December 2014 by National United Methodist Church

METROPOLITAN CHURCH

A MULTI-SITE UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY

The Messenger

December 8, 2014 Volume XXIV, No. 12 Nationalchurch.org

Waiting Patiently in Expectation

Christmas Eve Services Metropolitan and Wesley Wednesday, December 24 5pm - Family Christmas Eve Service with Live Nativity 7pm - Candlelight Communion Service at Wesley 7:30pm - Candlelight Communion Service 10:30pm - Musical Prelude 11pm - Candlelight Worship

Service of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 28 9 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

Celebrate the story of Jesus’s birth through short Bible stories and beloved carols.

This Advent season at Metropolitan, we are exploring what it means to wait “patiently in expectation.” Through the words and experiences of the Christian mystics we are living mindfully into an Advent that is filled with quiet moments of joy, deliberate periods of silence and reflection, and forceful participation in seeking God’s justice. “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20) are the final words in the Bible. According to Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest and ecumenical teacher, “this makes our entire lives, and the life of the church, one huge ‘advent.’” He says, “Remember, Advent is always – until the end of days.” On December 14, in worship at 9 am, our Dayspring Choir will present “Waiting Patiently in Expectation,” a story told through word and song of what it means to live out of a kind of deliberate emptiness, a kind of chosen non-fulfillment. Perfect fullness is always to come. As Christians, we are keeping our lives open to grace and to a future created by God rather than ourselves. This is exactly what it means to be “awake” as the Gospel urges us. Advent is above all else a call to full consciousness and a forewarning about the high price of consciousness. The Christian mystics have much to teach us if we are open to hearing their words. At the 9am worship on December 14 we are led on this journey by the words of Henri Nouwen, one of the most popular spiritual writers of the last century. He understands our sense of incompleteness and yearnings so well and his words offer insights that add depth and self-discovery to our spiritual journey as we await the birth of the Christ child. We listen to the voices of Julian of Norwich, Hildegard of Bingen, St. Augustine, Meister Eckhart, and others as we are guided to patiently await the coming of Jesus. The word “listening” in Latin is obedire and audire means “listening with great attention.” The mystics knew the difference between hearing and listening with great attention. Take time this Advent to experience listening as prayer…“Listening starts precisely when you move from the mind to the heart and let the truth of your being center you down.” Henri J.M. Nouwen.

January Sermon Series Into the Hundred Acre Woods

I invite you to join us in worship on December 14 at 9am and sit patiently, in expectation, as the ancient and present words lead us on a journey. Under the direction of Casey Elliott, the Dayspring and Youth Choirs will offer music to pull us deeper into the experience until we all join our voices in a closing hymn of expectation. Blessings,

Patrisha S. House

Writing a New Chapter: Annual Commitment Campaign

Through the dedication of our prayers, presences, gifts, service, and witness, we are helping to write the next chapter in our collective story of faith. Please give careful and prayerful consideration to how you will support the ministries of our Church in the coming year. If you haven’t submitted your 2015 pledge yet, you can do it online at nationalchurch.org/Giving/Annual_Campaign or fill out a pledge card found in the attendance pads in the pews. Your continuing generous support is vital to our church’s mission and ministry! Questions? Contact Bill Potts, wpotts@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 101.

Life at the Metropolitan Church Marjorie Bankson Keynotes Launch of Ministries for Life Transitions

