METROPOLITAN CHURCH
A MULTI-SITE UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY
Commitment Sunday Sunday, November 16
Mark your calendars for November 16 when we celebrate our commitments to the Metropolitan Church at Metropolitan Memorial and Wesley. During each worship time, we will celebrate with breakfast and worship (in the Great Hall at Metropolitan Memorial and the Fellowship Hall at Wesley). It will be a time of sharing and celebration. Come be a part of the new story we write!
Gratitude Sunday Sunday, November 23
On November 23, we will dedicate our commitments in all of our worship services and participate in a worship of Thanksgiving and Gratitude. Since spices are the most expensive item to purchase for our Campus Kitchen’s program, you are invited to bring a jar of spice to place on the altar as a symbol of your dedication and also to help fill the spice cupboard at our St. Luke’s Mission Center. A list of needed spices can be found at nationalchurch.org/Serving/Campus_Kitchen.
The Messenger
November 10, 2014 Volume XXIV, No. 11 Nationalchurch.org
Writing a New Chapter
Last week, I sat in Marsh Chapel at Boston University – an historic church where Howard Thurman presided as Dean and Martin Luther King, Jr. attended worship as a seminary student -- and I read Dr. King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail. I was reading in preparation for what I anticipated would be a difficult discussion with clergy leaders from around our jurisdiction on marriage equality and the status of LGBTQ people in the life of our denomination. I don’t know where all these conversations will ultimately lead. What I do know is that our denomination is at a crossroads. After 50 years of denominational decline and retrenchment, we are called in a powerful way to explore new ways of being church. There was much beauty and power in the old ways; but many of the traditions that I cherished growing up have failed to bring a new generation of believers into the church. We need to find new ways of inviting people into our community; we need to find more effective ways of organizing ourselves; we need to show how our congregation is an essential part of our broader community. Change has always been at the heart of who we are as children of God. The Spirit of God is always seeking to meet people where they are in a changing world. God seeks us with a passionate urgency, in every place and in every time. We can align ourselves with the Spirit’s movement, or watch it pass us by. This fall, our parish has been exploring the power of story: how stories shape us and how our stories shape others. And while God’s story is ongoing, I believe that we stand on the cusp of a new chapter in our denominational and congregational stories. Our Metropolitan Church is writing that new chapter: we are creating a community that is multi-site, multicultural, deeply caring, steeped in service, enriched by learning, and empowered by vital worship. We are exploring new ways to engage young people through the work of service. We are exploring new partnerships to extend our reach in the city. We are keeping our worship fresh, diverse, and relevant. We are constantly looking at how we bridge the barriers that divide us as children of God: barriers of ethnicity, economics, and sexual orientation. I am excited about the possibilities before us, and so grateful to be part of a community that is using all of its creativity, leadership, and resources to be part of building the Kingdom of God. One of the ways that each of us participates in this work is through the giving of our financial gifts. One of the reasons that Metropolitan has the broad impact that it does is because of our history of generosity. This month, on the 16th, we will gather in a special worship service to celebrate what God has been doing in our lives over this past year, and to pledge our support for the work to come. It will be an exciting morning, and I want to invite each of you to embrace this opportunity for generosity – a generosity that is the sign of God’s life in us. That generosity is a sign that we can live without fear, knowing that God's grace provides all that we need, and invites us to become channels of that grace to the world around us. Our giving must be meaningful to each of us if we are to bring about change. If your giving is going to mean something to you -- if it is going to change you -- it has got to be substantive -- whatever that word means for you. It needs to be an amount that gives you pause. That's when you know you are learning to be like Jesus, who didn't hold anything back. So, get out your pens and join in writing the unending story of God's love and transforming power! Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Charlie Parker
A Story to Share at Metropolitan and Wesley!
Our fall sermon series “A Story to Share” focuses on hearing, living, and sharing our stories. Throughout the series, members of our church family have been and will be sharing their personal stories. To experience some of these testimonies, please turn to page 2, or listen to them on our podcast page, nationalchurch.org/Praising/Sermons_Podcasts.
