The Messenger
October 14, 2013 Volume XXIII, No. 10 Nationalchurch.org
The Many Faces of Homelessness, Our Multi-faceted Response
Tyler Rusch Homeless Walk Sunday, October 20 10am and 12:30pm
Please join this annual fundraising event that supports Metropolitan House. Registration will be on the Plaza in front of the church. The registration fee is $25 for adults and $15 for children and young people up to age 25. This year, bring your own Tee-shirt!
Each October, our congregation recommits itself to serving the homeless. On October 15, Metropolitan House will reopen its doors. On Sunday, October 20, we will observe Homeless Awareness Sunday and members of our community – young and old – will take part in the Tyler Rusch Homeless Walk to raise both funds and awareness. It is a familiar ritual as both Metropolitan House and our St. Luke’s Shelter have been serving the homeless for twenty-two years! Yet in recent years, we have become increasingly aware of the complexity of the nature of homelessness and our congregation’s response has become more robust and multi-faceted. Three shelters now operate in our buildings – the low-barrier, lifesaving Hypothermia Shelter that operates at St. Luke’s when temperatures fall below freezing; Metropolitan House serving men seeking a more stable and secure shelter setting; and St. Luke’s Shelter which now focuses exclusively on moving homeless men into employment and permanent housing. It is, in essence, a continuum of care addressing a range of different needs. Our Grate Patrol team, launched in 2011, now works the frontline of homeless outreach, delivering meals to those living on the streets. It recently celebrated two years of service and 25,000 meals served. And this year, together with several other local congregations, we sponsored the second annual Winter Warmth event at the St. Luke’s Mission Center to provide warm clothing and a warm meal to those in need. While our primary mission has been serving homeless men, who constitute the overwhelming majority of the homeless in our part of the city, we are also increasingly aware that homelessness has many faces – veterans, immigrants, families, women, children, and youth. Through our mutual connection as members of the Washington Interfaith Network, Metropolitan advocated successfully for the restoration of funding for the Sasha Bruce Youthworks and other programs serving homeless teens. And with our partners at Brighter Day, we are pressing city and federal officials to renovate 266 units of affordable housing at the abandoned Parkway Overlook complex.
Same day registration on the plaza!
This expanding matrix of activities provides a multitude of ways that each of us can engage in efforts to serve the homeless and work toward the elimination of homelessness – whether it is making sandwiches for the Grate Patrol, bringing a meal to St. Luke’s or Metro House, serving as an overnight volunteer at Metro House, or joining our advocacy efforts. You can learn more about these activities at nationalchurch.org/ Serving. As we enter this season of renewed awareness and commitment, please give some time to support this critical aspect of our mission.
Sasha Bruce Youthworks Awarded the Tyler Rusch Help the Homeless Award
Each year in conjunction with the Tyler Rusch walk, the Metropolitan House Board awards the Tyler Rusch Award to an individual or organization demonstrating exemplary service to the homeless. This year, it will be awarded to Sasha Bruce Youthworks, an organization that has been sheltering and assisting homeless youth in our city for almost 40 years.
Congratulations
Life at Metropolitan Memorial
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to Lara and Nate Kline on the birth of their son, Gabriel Arthur Kline, on September 27.
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to Kelley and Kevin Rogge, on the birth of their daughter Harper Charlsie Rogge on September 14.
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to Shirley Humphries on the birth of her great grandaughter, Hazel Mae Marquart, in Fort Collins, CO.
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to Rev. Dottie Yunger, who is featured in November’s Sojourners magazine. Her article can be seen at sojo. net/magazine/2013/11/rev-riverkeeper.
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to Rev. Dr. William Holmes and Nancy Holmes, who were recently interviewed by KHOUTV in Houston about their experiences around JFK’s assassination in Dallas. The video can be found at khou.com/news/texasnews/224847012.html.
Our prayers go out to • the family and friends of Jim Angel,
who died on September 29 (a memorial service will be held at Metropolitan Memorial a later date).
