THE MESSENGER
For the congregation of the Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish
July15, 2011 Volume XXI, No. 6 www.nationalchurch.org
Metropolitan Memorial, St. Luke’s, and Wesley United Methodist Churches
Our Sermon Series in Action! This summer our “Bread for the Journey” sermon series is focused on service, with an emphasis on food and hunger. As Dr. Parker states, “From the beginning of time, food has defined who we are...Its presence represents stability, security, success; its absence represents vulnerability, failure, death. Meals are where we form community and connection.” During our series, we have not only learned about service ministry, but we have also engaged in service throughout the DC Metro area. On June 26, our church was “closed for service” and members of our community of faith traveled to the Heifer Global Village in Sharpsburg, MD. Here they experienced the challenges of global hunger and poverty. Below are some reflections of that experience at Heifer. Holly Adams, age 8. I went to the Heifer Global Village with the church group and it was great. I was in Thailand. Other people were in Mozambique, Tibet, Kenya, Appalachia or they were refugees. It was different how the houses were more outdoors and more close to nature. We would go to Mozambique to get firewood and to Appalachia for water. It was fun how people from other countries came to our house for dinner. Kenya brought eggs to share and we had rice. So we had scrambled eggs with brown rice. Then, Tibet came over with potatoes, onions and carrots. So we added those to our scrambled eggs and rice. We invited a couple of refugees for dinner because the refugees had no resources. They spoke another language than us so they couldn’t talk to anybody but other refugees. The refugees had to do hand motions. Dinner was scrumptious. On the way back, we got to pet goats, chickens and bunnies! From that trip, I learned it is hard not to have many resources and you should use what you have. It was fantastic.
Caralee Adams. Getting on the bus on Sunday morning, I was excited to go to the Heifer Global Village in Sharpsburg. I am a big supporter of Heifer International and the work it does to lift people out of poverty. I had visited the Global Village at Overlook Farm in Massachusetts with the youth group a few years ago and been to the Heifer Ranch in Arkansas. Now, I was going to experience the bartering of food, water and firewood with members of Metropolitan assigned to live as though they were citizens of different countries. It was an enlightening afternoon to see how individuals responded to the challenge. I loved the intergenerational aspect of the day and meeting other members of the church I had only seen across the sanctuary. I learned we have some pretty good fire builders in our congregation and some committed participants who stayed in character as refugees unable to communicate except through gestures. By late afternoon when our meal - made with our combined resources - was ready, it looked delicious. We were hungry, but everyone was careful to take just a portion and in the end we had leftovers. It was a good chance to immerse ourselves in another way of life and, even if for an afternoon, try to understand the hardships that people around the world face daily to feed their families.
In addition to our trip to the Heifer Global Village, our Children’s Ministry Director, Anita Seline, coordinated the “Six Sundays of Service” project that invited children and adults to work for others during our Sunday study hour. Projects included creating stepping stones for our new butterfly garden near the playground and a “Food for Thought” project that discussed who was hungry in the world and why through interactive activities and sandwich making for Martha’s Table, a local organization that helps to find solutions to poverty in the short term with food and clothing programs and in the long term by breaking the cycle of poverty with education and family strengthening programs (marthastable.org). If you missed these service opportunities, it’s not too late! Join us Sunday, July 24 as we assemble “Bags of Grace” for the homeless who use the services of Friendship Place, an agency near Metropolitan that serves this population in our city. On Sunday, July 31, we will be in the Vestry kitchen making cookies to support the bread and soup ministry begun by Circle 6 of the United Methodist Women. This ministry provides some servings of soup and bread to those who are sick, homebound, or in need of some comfort. Each of these activities could not have been done without the help of our wonderful volunteers Caralee Adams, Susan Elliott, Courtney Leatherman, Duane and Cynthia Pugh, and Ryan and Megan Lordos. If you are interested in joining these projects, details can be found on page 7!
