The Messenger

The Messenger An Opportunity to Learn and Reflect Sunday, Nov. 17 and Wednesday, Nov. 20

During this time of year when we focus on commitment and stewardship, we have arranged a number of opportunities for you to learn about various aspects of financial stewardship.

Please take advantage of one of these sessions in the coming weeks.

Sunday, November 17 Metropolitan Memorial Stewardship 101 with Charlie Parker 12:30pm, Great Hall (light lunch) Wesley UMC Financial Literacy with Tim Rousset Stewardship 101 with Kate Murphey 1pm, Fellowship Room Crossroads* Stewardship 101 with Charlie Parker 6:15pm, Sanctuary (community dinner) *St. Luke’s Mission Center Wednesday, November 20 Soup and Stewardship 6pm, Dinner l 7pm, Programs • Stewardship 101 with Charlie Parker • Financial Literacy with Pam Settlage

November 11, 2013 Volume XXIII, No. 11 Nationalchurch.org

Re-Imagining Manna Food for a new community

The image of manna that we are using at the heart of this year’s stewardship campaign harkens back to the formation of the Israelite community, as they travel from slavery in Egypt, through the desert, and on to the Promised Land. In the critical period, God shapes the community’s understanding of itself through the gifts of manna and quail. In that experience, the people understand that they are solely dependent on God for their sustenance, and that the gift of food that God provides is not simply for their own use, but for the purpose of feeding all of the community.

God has richly blessed us in the Metropolitan community. During this stewardship season, we are both grateful for the gifts that God has given us and mindful that those gifts should be shared in a way that builds up all of the community. This year has been an exciting one for us as we have begun living into our new life as a merged parish.

From the grand celebration of worship held at Wesley that rejoiced in our merger and the growing richness of our community, to continuing to build an integrated leadership structure and ministries, we have joined together in most of our serving ministries. We have also continued to broaden our other partnerships across the city through our work with Brighter Day UMC, Friendship Place, and the Campus Kitchen Project.

Our financial support makes all of this work possible. As a Metropolitan Church, we have an extraordinary breadth of opportunities through which to change the world. Our financial giving is a chance to make sure that those ministries continue to touch many lives. Our giving makes this richness of ministry possible and opens up our lives more and more powerfully to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

As you reflect on your gift to God’s work for the coming year, I would like to make a couple of requests. The first is to pledge. Many of you give without pledging, and I am, of course, very grateful for your gifts. But something changes when we make a specific commitment (this is true in many areas of our lives!), and we engage in the discipline with a new sense of its importance. The second request is to stretch. Whether we’re exercising, or learning a new musical piece, growth comes when we stretch ourselves.

Likewise, you will find that your spiritual life grows more powerfully when you stretch your financial giving.

Come join us during this time as we celebrate the new life that God is bringing forth in our midst and consider ways that we can continue to share those gifts that God has so generously given to us.

Blessings,

Rev. Dr. Charles Parker

Life at Metropolitan Memorial Evangelism: A New Proposal

I know that most of us freak-out when we hear the word evangelism. You’re not alone—I do too. My brush with bullying evangelism was being pulled up to the altar by a church member while I was in seminary because the pastor told the congregation that he knew someone out there needed Jesus, and he was going to wait until they came up to the altar or someone else brought them up. But just because the evangelism most of us have experienced has stemmed from fear and guilt-inducing megaphone speeches, it doesn’t mean we reject this ancient characteristic of the church either.

Walter Brueggemann speaks of evangelism as the invitation and summons to resituate our talk and our walk according to the reality of God—the slow, steady engagement with and practice of God's will for generosity, compassion, and forgiveness in a world organized against those practices.

When I took over sharing ministries, I spent a week researching evangelism because as I told Charlie, “I could tell you exactly what I don’t want our evangelism to look like, but I couldn’t tell you what I did want it to be.” One of the most important ah-ha moments I had that week was linking evangelism with not only proclamation but initiation, what it means to live the kin_dom of God (No, that is not a typo, I’m not talking a top-down hierarchical kingdom, but a kin_dom where relationships are mutual and empowering).

