January 11, 2016 Volume XXVI, No. 1 Nationalchurch.org
The Messenger
METROPOLITAN CHURCH
A MULTI-SITE UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY
More Serving Opportunities Campus Kitchen DC Tues./Wed./Thurs., 4pm - 7pm Saturdays, 11am - 3pm St Luke’s Mission Center* Volunteer to make meals and recover donated produce and protein we receive from local food operators. Interested? Contact Rev. Dottie Yunger, dyunger@ nationalchurch.org or visit nationalchurch.org/volunteerhub. Grate Patrol January 24, 10:10 am, Vestry January 25, 6:30pm St. Luke’s Mission Center*
On Sunday, help make sandwiches and prepare meal bags in the Vestry. On Monday, volunteers are needed to load additional meals prepared by Campus Kitchen into the Salvation Army van and distribute them throughout downtown DC. If you can volunteer to put together meal bags on Sunday, just show up in the vestry or, if a group, contact Anita Seline, amseline@ aol.com. If you can go out on the van on Monday night, volunteer at nationalchurch.org/servenow! *3655 Calvert St. NW.
Grate Patrol February 7, 6pm St. Luke’s Mission Center*
Help assemble the meal (provided by our Campus Kitchen Program) in to-go containers. Then at 6:45pm, volunteers are needed to load meals into the Salvation Army van and distribute them throughout the city. You can volunteer to put together meals, serve meals by going out in the van, or both. No experience necessary. Volunteer at nationalchurch.org/volunteerhub! For more information, contact Rev. Dottie Yunger, dyunger@ nationalchurch.org. *3655 Calvert St., NW.
New Year and New Ways to Serve
If you are anything like me, you face a new year with old resolutions. “This year,” I tell myself, “I’ll eat better or exercise more or lose weight or clean out my closets.” While I may start out strong, at some point during the year I lose momentum or interest, and the resolutions and good intentions fall away. Maybe the challenge isn’t with you, it’s with the resolutions – maybe they are old resolutions, old ways of thinking. Maybe you need a new perspective, a new motivation, a new approach. The Serving Pillar invites you to explore new ways to engage in ministry in this new year. You can start by participating in service ministries in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Come to the Campus Kitchen shift on Saturday, January 16. Cook in the kitchen with Chef Anthony, or deliver the community meal to Mount Vernon UMC in NE. Prepare a meal for the seven men who live in the St Luke’s Shelter. This weekend Campus Kitchen will also host college students from American and Catholic Universities participating in a Day of Service on Monday, January 18. They, too, will cook and clean in the kitchen, as they learn about hunger and housing issues in the District, and how they can be involved in the community. Serving isn’t limited to one day or weekend – you can serve once a week, once a month, or as often as you can. Campus Kitchen is recovering nearly 5,000 pounds of food a month and making about 1,500 meals a month. We have a dedicated team of volunteers, both church members and college students, who recover, prepare, and deliver this food. We have been invited by our partners to recover more food each month. At the same time, we receive more requests from those in need for meals. With your help, we could bring in more food that we can make into more meals that we can deliver to more clients. Help someone else keep their new year’s resolution to eat better and be more healthy by volunteering at Campus Kitchen. Many of the clients we serve are young children who don’t always know where their next meal is coming from. Or they live in a food desert – more than a mile from a full service grocery store. Fresh fruits and vegetables are scarce. They are developing food habits now that will impact them for a lifetime. We often provide meals for these youth at after school programs, where they also need help with homework, or reading, or anything else that is going on in their lives. They need a meal, and they need someone to share a meal with, along with conversation and fellowship. There are different kinds of nourishment you can provide to a child in need in the District, opportunities that would be nourishing and enriching to you as well. You can also serve by becoming an advocate for affordable housing in the District, and during these cold winter months, for accessible hypothermia shelters in all wards of the District. Closer to home, you can support our new efforts to streamline our shelter ministry based on our very successful model at the St Luke’s Shelter for men and the new women’s program out of Metropolitan House. Both provide much needed small group home settings with intentional case management and job training/placement with our partners at Friendship Place. Volunteers will be needed to mentor someone, or provide a meal, or offer fellowship. There will be more information about these exciting developments in the coming months. For more information about our Serving ministries, go to nationalchurch.org/Serving or contact me, Rev Dottie Yunger at dyunger@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 111. Blessings, Rev. Dottie Yunger
Life at the Metropolitan Church January Sermon Series: From the Heart of the Sea
