THE MESSENGER
January 14, 2011
For the congregation of the Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish
Volume XXI, No. 1 www.nationalchurch.org
Metropolitan Memorial, St. Luke’s, and Wesley United Methodist Churches
Found in Lost
Image, ABC Television
By Lesli Bales-Sherrod This January, more six months after the television show “Lost” ended, over 9,000 fans played the Lost character Hurley’s lottery numbers – 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42 — in the Mega Millions lottery. This kind of fierce following that continues to a televisions show led senior pastor Charlie Parker to think a sermon series on “Lost” would be a fun way to engage non-churchgoers in reflecting on theological themes in a story they already were involved and invested in.
“I don’t watch a lot of television, but the themes of mystery and redemption and brokenness and the movement of the Spirit were all just so profound and so engaging that I got hooked completely,” Charlie admits. But you don’t have to be a “Lost” fan to follow Charlie’s sermons over the next three weeks. Not only will Charlie be telling enough of the story of the survivors of the fictional flight Oceanic 815 to illustrate his points, the messages will focus on issues we all wrestle with, he assures skeptics. The sermon series started January 9 with a look at mystery because, from the very beginning of the series, everything about the desert island is a mystery. The survivors don’t know where they are, and they are besieged by forces that they don’t understand: monsters, polar bears, the Others. All six seasons are a process of exploring both the island and themselves. “We are often uncomfortable with mystery. Even in areas like religion, where mystery is presumably at the core, we are most comfortable trying to eliminate the uncertainties and to systematize our experience,” Charlie explains. “‘Lost’ teaches us to live into the mystery, always understanding that anything worth knowing is going to generate more questions than answers.” On January 16, Charlie’s sermon will look at “Life as Backgammon.” Throughout the series, viewers are beset by images of light and darkness, but the “enemies” are not always quite as monolithically evil as they seem. “What ‘Lost’ offers is the profound insight that it is always harder to tell good from evil than we think, and that even people/forces that are evil can morph into good, and vice versa,” Charlie offers. “And even more complicating, sometimes the way people respond to evil begins their own path to evil. How do we confront evil without becoming the thing that we hate?” On January 23, “The Strength of Brokenness” will delve into the Apostle Paul’s admonition that “When I am weak, then I am strong.” The survivors of Oceanic 815, all carrying their own deep woundedness, come to learn that they all needed each other. “All of these people are broken …and yet, paradoxically, it is their brokenness that begins to bind them together and to heal one another,” Charlie explains. “They find their healing in their community.” The series wraps January 30 with “The Quest for Paradise,” which will explore our seemingly universal grass-isgreener mentality. “All of the survivors on the island come from very difficult life situations … yet all they can think about is getting off the island and back to the world they know. Ironically, once they’re off and back in the ‘real world,’ then they want to get back to the Island,” Charlie notes. “What is it about human nature that makes us unable to be satisfied with where we are? And why, despite ample evidence to the contrary, do we continue to believe that what we need to make us happy is just around the next corner?” Invite a friend to join us at Metropolitan this month, as we explore these issues together.
Found in Lost: The Thoughts Behind the Sermon Series Learn more about Dr. Parker’s sermon series based on Lost on our blog! Log onto www.nationalchurch.blogspot.com for video clips of Dr. Parker explaining his thought process behind the series, and the theological ideas that he will explore throughout the series.
Service and Advocacy UPDATE ON THE ST LUKE’S MISSION OUTREACH CENTER As 2011 dawns, the dream of establishing a Mission Outreach Center at the St. Luke’s campus of the Metropolitan Parish is becoming reality! To learn more about recent developments or future plans, contact Rev. Kate Murphey (kmurphey@mmumc-dc.org) or Service Team Chair Ann Michel (amichel@wesleyseminary.edu.)
•Day of Service at the St. Luke’s Mission Center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. On Monday, January 17 there will be an open house/service event from 2:30 pm – 8 pm to familiarize church and community members with the mission center. It begins with a Martin Luther King Day commemoration led by our Crossroads Worship Team. Leaders familiar with the St. Luke’s Shelter, the hypothermia program, Shalom Place, and Friendship Place will be on hand to introduce people to these programs. Working with the AU Campus Kitchen group, we’ll be preparing meals and sandwiches. At the end of the day, the group will deliver and serve a meal to residents of the Regency House senior apartments near Wesley UMC. Please spread the word about this wonderful opportunity for people learn more and get involved!