As The Metropolitan Church, we’re in the midst of figuring out our three in one and one in three identity. The reason we merged was so we could together be a more powerful witness to God’s kin_dom than we could be alone. That means that right now we’ve got a lot of learning to do—of meeting one another and knowing the different gifts we all bring to our walk together and how those connect to make incredible resources for our witness.

As a church in the 21st century, in a culture that already knows the Jesus story but is skeptical of the church actually being the place where such good news is lived out, how do we create the space the early disciples had for responding to questions their way of living raised? Almost all the exhortations included in the book of Acts began from a question that was asked of the disciples, not from them grabbing their megaphone and heading to a street corner. So how do we create the lifestyle and space for such questions? Do we learn from the AU Wesley Foundation who set up a sign on the middle of campus asking for folks to tell them what they hated about Christianity? If we were to do that, do we ourselves have enough of a grasp of God’s kin_dom work that we could answer the questions asked of us?

I have found an incredible resource that outlines the trajectory of God’s work with humanity and creation through the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament. It does a wonderful job of bringing out the theological themes of scripture, giving those steeped in scripture a new perspective, those who have never opened the Bible a helpful overview, and —complete with pictures—is simple and funny and provocative enough to be accessible for the entire church family, whatever age.* Since the only thing we have the power to change is ourselves, my proposal is that we start this cultural shift towards evangelism by going over again our own initiation in what it means to be a part of the kin_dom of God in general and

here at The Metropolitan Church in particular. I’d love for all of us to be involved, those who have been members their whole lives and those who are looking to join now. I’d love for us to use this resource as a way to learn one another, building and deepening relationships with God and each other so that we build up a living community that is palpably different than the systems of our society. Below is our new plan: 16 week study. Offered during the Sunday morning study hour at Metropolitan and one weekday evening alternating between Wesley and Crossroads. Currently, this study is happening at Wesley on Mondays at 7pm.

• For new members, we ask you commit to 8wks before joining and another 8wks after joining • For current members and leaders, we ask you to go through the 16 weeks as well in terms of building relationships and ministry connections During those 16 weeks, the following commitments that are a part of your membership vows: • Prayers—lead the group in prayer to open or close the study session • Presence—worship with each of our communities: Metropolitan at 9am and 11:15am; Wesley 11am; Crossroads at 5pm; one service with our sister parish Brighter Day ministries in SE, and one service with the AU Wesley Foundation (either 7pm Sundays or 11pm Thursdays) • Gifts—commit to sacrificial giving with a goal of tithing.

Read through and discuss the current stewardship materials with a pastor, foundation trustee, or finance committee member.

• Service—Volunteer with one Campus Kitchen shift to recover food, prep it, or deliver it to one of our partner organizations. Or Volunteer to cook and eat a meal with the guys in our St. Luke’s transitional shelter or Metropolitan House.

• Witness—share with the group your “two minute elevator response” for why you live the way you do. (assuming people are seeing a difference between you and what they’re used to seeing—refer back to Brueggemann’s definition of evangelism.)

While this is a significant change, know that there will be multiple options for the classes and that we understand all of us go but for the grace of God. Thus, we will not become legalistic about this process and will make other options available as they are needed. It is my hope that this process will be a means for us to develop our faith and our witness, expanding our partner work with God to offer radical hospitality, transform lives, and pursue justice.

On November 26, I will present this to the church council and on January 8 and 22 and February 12 and 26, I will be leading a series on evangelism, including this proposal, during “Soup and Study.” So bring your questions and thoughts to those larger gatherings, or contact me to set up a meeting outside of those times, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 110.

I look forward to re-claiming our call to evangelism with you, Pastor Kate

*Erlander, Daniel. Manna and Mercy: A Brief History of God’s Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire Universe

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Life at Metropolitan Memorial

Congratulations!

We congratulate • Erik Todd Dellums, who stars in Showtime’s hit “Homeland” as Dr. Graham, a sinister, sketchy doctor who saves terrorist-on-the-run Nick Brody (Damian Lewis) after a gunshot wound.