Life at the Metropolitan Church A Story to Share - Personal Stories from family members at the Metropolitan Church Annie Butler. Part of our mission statement fulfilled, “Building an inclusive Caring Christian Community.” Caring is all around me! Many negative experiences in my life growing up caused me to build and keep barriers around my life. I was always eager to help others. However, when others inquired about me and my well-being, my answer would always be “I’m fine! The Lord is good.” Even if I acquired a fever of 102 my answer would remain the same. “I’m good! I’m fine.” However, when the year 2014 came around and mother’s illness worsened, I broke my ankle, my daughter struggled with brain cancer, one of my brothers went to Glory, and the remaining brother is spending a year in rehab. My barriers began to disintegrate, and I began to seek God consistently for strength and direction. God’s message of hope and strength came through the caring Christian community here at Metropolitan Memorial, my brothers and sisters in Christ. I remember the stormy Sunday, when one of my sisters in Christ walked over to me after services and asked what time would I be home, because she had food to deliver for my mother and I. What a blessing! I was struggling; you can’t shop properly with a boot on one foot and a cane in the other. Pastors came to the hospital and to my home with wisdom and prayers. Flowers were sent, counseling offered. About 30 greeting cards and care cards showered me with love and prayers. Calls filled my busy phone from the choir with encouragement and prayers. I am so much stronger and I feel the love of Christ through my church family. Thank you and remember that many others are thinking of you and adding their strength to yours at Metropolitan Memorial. Peace. Duncan Wilson. In the past two years we have done two Walking Bible Study series at Wesley. Each week we would meet at church to read a scripture passage – usually a parable from Luke – and then we would walk the neighborhood, looking for examples and illustrations of the Word we had just read. Not only would we get a little exercise but the con-
versations between Bible study participants/walkers was always rich as we talked about the theme that day and got to know each other better. And many times we were also surprised at where our path took us. Highlights included: After reading the parable of the Sower we walked to the community garden at Fort Reno (we even walked along a stony path) holding seeds in our hands, scattering them as we went. At the garden we had a delightful conversation with a woman of faith who shared so much with us about the history of the area. After reading about The Good Samaritan, we walked along busy Connecticut Avenue looking for those who might be needing a Good Samaritan. Another evening we walked along Connecticut again desperately looking for a penny. On a whim we had decided (after reading the parables of the lost sheep, coin and son) that we would walk until someone found a penny. Surprisingly we had to walk a fair distance until we finally found one! After reading about the fig tree in Luke 13 we went looking for a Fig tree. A particularly memorable moment was when we read the parable in Luke 11 where a friend shows up late at night but the host has no food to offer him. So the host goes to his neighbor and persistently asks for some bread…you know the rest of the story. We thought, let’s test this idea out and so one of our members was brave or fool hardy enough to walk into a small deli and ask for a loaf of bread…for free… and to keep on asking…until finally…the manager gave in and gave her a loaf of bread! How’s that for faith or persistence? Unfortunately the deli went out of business about two weeks later. We claim no responsibility! I have loved our conversations as we hear each other’s perspectives. One night after reading the temptation of Jesus, our conversation ranged from the literal meanings of the words found in this passage to how we are tempted today by the concept of bread, crown and temple. I so often walk way challenged and encouraged by the words of Jesus and by the words and companionship of my fellow walkers.
