February 13, 2012
THE MESSENGER
Volume XXII, No. 2 www.nationalchurch.org
Cultivating Mindfulness During this season of Lent, we will focus on Cultivating Mindfulness: being present in every moment and aware of where God may be moving in that moment. In our over-packed, frantic daily schedules, we rarely find the time to stop and quiet ourselves. Even when we relax, we surround ourselves with noise and stimulation. Yet throughout the history of our faith (and the faith traditions around the world), centering quiet has been one of the core disciplines of spiritual growth. To aid in our reflections on “mindfulness,” I will draw on a wonderful book called Practicing the Presence of God by a 17th century Carmelite monk known as Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. John Wesley recommended this book to his preachers, and it captures the essence of the Lenten journey of developing a mindfulness of God’s presence in every aspect of our lives, and a habit of continual conversation with God. We will begin our Lenten journey looking at the general theme of mindfulness. I will look briefly at the life of Brother Lawrence and his spiritual legacy, the role that nature can play in keeping us mindful of God’s presence, and the realization that even our temptations can be powerful gifts for keeping us mindful. On the second Sunday in Lent, the focus will be on the issue of Trust. Brother Lawrence had a healthy skepticism about rigorous spiritual disciplines; and at the core of his own practice was an utter faith in a God who was closer than our own breath, and who wanted to be known. On the third Sunday, we will explore together the issue of Cleansing. Our Scriptural texts for this include the story of Jesus’ cleansing the temple which can be read as a metaphor for clearing out the encumbrances of our lives to make room for our focus on God. Brother Lawrence echoes this Lenten theme of simplification, urging us to “begin to live as if there were no one else in the world but He and I.” The fourth Sunday will focus on Patience. How can we cultivate mindfulness in the midst of our own impatience? Brother Lawrence reminded one of his mentees that “One does not become holy all at once.” The fifth Sunday of Lent will focus on Sacrifice. One of the most challenging aspects of spiritual transformation is the growing awareness of our own self-centeredness, and an awareness of the voice of God within us calling us to express sacrificial – agape – love for those around us. Mindfulness is the growing process of developing true humility and a willingness to sacrifice. On Palm/Passion Sunday, we will explore the issue of Detachment. Holy Week moves from the celebration of the triumphal entry to the tragedy of the crucifixion. I will use this rollercoaster week to reflect on what the early church mothers and fathers call “detachment.” Detachment is being so deeply grounded in an awareness of God’s presence that we can view both celebrations and tragedies with a healthy perspective, and the knowledge that none of that can separate us from the love of God. I hope that you will join me on this wondrous journey into the quiet.
Lenten Contemplative Communion Services February 26; March 4, 11, 18, 25; and April 1, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Great Hall Metropolitan will host a unique series of Contemplative Communion Services for the six Sundays in Lent in partnership with Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. The liturgy will illuminate the theme of forgiveness as a gift of God. Drema McAllister-Wilson, our Minister for Congregational Care, and Carole Crumley, an Episcopal priest and Shalem’s Senior Program Community Picnic September Director, will lead this worship of music, scriptural reflection, silent contemplation and18 the Sacrament of Bread and Wine.
Leap into Fall!
This service is for all who seek a deeper Lenten experience of renewal, healing and mindfulness. John Wesley marveled after preaching on “calling upon the Lord while He is near” at the silence when “not a cough was to be heard” and “although squeezed together, everyone stood silent and still.” The United Methodist Women (UMW) is co-sponsoring this series as their annual “Call to Prayer and Contemplation.” Proceeds from the offering basket will support a UMW project that encourages forgiveness. Please join us for one or all of these celebrations.
