The Messenger 9/13

The Messenger Focus on South Africa Mission Study During Soup and Study Starting in October

September 16, 2013 Volume XXIII, No. 9 Nationalchurch.org

Metropolitan Invites YOU to Learn More This Fall

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.

- Romans 12:2

Several strong new opportunities for study are in store for our This fall a mission study will community this fall. The Wednesday evening “Soup and Study” be offered during “Soup and program has resumed with a variety of new and continuing study Study” focusing on South Afactivities. Some of the highlights will be: rica. This four-part mission study will begin Wednesday • What Can Christianity Learn from Other World Religions? Dr. J. Philip Wogaman is well known to us as former dean and professor emeritus of Christian ethics at Wesley Semievening, October 9 and connary and pastor emeritus of Foundry United Methodist Church. October 9 and 23 and tinue on “Soup and Study” November 13 he will lead a three-part series from his new book on the subject, which is Wednesdays through the due next year from Westminster/John Knox Press. remainder of the fall – October 23, November 13 and • How to Visit People in the Hospital or their Homes. On September 25, Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson will lead a session for those who visit on behalf of the church and for anyone December 11 at 7 pm. Pickwho would like to become more skilled at visiting their own family and friends. ing up from Peter Storey’s presentation, we will use his • Bible Study of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Co-taught by Rev. Charlie Parker and book of sermons, God in the Bob Olson. This is one of the letters that Paul wrote from prison, and is one of the best Crucible, as a lens for conletters for exploring Paul’s personal struggles as well as his relationship with one of the sidering racial reconciliation churches he founded. Bob, who is one of our newer members, has done a host of Bible in South Africa. We will also Study teaching, particularly around the epistles of Paul. The Bible study group will choose study the life and legacy of a different book of the Bible for 2014.

Nelson Mandella, and exam- • Experiencing Grief. Antonietta Corvasce, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in ine the issues and challengprivate practice based in the District of Columbia, specializing in grief and loss. Grief is es facing South Africa today. known to be one of the most disruptive experiences of stress that people can have, and This study is open to all, but yet it comes to everyone eventually. Learn more about its impact and how to cope on anyone considering being October 23. part of the 2014 Volunteers • Learning, Serving, Sharing, Caring, Praising. This year we offer a year-long series of in Mission team is strongly classes following the Pillar structure of the ministries of our church. After two September encouraged to take part. sessions on “Why Bother to Learn?”, Dr. Ann Michel will lead four sessions for ServPlease mark your calendar ing during October to December on “Focus on South Africa,” building on Peter Storey’s and plan to join us! presentation in July and in preparation for a mission trip to South Africa next spring. In Before each of the these January and February, Rev. Kate Murphey will lead a four-part series on Evangelism. In sessions, we will use the March and April Jane Ward will lead a four-part series on Creation Care for the Caring “table time” during the Soup ministries. In May and June Ellen Bachman will lead a three-part series on practices of and Study dinners to discuss worship. and plan the VIM trip. Anyone is welcome at the “VIM But that’s not all. Bible Study at Wesley United Methodist Church meets every week on supper table,” whether or not Mondays at 7pm. And . . . Metropolitan has begun two new Sunday School classes this fall you have committed to be at 10:10 am: part of the team. If you are • Good News! will start with news of the week. Led by Lisa and Jon White, the class will explore the relationship between the news and the Gospel. The Whites will suggest topinterested in being included ics, and class members are encouraged to bring their own news clippings and topics for in correspondence related discussion. They will meet in the library, and visitors are welcome. to the South Africa VIM trip, please contact Ann Michel, • Parenting and Pastries: A Drop-in Option for Parents. Designed for parents with children amichel@wesleyseminary. in Sunday School, the class will solicit questions parents are facing in their own parenting edu or Pat House, phouse@ and encourage discussion with the group, using the curriculum, Love and Logic. Parents nationalchurch.org. More inwill be invited to take turns bringing the pastries. The class will meet in the vestry. formation about the VIM trip Our existing adult classes continue, including Bible Plus in the Christie Room; Questions of can be found on page 5.

