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Christ Our Center Children Our Blessing Justice Our Passion July-August 2017
Thank you so much for the privilege of serving Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church as your Sabbatical Pastor. I’ve been blessed to see the health of your congregation, the strength of your Session and Staff, and to witness excellence of ministry that The Rev. Molly Blythe-Teichert is fostering among you. I’m grateful to have been to be part of your exploration of Sabbath and Beauty.
“Let us plant dates even though those who plant them will never eat them. We must live by the love of what we will never see.” A prayer:
May his words on hope, faith, love and poetry speak to you as well.
Father… Mother… of tender eyes, I know that you are invisible in all things. May your name be sweet to me, the joy of my world. Bring us the good things that give you pleasure: a garden, fountains, children, bread and wine, tender gestures, hands without weapons, bodies hugging each other… I know you want to meet my deepest wish, the one whose name I forgot… but you never forget. Bring about your wish that I may laugh. May your wish be enacted in our world, as it throbs inside you. Grant us contentment in today’s joys: bread, water, sleep… May we be free from anxiety. May our eyes be as tender to others as yours to us. Because, if we are vicious, we will not receive your kindness. And help us that we may not be deceived by evil wishes. And deliver us From the ones who carry death inside their eyes. Amen.
“Hope is hearing the music of the future. Faith is to dance to it.”
God bless you, Pastor Mark Greiner
For my last newsletter article, I wanted to share with you a Presbyterian who sings to the soul’s heights and depths. Rubem Alves was a leading twentieth-century Brazilian writer and theologian. Princeton Seminary trained, his writing gravitated more and more toward poetry across his lifetime.
Inside the Gateway Worship Schedule for June………………………….…………… .......... 2 Library News...………………………………… ....................................... 4 Summer Church School Plans at CCPC. ….....………………………… .. 6 Upcoming Events: Let’s Connect!….....…………………………............ 8
Our Sabbatical Summer....….....…………...…………………………...10 CCPC Summer Office Hours………………………….………………….12 The deadline for the September Gateway is August 16th at 9:00 a.m.
The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church One Chevy Chase Circle Washington, DC 20015 (202) 363-2202 www.chevychasepc.org
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July 23, 2017 Percussion Service led by Katy Gaughan One Service at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Mark Greiner will be preaching. July 30, 2017 Jubilee Sabbath One Service at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Mark Greiner will be preaching.
Worship Schedule July 2, 2017 One Service at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Eric Peltz will be preaching. July 9, 2017 Interfaith Service with Rabbi Marc of Oneg Shabbat One Service at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Mark Greiner will be preaching. July 16, 2017 One Service at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Deborah Sokolove will be our guest preacher.
August 6, 2017 One Service at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Ronnie Galvin will be preaching. August 13, 2017 Congregational Service on Sabbatical Time One Service at 10:00 a.m. August 20, 2017 One Service at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert will be preaching. August 27, 2017 One Service at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert will be preaching.
Experience Summer Choir on Sundays in August! Grades 4 and above are welcome. Come to the choir loft in the sanctuary at 9:15 to learn a simple anthem for the service that we will sing that morning. No robes needed—just your enthusiastic presence!
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Lowenberg Receives Commission Our Minister of Music Emeritus, Ken Lowenberg, was commissioned by Hughes United Methodist Church on Georgia Avenue in Wheaton, MD to compose an original piece for organ and brass quartet to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their organist, Dr. Van Knauss, in his position as Organist at the church. The celebration took place on Sun., May 28, beginning with the church’s 10:30 a.m. service, during which Dr. Knauss was recognized and the commissioned piece by Lowenberg received its world premiere. The celebration continued with a gala reception in the church’s social hall following the service. The composition, titled Sonata on “Lauda Anima,” is in 3 movements (fast – slow – fast) for brass quartet and organ, and may be performed either as one continuous 10 -minute piece (for concert use or as an extended Prelude) or broken up into 3 separate pieces (to be used for Prelude, Offertory or Communion, and Postlude, for liturgical practicality). All movements are based upon material from the hymn tune, Lauda Anima, or “Praise, My Soul, the King [God] of Heaven.” Lowenberg has two additional commissions coming up, one for SAB choir with piano and flute accompaniment, and one for SATB choir with organ accompaniment, to celebrate upcoming milestones of several churches.
