THE MESSENGER
October 17, 2011
For the congregation of the Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish
Volume XXI, No. 10 www.nationalchurch.org
Metropolitan Memorial, St. Luke’s, and Wesley United Methodist Churches
SERVE NOW!
Metropolitan has reignited its commitment to service over the past several months with a burst of new energy around our missional priorities of helping the homeless and feeding the hungry. This has given rise to several new ministry projects – the Brighter Day Ministry Partnership, the Grate Patrol Ministry, and our Gleaning Team – in addition to our longstanding efforts through Metropolitan House and the St. Luke’s Shelter. And a new online volunteer scheduling system makes it easier than ever for you to get connected and SERVE NOW! It’s easy to jump on board and get started with any of the following activities. Metropolitan House opens for the season on Tuesday, October 18. Overnight volunteers are needed on Friday and Saturday nights in the coming months and meal donors every night of the week. For more information, contact Nancy Clarkson (overnight volunteers) at metrohousevolunteercoordinator@gmail.com, or Kent Weaver (meals) at kenthweaver@gmail.com. Brighter Day Ministries in Southeast DC will host a team of cooperative parish volunteers again on Saturday, October 22. We will meet at 9 a.m. for a fellowship time together and work from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please plan on meeting us there whenever you can make it—Congress Heights Campus, 421 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20032. The church van will leave from Metropolitan at 8:30 a.m. if you need transportation. The group will be planting and gardening to complete the beautification project begun in July. For more information, contact Kate Murphey at kmurphey@nationalchurch.org. The Grate Patrol Ministry will prepare sandwiches on Sunday, October 23 at 10:10 a.m. at Metropolitan (in preparation for a Grate Patrol outing on the evening Volunteers help landscape at of Monday, October 24). For more information, conBrighter Day Ministries tact Suzanne Forsyth, SuzanneForsyth@aol.com. The Crossroads Grate Patrol team will prepare food and ride the van on Sunday, November 6. To learn more, contact David Hackney, gdavidhackney@gmail.com.
Volunteers make sandwiches for the Grate Patrol
The Gleaning Team will harvest produce at Clagett Farm on Saturday, November 5. Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD is a collaborative effort of the Capital Area Food Bank and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation that provides food for the needy in our area. The group will leave the church at 7:30 a.m. and return around 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact John Long, JRL11148@aol.com.
Get Connected Online. You can sign up for many of our parish’s ongoing service activities at Metropolitan Cooperative Parish – Serve Now! (https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/622058/login) our online volunteer scheduling site.
Charlie Parker and Terry Snead to Receive Benjamin E. Cooper Awards
Rev. Dr. Charles Parker will be honored as a recipient of the Visionary Award by the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place (CCHFP) at the Benjamin E. Cooper Awards reception. This award recognizes Dr. Parker’s extraordinary leadership in DC’s non-profit community, building effective innovative partnerships working toward the vision of a city free of hunger and homelessness. Community Picnic September 18
Leap into Fall!
Terry Snead, a frequent worshiper and participant at Metropolitan, is receiving the “Empowerment Award.” Formerly homeless, and a past resident of both St. Luke’s Shelter and Metropolitan House, Terry now devotes his energy to raising awareness about homelessness through his participation in CCHFP’s speaker’s bureau, board, and consumer’s council. Tickets are $75 and help support the programs at Friendship Place.
LIFE AT METROPOLITAN MEMORIAL COOPERATIVE PARISH Congratulations!
We congratulate our members who have had a very busy and rewarding Fall! Happy Anniversary Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to Grace and Don Cranick who celebrated their golden anniversary on September 10.
Just Born •Susan Gosnell Brown and Geoffrey Brown welcomed their new grandson, Carter Jackson Gelatt, who was born on September 18.
•Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson and Dr. David McAllister-Wilson welcomed their new grandson, Jacob Owen McAllister, who was born on September 27. Happy Birthday Marie Meredith will celebrate her 102 birthday on October 28! Congratulations Kent Weaver was elected to the Board of Directors of WesleyNexus, Inc., an organization responsible for creating and maintaining the online website wesnex.org. The WesleyNexus national website provides discussion resources to individuals and groups who are interested in science and share the heritage of John Wesley as part of their faith tradition. Their goal is to build an understanding of how science, religion, and theology can better inform one another among persons in a growing online community. Have exciting news to share?! Contact Jeff Clouser, jclouser@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 23.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to...