•Friendship Place Offices Moving to St. Lukes. On December, 17, the Metropolitan Cooperative Parish signed a lease with Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place (CCHFP) providing office space for Friendship Place’s administrative and the development staff at the St. Luke’s Center. We are thrilled to have them at the Mission Center and trust their presence will reinforce our long-standing partnership with CCHFP and strengthen our other onsite homeless ministries. •501 (c) 3 Organization Formed. Earlier in December, the required legal documents were filed to establish the St. Luke’s Mission Center as a separate 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. This will allow the Center to attract funding and leadership from beyond the church more easily. For the purposes of this filing, John Derrick, Suzanne Forsyth, and Ann Michel agreed to be listed as the Board of Directors pending the development of a more comprehensive board structure.
•Circle of Leaders Widens. Two meetings held last fall brought together an impressive and diverse circle of leaders representing the Metropolitan church community, other area congregations, the Glover Park neighborhood, various homeless service providers, and the American University community. Conversations are ongoing with other potential friends and allies. The leadership team will meet next on Wednesday, February 2 at 7 pm at St. Luke’s. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.
•Campus Kitchen Partnership with American University. Another happy development is a blossoming partnership with a Campus Kitchen program at American University. As this partnership takes place, the team is working towards proper certification of the St. Luke’s kitchen, food recovery partnerships, volunteer teams to cook the surplus food into meals, and residents and agencies in need of those meals (such as Regency House senior apartments).
The Office of the University Chaplain and Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church cordially invite you to the ninth Annual Bruce Poynter Lecture “LGBT Rights are Human Rights” An Evening with Representative Tammy Baldwin United States House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of Wisconsin Reception to follow Wednesday, January 19, 2010 at 8 p.m. American University Mary Graydon Center, Rooms 3 ~6 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 Questions? (202) 885 - 3321 In partnership with GLBTA Resource Center, Multicultural Affairs, and Kennedy Political Union Free parking in the AU Nebraska Avenue parking lot and in the Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church parking lot on New Mexico Avenue, NW 2
Life at Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY 13TH SUNDAY WORSHIP Tuesday, January 18, 1:30 p.m. Guest Speaker Rev. Chip Aldridge of Wesley Seminary Join us for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry Sunday, January 30, 8:25 a.m., Choir Room and fun! Questions? Contact Annette Fletchall at 301.216.5470. Our “13th Sunday” service features Rev. Wm. D. (Chip) Aldridge Jr., Director of Admissions at Wesley Theological Seminary. EXPLORING “LOST” Originally from North Carolina (BA at High Point College) he is Friday, January 21 an Elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. He came to 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., Great Hall Washington, DC in 1981 to do his MDV – returning to work on Immerse yourself in the “Lost” Sermon the Seminary staff in 1986 — and completed a Doctor of MinisSeries with a viewing of the series recap try in 1995. and final episode of the hit television show “Lost!” We’ll meet in the Great Hall at 6:30 Rev. Aldridge will address the topic “God above God” - a conp.m. for pizza ($5 suggested donation) and cept developed by theologian Paul Tillich and reclaimed by Rev. the movie. Dr. William A. Holmes in his book “Mature Christianity” (copies available in the church office, $12). All are invited. Questions? CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH JAZZ! Contact Dr. Maynard Moore, emaynard8@yahoo.com. Saturday, January 29, 6:30 p.m., Wesley UMC Join us for “Jazz@Wesley” featuring the Wesley Jazz Combo BOKAMOSO YOUTH RETURN TO METROPOLITAN and special guest artists. Food and local vendors. Minimum sugA Morning of Worship and Fellowship gested donation $5. Sunday, February 6 The youth representatives of the Bokamoso Youth Centre are YOUTH VOLUNTEER MEETING once again in the Washington, DC area, sharing their words, Sunday, January 30, 11 a.m., Room 206 their music and their hearts. Bokamoso means “future” and the Want to Become A Youth Volunteer?! If you are interested in Bokamoso Youth Centre gives at-risk youth reasons to work for helping with the youth, please join us on January 30 to find out a better future and the skills to do it. Over the last 10 years, we ways that you can be in service. This could include cooking have been blessed to share time with these youth on their annual meals, joining us for outings, teaching Sunday school, etc. trip. We welcome them on Sunday, February 6. During worship they will share their stories, speak about life challenges in their township, share their dreams for a better future, and move us with their song and dance. You can also join them in the Great Hall during the study hour at 10:10 a.m. for an informal question 19TH ANNUAL SING OUT FOR SHELTER CONCERT and answer session or for lunch following the second service. Saturday, February 5, 8 p.m. Join us for this delightful concert organized by the Augmented This is a unique opportunity to witness God’s love and to be part 8, a men’s a cappella group that has charmed Washington audi- of a very special morning. Please invite your friends and neighences for over 50 years with their blend of old standards and bors and be a part of their future. For more information, please modern pop, with a bit of jazz, gospel, and doo wop arrange- contact Patrisha House, phouse@mmumc-dc.org. ments. This annual concert benefits three local organizations 2011 WOMEN’S