• Rev. Dr. John Tate, who was recognized as a founding board member and volunteer in The Shepherd’s Voice, the newsletter of the Shepherd’s Center in Oakton-Vienna. The Shephard center, founded by Dr. Tate, is a nonprofit, volunteer-based, interfaith organization sponsored by area congregations and community groups to serve older persons in the Vienna and Oakton areas of Northern Virginia.

Communion Offering

Our November communion offering supported the Brighter Day Ministries’ Thanksgiving Basket Drive. This Thanksgiving, our partner, Brighter Day Ministries in Southeast DC, will distribute 300 Thanksgiving Baskets, complete with turkeys and all the trimmings, to hungry families in our city. To learn more or to get involved in this or other collaborative projects with Brighter Day Ministries, contact Rev. Dottie Yunger, dyunger@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 111 or Cynthia Pugh, cynthia.pugh1@verizon.net.

Honoring Anita Seline’s Service to Children Sunday, November 17, 10:10am, Great Hall

Join us in thanking Anita Seline for her hard work and dedication serving as Director of Children’s Ministry during the Sunday School hour. There will be a celebration with refreshments, a program, and activities. All church members, friends, parents, and children are invited to this special event. Anita coordinated programs for our children through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and led chapel at the Metropolitan Nursery School with energy and love for more than four years. Although this chapter of her work is coming to a close, we are fortunate to have her remain an active member of the church community with her family. Don’t miss your chance to say thank you to Anita for all she’s done.

“The Book of Exodus: From Slavery to Service” Begins Sunday, November 17 10:10am., Christie Room

Study the story of Exodus as a salvation story with Dr. Ann Michel, lecturer in Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary. All are welcome.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, November 17, 12:30pm Tuesday, November 19, 1:30pm

Join us in the parlor for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! Interested in joining? Contact Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.

Book Club Monday, November 18, 7:30pm, Parlor

You’re invited as Barbara Tate leads our discussion on Fall of Giants. Contact: Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com or Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail.com.

New Members

We welcomed several new members at Wesley UMC on Sunday, September 29! They include: • Kim Anderson. A New York City native, Kim sings in the gospel choir and coordinates Sunday school at Wesley.

She enjoys sharing her baked goodies with her fellow choir members and Jazz@Wesley patrons!

• Brent Burton. Brent moved to the DC area 18 years ago, and has lived in the Chevy Chase (DC) neighborhood for three years. He has been attending Wesley since the summer of 2012.

• Helene Lilly. Helene is a native of Brooklyn, New York who came to DC in 2013. She is inspired by the diversity, energy and caring at Wesley and is working with Pastor Kate on the Sharing Ministries and leads a team who hosts “More Than Coffee Hour.”

• Andrea and Duncan Wilson. Andrea grew up in Seattle but has spent the last four years on the East Coast. She is passionate about combating modern day slavery (human trafficking) and currently works on this issue at the State Department. Duncan was born in Thailand and grew up in South East Asia where he returns as often as he can. He loves the heat of DC summers and all things international and assists at Wesley facilitating the weekly Bible Study.

Andrea and Duncan have been married for ten years.

Wesley Bible Study Mondays, 7pm, 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.

Great Hall Discussion Rev. Dr. William A. Holmes on JFK’s Assassination Sunday, November 24, 10:10, Great Hall

Metropolitan has its own special piece of our national history surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy fifty years ago this month. Our Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. William A. Holmes, was a young pastor in Dallas at the time.

The sermon he preached the following Sunday about the climate of hatred in Dallas was rebroadcast nationally and had significant consequences for Dr. Holmes and his family.

Come meet Dr. Holmes and hear him tell his story of those turbulent times. His Sermon can be found on page 5.

Evening in Advent Sunday, December 8, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Vestry

About 50 parishioners from Brighter Day Ministries will be joining us for this year’s Evening in Advent. Please come and help us welcome our brothers and sisters in Christ. This special evening will include dinner, many crafts, a carol sing, and a “gift shoppe” for children who would like to pick out a gift for a special adult in their lives. Recycle and re-gift with Metropolitan! We are looking for gifts that you have never used to take a spot in the shoppe. Items may be dropped off in the church office.

