THE MESSENGER
For the congregation of the Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish
November 12, 2010 Volume XX, No. 13 www.nationalchurch.org
Metropolitan Memorial, St. Luke’s, and Wesley United Methodist Churches
Blessed by Giving The great spiritual teacher and writer Henri Nouwen wrote a wonderful little book called The Spirituality of Fund Raising. In it, he says, “Fundraising is a very concrete way to help the Kingdom of God come about….Jesus compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed ‘which, at the time of its sowing, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. Yet once it is sown, it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade’ (Mark 4:31-32, NJB). Even a seemingly small act of generosity can grow into something far beyond what we could ever ask or imagine.” We have spent much of this fall exploring how we can “rethink church;” how we create a thriving community that fulfills our vision of “extending radical hospitality, transforming lives, and pursuing justice.” Through our worship services and congregational conversations, we have reflected on how we put our beliefs into action, both as individuals and as a Metropolitan community. I am grateful for all of the energy and commitment that so many of you have brought to this process. On Sunday, November 21, we will bring this process to a close on our annual stewardship commitment Sunday. As Henri Nouwen notes, our financial giving is one of the more significant ways in which we work to bring about the Kingdom of God. The giving of our financial commitments puts flesh on the bones of our vision. It is through our giving that our plans to “rethink church” begin to become a reality. We have ambitious goals for our church, and I have ambitious hopes for our giving. So as we prepare for Commitment Sunday, I would like to challenge you to take several factors into consideration: ·Stretching: whatever you have been giving during the past year, stretch it a little. Even if you’re not going to be earning more, how can you re-prioritize to make your support of Metropolitan reflect its importance to you? What we do with our time and our money is the most significant reflection of what we value. “Rethinking church” is about demonstrating that the things that we say we value, we actually value. ·Pledging: Only about half of our regular attendees pledge. Now, many more than that give, but pledging raises the level of your commitment to the next level. When we pledge, we bring intentionality to our giving. It stops being random and haphazard, and becomes more of a spiritual discipline. Pledging makes planning possible, both our life-planning as individuals, but also our planning as a faith community. If you are one of the families who give but don’t pledge, let me urge you to put pencil to paper and take that next step in your faith journey. If it is possible to give electronically, let me encourage that as well. A higher level of electronic giving will provide greater stability to our church throughout the year. ·Participating: Over the weeks that we have been “rethinking church,” we have included inserts in the bulletin each Sunday, listing ways that you can get involved in the different ministries of our church. If you missed one, or couldn’t decide how to fill it out during the service, I want to encourage you to bring those cards in on pledge Sunday as well. We have so many exciting places to become engaged here at Metropolitan, I want every one of our members to find the place where their gifts can be used to help build the Kingdom of God. Stewardship is a sacred time in the life of our church. It is the place where all of our hopes and dreams meet with reality of developing programs and budgets. This is where our vision becomes reality, and I don’t want anyone to be a spectator in this process. Ministry – like life – is to be lived, not simply observed and critiqued. Use this season to deepen your walk of discipleship through the sharing of your gifts. Blessings,
Charlie
A Season of Advent Advent is a special time here at Metropolitan Memorial. We invite you to join us for fun, fellowship and refllection this advent season.