All Saints Sunday
On Sunday, November 2, we celebrated all the people of God, living and dead, who together form the Body of Christ. Below are the list of names of those who died this year that were lifted up during worship. Ida Brown George Estus Youmans Grace Elizabeth Lemley Thurman Lee Wester Ross Neville Williams Wally Herder Russell Thomas Kimberly Ann Tilley R. Philip O’Hara Frederick Simpich III John Lytle Scales John Thomas Hagenbucher, Jr. Arthur Riddick Smith, Jr. Phyllis J. Evans James “Cotton” Rogers Dean Harrington Martin Arlyss K. Wiggins Constance Peterson Millian
10/10/13 10/26/13 10/30/13 12/15/13 12/17/13 12/20/13 12/21/13 12/27/13 12/31/13 01/05/14 01/19/14 01/20/14 01/25/14 01/29/14 02/06/14 02/07/14 02/24/14 03/17/14
William Wayne Haynes Edward Speese Martha L. Jones John Vincent Potter Fredrick Baumback Gugsa Abraham Dabela Grace Lunger Karen Leigh Glass Shah Emily White Helen Looney Dorothy Krogh Jeff Bailey Norma Simon Yeiichi “Kelly” Kuwayama Frank McQueen Paul McClenon Robah Cyrus Watson Janice Mathews Stromsem
03/20/14 03/25/14 03/28/14 04/02/14 04/02/14 04/05/14 04/07/14 04/24/14 05/12/14 05/14/14 05/15/14 06/06/14 06/24/14 06/29/14 06/30/14 07/17/14 07/28/14 08/04/14
Leroy Butler 08/28/14 Kelly Oberdick-Palmer 08/29/14 Ruth Springmann 09/04/14 Bishop Martin McLee 09/06/14 May Faulds 09/11/14 Walter Gildner 09/17/14 Wayne Jones 09/23/14 Annette Rose Fletchall 09/28/14 John T. Byam 10/02/14 Max Kleintop 10/10/14 Lorraine Edstrom Rice 10/10/14 Margaret Pugh 10/11/14 Robert K. Johnston 10/11/14 Elsie Henton 10/13/14 William Mays 10/14/14 Sarah Ann Shuford Idol 10/26/14 Mimi Siegel
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Life at the Metropolitan Church Winter Warmth Saturday, December 6 Accepting Donations: November 15 - December 4 St. Luke’s Mission Center*
Congregational members of Friendship Place will hold their annual Winter Warmth on Saturday, December 6 at our St. Luke’s Mission Center. Breakfast will be served to vulnerable folks who need to bundle up as the temperature drops. You can help by sorting through your gently used jackets, scarves, hats, sweaters and gloves and donating those items you can spare. Breakfast guests will have an opportunity to select items they will need to get through the winter months which are predicted to be very cold. Boxes will be set up at both Metropolitan and Wesley to collect your donations between November 15 and December 4. If you would like to help with Winter Warmth on Friday night or on Saturday morning please contact Suzanne Forsyth, suzanneforsyth@aol.com. *3655 Calvert St NW.
School Partnership Lunch Sunday, November 16, 12:30pm, Room 206
Come and explore a possible new direction in our school partnership initiative. All those interested in learning more or exploring how we might engage with a local public school are invited. Light lunch provided. Contact: Patrick Landau, Director of Youth Ministries, plandau@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 112.
Metropolitan Book Club Monday, November 17, 7:30pm, Parlor
UMW Recognition Luncheon Sunday, December 14 12:30pm, Great Hall
We are pleased to announce that four outstanding women have been selected for special recognition at our annual United Methodist Women’s 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 Jane Cunningham, Barbara Green, Cynthia Pugh, and Joyce Shields. Each one of these women have made significant contributions to our church, to our community and beyond. We look forward to hearing more about each of their achievements and contributions at the Recognition Luncheon on December 14, at 12:30pm in the Great Hall. In addition, we will welcome new UMW members, recognize babies born in our church family this year, as well as honor the lives of women in our church family who passed away within the last year. A catered luncheon will be served. A donation of $10 is suggested for UMW members; guests are free. This annual event promises to be a special day of celebration for all women in the Metropolitan Memorial Church community.
Join us as Joan Topalian leads our discussion of Anthony Doerr’s, All the Light We Cannot See. This National Book Award finalist and New York Times best seller illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Contacts: Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com or Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail.com.
Overflow parking is available on Sundays in the School of International Studies (SIS) parking garage across the street at American University.
Front Desk Volunteer Needed
Help make the meals that are distributed to those in need in our area. Contact: Maura Porcelli, maura.porcelli@gmail. com or volunteer at nationalchurch.org/servenow!
That friendly smile and gracious voice you hear on the other side of the phone when you call our church office is that of a volunteer. Our front desk is manned by volunteers five days a week. If you like to have fun and meet nice people, the front desk may be for you. If you have a couple of hours to give on Tuesdays from 9am to 5pm, please contact Princess Bethea, pbethea@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 102.
Grate Patrol 2 Locations to Serve! November 30, 10:10am, Vestry Kitchen
Sunday, December 7, 5:30pm St. Luke’s Mission Center*
Help assemble meals (provided by our Campus Kitchen Program) and/or deliver meals to the needy in our area. Contact: Rev. Dottie Yunger, dyunger@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 111. *3655 Calvert St., NW.
