. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.

Concert to Benefit “Imagine No Malaria” Saturday, October 25, 2pm and 6pm Oakdale Emory UMC*

The National Christian Choir will perform two concerts on Saturday, October 25 at Oakdale Emory United Methodist Church to benefit the Baltimore-Washington Conference's “Imagine No Malaria” campaign. There will be a 2pm matinee and a 6pm evening performance with a reception for persons donating at the Bishop’s Circle level. Donation levels are set at: $20/Patron (save 2 lives), $30/Director’s Circle (save 3 lives), and $50/Bishop’s Circle (save 5 lives). All donations go entirely to the Imagine No Malaria campaign and are fully tax deductible. The National Christian Choir is an interdenominational choir based in the Washington DC metropolitan area which ministers through recordings, tours and weekly radio broadcasts. The choir was founded in 1984 and is under the leadership of Ms. Kathy Bowman. Ms. Bowman is a former professor of music and Music Director at Trinity UMC, Frederick. The choir now has close to 170 voices. For more information or to purchase tickets go to bwcumc.org. *3425 Emory Church Rd., Olney, MD.

The Arts at the Metropolitan Church Catching Fire: A Concert for Inclusion and Equality With Special Guest, Rev. Frank Shaefer Friday, October 17, 8pm, Sanctuary I Pre-Concert Reception*, 6:30pm, Great Hall

On Friday, October 17, Metropolitan Church will host a very special evening bringing together exceptional musicians, inspirational leaders and an engaged community of activists. Proceeds from this unique event will benefit the Reconciling Ministries Network, the national organization that mobilizes United Methodists and their congregations to affirm and advance full inclusion of LGBTQ persons in all facets of congregational and denominational life. The concert organizing committee is a collaboration of members of Metropolitan and Foundry churches, and the event is being sponsored by a growing list of United Methodist congregations in the area. Dr. Eileen Guenther, professor of church music at Wesley Theological Seminary, and an internationally renowned organ recitalist, will serve as artistic director of the event. Music of social justice will be the focus of the concert, performed by Tenor, Robert Baker; Soprano, Millicent Scarlett; The Rock Creek Singers ensemble from The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (Thea Kano, Director); and The Friends of Charles Wesley Choir (Eileen Guenther, Director). The grand finale will bring all the singers together, joined by singers from the sponsoring churches. The Catching Fire Concert organizers are pleased to welcome the Reverend Frank Schaefer as our special guest for the evening. Rev. Schaefer’s poise during his highly visible church trial, defrocking and reinstatement has inspired and galvanized United Methodists across the nation and focused unprecedented national media attention on the struggle for full inclusion of LGBTQ people within the denomination. Rev. Schaefer will be available to sign copies of his book, Defrocked: How a Father’s Act of Love Shook the United Methodist Church, at a pre-concert reception in the Great Hall. Mark your calendars and plan to take part in this unique celebration of music, spirit, activism and inclusion. Help ignite the flame of justice through your support! Here’s how: • Purchase concert tickets: $50/Preferred Seating; $25/General Admission; $20/Student; $10/Book Signing and Reception. Tickets can be purchased in advance at rmnetwork.org/catchingfire. • Please consider an additional donation at one of the following levels: Patron: $50-$249/Patron; $250-499/Benefactor; $500-999/Sustainer; $1,000 - 2,500/Sponsor We hope to see you there! *Tickets for reception and book signing are available only at the door and on a first-come basis.

The United Methodist Women UMW Bazaar is Coming! - Saturday, November 1, 8am - 3pm

The United Methodist Women are now accepting gently-used items for the bazaar. Your donations may be left at any time beside the UMW closet. We take kitchen items, china and other collectibles, puzzles and games, “attic treasures,” Christmas decorations, unused nicer items for the Gifts boutique, and accessories such as scarves, belts and handbags. (Sorry, no books at this time. Please save them for the spring book sale since our storage space is limited.) 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: Alison Daifuku, adaifuku@verizon.net or 202-363-4885. •Boutique-quality clothing should be delivered directly to Connie McWorkman or Elaine Chan. Contact: Connie McWorkman, 301-320-4242 or Elaine Chan, elainechan73@gmail.com to be sure you can connect on a specific Sunday or some other time. •Other than the above, we do not take clothing. Also, no furniture (we don’t have space); and no used electronics or magazines. Thanks! •Sorting and pricing of items donated for the UMW bazaar is ongoing, every Tuesday from 10am to noon, in the Parlor or nearby. Hope you can join in. Many hands are needed, and all are welcomed with open arms to pitch in with this process!