All Church and Neighborhood Advent Workshop, Dinner and Carol Sing An Advent Door of Welcome: Saving Christmas ~ Serving Others Sunday afternoon, December 5th from 5 to 7 p.m. Join with your neighbors and friends for an evening in preparation for Christmas. This is an intergenerational event not to be missed. We start off with Christmas gift making and service projects, followed by a scrumptious pasta dinner (all you need to do is bring a plate of our favorite Christmas goodies for dessert) and we close with a Carol Sing and Worship. Our Advent theme of “Doors” will be evidenced in some of the gifts that we make for our neighbors, friends, and family and also for those in need in our community. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus – remember it’s not your birthday! Rev. Mike Slaughter at Ginghamsburg Church near Dayton, Ohio, said, “’Hey, Christmas is not your birthday. It’s Jesus’ birthday,’ because Christians have made Christmas one of the biggest, hedonistic kind of selffocused, materialistic feast. What would Jesus really desire? According to CNN, the average American citizen spends, almost $1,000 each Christmas! Spend more time this Christmas “being” with family and friends, “doing” activities together and if you and your family find yourselves “saving” some money, we encourage you to donate to our special Christmas Eve offering. For the third year in a row, Metropolitan has chosen to give our entire Christmas Eve offering from all three services “outside” of our doors. In 2008 we donated $ 8,500+ to Nothing But Nets and in 2009 we donated $7,500+ to the Baltimore Washington Conference Camping Ministries. This year we have chosen DC Central Kitchen. DC Central Kitchen turns leftover food into millions of meals for thousands of at-risk individuals while offering nationally recognized culinary job training to once homeless and hungry adults. Their mission is to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities. For more information check out their website at www.dccentral kitchen.org. Kent Weaver, who organizes volunteers to prepare dinner for Metropolitan House, our homeless shelter, will be taking the lead on this program. So, come join the fun. There will be something for everyone and much love and good cheer to go around. What better way to start off the Advent season! If you are Interested in helping, contact Pat House at phouse@mmumc-dc.org or Anita Seline at aseline@mmumc-dc.org or call the church office at 202.363.4900.
Journaling Workshops Begins Sunday, December 5 Christmas can be such a hectic time. Join us in the Great Hall as we take some time to slow down and reflect on the season, and on our lives. Pam McFarland, a long-time writer/editor, will lead three workshops in the Great Hall on Sundays during the study hour in which we will explore journaling exercises that help us tell some of the stories of our lives. We can keep these for ourselves, share them with each other, or use for a future essay, letter to a loved one, or collage. There will be a different theme each week: December 5: Wonder/Heart Openings December 12: Turning Points/Spiritual Awakenings-what is your experience of God and how have you felt his presence in your life? December 19: Finding peace and serenity during the hectic Christmas season- What does Christmas mean for you? Please bring a spiral notebook/journal and something to write with.
“Get Me Through December” December 21, 8 p.m., Wesley UMC This is a service that acknowledges how hard the Christmas season can be. Through blues music, prayer, reflection and communion we will have space to grieve and simply be.Wesley United Methodist Church (5312 Connecticut Ave NW).
Life at Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish Your Words
In the October issue of “The Messenger” we asked the question, “When have you experienced a “learning” moment? Tell us what it meant to you and how it influenced your understanding of the world.” Your responses are below: “I have experienced many moments of learning at Metropolitan. One particular moment that comes to mind was this year’s Reconciling Sunday sermon. For me, Charlie’s sermon provided me with an extraordinary experience of religious acceptance that I will not soon forget.” - Brian Cusick “Mom and I lost our beloved dog, Berkeley, a few months back. I was going to write that we had her ‘put down,’ but I hate that term. No, we lost her. Lost her unbridled, enthusiastic and unconditional love. Dogs were placed on this Earth to be love’s exclamation points. No other creature lets us know God’s gentle promise: “Peace, be still, for I AM.” I am loved! Just by being blessed to wake each morning, Berkeley showed me I was loved with the joyous wag of her tail. “Wake up! You’re loved! Now feed me!” Exclamation points. Dogs don’t care about your bank account or whether you’ve got a 29 inch waist or 6-pack abs. Just a little food, exercise and belly rubs. That’s all it takes to be loved without fail. I dreamed about Berkeley last night. She was lost and I feared the worst. I set out looking for her and stumbled upon a mass of lost, abandoned and captured dogs. Dirty, wounded, predatory. And there my beautiful German Shepherd was. She too was dirty. Her hind leg was injured. She was lost. I called her name and she spun around and ran to me with such relief. It was my tail that was wagging. We embraced and embraced. She was even happy to have me put on her leash. As I prepared to lift her 90-plus pounds in my arms to carry her back home, I woke from my dream. Berkeley is gone. And I need what she gave me. I will always need it. That’s God’s lesson. I knew it that very moment. A teachable moment. For every moment is teachable with God as instructor. I learned patience, responsibility and playfulness from her. Lessons I hope to be blessed to one day share with my own children. Thank you Berkeley. Thank you God, for teaching me that each moment I need love, all I have to do is seek it out and hoist it up in my arms.” -Erik Todd Dellums
Your Words December’s Question What does it mean to you to praise God?