News from the Green Team November Stewardship Includes Stewardship of Earth, Water and Air
This November our Green Team is focused on our stewardship of water resources. We will be handing out green, reusable water bottles at worship services on November 16 and 23. Our goal is to change our habits at all three campuses, so that as a church community we do not use any single-use water bottles. You can refill the reusable bottles, pitchers, or anything else that needs water at the new bottle filling water fountains outside the office suite and the Great Hall at Metropolitan. You can keep an eye on how many single-use bottles we have saved by following the counts kept automatically in the filling stations. The Stewardship Campaign has sponsored a remarkable “Telling our Stories” series this fall. As part of it, Jane Ward and Steve Waller will be speaking on November 23 about their perspectives on “Stewardship of the Earth.” And please do all our budgetary pockets a favor: whenever you are the last to leave a room in any of our buildings – or your home, school or office, please turn off the lights!
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The Arts at the Metropolitan Church Jazz@Wesley Featuring James Zimmerman November 22, 5pm, Wesley*
Join us at 5pm for a free screening of the Donnie Betts documentary, “Music Is My Life, Politics My Mistress.” Then at 6:30pm James Zimmerman presents “Cultural Hero: A Tribute to Oscar Brown Jr.” James Zimmerman, Vocals, Wayne Wilentz, Piano, Herman Burney, Bass, Harold Sumney, Drums, Benjamin Sands, Saxes, Nick Lipkowski, Guitar. Performances supported by funds from National Endowment for the Arts & D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Tickets: $10 entry l $7 Senior l 12 and under free. Purchase tickets at instantseats.com. Bring a nonperishable food item or a lightly used coat to jazz up someone else’s life. For more information, call the Jazz@ Wesley Information line, 202-966-5144 x-325 or email Wesleyinfo@nationalchurch.org. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
Advent Afternoon Sunday, December 7 4pm - 7pm, Vestry
Join us for our annual Evening in Advent celebration, featuring Advent/ Christmas crafts, Christmas carols, dinner and Christmas cookies, and a Christmas “shoppe” for children where they may select a gift (free) for a special adult in their life. We will be joined by our partners from Brighter Day Ministries to make this an especially festive occasion. For the “shoppe,” we need small, never-used gifts that a child might enjoy giving to an adult. This is great opportunity to regift costume jewelry, stationery sets, unopened bath oils and perfumes, neckties, gloves, knickknacks, etc. Please drop off items at the front desk at Metropolitan Memorial or give them to Pastor Kate at Wesley before December 1. If you would be willing to staff one of the craft tables or volunteer with the “shoppe,” please contact Janet Craswell, Director of Christian Education, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 115.
- Cancelled Metro Players “A Civil War Christmas” by Paula Vogel
The Metro Players regretfully announce that they are cancelling their fall production of "A Civil War Christmas." While we are disappointed that we will not be offering this play for your enjoyment, we are looking forward to celebrating our 30th season in 2015. Please mark your calendars for our next production, "Enchanted April," which we will present in the spring. As always, we thank the Metropolitan family for its support.
Crèches at Metropolitan Sunday, December 7, 10am - 1:30pm, Great Hall
Every other year, the Arts Council sponsors a display of members’ manger scenes. This year the exhibit will be in the Great Hall on December 7 from 10am - 1:30pm. There are usually some three dozen very different scenes from around thirty countries. Sometimes the children draw nativity pictures or bring their very own creches. If you would like to display a crèche (or several) this year, please bring it to the Great Hall on Saturday, December 6, between 10am and 1pm. Be sure to give the owner and the crèche’s country of origin with the set so that we can make a label. To register your crèche, please contact Mary Rynearson, MLrynearson@msn.com or 703-532-4237; or Marilu Wood, shedelwood@gmail.com or 202-667-3620. On the same Sunday, at the 11:15am service, the choir and soloists with organ, harp, oboe, and chimes will present “The Mystery of Bethlehem” by composer Healey Willan. Consider inviting friends to come to enjoy the special music and the creche display.