Faith in the Conference Room; and Science and Religion in the Parlor.

For a schedule of Soup and Study classes go to

nationalchurch.org/Learning/Adult

The schedule will be updated periodically, as classes are added.

Life at Metropolitan Memorial Charlie Parker and Metropolitan Church Awarded a Prestigious Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Grant

It is a great joy to announce that Charlie and Metropolitan Church have been awarded a grant from the Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program for the suma traditional shakuhachi mer of 2014. The program seeks to strengthen congregations by providing opportunities for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and to engage in a period of renewal and reflection. Renewal periods are not vacations, but times for intentional exploration and reflection, for regaining the enthusiasm and creativity for ministry and for discovering what will make the pastor’s heart sing. This will be the first sabbatical that Charlie has had in his 27 years of ordained ministry.

An interesting dimension of the program is that it is designed both for the clergy person taking the time of renewal as well as for the congregation during the pastor’s time away. Charlie worked with church leaders and members from across all programmatic and administrative areas of the church in the design of the grant application. The focus of Charlie’s Sabbath time will be the intensive study of the Japanese flute the shakuhachi, both as a musical instrument as well as a tool for prayer and meditation.

Over the course of the summer, Charlie will spend a month studying in Japan with a number of renowned shakuhachi artists, as well as accompany his teacher on a pilgrimage

Baby Born

Congratulations to Fred and Mary Golladay on the birth of their grandson, Tyler Burdick Golladay, son of Ann and Julia Golladay on August 22.

Welcome

We welcome our new seminarian intern from Wesley Theological Seminary, Jason Kratzer! Jason is originally from Maryland and has been a Masters of Divinity student at Wesley Seminary for the past two years. Prior to attending seminary, he graduated from the University of Delaware and has been employed

by Publix Supermarket in Savannah, GA, as a fishmonger, dealing with product, suppliers and customers. Jason plays and teaches Afro-Cuban percussion, improvising on trumpet, violin, flutes, harmonicas, and various fretted strings alone and in various small ensembles. He also loves tennis, the outdoors, walking, and building/playing marimbulas. Jason seeks to make himself available in the Spirit of love and life to be of help and service to the world. His learning partners at Metropolitan are Elizabeth Byam and Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson.

to ancient temples and sacred sites throughout Japan. This time in Japan will also give Charlie the opportunity to continue his study of the martial art of Aikido. After returning from Japan, Charlie will participate in a shakuhachi Zen retreat in Vancouver, followed by a family vacation there. The time will also include a number of smaller opportunities to study Aikido and shakuhachi on the East coast.

Over the summer, the congregation will parallel some of Charlie’s experience by exploring a variety of spiritual disciplines that rely on the breath, including vocal music expression, different practices of meditation and contemplative prayer, “body prayer,” and spiritual exploration through the visual arts. In addition to our own wonderful pastoral staff, pastoral coverage during this time will include Rev. Chris Holmes (a well-regarded painter, sculptor, and church coach and son of former Metropolitan Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. William Holmes!) to work with the congregation on a variety of topics related to spirituality and the arts. Other teachers will also join us throughout the summer.

This sabbatical will provide an exciting opportunity for our congregation and for Charlie to emerge from these months as a richer, more spiritually-engaged community. The program will launch on May 4, 2014, with a worship and celebration luncheon at Metropolitan Memorial.

New Members

We welcome Bob Olson, who joined our congregation on Sunday, August 11. Bob lives in Rockville, MD with his wife Rosanne. He works with his two sons David and Charlie in the Bethesda office of Morgan Stanley as an investment advisor.

Bob and Rosanne are pleased to announce they became grandparents earlier this year with the birth of their new grandson Samuel on Mothers Day. Bob enjoys being active in the community, teaching, playing golf and attempting to play the piano. He is already an active member of Metropolitan, co-hosting Bible study on Soup and Study Wednesday nights with Charlie Parker. Rosanne is the musician in the family and has sung in several choirs over the years.