The new hymnal has been ordered! Expect to see it in the pews in September! There is still time to make a dedication bookplate and to contribute $20.00 to offset the cost. You can contribute online and send your dedication to Julie Evans at julie@chevychasepc.org. Have a wonderful summer!
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Library News Check It Out!! Recently our Librarians asked Pastor Mark Greiner to recommend some of the books he has mentioned in his sermons at Chevy Chase. Here is his response: “These are three books that have especially guided my sabbath/sabbatical reflections for Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church. They are listed below:
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr Rohr is excellent on personal spirituality. He writes with simplicity yet depth, so it’s possible to read him again and again and find new meaning as one walks through life.
Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith by Diana Butler Bass Butler-Bass is one of the keenest Protestant researchers/essayists about church and faith today. Her books are excellent for study by thoughtful church members as well as Deacons and Elders. Especially for churches engaged in long-term discernment and planning, she’s an excellent conversation partner.
Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by Martin Laird This book gently explores some of life's biggest inevitable challenges (illness, failure) and shows how even these can become graces in our lives. It's written by someone who has walked through toils and troubles and finds God there, without providing easy answers. As Laird says: ‘God in Christ has taken into Himself the brokenness of the human condition. Hence, human woundedness, brokenness, death itself are transformed from dead ends to doorways into Life. In the divinizing humanity of Christ, bruises become balm.’”
In July, please check the church's daily Facebook postings. Each of these three books will have a longer review. They are all available for check-out from the CCPC Library on the first floor.
ATTENTION LIBRARY BORROWERS!! REMINDERS Please check your shelves for overdue books and return them to the library—NO FINES! Thank you from the library staff! VACATION READING Books checked out in July and August may be kept out until September.
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Warm Regards from Pastor Molly
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Summer Church School Plans at CCPC Summer schedules bring opportunities for new patterns of life together, and this is part of our Sunday morning life together as well! As we worship as one church family at 10:00 a.m. throughout the summer, we will welcome children (completed Grade 3 and up) to remain in the sanctuary following the Time with Children to experience the rhythm and wonder of worship. Beginning July 9 and continuing through August, younger children (Age 3 through completed Grade 2) are invited (but not required) to go to special church school classes for the rest of the hour. Ages 3-5 will meet in Room 180 and 5s/Kindergarten through Grade 2 (completed) will meet in Room 170 on the first floor in the Education Building. Childcare for infants is available in Rooms 106/108. SPECIAL NOTE: We still need teachers in order to offer all of our classes this summer. Please look for the chart during coffee time and sign up to teach one of our children’s classes. It’s a wonderful way to get to know some of the youngest members of our church family!
FOR ADULTS: Faith Trek is a small group of CCPC adults who are curious about their faith and the world and who want to explore in the company of a circle of friends. The circle expands easily, and we would be delighted to have you join us. The group is discussing class-generated topics and operates with the idea that there are 2-3 who can be there, we will meet. We class meets in the Conference Room (on the second floor of the center building, alley side at the end of the hall) from 11:00 - 12:00 noon each Sunday (after worship.) Check with Margaret Chan (301/656-5034) if you have any questions. The Bible in Context will be completing its study of the Acts of the Apostles through the month of June (excluding June 4). Teachers Dottie Boerner and John Weicher invite you to come explore the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the church in the first century guided by the Holy Spirit, especially in the last journeys of the Apostle Paul. All are welcome to join us at 11:00 - 12:00 noon in the Library (following worship) and you don’t even need to bring a Bible – the Library has several you can borrow! Come try us out!
Summer Sunday School Teachers Sought!! We Need Your Help!! Summer Sunday School is going strong and continues through Homecoming Sunday, September 10th during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Two to three classes for young children through second grade (completed) will be available, but only with your help. Teams of teachers are needed for each age group and a simple curriculum is provided to facilitate your teaching. Please check your calendar and see which Sunday you might be able to help! The sign-up poster is posted in Chadsey Hall during Sunday Brunch and Coffee Time for your convenience. You may also contact Kristen Riley (202-237-8336 or kriley8@msn.com) or Lynn Jostes at the church (202-363-2202 x 22 or lynn@chevychasepc.org) for more information or to sign up for this special opportunity to teach our youngest children. Thanks for your help!!