•the family and friends of John Underwood Raymond, who died on September 22. •the family and friends of Anna George, who died on October 4.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, October 16, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 18, 1:30 p.m. Join us for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! Questions? Contact Annette Fletchall at 301.216.5470. Metropolitan Nursery School Parenting Education Series 2011-12 Tuesday, October 25, 7 p.m., Library The Metropolitan Nursery School is excited to offer a series of parenting classes led by Meghan Leahy, a parent coach and mother of three, and former teacher and school counselor. On October 25, Meghan will discuss “Present Moment Parenting and Encouragement” where we will learn what ‘present moment parenting’ and positive encouragement mean, and how it can inform and improve your parenting. For more information go to positvelyparenting.com. New Worship Opportunity Sunday, October 30, 10:15 a.m., Great Hall The Praise and Worship Team invites you to a special service on Sunday, October 30. Through our church-wide visioning process one of our goals was to provide diverse worship opportunities. This worship is part of a series of events based on Dr. Bill Holmes’ 2009 book, Mature Christianity. Rev. Dr. Charles Parker will be in dialogue with us as we consider stewardship from a global perspective and the format will be quite different from previous services as we enter the stewardship season. Questions? Contact Kent Weaver, kenthweaver@gmail.com.
Staats Memorial Fund Accepting Grant Proposals Deadline: Monday, October 31 The Margaret Rich Staats Memorial Fund is currently accepting proposals to be reviewed at our fall meeting, for funding in early 2012. The Staats Fund is a committee of the UMW and funds programs and projects that help others, particularly children. Priority will be given to organizations in the greater DC area and to organizations with an endorsement from a church member. Please send proposals to Eliza Hamner-Koenig, eliza_hamner@yahoo.com or to the Metropolitan Memorial UMC church office marked “Attention: Staats Memorial Fund.” Contact Eliza for recommendations on proposal content. United Methodist Women’s Bazaar Saturday, November 5, 8 a.m. Come to the bazaar and discover gifts for the holidays, a fine piece of jewelry, books for your reading list, baked goods, gift baskets, and attic treasures. A jewelry pre-sale will be on Sunday, October 30 at 10:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. A post-bazaar sale will be on Sunday, November 6 at 10:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. (Lunch available for purchase.)
Table Talk Lunch Series Fall 2011 Schedule Noon - Lunch/Discussion - 12:20 p.m., Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge Wednesday, October 19 - The Burqa and the Beret: Immigration and the European Union Wednesday, October 26 - Power Play Against the Poor: Where is the Budget Battle Leading America? 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 at kslc@american.edu. Speakers for each event to be announced. Sponsored by the Office of the University Chaplain Kay Spiritual Life Center, American University.
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LIFE AT METROPOLITAN MEMORIAL COOPERATIVE PARISH (CONT.) Interested in becoming a Member?! Would you like to know more about our community of faith? Are you thinking of becoming a member of Metropolitan Memorial? Join us for these opportunities to learn more about our community of faith! Getting to Know Us Sunday, November 6, 10:10 a.m. You are invited to join us in the Welcome Center (just outside the sanctuary) for an orientation to our church. During this 45 minute session, we will introduce you to our parish, its ministries, and tours of the church will be offered. Questions? Contact Rev. Jimmy Sherrod, jsherrod@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 24.
New Member Session Sunday, November 13, 10:10 a.m., Fireplace Room Join us for our new member session every Second Sunday of the month, where we will discuss the membership vows, the theology of the vows, expectations, and interest and passions of potential members. Our next session will be on Sunday, November 13. This is an open session, but RSVP’s are encouraged. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Rev. Jimmy Sherrod, jsherrod@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 24.