RETREAT that serve the more than 30,000 individuals who experience Thresholds: Honoring our Journey through Transitions homelessness each year in the Greater Washington DC Region – February 11-13, 2011 the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place Come retreat, relax, and renew with a diverse gathering of Met(CCHFP), Christ House, and MMUMC’s own Metropolitan ropolitan women. We’ll explore the meaning of ritual and how House. we can incorporate personal rituals into our daily lives—which The concert also features the Princeton Tigertones who enter- can in turn offer strength and comfort during times of transitain audiences of all ages and musical tastes with a repertoire tion. Our leader on this journey will be Laura Collins, an orranging from traditional ballads and jazz to barbershop, Broad- dained clergy person, writer and experienced retreat facilitator. way, classic rock, and American pop. They have performed at The retreat will take place at PriestField Retreat Center, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, for Yitzhak Rabin in Israel and Bill Kearneysville, WV, just 90 minutes from DC. The cost is $200 Clinton in Martha’s Vineyard, and most recently for the Presi- including accommodations and meals. Space is limited so regisdent and First Lady at the 2010 White House Christmas party ter early—don’t miss out! Registration forms are available in for the press. Tickets: $50/pref. seating; $25/gen. seating. Re- the office or contact Suzanne Vieth at msvieth@verizon.net or serve your tickets by e-mail at musicdirector@augmented8.org. 202-237-6744. This event is sponsored by UMW but open to all Metropolitan women.
Your Words In the December issue of “The Messenger” we asked the question, “What does it mean to share God’s love?” Your responses are below: Sharing God’s love, to me, means simply being true to one’s self and sharing your life and faith with others. I find that when we are open and honest with who we are, the people we come in contact with can connect with us and discover a deeper understanding of God’s love as a natural extension of who we are. -Jeff Clouser
Your Words FEBRUARY’S QUESTION What does “caring” mean to you and how do you live it out in your own life?
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The Arts at Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish
B. Jackson Caesar, tenor
Embrace, Oil, 48" x 72,” 2009
ART SHOW EXHIBITION AND CONCERT Sunday, January 30, 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. The Arts Council presents an evening of art and music on Sunday, January 30. The concert, beginning at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary, features Metropolitan’s tenor B. Jackson Caesar in a program celebrating Roland Hayes, America’s first recognized African-American concert tenor. Accompaniment by Everett P. Williams, Jr. The art show, beginning at 5 p.m. in the Great Hall, features artist, Martín Andrés Paddack and his exhibit, “Europe and the Americas, Color and Light: Recent Work by Martín Andrés Paddack.” The exhibit includes both pastels and oils of scenes of Venice, America, and Ecuador. These and other works can be seen at www.martinpaddack.com. Join us for this wonderful arts event!
Choir Notes SOFTLY THE STARS WERE SHINING by Joanna Reams, Choir Scribe
If you attended the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service at Metropolitan, you heard a song that is one of the Chancel Choir’s signature pieces. Many people love it, though some don’t (too corny, they say). But it is one of our oldest traditions, and it has an interesting history. It involves Jimmy McLain, who was the organist-choirmaster at Metropolitan for 28 years, from 1949 until he retired in the mid1970s. During those years, he selected a vast portion of the choir’s library, and much of the music that you enjoy today comes from his choices. He also was the founder of American University’s music department, beginning as the leader of a chorus there in 1934. He was a master of Metropolitan’s Aeolian Skinner pipe organ as well as the choir’s beloved director. The other character in the story is Adolf Torovsky, who was Jimmy’s good friend and the organist-choirmaster for 50 years at the Church of the Epiphany, a historic Episcopal church located downtown at 13th and G Streets. Epiphany also has an Aeolian Skinner pipe organ (64 rank), dedicated in 1968 to Maestro Torovsky. It seems that one night, as Christmas approached in 1939, Torovsky woke up in bed with a tune floating around in his head. He was so haunted by this melody that he couldn’t sleep. He had to get up and notate it. In the middle of the night, he called Jimmy and asked him for his opinion of the melody and text. Jimmy was
the first person other than its composer to hear the piece, and he affirmed that Adolf had a hit. When Jimmy became choirmaster at Metropolitan, he lost no time in introducing “Softly the Stars” on Christmas Eve, and it has been sung ever since. The sheet music is quite a sight—it is a handwritten musical manuscript, looking like something from a medieval scribe. I discussed the song with Epiphany’s new choirmaster last year, and he said his choir sings it annually without fail. He was very pleased that Metropolitan does the same. There are a few recordings of it, including one in November 2010 by the Singing Nuns, a group of sisters from Spokane,Washington. I am fervently in the camp that loves this piece, partly because I am pleased to repeat an enduring tradition at Metropolitan and to honor Jimmy McLain. But I think the special character of this gentle lullaby comes from its date. In 1939, the world was a dangerous and frightening place—imagine the events taking place in Europe and those still to come. And yet, Adolf Torovsky was inspired to create a tender melody to counter those fears with the angels’ lovesong and the promise of Christ’s peace. We are blessed that he chose to share it with our Jimmy. The world is once again a troubled and violent place, but “Softly the Stars” continues to comfort us.
