The Messenger
December 10, 2012 Volume XXII, No. 12 Nationalchurch.org
This Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
As cold weather sneaks up on us in this season of Advent, it gives us a moment to pause to reflect on a warmer time of year, two summers ago, when Metropolitan’s congregation traveled to Southeast to worship with Brighter Day Ministries, a four-point United Methodist parish who describes itself as “a growing multi-ethnic church engaged in local and global mission projects.” It was a powerful scene to see the two congregations worshipping together as we enjoyed Brighter Day’s Mighty Men Chorus and heard our own Dr. Charlie Parker preach. The morning ended with members of the two congregations encircling the sanctuary, holding hands in prayer. That was Metropolitan and Brighter Day’s first step together to build a bridge across our church’s connectional system and our city divided so starkly along racial and economic lines. It’s a journey we embark on with enthusiasm but determined to see our relationship grow and not just become a one true experience. It is heartening to know that in the months since that July morning, we have grown our efforts to help Brighter Day Ministries in serving its community in A.P. Shaw, Congress Heights, and Anacostia. This month alone we have transported five car and van loads of clothes and food for Brighter Day’s clothes and food pantries. This collection, which included donations from Metropolitan’s nursery school, continues through Advent. Last month, we supported Brighter Day’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner Basket distribution with a gift of $2,000 to purchase turkeys and staples from the Capital Area Food Bank. Please continue to bring in your donations of food and clothing for Brighter Day Ministries’ food and clothes distribution centers throughout Advent. Items may be dropped off on the silver shelves in the foyer. We will continue to take loads of donations to Brighter Day as the shelves fill up. Clothes donations may be new or used clothing (but in good condition). We are accepting donations of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. Please DO NOT give expired food, which we will discard rather than pass on. Also, if you are considering donating pet food, please save donations for animal shelters. This food drive is for people not pets. Thank you again for your donations, keep them coming! It has been exciting to see the service opportunities taken up by different ministries in our church from the nursery school supporting several families with Christmas gifts last year to our youth tutoring young children in the Summer Academic Camp Explosion through their Youth 4 the DC Cause service work. Individuals from our congregation visited Brighter Day on their own last summer to share with campers their career experience or to simply assist with craft making. But a relationship doesn’t become stronger on service efforts alone. Pastors at both churches, Rev. Ernest Lyles at Brighter Day and Dr. Charlie Parker here, have continued communications in hopes of steering our congregations towards other areas of potential growth. The pastors are challenging our congregations to grow in fellowship opportunities and worship time. What those next steps are will be determined by a new steering committee of the two congregations – which formed after our highly successful Evening in Advent -- which will meet in early January to plan a year of activities together. A social justice revival on the mall, a pulpit or choir exchange, church picnic are among the many ideas under consideration. This Christmas Eve, our annual special offering will be dedicated to children’s development programs at Brighter Day Ministries. But our challenge will be not just to provide funding for these programs but rather for Metropolitan and Brighter Day to continue to reach out to each other so that together we may grow in Christ’s love to build a better and brighter future for our city. Together, we can. Blessings,
Anita Seline, Director of Children’s Ministires
Life at Metropolitan Memorial New Eldbrooke History Panels Installed