Join us on a journey of exploration as we look at where the rich text of Moby Dick stimulates our consideration of Biblical texts (Watch Dr. Parker discuss the sermon series on our website at nationalchurch.org/Praising/Sermons_Podcasts). We launched the sermon series on January 10, with the theme of The Power of Awe. The central character of Moby Dick – the whale – is essentially a mystery, and in many ways is a tool to explore what it feels like to live in a world that is beyond our control. The whale is a character that inspires awe, a feeling – according to the writers of Scripture – that is at the heart of what it means to be a people of faith. What is awe about? How does it shape our understanding of God? How do we cultivate it? On January 17, the sermon focus will be on Hate and Madness. Ahab’s response to awe is madness. His anger and bitterness at the loss of his leg, and his powerlessness in the face of the force of the whale, drive him to his mad obsession. Moby Dick is, in many ways, a meditation on how anger and hate can become consuming forces in people’s lives, and an opportunity to explore how to diffuse this danger in our own lives, and address it when we encounter it in others. On January 24, the theme of the sermon will be Exploitation of the Earth. A recurring theme throughout the novel of Moby Dick is the exploitation of our natural resources. Melville wonders aloud how long whales will be able to survive in the face of whale hunting, and compares their plight to that of the American bison. The novel gives us a wonderful opportunity to revisit our call to care for the natural order and develop our communities in ways that are sustainable. On January 31, we will close out the sermon series with a focus on Leaders and Demagogues. In an election year, Captain Ahab gives us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the nature of healthy (and unhealthy leadership). Captain Ahab uses many of the classic tools of the demagogue to manipulate his crew and get them to support him on his unholy quest (and that we also see in many elements of the current election cycle). And Melville spills a great deal of ink over what healthy leadership looks like. I hope that you will consider doing two things: join us on this journey of exploration as we look at where the rich text of Moby Dick stimulates our consideration of Biblical texts -- where do we see Biblical themes in the four topics we have selected from Moby Dick? The second thing I would encourage you all to do is to extend an invitation to someone in your family or a friend or neighbor or co-worker to join you in worship in January, particularly someone who doesn’t yet have a church home. We have an opportunity to offer life transforming stories of our faith to others who might love to be on this journey with us as we start the new year and live out our church’s Vision of extending radical hospitality, transforming lives, and pursuing justice. Blessings,
Movie Night: “Moby Dick” January 15 7pm, Youth Room
In conjunction with our sermon series, From the Heart of the Sea, we will be watching the classic “Moby Dick” produced by John Huston and starring Orson Welles and Richard Basehart. From a review of the movie, “this version of the Melville classic should, without question, be regarded as the penultimate screen adaptation of a masterwork of American fiction. Everything - absolutely everything - about this film works, from John Huston's brilliant direction, to the screenplay (co-written by Ray Bradbury), to the powerful and believable performances. Gregory Peck IS Ahab; if anyone defined and crystallized so megalomaniacal a character, it was Peck, hands down.” As always there will be plenty of popcorn and soda. See you there!
Charlie Parker
Congratulations
• to Pete and Jeane Fahrenthold on the birth of their granddaughter in December. • to Peter and Maryn Tillman on the birth of their daughter, Baldwyn Gannon Tillman on December 22.
Metropolitan Book Club Monday, January 18, 7:30pm, Parlor
All book lovers are invited to join us as Larry Ellsworth leads our discussion of John Grisham’s, Rogue Lawyer. Contacts: Joan Topalian, topajoan62045@gmail.com or Suzanne Clewell, reader1021@aol.com.
Annual Commitment Campaign
Thanks go out to our many members and friends who made their pledges. Due to their generosity, our commitment campaign is off to a strong start. If you have not yet returned your pledge card, please mail it to the church office or put it in the offering plate on Sunday. Pledge cards will be in the attendance pads in the pews. Or, submit your 2016 pledge online at nationalchurch. org/Giving/Annual_Campaign. Your continuing generous support is vital to our church’s mission and ministries!
2
Caring Ministries Life Transitions: Creative Aging Wednesday, January 13, 7pm, Fireplace Room
You are invited to a conversation about aging well and creatively, as we share our own experiences about retirement and the challenges and opportunities in this life season. Contacts: Susan Elliott, overlookzoo@verizon.net or Ann Cochran, ann@annpcochran.com.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday, January 17, 12:30pm, Parlor
Start the new year by learning how to knit or crochet! Come and enjoy a time of needlecraft, fellowship, ministry and fun! If you are interested in joining, contact Barbara Tate, Bdtate@verizon.net.