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United Methodist Women United Methodist Women Recognition Luncheon Sunday, December 15, 12:30pm, Great Hall

The Annual UMW’s Recognition Luncheon honors women who have made a significant contribution to the church and community. This year we honor four outstanding women, Annie Butler, Kelly D'Angelo, Lara Kline, and Suzanne Vieth.

We will also celebrate this year’s newborns, welcome our new UMW members and remember with gratitude those who have died this year. This is a special event in the life our church and we hope that many of our women in the church can attend. Lunch will be catered by Leonardo. UMW Circle 8 members (Eugenia Evans, Chair) are hostessing the luncheon.

Suggested donation $10. Reservations not necessary. Any questions, please contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com.

UMW 2013 Bazaar Wrap-up

An enormous “thank you” to everyone who donated, volunteered, lunched, and shopped at the United Methodist Women’s bazaar. The months of preparation and the intense, full week of set-up work culminated in a busy day of shopping and sharing, working and chatting, and ultimately grossing over $16,000!

From donated goods and time, funds raised at the UMW bazaar each year are distributed amongst projects supporting the welfare of women and children locally, nationally, and around the world. Ministries supported by our efforts this year include: Bright Beginnings, providing child-care to homeless families in Washington, D.C.; Fairfield Orphanage and Sponsorship Association, helping address the needs of orphaned children in the area surrounding the Old Mutare Mission in southeastern Zimbabwe; The Ballet Studio, providing scholarships for academy-quality ballet instruction to girls from underserved minority and immigrant populations in Washington, D.C.; Wesley Scholarship Fund, supporting a seminary student at the Wesley Theological Seminary;

Women and Community, empowering women and promoting action to protect the environment in Nicaragua; Tree of Life Ministry, serving Native Americans in Rosebud, South Dakota; and Sasha Bruce Youth Works, supporting programs and training for homeless youth in Washington, D.C. While the bazaar is behind us, it’s not too late to participate in a new feature of this year’s bazaar – a UMW Alternative Gifts Boutique. Throughout Advent, shoppers may donate to a specific UMW-supported charity in honor of an intended gift recipient and receive a card to present to that person, explaining the gift. Please help spread the word about this special way to give during the holiday season!

And start clearing your closets now of gently-used unwanted items, for donation next summer to the 2014 UMW Bazaar, which will be held (as always) on the first Saturday in November! Want to get involved next year? Contact Bazaar Coordinator Barbara Gaskill, Barbara@bgaskill.com or 202244-3512.

The Arts at Metropolitan Memorial Wanted - Graphic Designer

“To Kill a Mockingbird” November 15, 8pm, November 16, 5pm, November 17, 2pm The Vestry Theater*

The Metropolitan Players present “To Kill a Mockingbird,” with: Carol Bartlett, Kenneth Camphor, Jr., Bruce Caviness, Liz Clendenin, John Long, Trish Long, Pat Nicolette, Randy Oberdick, Yvonne Paretzky, Austin Patterson, Sadie Patterson, Phil Potter, C. Richardson, Bill Roach, Kevin Settlage, Jon White, and invited guest performers. Based on the novel

by Harper Lee and adapted by Christopher Sergel. Tickets: $10/adults | $5/Students. *3401 Nebraska Ave. NW

Jazz@Wesley Sharon Thomas, Saxaphonist Saturday, November 23, 6:30pm, Wesley*

Enjoy the sounds of Sharon Thomas. Hailing from Washington DC, Sharon is also a flutist and keyboardist. She began playing sax in high school and said “believe it or not I wanted to hang out with the sax players after hearing Grover Washington and several funk songs that had horn sections.” Come and hear this versatile artist!

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.

The Arts Council seeks a volunteer graphic designer to prepare materials for the three exhibits mounted each year. The major component of this job is designing the program that accompanies the opening of a new exhibit. The other parts of the art exhibits needed are labels, price list, invitations (electronic) which can become a flyer to advertise the exhibit. Salary speaks to one’s creative instincts, benefits put one on cloud 9, and working conditions best in the universe. Please apply to Marilu Wood, shedelwood@ yahoo.com or Carol Schleicher, rschlei@verizon.net.