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Percussion Service on Sunday, July 23rd: Meet Katy Gaughan Katy Gaughan is a drummer and drum circle facilitator whose mission is to bring people together to experience the healing power of drumming and rhythm. Katy facilitates group drumming experiences for wellness, community building, worship and celebration. In February, she led a 700-person drum circle at the Washington National Cathedral that was seen by over 400,000 people in an NPR live video. Drumming is a form of contemplative prayer that invites us to be present to the Heartbeat of God. As we listen to the drums, we experience the One pulse that gives rise to all the rhythms of life. Katy provides the drums and instruments and her masterful facilitation gets everyone drumming and making music together in minutes! Impromptu, collaborative music making creates connections and breaks down barriers. The group will enjoy being in rhythm together, praying with the drums and making their own unique music through the various instruments. It’s a wonderful experience of praying with the One pulse that connect us all. To learn more about Katy, go to: http://www.katygaughan.com.
Come join the fun of the CCPC Summer Camp for 3-5 year olds! Outside play in our large playground, crafts for our special weekly themes – such as camping, insect fun, beach time, creating oooey-gooey materials, and more - plus fun in our wading pools, lunch with our friends, music and lots of movement are some of the activities our campers love doing. Fee for each 2 week session is $530. The last week (bonus week) is $265. July Sessions are: July 10 – July 21 July 24 – July 28 For more information, please contact the Weekday Nursery School Office 202-363-2209 or wns@chevychasepc.org
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Paint Nite Thursday, July 20, 2017 In Chadsey Hall 7 p.m. Come to Paint Nite, an evening of water color painting! Beer and wine are included. You will leave with a finished painting; $15 of the $45 fee will go to the church. No prior painting experience is necessary, and materials will be provided. Invite your friends and neighbors for a fun community event! Sign up here by July 6: https://www.paintnite.com/events/_1197608
Summer Salads and Sweets Potluck Sunday, July 30, 2017 In Chadsey Hall following 10:00 a.m. worship Come hungry and ready to share your favorite salad or dessert with your fellow CCPCers and friends. This twist on a traditional potluck gives you a chance to be creative with your salads and wow us with your baking talents. Salads and desserts of all kinds are encouraged! This will be our Sabbatical Pastor, the Rev. Mark Greiner’s last Sunday, so we’ll celebrate his ministry among us.
Bring-a-Dish AND Bring-a-Friend to Church Potluck Sunday, August 27, 2017 In Chadsey Hall following 10:00 a.m. worship As schools start-up and fall programming launches, we invite you to bring your favorite dish (plus some) to share at a traditional Potluck. We’ll eat what we bring and enjoy food and fellowship! For more information, contact Norm Stant (normstant@mac.com or 301-942.6468) or Margaret Bacon (margysbacon@gmail.com or call 301-598-2985.)
Save the Date! for CCPC’s 17th Annual
Men’s Steak Cookout on Saturday, September 30 from 4 p.m. till dusk at Bucks Pavilion in Seneca Creek Park. We look forward to this traditional fall fellowship event for the men of the church. Bring a friend and join us!
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Sign Up Today! Saturday, July 8, 2017 An Orthodox Experience Part of our Sabbatical journey this summer invites us to focus on Christ our Center, and to explore other worship traditions and practices. On July 8 the Connections Committee invites you to learn about and experience the Orthodox tradition at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, 3500 Massachusetts Avenue NW. You may attend all or any one of the following: 3:00 to 4:40 p.m. – Tour of the Cathedral and Lecture about Orthodox beliefs, practices and iconography led by Father Valery Shemchuk, Associate Pastor at St. Nicholas 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. – Attend the Saturday Vigil (Evening Prayers) to experience Orthodox worship 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Enjoy a catered Russian dinner and conversation with Father Valery and members of the St. Nicholas Congregation. (The meal is $25.00 per person; paid reservations required by July 2) The event is free (except for dinner). Parking is limited so we suggest carpooling from CCPC. Please sign up on the CCPC website or by email to Nikki Heidipriem (nheidepriem@heidepriemassociates.com) or Lynn Jostes (lynn@chevychasepc.org) if you plan to attend so that we can coordinate with Father Valery.