Life Transitions: Chronic Illness and Caregiving Wednesday, January 20, 7pm, Fireplace Room
If you are living with a chronic illness, you know that it can affect you physically, emotionally, intellectually, vocationally, socially, and spiritually. Both those experiencing chronic illness and the people who are caregivers are invited to join our support group. Contacts: Susan Roach, susanroach2@gmail.com and Nancy Cherney, nancy@ nutritionmattersnow.com.
Lunch and More Thursday, January 21, Noon, Great Hall
Join us for games like Trivial Pursuit and bridge or watch a movie. If you committed to bringing a game, please don’t forget! Contacts: Phyllis Kokus, PKokus@aol.com and Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net.
Life Transitions Educational Forum “Home Funerals” Sunday, January 31, 12:30pm, Great Hall
Metropolitan Memorial member, Nancy Riker, and St. Albans member, Sally Craig, share their personal experiences of offering their family and friends a home vigil for their respective husbands. The home funeral movement advocates taking care of our own dead. Hear about the healing power of caring for our own dead conveying that there is no greater teacher than death. Light lunch provided.
Weekly Meditation Practice Wednesdays, 9am, Sanctuary
Nurture a sense of inner peace, calm and balance with guided and walking meditation. All are welcome. Contact: Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net.
Gentle Yoga for Well-Being Thursdays, 4pm, Great Hall
Join us for Gentle Yoga. Class meets every Thursday and is open to all who are interested. To register or for more information, contact Cathryn Gunnerson, Cathryn@ yogawell-being.com or 301-642-3889.
The United Methodist Women UMW Women’s Retreat February 5 - 7 Register by January 24!
Join us for a dynamic exploration of some of the most fascinating women contained in the pages of the Bible, led by Wesley professor and Old Testament scholar, Dr. Denise Dombkowski Hopkins. No prior Biblical study experience is necessary— just an open mind and a willing heart. If you’ve never experienced this brand of fun and fellowship, you are especially encouraged to consider attending! Although sponsored by UMW, this event is open to all women in the Metropolitan community. Financial assistance is available, but resources are limited so don’t delay. Deadline for registration is January 24. More information and the registration form can be found at nationalchurch. org/umwretreat. For any other questions, please email MetroUMW@gmail.com.
UMW Book Sale Donate Your Books!
The United Methodist Women are now collecting books for the annual UMW Book and Bake Sale, March 5, 2016. Donations may be placed on the wire racks in front of the UMW closet at the end of the Vestry hallway.
Climate Justice: A Call to Hope and Action
Each year, United Methodist Women members prepare for faithful living and action by studying mission studies. Mission studies are offered each year - a geographical, topical, and spiritual growth study. These studies motivate, inform, and enrich our commitment to global ministry. Local leaders are trained to lead one of the three mission studies through the organization's Mission U program offered around the country. Those leaders, in turn, are able to lead mission studies in their local and district groups. This year, climate justice is the topical study, based on the published study, Climate Justice: A Call To Hope And Action. Our own Rev Dottie Yunger is one of the contributing authors, combining her scientific and theological expertise to write a chapter about the consequences of climate change on the earth and its inhabitants. She examines how the earth suffers because of climate injustice, and how this suffering will continue until we right our relationships with God, with one another, and with the earth. And she will be teaching this study at several Mission U’s this Spring and Summer. Learn more at unitedmethodistwomen.org/ what-we-do/transformative-education/mission-study.
3
The Arts at the Metropolitan Church Jazz@Wesley January 23, 6:30pm, Wesley*
Enjoy the sounds of “The Rick Alberico Project.” Tickets available at the door and at instantseats.com. Entry $10 I $7 Seniors I Children 12 and Under Free. For more information, email wesleyinfo@nationalchurch.org or call 202-966-5144, ext. 325. Bring a nonperishable food item to jazz up someone else's life. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
Arts Council Concert January 24, 3pm, Sanctuary The Army Is Coming (to Play String Quartets)
The military music programs have fine, highly trained musicians as members, and we in Washington are fortunate to have easy access to many of their performances (which are free, of course). Several Navy ensembles, choral and brass, have performed at Metropolitan. Now we're calling upon the Army. On January 24, the Army String Quartet will be playing a splendid program for us at 3pm in the Sanctuary: a quartet by Beethoven (whose string quartets many of us consider The Best) and three works by more recent composers, "Elegy" by Elliot Carter, the quartet "From the Salvation Army" by Charles Ives, and "Lullaby" by George Gershwin--a varied and interesting program, to be sure. The quartet is one of a number of ensembles within the US Army Strings, which have performed at many of the country's most notable events. (The best known of these ensembles, probably, is the Strolling Strings, formed during the Eisenhower administration.) Violinist Catherine Gerhiser, a native of Savannah, GA, received Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Juilliard. Violinist Sergey Prokofyev, whose hometown is Brooklyn, NY, holds a Bachelor's from the Aaron Copeland School of Music at Queens College in Flushing, NY. Violist Nicholas Hodges, from Mechanicsburg, PA, has a Bachelor's from Eastman School of Music and a Master's from Penn State and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Maryland. Cellist Benjamin Wensel, whose hometown is Rochester, NY, holds a Bachelor's from Cleveland Institute of Music and a Master's from Eastman. A well-credentialed foursome, indeed. Plan to hear them play on January 24 at 3pm in the Metropolitan Memorial sanctuary. Then migrate to the Great Hall for a reception and the opening of a show of art by Elise Ritter.