St. Luke’s Community Garden is in Full Bloom! Recently, a group of people in the Crossroads community came together to create a community garden at our St. Luke’s campus. The mission of this garden, shared by Rev. Jimmy Sherrod was to “...build relationships with one another, with the St. Luke’s shelter, Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place, and residents of Glover Park.” It has been a couple of months since the plots were dug and the garden is in full bloom. Not only is it providing community at our St. Luke’s campus, but it is also providing food for our St. Luke’s shelter and other food ministries. When you are visiting our St. Luke’s campus, don’t forget to take a look at our community garden and say hello to the gardeners tending their plants!
BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS by Chuck Cochran At the recent Baltimore Washington Annual Conference, held May 26-28, our clergy and lay delegates were witness to diverse sessions that included strong preaching, controversial votes and a commissioning with personal significance. Marion Wright Edelman, president of the Children’s Defense Fund; Reverend Alfreda Wiggins from John Wesley UMC in Baltimore and Reverend Emora Brannan from Grace UMC in Baltimore delivered messages to remember, but perhaps the most moving was an unscheduled talk by Bishop Schol about the church’s inability to reach non-religious and nominally religious people. Many found it quite touching to hear him share his own daughter’s feelings about churches being exclusionary and prejudiced. The conference passed a controversial (to some) proposal to modify the Book of Discipline to permit ministers to have church ceremonies celebrating same-gender marriages or civil unions in jurisdictions where they are legal. Each minister can make an independent decision if the proposal is approved by the General Conference, the United Methodist legislative body. In a second related piece of legislation, the Baltimore Washington conference will recommend to the General Conference the deletion of a key sentence in the Social Principles concerning human sexuality. The sentence is “The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.” The commissioning of Jimmy Sherrod, with wife Lesli and baby Henry looking on at the historic Lovely Lane Church, was the Metropolitan delegation’s pride and privilege. In more routine business, 7 clergy and 7 lay persons were elected to represent the Baltimore Washington Conference at the Quadrennial General Conference. In addition, 7 clergy and 7 lay persons were elected to the Jurisdictional Conference, the group that is responsible for the assignment of bishops. There are 5 jurisdictions in the US. The Baltimore Washington Conference is in the Northeastern Jurisdiction. The Conference passed an $18M budget which will decrease apportionments for most churches. Finally, Charlie Parker received a certificate from the conference to mark his 25 years in the ministry. Want to know more? Our three clergy in attendance were Charlie Parker, Kate Murphey and Jimmy Sherrod. The Lay delegates were Ina Morgan, Tim Rousset, Helen Simon and Chuck Cochran.
Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish Honored as an Acts 2 Congregation We are excited to announce that Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish received an Acts 2 award at the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference for meeting the goals set by the conference. What is an Acts 2 Disciple Making congregation? An Acts 2 or disciple-making congregation carries out the life of Jesus. They are filled with the Spirit (Acts 2:1-4; 37-38); a disciple-making congregation engages believers in the complete Discipleship Adventure (celebrate, connect, develop, serve, and share) and bears Acts 2 fruit (Acts 2:4147). Disciple-making congregations: •Focus all activity on Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). The congregation is organized to make and engage disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world (Matthew 28:18-20);
•Call, equip, and release disciples to pursue their passion and use their gifts to glorify God (Ephesians 411-13); •Call, equip, send and support spiritual leaders to lead disciples in the Adventure (Mark 1:17); •Lead disciples to meet the spiritual, social and physical needs of those in the community and world; and produce Acts 2 fruit (John
15:8, 16 and Acts 2:41-47). (bwcumc.org/resources/bearing-acts-2-fruit)
New Executive Director of Operations William R. “Bill” Potts We warmly welcome Bill Potts to the staff of Metropolitan Memorial. As our new Executive Director of Operations, Bill will be responsible for all of the business systems of the church. Bill comes to us from St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, where he served as both the Parish Administrator and Blended Worship music coordinator. St. Michael’s has a membership of 450 and a budget of $750,000 in 2009. He has also served as Director of Operations/Parish Administrator in two other churches: Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church in Lexington, South Carolina (3500 members and a $2.8 million budget in 2002) and Christ Episcopal Church in Plano, Texas (2500 members and a $1.7 million budget in 1999). Highlights of his experience include: managed a stewardship campaign that raised $1.6 million; managed a $10-12 million construction project at one church and of a $7 million construction project at another church; financial management of a multi-million dollar church operation; managed a 65-member staff; developed from scratch a full overhaul of the financial management and reporting; introduced new automation of church administration; managed IT systems; managed audio/visual and technology systems; managed three weekly publications and Website; and experience in the development of and music for weekly Praise and Worship services. Keep your eye on the Messenger for an in-depth interview with Bill coming this fall!