Ferguson by Rev. Dr. Charles Parker I know that you all have been inundated with images and information from Ferguson. And I have been in a multitude of conversations about the shooting of Michael Brown and the decision of the grand jury this week. I have no intention of commenting on the justice or injustice of the jury’s verdict; they saw the information and I did not, so any speculations of mine are worse than meaningless (and I would encourage you all to do the same). I won’t ever have all the data (to what degree anyone does), and I have to trust the process of our justice system. But that, of course, is exactly the issue: I can trust the justice system, because historically it has done a very good job of protecting people of my ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation. In my world, the police are always the “good guys,” representing the protection of the state. That is not the case for people of color in our country (or women, or LGBTQ folks, or poor people). Historically, the state has not done a good job of protecting their rights or their lives. And all of the highly publicized shootings of young African American men over that past couple of years have highlighted that fact. The protests in Ferguson are not, in reality, simply about Michael Brown’s death, and the decision that there was not adequate proof that Officer Darren Wilson acted inappropriately. It is about the seemingly endless string of shootings in which young African American men are killed, sometimes -like Trayvon Martin -- for simply walking in the wrong neighborhood. We need to recognize that racism is alive and well in our country, and we need to keep that fact before us. Our call as Christians is to empathize with those who have suffered the loss of a child, and with those who feel that the justice system is just not working on their behalf. Our call also is to continue to create a system that does indeed care for all people equally, and which people of all colors, genders, nationalities, and sexual orientations can trust. That is why the peaceful protests in Ferguson are right and important. The system never changes unless it is exposed to the light. The Ferguson protests are doing exactly that. They are not about Michael Brown and Darren Wilson, and what might -- or might not -- have happened on that tragic day in August: they are about a system that is not working for all people. And we need to support that effort. As a church, we need to continue to keep this issue in front of us. The church should be the place where we can engage the tough issues, learn empathy, and work to bring about justice in God’s world. Since our merger with Wesley, we have the incredibly rich (and sometimes challenging) opportunity to learn how to be a genuinely multi-cultural community. Through our partnership with Brighter Day, we learn what life is like on the other side of the river and how to build bridges across that. All of that is hard work; but it’s also important work. It’s work that changes us, and changes the world.

Renowned author, potter and spiritual leader Marjorie Zoet Bankson is returning to Metropolitan on January 7 and 14 to launch our new program, “Ministries for Life Transitions.” Bankson will lead sessions on those two Wednesdays at “Food for Thought,” Metropolitan’s regular Wednesday evening fellowship and study time. Bankson’s remarkable abilities to listen and to guide spiritually offer us a wonderful opportunity to engage and explore the experience and meaning of life’s major transitions in the light of our faith. Metropolitan members will remember how she drew us in when she led worship sitting at her potting wheel last summer during Chris Holmes’ series, “Spirituality and the Arts.” Bankson is the author of several books, including The Soulwork of Clay, Creative Aging: Rethinking Retirement and Non-retirement in a Changing World, and The Call to the Soul. The third and fourth Wednesdays of January will also be devoted to Life Transitions, focusing on the specific transitions the Life Transitions leadership group has identified for its initial launch. They are: Birth/Adoption, Career, Creative Aging, Chronic Illness, and End of Life/Bereavement. People who are interested in exploring any of these transitions, who are currently going through transitions, or who have been through transitions, from which they might be interested in sharing their experience and learning are all invited to attend. Dinner starts at 6pm and the program beguns at 7pm. For more information, contact Rev. Barbara Green, bgreen@ nationalchurch.org or Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org.

Front Desk Volunteer Needed

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.

Overflow parking is available on Sundays in the School of International Studies (SIS) parking garage across the street at American University.

Life at the Metropolitan Church Jazz@Wesley Saturday, December 13, 6:30pm, Wesley*

Advent Contemplative Service Sunday, December 14, 7pm, Sanctuary

Enjoy “A Jazzy Christmas” with the Wesley Choir and Combo. Tickets: $10 entry l $7 Senior l 12 and under free at instantseats.com. 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, ext. 325 or email Wesleyinfo@nationalchurch.org. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.

You are invited to pause during this busy advent season and prepare your hearts and spirits for the birth of Jesus. Through music, readings, silence, and communion we will stop our normal pace and noise and enter into the stillness of God. Worship Leaders: Charlie Parker and Drema McAllister-Wilson.