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T he Metropolitan Memorial Coop erative P arish The Cooperative Parish invites you to participate in Tables of 8 Four Saturday Night Dinners F ebruary 26 February
March 19
April 16
May 21
Tables of 8 is an informal way for members and friends of our parish to get to know new people and strengthen friendships. Its success depends on how many people sign up and on how many new people sign up so we have fresh faces around the tables. How it works: ·You sign up (by January 26) – the form is attached or enclosed, depending on whether you are receiving this information by email or U.S. mail. You can sign up as an individual, with spouse or with a friend for a Saturday dinner at a different home each month you can attend, February through May. Dates are listed above. E-mail or mail the completed sign-up sheet back to me (see address below), or drop them off at Metropolitan’s church office. ·In early February the groupings are arranged – and not by a computer — with an attempt to honor requests and avoid repeat pairings. You will receive all the details by mail or email in mid-February: who is hosting, the other participants’ names and food assignments. ·Hosts provide the main course and beverages. Participants bring side dishes, salad, bread and dessert. ·The host calls the guests before the dinners to confirm attendance, discuss food assignments, ask about allergies, set a time and give directions to their home. Don’t worry about scheduling far in advance: Few of us know our May schedules in January, so don’t let that concern you. Sign up for the number of Saturdays that feels comfortable, and if you cannot attend, you can get a substitute from a list that’s provided or you can ask anyone at church if they’d like to take your place. Remember: You do not have to host although it is appreciated, and fun to do. Contact: Ann Cochran, ann@annpcochran.com, 301-537-3320
Sign-up Form Please complete and return this form by January 26 to: Ann Cochran at ann@annpcochran.com or the Metropolitan church office, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016. YOUR NAME(S):_______________________________________________ PHONE:_________________________________ STREET ADDRESS:__________________________________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS(ES):_________________________________________________ I can (A)ttend, (H)ost or (S)ubstitute the following nights Write A, H or S under each date you can participate. ___February 26
___March 19
___April 16
___May 21
I am able to host a total of _______ people for dinner. Even if you say you can host all four months, we won’t do that to you! You will only host once, but multiple options are appreciated. If you can host, please indicate your maximum capacity. We usually have a shortage of hosts and seating for more than 8 is helpful. I/we do not eat the following foods: __________________________________________________________________ Add any other comments/preferences you’d like us to consider as we assign the tables: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Study Sunday Morning Adult Study GREAT HALL SESSION - SUNDAYS AT 10:10 A.M. Grounds for Discussion Grab some coffee from the Vestry and join Dr. Parker in the Great Hall as he shares some of his thoughts about preaching this sermon series on “Lost” and answers your questions. SCIENCE & RELIGION CLASS Sundays, 10:10 a.m., Parlor Our class moves forward in a series to tackle “the big questions” in Science and Religion. The context is Spiritual Implications of the New Physics, and on January 16th the question is “How do we speak about GOD in a holographic universe?” We will have background material available in the Parlor to facilitate the discussion, led by Maynard Moore. Visitors are always welcome. Questions? Contact Maynard Moore, emaynard8@yahoo.com or Kent Weaver, kenthweaver@gmail.com.
Questions of Faith Sundays, 10:10 a.m., Conference Room
Bible Plus Class Sundays, 10:10 a.m., Christie Room
Guided by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers we will discuss how myths hold the key to understanding human experience. At their deepest level, myths reveal the path of self-fulfillment, social integration, and transcendence.