THE ARTS AT METROPOLITAN MEMORIAL COOPERATIVE PARISH
Saturday, October 22, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Featuring renowned drummer, Ernest EC3 Coleman; Janelle Gill on piano, Pepe Gonzales on bass and Clint Hyson & Tiya on vocals. $10 entry/Under 12 free entry/$7 Seniors. Delicious Dinner Selections by Yvonne’s Catering available for purchase. “Flights of Fancy and Fantasy” Concert Sunday, October 30, 2 p.m. Kerm Towler, a member of Metropolitan’s Chancel choir, and several of his musical friends will present a concert, titled “Flights of Fancy and Fantasy,” on Sunday, October 30. Among the pieces for voice, organ, viola, flute, and piano to be performed are the Toccata and Fugue in D minor by Bach, selections from Wicked and Faust, and works by Faure, Dupre, Corigliano, and Nicholson, among others. They’ll also tickle you with a medley of themes from both the big and little screens!
The Advent 2011 Choral Offering: MESSIAH The Metropolitan Oratorio Choir will offer the Christmas portion of Handel’s beloved oratorio, MESSIAH, on Sunday, December 11 during the 11:15 a.m. worship service. MESSIAH will be performed with choir, soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone soloists, 10-piece baroque orchestra, and organ. The service will conclude with the glorious Hallelujah Chorus from the end of Part II of the oratorio. Everyone who desires to be a part of the choir is invited to Thursday evening rehearsals from 8 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. in the music room located in the Anne D. Dougherty Music Suite on the lower level of the education building. Soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voice parts are needed. Childcare can be provided. Questions? Contact Bruce Caviness, Organist/Choirmaster, 202.363.4900, ext. 15.
Save the Date! Metro Players Present “Driving Miss Daisy” by Alfred Uhry
Friday, November 18, 8 p.m., Saturday, November 19, 5 p.m., Sunday, November 20, 2 p.m. Tickets: $10/Adults and $5/Students
Art in Our Sanctuary “The Reredos” When new members inquire about the origin of our 10' X 30' chancel tapestry (the Reredos behind the altar), long-time members respond with a compelling story. Whether conceptualizing its possibility, needlepointing its vast surface design, advising tolerable weight limits for its structural components, disseminating enthusiastic comments about its symbolic content, participating in its finishing procedures, or orchestrating its installation, scores and scores of our long-time members participated in its making. This tapestry, along with our chancel pew cushions and furniture seats and backs, are the work of members of our church family. All were designed by Catherine Kapikian, founder and Director Emeritus of the Henry Luce III Center for the Arts and Religion at Wesley Theological Seminary. Enjoy other works of participatory aesthetics by this artist on her website at catherinekapikian.com.
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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN BAZAAR Volunteers Needed Thursday, October 20 - Saturday, November 5 The UMW’s annual bazaar is right around the corner and we need your help. But you don’t have to be a United Methodist Woman to pitch in! In fact, you don’t even have to be female to join in supporting this event, which annually raises around $15,000 for the benefit of projects aiding the welfare of women and children locally, nationally, and around the world. Below are some of the ways you can join in the fellowship, with contributions of “stuff” or a bit of your time: Thursday, October 20, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Help with a special sorting and pricing session in the Parlor. (Regular sorting and pricing sessions are Tuesdays at 10 a.m. to noon) Saturday, October 29, 10 a.m. to noon. Final, last-minute, pricing and sorting session in the Parlor. Contribute baked goods for sale at the bazaar! Drop off your goodies on Friday, November 4 in the kitchen off of the Vestry. (Be sure to label them for the “Bazaar.”) Contribute to the “Jacket Mania” section. Gently-used “better” ladies’ jackets that might be wearable for dressy occasions or special casual occasions such as luncheons or teas are wanted. If you have a jacket to donate, please contact Connie McWorkman directly or contact the church office, 202.363.4900. (Please note that this is the ONLY clothing we accept for the bazaar.) Other gently-used items for donation. To discover what items can be donated to the Bazaar, contact Barbara Gaskill, Barbara@bgaskill.com. Donated items, except Jacket Mania items, should be left near the UMW closet area just beyond the Parlor. Please drop off your items by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, which is our final regular pricing session. However, contributions will be accepted through Friday evening, October 28 in advance of our last-minute-catch-up pricing session on Saturday the 29. Thank you!