Waiting Patiently in Expectation Sunday, December 14, 9am, Sanctuary

We understand the Christmas season isn’t joyful for everyone. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or the loss of a job, or you just want to find a time of peace in the midst of the hectic season, there is a place where you can seek comfort and prayer. The Longest Night service will be a quiet service of prayer, reflection, and Holy Communion. *5312 Connecticut Ave. NW.

Join us as the Dayspring Choir presents “Waiting Patiently in Expectation,” a story told through word and song of what it means to live out of a kind of deliberate emptiness, a kind of chosen non-fulfillment. Perfect fullness is always to come. As Christians, we are keeping our lives open to grace and to a future created by God rather than ourselves. This is exactly what it means to be “awake” as the Gospel urges us. Advent is above all else a call to full consciousness and a forewarning about the high price of consciousness.

United Methodist Women’s Recognition Luncheon Sunday, December 14,12:30pm, Great Hall

This year we honor four outstanding United Methodist Women who have made a significant contribution to the church and community: Jane Cunningham, Barbara Green, Cynthia Pugh, and Joyce Shields. We will also celebrate the babies who have been born this year, welcome our new UMW members and remember with gratitude those who have died this year. This is a special event in the life of our church and we hope that many of our women in the church will attend. A catered luncheon will be served. A donation of $10 is suggested for members; guests are free.

Longest Night Service Sunday, December 21, 7pm -8pm, Wesley*

What Are You Doing Christmas Eve?

We are in need of greeters for all three Christmas Eve Services at Metropolitan Memorial (5pm, 7:30pm and 10:30pm), if you can help out, please email Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net or 703-4351715. Thank You!!

Metropolitan Book Club Monday, January 19, 7:30pm, Parlor

Join us in January as we view the documentary, “The Orphan Trains.” On February 16, Regula Guess will review Gray Mountain by John Grisham. On March 16, Karen Howard leads our discussion of The Heist by Daniel Silva. All those who enjoy discussing the books are invited! Contact Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@gmail.com or Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com, with questions.

Christmas Carols in Advent? Yes! By Rev. Janet Craswell

In the past, we’ve saved Christmas carols for the church’s Christmas season: December 25 through January 6 (Epiphany). Our United Methodist hymnal has many wonderful Advent hymns, such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” that help us prepare for the coming of Christ. Why jump ahead to Christmas carols during Advent? The short answer is … because of the children. There was a time in our society when children would learn the traditional Christmas carols in school, on the radio, in the shopping mall. When they heard these carols in church, the tunes were already familiar. That time is past. Most public schools do not teach religious Christmas carols at all, or limit them to a high school choral program. The radio plays “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” and “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas,” while the shopping malls play “Santa, Baby” and “Let it Snow” in an endless loop. Our children know the secular Christmas carols – the ones that tell the stories of Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and jingle bells – but unless we teach them directly, they will not know the great carols of our faith. Most of this teaching will happen at home (or in the car) as families play Christmas music and sing together. Many families enjoy family Advent devotions where they light the Advent candles and sing. I learned “Away in a Manger” as a small child because that was the song we always sang when we lit the red glass votive candles in front of my father’s childhood crèche. Children will also have a chance to learn these carols at church events such as our Evening in Advent on December 7. Along with making Christmas crafts, sharing dinner, and letting children select gifts for a special adult, we will be singing the traditional religious Christmas carols together. And we will be singing them in church. As we light the Advent candles that symbolize Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, we will sing carols that speak of the hope, peace, joy and love Christ brings. It will still be Advent. But what better way to prepare for Christmas than to learn the songs that express what Christmas really means?

A Season of Giving UMW’s “A Gift of Hope” - Sunday, December 14, Between Services, Great Hall Foyer

On December 14, the United Methodist Women will set up an alternative gift market table for you to donate $10, $25 or any amount to one of several charities that help women and children in need. Give to the Sasha Bruce House in D.C. to support homeless teens, the Fairfield Orphanage in Zimbabwe or the Tree of Life Ministry helping native Americans in South Dakota, among others. In return for your contribution, you will receive a card to present to someone you wish to honor. This can be a perfect way to give a meaningful Christmas present to a Sunday School teacher, UMW leader, friend, or hard-tobuy family member. Thanks for your support.