2
LIFE AT METROPOLITAN MEMORIAL COOPERATIVE PARISH= Summer at St. Luke’s Join us as we explore spirituality and the arts. We are offering low-cost classes in visual art, dance, and post-natal yoga at the mission center this summer (3655 Calvert St. NW.). For more information including dates, costs, class-descriptions, instructor bios, and registration forms, please visit metrocrossroads.org.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to...
•the family and friends of Ethelyn Nelson, who died on June 15. •the family and friends of Jane Hodges, who died on June 21. Also, coming later this summer, Jazz in the Garden returns to St. •the family and friends of Wanda Van Vliet who died on June 29. Luke’s on Saturday, July 23 and Friday, August 12. Find out more •the family and friends of Reginald Augustine, who died on June information on the website as well.
30. A graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery is being planned and information will be sent out as it becomes available.
Nutrition Matters – Eating for Well-Being Mondays, Now - August 1 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Join the Wellness Committee for our series, “Nutrition Matters – Eating for Well-Being,” as we explore health and wellness through whole foods. Your healthy future is in your hands and in your kitchen—so take charge! Learn simple ways to incorporate glorious greens, great grains, nutrient-dense dishes and mindfulness into every meal. You will receive handouts, recipes and taste treats to inspire your inner chef. Food is life and gives us the power to energize our body, mind and soul, as well as nourish our loved ones. Nancy Nelson, a Certified Health Coach, leads this series. She received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC. Nancy is a graduate of the L’Academie de Cuisine cooking school in Bethesda, MD and a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. This class is being offered at two different times during the day. Advanced registration is required. For more information and to register, contact Nancy Nelson, Nancy@NutritionMattersNOW.com. UMW Sorting and Pricing Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - Noon Many hands are needed as we sort and price donated items for our annual bazaar. If you are available, please join us and meet some folks with whom you may not usually have the opportunity to interact, and learn more about bazaar-behind-the-scenes! Evening work sessions will begin soon. Questions? Contact Barbara Gaskill, Barbara@bgaskill.com.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Tuesday, July 19, 1:30 p.m. Join us for a time of knitting, crocheting, fellowship, ministry and fun! Questions? Contact Annette Fletchall at 301.216.5470. Central Farmer’s Market Fridays, 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Church Parking Lot Come and get your farm fresh vegetables, fruits and other goods at the Central Farmer’s market at Metropolitan Memorial every Friday afternoon! The Central Farmer’s Market is managed by Bethesda Central Farm Market. UMW Recognition Luncheon Seeking Nominations Each year the United Methodist Women of Metropolitan Memorial hold a Recognition Luncheon honoring women who have made a significant contribution to the church, the nation, and beyond. We are now seeking nominations of outstanding women to honor at this year’s luncheon on December 11. To nominate someone, contact Robin Emery, 202.625.9273 or robinmr3@gmail.com before October 15.
