UMW Newsletter THE METROPOLITAN CHURCH
June 2015 Metropolitan Memorial, St. Luke’s & Wesley United Methodist Churches 202-363-4900 (MMUMC office)
Mark Your Calendar June
Table Of Contents Reflections
6 Sa
4th
7 Su 15 M
DC Feldenkrais Festival
pg 2
UMW News
2-8
Reconciling Sunday
Metropolitan News
9 - 10
AARP Luncheon
Circles
10
Appendix
11-13
July 29-Aug 2
National Seminar, Chicago
31-Aug 2
Mission U, Bethesda
August 24 M
UMW Board Mtg (7-8:30pm, Conference Rm)
September 14 M
UMW Board Mtg (7-8:30pm, Conference Rm)
27 Su
UMW Sunday
November 7 Sa
UMW Bazaar
December 6 Su
Highlights Mission U & Mission U for Youth, pg 3-4 Start dropping off bazaar Donations, pg 5 Greater Washington District Prayer Breakfast recap, pg 6, & photos, pg 1113 Advocacy, pg 7-8 Another Feldenkrais Festival, pg 9
UMW Recognition Sunday
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News
Reflections “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.� ~ John Wesley
Books for Kids and Teens Some volunteers are collecting books, pre-K through teen, for libraries they are setting up in low-income housing projects in DC (currently Ward 8). If anyone has books to contribute, let me know and I'll arrange to get them. Please do this by August 1; after that, save the books for the UMW spring book sale. ~ Carol Griffith carolgriffith33@hotmail.com
STOLES, AGAIN? My sisters, you were wonderful helpers last year in the project to create Rainbow Reconciling Stoles for our congregation. I'm coming to you again, in hopes that some of you would be willing and able to help create stoles for General Conference, which is the worldwide gathering of our denomination, held every 4 years. The Parent's Reconciling Network originated this project some time ago to provide a way for delegates and witnesses to show their support for full inclusion of LGBT persons in the life and ministry of the church. A different pattern has been chosen for each General Conference.
Reconciling Sunday June 7
I have fabric from the Parent's Reconciling Network to make 50 stoles for the 2016 General Conference. Please contact me if you would like to sew a set of 5 stoles. Or whatever number you think you can manage. In this way you will join with Reconciling Methodists around the country to produce the 100's needed. Thank you! ~ Ellen ellenbachman@comcast.net
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News Mission U July 31 - August 2, 2015 Start thinking about Mission U – It’s closer than you think! July 31 – Aug 2, 2015 THE BETHESDA MARRIOTT 5151 Pooks Hill Road Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 897-9400 Early-bird Commuter Rate is $175 (register by June 30 for this rate) According to the hotel website, a complimentary shuttle runs continuously between the Medical Center Metro and the hotel: http://www.marriott.com/hotelwebsites/us/w/wasbt/wasbt_pdf/WASBT_COMPLIMENT ARY%20SHUTTLE%20SERVICE%20SCHEDULE.pdf (Call the hotel for further info) This year’s three areas of study: Created for Happiness: Understanding your life in God – The early Methodist
tradition used the language of happiness often. Not only did John Wesley preach and teach about happiness but his brother Charles wrote hymns about happiness that the early Methodists sang. The happiness they sought was happiness in God. This study examines the understanding of happiness.
Latin America: People and Faith – An overview of the richness of Latin Aerica
Social Issue: The Church and People with Disabilities – Unlike other
and its people for readers on the North America continent. The study examines the history of the region pre-Columbian times until colonization and the struggle for independence. It also explores the current challenges of the nations, along with their rich art, culture and the ongoing contributions of women. categories of human experience, disability crosses all lines of gender, orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic position, age, and culture. People with typical bodies can be thought of as temporarily able-bodied because can happen at any time to anyone. The intent of these mission studies is to promote awareness, inclusion, accessibility and advocacy for people with disabilities – including youth and children.