Join us as the Bible Plus class continues its interesting lecture series on Islam. Please come and join us in the Christie room at 10:10 a.m.
KAY SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER - TABLE TALK LUNCH SERIES Spring 2011 Schedule Noon Lunch and 12:20 p.m. Discussion Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge Thursday, January 27 - Attack on the Deficit & Debt: Who Wins? Who Loses? Wednesday, February 16 - Can Peace & Human Rights Be Strengthened Through Commerce? Wednesday, March 2 -Conflict Free Purchasing: The Ethics of Your Electronic Devices Thursday, April 7 - Turkey: Looking West, Headed East? Speakers for each event to be announced. Buffet lunch is provided free to students. A donation of $5 each is requested from faculty and staff to help offset the cost of the program. Reservations required. Please RSVP 24 hours before the scheduled event at 202.885.3321 or kslc@american.edu
Youth Ministries Jan. 16- Youth Sunday School 10:10-11am Youth Connection 6:30-8pm Jan. 23- Youth Sunday School 10:10-11am Youth Council Meeting @ 11 am in Rm. 204 Youth Connection 6:30-8pm Jan. 30- Youth Sunday School 10:10-11am Youth Volunteer Meeting 11 am in Rm. 206 Youth Connection 6:30-8pm
Youth Calendar!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: ASP Summer Mission Project Dates June 25-July 2 For senior high youth only
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Children’s Ministry Thank you to everyone who contributed food to our recent food drive. We collected about 200 pounds of food that included canned tuna and chicken, macaroni and cheese, jarred peaches, ramen noodle mixes and soups. The Capital Area Food Bank received the donation earlier this month and thanked Metropolitan for its effort. In addition, a donation of more than $50 raised at The Evening in Advent was given to the agency.
MAKE SUMMER CAMP PLANS NOW Metropolitan will hold a Vacation Bible School (VBS) the week of June 27 to July 1. Children ages four through fifth-grade are invited to come share a week of games, drama, outdoor activity, and crafts. The VBS theme will be announced next month. Families should plan for a half-day camp that runs roughly 9 a.m. to 12 noon. We will use the church facilities for the camp. Cost will be about $35 per child for the week. Already, a group of volunteers has formed to help with our camp which promises to be a great outreach to our community as well. Please contact Anita Seline if you wish to be a part of our VBS team at aseline@mmumc-dc.org. In addition, kids grades three through eight are invited to attend summer camp this summer with Rev. Kate Murphey, Phil Potter, and Kevin Settlage. These three intrepid camp counselors are volunteering at West River Camp for a week in early July and want you to be a part of the camping experience. West River brochures will be available soon.
Scenes from Christmas Eve! pictures by Mikang Kim
The Cherub and Morningstar Choirs (or the shepherds, ducks, angels, and sheep) sing at the Family Christmas Eve service.
Angelic angels look over the Baby Jesus.
Our lovely sheep gathered at the front of the manger scene.
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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@mmumc-dc.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 19, dwilson@mmumc-dc.org Rev. Jimmy Sherrod — Associate Pastor, ext. 24, jsherrod@mmumc-dc.org Rev. Kate Murphey — Associate Pastor, ext. 21, kmurphey@mmumc-dc.org Anita Seline — Director of Children’s Ministries, ext. 22, aseline@mmumc-dc.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 28, phouse@mmumc-dc.org Jeff Clouser — Director of Communications and Outreach, ext. 23, jclouser@mmumc-dc.org Rev. J. Cody Nielsen –– Associate for Campus Ministry, ext. 25, cnielsen@mmumc-dc.org Emily Bagwell -- Associate Director of Youth Ministries, emilybagwell@gmail.com Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 15, bcaviness@mmumc-dc.org Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director and 9 a.m. Worship Leader, ext. 12, celliott@mmumc-dc.org Dona Collary — Director of Church Administration, ext. 17, dcollary@mmumc-dc.org Helen Simon - Office Manager, ext. 10, hsimon@mmumc-dc.org Bob Weintraub -- Bookkeeper, ext. 18, bweintraub@mmumc-dc.org Rafael Reyes -- Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 20, rreyes@mmumc-dc.org Linda Smith -- Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@mmumc-dc.org
THE MESSENGER is published by: The Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish Metropolitan Memorial, St. Luke’s, and Wesley United Methodist Churches Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@mmumc-dc.org website: http://www.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: February 11, 2010
NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on February 8, 2010