The Advent 2013 Choral Offering: MESSIAH Rehearsals - Thursdays, 7:30pm, Music Room

On December 8, the Metropolitan Oratorio Choir will offer the Christmas portion of Handel’s MESSIAH. All those who desire to be a part of the choir are invited to rehearsals in the music room. All voice parts (S.A.T.B) needed. For more information or to arrange childcare, contact Bruce Caviness, Organist/Choirmaster, bcaviness@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 152.

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One Thing Worse Than This - Sunday, November 24, 1963 A Sermon by Rev. Dr. William A. Holmes Dr. Holmes was Senior Pastor at Metropolitan Memorial from 1974 to 1998. This sermon was preached at the Northaven Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas, on Sunday, November 24, 1963 – two days after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The following Tuesday, excerpts from the sermon were carried on the CBS Walter Cronkite Evening News. Due to bomb threats to their home, the Holmes’ family was placed under police guard and lived with different members of the congregation for about a week. A plainclothes man guarded inside, while a squad car parked outside. The sermon is under copyright.

“We must accept in our public life what we know is true in our private life – that nothing is achieved without effort and sacrifice.” So read the concluding words of The Strategy for Peace by John Fitzgerald Kennedy, whose own effort and sacrifice were brought to dramatic termination here in our own city, Friday afternoon, Mrs. Holmes and I were waiting at the Trade Mart luncheon for his arrival when word of the President’s assassination fell upon the city, the nation and the world.

Since that time, I’ve tried to be about my business: wrestling with the question of how we, the church, a historic community, can really be the church in the midst of this most grievous historical event? The weight of wrestling with this question was not lessened when a friend from the National Council of Churches called long distance Friday evening to say, “Bill, a host of us are praying the Dallas clergy will have something more to say about this event than pious platitudes and sentimentalities.”

I have several alternatives before me now as I begin this sermon. I could eulogize John Kennedy. This would not be hard for me to do. Or, I could deliver myself of pent up bitterness toward Lee Harvey Oswald, his alleged assassin. This would not be hard for me to do. But after brooding prayerfully the last forty-eight hours about this sermon, offered in the name of God, I am clear this morning that our mission in this service is neither one of eulogy nor of catharsis.

My text is taken from the Gospel of St. Matthew which tells the familiar story of Pontius Pilate delivering a carpenter from Nazareth into the hands of first century extremists, and then washing his own hands in a bowl of water, and declaring boldly to the crowd: “I take no responsibility for the death of this man.”

The subject of this sermon is “One Thing Worse than This.” President John F. Kennedy was killed two days ago in Dallas, and the one thing worse than this is that the citizens of Dallas should declare to the world: “We take no responsibility for the death of this man.” Yet, that already seems to be the slogan of our city and some of its officials: “Dallas is a friendly city – this was the work of one madman and extremist.” “Our hearts are saddened – but our hands are clean.” How neat and simple this solution. How desperately we wish that it were true.

I am well aware this morning that the man charged with the assassination of our President has admitted being a Marxist and a left-wing extremist. But my friends, whether extremism wears the hat of left-wing or right-wing, its by-products are the same. It announces death and condemnation to all who hold a different point of view. And here is the hardest thing to say: There is no city in the United States which in recent months and years has been more acquiescent toward its extremists than Dallas, Texas. We, the majority of citizens, have gone quietly about our work and leisure, forfeiting the city’s image to the hate mongers and reactionaries in our midst. The spirit of assassination has been with us for some time – not manifest in bullets, but in spitting mouths and political invectives.

Dallas is the city where: •

Three years ago, Vice President and Mrs. Johnson were spat upon and cursed by a seething crowd in the lobby of one of our hotels.

•

Last month, hundreds of our citizens continually interrupted an address by United Nations Ambassador, Adlai Stevenson, with intentional coughs, heckling, cat-calls and Halloween noisemakers. Upon leaving the Auditorium, Ambassador Stevenson was struck with a sign and spat upon.

•

Many leaders and officials expressed anxiety and “fear of incident” when first learning of the President and Mrs. Kennedy’s intention to be our guests.

