February 2010 Gateway by Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church

Volume 39, Issue 2 · · · February 2010

National Capital Presbytery and the Session of The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church invite you to worship with us as we celebrate the installation of

The Reverend Molly Blythe Teichert as Pastor

Sunday, January 31st, 2010 Four o’clock in the afternoon The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church One Chevy Chase Circle NW Washington, DC 20015 The Reverend Dr. James Forbes will be preaching (read about Dr. Forbes at right). A Reception will follow in Chadsey Hall Nursery care provided for preschoolers

The Rev. Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr. is Senior Minister Emeritus of the Riverside Church in New York. In national and international religious circles Dr. Forbes is known as the preacher’s preacher because of his extensive preaching career and his charismatic style. Based on the 1995 Baylor University Survey, Newsweek magazine’s March 4, 1996 issue recognized Forbes as one of the 12 “most effective preachers” in the English-speaking world. Dr. Forbes completed his leadership of the historic multicultural church after 18 years of service, to begin a national and global ministry for spiritual renewal and holistic health. The Healing of the Nations Foundation is a non-partisan, interfaith, not-for-profit organization for the promotion of a holistic understanding of health and wellness. It seeks to promote conversation and cooperative ventures across boundaries of faith traditions, professional disciplines and cultural perspectives. Dr. Forbes has earned three degrees and has been awarded 13 honorary degrees. In 2003, he was featured on Bill Moyers’ “Speaking to Power”. Born in 1935 in Burgaw, North Carolina, Dr. Forbes is married to Bettye Franks Forbes, formerly of San Antonio, TX. They are the proud parents of James A. Forbes III.

So, What’s Next, God? As my time here at CCPC is fast approaching its end, I find myself asking God about what is to come next. After our arrival in Tokyo in March, my husband will be working in Tokyo, and my son will be going to an international school in Yokohama. However, I have yet to find out what my life will be like in Japan… continued on page 2

Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church

One Chevy Chase Circle, NW Washington, DC 20015 202.363.2202 www.chevychasepc.org

2 Continued from page 1

So, What’s Next, God?

I also wonder about what God might have in store for CCPC in the future. As someone who loves to work with youth and children, I have been blessed to find such a wonderful church home here in CCPC. Every time I turned for help, the help arrived in the big capital letters “YES”. I was told over and over again, “Yes, the Youth and Children’s Music Program is important for our church, and the church wants to support you all the way.” Thus, over these ten years, it has grown into a comprehensive program that serves children from K through 12. We have over 50 children rostered in the choir program at CCPC now. Why is this mission so important for CCPC? In the past, I have served churches where the youth and children’s music program came at the bottom of their list. In those churches, the program was regarded as something “nice to have,” rather than a “must have” component of the core value of the church. I think that here in CCPC, we understand fundamentally that we need to nurture our younger fellow Christians. We do not push away the young and say “this is not a place for you”. Rather, we follow the words of Jesus who said, “Let the children come to me”. I believe that the youth and children are not merely allowed in church, but rather are welcomed in church by Christ. CCPC is a kind of church that in worship and music, the youth and children participate actively, responding to the invitation from Christ. I believe that is why this mission is so important for CCPC. So, what is next? Where is our next destination? I am going to ask for your prayers for my journey as I will pray for yours, as we go separate ways. I am going to leave you with Brian Wren’s beautiful hymn: When Children Pray When children pray, please do not say, "How nice!" Remember Jesus cares, and listens to our prayers.

When children speak, please do not say, "How sweet!" and pat us on the head Remember what we've said.

And when we sing, please do not say, "How cute! It is so nice to hear the children do their thing." Look in our eyes. We may be angels in disguise.

Our singing voice may be God's choice. We don't want you to miss the Holy Spirit's kiss. The things that children say and do may be God's way of calling you.