United Methodist Women Recognition Luncheon - Nominations Needed

Although our next Recognition Luncheon will not be until December, it is time to think about prospective honorees. At that time, we will honor and recognize four outstanding UMW ladies who have made significant contributions to our church, community and nation. We need your help in nominating these candidates. To see the names of people who have already received this award, please see Page 8 of your 2012-2013 UMW Directory. We would prefer to honor women who have not been previously recognized. To nominate someone, please contact Carol Schleicher, 301-229-2385 or rschlei@verizon.net or Sandy Yeager, 301-320-3951 or syeager42@yahoo.com.

Caring Ministries World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10

Your Life Matters! ----to others, to this world, to God. God loves you. God knows your struggles and failures, as well as your joys and triumphs. Even when you walk through the valleys of the shadows, God is with you. In the times when it feels like God is far away or doesn’t hear our prayers, God gives us people who can help—friends, loved ones, co-workers, others in your faith community, your pastors, and clinical professionals such as counselors, therapists, and doctors. They can be God’s heart and God’s listening ear when we feel most troubled or alone. If you or someone you know has lost hope, is feeling alone, or that life doesn’t matter, reach out for help. Let others help. This is especially important if there are thoughts of suicide or wanting to die. Resources for Help: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24 hours), 1-800-273-TALK (8225); Pathways2Promise: Ministry and Mental Illness,pathways2promise.org or pathways@mimh.edu. Anne Mathews Younes Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org

September AARP Meeting Monday, September 15, 12:30pm, Vestry

Join us as Attorney Barbara Betsock speaks on issues of aging, including wills and other documents, public benefits, special needs, probate, and guardianship. Meeting starts at 1pm. Refreshments available.

Gentle Yoga for Well-Being Thursdays, 4pm, Great Hall

All are invited to stretch and strengthen with Cathryn Gunnerson, Yoga Teacher, AYS. There will be chairs available for those who require the assistance of a prop in the practice, or for getting on and off the floor. Please bring a yoga mat, and wear loose or stretchy comfortable clothing. To register or for more information, contact Cathryn, Cathryn@ yogawell-being.com This series is sponsored by the Congregational Care Committee.

Join three renowned voices for achieving peace through mindfulness, in celebration of the Peace Alliance’s 10th anniversary and the UN declared International Day of Peace (September 21). Exploring the questions: what is mindful activism? How do we stop the violence in our homes, our schools, our neighborhoods our nation and our world? Please join us as we explore and recommit to building peace.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Tuesday, September 16, 1:30pm Sunday, September 21, 12:30pm

Sylvia Boorstein writes, “Creating A Mindful Nation is an innovative ‘peace movement’ to renew vital dialogue on essential issues. Congressman Tim Ryan, Tara Brach and I will explore how to peacefully coexist in a polarized world with a shakuhachi flute intro by Senior Pastor Charlie Parker.

Lunch and More Thursday, September 18, Noon, Great Hall

I grew up in a 1940’s Jewish household committed to ‘tickun olam,’ healing the world. My mother took me into the voting booth to watch her vote. She wept as we read headlines about Hiroshima and prayed that the newly-created United Nations would create a world that settled disputes peacefully.

Enjoy a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun in the Parlor! Interested in joining? Contact: Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.