UMW’s Diaper Drive - Now through December 14

In honor of our new Metropolitan babies, the United Methodist Women of Metropolitan are collecting diapers, sizes 4 and up (pull-ups are most needed) for the DC Diaper Bank. Opened packages of diapers are OK, but please label the size and number of diapers left. Unopened, unexpired formula, diaper wipes, and diaper cream are also needed. The DC Diaper Bank distributes diapers through partners like Bread for the City, Bright Beginnings, and Sasha Bruce Youthworks.

Annual Christmas Coat Drive – Now through January 7

The Bible Plus Sunday School Class is collecting new coats, hats, and gloves for needy DC children (sizes 24 months to 16). A collection bin will be placed in the lobby by the church offices on Sunday mornings. Receipts will be available at the collection box. Although we encourage you to donate the above items, monetary donations are also welcome and we will shop for you. Please make checks payable to Metropolitan Memorial and note that it is for the Coat Drive. Thank you for your gifts that will help keep children warm this winter. Contacts: Debbie Gustowski, 202-298-6222 or debgustowski@comcast. net or Pat Simpich, 202-966-1566 or Pat.Simpich@verizon.net.

Sharing Holiday Joy with the Residents of Metro House and St. Luke’s Shelter

This holiday season help our guests at Metro House and the St. Luke’s Shelter experience the joy of the season. You can support them in the following ways: • • •