United Methodist Women Recognition Luncheon Sunday, December 11 12:30 p.m., Great Hall We are delighted to announce that four outstanding women have been selected for special recognition at our annual recognition event in December. As always, there are many women in our church who contribute in countless ways. The four women we will recognize this year are Angela Gildner, Karen Howard, Addie Owen, and Sue Roach. Each one of these women has made significant contributions to our church, our community, and beyond. We look forward to hearing more about their achievements at the Recognition Luncheon on Sunday, December 11. In addition, we will welcome new UMW members, recognize babies born in our church family, as well as honor the lives of women in our church family who have passed away within the past year. All are welcome to attend. Cost is $8 per person, guests are free. No RSVP is necessary. It promises to be a special day of celebration for all United Methodist Women!
Bazaar set-up (October 30 - November 4) On Sunday, October 30, a few extra hands, and especially strong backs and arms, will be needed to help empty the UMW closet and distribute boxes of priced items to their designated “boutique” areas. Strong teens and men of the church especially welcome! On November 1-3, help us during the day or evening with spiffing-up the “look” of the bazaar. Especially needed is someone to manage the layout of the “Gifts” table. Bazaar day (November 5) Volunteers are needed to work at one of our bazaar tables and a “head of security” is still needed. This person needs to find about 5 or 6 others who can do “creative loitering” and keep their eyes open throughout the day (8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.). Guidance for this new volunteer will be provided. Bazaar clean-up (November 5 and 6) Volunteers are needed to clean up from the bazaar. On November 5, individuals are needed after 3 p.m. Again, teens and men of the church are especially welcome! On November 6, we will need help with packing up the leftover books and a few other items that remain on sale on Sunday morning for church members. The more, the merrier! Questions? Contact bazaar coordinator Barbara Gaskill, Barbara@bgaskill.com. We looking forward to seeing many old friends and new!
“Pregnant with Possibilities” A Mini Retreat November 19th, 9 a.m. - Noon, Great Hall Take some time to reflect and refresh during Advent before the holiday season is in full swing. During our morning of quiet, fellowship and exploration, we’ll contemplate what is waiting to be born through us. Like Mary, we are all called to something greater than ourselves, and the thought of this being revealed makes us feel both excited and anxious. Maybe it’s life-changing, or maybe it’s a dream we’ve had to do something new. We will tell stories, write in journals and spend time with our sisters, exploring what is inside us waiting to be revealed. Who knows what could break forth in 2012?! For more information, contact Jayne Mardock, jemardock@yahoo.com or 301.466.6810.
Caring and Learning Metropoiltan’s Visitor Care If you know someone in the congregation who would enjoy a visit, or you would like to become a visitor corp member, contact Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, Bible Study with Rev. Dr. Charles Parker: Each Sunday Dr. Parker bases dwilson@nationalchurch.org. his sermons on particular Biblical texts. Come and explore the Scriptures for every other week in more depth. (Parlor) Soup and Study October 26, November 16, December 14, 6 p.m. On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings, we will eat a light dinner together at 6 p.m. in the Vestry, followed by a variety of fellowship and learning opportunities beginning at 7 p.m. Join us for Soup and then attend one of the following opportunities:
Caregiver’s Support Group: Facilitated by Rev. Barbara Green and Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson in the Great Hall. Caregiving is not easy; however with support from others, we can be strengthened for the journey and help one another. If you are caring for a spouse, a parent, a child, a family member or friend, join us as we share our experiences with one another. If you need someone to stay with your family member while you are attending this group, Sunday, November 6 please contact Rev. Barbara Green, bgreen@nationalchurch.org and Rev. All Saints’ Day is a universal festival of the Church. This Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org. (Great Hall) festival day directs our attention to the richness of ChrisChildcare for children through 5th grade and study hall for youth available. tian history through the faith and lives of the saints. The Come just for supper and fellowship if you like. Questions? Contact Rev. custom of commemorating the martyrs of the Church Barbara Green, bgreen@nationalchurch.org, or Rev. Drema McAllister-Wil- on a single day goes back to the third century. All Saints’ son, dwilson@nationalchurch.org. Day celebrates not only the martyrs and saints, but all the people of God, living and dead, who together form the Body of Christ. During both services, the names of Young@Heart: Metropolitan members who have died since the last All Saints’ Day will be read, remembered, and lifted in “This is Getting Old?” prayer and thanksgiving. Also, the “Book of the Departed Thursday, October 20, 8 p.m. Saints” (located in the side Baptist Chapel) will be placed Warner Theatre on the altar and those names will be symbolically lifted (513 13th St. NW) to God as well. You are welcome to write in names of Young@Heart, the world-renowned chorus of senior rockpersons you know who have died, so they can be reers who bring an eclectic mix of punk, indie and classic membered. Candles will be available to light in memory rock to new life, return for a LIVE performance of their new show “This is Getting Old?” to benefit IONA Senior Services. Since 1975, of loved ones. We invite you to bring a special candle IONA has helped Washingtonians age well and live well. The concert will from home. celebrate positive aging as it sustains IONA’s essential services for families If you would like for us to remember a loved one who coping with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Go to has passed away since November 7, 2010, please proyoungatheartdc.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets. To find out more about IONASe- vide us with the full name and date of death by Wednesnior Services log onto IONA.org. day, November 2. Please contact Jeffrey L. Clouser, jclouser@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 23.