Join us for “Lunch and More,” a time of feasting, fellowship and fun! After we feast on a good meal, the group will brainstorm potential programs for the coming year. Please come with your ideas and suggestions. Please invite anyone that you think would enjoy the fellowship! For more information, contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com or Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net

Book Review: Liberating the Holy Name By Rev. E. Maynard Moore

Daniel Spiro’s, Liberating the Holy Name: A Free-Thinker Grapples with the Meaning of Divinity is an extraordinary book, a rare undertaking that succeeds in filling the immense gap between the negativism of the flaming atheists and the intransigent fundamentalists. Spiro writes as one who has spent the better part of five decades asking the deep questions of life that we all ask, and now puts it all together in a philosophical approach by embracing the uncertainty that both Socrates and Spinoza would applaud. It is an inquiry with all the intellectual tools at our disposal and a celebration of the journey that honors the best in contemporary thinking. How can reading a book with a new question arising from every answer be such an intellectual joy? You have to try it and discover for yourself. Available at Amazon.com. – Rev. E. Maynard Moore, PhD President, WesleyNexus Inc.

In 1961, I joined the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom to lobby government leaders on propeace policies. As the Vietnam War escalated, I took to the streets with my local chapter of Women for Peace, a national network of others like myself pushing our babies in strollers to ensure their peaceful future. My life-long work as a clinical therapist began in the 1960’s, my meditation practice in 1977. My grandchildren watched my arrest on TV for civil disobedience protesting the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. Today, my peace advocacy centers on teaching meditation and writing books to cultivate balance in a volatile world desperate for greater compassion and peace. Congressman Ryan advocates peace through mindfulness training in schools and his book A Mindful Nation. Tara Brach is a clinical psychologist and meditation teacher encouraging attention to our inner life to nurture fuller engagement with the world. Please join us to discover your own path to a more mindful peace.” -Sylvia Boorstein Peace Alliance Advisory Board, PeaceAlliance.org

Adult Study Mondays at the Parsonage Monday, September 15, 6:30pm, Parsonage*

Join us every 3rd Monday of the month for an informal potluck dinner and reflection on how we make space for God. Using Don Postema’s book Space for God as a guide, we will learn to deepen our practice of spirituality and prayer. Feel free to join us even if you are not following the book (but do be ready to share your stories about connecting with God)! Contact: Rev. Kate Murphey Payton, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 110. *3311 Nebraska Ave. NW.

New In-depth Bible Course: Covenant Bible Study Thursday, October 2, 7:30pm, Fireplace Room

Join us Thursday evenings for Covenant, an in-depth group Bible Study that centers around our relationships with God, with each other, and with the world. It differs from other Bible studies in that it emphasizes the biblical concept of Covenant—the enduring commitment between God and people—as a unifying pattern throughout the entire Bible. It underscores the unique relationship that God chooses with us as God's people.

Every Wednesday evening, all are invited to a chef-prepared community meal with friends old and new. Dinner is $7/adult, $4/child, with a maximum of $20/family. College students pay what you can. Reservations are appreciated for planning purposes. To reserve your meal, go to nationalchurch. org/foodforthought.

Covenant study covers the whole Bible by moving between the Old and New Testaments—discussing books from each in a way that shows the interconnectedness of scripture as a whole. Each week's episode includes a thought-provoking 20-minute video conversation between biblical experts that stimulates further discussion and reflection among the group members. Through community—through shared reflection and engagement together—we can best discover the Bible's transformative power.

After you feed your body, feed your mind and soul with two different study opportunities: a Bible study and a topical study (Studies change monthly, so you can choose a Bible study one month, and a topical study the next, without missing pieces of either). Our first Session classes, running September 10 - October 1 (no class September 24) include:

To help the Covenant group deal with busy schedules, the episodes are structured in a modular way to provide flexibility without sacrificing committed study. Three 8-episode segments each explore a different aspect of Covenant life. Each will examine what Covenant means, and the progression of a Covenant relationship with God.

• Bible Study: The Gospel of Mark The oldest of the gospels, Mark offers a vivid portrayal of a very human Jesus, and the tension between his teaching and the powersthat-be around him. Led by Rev. Dr. Charles Parker and Bob Olson • United Methodist History: who we are, why we are, and how we got to where we are. Join us for a quick romp through the story of the Wesley brothers, and the birth and growth of the Methodist church in America. See how God has used the Methodist Church throughout US history and look forward to where we might be headed. Led by Rev. Janet Craswell. For more information, contact Janet Craswell, Director of Christian Education, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900 , ext. 115.