UMW Recognition Luncheon Nominations Needed

The United Methodist Women of Metropolitan are seeking nominations of outstanding women to honor at this year’s luncheon on December 15. The annual Recognition Luncheon honors women who have done remarkable work for our church and community. To nominate someone, contact Phyllis Kokus, 202-362-7861 or pkokus@aol.com before September 30th.

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Life at Metropolitan Memorial Rekeying Project

The rekeying project is well under way. At this time, if you need to replace your keys to Metropolitan, please contact Bill Potts, Executive Director of Operations, wpotts@ nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext.

17. Soon the rekeying project at Wesley will begin and the rekeying of St. Luke’s Mission Center will follow the completion of Wesley. Replacement keys will be given out once those projects are completed.

ISO Garden Enthusiasts

Several gardening types at Metropolitan are trying to coordinate efforts to tend the church’s flower beds. While our hired crews tackle the bulk of the weeding, we’ve kept them out of several beds with more unusual plantings. That’s where you come in. We want to build a weed team whose members could work together on scheduled days and go solo when the spirit moves them. We’ll meet once to familiarize volunteers with what’s what in each flower bed. No experience necessary, but willingness to dig, sweat and get dirty is essential. If interested, contact Courtney Leatherman, c_leatherman@ix.netcom.com or 202-363-4247.

Wesley Bible Study Mondays, 7pm - 8:30pm, Wesley UMC*

Join us for “Manna and Mercy - A Brief History of God’s Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire Universe,” a great overview of the Biblical story as a whole, complete with cartoons and engaging questions, as we reflect on God’s plan for and relationship with us and creation. Questions? Contact Rev. Kate Murphey, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.

Beginners Gentle Yoga Tuesdays, Now - October 1 11am - 12pm, Great Hall

Join Cathryn Gunnerson, Yoga Teacher, AYS, for one or all classes of basic yoga poses (asanas); movements that stretch, strengthen, and improve balance; yogic breathing; relaxation techniques; and focused meditation.* To register, contact Cathryn Gunnerson, cegunner@verizon.net or 301-642-3889 ($10-$15/ class suggested donation). Bring a yoga mat and wear loose clothing. Sponsored by Congregational Care. *The ability to get up and down from the floor is necessary for this class; a chair may be used if needed.

Blessing of the Animals Wednesday, October 2, 9:30am, Sanctuary

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

UMW Bazaar is Coming!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

It’s that time again! Work has begun for the United Methodist Women’s annual bazaar, and all manner of help continues to be needed. Each year, thanks to the efforts of many, this event raises significant funds that the UMW passes on to projects aiding the welfare of women and children locally, nationally, and around the world.

What can you donate? What’s for sale?: All manner of gently-used items, such as: Kitchen Items; China and Collectibles; Puzzles and Games; “Attic Treasures”; Christmas Decorations; Jewelry and Accessories; Boutique-quality ladies’ wear; Hand-made crafts. Please, no electronics, no furniture, no magazines, no textbooks, and no crutches – none of these sells well.

Changes this year: NO BOOKS for sale at the bazaar. Why? Because the terrace-level rooms are now being put to excellent use for various ministries and activities, storage space is limited. Therefore, please do NOT donate books until after the bazaar is over. Kindly hang on to your books for the UMW Book Sale that will be held in the winter/spring.

New Feature: An “alternative gifts” table. Purchase a gift that will directly support a specific UMW-sponsored project. A book describing the projects will be available for you to thumb through. A few ministries supported by past bazaar proceeds have included: Bread for the City - provides food, clothing, medical care, and other support to low-income individuals in Washington, D.C.; Bright Beginnings – a child-care center for homeless families in Washington, D.C.; Courtney’s House – helping girls and boys between the ages of 12 and 18 in the Washington, D.C. area who are survivors of sex trafficking; and many more.

You can be part of this wonderful effort and time of fellowship during the summer: • • •

Donate gently-used items for sale at the bazaar. Drop your donations off outside the UMW closet. Exception: Boutiquequality ladies’ wear – contact Connie McWorkman 301-320-4242 or Elaine Chan helainechan73@gmail.com.