Early bird rates close on June 30, general registrations due by July 11. See brochure attached to newsletter email for registration. Some scholarship support available, contact MetroUMW@gmail.com. Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News Mission U for Youth July 31 - August 2, 2015 Did you know that is a separate Mission U run just for Youth? Also at the Bethesda Marriott, but from July 31 – Aug 2, 2015. See Youth brochure attached to newsletter email for registration. Registration
Check out this Checklist The Baltimore-Washington Conference of United Methodist Women has created a “Mission Today” checklist for local units to use. Rather than think of this checklist as yet another standard to live up to (or not), we can use this list to help guide some of our meeting time together and to help us plug-in to some resources that are already available to us.
scholarships will be given to the first two youth from the Greater Washington District to register. Early bird registration is due June 30, with regular registration due July 11. Contact MetroUMW@gmail.com if you have trouble printing the attachment and need a hard copy.
UMW Sunday
(see attachment BWCUMWMissionTodayChecklistMay 2015.pdf)
September 27, 2015 Mark your calendars – United Methodist Women Sunday is September 27th. UMW members will lead worship at Metropolitan Memorial and a luncheon with speaker will follow.
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
Congratulations, Bookworms!
Congrats and kudos to Barbara Gaskill and Bobby Turnbull, who were recognized at the October 2014 Greater Washington District UMW Annual Meeting for completing Plan I of the Reading Program of the United Methodist Women. Sorry for the delayed news, but you two make us no less proud!
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UMW News UMW Bazaar Saturday, November 7, 2015
HELP WANTED
What you can do this summer to help… • Begin dropping donations off next to the UMW closet starting JUNE 1 • Help at sorting and pricing sessions beginning JULY 7 every Tuesday morning from 10am – noon. 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 beginning in June.
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) And yes, the Bake Sale and Meals-to-go, as well as Lunch on site featuring our renowned Harvest Soup and more, will continue! Also continuing will be the Alternative Gifts table, where you may purchase a gift that will directly support a specific UMW-sponsored project. What we don’t take:
No furniture (we have neither storage nor display space)
No used electronics or old phones (these don't sell well)
No books (Save them for the spring book sale; we don't have
No clothing (Except for Boutique-quality ladies’ jackets,
storage space to take them now. The only exception: We will take children's books for sale in the children's section at the bazaar. Again, children's books only.) sweaters, and gowns. See above. But again, don't drop these at the UMW closet -- we don't have good storage space for these.)
For more information contact Barbara Gaskill at BETQGaskill@gmail.com
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News Greater Washington District UMW Prayer Breakfast: Metropolitan Hosts a Full House Thanks to the efforts of many in our Unit, the Greater Washington District UMW Prayer Breakfast, held in the Metropolitan Vestry on May 23, was a blessing to all who attended, either as a guest or as a volunteer. Much appreciation is due to our planning team of Ann Michel, Mary Jo Marchant, Helene Lilly and Ellen Bachman, who sweated all the details to provide a hot, delicious breakfast and welcoming space for our 70 guests (who included 2 men!). Of course, their vision could not have been carried out without the support of each of our 16 additional volunteers. Thank you all! The program was coordinated by our District President, Geraldine Whitley, and included an inspiring Invocation by our own Pastor Kate Payton; a stirring musical interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer; and prayers for our world leaders, children and youth, and the elderly. The prayers were written and offered by women from the various UMWs in our Greater Washington District. Due to a last-minute cancellation, our own Helene Lilly was called upon to offer one of the prayers (that’s a lesson to always keep your prayer skills sharp!). Dorothy Stubbs, our District’s Program Resources Coordinator, offered a brief meditation on the Lord’s Prayer and its enduring power in our faith communities today. A couple of things she said stuck with me: “The church is not a building, but a soul,” and “Are we the living answer to Jesus’s prayer?” So many interactions I had that morning showed me how we truly do need one other, and that this opportunity to connect with new UMW sisters was a wonderful gift.
Left to Right: Laura Harper, Penny Andrews, Eppie Marecheau (District Spiritual Growth Coordinator), Paula Pree and Pam Rogers.
See more photos in the Appendix, pages 11-13.