In 2005, Eldbrooke Methodist Church in Tenleytown merged with Metropolitan Memorial United Church. This event – 175 years after Eldbrooke’s founding – would prove to be a pivotal building block in the formation of the multi-site integrated church that we are today. The merger brought new members to Metropolitan including John and Barbara Tate, Joan Davenport (who you see in the Library on Sundays), and John and Rose Kelley. And with them came the rich history of a church founded in the 1830’s by a small group of Methodists – farmers and tradesmen – in what was then a country village on the outskirts of D.C. They first met in members’ homes before acquiring a piece of land in the 1840’s for the Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1895, a larger church in the Spanish Colonial revival style with 250 seats, a separate Sunday school room and a bell tower, was built on the site. The church was renamed Eldbrooke to honor two dedicated members, Aquila Eld and Philip Brooke. The cornerstone was laid on April 24, 1926, in a ceremony with a gavel used by George Washington. In the 1950’s, its congregation totaled more than 1,100 people, but dwindled in following years as the neighborhood became more urbanized. In 2008, three years after our merger, it was decided to sell the Eldbrooke property to the nondenominational City Church which operates it today. Barbara Tate’s grandfather, John Bernard Harry, who operated a grocery store at 20th and G Streets in Washington, was a pillar of the Tenleytown community and major landowner. He gave all of the stained glass windows in the Eldbrooke chapel. Two of those windows that depict Paul, one of him as a young man, the other as older, are dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Harry and their daughter Elizabeth Harry Derrick. A side window in the sanctuary also is dedicated to both sets of Barbara’s grandparents -- the Harrys and Luther Lee Derrick and his wife. (A Heritage Trail marker at the corner of River Road and Chesapeake Street calls this area “Harry Country.” Look at the family picture on the sign and you can find Barbara Tate (age 4). Through the work of Metropolitan’s Arts Council, you can now see and read more about Eldbrooke on two new large historical panels recently installed on the ground floor of the church. The panels are located on the Newark Street side of the church just to the right of the double doors and the bay window with a small table and chairs. We are indebted to Metropolitan member Caroline Mesrobian Hickman, Art and Architectural Historian, who meticulously researched and prepared the text and illustrations for the two panels about the Eldbrooke building and the congregational life. We would also like to thank our Board of Trustees for their support and funding for this project.
Penny Pagano
Co-Chair, Metropolitan Arts Council
Congratulations! •
We congratulate Mary Margaret McLeroy and Phi Dinh on the birth of their daughter, Mai-Ly Rowan Ding on November 6.
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We congratulate Rafael Reyes on the birth of his son Steven, born on Wednesday, December 5.
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We wish Frances Hardy, who turned 90 on November 16, a happy belated birthday! • While in New York, our very own Chris Simon and fellow Bus 52ers; Robert Gelb, Steven Hascher, Amy Wallace and Amy Chin were interviewed by David Ushery of NBC New York. To view the interview go to nbcnewyork.com/ video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Good-News-FromBus-52/175995531. To learn more about Bus 52 go to bus52.com.
Annual Commitment Campaign
Thanks go out to our many members and friends who made their pledges. Due to their generosity, our 2013 campaign is off to a strong start. If you have not yet returned your pledge card, please mail it to the church office or put it in the offering plate this Sunday. Pledge cards will be in the attendance pads in the pews. Or, submit your 2013 pledge online at nationalchurch.org. Your continuing generous support is vital to our church’s mission and ministry!
Check out our blog at nationalchurch.blogspot.com! 2
Life at Metropolitan Memorial The Light of the World: A Christmas Concert Saturday, December 15, 7 p.m., Wesley Campus
Come and join us for a night of incredible music--and some candlelight as well! The Wesley Music Ministry and The Ovation Ensemble will be teaming up to celebrate the holiday season together! (5312 Connecticut Ave., NW)
Vivaldi’s “Gloria” Sunday, December 16, 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary
Join us as the Oratorio Choir, combined with a string quintet, oboe, trumpet, timpani, and organ, perform Vivaldi’s “Gloria” with special selections from G. F. Handel’s “Messiah” including “For Unto Us” and “The Hallelujah Chorus.”
Metropolitan Book Club Monday, January 21, 7:30 p.m., Parlor
Join us on Monday, January 21 when Karen Howard leads our discussion of Douglas Brinkley’s book, Cronkite. Brinkley reveals the legendary newscaster as a physically and morally courageous figure, but one who had many fears. All are welcome to the group. For more information, contact Suzanne Clewell, sfclewell@verizon.net or Joan Topalian, jtopa62045@aol. com.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, December 16, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 1:30 p.m.