E COM

ATE R B ELE

Kyoko's last Sunday

as Associate Director of Music is February 7. It has been my privilege and a source of great joy to know her and to work with her these last 2 1/2 years. I know you join me in wishing her and her family much love and peace as they move onto the next chapter of their lives. Please come to worship on February 7 and help us celebrate her ministry among us these last ten years. ~Julie Evans

3 Annual Congregation Meeting And Fellowship Brunch Sunday, February 28th Join us for the SINGLE worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, February 28th and remain through the morning for our Annual Congregational Meeting and a Fellowship Brunch! Sunday School for children and youth will be available during the worship service. At the meeting, Elders, Deacons, Auditors, and Congregational Nominating Committee members will be elected and financial reports and the 2010 congregational budget will be reviewed. Any changes in the terms of call for the pastors will be considered and the congregation will also hear from our new pastor and consider other matters. Special activities for younger children and childcare for infants and toddlers will be offered during the meeting. A donation of $7 per adult, $5 per child to age 10, with a maximum of $30 per family will be requested for brunch.

All services are at 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM unless otherwise noted below.

February 7

Children & Youth Musical! (9:30 only) Farewell Reception for Kyoko in Chadsey Hall following both services.

February 14

The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert Holy Communion

February 17

Ash Wednesday Services 7:30 AM & 7:30 PM

February 21 Lent I

The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert Arabic Language Worship Service with the Rev. Fuad Khouri at 1:00 PM Youth Worship Service at 6:00 PM

February 28 Lent II

One Service at 10 AM The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert Annual Meeting at 11:00 followed by Fellowship Brunch

Chevy Chase Concerts Presents

The Peabody Ragtime Ensemble FEBRUARY 14, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. The next concert will be on February 14 featuring the Peabody Ragtime Ensemble. It’s Valentine’s Day and just a few days prior to Mardi Gras! What better way to enliven the day than with this eight-member ensemble. Bring your sweetheart for an afternoon of fun, rhythm and melody. A program unlike any we’ve ever presented! Proceeds from a free will offering will benefit TAP, the Transition Assistance Program, of CCPC which assists those in the community who are in need of assistance to start a new, productive life. Often the need is for a birth certificate or other form of identification to get a job or qualify for housing, or transportation to a verifiable new job until the first paycheck arrives, food or clothes. So join the fun!! Come tap your toes for TAP!!!

JOB TRANSITIONS GROUP The Job Transitions Group continues meeting this Winter and Spring at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church. The Job Transitions group offers encouragement, support, skill development, and fellowship to those currently out of work, exploring career options or actively seeking a new job. They meet at the church approximately every other Monday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, in the Firesides Room.

Winter and spring dates are: February 8, 22, March 8, 22, 29, April 12, 26, May 3, 17. The Jobs group is open to anyone in the community and there is no cost to participants. It is led by Bob Minor, a Career Management Consultant and Coach, Dr. Derek Hawver, a psychiatrist in private practice, and the Rev. Steve Robertson, Associate Pastor. For more information, contact Steve Robertson at 202-363-2202 or at steve@chevychasepc.org.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER

Tuesday, February 16th (Serving 5:30-7:30 PM) We will resume our annual tradition of a family-style Pancake Supper on the Tuesday night before Lent begins. Pancakes and all the fixings will be served at the church between 5:30 and 7:30 PM in Chadsey Hall, so come when you can and leave when you must. A donation of $7 per adult, $5 per child to age 10, with a $30 maximum per family will be requested. No reservations are needed. The serving of pancakes on the Tuesday before the church season of Lent originally began as households sought to clean out all the eggs, milk and fat that would otherwise spoil before the 40 days of Lent were over and were allowed by church tradition to be consumed again. Reformed Christians no longer prohibit eating these foods during Lent. However, we still observe the Shrove Tuesday traditions of food and fellowship!

“MEET MOLLYS” REACH OUT TO ALL MEMBERS As Molly Blythe Teichert begins her ministry among us, a Transition Team is scheduling ―Meet Mollys,‖ special times for Molly and small groups of 8 to 16 people to learn about one another. The ambitious goal is to provide a Meet Molly opportunity for each member in the first half of 2010. Depending on the group, a Meet Molly takes about an hour and a half. First Molly introduces herself and then listens to each member talk about their faith journey and dreams for CCPC. Meet Mollys have begun with committees and other CCPC organizations such as the Chancel Choir. Now we are expanding to other, ad hoc, small groups, such as groups of neighbors and friends. The Team would appreciate hearing from anyone with questions about this transition time or with offers to help organize and/or host a Meet Molly at home or at the church. Team members include Catherine Creech, Chris Ertz, Linda Ertz, Dale Kasab, Jim Kettler, Britt Reynolds, Dick Riegel, and Molly Teichert.

