UMW Newsletter THE METROPOLITAN CHURCH
September 2015 Metropolitan Memorial, St. Luke’s & Wesley United Methodist Churches 202-363-4900 (MMUMC office)
Mark Your Calendar September
November
14 M
UMW Board Mtg (7-8:30pm, Conference Rm)
17 Th
Lunch & More (noon, Great Hall)
21 M
AARP Meeting (noon, Vestry)
26 Sa
Jazz at Wesley (6:30pm)
27 Su
UMW Sunday & Luncheon
27 Su
Latin jazz concert (3pm Sanctuary) & reception & Haitian art exhibit (Great Hall)
October
7 Sa
UMW Bazaar
9M
UMW Board Mtg (7-8:30pm, Conference Rm)
22-24
UN Seminar
Su-T 26 Th
Thanksgiving
December 5 Sa
GWD UMW local officers training (Hughes Mem. UMC, WDC)
6 Su
UMW Recognition Sunday & dedication of new officers
12 M
UMW Board Mtg (7-8:30pm, Conference Rm)
14 M
UMW Board Mtg (7-8:30pm, Conference Rm)
17 Sa
GWD UMW Annual Meeting (Simpson Hamline UMC, WDC)
24 Th
Christmas Eve
25 F
Christmas
Table Of Contents
Highlights UMW Sunday events, p. 3-4 Blanche Powell Memorial UN Seminar, p. 5 Mission U recap, p. 6-7 Call letter from Rachel Ternes, p. 7-9 Art & Music events in Sept., p. 9
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
Reflections
pg 2
UMW News
3-9
Metropolitan News
10
Circles
11
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UMW News
Reflections “Christianity is a missionary religion, converting, advancing, aggressive, encompassing the world; a non-missionary church is in the bands of death.” ~ Max Müller
Apostle Paul Preaching on the Ruins Giovanni Paolo Pannini, 1744 The Hermitage, St. Petersburg
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News UMW Sunday Sunday, September 27, 2015 September 27 is United Methodist Women Sunday! UMW Sunday will be celebrated at both the 9am and 11:15am services at Metropolitan Memorial. Our annual luncheon, hosted by Circles 2 and 10, will follow in the Vestry at 12:45pm. Our UMW Sunday guest preacher will be Rev. Aundreia Alexander, Esq., Associate General Secretary for Action and Advocacy for Justice and Peace at The National Council of Churches (NCC). The NCC is currently a community of 37 Christian denominations called by Christ to visible unity and sent forth in the Spirit to promote God’s justice, peace, and the healing of the world. In recent years, their Action and Advocacy work has extended to Eco-Justice, Ending Poverty, Racial Justice, and Women’s Ministries. Rev. Alexander leads the NCC’s initiative to reverse the rising trend of mass incarceration in the United States. Rev. Alexander Rev. Alexander previously worked for the American Baptist Church Mission Society, leading denominational efforts to advocate for a comprehensive humane immigration reform and address human rights and religious liberty issues related to the diaspora of the ethnic peoples of Burma. Rev. Alexander has a history of working with ecumenical, interfaith, government and grassroots entities such as the United Nations, World Council of Churches, Church World Service and others, on a variety of justice issues. She believes that God has called her to serve as a prophetic voice that challenges structures and systems that diminishes and dehumanizes others. The Missions luncheon speaker will be Maria Estefania, President of the Board of Directors of Bright Beginnings.
About Bright Beginnings: Have you ever wondered where children living in shelters go during the day? Where do they learn? Where do they play? Where do they go to feel safe? Bright Beginnings understands the special needs of young children and families living in homeless environments. Bright Beginnings provides safe, nurturing, developmentally-appropriate childcare for homeless infants, toddlers and preschoolers, to help them reach important childhood milestones, while also helping their parents to end their homelessness. Bright Beginnings is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Find out more at www.brightbeginningsinc.org. Bright Beginnings has been a recipient of The Margaret Staats Fund for many years and has also benefitted from our unit’s benevolent giving. Continued p. 4
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News UMW Sunday, continued from p. 3…
The suggested luncheon donation is $10 (or pay what you can) for UMW members and FREE for guests. Luncheon donations ensure that the bulk of our unit’s income goes towards strengthening missions for women and children! Please think about personally inviting a woman who may be relatively new to our church, or whom you’d like to get to know better, to join us that day! Who knows? Maybe she’s just waiting to be asked to help with the Bazaar!