• Creating the Covenant (October 2-November 20). Examine how the Covenant community is created and established. • Living the Covenant (January 8-February 26). Learn how the community lives out their Covenant in faithful love— how it’s applied to actual relationships in everyday life. • Trusting the Covenant (March 5-April 30...no class April 2). Discover the crises that sometimes call Covenant life into question, and how we are restored to trust in God when troubling things happen. Covenant Bible Study creates a learning experience where scripture meets everyday experience—within and beyond the sphere of church life. It builds trust in others as well as confidence in scripture. And it provides an exciting new opportunity to better understand God's call, God's love, and God's unexpected favor. Space is limited to 12 participants, so register today at nationalchurch.org/covenant. For more information, contact Janet Craswell, Director of Christian Education, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900 , ext. 115.

Food for Thought Wednesdays, 6pm - Dinner I 7pm - Classes

September Walking Bible Study Thursdays, 7pm, Wesley Library*

Join us Thursdays in September as we learn a parable and then walk around the neighborhood, discussing the parable as we go. Count on walking 1-2 miles at a leisurely pace, and bring water! Contact: Rev. Kate Murphey Payton, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 110. *5312 Connecticut Ave. NW

Book Study: The Myth of Certainty Thursday, October 2, 7pm, Wesley Library*

Join us as we read and discuss Daniel Taylor’s, The Myth of Certainty. Paralleling our sermon series on hearing, living, and sharing stories, we’ll look at how we relate with others, particularly as Christians with people of other faiths and nonfaith traditions. We’ll seek to find a middle way between both close-minded—“certain”—skepticism and Christianity. For more information, contact Rev. Kate Murphey Payton, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org. *5312 Connecticut Ave. NW.

Overnight Discussion Retreat September 19 - 20, West River Conference Center*

WesleyNexus is hosting a retreat featuring Dr. Connie Bertka, Consultant to the Smithsonian Institution on Science and Human Origins, and Adjunct Professor at Wesley Theological Seminary. A principal objective of this retreat is to equip lay persons in their local congregations for ministry and outreach to young adults and others who are concerned and committed to bring 21st century language and concepts into study and liturgy. Space is limited to 50 persons. Cost for Friday overnight and Saturday meals is $61.50/person. Questions? Go to wesleynexus.org or contact Kent Weaver, kenthweaver@gmail. com. * 5100 Chalk Point Road, West River, MD.

Service and Advocacy Neighborhoods that Vote Get Respect! “Get Out the Vote” in South East DC Saturday, October 18

On October 18, volunteers from Metropolitan and Wesley UMC will be working together with volunteers from our partner church Brighter Day UMC to encourage voters to participate in November’s mayoral election. While some see the outcome as a foregone conclusion, voting still matters! Because elected officials give the most attention to residents in areas most likely to vote. This effort, undertaken with help from the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN), will keep pressure on elected officials regarding the renovation of the Parkway Overlook complex -- an abandoned, city-owned complex of 266 family-sized apartment units near Brighter Day’s A.P. Shaw campus. In June 2013, Metropolitan and Brighter Day held a joint worship service to draw attention to the need to reclaim this property for affordable housing. Mayor Vincent Gray attended that service, pledging his support. While positive steps have been taken, we have not yet crossed the finish line. Our ongoing support is vital! Please consider being part of this effort. Our volunteers will depart from the Metropolitan parking lot promptly at 8:30am. At 9am there will be a brief training and orientation led by WIN leaders at Brighter Day’s AP Shaw campus. We expect to be finished with the canvassing shortly after noon. As we knock on doors, we will also be inviting people to attend a community picnic Brighter Day is hosting at the Henson Ridge community center Sunday, October 26 from 2 - 4pm. Our volunteers are encouraged to take part in this event, as well. For more information or to volunteer, contact Ann Michel, amichel@wesleyseminary.edu.