ANNOUCEMENTS

FOCUS during Lent March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2010 FOCUS (our Adult Education series at CCPC highlighting various aspects of the adult journey: Faith… Outreach… Community… Understanding… Spirituality…) will continue on Thursday evenings in Lent. FOCUS courses (from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.) are open to the members and friends of Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church and the larger community. Dinner and fellowship for everyone are available from 6:30 – 7:15 in Chadsey Hall ($7.00/adult; $3.00/children 3-10; children under 2 eat free; RESERVATIONS REQUIRED by Tuesday at noon.) Come enjoy a meal with your church family even if you can’t stay for a class! You don’t have to cook, and you can’t beat the price!! Childcare is available during the classes as requested. The next series of classes, to be held on the four Thursdays of March (March 4, 11, 18, & 25), will feature these options: 1. On the Way to the Cross – Join the Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert for a study of the passion narrative through the stories of those Jesus encounters during the last days of his life. We will explore texts relating to the woman who anoints Jesus, the denial of Peter, Jesus’ burial by Joseph of Arimathea and Mary Magdalene as one of Jesus’ most important disciples. Course time includes study, reflection on the Biblical texts, prayer, and meditation. 2. Creating Sacred Space for a Lenten Journey – Join Meg Artley for a hands-on experience and help design sacred spaces around the church in which all of us—young and old alike—can experience the Lenten journey of faith visually and experientially. We will consider a scripture passage as a source of creative inspiration and collaboratively design and implement our vision. 3. The Story of Christ’s Passion as told in Handel’s Messiah – with Ken Lowenberg. Hear some of the very familiar Lent and Resurrection solos and choruses from Messiah, as you learn some interesting facts about the background of Handel and his writing of this masterpiece, some analysis of the music itself (melody, form, accompaniment, styles), and some historical background information about the Biblical texts. 4. Fundamentals of Biblical Greek – Teacher Angela Rasmussen returns to help students learn the Greek behind the English translations of the New Testament. The class will focus on basic paradigms, vocabulary and aspects of the Greek language and syntax that are distinct from the English language. The class requires a previous introductory course in Greek or participation in parts I, II and III at CCPC in 20082009. The class will continue to use A Primer of Biblical Greek by N. Clayton Croy as its primary text. 5. The Last Week by Marcus Borg and Dominic Crossan. Join Louise White for an engaging and challenging discussion of this 2006 book which retells the final week of Jesus’ life. The authors, Borg and Crossan, draw on the Gospel of Mark and recent scholarship to describe the historical events of the week. By stressing the political context (especially the power of the Roman Empire and its claim that Caesar was God), the authors provide a picture of Jesus’ ministry that differs from traditional views. Copies of the book ($10.00) can be ordered through the church when you register or you can secure your own copy. 6. Training for Life: Preparing to Help in Emergencies – Sign up for one or all of these classes to help you learn or maintain the skills to assist in a medical emergency. March 4 = Adult/Child/Infant Basic CPR and Choking for Non-Health Providers. Cost: $40.00 per person. Pre-registration required. March 11 = Basic CPR/Choking (repeated) Plus AED. Cost: $40.00 per person. Pre-registration required. March 18 = Basic First Aid. Cost: $40.00 per person. Pre-registration required. March 25 = Basic Pet First Aid. Cost: $20.00 per person. Pre-registration required.

FEBRUARY WOMEN’S CIRCLE MEETINGS Wednesday Evening Circle February 3 at 6:30 PM Dinner and meeting at the home of Carole Minor (4100 Sycamore Street in Chevy Chase, MD). Contact Dale Kasab at 301-2294868 for RSVP or information.

Circle 11 Monday, February 8 at 7 PM Dinner and meeting in Geneva Hall at the church. Call Holly Range at (301) 528-9144 for more information.

Circle 4 Thursday, February 18 at 11 A.M. Dedicated to Bible Study, new members welcomed. Meeting at CCPC in Geneva Hall. Call Linda Glew at 301-656-4690 for more information.