LIFE AT METROPOLITAN MEMORIAL COOPERATIVE PARISH Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, February 19, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, 1:30 p.m. Join us in the conference room for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! Metropolitan Book Club Monday, February 20, 7:30 p.m., Library Join us as Sharon Smith leads our discussion of Barbara Kingsolver’s, Lacuna. All are welcome to attend. Contacts: Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com or Joan Topalian, JTopa62045@aol.com.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
February, 21, 5:30 p.m., Vestry Shake off the doldrums of winter and feast before Lent begins at our annual Pancake Supper. The entire church turns out for this Fat Tuesday celebration for pancakes, bacon, sausage, egg casseroles, syrup, butter, milk, juice, and tea. $5/adult, $3/child. Bring a can of food for the Friendship Place food pantry. We are also looking for shoppers, pancake flippers, and a set-up and clean-up crew. If you have questions or want to volunteer to serve, cook, or clean up, contact Anita Seline, Children’s Ministry Director, aseline@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 22.
Ash Wednesday - February 22 Services of Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes Metropolitan Memorial - 7:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Wesley UMC (5312 Conn. Ave. NW) - Noon
Our thoughts and prayers go out to... •the family and friends of Nancy Ridenour, who died on January 31. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held in the sanctuary on Saturday, March 3 at 11 a.m.
Jazz@Wesley Saturday, February 25, 6:30 p.m., Wesley UMC Jazz@Wesley presents “Tiya! and the Wesley Trio” in concert. $10/person; $7 seniors; 12 and under free! $2 discount for advance tickets. Bring a can of food or a lightly used coat to jazz up someone’s life. For more information go to wesleydc.org. New Fellowship Circle Forming for Young Professional Women The United Methodist Women has launched a new fellowship circle for 20s/30s women. Please join the group for these upcoming meetings. All are welcome. For more information, contact Ann Michel, amichel@wesleyseminary.edu. Exploring the Direction of Your Life Sunday, February 26, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., Parlor Dr. Ann Michel will lead the group in a spiritual discernment exercise designed to help you understand how the various chapters of your life history have unfolded and where God might be leading you. Toward a Greener Church Sunday, March 25, 12:30 – 2 p.m., Parlor Metropolitan member Courtney Leatherman will lead a conversation around issues of environmental sustainability for the congregation.
Soup and Study Wednesday, February 22, 6 p.m. Join us for a light dinner at 6 p.m. in the Vestry, then join us for the 7:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday service in the Sanctuary.
Congratulations! •to Robin and Mike Emery on the birth of
their granddaughter, Maeve Katherine Emery on February 2 to parents, Melissa and Brian Emery.
•to Rachael Goldman-Gorbutt and Richard Gorbutt on the birth of their daughter, Caroline Rebecca Gorbutt on February 5.
Have exciting news to share?! Contact Jeff Clouser, jclouser@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 23.
Save the Date - Art Show Concert and Exhibition Sunday, March 18 You’re invited for an evening of culture. Begining at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary, James Litzelman, piano faculty member at Catholic University will present a piano recital featuring music by Schubert, Chopin, and Franck. Then at 5:30 p.m. join us in the Great Hall for the exhibition, “A Closer Look: Watercolor Paintings by Rachel Collins.” Ms. Collins studies the natural world and then produces watercolors of the intricate designs she sees within. The artist will also present, “Artful Practice, Spiritual Practice,” during the 10:10 a.m. study hour in the Great Hall.
Abundant Generosity! The Stewardship Committee wishes to thank the entire Metropolitan Cooperative Parish for their generous response to the 2012 pledge drive. While there are a few pledge cards still to be returned, campaign totals currently show an 8% - 9% increase in pledge revenue over last year and an 8% - 9% increase in the total number of pledges. There are 46 new or renewed pledges, including several from the Crossroads community. Compared with two years ago, our total number of pledges is up 15%. The increased pledge revenue is due in part to those who generously increased their pledges in response to the “13th month” appeal. So far, about one-third of our 2012 pledgers have increase their pledge in response to this request. It’s not too late to make a pledge or to add a “13th month” to your pledge. To make your pledge, go to surveymonkey.com/s/mypledge.