Welcome Our New Members! We welcome our new members who joined Metropolitan Memorial on Sunday, October 31. They include: Edwin AmpiahAddison, Dominic Argentieri, Ronald Boyd, Valerie Boyd, Leah Bullis, Douglas Cary, Vicki Cary, Nancy Clarkson, Megan Dankovich, Whitney Enright, Ethan Goss, Martha McCacahren, Bradley McKinney, Lauren McKown, Diane Myers, Maura Porcelli, Kevin Rogge, Kelley Rogge, Robert Siciliano and Robin Smith. November AARP Meeting Please join us on Monday, November 15 in the Vestry. Several of our members from different areas of the country will discuss Thanksgiving traditions and their early memories of the holiday. Social time is at 12:30 p.m., and the meeting starts at 1:00. Refreshments will be served. Prayer Shawl Ministry Tuesday, November 16 Sunday, November 21 Join us for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! Questions? Contact Annette Fletchall at 301.216.5470. 31st Annual InterFaith Fall Concert Tuesday, November 16, 7:30 p.m. You’re invited to attend a joyful “Celebration of the Sacred in Song and Chant” at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (400 Michigan Ave. NE). The event honors the three decades of interfaith work by Fred and Lesley Israel. The combined choirs will perform under the direction of Dr. Joyce Garrett, with Baha’i, Buddhist, Indonesian, Roman Catholic, and Protestant choirs represented. Tickets are $15/general admission and $30/reserved seating. Donations are welcome and tickets can be reserved by calling the InterFaith Conference, 202.234.6300. 20011 Scull Calendars Scull calendars are available in the Library and can be picked up on Sunday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to immediately after the 11:15 a.m. worship service. The cost is $4. Supplies are limited. Questions? Contact Joan Davenport, 202.966.0710. The Swastika Code Pat Nicolette’s latest novel is now available When a rare German Bible goes missing at the end of World War II, it leads straight to the death an American diplomat 60 years later and lands Nick Mercante in the middle of a mystery that reaches into the minds of Adolph Hitler and Joseph Goebbels and one of the most diabolical plots of the Third Reich. Order your signed copy author, Pat Nicolette, 202.362.5585 or zoomaster2@verizon.net.
The Arts at Metropoliatn Memorial The Metro Players Present: An Evening of One-Act Comedies Friday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets $10 at the door/$5 students Take a break from Thanksgiving cooking and cleaning and enjoy an evening of one-act comedies presented by Metropolitan Players. All of the plays are directed by “recruited” Metro Players debuting as directors. The first three plays are suitable for all ages and tastes and the play “Wanda” following the intermission is a little more racy. Here are a few tidbits to pique your interest. “Lost” by Mary Louise Wilson is a vignette of two old friends who are headed out to lunch. Join them on their escapades as they try to actually depart their apartment and begin their discombobulated journey that never results in lunch! What are they doing… where are they going …? Beverly Fleming and Barbara Green are perfect as two ditzy broads out on a lark! Directed by Patrisha House. “Porcelain and Pink” finds two sisters stranded in a summer home with only one bathtub. Throw in a confused suitor of a literary persuasion, the coming of the Jazz Age, and faulty plumbing and the dialogue takes on meanings of hilarious proportions. “Is she or isn’t she?” is a question the audience will find themselves being challenged with as they laugh their way through this zany comedy. Deborah Rhoads Mack takes a turn on stage and is joined by veteran Lesli Bales-Sherrod and newcomer Matthew Gill. Directed by Trish Long. “If Men Played Cards As Women Do” Four men get together for a late afternoon of everything but card playing. They gossip about other people, criticize each other—but only when the target is not in the room—and finally break into peals of laughter over a “mishap” between a newly married husband and wife. Introducing and starring Charlie Parker as the obsessive-compulsive host of the card party. The other three characters are played by Randy Oberdick, a guy who wants to make sure he arrives first so that no one can talk about him; Jimmy Sherrod, the overly critical friend who freely speaks his opinion about everything; and Kevin Settlage, a man who relishes sharing and hearing all the sordid details of other people’s lives. You will not want to miss this chance