Join us in the parlor for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! Interested in joining? Contact Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.
“Longest Night” Friday, December 21 7 p.m., Wesley Campus
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)
Children’s Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 23, 11 a.m., Wesley Campus
Join us for this fun family holiday tradition as the children of our church tell the story of Jesus’s birth. (5312 Connecticut Ave., NW)
2013 Art Exhibit “Fantasy and Reality” Sunday, January 27 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., Great Hall
Come and enjoy the first Metropolitan Arts Council Exhibit of the new year! Nathaniel Rees and Silas Cheo, seniors at Walter Johnson High School, are presenting their visions of the Realm of Fantsy and the Domain of Reality. Nathaniel, the Grandson of Fran Cleaver, is familiar to many of you as he attended Metropolitan and was active in our mission trips and the Metro Players. Silas is Nathaniel’s best friend. They grew up together and now paint together. Lunch will be provided.
January Sermon Series “An Unexpected Journey” Explore the Gospel through J.R.R. Tolkien’s Writings Begins Sunday, January 6
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings is deeply rooted in the truths of his Christian faith. This powerful story has captivated readers for decades, as well as a new generation of moviegoers. With the new film "The Hobbit" (Tolkien's prelude to the Lord of the Rings) arriving this winter, it is a good time to explore the Gospel through this wonderful narrative. Our sermon series "An Unexpected Journey" will take place on Sundays in January 2013 as we follow the path of Tolkien’s travelers. Echoing Gandalf’s words to Bilbo, worried about his chances of returning home from his journey, “If you do, you will not be the same.”
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Christmas Eve Services at Metropolitan and Wesley Monday, December 24
5 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service with Live Nativity 7 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service at Wesley Campus 7:30 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service 10:30 p.m. Musical Prelude/11 p.m. Candlelight Worship Service of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 30 9 a.m. & 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary
We continue to celebrate the story of Jesus’s birth through the reading of short Bible stories and singing of beloved carols.
~~~ Flowers and Greens Gracing the Church ~~~ Celebrating the Arrival of the Christ Child The Christmas season is a time of joy and peace. Honor your family and friends while beautifying our church with a donation toward the flowers and greens that wrap the Sanctuary, building and halls of the church in the living colors of the season. The greens and flowers in the church are totally supported by your contributions. The Poinsettia are available for a donation of $25. Any donation amount is welcome. All donations will be recognized in the Bulletin on Sunday, December 23rd.
Plants may be taken after the 11:00 pm service Christmas Eve. Envelopes for donations are located in the pew racks. Remembering Others at Christmas Name: _________________________________________________Phone:____________________ Address: _______________________________________________ Email: ____________________ Donation of $______, for #___ Poinsettias. I will ___ will not___ be taking the plant(s) after the Christmas Eve service. In Memory of ________________________________________in Honor of ____________________________________ Mail, drop off or donate online at nationalchurch.org/greens by December 18th . No phone orders please. Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016
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United Methodist Women “Journey to Inner Trust” 2013 United Methodist Women's Retreat Register by Friday, January 11* February 8-10 Priest Field Pastoral Center (Kearneysville, WV) Mary Elizabeth Marlow, Retreat Leader
Of all the issues facing those of us on the spiritual journey, probably the most challenging is trust. We long to know when to, whether to, and how to trust. Join us for a week-end during which we confront this issue head-on through storytelling, guided imagery, drawings and ritual…and where we reawaken innocence, trust in the moment and in ourselves. The United Methodist Women’s Bazaar raised $17,000 for 11 charities that support women and children around the world. Our thanks go to Barbara Gaskill and BobbyTurnbull for their hard work and commitment. We also thank all those who sorted, priced, unpacked, policed, sold, packed, etc. In addition, we thank our church's three shelter residents and the leaders of our resident Boy Scout troop who all also pitched in for clean-up duty on Saturday and Sunday. The muscle power was greatly appreciated!