Service and Advocacy Metro House Celebrates 20 Years Dick Schleicher Receives Tyler Rusch Award At a 20th Anniversary Celebration dinner held on February 4, Dick ries, keeping track of their Schleicher was awarded Metropolitan House’s annual Tyler Rusch progress, and encouraging them Help the Homeless Award. Because the shelter ministry is a team forward. effort with hundreds of volunteers supporting the program in a variety of different ways, it is difficult to single out the contribu- Dick’s commitment and comtions of any one individual. Yet, in the words of Metropolitan House passion are equally evident in his Board Member Judy Edstrom, “Dick Schleicher’s commitment to long-time involvement with the Metro House is singular and incontestable among all those who Community Council for the have contributed to it over the years.” His personal dedication is Homeless at Friendship Place, Dick Schleicher is honored which he also helped to establish. with the Tyler Rusch Help the an embodiment of our congregation’s collective commitment. In 2002, he was awarded their Dick was one of the principal founders of Metropolitan House Ben Cooper service award. His Homeless Award, presented and has remained integrally involved in the ministry since that time. involvement in both our congre- by Leigh Rollins. Often working behind the scenes, he has been the one making sure gational homeless ministry and the broader neighborhood effort that things get done. But his greatest contribution has been his has provided a vital link, strengthening the relationship between one-on-one ministry to Metropolitan House Residents. He has Metropolitan House and Friendship Place to the betterment of both been the person welcoming them as they arrive, hearing their sto- organizations. Recalling the History of Metropolitan House Twenty years ago, Metropolitan Memorial decided to open a home- 1998 was a year of change as construction of the Great Hall addiless shelter within its church building. Homelessness was on the tion temporarily suspended the shelter’s operation. But it also rise, there were no homeless services in upper Northwest, and the opened space on the ground floor of the education wing for a betcommunity was up in arms about the possibility of a city-run shel- ter-equipped shelter space. In November 1999, the shelter was ter at the Guy Mason Center. In the midst of this crisis, many in rededicated in its current location with a new operating model the faith community became convicted of the need to act. which employed paid staff to supervise the shelter on weeknights but continued to use volunteers on the weekends. In recent years, In 1991, a housing committee chaired by Dick Schleicher formed Metropolitan House has expanded its partnership with Friendship a task group to consider the possibility of a church-based shelter Place, which refers residents and provides on-going professional at Metropolitan. After studying other congregational shelters, the case management for residents. task group outlined a proposal for a four-bed night shelter at Metropolitan operating November through April each year. In the spring of 2000, the program expanded to include participation in the Capital Interfaith Hospitality Network (CIHN) – a netIn December 1991, the Administrative Council unanimously ap- work of churches providing transitional housing to families – in proved the creation of “Shelter at Metropolitan.” An architect in the summer months. This shared use of Metropolitan House conthe church designed plans to convert the area behind the Vestry tinued until two years ago when CIHN moved toward apartmentstage by adding a bathroom, bunks for the residents in Metro Play- style housing for its residents. ers’ costume rooms, and security doors which allowed volunteers to sleep on cots in the corridors adjacent to the shelter. Shelter at The 2008 merger between Metropolitan Memorial and St. Luke’s Metropolitan was dedicated following worship on February 23, United Methodist Church has dramatically increased the scope of 1992. On March 3, 1992, Metropolitan House received its first our parish’s homeless service, with Metropolitan House now workresident. ing alongside the St. Luke’s Shelter, the city-run hypothermia shelter hosted at St. Luke’s, and Friendship Place’s presence at the St. Metropolitan House has always run on volunteer power, and that Luke’s Mission Center. was particularly true in the early years. Two volunteers spent the night at the shelter every night of the week and Shelter Board members identified and screened residents. Campus Kitchen Project Task Force @ St. Luke’s Mission Center! There is more exciting news regarding our How can you get involved?! state-of-the art kitchen at the St. Luke’s Mis- 1. Food Recovery! Come with us to local restaurants, grocery sion Center. We are now a Campus Kitchen stores, farmers markets, community gardens and help us set up Project task force of DC Central Kitchen. Cur- partnerships where we’ll get food to use to make the meals that rently our application is being reviewed and , would have otherwise gone to waste. pending approval, we will be fully incorporated into the Campus 2. Food Prep! Join us on the designated Saturdays to work out Kitchen Project as Campus Kitchen Washington DC. recipes, cook the meal, and store any food not used. What is a Campus Kitchen Project (CKP)? The Campus Kitchen Project is an emerging leader in community service for 3. Food Delivery! Help us transport the food to Regency House, students and resourceful anti-hunger programs for communities serve buffet style and take meals directly to the residents’ rooms around the country. They empower thousands of students each who can’t leave, and throw in some decorations or programming year to recycle food from their cafeterias, turn these donations as we can. You get a free meal yourself in this! into nourishing meals, and deliver those meals to those who need them most. Currently, 31 schools around the country have CKP When is all of this happening? February 18, March 17, April programs. To learn more about CKP go to campuskitchens.org. 21, May 19, and June 23.