Work with the sorting and pricing team on Tuesdays between 10 and noon, from June until the bazaar. Just drop by... all are welcome! It’s an excellent way to meet new people and to learn about our activities. We’ll be near the Parlor / UMW closet area.

Work with the Jewelry team. Contact Alison Daifuku adaifuku@verizon.net or 202-363-4885 for times.

Questions, ideas? Contact bazaar coordinator Barbara Gaskill, Barbara@bgaskill.com or 202-244-3512. We look forward to seeing many friends, old and new!

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Summer Fun

Much fun was had at our recent MET-FLIX showing of “The Pirates! Band of Misfits.” As dusk descended, the piratical participants settled in to watch our summer movie on the big screen set up outdoors in our parking lot.

The Arts at Metropolitan Memorial Jazz@Wesley Jon Hendricks: Vocalese Jazz Messenger Saturday, September 21, 4pm, Wesley*

James Zimmerman and Friends present a musical tribute to Jon Hendricks. Join us at 4pm for a free screening of the film documentary “Blues March: Soldier Jon Hendricks” and a musical tribute at 6:30pm with special performances by Vocalese Group “Cloudburst: Stephanie Lebow, Jerry Overman, and James Zimmerman.” Tickets available at instantseats.com. $10/entry l $7/Senior I 12 and under free. Bring a non-perishable food item or slightly used coat to jazz up someone’s life. *5312 Conn. Ave., NW.

Chancel Choir Scholarships Available Deadline: Monday, September 23

Attention undergraduates! The church is offering choral scholarships of $1000 for the 2013-14 academic year. Selected candidates will gain experience in choral singing, discover great music of our church from across the centuries, and enjoy mentoring by the music director, professional section leaders, and choir members. Selection is based upon an application, audition, and interview. To learn more and to apply, go to mmumcchancelchoir.com.

Calling All Photographers

Where ever you found yourself Framing the recently – in Africa, in Spain, at Image of God the beach, in your own backyard, in a nursing home – chances are that you had a moment when you looked at something or someone and saw, really saw, an image that caught your eye and gave you pause. Is this a representation of God? The Arts Council would like to share your images with the congregation in our exhibition, “Framing the Image of God” on Sunday, September 29 at 4:30pm with a reception and time to talk with the photographers.

To participate in this special exhibit, please contact Carol Schleicher or Marilu Wood by September 18th. We would like to have the 8” x 10” photos, matted and framed, if possible, delivered to the Great Hall by 3pm on September 26th.

If other arrangements to deliver your work to the church are needed, contact either Carol Schleicher, rschlei@verizon. net or Marilu Wood, shedelwood@gmail.com.

The opening of the exhibit is preceded by a concert by the Navy Brass Quintet at 3pm (see below). We hope that the events of September 29 will give all participants new visions and fresh ideas, different thoughts and creative insights to help in framing or reframing their own image of God.

Concert Season to Open With a Blast of Brass Sunday, September 29, 3pm, Sanctuary

Metropolitan's four-concert 2013-14 series will open Sunday, September 29, at 3:00 with the Navy Band Brass Quintet. "Didn't I hear that group a year ago?" you might be thinking.

Not quite. If you heard our well-received opening concert last September you heard the Navy Band Brass Quartet. So this year: different group, 25 per cent larger--two trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba. The quintet’s repertoire includes works from the 16th through the 20th centuries.

Since 1971, the Navy Band Brass Quintet has performed at museums, colleges, and many other venues in the Washington D.C. region. It also appears at special events, such as a service at Washington National Cathedral honoring the Navy’s 216th birthday and inaugural events in 2000 and 2004 for President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard Cheney. Brass Quintet members are often featured soloists with the Concert Band and perform in Navy Band recitals.

The concert will be followed by a reception and the opening of a show of photographs by members of the Metropolitan congregations. You're cordially invited to join us for a delightful afternoon of music and art.

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Service and Advocacy Tyler Rusch Homeless Walk Sunday, October 20

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 walk-a-thons have raised over $200,000 to support our work with the homeless. Last year, walkers and other donors contributed over $21,000.

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. The 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.