THE ARTS AT METROPOLITAN MEMORIAL COOPERATIVE PARISH Julia Barnhart Watercolors for Sale This summer a selection of Julia Barnhart’s watercolors are being exhibited in the Great Hall. Julia and her husband, Nelson, were members of Metropolitan Memorial for more than 50 years. Julia herself was a talented watercolorist and her wonderful paintings were exhibited with other watercolorists at an exhibit sponsored by the Arts Council several years ago. Julia Barnhart had an interesting background, traces of which can be found in her watercolors that we offer for sale. Julia went to the University of Southern California from which she received two degrees: a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Masters in Architecture. During vacations she worked as an artist at Disney Studios in Hollywood. After graduation, Julia worked for nine years as a sketch artist and Art Director at Warner Brothers Studio in Hollywood. Part of her
job was making several sketches a day of possible sets. These had to be legible enough for the director to be able to visualize, but not too laden with detail. This practice was actually quite helpful when Julia started travelling with her husband. She knew how to make quick watercolor sketches to take home to work on or, if she had time, she worked right in front of the scene, using a dry brush technique. Almost all of the works feature buildings, which Julia records in loving detail. Julia also designed the house in DC where she lived for over fifty years and raised two children. Julia Barnhart passed away about a year ago and her family donated many of her watercolors to the church to be sold to benefit Metropolitan Memorial ministries. Prices are indicated for each work. If interested in purchasing a piece, contact Helen Simon, 202.363.4900, ext. 10, hsimon@mmumc-dc.org.
3
Congregational Care Caregiving Support Group
Metropolitan Memorial will be offering a caregiver support group in the fall for those who are actively caring for others or caring from a distance. If interested, please talk with Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@mmumc-dc.org; 202.363.4900 ext. 19. More details to follow!
Pillow Basket
Pillows are now available in the Narthex for those who would be more comfortable sitting in worship with a pillow for back support. Please pick one up in the Narthex before worship.
Coming This Fall Wednesday Nights at Metropolitan Memorial Beginning this fall, on alternate Wednesday evenings, we will eat a light dinner together from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by Bible Study led by Rev. Dr. Charlie Parker and a Caregiver’s Support Group facilitated by Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson. Other groups meeting on Wednesday nights are welcome to come for dinner. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@mmumc-dc.org or 202.363.4900, ext. 19. More details to follow!
Transportation on Sunday mornings
Need a ride to church? Transportation can be arranged by contacting Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@mmumcdc.org, 202.363.4900, ext 19. Drivers are also needed to provide transportation. If you want to volunteer, please let us know!
Senior Care
If you know someone in the congregation who is homebound and would enjoy a visit, please contact Rev. Drema McAllisterWilson, dwilson@mmumc-dc.org, 202.363.4900, ext 19.
Housing Needed - December 11 - January 9 Housing is needed for a Wesley Seminary student, his wife, and 15 year old daughter during their visit from Fiji to Washington, DC. If you are able to host the family, please contact Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, dwilson@mmumc-dc.org, 202.363.4900, ext 19.
go to iona.org.
IONA has an extensive resource guide on the many services that seniors may need. There is a wide range of contents such as adult day services, caregiver resources, and legal assistance. Call 202.895.9448 or
You do not have to face difficult situations alone! Iona offers a variety of support groups for seniors and caregivers on a number of topics. Each group is coordinated by a trained professional. Support groups allow people to share challenges and information with one another in a welcoming and confidential setting. For more information or to register for any group, please call us at 202.895.9448. Alzheimer’s: For current information on Alzheimer’s research, guidance for caregivers, educational materials, and advocacy, call toll free, 1-866-232-8484 or go to alzfdn.org. Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson will be visiting India with faculty members of Wesley Theological Seminary, July 28- August 21. During this time, she will be interviewing various religious leaders and preaching at a Methodist Pastors’ Convocation. If there is a pastoral need during this time, please call the pastoral phone, 202.510.8555.
Study at Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish We offer many opportunties for study and fellowship in our community of faith. If you are interested in learning more and deepening your faith, come to one or all of our classes listed below!