Service and Advocacy (Cont.) Reconciling Ministries “Who Will be a Witness?” Advocating for Marriage Equality in Maryland During the B-WARM (Baltimore Washington Area Reconciling Methodists) January meeting, attendees discussed the Maryland Marriage Equality debate and how folks at Metropolitan can make a difference in the debate: 1. Contact your elected representative. This seems simple but we all know they count votes and people who care. 2. Attend the forums and discussion platforms being held around this issue. 3. Talk to your friends and neighbors about why this is important to you. Explain that these laws affect people you know and love. 4. When you contact your representative, point out that you belong to the religious community (feel free to mention your church!) and that you, as their constituent, support Marriage Equality in Maryland. It is important to point out that a religious exemption clause in these types of laws gives clergy an option not to participate. Let’s balance the debate and be the voice of justice. For more information, please contact Kerm Towler, flautobasso@yahoo.com or Suzanne Forsyth, suzanneforsyth@aol.com.
MLK Jr Day THANK YOU!!!!! Thank you all for participating in our MLK Jr Day of Service! Rev. Jimmy Sherrod and the Crossroads team set the tone for the day, opening us in worship with Pam Rogers, music director and member of Wesley UMC, sharing how she and her sister integrated St. Joseph’s Catholic School. We had 25 AU students and 30 cooperative parish members, as well as a few students from Gonzaga High School, all working to make 100 lunches for the hypothermia shelter residents, a meal for 100 residents at Regency House, gorgeous paintings for the Crossroads worship space, and multiple projects of scraping, painting, and cleaning at the mission center (see pictures below). One of the AU students who came and worked is now a part of the leadership team at Crossroads, excited to find a faith community she resonated with after missing her own church from back home. Residents from Regency who are also members of Wesley could not stop sharing during joys and concerns the following Sunday how much they loved and appreciated the meal. Thank you to all of you who made such an event possible in carrying on the legacy of MLK Jr in rising to meet the needs of our community. Keep a look out for more on the meal front as well. We now have Campus Kitchen Washington DC as a part of our mission center and will be making and delivering meals to Regency House once a month (see page 3). Our next meal is on February 18th, and we’ll be all working together again as a team—folks from the community, AU, and our cooperative parish. We’ve already recovered much of the food; sign up to volunteer to cook and serve the meal on lotsofhelpinghands.com. The more folks we have interested in recovering food from local restaurants and grocery stores, cooking the meal, and serving it, the more meals and partners we’ll be able to add to our schedule to take the food to! For questions or for more information contact Rev. Kate Murphey, kmurphey@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 21.