to see your senior minister filling a role unlike any he has before. And, be forewarned, if you do not come to a performance, these men are likely to say something intriguing about you. Directed by Kevin Settlage. “Wanda’s Visit” takes us into the restless relationship of Jim and Marsha, who have their lives thrown into disarray by a visit from Wanda, Jim’s old high-school girlfriend who has been on a downward spiral ever since their breakup over 30 years ago. She entertains (and frightens) them with stories of her past promiscuity and various possible criminal activities, all the while flirting inappropriately with Jim as Marsha tries to remain a good hostess. Metro Player regulars, Pam Settlage, John Long, Carol Bartlett and Pat Nicolette. Directed by Kris Oberdick. Due to mature content, Wanda’s Visit should only be viewed by open-minded individuals who want to be thoroughly entertained.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Visits Smithsonian Exhibit The prayer shawl ministry group attended the “Hyberbolic Crochet Coral Reef” exhibit at the Natural History Museum on Tuesday, November 9. The exhibit was created to evoke a sense of stewardship of their real-life counterparts using crocheted corals, made of both yarn and found materials using a crocheting techniques that employs hyperbolic geometry that create a complex, natural-looking form. The Smithsonian Community Reef will be on display at the National Museum of Natural History from now until April 24. Pictured on the right are: (L - R): Leah Rollins, Mary Jo Marchant, Barbara Tate, Jeff Clouser, Anita Seline, and Barbara Tate’s daughter Becky.
crochet coral representing the world’s dying reefs.
Flower Committee Do You Know? 1. How the beautiful flowers arrive on the altar each week? 2. What happens to them after the services? 3. Who pays for them?
Answers: 1. There is a dedicated committee of people who get together to shop for and design the arrangement each week. They work in pairs and would love to have more designers join them! You don’t have to know how to design- the current committee members will help you. You just have to have a desire to create! 2. After the service the visitor’s corp takes the flowers to hospital patients, home-bound members, or the Methodist Home. The Gift that keeps on giving! If you are interested in helping to deliver flowers contact Caralee Adams at 301.320.9712. 3. The flowers are paid for when you honor a family member or remember someone that has passed on. To give flowers in honor or memory of someone, contact the church office at 202.363.4900 to reserve a Sunday!
Service & Advocacy Thanks to our Help the Homeless Walkers and Contributors Thanks go to the approximately 200 people less walkathon held on the national mall on November who participated in the annual Tyler Rusch 20. You can register online at www.helpthehomelessdc.org. Help the Homeless mini-walk help on Sun- Please be sure to designate Metropolitan House as your benday, October 17 to raise fund for Metro- eficiary. Use the code DC055. If you already walked in one of politan House. Others supported the cause our mini-walks, you are still encouraged to take part in the by walking in mini-walks sponsored by the main walk. But since you can only walk once in support of a Metropolitan Nursery School and St. given program, you will need to select a different beneficiary, Luke’s. A big thanks also goes to those who sponsored walkers such as Friendship Place (use the code DC023). 2) Register as a “Virtual Walker.” If you are out of town or unable to and contributed funds. participate, you can participate as a virtual walker. One hunIt’s not to Late to Help the Homeless! If you were unable to dred percent (100%) of your registration fee will go directly participate in these mini-walks, you can still lend your support in to the Beneficiary Organization of your choice, but you do not the following ways: 1) Register for the main Help the Home- need to attend the Walk. Go to www.helpthehomelessdc.org. 2010 Tyler Rusch Award Presented On Sunday, October 20, the Metropolitan House Board of Directors awarded the 2010 Tyler Rusch Help the Homeless Award to Helen Latimer. This award is presented each year to an individual or organization epitomizing exemplary service to the homeless. In presenting the award, Dick Schleicher and Ann Michel expressed deep gratitude for Helen’s work on behalf of Metropolitan House over many years, including her many years of service as a member of the Metropolitan House Board of Directors.