Bible Study Thursdays, 1 p.m., Starbucks (3301 New Mexico Ave. NW) Join us for a Bible study class led by Rev. Charlie Parker the Starbucks’ on New Mexico Ave. All are welcome to come every week or drop in whenever you can. Questions? Contact Helen Simon, hsimon@mmumc-dc.org. Questions of Faith Sundays, 10:10 a.m., Conference Room Our discussion of “The World of Byzantium” explores the influence of this orthodox Christian state over the Mediterranean world and Europe from 27 BC to 1453 AD with lectures by Professor Kenneth W. Hart, Tulane University. Questions? Contact Diana Eskin, dianadc@aol.com. Science & Religion Class Sunday, July 17, 10:10 a.m., Parlor Join us this summer, as we discuss the ideas of Arthur C. Clarke, one of the world’s most prolific science fiction writers. Each week, a different class member leads the discussion. Visitors are always welcome and materials are available for each class. Questions? Contact Maynard Moore, maynard8@yahoo.com or Kent Weaver, kenthweaver@gmail.com.
Bible Plus Class Sundays, 10:10 a.m., Christie Room A recent Gallup poll revealed startling information. “We revere the Bible,” Gallup said, “but don’t read it.” Why? Because the Bible is intimidating and often mystifying. Besides, our busy lives don’t lend themselves to regular Bible study. Does this describe you? Join us as we begin a new Bible study on the book of the Gospel of John that includes video lectures by Dr. Mickey Efird, professor at Duke Divinity School, teacher of new pastors for over 40 years, and author of 13 books. But Mickey, as he likes to be called, is best known for the warm, insightful, and humorous Bible studies he has conducted. This master teacher will help you gain new insights, while you also make new friendships among our class members. Questions? Contact Nancy Wolfe, nwolfe26@comcast.net. Bible Study at Wesley UMC Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., (5312 Connecticut Ave. N.W.) Join us in July as we continue to study and explore the themes of food justice - utilizing different scripture passages to give us insight and discuss how we can carry out Jesus’ call to “Feed my sheep” in a holistic way. In August, we will be diving into Bible basics, acquainting ourselves with the order of the books, the different genres of scripture, and the overall history and story of Genesis-Revelation. Questions? Contact Rev. Kate Murphey, kmurphey@mmumc-dc.org.
4
SERVICE AND ADVOCACY Metropolitan Memorial Cooperative Parish Marches at the 2011 DC Pride Parade Members of our community of faith joined hands with other members of the United Methodist Reconciling Congregations of the District of Columbia and marched in the 2011 DC Pride Parade. Those marching included members from Dumbarton, Capitol Hill, Foundry, Mt. Vernon, Metropolitan Memorial and Wesley. Below is a reflection by Kerm Towler about his experience marching in the parade. Kerm Towler: After helping Pat House and Bob Benn set up the sanctuary for Pentacost Sunday, I took a short nap and then made my way to the kick-off site for the 2011 Pride Parade. While I knew that Laurie Hughes and I would be there, I was pleased to find Beverly Fleming there as well. Sarah Ousley, Jim Pollock, Margaret Ososky, Ina Morgan, Kate Murphey, Brian, Heidi, and Cymia represented Wesley UMC. Afterwards, in good United Methodist fashion, we broke bread and got to know each other a bit more. While it is wonderful to walk down the street and hear people scream, “Yeah Methodists!!” - something that seems so surreal in some ways - and we all enjoyed the experience as we waved at the crowd - I think there is a theological lesson in the experience. It is about evangelism. We are marching for the GLBT community and its allies, when those same people know the larger institution doesn’t care about them. Every time that the Judicial Council hands down another decision that states that GLBT folks don’t matter, aren’t welcome as members, shouldn’t be ordained and get married or be married by our clergy, it undermines the work of so many others in the denomination. Sadly, their proclamations are reported in the mass media and the general public are left with the impression all United Methodists are equally unwelcoming. The words to a Shaker tune present the theological conflict succinctly: More, Love; More Love If ye love not each other in daily communion, How can ye love God, whom ye have not seen? The Heavens are blessing, the angels are calling, O Zion, more Love! In marching, we made the following witness: 1. Being a part of the GLBT community and being religious are not mutually exclusive. Before the parade I found myself in a conversation with an immigrant Korean man who had to leave his Korean Presbyterian congregation because being gay meant ipso facto that he was a sinner AND that he would never enter heaven. 2. The religious community really does wish to realize the community of the beloved and we value the contributions of the GLBT community in manifesting that dream. 3. Reconciling congregations will not stigmatize the friends and family of GLBT folks. 4. We make it easier for other congregations and ministries to “join the parade.” 5. Despite the wishes of those on the “other side of the aisle”, we will not go quietly into the dark on this issue. I look forward to seeing you all next year for an even larger turn-out!