Present your 2015 “Pledge to Mission” on UMW Sunday Similar to last year, if you have not yet had the opportunity to make your Pledge to Mission, we encourage you to bring your annual pledge/contribution to the luncheon.
UMW Bazaar Saturday, November 7, 2015
HELP WANTED TONS of stuff coming in. Great quality, too. So far we're keeping up with the flow fairly well. We really appreciate the way so many people have been delivering their donations in nice, sturdy boxes that we can use for packing things up for storage! What can you donate? What’s for sale? All manner of gently-used items, such as: Things for the kitchen / China and other Collectibles / Puzzles and games / “Attic Treasures” / Christmas decorations / New and like-new items for the Gifts boutique / Hand-made crafts / Accessories, Scarves, Belts, Handbags. All of the preceding categories may be dropped
off at any time outside the UMW closet
Jewelry (must be delivered to the church office, not to the
UMW closet area)
Boutique-quality ladies’ wear such as jackets, sweaters and gowns (please hold on to these for now; do not drop with other
donations outside the UMW closet area since we lack appropriate space to store them adequately) What we don’t take: Furniture, used electronics, old phones, books (except children’s), clothing (except for Boutique-quality ladies’ jackets, sweaters, and gowns)
For more information contact Barbara Gaskill at BETQGaskill@gmail.com
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News
Blanche Powell Memorial United Nations Seminar Sunday, November 22 – Tuesday, November 24 Register by October 3 (early bird) or October 24 (regular rate) Mark your calendars and join with United Methodist Women from across the BaltimoreWashington Conference for the annual Blanche Powell Memorial United Nations Seminar. When:
Sun. Nov. 22 - Tue. Nov. 24.
Where: Millennium UN Plaza Hotel, 1 United Nations Plaza, NY, NY. Early bird reduced-rate registrations due by Oct. 3rd Regular registrations due by Oct. 24th In addition to the UN seminar, attractions will include a tour of the United Nations building and Radio Music Hall's 2015 Christmas Show or a Broadway matinee. A bus has been reserved by the BW conference to provide roundtrip transport between Baltimore and NYC (see flyer for details) or arrange transport on your own. Bus services like vamoosebus.com, megabus.com, tripperbus.com and others provide relatively inexpensive roundtrip service from locations in Arlington, VA; Bethesda, MD; and DC to NYC. Download registration flyer at: http://www.bwcumw.org/UNSeminar2015Registration.pdf (also attached) or request one from Jeanie Mah.
About the Blanche Powell Memorial UN Seminar: Blanche Powell was a member of the United Methodist Women with a passion for justice for all. She had an openly passionate view of the United Nations as a workable hope for peace, and was thoroughly committed to the UN and to the will of God. She became a Women's Division (now UMW National Office) Director and was a United Nations' interpreter for the Women's Division. With roots in the Women's Society for Christian Service in the Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, Ms. Powell served as a Mission Team member at every level of the United Methodist Women's organization. She was an outstanding elder stateswoman within the BaltimoreWashington Conference United Methodist Women. Today, Blanche Powell continues to stand as an exemplary role model for women all over the world.
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News Notes from Mission U Metropolitan was represented at Mission U this year by five women: Ellen Bachman, Esther Barkat, Helene Lilly, Jeanie Mah and Mary Jo Marchant. Of the approximately 214 participants who gathered from July 31 through Aug. 2 at the Pooks Hill Marriott in Bethesda, 44 women were from our own Greater Washington district. The entire fellowship participated in a bible study “Created For Happiness: Understanding Your Life in God”, which took place over three plenary sessions. We really only scratched the surface of questions raised in this study and I look forward to reading the accompanying study book all the way through (feel free to borrow!). For instance, we watched the YouTube video of Pharrell William’s pop song “Happy” and were asked whether we believed the images depicted happiness in the way God would define happiness for us. At first glance, I think we all thought, ‘Yeah!’ But upon further reflection, hmmm, I wasn’t so sure. And it is the same thing to be “happy” as to be “blessed”? And if not, why?