ANNOUCEMENTS

6 THE BIBLE IN CONTEXT 

February 7, 2010—An Unshakeable Rock, Ignatius to Polycarp  February 14, 2010—Stand Firm, Polycarp to Philippi  February 21, 2010—You Call These Things Gods? Anon to Diognetus  February 28, 2010—NO CLASS (ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING) Join us as we examine some of the letters outside of the canon which circulated in the first century church. All classes are in Room 350-B at 9:30 a.m., and all are welcome. After his visit to Smyrna, Ignatius writes a personal note to its bishop, Polycarp. However, the letter suddenly changes into a message to the whole church, of which the first item of business is "Obey Your Bishop!" Polycarp, who, like Ignatius, was an early Christian martyr, writes to Philippi, quoting extensively from what is now the New Testament. Some critics have even taken the position that the Pastoral Epistles were written by Polycarp and not by Paul. The letter to Diognetus is a double mystery. It is not known who wrote it, and the recipient, Diognetus, is also unknown. The letter appears to be a very early explanation of Christianity to a pagan. Trivia Questions February 2010 1. Ignatius tells the Smyrneans to appoint one of their number as: a. Deacon, b. Presbyter, c. Accountant, d. Courier 2 . Polycarp says that "to deny that Jesus is come in the flesh” is to be: a. Agnostic, b. Docetist, c. Aryan, d. Antichrist 3. The letter to Diognetus says that Christians behave as if they were: a. Soldiers, b. Aliens, c. Sheep, d. Angels

Hearthstones & Firesides 2/7: 6-8pm: Youth Group, Games and Dinner 2/19-21: Annual Ski Trip (No Sunday activities) 2/28: 6-8pm: Youth Group, Games and Dinner

Announcements: SILENT AUCTION: Please start thinking about possible donations for the Silent Auction, April 18-25, 2010. MONTREAT: It is that time of year again. Rising 9th exiting 12th graders are eligible to sign up for Montreat. The current registration cost is $251. The cost for housing, travel and food (around $258) will be collected March-May, 2010. Sing-up now because there are only a few spaces left. The youth group needs 2 adults to travel with us to Montreat. If interested, please contact Jennifer. TRIENNIUM: The Presbytery is currently accepting applications for Triennium. If you are interested in going to Triennium, July 20-24, 2009, fill out an application and send in a deposit of $100. Youth that are raising 9th-exiting 12th graders can apply. There are 100 spaces for the entire Presbytery and they will fill up quickly. To get an application contact Jennifer. E-mail Jennifer: jennifer@chevychasepc.org

Texts of the letters are at http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/index.html

SAVE THE DATE!! Can you name five symbols of Lent/Easter? Where and when did the tradition of Easter Eggs begin? How many different crosses can you draw? Children, youth and adults are invited to come join us at our fifth annual Easter Festival, Saturday morning, March 20, 2010 to explore these and other traditions of our most sacred season of the church year. Watch for complete details in next month’s Gateway.

7 SUNDAY MORNINGS The Bible in Context Class (9:30 – 10:45 a.m., 350B, third floor, Ed Building – No Class on Feb.28 so class members can attend the Annual Meeting.) Early Christian Letters. Join us as we examine some of the letters outside of the canon which circulated in the first century church in this yearlong course led by Peter Combes. For more info, see related article in this issue or look for a syllabus at http://ccpc.petercombes.com. Faith Trek (9:45 – 10:45 a.m., Library, first floor, center building, alley side – NOTE: No Class on Feb. 28 so class members can attend the Annual Meeting.) Faith Trek is a small group of CCPC adults who want to explore faith in the company of friends. The class is continuing its summer format, discussing the Washington Post's Saturday faith/ religion section. Check with Margaret Chan (301/656-5034) if you have questions. Drop by any Sunday. Open Forum (9:45 – 10:45 a.m., Geneva Hall, second floor, Ed Building, street side) The Open Forum offers a forum for the discussion of a variety of topics on faith and life. February 7 = NO CLASS so that class members can attend the worship featuring the Children’s Spring Musical during First Service. February 14 & 21 = The Face of Homelessness in Chevy Chase. In an affluent community such as ours, homelessness doesn’t seem to fit the profile, but for those who live on our streets, it is a harsh reality. The Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place (supported by CCPC) works in our neighborhood to address this concern. Join Director, JeanMichel Giraud, on the 14th to learn about homelessness and the mission and new initiatives of CCHFP. On the 21st, Bill Long, Director of Volunteer and Community Ed. Services, to discuss community involvement, volunteering, and congregational support along with George Siletti, a formerly homeless man who will tell his compelling story and answer questions. February 28 = NO CLASS/Annual Meeting.