What is a Support Team? Attend an Information Session on Sunday, November 20, 10:15 a.m. Have you ever said “call me if I can help” to someone experiencing illness or difficulty and did they call you? Although you left the door open, you probably never received a call. Other situations you hear of have a group rallying around to successfully help. That successful group could be a support team. A support team is a group of volunteers organized to provide practical, emotional, and spiritual support to persons with health concerns or other special needs. Part of the success of a support team depends on connecting what people like to do with the needs of others. This coordinated approach allows volunteers to enjoy helping others in the time frame they can realistically give. Join the Wellness Committee on Sunday, November 20, at 10:15 a.m. to learn more and consider whether you would like to participate in this ministry. For more information, contact Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 19 or Susan Roach, susanroach@verizon.net.
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Service and Advocacy
For those of you who attended World Communion Sunday and were inspired by the two young woman who spoke about their personal experiences, below is information about the organization, United We Dream and ways you can help the cause. For more information go to unitedwedream.org. What are DREAMers calling for? 1. Administrative Relief: The Obama Administration can act NOW, without legislation, to change enforcement policies as they apply to migrant youth and all detainees. They can cease detaining and deporting migrants based on immigration status. 2. Pass the federal DREAM Act, Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors. This has been reintroduced by Senator Dick Durbin [D-IL] in the Senate and by Rep. Howard Berman [D-CA] in the House. This bi-partisan bill would enable a path to legalization for migrant youth without documents, brought into the U.S. as children, if they enroll as students or serve in the military for two years. 3. Pass state bills that would enable migrant youth to attend college with in-state tuition, health care, transportation and other support that citizen youth have in a given state. What Can We Do? 1. Join the Facebook group “365 Day Fast in Solidarity with the DREAMers” 2. Participate in the fast and enlist others to participate. Tell people what you are doing and why you are doing it. Use this as an opportunity to talk about the stories of migrant youth affected by current immigration policy and to advocate for policy changes. 3. Sign the on-line pledge at “United We DREAM” calling on President Obama to take administrative action to end detentions and deportations of migrant youth: http://wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8496/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=365 4. Advocate for state and federal legislation in support of DREAM students. Let your elected officials know of your views. Call the Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121 and ask for the office of your Congressperson(s). If you reside in DC, ask for Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. If you reside in Maryland, ask for Senator Barbara Mikulski and Senator Ben Cardin. If you reside in Virginia, ask for Senator Mark Warner and Senator Jim Webb. Tell them you want the DREAM Act passed. Opportunity to earn legal resident status—6 year path to permanent residence and eventual citizenship for undocumented young adults brought to the United States as children who complete two years of college or military service. To qualify for the temporary visa, students would have to prove they are under 30 years old; were brought to the United States before they were 16; have been here for at least five years; have graduated from High School; and have a criminal-free record and good moral conduct. Then, they would have to complete two years of college, trade school, or military service to then adjust their status to lawful permanent residency and pursue a pathway to citizenship.