to Helen Latimer Metropolitan House - making sure each resident received a welcome kit upon arrival, making sure there was appropriate reading material in the shelter, and preparing festive meals for holiday celebrations and birthdays. In a larger arena, through her involvement in the Washington Interfaith Network, Helen was a persistent advocate for change on issues of homelessness, affordable housing, education, and economic Since joining Metropolitan Memorial in 1995, Helen has been a justice. As Helen moves to North Carolina to be closer to her constant champion of Metropolitan House. With her typical atten- family, she goes with the gratitude of our whole church! tion to detail, Helen lavished caring concern on the residents of
Homelessness fact: So Others Might Eat report a 37% increase in the number of homeless families this year. A Testimony of Serving from Marcus, A Former Resident of Metropolitan House Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Whenever I have the op- know his name. A hot dinner is provided on a daily basis at portunity to come back to Metropolitan I really feel like I am com- MHS. During the first blizzard when there was at least 3-4 ing back home. First and foremost I would like to thank the MHS feet of snow on the ground, a member of Metropolitan walked Board and you the Metropolitan members for giving me the oppor- through the snow to deliver a hot meal for the shelter resitunity to share my Testimony. dents and staff person. That act of kindness exemplified for me the level of selflessness shown to me and my fellow resiI would like to begin with scripture, Then the King will say to those dents. Whereever you are I thank you for that. on his right hand. Come you Blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him saying, Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you. Or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in or naked and clothe you? Or when did we see you sick or in prison and come to you? And the King will answer and say to them, Assuredly I say to you, Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these. My Brethren you did it to me - Matthew 25:34-40
My story is a simple one. I was born with the thinnest of safety nets possible. My Mother was raised as a foster child and has never known her family. I have never met my Father or his family. My Sister passed away in ‘03. I fell ill in ‘06 and in ‘09 my safety net broke and I fell into the streets of DC. Thankfully I had a place I knew I could turn to The Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place. The kind staff there helped me to complete the screening process necessary to be placed on the waiting list for temporary shelter, and thus I was referred to MHS. I wish I had the time to chronicle all the wonderful things I experienced at MHS but truly my time will not allow it. Just be assured that MHS is a wonderful place with a kind and caring staff and Board Members. I must thank one person in particular even though I don’t even
Through your giving MHS provided residents not only with clothing, coats, hats, scarves, gloves and boots. Your generosity allows weary souls to have a place of refuge from the storm of life. I truly believe MHS is a special place, it does so much more than provide room and board. It offers a sanctuary for men to heal, and allows the power of human kindness to reveal God’s love to its inhabitants. What you do matters. We are all links in a chain and we are only as strong as the weakest link. I am not just a person who fell on hard times. I am a Father, a Son, a Friend and a Counselor to many. I have one more personal anecdote I would like to share. While in residence in MHS I longed for one thing, that most people take for granted everyday. And it was simply a set of keys to place on my key ring to my Home. Thanks to the assistance of MHS and Friendship Place, I now have those Keys! I will end as I began in scripture, So let each one give as he purposes in his Heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a Cheerful Giver. And God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things may have an abundance for every good work.- II Corinthians 9: 78. So as you walk today know that with each step you take
that your efforts are helping to strengthen the safety net that is MHS. Peace & Blessings.
Chancel Choir News Before we proceed any further into the autumn of 2010, I would like to share with you a devotional written by Rev. Annie Butler for the Chancel Choir at the beginning of our singing season. Annie has been in the Chancel Choir for 5 years in the tenor section, and she is also the choir’s chaplain. As chaplain she prepares devotionals to share at our Thursday rehearsals—always with a touch of humor—and she leads us in prayer. She has a special talent for listening to people’s troubles and providing gentle comfort and guidance. Annie was a pastor, evangelist, and missionary for 15 years in the historic African Union Methodist Protestant Church (AUMP) in Montgomery County, MD. She also had a long career as a special education teacher in the Montgomery County school system, and she continues to help underprivileged children as leader of the step team at Farquhar Middle School. On top of all this, she sings in the Crossroads band on Sunday evenings. Below is Annie’s devotional from September 2010: Hope everyone had a great vacation— Truly a good rest brings relaxation. We are looking forward to singing all anthems that God has in his plan this year. “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” and “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us” are hymns that our hearts hold dear. We embrace each processional, praying that a soul will be blessed. Our choir brings sweet music to all creation, a sweet symphony of adoration. The Chancel Choir sings about God, who is mighty and supreme—a God who loves us all—and by grace we are on his team. O come everyone that thirsteth—O come to the waters, O come unto him and your souls shall live forever. May God continue to bless and keep you. Amen. And the Chancel Choir responds: Annie, you are truly a blessing to us! Submitted by Joanna Reams, Choir Scribe
United Methodist Women “United Methodist Women Recognition Luncheon Sunday, December 12th, beginning at 12:30pm 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, many women in our church who contribute in countless ways. The four women we will recognize this year are Beverly Fleming, Mary Rynearson, Barbara Tate and Charlotte Walch. Each one of these women has made significant contributions to our church, our community, and beyond. We look forward to hearing much more about each of their achievements and contributions at the Recognition Luncheon on December 12th beginning at 12:30pm in the Vestry. 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 passed away within the past year. It promises to be a special day of celebration for all United Methodist Women.