INTERESTED IN BIBLE STUDY? The Wednesday Morning Bible Study Group invites you to join them in a study of the Gospel of Luke beginning February 10, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The group meets on the second and

fourth Wednesday mornings of the month in Geneva Hall. For more information or to sign up, contact Grace Hyslop (202/966-2997), Dale Kasab (301/2294868), or ask teacher, Lynn Jostes about purchasing a study book ($10.00). Come join us!

INQUIRERS’ SEMINAR - FEBRUARY 21 The next Inquirers’ Seminar of the program year will be offered on Sunday, February 21, 2010 from 12:15 to 4:00 p.m. in Room 250 (Geneva Hall) at CCPC. This session is open not only to those persons who may have decided to become members, but also to persons exploring their call to Christian discipleship as members of this congregation. The format for the afternoon following lunch includes a brief overview of the basic history, beliefs, and traditions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as well as an outline of specific opportunities for using your gifts with others in ministry at CCPC. Those choosing to join will do so on February 28. If you are interested in participating in the seminar on February 21 (or know someone who may be interested), please contact Associate Pastor Lynn Jostes at 202/363-2202 or lynn@chevychasepc.org for more information or to sign up. Come join with the disciples of The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church as we discover our gifts and answer our calling, and together serve our Lord.

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP Wednesday, February 17, 2010 7:30 a.m. or 7:30 p.m. In ancient Israel ashes were understood to be a forceful reminder of the pervasiveness of human sin and of the inevitability of death. Ashes represented that which was burned out and wasted…that which once was, but is no more. This traditional emblem of grief and mourning has been adopted by the Christian church as a signal of our own sinful mortality, as well as to remind us of the dark days in Jesus’ life in his passion and death. During the days of Lent which follow, we think about who we are and who Jesus Christ is…for us…and the journey begins. This year, we invite you to begin your contemplative Lenten journey with worship. We will gather for a simple service of scripture/reflection, singing, ashes and communion at both 7:30 a.m. (for early morning risers or those on the way to work) and 7:30 p.m. (for those who wish to conclude their day with worship) in the chapel/sanctuary. Please join us for this sacred time.

WILL THIS BE YOUR To be more environmentally friendly, get information to you in a more timely way, and save money for the church, we are changing the way we print and distribute information over the

LAST

GATEWAY?

next few months. Primarily, we will be sending more church communications by email. Please read details about coming changes and respond accordingly.

If you currently receive the weekly News and Notes email from Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, you will begin receiving the Gateway by email every month. Unless we hear from you otherwise (see below) the March Gateway will ONLY come to you by email. If you do NOT currently receive the weekly News and Notes email, but would like to receive regular news and announcements from the church by email, please go to www.chevychasepc.org, and follow the link on the bottom left side to sign up to receive news and information (including the GATEWAY newsletter) from the church. Or send an email directly to ian@chevychasepc.org with your request. If you prefer to continue receiving a copy of the GATEWAY in print format, please complete the form below and send it in to the church or drop it in the offering plate.

GATEWAY Distribution Request ____ Please continue to send me/us a printed copy of the Gateway each month. Thank you. Name:

___________________________________________

Mailing Address:

___________________________________________

SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS or articles you would like to see in the March issue of the

Gateway newsletter by Monday, February 8. Email submissions jamie@chevychasepc.org. You can also deliver hard copies to the church office.

Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church ...â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where Faith and Life Intersectâ&#x20AC;?

GATEWAY (USPS 961 - 740) Published monthly except August ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gateway, Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church One Chevy Chase Circle, Washington, D.C. 20015 202-363-2202

Periodicals Postage Paid Washington, DC 20015