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Our Sabbatical Summer CCPC members have already experienced an array of sabbatical activities this summer around the themes of art, nature, spiritual development, community building, and care of self and family. There are still many more opportunities for us to stretch ourselves and find new ways to connect with God. Here’s what’s coming up in July: Saturday, July 8—Learn about the Orthodox tradition at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral on Massachusetts Avenue. The tour and lecture at 3 p.m., and evening prayer service from 5 to 6:30 p.m., are free, but email Pastor Lynn (lynn@chevychasepc.org) if you plan to come. There is an optional Russian dinner with their congregation from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The dinner cost is $25 per person with registration required by July 2. Make checks payable to CCPC marked “Orthodox.” Sunday, July 9—Interfaith Service led by Rabbi Mark Novak of Minyan Oneg Shabbat which meets at CCPC twice a month. Sunday, July 16—Guest Preacher will be Deborah Sokolove, Director of the Henry Luce III Center for the Arts and Religion and Professor of Art and Worship at Wesley Theological Seminary. With BA in art education, an MFA in computer animation, and a PhD in worship, most of her teaching and writing focus on the intersection of the arts with theology, liturgy, and culture. She also maintains an active studio practice as a painter. Sunday, July 16—Build a mosaic under the guidance of artist Charity Rankin. Following the worship service, children and adults will join together to create a sabbatical tree of life that will hang in Chadsey Hall. We'll use mixed media such as stones, glass, and buttons. Thursday, July 20—Paint Nite, an evening of water color painting (no experience necessary; art supplies provided), 7 p.m. in Chadsey Hall. Beer and wine are included. You will leave with a finished painting; $15 of the $45 fee will go to the church. Invite your friends and neighbors for a fun community event! Sign up here by July 6: https://www.paintnite.com/events/_1197608 Sunday, July 23—Join us for a special worship service with a drum circle. Katy Gaughan is a drummer and drum circle facilitator whose mission is to bring people together to experience the healing power of drumming and rhythm. Katy facilitates group drumming experiences for wellness, community building, worship and celebration. In February, she led a 700-person drum circle at the Washington National Cathedral that was seen by over 400,000 people in an NPR live video. Sunday, July 30—Celebrate the Rev. Mark Greiner’s time with us as interim pastor during Pastor Molly’s sabbatical. We’ll enjoy a Salad and Dessert Potluck luncheon after the worship service. Sunday, July 30—Music during worship will be provided by musician, singer and songwriter Josh Sommerville. He will engage the congregation in singing during the service and will also perform during the potluck afterward. For details of all activities and registration links, go to: http://chevychasepc.org/upcoming-sabbatical-events/. If you have a suggestion or would like to volunteer for a Sabbatical activity, contact Christy Schmidt at lchristyschmidt@hotmail.com or John Cox at johnwcox13@gmail.com.
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A Big Thank You from Cindy and Tempe Dear CCPC friends, I want to thank everyone who was part of my retirement celebration. What a weekend!! The recognition in church, the amazing personalized stones for the playground, the escort by the Massey boys, the flowers, the wonderful reception in Chadsey Hall, the generous gift, and all the great conversations and well wishes! I was so touched. I am so grateful to all who helped make it so special, especially my dear friend and pastor, Pastor Lynn. Updates on retirement fun to come! Dear CCPC family and friends, Your outpouring of love and appreciation was overwhelming! After 31 years as a teacher in WNS and 30 years as ASP director, I had a feeling I might have made a difference in some of the lives of the children and families. But wow! I was not prepared for the outpouring of heartfelt love in person and in comments and notes in cards! Incredibly moving. The Ertz brothers’ escort during the service on June 11th, the recognition by Lynn Jostes and the congregation, the very meaningful stones for the playground and the very generous gift from the congregation and families were all very moving and profoundly appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing friends and families who attended the service and the reception in Chadsey Hall afterwards and catching up with friends from my past. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! And now, to find new passions and bliss in retirement‌ Much love, Tempe Thomas
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CCPC Summer Office Hours July 1– September 4th (Labor Day): 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Church Office will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, July 3rd and 4th for the holiday. The Office and building will be closed on July 4th and Monday, September 4th (Labor Day).
Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church
Christ our Center. Children our Blessing. Justice our Passion.
gateway The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church One Chevy Chase Circle, NW Washington DC, 20015