Donate gift cards for local grocery or drug stores, coffee houses, or fast food restaurants. Place cards in an envelope marked “shelter gifts” and drop off in the church office or in the offering plate no later than December 23. Volunteer a few hours at Metro House on Christmas Day. We strive to open the shelter all day on December 25. To volunteer, email the Metro House Volunteer Coordinator, metrohousevolunteercoordinator@gmail.com with your available hours. Work an overnight shift at Metro House during the holiday period or early January. Many student volunteers are home for the holidays, which makes this an ideal time for church members to volunteer. Sign up at nationalchurch.org/servenow or email the Metro House Volunteer Coordinator, metrohousevolunteercoordinator@gmail.com. Training provided for first-time volunteers.

~~~ Flowers and Greens Gracing the Church ~~~

The Christmas season is a time of joy and peace. Honor your family and friends while beautifying our church with a donation Celebrating the Arrival of the Christ Child toward the flowers and greens that wrap the Sanctuary, building and halls of the church in the living colors of the season. The season is in a time of joyare andtotally peace. Honor your family and friends beautifying our church with a TheChristmas greens and flowers the church supported by your contributions. Thewhile Poinsettia are available for a donation ofdonation $25. Anytoward donation amount is welcome. Allthat donations will Sanctuary, be recognized in the and Bulletin December 2014. the flowers and greens wrap the building hallsonofSunday, the church in the 21, living colors of the season. Plants may be taken after the 11pm service Christmas Eve. Envelopes for donations are located in the pew racks. The greens and flowers in the churchRemembering are totally supported byat your contributions. The Poinsettia are Others Christmas available for a donation of $25. Any donation amount is welcome. All donations will be recognized in the Name: _________________________________________________Phone:____________________ Bulletin on Sunday, December 23rd.

Plants may_______________________________________________ be taken after the 11:00 pm service Christmas Eve. Envelopes donations are located in the pew racks. Address: Email: for ____________________ Remembering attaking Christmas Donation of $______, for #___ Poinsettias. I will ___ willOthers not___ be the plant(s) after the Christmas Eve service. Name: _________________________________________________Phone:____________________ In Memory of ______________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ Email: ____________________ In Honor of _____________________________________________________________ Donation of $______, for #___ Poinsettias. I will ___ will not___ be taking the plant(s) after the Christmas Eve service.

Mail, drop off or donate online at nationalchurch.org/greens by December 15th . No phone orders please. In Memory of ________________________________________in Honor of ____________________________________ th Mail,Metropolitan drop off or Memorial donate online atMethodist nationalchurch.org/greens by December . No phone orders please. United Church, 3401 Nebraska Avenue,18 NW, Washington, DC 20016 Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016

Caring Ministries Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, January 18, 12:30pm Tuesday, January 20, 1:30pm

Enjoy a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun in the Parlor! Contact: Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon. net.

Annual AARP Holiday Luncheon Monday, December 15, Noon, Vestry

Please join us for our annual holiday luncheon. The cost is $15/person. Besides a delicious meal of turkey and all the trimmings, we will have musical entertainment and will sing holiday songs. Please send your check made out to AARP Chapter 2183 to our treasurer, Bobby Turnbull, 5708 Ridgefield Rd., Bethesda, MD 20816 to arrive by December 11.

Lunch and More Christmas Pot Luck! “What You Should Know About the American Flag”, presented by Earl P. Williams, Jr. December 18, Noon, Great Hall

Bring your favorite dish to create a Christmas feast! After sharing a festive meal our special guest, Earl P. Williams, Jr., will present “What You Should Know About the American Flag.” Earl, a recognized expert on the history of the American Flag, wil share the history and interesting unknown tidbits about our National Flag. He is author of a book by the same name as well as What You Should Know About the Flags of the Confederacy and The Architecture and Engineering of Amtrak’s Washington-New York Corridor: A Pictorial History. Questions: Phyllis Kokus, pkokus@aol.com or Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net.

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 for dialogue and practices to remain fully present with ease. And on Saturday for a quiet day retreat with a vegetarian gluten-free lunch. 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. Sylvia Boorstein is a 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. (sylviaboorstein.com) Sharon Salzberg is a 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. (sharonsalzberg.com) On Sunday, join us for 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).

Adult Study Mondays at the Parsonage Monday, December 15 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.

Washington Region Leadership Day 2015 Let Your Life Speak March 14, 8am - 3:30pm, Blake High School* Registration opens January 6, 2015

This winter local church leaders will expand their horizons, grow in faith and revitalize their congregations with skills and insights gained at Leadership Days. Jorge Acevedo, one of the denomination's most sought after speakers who grew his Florida church from 400 to 2,600 members, will lead the session. During the day, participants will also be able to take two of the 35 offered workshops. Cost: $40 (includes lunch). Learn more and register at bwcumc.org. Registration deadline is February 27. All registrations must be paid in full by February 27. No refunds after February 27, unless event is cancelled due to weather. Preregistration required. No Walk-ins (no space). *300 Norwood Rd., Silver Spring, MD.