Youth Connection!
Youth Calendar! Attention Youth!! We have exciting events coming up as we prepare to move into the Advent Season. There are many places to get involved with the Youth Program in the month ahead. Nov. 14- Sunday School - 10:10 a.m./Youth Connection - 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21- Sunday School - 10:10 a.m./Youth Connection - 6:30 p.m. The youth will be joined by another conference youth Group for a pizza party and fellowship during the Youth Connection. Nov. 28- Sunday School 10:10 a.m./Youth Connection - 6:30 p.m. Sign-ups for the Live Christmas Eve Service will be available during the Sunday School hour! Dec. 5- Sunday School - 10:10 a.m. We will have Sunday School but will join the whole church that evening at 5 p.m. for the Advent Workshop, Dinner and Carol Sing instead of Youth Connection. Dec. 10- Parent’s Night Out: The Youth are hosting another Parent’s Night Out with proceeds benefiting the Summer ASP Mission Trip. Please plan to be present and help out. 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Children’s Ministry Memories from Camp Manidokan Last month, a group of families visited Manidokan Camp in Knoxville, Maryland. It was a wonderful weekend of stargazing, campfire building, song singing, eating, resting, hiking, walking, playing, worshipping, and more. Manidokan is part of the United Methodist Retreat and Camping Ministries of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and we had lots of room to run around and take in the beauty of the fall colors. We look forward to you joining us at next year’s Family Campout! Rev. Kate gets her turn in the trust circle. She closes her eyes and folds her arms across her chest. Then she is supported by the circle around her as she is passed from one person to the next.
Junior Birdmen in the Manidokan Dining Hall
Holly and Charlie share a laugh while completing their art project of memory boxes from the campout.
Eating ice cream on the way back from our hike to Harpers Ferry.
Joshua gets ready for the low-ropes course with his supporters around him.
Emily paints feet of Jacob as the art project for the camping trip, “Walk By Faith” is created. Spencer doesn’t like the smell.
UPCOMING DATES OF NOTE: Sunday, November 21 - Commitment Sunday, Children’s Choirs sing Sunday, November 28 - Sign up for your part in the Christmas Eve Family Service! Sunday, Dec. 5 - Inspired Parenting Gathering. How to keep the holidays sane (Fireplace Room, Study Hour) Sunday, Dec. 5. An Evening in Advent, crafts, service projects, dinner, and worship (Vestry, 5 to 7 p.m.) Friday, Dec. 10. Parents Night Out. Youth provides child care while you shop, eat, enjoy a movie. (Room 206, times to be announced.)
Metropolitan Weekday Nursery School The Nursery School has provided quality children’s programs since 1966 for the children of the church and the community. Metropolitan’s founding philosophy is that young children thrive best in a small, family oriented and nurturing environment. Our preschool program is open to children ages two through five. For more information contact Linda Smith, Director, 202.362.8746 or lsmith@mmumc-dc.org. Come to Our Open House! Our Open House dates are November 18, December 9 and January 13. Each Open House is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall. Admission for new families for the 2011-12 school year begins on February 1!
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, 202.363.4900, 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: December 10, 2010
NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on December 7, 2010