Welcome
We welcome our new Church Office Coordinator, Princess Bethea. Princess was first introduced to the United Methodist Church after visiting our Wesley congregation in 2010 where she is now a member. Princess was born and raised in Latta, South Carolina. She moved to the DC area in 2006 after serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the West Indies. She has a B.A. in Sociology from Winthrop University and a M.A. in Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs from American University. Her career experience includes over 10 years of nonprofit management and community development, locally and abroad. She cherishes the arts, poetry, and her two nieces in North Carolina.
New Members
We welcome new members Gail and Don Crane who joined our congregation on Sunday, June 9, transferring from Princeton UMC in Princeton, N.J. Gail has taught music in both public and private schools and has taught private piano. In Princeton, she was chair of the membership committee and was active in the Disciple Bible study. Gail now teaches private piano and sings in the Washington Chorus. She also enjoys travel and photography. Donald is a legal and strategic advisor to organizations working in the developing world to improve living standards. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan School of Law, where he teaches international transactions. In Princeton, he was also active and co-taught in the Disciple Bible study. He enjoys playing guitar (country blues), outdoor recreation, cooking, and travel. He is functionally proficient in French, Bulgarian, and Italian, with basic Russian and Spanish skills.
All Saints Sunday Sunday, November 3
All Saints Day is a universal festival of the church that directs our attention to the richness of Christian history through the faith and lives of the saints. On this day, we celebrate not only the martyrs and saints, but all the people of God, living and dead, who together form the Body of Christ. During the 9am and 11:15am services, the names of Metropolitan members who have died since the last All Saints Day will be read, remembered, and lifted in prayer and thanksgiving. Also, the “Book of the Departed Saints” (located in the side Phillips Chapel) will be placed on the altar and those names will be symbolically lifted to God as well. You are welcome to write in names of persons you knew who have died, so they can be remembered. Candles in the Phillips Chapel will also be available to light in memory of loved ones. If you wish to remember a loved one who has passed away since November 4, 2012, please provide the full name and date of death by Wednesday, October 30 to Jeff Clouser, jclouser@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900.
Staff-Parish Relations Committee Congregational Feedback
Each fall, as required by our Conference, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) evaluates the performance of the senior and associate pastors and makes a recommendation to the Bishop as to whether each pastor should be reappointed. The Bishop considers this recommendation, along with other factors, in deciding whether to reappoint a pastor. SPRC encourages members of the congregation to provide feedback directly to our pastors throughout the year, and it also welcomes congregation input as part of this evaluation process. Members of the congregation may write the Chair of SPRC, in care of Metropolitan Memorial (there is a separate SPRC “box” in the church office mail room), or they may write to or talk with any member of the SPRC with feedback concerning Rev. Dr. Charles Parker, Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, Rev. Kate Murphey, and Rev. Dottie Yunger. While the SPRC will not consider any unsigned letters, it will respect and agree to requests for confidentiality. Please contact the SPRC by Monday, October 21, if you wish to have your feedback concerning any clergy considered as part of this year’s evaluation process. Members of the SPRC include: Cathy Anderson (Chair), Suzanne Forsyth (Lay Leader), Carol Bartlett, Nancy Clarkson, Eric Imperial; Julian Blair and Elizabeth Kramer (Wesley UMC); Alyssa Morrison and Erica Goodman (Crossroads).
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Life at Metropolitan Memorial
Wesley Bible Study Mondays, 7pm - 8:30pm, Wesley UMC*
Reflect on God’s plan for and relationship with us and creation with “Manna and Mercy - A Brief History of God’s Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire Universe.” A great overview of the Biblical story with cartoons and engaging questions. For more information, contact Rev. Kate Murphey, kmurphey@ nationalchurch.org. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Tuesday, October 15, 12:30pm Sunday, October 20, 1:30pm
Join us in the parlor for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! Knitters who wish to participate in the Tyler Rusch Homeless Walk are encouraged to join the 10am walk. Interested in joining? Contact Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.
College Student Prayer Study Wednesdays, 6:30pm, AU Lounge
Deepen your faith life, share doubts and questions and discover different Biblical takes on prayer and prayer practices. All college students welcome. Gather for food at 6:30pm and study at 7pm. For more information, contact David Hosey, dhosey@nationalchurch.org.
Book Club Monday, October 21, 7:30pm, Parlor
Join us for our October meeting as Connie Sommers leads a discussion on And the Mountains Echoed. For more information, contact Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com or Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail.com.