Tyler Rusch Homeless Walk Sunday, October 19

Show your support for Metropolitan House by taking part in the annual Tyler Rusch Homeless Walk! This annual fundraiser is the principal source of funding for Metropolitan House’s operating expenses. Over the past decade, our congregational walka-thons have raised almost a quarter of a million dollars to support our work with the homeless. Last year, walkers and other donors contributed over $22,000. Congregants can participate in the walk after either morning worship service. Start times are 10am and 12:15pm. Registration will be outside the ground floor foyer on the Newark Street side of the building. Registration fee is $25/adults and $15/children, youth, or young adults under 25. The walk route is approximately 3/4 of a mile and accessible to walkers of all ages.

Grate Patrol- 2 Locations to Serve! September 28, 10:10am, Vestry Kitchen

Help make the meals that are distributed to those in need in our area. Contact: Maura Porcelli, maura.porcelli@gmail. com or volunteer at nationalchurch.org/servenow!

Sunday, October 5, 5:30pm St. Luke’s Mission Center*

Help assemble meals (provided by our Campus Kitchen Program) and/or deliver meals (4-6 people needed to ride in the van from approximately 6:45pm - 8pm). Volunteers may also gather to receive communion and say a prayer (Sanctuary). Contact: Rev. Dottie Yunger, dyunger@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 111. *3655 Calvert St., NW.

Bringing Positive Publicity and Increased Funding to Improve Active Transportation Options Here and Beyond

Jane Ward and Steve Waller announce a sequel to the life-changing, 5200 mile, Ride America for Safe Routes crosscountry ride. Jane, two of their daughters, Jeanie and Chelsea, and a friend, Stephanie pedaled from Key West, FL, to San Francisco, CA in 2012. Many thanks, to those who supported us with donations and cheered us on during that ride. That 3 month ride resulted in Jeanie taking the job of California organizer for the Safe Routes to School National Partnership (SRTSNP), saferoutespartnership.org. Her advocacy targets programs and funding for walking and bicycling transportation in California. Jane joined the SRTSNP as the Research Advisor, updating the research bibliography and writing a monthly blog at saferoutespartnership.org/blog. Ride America for Safe Routes and SRTSNP are now sponsoring a fundraising ride next month in the Central Valley of California, called the Healthy Active Places Tour (HAP). Why target the California Central Valley? Within the many and diverse needs of Californians, the Central Valley stands out as particularly needy: high rates of poverty, terrible air quality, lack of access to healthy food, and poor infrastructure - especially infrastructure that could support safe physical activity. The results are alarming rates of obesity, asthma, and related health disparities among children and families in this region. Communities struggle to make improvements that support healthy, active lifestyles. A team of seven women will ride from September 28 to October 4, setting off from Sacramento and finishing over 300 miles later with a finale event in Fresno, with school events planned for each stop. HAP Tour needs your support! Donate to support healthy active places at healthyactiveplaces.org. The HAP Tour is coorganized through volunteer time and limited resources by Ride America for Safe Routes and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership. Your help is needed to make this event successful and effective! Our goal is to raise $6,000 in the next six weeks, and a contribution of any size will help us reach that goal. Funds raised support the HAP Tour and benefit the Safe Routes to School National Partnership's work nationwide. We have an anonymous donor offering to match the first $1000 raised! Follow the HAP Tour and help spread the word by following us at healthyactiveplaces.org, liking us on Facebook, and sharing our project with anyone you know that may be interested! Thank you for supporting a future where all communities can be healthy, active places! - Jane Ward

Children’s Ministry Godly Play at Metropolitan

For children, September means new school rooms, new teachers, and maybe some new friends. At Metropolitan, it also means new Sunday school classes! On Sunday, September 14, our regular Sunday school resumes with instruction in the 10:10am study hour. Our classes this year are: • Little Wonders: preschoolers (ages 3 and 4, and any 5 year olds not yet in kindergarten). Meets in Room 101 • Godly Players: Kindergarten and 1st grade. Room 200 • Joyful Spirits: 2nd grade. Room 202 • Bible Explorers: 3rd and 4th grade. Room 203 • Young Disciples: 5th grade. Room 201 Children from preschool through fourth grade will use the Godly Play curriculum. In Godly Play, children experience the Bible through stories, art, movement, and reflection. The focus is on wonder and exploration, rather than memorization or rote learning. Our 5th graders use the Grow, Proclaim, Serve curriculum that helps pre-teens apply their faith to the challenges of growing up, while studying the Bible and serving others. We have a dedicated group of Sunday school teachers who are looking forward to a wonderful year with our children. If you would like to join us, please contact Rev. Janet Craswell, Director of Christian Education, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 115.