Were you a Freedom Rider in the early 60’s? Were you there to hear Dr. King’s “We Have A Dream” Speech?
On August 28, 1963, Dr. King gave what would become a groundbreaking speech at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Were you there for this momentous day? Did you participate in the Freedom Riders? We’d love to hear about your experiences during those turbulent times. If you are interested in sharing your reflections and experiences, please e-mail Jeff Clouser at jclouser@mmumc-dc.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
5
Youth News! 2011 Youth Appalachia Service Project
We’re back….from Perry County, KY where 6 adults and 14 youth spent a wonderful week serving in the Appalachian community (James Arbuckle, Emily Bagwell, Allie Boyle, Brian Boyle, Lee Crockett, Leslie Crockett, Beverly Fleming, Emily House, Mike House, Josh Mattson, Mariah Mcgee, Nathaniel Rees, Chris Root, Jacob Sanford, Adam Settlage, Justin Settlage, Kevin Settlage, Zach Thibodeau, Sarah Amanda Whitehead and Danielle Whitehead). We did a lot of hard work, but more importantly, we made some wonderful new friends. Our three work teams managed to finish adding siding to a house, worked on several roofs, put up a lot of drywall, tiled several rooms, installed insulation, and much more! Read more from two of our youth about their experiences below: Allie Boyle - The family at our house was sweet and they were thoughtful enough to move furniture around after our first day to make work easier for us. And oooh…! The kittens were so cute!! Danielle Whitehead - The family was able to be happy when they were living on the bare minimum while so many people here in Bethesda, DC, and Potomac can’t live without having everything. This makes you think how much people take for granted. That’s why I love going on ASP, to show me how much I have and how much I take anything for granted. Also with everyday, I wake up and see the earth around me and God’s creation, how beautiful and inspiring it is that it’s so pretty and quiet. When I think about everyone back home and how loud it is, it makes me pretty sad to think how much of God’s creation we push out. Thank you, Metropolitan Memorial for all the support you give the youth and youth program and for helping make this trip possible. ASP is a wonderful experience for the youth and adult counselors year in and year out. Peace, Emily Bagwell
Roof work being completed by (L-R) Justin Settlage, Chris Root, and Lee Crockett.
Children’s Ministry
ASP crew members: (L-R) Nathaniel Rees, Danielle Whitehead, James Arbuckle, Allie Boyle, Kevin Settlage, and Emily Bagwell.)
Kevin Settlage, Nathaniel Rees, and James Arbuckle learn the drywall trade!
ASP crew members rest up for their next project: (F-B) Jacob Sanford, Sarah Amanda Whitehead, Adam Settlege, Leslie Crockett, and Josh Mattson.)