Campus Kitchen Project Saturday, September 21, 3pm, St. Luke's Mission Center*

The Campus Kitchen Project empowers thousands of students each year to recycle food from their cafeterias into nourishing meals that are then delivered to those in need. How can you get involved? Join us from 3pm - 6pm at our St. Luke’s Mission Center to prepare the food or join us at Regency House (5201 Connecticut Ave., NW) from 6pm - 9pm to serve. To volunteer, sign up nationalchurch. org/servenow or contact Rev. Dottie Yunger, dyunger@nationalchurch.org. * 3655 Calvert St., NW

Grate Patrol Sunday, September 29, 10:10am, Vestry Kitchen

Join us in making sandwiches and preparing the meal bags that will be distributed the following day to those in need in our area. For more information or to volunteer go to nationalchurch.org/servenow.

WIN Meeting September 26, 7pm, Luther Place*

Washington Interfaith Networks’ all member meeting is the biggest WIN event of the year and we want all of our WIN supporters to be there. Metropolitan and Brighter Day will be asking the other WIN members to support our efforts to preserve Parkway Overlook and we will hear about important updates on WIN’s homeless, youth homeless and jobs agendas, as well as discuss WIN strategy for the next year.

Carpools available. For more information or to confirm you will attend, contact Linda Davenport, linda@davenport-associates.com. *1226 Vermont Ave., NW.

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 nationalchurch.org/ servenow!

Metropolitan Church Volunteers in Mission Trip South Africa - 2014

Dates: The timeframe for this 14-day trip will be finalized very soon within a window of possible dates between the end of April and the end of July 2014. If you are even remotely considering the trip, please register your available dates at this web link, doodle.com/49dhtmrm3weghy9a.

cover their own expenses and participate in group fundraising to support the team’s mission and mission partners.

Scholarships may be available to assist participants who are unable to pay the entire cost. All payments are made through Metropolitan Church and are considered a mission contribution for tax purposes. An initial deposit of $2,000 is due on January 30, 2014, with the balance due 30 days prior to departure.

Mission Focus: Part of the trip will focus on mission education and cultural immersion aimed at understanding race, culture, and religion in the South African context and building solidarity with the South African people. Seven days will be spent at the Bokamoso Youth Centre in Winterveldt (bokamosoyouth.org), continuing to build our ongoing partnership with this organization that empowers at-risk youth.

The team will present a Vacation Bible School for younger children, mentor older youth, and help repair facilities. Two days will be spent in Johannesburg, including a visit to Central Methodist Church to assist in their feeding ministry with refugee populations.

Accommodations: While at Bokamoso, the group will stay in a dormitory-style guest house. Other nights will be spent in hostels and guest houses. The final two days will be spent at the Bakgatla Game Reserve.

Costs: Estimated at $3,300 -$3,500 per person for air travel and all on-the-ground expenses. It is expected that participants will pay their own travel expenses or raise funds to

Preparation: Participants are expected to attend orientation, training, and team-building meetings prior to the trip.

This will begin with a 4-part mission study focusing on South Africa on Wednesday evenings October 9, October 23, November 13, and December 11. Before the 7pm study sessions, the team will gather at 6pm in the Vestry for planning and reflection around the supper table. After the first of the year, there will be a regular monthly meeting at an agreedupon time. For more information, contact Ann Michel, amichel@wesleyseminary.edu or Pat House, phouse@nationalchurch.org.

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Caring and Learning Lunch and More Feasting, Fellowship and Fun Third Thursday of each month September 19 - December 19 Noon, Great Hall

Join us every third Thursday of the month for “Lunch and More”! After eating together, you can choose to either play bridge, canasta or other board games, “Chat with Charlie” (new this year!) or watch a faith-based movie followed by discussion. This will be a time of feasting, fellowship and fun. The movie for September 19th will be Shadowland, a 1993 British biopic about the love-relationship between Oxford academic C. S. Lewis and American poet Joy Davidman, her tragic death from cancer, and how this challenged Lewis' Christian faith. C.S. Lewis is portrayed by Anthony Hopkins. Questions or input, contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com, Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net or Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 19.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Honorary Luncheon Sunday, September 29, 12:30pm, Vestry

All members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry team will be honored at a luncheon on September 29. Come for a nosh and knitting as we celebrate this vital ministry. Anyone interested in knitting or crocheting is cordially invited to come.