Mission U attendees: Esther Barkat, Jeanie Mah, Ellen Bachman, Helen Lilly (not pictured: Mary Jo Marchant)
For the special studies, Helene chose the Geographic Study: Latin America: People and Faith, taught by a young, energetic woman, Kate Mackereth from our neighbor church, Mt. Vernon Place UMC. The rest of us opted for the Issue Study: The Church and People with Disabilities, led by the dynamic Director of Deaf Ministries for the BW Conference, Sandi Johnson. Part of our classwork was to conduct an “accessibility study” around the hotel and identify barriers that would stymie differently abled patrons. Of course this led to us thinking about the barriers in our church buildings and worship aids that may inadvertently keep out the people we don’t see on Sunday, and which might keep some elderly worshippers from engaging more fully in the life of our church. There was also a “Focus Group” time, and I chose the “Line Dancing” Focus Group. This involved learning a line dance to Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” and to a Chuck Brown GoGo song, among others. If you attend the next women’s retreat, you may get to learn these dances too (no promises yet, though)! Continued p. 7 Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News
Notes from Mission U, continued from p. 6…
Ellen, Helene and Jeanie posed with David Hosey, AU Associate Chaplain, who dropped in to Mission U to pick up his mom!
Along with bonding with my unit-mates, it was great to meet and share experiences with so many other women who struggle, as I do, yet persevere in faith and seek continually to learn. It would be great to have a few more join in the learning and fun next year! ~ Jeanie Mah
Rachel Ternes, AU Grad Active in Campus UMW Beginning Life as a Missionary Thank you to the 15 or so folks who gathered on Aug. 16 to meet with Rachel Ternes, a newly minted US-2 Global Mission Fellow with the Board of Global Ministry, who credits her UMW experience with helping her discern a call to mission work. Rachel wrote about her “call” especially for our newsletter. Rachel is also a talented artist and you can see her work at https://rternesapp.carbonmade.com/.
My name is Rachel Ternes, and I was recently commissioned as a United Methodist missionary in the Global Mission Fellow US-2 program. I grew up in Colorado and Saudi Arabia (where my family lived for my dad's job), and attended American University, where I majored in psychology and minored in French and art, graduating in May 2015. Throughout each of these stages, I felt a quiet call to serve God's people through the Church, and that feeling amplified as I served in leadership roles in American University's United Methodist Student Association and Interfaith Council. Interestingly, the story of how I got from that point to where I am now hinges on the UMW of Metropolitan Memorial UMC. Continued p. 8 Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News Rachel Ternes call story, continued from p. 7‌
Above: Rachel Ternes
Rachel (on right) at UMW Assembly in Louisville, KY, April 2014
During the three-week training to become Global Mission Fellow US-2 missionaries, each of us was encouraged to develop a "call story" that expresses to the church communities that we visit who we are and how we were called to mission. I struggled somewhat with writing out my call story; the path that took me to this point is complicated, and the emotions involved are difficult to put into words. But there was one thing that I immediately knew was significant to my call, a clear moment that stands out from all the rest. I remember standing and singing "Here I Am, Lord" in the closing worship at the United Methodist Women Assembly in 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. As I sang, I was thinking about all the powerful, faithful, inspiring women I had met and learned from over the past few days, and the new and surprising hope that I felt at learning about the hard work that United Methodist women all over the world are doing to further God's mission of justice and peace. I was filled with gratitude for the generosity of the UMW of Metropolitan Memorial UMC, whose scholarship allowed me to attend the Assembly. For the first time, as I sang "Here I Am, Lord," I really listened to the lyrics and realized that it's a song about responding to God's call to mission, which is extended to every one of us. Right then, I knew that the Global Mission Fellows program, which I had been looking into, was the way that I was called to be involved in God's mission. At the same time, I felt a sense of assurance because I knew that, even though the journey would be challenging, I would be setting out on it in the company of all the wonderful women who have ever served the Church in mission, and with the support of a Church that (if the Metropolitan UMW is any indication) is devoted to generously supporting those working for justice, and believes in the ability of young people in the church. The fact that I can't tell my call story without mentioning the gift that the Metropolitan UMW gave me in the opportunity to fully recognize and respond to my call, helps me understand what it means to be a missionary sent out by and representing my faith communities. Continued p. 9
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UMW News
Rachel Ternes call story, continued from p. 8‌