Retreat Leaders: Jeanie Mah, Mary Jo Marchant, Ann Michel and Barbara Tate. Mary Elizabeth Marlow is an international speaker and seminar leader, storyteller and counselor. She is the author of several books including Jumping Mouse: A Story about Inner Trust. *Registration forms can be found at nationalchurch.org/serving/annual_events.
Caring and Learning Meditation Hour Wednesday, December 12 and December 19 8:30 a.m., Sanctuary
The Congregational Care Ministry is sponsoring a new weekly Meditation Hour in the Sanctuary. This guided meditation will meet every Wednesday morning in Advent (December 5 - 19) to nurture a sense of inner peace, calm and balance through the holiday season. Under the guidance of Congregational Care Minister, Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, participants share an opportunity for health and emotional benefits that include receptivity to the Presence of Spirit, increased self-awareness, skills to manage stress and release from negative emotions. All are welcome from begin-
Soup and Study Wednesday, December 12 6 p.m., Vestry
Join us for “Soup and Study,” Metropolitan’s Wednesday evening study program. Supper of soup, bread, salad and dessert will be served at 6 p.m. with classes beginning at 7 p.m. Questions? Contact Barbara Green, bgreen@nationalchurch.org. Classes include: Disciple I - Leader: Barbara Gaskill; Bible Study - Leader: Charlie Parker; Living with Dying: A Conversation about Last Things - Leader: Drema McAllister-Wilson; Enriching the Soul through Leadership Development - Leader: Suzanne Forsyth.
Lunch and More Thursday, January 17 Noon - 2 p.m., Great Hall
Join us every third Thursday of the month for “Lunch and More”! After eating together, you can choose to either play bridge or other board games or watch a movie followed by discussion with faith and film. This will be a time of feasting, fellowship, and fun! Questions or input, contact Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com, Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@ verizon.net or Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 19.
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Serving Our Community Metropolitan Foundation Invests $800,000 in DC Supportive Housing Development
The board of the Metropolitan Foundation recently approved an $800,000 short-term loan to Be The Change, a DC nonprofit launched by the BaltimoreWashington Conference of the United Methodist Church. Be The Change’s mission is to create affordable and supportive housing for vulnerable populations in the city. The loan will fill a gap in funding the predevelopment costs for a new development of 124 units of affordable housing and supportive housing for veterans. It will be built on a city-owned parcel of land adjacent to St. Philips Baptist Church at 1001 North Capitol, NE. Be the Change is also working to redevelop the former Calvary/Casa del Pueblo UMC at 1459 Columbia Road, NW. That project will include approximately 80 units of affordable housing and supportive housing for the homeless. According to Foundation Trustee Chair Pam Settlage, the Trustees were enthusiastic about broadening the reach of our ministries by using our Foundation resources, but at the same time, were cautious and conservative in taking such an unprecedented move. Over the past year, the group studied holistic finance, seeking a better balance between the fiduciary responsibility to Metropolitan and our Christian call to be agents of transformation in the world. “Be the Change gave us the opportunity to turn our words into action,” said Settlage, “by using our extraordinary resources to help make a significant impact on the low-income housing crisis in D.C.” Metropolitan’s short-term loan will provide bridge financing until construction financing, which has already been secured, comes on line in April 2013. The loan is at an annual interest rate of 4.5 percent -- an extremely favorable investment for Metropolitan’s Foundation in the current economic environment. This short-term loan is the lynchpin closing the final gap between initial planning and actual construction, allowing Be The Change to move toward groundbreaking on the North Capitol Street project. Metropolitan's Foundation is indeed making a difference in our city!
Brighter Day Ministries Food and Clothing Drive Now Through Advent
Metropolitan is collecting donations to assist Brighter Day Ministries, a United Methodist cooperative parish in Congress Heights, to support its food pantry and clothes distribution center. We are seeking clean men’s, women’s and children’s clothes and food, such as canned goods, cereal, tuna fish, cranberry sauce and stuffing, mac & cheese and instant potatoes. Donations may be left on the silver shelves in the church foyer.