Community Flu Clinic Saturday, October 5, 10am, Sibley Hospital*

Sibley Memorial Hospital is offering a flu immunization clinic.

Medicare, Part B, covers the flu immunization, so bring your Medicare card. Those without Medicare coverage pay $25.

You must be over the age of 18 to participate. In order to make sure we have enough vaccines and to let us know if you have any special needs, please sign up by calling 202364-7602. Registration for vaccination will begin at 10 a.m., and the last registration will be taken at noon. Please wear clothing with short sleeves. The vaccine will be given until the supply is exhausted. *5255 Loughboro Rd., NW

“Exploring the Longevity Revolution: Ministry with Boomers and Beyond” October 24, 8:30am, Asbury Methodist Village*

This workshop is designed to empower both laity and clergy with basic skills for church leadership in Older Adult Ministry and to enjoy the chance to connect with others who share a passion for ministry with Boomers. Cost is $35 (lunch provided). Registration deadline is Monday, October 14. If you are interested in attending, contact Rev. Drema McAllisterWilson, Minister of Congregational Care, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext 19. *409 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg, MD.

Advent Retreat Weekend

All are invited to join Sylvia Boorstein and Sharon Salzberg for an experience of joy to the world this coming holiday season. In their first joint-DC appearance, these renowned teachers and authors each brings four decades of teaching and meditation experience to nurture our natural capacity for an open and loving heart.

• December 13, 7:30pm - An evening of talk and meditation on cultivating kindness • December 14,10am - 4pm - A Quiet Day to nurture peace and good will toward oneself and others (onsite lunch provided) Tickets can be purchased online at ajoyfullife.brownpapertickets.com. Cost: $20/Friday Session and $95/Two-day Pass.

Discounted early-bird tickets are available through Thursday, October 24. For more information on our teachers go to sylviaboorstein.com and sharonsalzberg.com.

Youth Ministries Fall has begun and our youth programs (students in grades 6th - 12th) are in full swing!

Sunday School: Every Sunday morning at 10:10am, we have Sunday school classes for middle school and high school students. Our middle school class follows the wonderful Bible in Life curriculum and is led by Frances Bourne and Jason Grim. Our high school class follows our newly developing two year youth curriculum and is led by Eric Imperial and Patrick Landau.

MYF: The Hunger Games: Our Methodist Youth Fellowship program meets two Sundays per month from 5:45pm - 7:30pm.

We have dinner, enjoy games and have a lesson. For the fall, we will be focusing on the first book of the popular series, The Hunger Games. Through watching clips from the movie and comparing excerpts of the book to teachings of scripture, we will explore themes of justice, hunger, and compassion.

Youth Choir: Every Sunday, at 11:15am youth choir meets to explore a variety of music. This choir is led by Casey Elliott, associate conductor for the Navy Sea Chanters, and our Dayspring Choir Director. This is a wonderful opportunity for youth to learn and grow as musicians. Their first performance will be in worship on Sunday, October 27.

Upcoming Dates for Youth Ministry

September 22 - Youth Choir Begins

September 22 - MYF: Hunger Games Series begins October 6 - First Sundays of Service: Crossroads and Grate Patrol For a calendar of youth events or to see reflections on our youth program, visit the youth ministry blog at youthmetropolitan.wordpress.com.

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Children’s Ministries Children’s Sunday School

Sunday School begins this month for children who are three years old through fifth-grade. We offer four Godly Play classes and for the older children, a curriculum called GrowProclaimServe.

What is Godly Play? A Godly Play classroom creates sacred space for children to build a community, to work in that community and to learn religious language. A Godly Play session includes time to get ready, tell a story using objects, explore that story with open ended questions and discussion, to respond to the story and discussion with a free choice of materials such as art, silence, play, and writing. It usually closes with a simple feast and sharing. Here is a basic outline of what Godly Play develops in its classrooms, extracted from two useful websites, godlyplayfoundation.org and godlyplay.org.uk.