Soup and Study Wednesday, October 23, 6pm, Vestry
Join us for our evening study program. Dinner is served at 6pm with classes beginning at 7pm. Classes include: A year-long series of classes studying the Pillar ministries of our church - October 23, Serving: Focus on South Africa Leader Ann Michel; Bible Study - Leaders: Charlie Parker and Bob Olson; Grief and Its Implications, with special guest Antoinetta Corvasce, Grief Counselor and Licensed Therapist - Leader: Drema McAllister-Wilson; What Can Christianity Learn from Other World Religions? - Leader: Phil Wogaman. For more information on classes, contact Barbara Green, bgreen@nationalchurch.org.
Annual Charge Conference Thursday, November 7, 7:30pm, Great Hall
Metropolitan will hold its annual Charge Conference led by Rev. Dr. Joseph Daniels, Superintendent, Greater Washington District, on Thursday, November 7. This will be held as a “Church Conference,” meaning that all are invited to attend and all church members can vote.
Pruning Workshop Saturday, November 16, 9:30am, Room TBD
The Gardening Committee is sponsoring a pruning workshop! Why? Consider this verse from the Gospel of John: Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. - John 15:2. We know you want your own shrubs and trees to bear fruit, but they won’t if you ignore them or hack them using indiscriminate loppers and power shears. They need selective tending that can only come with hand pruners and hand saws. This workshop will teach you how to help your plants flourish. The workshop features a brief talk by Elizabeth Doyle, owner of Yankee Clippers, who will describe the art of hand pruning. Then you’ll put your pruners in motion by practicing, under the tutelage of professional Clippers, on the shrubs at Metropolitan. Whether you’re a novice gardener or you’ve been hacking your own shrubs for years, you’re guaranteed to learn better pruning techniques. You may not learn to prune like God, but we guarantee you’ll learn to prune like a Yankee Clipper. Cost: $60. Register at yankeeclippers. com/appt.html and select “Attending a workshop” as your interest. Once registered, you will receive a welcome letter providing: instructions on where to send your $60 fee, information on pruning tools, and the workshop agenda. Your payment will secure your place in the workshop. Space is limited so sign up today! Our annual stewardship campaign will include a program on stewardship and financial education. Please join us on either Sunday, November 17 at 12:30pm (a light lunch will be provided) or Wednesday, November 20, (with soup and salad at 6pm followed by the program at 7pm). In both of these sessions we will have four classes: Basic Stewardship, Financial Literacy, Planned Giving, and Teaching Children About Finance. We hope that you will plan to join us for one of these sessions; child care will provided for both sessions.
Leadership Development Coming Soon
Did you miss last year’s classes in strengthening leadership skills? Are you considering taking a new responsibility in the church – or your job? Another chance is coming January – March 2014 on the first and third Wednesdays. The class will follow the pattern of Soup and Study: supper at 6 p.m. and class at 7 p.m. But Soup and Study is always on the second and fourth Wednesdays, so this year Leadership Development will not conflict with the Soup and Study offerings. Come to any or all sessions as your schedule permits. The class schedule is: February 19 – Dealing with Conflict January 15 – Research/Emotional Intelligence January 29 – Personality Characteristics/Myers-Briggs March 5 – Leading Meetings March 19 – Applications: Case Studies, Problem Solving February 5 – Team Building To register for classes, please contact Helen Simon, hsimon@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 109. For more information, please contact Barbara Green, bgreen@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 105.
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United Methodist Women UMW Bazaar is Coming! - Saturday, November 2
The United Methodist Women’s annual bazaar is approaching fast, and we need your help. 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: • • •
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.
The Arts at Metropolitan Memorial Jazz@Wesley: Fred Foss, Saxaphonist Saturday, October 26, 4pm, Wesley*
Transplanted from NYC to Washington, D.C. nearly two decades ago, saxophonist/flutist Fred Foss finally debuts as leader, blowing straight ahead with a tight-playing eight-musician team. They deliver six harmonious, wellarranged (mostly) originals that scan the African-American social evolution and spotlight young trumpet ace Marcus Rabb, arranger Roger Woods (alto/tenor sax, bass clarinet), pianist George Colligan, and others. Acoustic bassist James King donates his ballad “When We Were,” an engaging vehicle for Foss’ honeyed flute solo. Tickets available online 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.