Annual Christmas Coat Drive Now Through January 5
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 with receipts will be placed in the lobby by the church offices on Sunday mornings. Monetary contributions are also welcome and can be mailed to Debbie Gustowski, 2924 33rd Place NW, Washington DC 20008. Please make checks payable to Metropolitan Memorial with “Coat Drive” on the memo line. Questions? Contact Debbie Gustowski, debgustowski@comcast.net or 202-298-6222.
ASP Early Spring Weekend for Adults
This year, Metropolitan is offering the opportunity for adults to travel to West Virginia to volunteer with Appalachia Service project for a single weekend in February. Trip dates are February 21- 24. Projects will include indoor construction work, such as floor, ceiling and wall repair for low-income families. No prior experience is necessary. We hope you’ll join us for this chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of others! More information about ASP’s adult volunteer program can be found at asphome.org/adult. Please contact Anita Seline, aseline@nationalchurch.org or Caitlin Barr, caitlinrbarr@gmail.com with your interest or questions.
Serve Now! Sign up for our many ongoing parish service activities! It is easier than ever for you to get connected with our online volunteer scheduling system at nationalchurch.org/servenow!
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Children’s Ministries Christmas Eve Family Service Rehearsal
Rehearsal for the Family Christmas Eve service will be Sunday, Dec. 23, starting at 10 am in the Vestry. There will be no Sunday School that day. Then we’ll have lunch and run through the service in the sanctuary at the conclusion of the 11:15 am service. Kids should be done by 12:45 pm that day. Questions can be directed to Anita Seline, Director of Children’s Ministries at aseline@nationalchurch.org.
Tyler Rusch Walk for the Homeless
The Godly Players Sunday School class of Pre-K and Kindergarteners start their walk over to Mann field for the annual Tyler Rusch Walk for the Homeless.
Members of the Bible Explorers class visited Metro House during November's homeless walkathon. The 3rd and 4th graders were so inspired by the experience they have made placemats for the shelter residents, prepared a meal, and created Christmas decorations to make Metro House feel like a home.
Our Mission: Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites others into a deepening relationship with God and challenges them to grow as disciples for the transformation of the world.
Our Vision: Extending radical hospitality, transforming lives, and pursuing justice. Reconciling Statement: Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church affirms that all individuals are of sacred worth 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. 11, cparker@nationalchurch.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 19, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Barbara Green – Director of Learning, ext. 25, bgreen @nationalchurch.org Rev. Jimmy Sherrod — Associate Pastor, ext. 24, jsherrod@nationalchurch.org Rev. Kate Murphey — Associate Pastor, ext. 21, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 15, bcaviness@nationalchurch.org Jeff Clouser — Director of Communications and Outreach, ext. 23, jclouser@nationalchurch.org Dona Collary — Director of Finance, ext. 18, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director and 9 a.m. Worship Leader, ext. 12, celliott@nationalchurch.org Caleb Frazier — Campus Ministry Coordinator, ext. 14, campusministry@nationalchurch.org David Hosey — Campus Ministry Coordinator, ext. 14, campusministry@nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 28, phouse@nationalchurch.org Ohemaa Nyanin — Interim Associate Director of Youth Ministries, youthministry@nationalchurch.org Bill Potts –– Executive Director of Operations, ext. 17, wpotts@nationalchurch.org Rafael Reyes — Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 20, rreyes@nationalchurch.org Anita Seline — Director of Children’s Ministries, ext. 22, aseline@nationalchurch.org Helen Simon - Executive Assistant to Dr. Parker, ext. 42, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org
The Messenger is published by Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: nationalchurch.org St. Luke’s Campus (3655 Calvert St., N.W.)/Wesley Campus (5312 Conn. Ave., N.W.) NEXT ISSUE: January 14, 2012 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on January 8, 2012