•

The day of the President and First Lady’s arrival, the Dallas Morning News ran a full page ad with the mocking caption: “Welcome Mr. Kennedy.” The ad contained a number of questions which were themselves accusations, implying President Kennedy’s cooperation with the U.S. Communist Party, his “bloodily extermination” of Anti Communist Allies, and his scrapping the “Monroe Doctrine in favor of the ‘Spirit of Moscow.’”

•

Where, 4th grade children in a north Dallas public school, clapped and cheered when told by their teacher of the assassination of the President last Friday afternoon.

In the name of God: What kind of city have we become?

Dallas has been my home for the last twelve years. I hope it will be my home for many years to come. It is a city I love and hold in high regard. We have many graces and human decencies of which I am extremely proud. But we cannot, month after month, year after year, sow seeds of intolerance and hate, and then, upon learning of the President’s visit, throw a switch and hope all rancor will disappear.

The vocal, organized and unorganized extremists have captured us – while we were sleeping in the night. And there is no way in all creation to avoid our mutual guilt. By our timidity, we have encouraged the aggressor; by our paralysis we have given safe conduct to reactionaries; by our confusion we have promoted the clarity of evil; by our small prejudices and little

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One Thing Worse Than This (cont.) hates, we have prepared the way for monstrous and demonic acts that have betrayed us all. We have become garbled people, mistaking patriotic cries for patriotism, boisterous boasts for courage, and superficial piety for faith. In this week of blood-stained history and death, we are under an imperative to whisper to each other and to God: “Oh Lord, have mercy on us all.”

Yet, still there hang the questions: “What are we to be?” “What are we to do?” By the grace of God, this much is clear: We are called to be a city where political debate continues. Different points of view must be expressed. Liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, must go on exchanging partisan convictions. The two party system is intrinsic to our way of life, and through the years the correctives, balances, and checks of these two parties, held in tension, have given depth and magnitude to our destiny as a nation and a people. But the context of that debate in Dallas – as all across our land – must be the context of mutual forbearance and good will. We must be as jealous of another person’s right to think and live as we are jealous for that right ourselves. It is not too late to learn that people can agree to disagree in love – and still hold partisan persuasions.

But where do we begin? We have our children. They were not born hating the President of the United States – though they soon learn to imitate their parents. It is not only important that we nurture them in political ideas, but in the even more important fundamentals of understanding and respect for those who hold a different point of view.

We have our neighborhoods. When the extremist across the street or down the block starts spewing his epithets and hate, he must soon discover that he has a contest on his hands, as we confront him with sanity and love.

We have our precincts, where vital issues are discussed. It is time both liberals and conservatives took responsibility for the reactionaries and extremists in their own parties.

“Can this be done?” asked John Kennedy. “Can we meet this test of survival and still maintain our tradition of individual liberties and dissent? I think we can ... So let the debate go on – and may the best ideas prevail.”

John Kennedy is dead – killed two days ago in our own city. If Dallas rises from this monstrous moment in her history as a new city where different political opinions and the people who hold them are respected, then John Kennedy will not have died in vain.

But that remains to be seen. Until then, the one thing worse than this assassination in our midst, is that we, the citizens of Dallas, should wash our hands and say, “We take no responsibility for this man’s death.”

Just before the Benediction, an usher handed Reverend Holmes a note with information he then shared with the congregation: “Lee Harvey Oswald has just been shot and killed in the Dallas Police Station.”

All Saints Sunday On Sunday, November 3, we celebrated All Saints Day, 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 celebrated not only the martyrs and saints, but all the people of God, living and dead, who together form the Body of Christ. Below are the list of names that were lifted up during worship.

Helene Lew 11/04/12 Robert Post 11/09/12 Thelma Rummell 11/12/12 Seth Phillip Tillman 11/16/12 Edgar Hosey 12/08/12 Elizabeth Gray

12/28/12 Arthur Lincoln Howson, Jr. 01/27/13 Marjorie Cochran 01/30/13 Fred W. Yunker 01/30/13 Margaretha Nichol Sawyer 02/01/13 Marilyn D. Fillers 03/05/13 Charlie Mae Williams 03/09/13 Robert Paul Albrecht 03/10/13 Jean Cheatley King 03/13/13 Joshua L. Posner 04/03/13 Nirmal Mondol 04/04/13 Nancy Glass 04/12/13 Peter Darrow 05/19/13