Creativity Call: Think About It - October 23
The Arts Council wants everyone to have plenty of advance notice of the following fall event (i.e., no excuses!). On October 23, the Arts Council wants to show the work of our members and friends in a Congregational Craft and Art Show. Among the handmade things we're interested in showing are: fabrics, jewelry, knitting, crocheting, wood carving or fabrication, photos, paintings, drawings, glass, ceramics, baskets, weaving -- and this is not a complete list. The items that can be hung on walls will be left in place for a few weeks, but the three-dimensional pieces will be on view for only a single day. You don't need to do anything now except keep this show in mind. For more information, contact Carol Schleicher at rschlei@verizon.net, Marilu Wood at shedelwood@gmail or Carol Griffith at carolgriffith33@hotmail.com.
Sunrise
Arts Council Exhibition: Luminous Grace Sunday, January 24, 4:30pm, Great Hall
“What’s so amazing about grace?” asks author Philip Yancey. Metropolitan member Elise Ritter, our artist for the 2016 January - March exhibit, responds to this question with a sequence of works of art that illustrate, by color and medium, style and subject, how she views the concept of “grace.” We can’t ask for grace--grace is freely given to us by God. And it can be different for each person at different times. All around us in nature, and throughout heaven and earth, are light-filled visions of grace: the sun, moon and stars; angels and saints; the sky and clouds; trees, rivers and gardens. For Elise, examples from nature (such as a flowering pink tree or a Monet-like sunrise) and angels and saints are all evidence of God’s grace. We look forward to welcoming you on January 24 to “Luminous Grace,” Elise Ritter’s gift to all of us.
Children & Youth Ministries Parent and Youth Potluck Sunday, January 24, 5pm, Youth Room
All parents and youth are invited to attend our annual youth and parent potluck. Food, fun, and information about the semester will be provided. Younger siblings are welcome to join. For more information, contact Patrick Landau, Director of Youth Ministries, plandau@nationalchurch.org.
Nursery School Open House Thursday, January 21, 9:30am, Great Hall
The Metropolitan Nursery School invites you to an Open House, where you can meet our Director, Linda Smith, and learn about our school’s program, curriculum, and admission procedures. You will also have the opportunity to see our lively classrooms in action. In order to truly appreciate our program we encourage you to attend.
4
Study at the Metropolitan Church Make 2016 a Year of Learning! Food for Thought Wednesday Evenings Dinner - 6pm, Vestry Classes - 7pm
Feed your mind, body and soul! Community dinner: $8/person I Students pay what you can. RSVP at nationalchurch.org/ foodforthought! For more information, contact Rev. Janet Craswell, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org or 202-363-4900, ext. 115. Classes include: • Bible Study: James. Practical advice for practical Christian living (Led by Rev. Charlie Parker and Bob Olson) •
Topical Study: Understanding Christian Fundamentalism. Faithful, striving for holiness, Godhonoring? Ignorant, easily led, narrow-minded? All these terms have been applied to Christian fundamentalists. But how well do we know this branch of the Christian community? This course seeks to uncover the roots of Christian fundamentalism, understand its appeal, and seek ways to be in dialogue with our fundamentalist brothers and sisters (Led by Patrick Landau and Rev. Janet Craswell). *Community dinner available at 6pm, $8/person. College Students pay what you can.
Inter-generational Bible Story Hour at Wesley Sunday, January 17, 9:30am, Wesley*
Join us on the first and third Sundays of the month for a more in-depth look at the stories in scripture we’ll be reading in worship at Wesley. We’ll sing, tell stories and reflect on the story using different art mediums--drama, drawing, painting, modeling clay, journaling. This is a time for all of us to gather--no matter what age--for some Wesley family time in exploring scripture together. Contact Pastor Kate with any questions or ideas. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
"Meal from Below" Bible Study Wednesday, January 20, 7pm Wesley Library*
Are you Hungry? Join us for “Meal from Below,” a 40 week shared journey centered on the words of Jesus when he “took the bread, blessed it, broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said, ‘this is my body given for you, do this in remembrance of me.’” In the same way, we too are taken, blessed, broken, given and spoken in God’s love – that we might become instruments of peace in a hurting world. As we journey together we will also rely on St. Ignatius’s form of prayer called the Examen as an anchor and model for prayer, discernment and action. Contact: Duncan Wilson, duncanscottwilson@yahoo.com. *5312 Conn. Ave., NW.