During training, we learned a little bit about the history of the program. I thought it was very fitting, both for my call story and for the commitment to justice and service among United Methodist women, that the US-2 program was actually founded by the UMW as the first ever opportunity for young women to serve in mission through the UMC. The General Board of Global Ministries has since taken responsibility for the program, but I still feel the UMW spirit in the program's emphasis on a deep, sustainable, and mutual engagement with communities, following the example of Jesus. At the end of August, I will head to Philadelphia, PA, where I will serve for two years as a community organizer at the community center run by Arch Street United Methodist Church. I will be connecting with the local art community to raise support for Arch Street's social justice campaigns and ministry with neighbors who struggle against the homelessness, poverty, and violence that result from racist and unjust economic systems. I may also be producing art to support Arch Street's campaigns, and programs to enrich the community. It would be a great encouragement to me to know that I am in the prayers of the Metropolitan UMW, and to know that you are joining me on my journey. I will be sending out an occasional newsletter, as well as posting regularly on my blog (rachelternesgmf.wordpress.com). If you are able, I would also greatly appreciate your financial gifts. Your donations given at www.umcmission.org through Advance #3022074 will not go directly to me (as my two years have already been paid for by the fundraising efforts of previous classes of missionaries), but will support future young adult missionaries in my name. I will always remember that the investment that you have already made in me made it possible for me to respond to God's call. I am deeply grateful to you for participating in God's mission in that way. The Metropolitan UMW will be in my prayers, and the cloud of witnesses that is the strong and faithful women of the United Methodist Church will be in my heart. Thanks and peace, -- Rachel Ternes, Global Mission Fellow US-2
P.S. -- Thank you again for the opportunity to share this. It was a good experience finally writing down something that I've been thinking about a lot. I hope you will follow my journey on my blog: rachelternesgmf.wordpress.com I've also set up a special Facebook page (Rachel Ternes, Global Mission Fellow US-2) where you can easily link to the blog. In addition, here is my profile on the GBGM website, where donations can be made to the Global Missions program: https://www.umcmission.org/explore-our-work/missionaries-inservice/missionary-profiles/ternes-rachel
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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Metropolitan & Community News Art & Music Lovers‌. September 27: A Very Busy Day Concert and Art Exhibit Opening, September 27, 3pm, Sanctuary and Great Hall
‌and Jazz@Wesley the night before! Jazz@Wesley Saturday, September 26, 6:30pm Verny Varela, latin jazz vocalist and flutist
Verny Varela latin jazz concert Sunday, September 27, 3pm, MMUMC Sanctuary & Haitian art exhibit opening and reception after the concert, MMUMC Great Hall
An old TV commercial used to begin, "Busy day, busy day, busy, busy, busy day" (or something like that). September 27 will be that kind of a day. As described elsewhere, UMW Sunday will feature a lunch and a speaker. But there's more. Metropolitan is joining Wesley in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The previous evening (Saturday at 6:30), Jazz@Wesley will present Colombian flutist and vocalist Verny Varela. Then on Sunday at 3 in the Metropolitan sanctuary, this talented musician will treat us to another program of Latin jazz, which will be followed in the Great Hall by a reception and the opening of a show of Haitian art. The Arts Council cordially invites members of the new Wesley UMW circle (and everyone else, of course) to join us for these engaging opportunities. For more information, contact Carol Griffith carolgriffith33@hotmail.com
AARP Meeting Monday, September 21, 1pm
Please join us on Monday, September 21 in the Vestry. Representatives from the Northwest Neighbors Village in Chevy Chase will update us on the village movement in the Washington area. Social time is at 12:30 p.m., and the meeting starts at 1:00. Refreshments will be served. Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
Lunch and More September 17, noon, Great Hall It's September, join the Lunch and More Crowd on September 17 at noon for lunch, a bridge game, a board game or a movie! Contact Mary Jo Marchant mjmarchant@verizon.net.
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Circles
1
Contact Helene Lilly at j718hel@aol.com
2
Contact Jane Cunningham, jtc3rd@aol.com or Charlotte Carter, char.carter@cox.net
6
Circle Six will gather for their monthly meeting at the UMW Kickoff Lunch after the second service on September 27, look for a designated table! Please put on your calendar, helping with the lunch counter at the UMW Bazaar, November 7. Questions or suggestions, Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net or Ann Michel, amichel@wesleyseminary.edu.
8
Circle 8 will not meet until the second Tuesday in September. We look forward to seeing everyone after the summer break. Our program will be a report on Chatauqua retreats by Penny Andrews. Everyone is welcome. Contact Eugenia Evans, setevens@comcast.net
9
Circle 9 will meet on Wednesday, September 2 at 10:30 a.m. in the Choir Room. Janet Craswell will tell us about her job as Director of Christian Education and about her background. Please contact Bobby Turnbull, bobbyturnbull@comcast.net.
10
Contact Caralee Adams caralee.adams@verizon.net or Suzanne Vieth msvieth@verizon.net
The next UMW Board Meeting will be held September 14. Newsletter prepared by Alexandra McPherron. To add items to the next newsletter, email alexmcph@gmail.com by Monday, September 28, 2015.
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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