Welcome to Chancel Choir Choral Scholars
Please extend a warm welcome to our new choral scholars, who have joined the choir for the academic year. These American University students are Arielle Finegold (soprano), a senior from Colorado and a philosophy major with minors in religious studies and Jewish studies; Catie DeLiso (alto), a sophomore from California, majoring in business and music; and David D’Auria (bass), a sophomore from Connecticut, majoring in mathematics and economics with a music minor. We are very happy to have them with us!
The Advent 2013 Choral Offering: MESSIAH Rehearsals Begin Thursday, October 17
The Metropolitan Oratorio Choir will offer the Christmas portion of Handel’s beloved oratorio, MESSIAH, on Sunday, December 8 during the 11:15am 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 7:30pm to 8:15pm in the music room, which is located in the Anne D. Dougherty Music Suite on the lower level of the education building. All voice parts will be needed: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. There will be a dress rehearsal with choir, orchestra, and organ on Saturday, December 7 from 10am to noon, in the sanctuary. If you have any questions or wish to arrangements for childcare, please contact Bruce Caviness, Organist/Choirmaster, at 202.363.4900, ext. 152.
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Service and Advocacy Campus Kitchen Project Saturday, October 19, 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
Focus on South Africa Mission Study “Soup and Study” Wednesdays October 23, November 13 and December 11, 7pm.
Join us on “Soup and Study” Wednesdays for a mission study focusing on South Africa. Using Peter Storey’s book of sermons, God in the Crucible, as a lens, we consider racial reconciliation in South Africa. We will also study the life and legacy of Nelson Mandella, and examine the issues and challenges facing South Africa today. This study is open to all, but anyone considering being part of the 2014 Volunteers in Mission team is strongly encouraged to take part. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us! Before each of the these sessions, we will use the “table time” during the Soup and Study dinners to discuss and plan the VIM trip. Anyone is welcome at the “VIM supper table,” whether or not you have committed to be part of the team. If you are interested in being included in correspondence related to the South Africa VIM trip, please contact Ann Michel, amichel@wesleyseminary.edu or Pat House, phouse@nationalchurch.org. More information about the VIM trip can be found below.
Grate Patrol Sunday, October 27, 10:10am, Vestry Kitchen
Join us in making sandwiches and preparing the meal bags that will be distributed the next day to those in need in our area. We are also looking for more volunteers to help us with some newly developed shopper and greeter roles. We need people who can do the grocery shopping a couple of days in advance of the monthly sandwich making (we have this down to a science and we can share with you how to do this as quickly as possible). We also are looking for people who can welcome our monthly volunteers and make sure they are introduced to other volunteers. If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please contact Maura Porcelli, maura.porcelli@gmail.com. For more information on the Grate Patrol go to nationalchurch.org/servenow.
Potato Drop Saturday, November 2 9am - 5pm St. Luke’s Mission Center*
Join us for a potato drop at St Luke's Mission Center on November 2. A tractor trailer will dump thousands of pounds of free potatoes in the parking lot, potatoes that have otherwise been rejected by commercial markets and would be discarded in land fills. Instead, these potatoes will be sorted and bagged and distributed to local food banks. We will partner with Foundry UMC to sort and bag potatoes. For more information or to volunteer to help, contact Rev. Dottie Yunger, dyunger@nationalchurch.org, 202-363-4900 ext 111. *3655 Calvert St., NW.
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 began 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 agreed-upon 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 Thursday, October 17, 12pm, Great Hall
Join us for a time of feasting, fellowship and fun. On October 17, Don Turnbull will present the lesser known memorials and monuments of Washington. Come see what you have been missing in our city! Questions or input, contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com or Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net.
Tai Chi Classes Tuesdays, Beginning October 15, 6pm, Vestry
Interested in Tai Chi? Join teacher Mary Evans, who has studied in China for a 12 class series. Cost: $40/12 sessions. All money collected will be donated to our church. For more information, contact Penny Pagano, 202-338-7926.