Food for Thought Wednesday, December 10 and 17 6pm - Dinner, 7pm - Study

Join us for a chef-prepared dinner followed by a choice of classes. Dinner is $7/adult, $4/child ($20/family maximum). AU students pay what you can. Classes include: Bible study: The story of Christmas in Matthew, Luke and John - Matthew and Luke are the only gospels that contain stories of the birth of Jesus, and there are significant differences. Discover what those differences and similarities have to say to us today. Led by Rev. Charlie Parker and Bob Olson; Advent Experience: The Shade of the Living Light: Walking and Listening with Hildegard of Bingen - Walk the labyrinth (open 7pm - 8pm) while enjoying the art and music of Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century German nun, abbess, writer, physician, composer, and mystic. Led by Janet Craswell. Contact: Rev. Janet Craswell, Director of Christian Education, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org or 202363-4900, 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).

Service and Advocacy Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) Inaugural Action with the New Mayor Thursday, January 8 6:30pm - Music, 7pm - Program St. Augustine Catholic Church*

Join leaders from WIN congregations city-wide in an action with Muriel Bowser during her first week in office. We will present to Mayor Bowser an agenda around Jobs, Housing, Homelessness and other issues important to our congregation. Let’s make our voices heard! Please contact Linda Davenport (lindadavenport@comcast.net ) or Ann Michel (amichel@wesleyseminary.edu) if you plan to attend or if you need transportation. * 1419 V St., NW.

Campus Kitchen New Volunteer Shifts

The Campus Kitchen 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 Campus Kitchen online resource, nationalchurch.org/volunteerhub.

Reconciling Ministries Sundays, Between Services, Office Lobby

Purchase your copy of Frank Schaefer’s book, Defrocked - How a Father’s Act of Love Shook the United Methodist Church on Sunday mornings. Cost is $15. The Council of Bishops have also asked all United Methodists to be in prayer for the Church as we are divided over issues of our response to human sexuality. The full statement is available at bwcumc.org/bishops-call-united-methodists-to-prayer-inhuman-sexuality-statement.

Grate Patrol 2 Locations to Serve! December 28, 10:10am, Vestry Kitchen

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!

Sunday, January 4, 5:30pm St. Luke’s Mission Center*

Help assemble meals (provided by our Campus Kitchen Project) 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.

Serve Now! Sign up now for our many ongoing service activities at nationalchurch.org/servenow.

Love Shouldn't Hurt Exploring Relationship and Gender Violence with Jana's Campaign Thursday, January 22, 7pm, Gianni Lounge*

The United Methodist Women, along with the PEERS group of American University, is hosting an evening with Curt Brungardt of Jana’s Campaign, on Thursday, January 22, at 7pm in Gianni Lounge on the AU campus In 2008, Jana Mackey was found dead in her ex-boyfriend's home. The 25-year-old Kansas University law student was an advocate for women's rights and had spent years volunteering to aid victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. In honor of Jana and other victims of domestic violence, a committed group of activists created Jana's Campaign with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. Jana’s Campaign seeks to reduce and respond to gender violence by pursuing a strategy built on six program areas. Through public awareness and community action; education, prevention and intervention; public policy advocacy; campus action; and engaging men and boys to reduce gender violence, the Campaign’s goal is to play a significant role and be a catalyst for real change. Our speaker, Curt Brungardt, is Jana’s stepfather and a founder of Jana’s Campaign. Elizabeth Landau, the accompanist for our Cherub Choir, also attended Kansas University law school and is on the board of Jana’s Campaign. PEERS are American University's Peer Educators for the Elimination of Relationship and Sexual Violence. They run educational workshops for students at AU to raise awareness about dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Ultimately, their goal is to promote a culture of love and consent. Elle Smiley, a member of PEERS, is also co-planner of this event. *American University, Conference Room 200 of the Mary Graydon Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW.

Youth Ministry Fall Retreat

In November, we held our second annual fall youth retreat. It was a wonderful time to get away from the busyness of the school year. Here are some pictures from this year’s retreat.

Check our our youth blog at youthmetropolitan.wordpress.com.

Children’s Ministry

Get Ready for the Christmas Pageant!

The children will lead the community in worship on Christmas Eve with a traditional Christmas pageant. This year we are moving to online sign-ups to make it fair for all children of Metropolitan, regardless of whether they worship at Metropolitan Memorial or Wesley, or whether their families are in town the weekend the sign-up is posted. Sign your child up for their pageant role at: signupgenius.com/go/10c084aa8a72fa2fa7-childrens Hurry! Sign-ups are first come, first serve. Here are some dates to keep in mind: December 21, 10am -1pm: Pageant Rehearsal (with pizza lunch). December 24, 4pm: Children arrive for costuming and final practice.

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, December 11, 9:30am - 10:30am, Great Hall • Thursday, January 22, 9:30am - 10:30am, Great Hall

December 24, 5pm: Christmas Eve service with pageant.

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: January 12, 2014 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on January 6, 2014