Adult Sunday Study Sundays, 10:10am, Metropolitan Memorial The Gospel and the News. Held in the Library: This casual adult Sunday school class focuses on specific “Good News” current events - with relation to Christian and Biblical theology. There are good and Godly things going on in the world, but they don’t usually make the headlines, and don’t typically grab our attention. This class looks beyond the headlines for positive stories and perspectives. Contacts: Jon and Lisa White, whitejlk@bellsouth.net. (Library) Inspired Parenting. Held in the Fireplace Room. Open to parents with kids of all ages, this class is a safe space to share the week’s parenting challenges and joys. We talk about helping keep our kids grounded and passing along lessons of our faith. It is a great place to find advice, feel affirmed, and become connected with other parents in our church community. Drop in as you can -- newcomers always welcome. Contact: Caralee Adams, caralee.adams@ verizon.net. Questions of Faith. Held in the Conference Room: This group addresses issues of personal faith development and current trends in Christian thought, as well as social and ethical issues in light of the Christian faith. We are currently discussing “The Lives of Great Christians.” Contact: Diane Moody, billanddianemoody@comcast.net. Science and Religion Class. Held in the Parlor: This class involves vigorous dialogue on matters of faith and “contemporary thought.” We are currently discussing “Transcendent Spiritual Experiences.” Contacts: Maynard Moore, emaynard8@yahoo.com or Kent Weaver, kenthweaver@gmail.com.
Join the Journey New Classes Beginning in February! Sundays, 10:10am, Room 106 Thursdays, 7pm, Wesley Library*
Come Join the Journey! If you are interested in joining our church--or simply want to learn more about the Christian faith, Methodist Church, and us here at Metropolitan Memorial, Wesley, and St. Luke’s--this is the small group for you! Beginning in February, Rev. Dottie Yunger will be leading a group at Metropolitan Memorial on Sundays during the 10:10am study hour in Room 106. Rev. Kate Payton will be leading a group at Wesley on Thursday evenings at 7pm in the Library. Can’t wait to join you in this good work and journey of faith! For more information, contact Rev. Kate Payton, kpayton@nationalchurch.org *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
5
Our Mission: Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites all into a deepening relationship with God and challenges all of us to grow as disciples, seeking justice and joy 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. 108, cparker@nationalchurch.org Rev. Kate Payton — Associate Pastor, Sharing, Lead Pastor at Wesley UMC, ext. 110, kpayton@nationalchurch.org Rev. Dottie Yunger –– Associate Pastor, Service/Advocacy, ext. 111, dyunger@nationalchurch.org Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 104, dwilson@nationalchurch.org Rev. Janet Craswell—Director of Christian Education, ext. 115, jcraswell@nationalchurch.org David Finnegan-Hosey - Campus Ministry Coordinator, dhosey@nationalchurch.org Princess Bethea — Office Coordinator, ext. 102, pbethea@nationalchurch.org Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 152, bcaviness@nationalchurch.org Jeff Clouser — Director of IT and Communications, ext. 113, jclouser@nationalchurch.org Dona Collary — Pastoral Care Assistant/Wedding and Funeral Coordinator, ext. 106, dcollary@nationalchurch.org Casey Campbell — Dayspring Choir Director/9am Worship Leader/Youth Choir Director, ext. 151, celliott@nationalchurch.org Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 114, phouse@nationalchurch.org Patrick Landau — Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 112, plandau@nationalchurch.org Bill Potts –– Executive Director of Operations, ext. 101, wpotts@nationalchurch.org Rafael Reyes — Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 116, rreyes@nationalchurch.org Helen Simon — Executive Assistant to Dr. Parker, ext. 109, hsimon@nationalchurch.org Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, lsmith@nationalchurch.org
The Messenger is published by The Metropolitan Church - A Multi-site United Methodist Community Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900 St. Luke’s Mission Center (3655 Calvert St., NW)/Wesley UMC (5312 Conn. Ave., NW) Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: jclouser@nationalchurch.org website: nationalchurch.org
NEXT ISSUE: February 8, 2016
NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on February 2, 2016