Bible Sunday September 21 9am Worship

Do you remember your first Bible? On September 21, we will present our 3rd graders with their own Bibles. Join us for this beautiful tradition that recognizes that as our children grow, they grow ever more able to read and interpret scripture for themselves. 3rd graders and their families are invited to a celebration breakfast at 8am in the choir room before the service. If you have a 3rd grader and have not already been in contact with Rev. Janet about Bible Sunday, please call her right away at 202-363-4900, ext. 115.

Audition for Performance Ensembles (ages 9-18)

2014 - 15 Admissions Open House Dates

Metropolitan Nursery School invites you to join us for an Open House. During the Open House our school’s program, curriculum, and admission procedures are discussed in detail. The Director is available to answer any questions you may have about the nursery school. You will also have the opportunity to see our lively classrooms in action. In order to truly appreciate our program we encourage you to attend any one of the scheduled dates: • Thursday, October 23, 9:30am - 10:30am, Great Hall • Thursday, November 13, 9:30am - 10:30am, Great Hall • Thursday, December 11, 9:30am - 10:30am, Great Hall • Thursday, January 22, 9:30am - 10:30am, Great Hall

The Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW) welcomes children ages 9-18 and young men with changing voices, to audition for its nationally recognized performance-based ensembles (Treble Chorus, Bel Canto Chorus, Concert Chorus, Young Men’s Ensemble). • All auditions are by appointment on select dates in MayJune, August-September, and December- January (202237-1005 or ccw@childrenschorus.com) • All students ages 9-18 are encouraged to audition (girls, boys with changed/unchanged voices). • No need to prepare an audition piece. No previous experience is needed. • The auditionee will be asked to sing a simple song like “Happy Birthday,” and follow pitch-matching and easy rhythm exercises. • Based on the audition, CCW Artistic Director determines which ensemble is the best fit for the student. • Once accepted, the young singer joins the chorus as a CCW member for the entire season Learn more at childrenschorus.com!

Youth Ministry This past month, we participated in our third annual Youth 4 the DC Cause program. This is a week for middle school students to experience a mission trip right here in the District. Our program this year focused on issues of hunger and the environment in the Anacostia Watershed and other local rivers. Each day involved a service project, an educational field trip, Bible study, and games. Here are some pictures from the week:

Our youth paint storm drains for the Anacostia Watershed Society to raise awareness of environmental issues. Local artist, Rachel Kerwin, (top right) designed this storm drain.

Our youth clean out the Bandalong trash trap on the Watts Branch tributary of the Anacostia. Staff from Groundwork Anacostia assist with Executive Director, Dennis Chesnut (far right).

Mayor Jacqueline Goodall of Forest Heights, Marlyand showing our youth their zero-runoff municipal building equipped with solar panel and electric car.

• Sundays at 10:10am: All youth are invited! Our Middle School youth follow the Bible-in-Life curriculum which walks them through important biblical stories every week over the course of their three years in middle school. Our High School youth participate in regular discussions shaped by what is going on in their lives and in the world. Contact: Patrick Landau, Director of Youth Ministries, plandau@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 112. • September 14: Back to School Parent Meeting at 11am • September 21: Youth Choir Resumes. Join us in the choir room at 11:15am!

Check our our youth blog at youthmetropolitan.wordpress.com. 9

Our Mission

Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites all into a deepening challenges all of us to grow as disciples, seeking justice and joy for the transformation of the world.

relationship

with

God

and

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. Kate Murphey Payton — Associate Pastor, Sharing, Lead Pastor at Wesley UMC, ext. 110, kmurphey@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 Communications and Outreach, ext. 113, jclouser@nationalchurch.org Dona Collary — Pastoral Care Assistant/Wedding and Funeral Coordinator, ext. 106, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Elliott — 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: October 13, 2014 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on October 7, 2014