The GrowProclaimServe curriculum is aimed at the Tweens amongst us, children who are not quite teenagers but are looking for a change of pace from the Godly Play curriculum that they may have experienced as a young child while attending Metropolitan. This year, GrowProclaimServe will take our fifth-graders in an exploration of the Bible through different themes that each section of the Good Book presents. For more information on this curriculum, go to growproclaimserve.com.

Sunday School takes place during the Sunday morning study hour, starting at about 10 am. Sunday School ends promptly at 11 am. Please pick up your child on time.

You are invited to register your child for Sunday School this year through the learning tab on the church website. Sunday School starts this month and runs through the end of May, with a few Sundays off around the Christmas and Easter holidays.

We are pleased to offer a full roster of Sunday School teachers this year. Please thank them for their commitment of time and energy to developing and nurturing the faith of our young Christians. They include: Little Wonders – Room 101 – 3 and 4 Year-Olds • Craig Hukill • Jeannine Sanford • Jenifer Knutsen • Leslye Woolsey • Beth Sanford Godly Players – Room 201 – Pre-K and Kindergarteners • Andrew McFarland • Anita Seline • Jean McGee • Annaliez Spoormaker • Sia Puloka Joyful Spirits – Room 202 – First- and Second-Graders • Holly Hukill • Kristen Rommel • Jennie Mak • Martha Mizroch

Bible Explorers – Room 203 – Third- and Fourth-Graders • Courtney Leatherman • Megan Lordos • Beth Peters • Cynthia Pugh • Duane Pugh Young Disciples – Room 201 – Fifth-Graders • Caralee Adams • Eric Lundell • Sarah Mancinelli • Tom Mancinelli • Melissa Schutte

Morningstar Choir and Cherub Choir Begins!

Our children’s choirs aim to instill a love of music and movement in our children through singing, and for the older kids, reading music. Singing in the children’s choirs also offers enriching social experience in friendships and in church involvement. We invite your children to be a part of Metropolitan’s music ministry.

Metropolitan has two children’s choirs...

The Cherub Choir is for children who attend Pre-K through First-Grade and is led by Mary Margaret McLeroy and accompanied by Elizabeth Landau. They meet in the Music Room on the ground floor of the education building.

The Morningstar Choir is for children in Second-Grade through Fifth-Grade and is led by Ian Urriola and accompanied by Cleavan Whitnell. The Morningstar Choir meets in the choir room on the ground floor of the education building.

Children are dismissed to begin choir rehearsal after the children’s sermon in 9 am worship service. At the end of choir at about 10 am, they are escorted to Sunday School.

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

Our Vision - Extending radical hospitality, transforming lives, and pursuing justice.

Reconciling Statement - Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church affirms that all individuals are of sacred worth without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, marital circumstances, economic status, physical and mental condition, or criminal history. We declare ourselves in support of the reconciling movement and welcome the full participation in the church of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons and their families, as a reflection of God’s unconditional love. At the same time, we recognize differences of opinion on issues of sexuality and seek to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect.

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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. 11, cparker@nationalchurch.org Rev. Kate Murphey — Associate Pastor, Sharing, Lead Pastor at Wesley UMC, ext. 21, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org Rev. Dottie Yunger –– Associate Pastor, Service/Advocacy, Lead Pastor at Crossroads, ext. 24, dyunger@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 David Hosey - Pastoral Associate for Crossroads and Campus Ministry, dhosey@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 — Pastoral Care Assistant/Wedding and Funeral Coordinator, ext. 19, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director/9am Worship Leader/Youth Choir Director, ext. 12, celliott@nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 28, phouse@nationalchurch.org Patrick Landau — Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 24, plandau@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 Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 St. Luke’s Campus (3655 Calvert St., NW)/Wesley Campus (5312 Conn. Ave., NW) Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: nationalchurch.org NEXT ISSUE: October 14, 2013 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on October 8, 2013