The Tradition of the Crèche
The “nativity scene” or crèche or “manger scene” commemorates the birth of Jesus. One of the earliest nativity scenes, showing the baby Jesus, an ox, and an ass, is found on a 4th century sarcophagus in Rome. St. Francis of Assisi created the first living nativity scene in 1223 AD at Greccio, Italy, in an effort to focus the meaning of the season on Christ, not on gift giving. His contemporary, Pope Honorius III, was pleased with the living scene, and within a hundred years every church in Italy was displaying its own living crèche. Different countries or parts of countries have their own traditions concerning the crèche. From Provence in the south of France come the small, hand painted terra-cotta figures called santons, “little saints." They represent various characters from Provençal village life: a scissors grinder, a milkmaid, a chestnut seller. Apparently this tradition was established during the French Revolution when churches were closed and large scenes of the Nativity prohibited. Now, the figures come in all sizes and shapes and prices and can be found in different parts of France, mainly in the south. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York celebrates the season with a Baroque manger scene from Naples displayed in front of a tall tree decorated with beautiful angels. Most of our Nativity scenes have many figures that were not part of the original scene as recounted in the Gospels. Animals--the ass, the cow, and the sheep--along with the shepherds, wise men, and angels, have been added. While we expect to see the manger scene in a stable, the Eastern Church had a tradition of showing Mary in a cave.
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Caring Ministries Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, November 16, 12:30pm Tuesday, November 17 1:30pm
Enjoy a time of knitting, crocheting, ministry and fun! Contact: Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.
AARP Meeting Monday, November 17, 1pm, Vestry
Please join us as Bruce Maliken of Up and Running Computer Services, LLC bring us up to date on “Computer and Technology Issues of Which We Should All Be Aware.” Social time is at 12:30pm. Refreshments will be served.
Lunch and More: Feasting, Fellowship and Fun Thursday, November 20, Noon, Great Hall
It’s That Time Again! Join us for “Lunch and More!” This will be a time of feasting, fellowship and fun. Please invite anyone that you think would enjoy the fellowship! Questions? Contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com or Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net. Transportation is needed for a Grand Oaks resident (beside Sibley Hospital) for the 11:15am Worship service. If you can be a part of the transportation team, please contact Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org, 202.363.4900 ext. 104.
Peace and Joy: When, If Not Now Featuring Sylvia Boorstein and Sharon Salzberg December 12, 7:30pm I December 13, 10am - 4pm Sunday, December 14, 7-8:30pm
Prepare yourself for a joyful holiday season and enhance your natural capacity for an open and loving heart. Join us on Friday, December 12, for dialogue and practices to remain fully present with ease. And on Saturday, December 13, for a quiet day retreat with a vegetarian gluten-free lunch. On Sunday, December 14, Metropolitan Memorial will also offer an Advent Contemplative Communion Service, led by Senior Pastor Charlie Parker and Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson with special live seasonal music and healing silence (All are welcome free of charge). Sylvia Boorstein is cofounding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA, and a Senior Teacher at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA. She has been a practicing therapist since 1967 and holds a Ph.D. in psychology. To learn more about Sylvia Boorstein go to sylviaboorstein.com. Sharon Salzberg is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies in Barre, MA. She has taught the ancient Buddhist practices of vipassana (mindfulness) and metta (loving kindness) since 1974. For more information on Sharon Salzberg go to sharonsalzberg.com. Purchase Tickets at joynow.brownpapertickets.com. Individual sessions or two-day pass (includes Sat. lunch). Presented by Metropolitan Memorial in collaboration with BuddhaFest and Grace Productions.
Adult Study Mondays at the Parsonage Monday, November 17, 6:30pm, Parsonage*
Come to the parsonage for a potluck dinner and reflection on how we make space for God. We will use Don Postema’s Space for God as a guide to deepen our practice of spirituality and prayer. Be ready to share your stories about connecting with God! Contact: Rev. Kate Payton, kpayton@nationalchurch.org or 202-3634900, 110. *3311 Nebraska Ave., NW.
Book Study The Myth of Certainty Thursdays, 7pm, Wesley Library*
Join us as we discuss Daniel Taylor’s, The Myth of Certainty. Paralleling our sermon series on hearing, living, and sharing stories, we’ll look at how we relate with others, particularly as Christians with people of other faiths and non-faith traditions. For more information, contact Rev. Kate Payton, kpayton@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 110. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
Food for Thought November 12 and 19 (No class November 26) 6pm - Dinner, 7pm - Study
Feed your body, mind and soul with a chef-prepared dinner followed by a choice of two classes. Dinner is $7/adult, $4/child, with a maximum of $20/family. AU students pay what you can. Classes include: Bible study: The Beatitudes - Discover this profound expression of core Christian values that reveal how the gospel message turns the world’s priorities upside down. Led by Rev. Charlie Parker and Bob Olson; Mission and Myanmar - Patrick Landau, our Director of Youth Ministries, leads a two part discussion on missions in a pluralistic world focused on his experiences in Myanmar as a seminarian. Session 1 focuses on the first missionaries sent by Americans and the impact they had on the country asking the question “Have Christian missions been harmful or helpful to Burma?” Session 2 explores contemporary issues of religious freedom in Burma focusing on the question, “Can I be both Buddhist and Christian?” Contact Rev. Janet Craswell, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 115.