Caring and Learning Wednesday Soup and Study Wednesday, February 22, 6 p.m. On Wednesday, February 22, join us for a light dinner at 6 p.m. in the Vestry, then join us for the 7:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday service in the Sanctuary. Faith & Film Series: Whale Rider (2002) Wednesday, March 14 Dinner at 6 p.m. Showings & Popcorn at 7 p.m. Selected in honor of Women’s History Month, a contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. With Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, and Vicky Haughton. Drama | 101 minutes.
Silent Retreat at Loyola April 27-29 Have you considered a weekend retreat as part of your spiritual journey? The Christian church from its beginnings has encouraged quiet sojourns “in the desert” as a means of deepening one’s connection to God. A small group from Metropolitan will be spending the weekend of April 27-29 (Friday evening through Sunday noon) at the Jesuits’ Loyola Retreat house in Charles County, MD. We will participate in the scheduled activities, which include short introductions to Ignatian prayer by the retreat leader and ample time for personal prayer, reflection, and walking in Loyola’s beautiful 1200 acres of forest, meadow, and riverfront land. Silence will be observed throughout. Please consider joining us. For more information or to express your interest, please contact Chris Brown, 202.333.0947 or chrisbrown@starpower.org.
Lunch and More New Metropolitan Men’s Group Wednesday, April 25, Noon Second Thursdays of the Month On Wednesday, April 25, at noon, you are invited to come to lunch All men of the church are invited to join the in the Great Hall. After eating together we will plan future activinew Metropolitan’s Men’s Group on the Secties which might include watching movies, study, bridge, and/or ond Thursday of every month. Bring a friend and th book discussions every 4 Wednesday. Mark your calendar. Quescome catch up and chill out. For more information, contact Andy tions or input, talk with Drema McAllister-Wilson, Hershey, andyhershey@yahoo.com. dwilson@nationalchurch.org or 202.363.4900, ext 19.
Taking Attendance at Metropolitan Would you be willing to sign in each Sunday on the attendance pads located at the center aisle of each pew? We want to know who is missing and then contact you to let you know that we have missed you in worship. We ask everyone to print their names on the attendance pads each Sunday. If you have some time to help with calling, please contact Drema McAllister-Wilson, Minister of Congregational Care, dwilson@nationalchurch.org; 202.363.4900, ext. 19.
New Lunch Time Caregiver Support Group at Iona Second Thursdays of the Month Iona Senior Services and Springhouse of Westwood are partnering to offer a new support group for spouses, partners, adult children, and others who are coping with the emotional, physical, and other challenges of caregiving. Group members will have the opportunity to share their challenges and successes, get input from the group’s facilitator, Donna Tanner, LICSW, and other group members and learn about helpful resources. The group will meet the second Thursday of each month. Complimentary lunch: noon – 12:30 p.m.; Group: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Am I Doing the Right Thing? How to Care for Your Older Relatives With Love and Without Guilt A FREE EDUCATION SEMINAR Tuesday, March 6, Noon - 2 p.m., Springhouse of Westwood Featuring Guest Speaker Deborah Rubenstein, MSW, LGSW, JD Attorney and Director of Consultation Care Management & Counseling Services at lona Senior Services Member, Alzheimer’s Association Speaker’s Bureau Long Distance Caregiver of an Older Relative Do you need to help your parent move, take away the keys, or cut back on the time you spend caring for an older relative so you can do what you need to at work and home? Learn strategies to help you make difficult choices, communicate well with your older relative and other family members, and - most important of all - take good care of yourself while you care for others. Seating is limited, so make your reservation early. Lunch will be served. Call 301.657.9111 or email, westwood@springhouse-al.com to RSVP. Co-sponsored by: IONA and Springhouse Assisted Living.