Betty Gildner Shirley Coen Tom Finnegan Lisa G. Froeb Elizabeth Mahler Elma Fritts Mary Hinshelwood Rosalind Pree Mary Jean Evans Dixie Alford Rick Andrews Helen (Honey) Maiers Yvonne Charles Dolores Dove William Christian Scott Charles Stanfield Baldwin Reid Tillman Robert S. Wong

05/23/13 05/24/13 05/27/13 05/31/13 06/04/13 06/05/13 06/08/13 06/09/13 06/09/13 06/18/13 07/03/13 07/08/13 07/10/13 07/11/13 07/12/13 07/19/13 07/29/13 08/07/13

Jack Laporte 08/12/13 Craig S. Hooper 08/24/13 William Carl Whitlock, Jr. 08/29/13 Kathleen Fassler McPherron 09/08/13 John William East 09/15/13 Betsy Ann Ewell 09/17/13 Nancy Ruth Green 09/05/13 James Leonard Angel 09/29/13 Callie Matthews 10/02/13 Corlyss Rike Dillard 10/07/13 Eldon Arsaga 10/07/13 John Mahler 10/09/13 Connie Constance Mercer 10/18/13 Nancy Virginia Sommers 10/21/13 Richard A. McKenney 10/23/13 Frank M. Ewing

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Service and Advocacy Focus on South Africa Mission Study “Soup and Study” Wednesdays Wednesday, 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.

“When I was hungry"

In light of Dr. Parker's sermon on Sunday, October 20 (available on the nationalchurch.org podcast in the iTunes store), we are presented with an opportunity that covers two outreach ministries of our parish.

The governments of both Russia and Uganda have widely publicized policies about GLBT folks. In Uganda, the death penalty is allowed. In addition, the leaders of both governments are on record as being very outspokenly homophobic.

The two individuals in the post below are applying for asylum under recently changed State Department procedures.

If you can provide assistance, know of someone who might be able to help or need information below, please contact Eric Scharf directly. Information is in the announcement below: Center Global is issuing an urgent request for hosts who can provide ongoing housing for two separate LGBT individuals who are here in the DC area seeking asylum. One is a male from Russia, the other is a female from Uganda.

Ideally as a host you can provide a private bedroom at a location close to public transportation within the DC area.

The individual from Russia is self-sufficient and the host is not expected to provide food or other assistance. The individual from Uganda may need some food assistance. It would be best if the host can commit to provide housing for a minimum of three months; housing is needed as soon as possible.

Please feel free to contact Eric Scharf at escharf@kelseymgmt.com. Also, your help in spreading the word is most appreciated.

- Kerm Towler, Reconciling Co-chair

Campus Kitchen Project Saturday, November 16, 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. Currently, we are preparing 100 meals using 600 - 900 lbs of recovered food every week! 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.

Grate Patrol Sunday, November 24, 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.

InterFaith Conference 35th Anniversary Celebration Tuesday, November 19, 7:30pm Washington Hebrew Congregation*

The 35th Anniversary InterFaith Concert will be a celebration that honors Rev. Clark Lobenstine for all that he has done to advance interfaith understanding here in our nation's capital. It is truly “one of Washington’s most inspiring evenings,” says Austin Kiplinger. The event will be hosted by Washington Hebrew Congregation with a “Taste of Heaven” reception following, featuring the treats of all eleven of our member faith traditions. We are thrilled that Mr. Samuel Bonds has accepted our invitation to serve as our Combined Choir Director, uniting as many as 200 voices in a culminating spectacular show of unity and collaboration. This special Anniversary Concert features the song, dance and chant of the Hindu-Jain, Jewish, Latter-day Saint, Protestant and Sikh faith communities. Groups like the Mormon Choir of Washington and the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation are perennial concert favorites, while this year also affords us the opportunity to sample Christian music from the west-central Africa nation of Cameroon. In addition to these five featured groups, members of the Metropolitan Baha'i Chorale, Buddhists, Muslims, Roman Catholics and Zoroastrians are all expected to join the Combined Choir. Tickets may be ordered directly from ifcmw.org. *3935 Macomb Street NW.