College Bible Study The spiritual practice of friendship Wednesdays, 7pm, AU Lounge
Come and examine various passages from the gospel of John and discuss their intersections with spirituality, friendship, and culture. Join us at 6pm for a Chef-prepared dinner (see above).
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Service and Advocacy Catching Fire Concert Success
The Catching Fire Concert for Equality and Inclusion hosted at Metropolitan on October 17 raised over $25,000 for the Reconciling Ministries Network! Thanks to all the many members of Metropolitan who bought tickets, made supplemental donations, volunteered or sang in the choir. The Concert was a great success. Matt Berryman, Executive Director of RMN was thrilled with the dedication and work of the Reconciling United Methodists of our area. We give special thanks to our event Chair, Suzanne Forsyth, and to the Artistic Director for Catching Fire, Dr. Eileen Guenther.
Campus Kitchen: New Volunteer Shifts
The Campus Kitchens Project (CKP) is a national leader in community service for students and is the future of hunger relief. CKP is empowering the next generation of leaders to implement innovative models for combating hunger, developing food systems and helping communities help themselves. We now offer several shift days and times to choose from. Come and help out at one or all three options: Wednesdays: 3:30pm - 7pm; Fridays: 2pm - 6pm; and Saturdays: 11:30am - 3:30pm. To volunteer, go to our new Campus Kitchen online resource, nationalchurch.org/volunteerhub.
St. Luke's Shelter - A record of success By Mariam Nek
St. Luke's Shelter located at Metropolitan's St. Luke's Mission Center (3655 Calvert Street, NW) is a seven-bed, yearround transitional shelter for men. Since 1991, it has helped more than 375 individuals achieve their housing, employment, recovery, and health goals. The shelter was created through an alliance of St. Luke's UMC (which merged with Metropolitan in 2008), local activists, and citizens of Glover Park. The program was conceived as a community-run alternative to the large emergency shelter proposed for the neighborhood by the DC government at that time. Since its founding, St. Luke's has been a model of collaboration between a community of faith and a community of neighbors. In 2012, the shelter moved to a new operating model which engaged Friendship Place (formerly known as the Community Council for the Homeless) as a partner in operating the program, which now focuses intensively on vocational rehabilitation and job placement. In the two years since adopting this new operating model: • 40 residents have graduated from the shelter. • All 40 moved into their own housing. 39 of the 40 were still housed 6 months after leaving St. Luke's. • 39 of the 40 were employed when they graduated from the shelter. (The one not employed was because of health issues.) All 38 were still employed 6 months after leaving St. Luke's. For a personal story of success see article below!
St. Luke’s Shelter Success Story Bringing the Future into Focus By Debra Marks
At 17, Leroy Bailey had his life on track. A very engaged student at Dunbar High School in Northeast DC, he lived with his father, a sister, and extended family at his grandmother’s house. Bailey, who loves all kinds of music, had turned his teenage bedroom into a studio where friends could record their songs, poetry, and rap.
But then Bailey’s grandmother died, and rifts formed in the household. “In times of difficulty, you expect to have your family for support,” he recalls, “but my family started to crumble.” Soon, the young man left home. (Bailey’s parents are divorced, and his mother—a career servicewoman—was stationed in South Korea at the time.)
tion trades. He says that he would like to continue his training and become certified as a builder’s mate. Bailey also aspires to attend a four-year college to study business and music theory. Eventually, he says, he would like to own his own business. The young man, who exudes a quiet, determined confidence, says he is not deterred by the uphill climb: “I know it’s important to stay focused on the things that matter.” Among his role models are the recording artists Drake and Kendrick Lamar, whose songs often encourage listeners to aim high and not become complacent.