6
Children’s Ministries Can You Help This Year? Bags of Grace As you make your plans for the Sunday, July 24, 10:10 a.m. Vestry fall, please plan to be a part of our It’s just a week before we assemble Bags of Grace for homechildren’s Christian education, by less men and women who use the services of Friendship Place, Bags volunteering to be a greeter or a an agency near Metropolitan that serves this population in of teacher for our Sunday School our city. Godly Play classes. We are looking for volunteers to Grace th Bags of Grace are small bags that are distributed to the home- help at all age levels from 4 years old to 5 grade. Trainless that provide a bit of food, water, and other comfort items such as tissues ing provided. Please prayerfully consider becoming part of this important ministry at Metropolitan. Contact and lip balm. Anita Seline at aseline@mmumc-dc.org or 202-363On Sunday July 24, you are invited to the Vestry to help assemble bags of 4900, ext. 22, if you are interested or have questions. grace. The activity will be led by the Lordos family. To prepare for this service project, you are invited to donate items that can be placed in the bags. Some of Bibles for Third-Graders the items we would welcome include: for Next School Year Will your child be in third-grade Bottled drinking water, cans of Vienna Sausages, packs of 4 oz. connext school year? Metropolitan’s tainers of canned fruit, cheddar cheese crackers with cheddar cheese tradition is to present a “first or peanut butter, meat snack stick (Jerky), pocket size packets of tisBible” to these children in the fall sues, packs of gum, wet wipes, restaurant packets of eating utensils of the new school year. If you would like your son or with a napkin, pairs of new socks, toothbrushes, mini tubes of toothdaughter to be a part of this presentation, please conpaste, sample size shampoos and lotions and combs. tact Anita Seline, aseline@mmumc-dc.org, In giving, please remember the words of Jesus found in Matthew 25:35-40, “I 202.363.4900, ext. 22. Please provide your child’s full tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of name for the Bible’s personalization. Deadline is Aumine, you did for me.” gust 31, in order to have the Bibles personalized for Items can be brought to the church office and placed in a collection box there. the presentation. A box will be available at worship services this Sunday and next Sunday as well. For more information go to bagsofgrace.org. Someone’s in the Kitchen. Is it You? Sunday, July 31, 10:10 a.m., Vestry Kitchen Join us for our last Summer Sunday of Service on Sunday, July 31, in the Vestry kitchen where we’ll be making cookies to support the bread and soup ministry started by Circle 6 of the UMW. This ministry provides some servings of soup and bread to those who are sick, homebound, or in need of some comfort. We’ll be making sugar cookies and lemon cookies, (and maybe eating a few too?), and packing them for distribution. Families are invited and donations of ingredients, such as flour and sugar, appreciated. Contact Anita Seline at aseline@mmumc-dc.org if you have questions or a favorite recipe to share. VBS Shake It Up! Metropolitan had a wonderful Vacation Bible School a few weeks ago, welcoming 32 campers and about a dozen volunteers. The Great Hall was transformed into the “Shake It Up Café,” where the kids learned God’s “recipe” for life: Be Ready for God, Give Happily to God, Believe Fully in Jesus, Remember Jesus Often, and Celebrate Forever. Thanks to all the many who prayed for our success and who helped out in small ways and big.
The amazing Blueberries lead the “Let’s Get Cooking” song at this month’s Vacation Bible School.
Cordell Pugh helps Justin Rommel learn how to make matzo during the Bible time at Vacation Bible School.
7
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@mmumc-dc.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 19, dwilson@mmumc-dc.org Rev. Jimmy Sherrod — Associate Pastor, ext. 24, jsherrod@mmumc-dc.org Rev. Kate Murphey — Associate Pastor, ext. 21, kmurphey@mmumc-dc.org Emily Bagwell -- Associate Director of Youth Ministries, ebagwell@mmumc-dc.org Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 15, bcaviness@mmumc-dc.org Jeff Clouser — Director of Communications and Outreach, ext. 23, jclouser@mmumc-dc.org Dona Collary — Director of Finance, ext. 18, dcollary@mmumc-dc.org Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director and 9 a.m. Worship Leader, ext. 12, celliott@mmumc-dc.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 28, phouse@mmumc-dc.org Bill Potts –– Executive Director of Operations, ext. 17, wpotts@mmumc-dc.org Rafael Reyes -- Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 20, rreyes@mmumc-dc.org Anita Seline — Director of Children’s Ministries, ext. 22, aseline@mmumc-dc.org Helen Simon - Executive Assistant to Dr. Parker, ext. 10, hsimon@mmumc-dc.org Linda Smith -- Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@mmumc-dc.org Bob Weintraub -- Bookkeeper, ext. 18, bweintraub@mmumc-dc.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@mmumc-dc.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: August 12, 2011 NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on August 9, 2011