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Caring and Learning

AARP Meeting Monday, November 18, 12:30pm, Vestry

Please join us on Monday, November 18 in the Vestry. A representative from Edelman Financial Services will talk about end of year suggested financial planning. Social time is at 12:30pm, and the meeting starts at 1pm. Refreshments will be served.

“For Better or Worse: Braving the Dementia Storm Together” Wednesday, November 20, 2pm, Ardent Courts*

You vowed to care for your loved one in sickness and in health, but what happens after your spouse has been diagnosed with dementia?

Join Bonnie Gallagher, MSW, LCSW-C from Axis Healthcare Group as she discusses the unique challenges of spouses who care for loved ones living with dementia including: The emotional toll as you care for your spouse; Home safety issues for those living with memory loss; Partnering with your doctor; How to manage challenging behaviors in your loved one; Community resources for spouses. RSVP for this event by calling 301-983-3620 or e-mailing potomac@ardencourts.com. *10718 Potomac Tennis Lane, Potomac, MD 20854 Call 301.983.3620 or email Potomac@arden-courts. com for reservations.

Weekly Meditation Practice Wednesdays, 8:30am, Sanctuary

Join us for guided and walking meditation that nurtures a sense of inner peace and balance. For more information, contact Betty Rogers, betty.rogers24@verizon.net.

Lunch and More: Feasting, Fellowship and Fun Thursday, November 21, Noon – 2pm, Great Hall

Join us every third Thursday of the month for “Lunch and More” for a time of feasting, fellowship and fun. After eating together, you can choose to either play bridge, canasta or other board games, “Chat with Charlie” (new this year!) or watch a faith-based movie followed by discussion. Our movie this month, Miss Potter starring Renee Zellweger, is based on the life of Beatrix Potter, author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Miss Potter is about an extraordinary but sheltered writer (Zellweger) whose romance with her publisher (Ewan McGregor) would change her life forever. Questions or input, contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com or Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net.

Alzheimer’s Support Group 1st Wednesdays, 9pm, Medical Building*

Come and experience the strength and hope of being with others who share a common bond. Registration required. To register call 202-364-7602. *Conference Room 5 at Sibley Hospital, 5215 Loughboro Rd. NW.

Club Memory 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 1pm, Great Hall

A supportive social group for people with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia and their caregivers or family. Registration required. Call Sibley Senior Association, 202-364-7602 to register.

Gentle Yoga Thursdays, 4pm, Room Great Hall

Gently stretch, strengthen and improve balance; deeply relax and breathe with Yoga teacher, Cathryn Gunnerson. If you would like to experience yoga but have been uneasy about attending an established class, this series is for you.

Join us and bring a friend. Questions? Contact Cathryn Gunnerson, cathryn@yogawell-being.com or 301-642-3889 ($10-$15/class suggested donation).

Advent Retreat Weekend December 13-15

Join Sylvia Boorstein and Sharon Salzberg for an experience of joy to the world this coming holiday season. These renowned teachers and authors each 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.

Youth Ministries Youth Sunday School Sundays, 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, Director of Youth Ministires, plandau@ nationalchurch.org.

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.

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Children’s Ministries Nursery School Open House Fridays, November 15 and December 13 and Thursday, January 9 9:30am - 10:30am, Great Hall

Come and learn about our school’s program, curriculum, and admission procedures. The Director will be 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.

Fellowship, Fun and Service

All five children's Sunday School classes participated in last month's walk for the homeless. The younger classes ventured out on the Horace Mann track while the older classes walked in the neighborhood around the church. Many children stopped by Metro House to tour our homeless shelter.

The Bible Explorers class plan to cook a meal for the four men staying in the shelter this coming Sunday.

Members of the two children's choirs were invited over to the Landaus house (also known as the parsonage) the Sunday before Halloween to celebrate the holiday. Elizabeth Landau, who is an accompanist with the Cherub Choir, planned all of the activities and food. It was a fun way to show off costumes and have some Halloween fun. Thanks to the parents who helped before and during the party.

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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 Director of Children’s Ministries (Hiring) 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 9, 2013 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on December 3, 2013