Instead of finishing his senior year, Bailey began a five-year odyssey that found him crashing on friends’ and relatives’ couches when he was lucky—and staying on the street when he was not. He lived hand-to-mouth, grabbing food where he could and sleeping in parks and on benches.
Bailey now works as a host at Entertainment Cruises, which operates the Spirit of Washington, a “really fun job” that allows him to meet new people, he says. And he recently became an AmeriCorps member, working as a day tutor—a sort of teacher’s assistant—at a charter school. In his spare time, Bailey also participates in a creative writing group. He says he finds motivation in getting together with other young people who are trying to find their voices. Meanwhile, he has also begun reconnecting with family members.
Now 23, Bailey still finds it difficult to sleep soundly after his years on the street. But as a St. Luke’s resident for the past several months, he is beginning to get used to the feeling of waking up in a bed. Bailey found the Shelter through its partner Friendship Place and a free training program called Building Futures, where he had been studying the construc-
Bailey says he appreciates the stability and support he has found at St. Luke’s. His stay at the shelter is allowing him to gain work experience and save up money for his own place. “Right now I want to firmly plant my feet here, in DC, to find my foundation,” he says. “I want to focus on my goals and not let go of that.”
Serve Now! Sign up now for our many ongoing service activities at nationalchurch.org/servenow. 6
Youth Ministry Get In The Game!
Youth Hangout
Join us for YOUTH HANGOUT every Wednesday from 3:30pm till 6pm in the youth room. This is time to have fun and relax around friends. Sometimes we do homework, play Killer Bunnies, play Super Smash Bros., drink coffee, or just talk. All youth 6th grade through 12th grade are welcome to attend.
Interested in learning more about youth ministry? Want some training in how to engage with young people? Come to the Greater Washington District’s “Get In The Game” youth training workshop. It will be Saturday, November 22nd from 9:30am - 3pm. If interested, contact Patrick at plandau@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 112.
Pumpkin Night
The youth had their first annual family Halloween event on Sunday, October 26. This was a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, eat candy, make crafts, and carve pumpkins. A big thank you to Elizabeth Landau for organizing the event. Pics of the event are below!
Check our our youth blog at youthmetropolitan.wordpress.com.
Children’s Ministry
“Chesapeake Critters” Special Event Sunday, November 16, 9am, Vestry
Sunday, November 16 will be a special day in the life of the church. Instead of our usual worship services in the sanctuary, adults will meet in the Great Hall for a stewardship breakfast. We’ve invited a group called “Under the Sea” to bring a special presentation for the children that morning. At 9am, the kids will gather in the Vestry so “Under the Sea” can tell us all about the Chesapeake Bay and its wildlife. They will bring different marine animals for us to see (and maybe even touch!). Here at Metropolitan, we’ve been focusing a lot on how to care for God’s good earth, and we hope that this program will get our children even more excited about creation care. The kids will have breakfast at the end of the program (a kidfriendly version of the same breakfast the adults are eating upstairs, so the whole family will be full by 10am)! There will be no Sunday school or children’s choir rehearsal on November 16. So remember – bring your children to the Vestry at 9am on November 16, ready to be amazed by the critters of the Chesapeake!
2014 - 15 Admissions Open House Dates
Metropolitan Nursery School invites you to join us for an Open House. During the Open House our school’s program, curriculum, and admission procedures are discussed in detail. The Director is available to answer any questions you may have about the nursery school. You will also have the opportunity to see our lively classrooms in action. In order to truly appreciate our program we encourage you to attend any one of the scheduled dates: • Thursday, November 13, 9:30am - 10:30am, Great Hall • Thursday, December 11, 9:30am - 10:30am, Great Hall • Thursday, January 22, 9:30am - 10:30am, Great Hall
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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 with-
out 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 Payton — Associate Pastor, Sharing, Lead Pastor at Wesley UMC, ext. 110, kpayton@nationalchurch.org Rev. Dottie Yunger –– Associate Pastor, Service/Advocacy, ext. 111, dyunger@nationalchurch.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 104, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Janet Craswell—Director of Christian Education, ext. 115, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org Rev. Barbara Green – Minister of Life Transitions, bgreen@nationalchurch.org, ext. 105 David Hosey - Campus Ministry Coordinator, 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 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: December 8, 2014 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on December 2, 2014