Soup and Study: “Grief and its Implications” Wednesday, October 23, 7pm, Conf. Room
Following the “Soup and Study” meal at 6pm, join Grief Counselor and Licensed Therapist, Antoinetta Corvasce, as she presents information on grief and its implications for persons and families experiencing loss. For more information, contact Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext 104.
Advent Retreat Weekend Early Bird Tickets Available Through October 24
Learn basic techniques of adult and pediatric CPR, rescue breathing and choking, and how to use the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Cost: $25/person. Pre-registration with payment is required by October 15. Please make checks payable to Terry White, and place payment and registration in Rev. McAllister-Wilson’s mailbox in the church office. Registration forms available in the office foyer. Questions? Contact, Sue Roach, susanroach@verizon.net.
Join Sylvia Boorstein and Sharon Salzberg for an experience of joy to the world this coming holiday season. These renowned teachers and authors bring four decades of teaching and meditation experience to nurture our natural capacity for an open and loving heart. • December 13, 7:30pm - Evening of talk and meditation on cultivating kindness • December 14, 10am - 4pm - Quiet Day to nurture peace and good will toward oneself and others (on site lunch provided) • December 15, 7pm - 8:30pm - Advent Contemplative Communion Service with live music. Led by Rev. Dr. Charles Parker and Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson. All welcome. Free of charge. Purchase tickets at ajoyfullife.brownpapertickets.com. Cost: $20/Friday Session and $95/Two-day Pass. Learn more at sylviaboorstein.com and sharonsalzberg.com.
October AARP Meeting Monday, October 21, 12:30pm, Vestry
Caring Luncheon Sunday, October 27, 12:30pm, Great Hall
Gentle Yoga Thursdays, Now - October 24, 4pm, Great Hall
Register for one or all classes by contacting Cathryn Gunnerson, cegunner@verizon.net or 301-642-3889 ($10-$15/ class suggested donation).
CPR/AED Training Adult, Child and Infant Saturday, October 19, 9am to 1pm, Great Hall
Join us as Chris DeYoung, Co-Director of the Health Insurance Counseling Project at the George Washington University Community Legal Clinics, discusses the Affordable Care Act and how it may impact seniors in our area.
On October 27, we will honor all those involved in our Caring Ministries. To learn more or to RSVP, contact Dona Collary, dcollary@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900 ext. 106.
Youth Ministries First Sundays of Service
Recently a group of youth met with our Crossroads community to participate in worship and Grate Patrol. This is part of our new First Sundays of Service initiative. We were able to make over 100 sack lunches, which we then passed out to individuals on the streets of DC, through the Salvation Army Grate Patrol program. This was a wonderful experience for our youth to learn about homelessness in DC and experience the unique style of worship at our Crossroads site at the St. Luke’s Mission Center, 3655 Calvert St., NW.
Youth Sunday School - 10:10am
All middle school and high school students are invited to our Sunday school classes. 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 - 5:45pm - 7:30pm
Our Methodist Youth Fellowship program meets two Sundays per month. We have dinner, enjoy games and have a lesson focusing on the first book of the popular series, The Hunger Games, exploring themes of justice, hunger, and compassion.
Upcoming Dates for Youth Ministry
October 20: Youth Sunday at Wesley October 27: First Youth Choir Performance/MYF: The Hunger Games November 1 - 3: Fall Retreat at Manidokan For a calendar of youth events or to see reflections on our youth program, visit youthmetropolitan.wordpress.com.