Event to be held at: Springhouse of Westwood, 5101 Ridgefield Road, Bethesda, MD 20816
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AU Campus Ministries American University Outreach Ministry Continues to Grow Metropolitan’s outreach to American University students has been taking off this past month, with multiple ministries making use of the renovated AU Lounge in our Terrace Room. If you’re interested in being involved in this exciting ministry, contact campusministry@nationalchurch.org. New ministries include: •Half a dozen students participate in a Monday Bible Study that interweaves scripture with contemporary interpretations of ancient spiritual practices. Practices such as reflective reading, discernment, and contemplative walking connect with Psalms that express the entire range of human emotion and experience. •The newly formed AU United Methodist Women’s group hosts a weekly meeting in the lounge with a core committee of 10-12 members. The UMW focuses on planning special events for the empowerment, health, and spiritual growth of the community’s women. •More than a dozen students come out for Free Food Friday, a free lunch hosted by the AU Outreach ministry. Students partake in food, fellowship, and good conversation as they continue to grow together as a community. In between all of these events, students use the Lounge to hang out, study, and get a rest from busy schedules. Additionally, the AU Ministry Team continues to provide post-worship dinners for the AU Methodist-Protestant Community each month, as well as accompanying the community in various aspects of their ministry. And AU students are getting involved at Crossroads and Wesley UMC as well. It is a joy to watch the cooperation between these communities as we all grow in Christ together!
Youth News! Youth in Mission Auction - March 4, 2012 The Youth in Mission Auction is approaching! This auction is one of the ways we as a congregation support our youth. The proceeds of the auction go to all the wonderful youth mission opportunities, such as the Appalachia Service Project. To donate, download our donation form at nationalchurch.org/youth/aspdonorform2012.pdf (We encourage you to share our donation sheet with people outside of our congregation) and return to the church office by February 19. Youth are also available after both worship services to collect your pledge of donations. Stop by the donation table in the Vestry, Foyer, or side hallway of the sanctuary and pick up a form. Please consider donating gift certificates to restaurants, tickets to sporting or cultural events, or share your talents such as offering a home-cooked meal, a party in your home, scrapbooking, or more! You are only limited by your imagination. As of press time, the youth had received about 20 donations of items and services to the Youth in Mission Auction. Some of these include: a tour of the Capitol, a Harry Potter bonanza basket, a week at Treetops at Bryce Resort, Italian dinner for eight, a Bethany Beach getaway, margarita party, babysitting services, and of course, the return of the Beer Basket, stuffed full of brews and beer-inspired gifts. At least 30 more items are needed for our live and silent auctions. We would love some gift certificates to local restaurants and stores, and tickets to some sporting events or cultural performances. Please give to help out our youth and mark your calendars for Sunday, March 4 for the Youth in Mission Auction held in the Vestry! Silent auction begins at 10 a.m., with lunch and the live auction following the 11:15 a.m. worship service. Support our kids in their efforts to help others as part of the Appalachia Service Project and other causes.
Join the 2012 ASP Group! Raise roofs, fix floors and build a whole new you! Appalachia’s poorest families urgently need your help, and they can help change your life, too. Through their eyes, you’ll see yourself as the person you’ve always wanted to be. Compassionate. Committed. With the power to make a difference. This year, three Metropolitan teams will be traveling to the Virginia –Kentucky border to work on houses in a western Virginia county. We are hoping you will be a part of our group. Work crew dates are July 21 to 28. If you would like to join this important work, please contact Anita Seline, aseline@nationalchurch.org.
Don’t know what to give to the ASP Youth in Mission Auction? With such a large group going this year (23!!), we’ll need help for gas, tools, snacks, van rental, and more. A donation of any amount will help us out: _____ $25 Snacks for the ASP teams ______ $50 Tool Replacement and Upkeep ______ $75 Fuel for the vans ______ $100 Van rental Name _______________________________________
______ [Fill in the amount, any welcome!] Telephone/Email Address _________________________________
Checks payable to MMUMC, ASP Youth in Mission in memo line. Please return to the church office (3401 Nebraska Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016).