Study at Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish Science and Religion Fall classes For many of us in the 21st century, religious faith and spiritual practice can be strengthened and deepened by what God reveals to us through science. We are all enriched by the evolutionary history of the universe. Our challenge is to maintain deep-time eyes and a global heart. Join us this fall as our class considers the thoughts of some of our most prominent theologians, scientists and religious leaders. On October 23, Kent Weaver helps us to focus on the message of Dr. Greta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity in Toronto. On October 30, we take a break to participate in the all-church Great Hall event at 10:15 a.m. Join us in November as we resume our series with discussions on Nobel Laureate Dr. Charles Townes, scientisttheologian Dr. John Polkinghorne, Catholic spiritual leader Dr. Matthew Fox, Dr. Ursula King, president of the World Congress of Faiths, and others. We have background material in the Parlor for those who drop in. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, contact Kent Weaver, kenthweaver@gmail.com or Maynard Moore, maynard8@yahoo.com.
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Youth News! Wednesday’s this Fall! The youth (6th-12th grades) will be gathering in the youth rooms (204 & 206) for a homework/study hall with fellowship and decompression from the day to follow with art and game opportunities. Come join us for any length of time from 7-9pm with supper beginning in the Vestry at 6pm. Come check it out!
Youth! Come check out our coffee bar.
Youth Volunteers and Support Team Members Needed! Volunteers are needed as we continue to plan for the fall. If you are interested in serving in any kind of way: bringing a snack or meal, praying with us, teaching Sunday School, hanging out in the Youth Room, going on a trip, etc. there are MANY ways to show your love and support for the youth of this church. If you would like to explore a way that you can plug in, please contact Emily Bagwell, ebagwell@nationalchurch.org.
Children’s Ministries Helping Others One Sandwich at a Time By Ava and Elise, Young Disciples Class The 5th Grade Sunday School class at Metropolitan Memorial made sandwiches on Sunday, September 25 for our Grate Patrol Team to give to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army will give the sandwiches to homeless people in Washington, DC who do not have food to eat. Mr. Lundell and Ms. Schutte led the class to the sandwich area where our class met members of the Grate Patrol. They showed us how to make the sandwiches and we formed an assembly line and went straight to work. The complete lunch was ham and cheese sandwiches, granola bars, clementine’s and water. The assembly went by quickly and by the time we had finished, we thought we had made between 200 and 500 sandwiches. However, we are not quite sure. The Grate Patrol was very pleased with the work we did, and so were we. After sandwich making, we returned to our classroom to talk about what we had just done. Judy Ahn said “It made me feel good to know that I can help people” when asked about the experience. Everyone in the class agreed. We also talked about all of us being God’s children and that we should all try to help each other, because that is what God wants us to do. The sandwich making was a great experience for us and the whole class contributed and did their best. We have decided that we would like to help out again.
5th and 6th Graders work together to make sandwiches for the Grate Patrol.
Elise, Ava and Cordell put together lunches for Grate Patrol with the help of Sunday School teacher Eric.
Caroline, Perry Ann and Elena prepare sandwiches.
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Our Mission
Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites others into a deepening relationship with God and challenges them to grow as disciples for the transformation of the world.
Our Vision
Extending radical hospitality, transforming lives, and pursuing justice.
Reconciling Statement
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church affirms that all individuals are of sacred worth without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, marital circumstances, economic status, physical and mental condition, or criminal history. We declare ourselves in support of the reconciling movement and welcome the full participation in the church of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons and their families, as a reflection of God’s unconditional love. At the same time, we recognize differences of opinion on issues of sexuality and seek to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect.
PASTORAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF - 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, DC - 202.363.4900 www.nationalchurch.org - Pastoral Emergency Number - 202.510.8555 Rev. Dr. Charles Parker –– Senior Pastor, ext. 11, cparker@nationalchurch.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 19, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Jimmy Sherrod — Associate Pastor, ext. 24, jsherrod@nationalchurch.org Rev. Kate Murphey — Associate Pastor, ext. 21, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org Emily Bagwell — Associate Director of Youth Ministries, ebagwell@nationalchurch.org Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 15, bcaviness@nationalchurch.org Jeff Clouser — Director of Communications and Outreach, ext. 23, jclouser@nationalchurch.org Dona Collary — Director of Finance, ext. 18, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director and 9 a.m. Worship Leader, ext. 12, celliott@nationalchurch.org Barbara Green – Director of Learning, bgreen @nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 28, phouse@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. 10, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org
THE MESSENGER is published by: The Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish Metropolitan Memorial, 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@nationalchurch.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: November 7, 2011 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on November 1, 2011