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Children’s Ministries Dear Families After much thoughtful and prayerful consideration, I have resigned as Director of Children's Ministries at Metropolitan, effective Sunday, November 3. I have needed to right the balance between my work life and my home life. I am proud of what I have accomplished in the time that I have had the honor to work with Metropolitan's children and it has been a joy to see the children's ministries program develop. The Nursery School expanded, and we established a weeklong Vacation Bible School that has grown in size and reputation in its three years of existence. The two children's choirs have also grown and now feature accompanists, a healthy roster of participants, and a supportive parent body. It has been my special privilege to provide the weekly Children's Sermon at the 9 am worship, the two Nursery School Chapels on Wednesday mornings, and to be the chief point of contact with families wishing to have their babies baptized at Metropolitan. For our Sunday School classes, our five classrooms were reorganized and we created a Godly Play library of stories for teachers to use as a resource. In addition, a new curriculum for our fifth-graders has been a successful departure from our Godly Play classes, and has proven critical to retaining tweens as they transition into our Youth program. In my tenure, I also worked fifteen months as interim Youth Director and helped develop our growing relationship with Brighter Day Ministries, Met Flix, Evening in Advent, the Family Christmas Eve Service, the Children's Celebration Service, and Pancake Supper round out the number of activities that I supported or directed throughout a given year. All of this I could not have done without a staff of 50 volunteers and employees from Sunday School teachers and VBS volunteers to nursery workers and piano players. Metropolitan has been my church home for 19 years and so I want to emphasize that I am leaving my job but not my church. I will continue to be a part of the PreK - Kindergarten teaching team Sunday mornings and will assist with the transition to a new director whenever or wherever I am needed. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to work with your children, they are a gift and I am grateful for the experience. I look forward to seeing them grow. Yours in Christ, Anita Seline, Director of Children’s Ministry
Are You Game? Sunday, November 10, 5:30pm, Great Hall
Join us for a dinner and family game night! Monopoly, Yahtzee, Trouble, Scrabble, Cranium, Hit or Miss, Connect Four, Scattergories, Othello, Checkers, Uno, Taboo, Chess, Twister, and more! If you would like to spend an evening with other Metropolitan families enjoying games that you've played a thousand times or challenging yourself to learn a new one, please join us. Bring a game to share and Charlie Parker promises to be there to teach chess. Enjoy dinner in the Great Hall ($10/family) and then, GAME ON! Event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
New Family Reception Sunday, November 3, 10:10am, Vestry
We welcome several new families into our congregation this fall (nine babies and toddlers are being baptized between October and January!) and we’ll take a moment to welcome all of them into the life of our church family. Parents, please join us Sunday, November 3, between worship services for a reception in the Vestry. Make new friends and provide a warm welcome to these wonderful people.
Bible Presentation
Six third-graders received their Bibles last month during worship service. Rev. Charlie Parker presented the Bibles to each child with their families looking on. Not pictured who also received Bibles are Cole and Emma. Thanks to Angela Gildner for snapping the photographs.
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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.
Pastoral and Administrative Staff - 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, DC - 202.363.4900 www.nationalchurch.org - Pastoral Emergency Number - 202.510.8555 Rev. Dr. Charles Parker –– Senior Pastor, ext. 108, cparker@nationalchurch.org Rev. Kate Murphey — Associate Pastor, Sharing, Lead Pastor at Wesley UMC, ext. 110, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org Rev. Dottie Yunger –– Associate Pastor, Service/Advocacy, Lead Pastor at Crossroads, ext. 111, dyunger@nationalchurch.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 104, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Barbara Green – Director of Learning, ext. 105, bgreen@nationalchurch.org David Hosey - Pastoral Associate for Crossroads and Campus Ministry, dhosey@nationalchurch.org Princess Bethea — Office Coordinator, ext. 102, pbethea@nationalchurch.org Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 152, bcaviness@nationalchurch.org Jeff Clouser — Director of Communications and Outreach, ext. 113, jclouser@nationalchurch.org Dona Collary — Pastoral Care Assistant/Wedding and Funeral Coordinator, ext. 106, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director/9am Worship Leader/Youth Choir Director, ext. 151, celliott@nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 114, phouse@nationalchurch.org Patrick Landau — Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 112, plandau@nationalchurch.org Bill Potts –– Executive Director of Operations, ext. 101, wpotts@nationalchurch.org Rafael Reyes — Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 116, rreyes@nationalchurch.org Anita Seline — Director of Children’s Ministries, ext. 115, aseline@nationalchurch.org Helen Simon — Executive Assistant to Dr. Parker, ext. 109, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org
The Messenger is published by The Metropolitan Church - A Multi-site United Methodist Community Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 St. Luke’s Mission Center (3655 Calvert St., NW)/Wesley UMC (5312 Conn. Ave., NW) Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: nationalchurch.org NEXT ISSUE: November 11, 2013 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on November 5, 2013