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Youth Ministries (cont.) Youth Movie Premiere " Color of Friendship" Sunday, February 19, 10 a.m., Room 206 In honor of Black History Month, our youth will have a unique opportunity to watch and discuss the Disney Channel Original movie, "Color of Friendship" (2000). The movie is inspired by the experiences of Roscoe and Erik Dellums, members of our congregation. The mother-son team will be on hand to discuss the film, which centers on the growing friendship between two girls; Mahree & Piper, one from the United States and the other from apartheid South Africa, who learn about tolerance and friendship. Sunday School will be extended until 12:30 p.m. for a post-film discussion. All youth are invited!
Children’s Ministries Making Summer Plans? Consider VBS at Metropolitan & St. Paul’s
Metropolitan Memorial has experimented with various forms of Vacation Bible School over the years, including a short threeday program and evening camps. Nothing ever seemed to gel. Two years ago, I asked a friend of mine, who is a parishioner at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Chevy Chase, DC, if I could help out for the week that her church held VBS. It was a wonderful experience as I was able to observe first-hand what a terrific VBS looks like: the joy of working with kids in a creative and different setting, lots of outside time, movement and music, and a chance to have a little fun while growing closer to God. Last year, we inaugurated a one-week, day camp style VBS at Metropolitan called the “Shake It Up Cafe.” About 40 kids attended and only about half of them were members of our congregation, as well as a good number of volunteers. We spent the week crawling all over the church, doing arts and crafts in one room, dancing and singing in the Great Hall, it was a great time. What was made clear during this event is VBS is a great way to reach children and families in our community. We hope to attract even more children this year with “Operation Overboard - Dare to Go Deep with God.” The adventures include VBS favorites such as regular “Deep Sea Voyages” into Bible fun and creative crafts, hands-on mission work, water science, and great music. VBS will run June 25 - 29 from 9 a.m. - Noon. The cost is $40 per child and the registration form can be found at nationalchurch.org/pdf/flearning_vbs2012.pdf. Come join in the fun by volunteering for VBS. For more information, please contact Anita Seline, Director of Children’s Ministries, aseline@nationalchurch.org, 202.363.4900, ext. 22.
Thank you! A big thank you goes out to all of the parents, children, and volunteers who helped make our January 29 “Thank You Reception” for Children’s Choir Director, Pam Settlage a success. The children gave Mrs. Settlage cards and gifts and performed some songs for her. We had a cake and fruit salad, and got a two thumbs up from Mrs. Settlage.
St. Paul’s is also returning with a separate week of VBS, running the week before ours. It’s a different curriculum than Metropolitan’s, so it’s a chance to do two incredible weeks of VBS. For more information on St. Paul’s program, contact Lisa Wackler, gatorwack@yahoo.com, 202.244.3366.
Manidokan and West River camps The Retreat & Camping Ministries have released their summer camp schedule, which can be found at bwccampsandretreats.org. A full line-up of Methodist camps is available. Check it out!
Our Mission
Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites others into a deepening relationship with God and challenges them to grow as disciples for the transformation of the world.
Our Vision
Extending radical hospitality, transforming lives, and pursuing justice.
Reconciling Statement
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church affirms that all individuals are of sacred worth without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, marital circumstances, economic status, physical and mental condition, or criminal history. We declare ourselves in support of the reconciling movement and welcome the full participation in the church of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons and their families, as a reflection of God’s unconditional love. At the same time, we recognize differences of opinion on issues of sexuality and seek to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect.
PASTORAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF - 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, DC - 202.363.4900 www.nationalchurch.org - Pastoral Emergency Number - 202.510.8555 Rev. Dr. Charles Parker –– Senior Pastor, ext. 11, cparker@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. 10, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org
THE MESSENGER is published by: The Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish Metropolitan Memorial, St. Luke’s, and Wesley United Methodist Churches Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: http://www.nationalchurch.org St. Luke’s Campus - 3655 Calvert Street N.W., Washington, DC 20007 Wesley United Methodist Church - 5312 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20015 NEXT ISSUE: March 9, 2012 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on March 6, 2012