~ Jeanie Mah Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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UMW News UWM ADVOCACY UMW Position on Human Trafficking United Methodist Women stands against the exploitation of those forced to submit to civil injustice as a result of their basic needs or position in society. As many as 30 million people internationally have fallen victim to human trafficking, and the epidemic has become the second largest criminal activity behind the sale of illegal arms. As advocates for social justice, United Methodist Women will continue to work for the rights of those exploited by this cruel trade and end this all-too-prevalent form of modern-day slavery. Read more about the issues at http://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/what-wedo/service-and-advocacy/mission-focus-issues/human-trafficking
Also see‌
NY Times: The Price of Nice Nails by Sarah Maslin Nir, May 7, 2015 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/nyregion/at-nail-salons-in-nyc-manicurists-areunderpaid-and-unprotected.html?emc=eta1&_r=0 Sent by Courtney
Where in the World is Esther? Esther Barkat is a relatively new member of our UMW unit and Metropolitan, after having relocating from West Virginia to Springfield, VA, with her husband. Esther is also a member of the national UMW Board of Directors. See what she has been up to below! See the full story and a petition to President Obama at http://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/news/program-advisory-group-membersreflect-on-witness
Program Advisory Group Members Reflect on D.C. Witness Against Family Detention by Esther Barkat and Sabrina White United Methodist Women Program Advisory Group members Esther Barkat and Sabrina White joined faith-based and social justice groups delivering a letter calling for an end to family detentions May 21 at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. They met with President advisors Melissa Rogers, director of Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnership, Julie Rodriguez of the Office of Public Engagement and Felicia Escobar of the Domestic Policy Council. As a licensed psychologist, Ms. Barkat was able to speak about the psychological effects children experience while held in family detention centers. Below are Ms. Barkat and Ms. White’s reflections on the meeting. Continued pg 8
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UMW News (Continued from pg 7)
Sabrina White As I prayerfully waited to speak to the President advisors, I was mindful of the women and children who are being held captive in these remote detention camps. I thought about the biblical passage from Luke 4:18 that United Methodist Women uses as both a model and a mandate for Christian social action and advocacy. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." That verse reminded me that I must speak up, stand up and advocate to end family detention because it is a human rights violation. I know that the oppressed must go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor!
Program Advisory Group members Sabrina White (left), Esther Barkat (center) with Melissa Bowe (right) of National Justice For Our Neighbors.
I stand today to advocate an end to family detention, knowing that family detention is a human rights violation. My final thoughts were those of the church: We affirm a world aligned with God’s vision of a beloved community, a world in which nationalities and borders do not divide us as the people whom God loves. We affirm the human rights of every person regardless of status and affirm that these rights do not stop at borders. Esther Barkat As excited as I was to meet with President advisors along with other faith community members, I was also somewhat anxious. I was worried that it would be yet another meeting with no real consequences. I prayed about the meeting and asked for peace of mind and direction to speak on behalf of families who are desperately in need of our support. I prayed for courage to be a voice of the voiceless. I was given an opportunity to speak about psychological effects, including physical and cognitive effects on children due to trauma they experience while in U.S. detention centers. After the meeting, I was energized and hopeful that we as a faith community are fighting to make a difference in the lives of people who can’t fight for themselves. With one voice we all spoke about ending the family detention centers. I, along with Sabrina White, was proud to represent United Methodist Women. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Esther Barkat is a member of the 2013-2016 United Methodist Women Board of Directors and of the Program Advisory Group. Sabrina White is a member of the United Methodist Women Program Advisory Group.
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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Metropolitan & Community News
4th DC Feldenkrais Festival Saturday, June 6, 10am-4pm Chevy Chase Community Center Join Pat Simpich for the fourth All Day Feldenkrais Festival on Saturday, June 6. Many of us were present at the last festival two months ago and had a good experience. Feldenkrais lessons are very gentle movement lessons. One can be present for one lesson, or two, or for the whole day. Students are given instructions as to what (slow) moves to make, and many people are surprised when the lesson ends and they feel "different," or "better," or "have a wonderful sense of well being." Lessons last about 50 minutes. For some lessons, one lies on a mat on the floor. For others, one sits in a chair. Pat attended last time and stayed all day and felt great at the end of the day. Several of us from Metropolitan and Wesley went to lunch together at Bread and Chocolate, 1/2 block away on Connecticut, which is also a treat. Recap: What: Feldenkrais Festival, all day, Saturday, June 6, beginning at 10 a.m., ending at 4 p.m. Where: Chevy Chase Community Center, Connecticut Avenue at McKinley, across from Avalon Theater Cost: Free What to wear: Comfortable clothing. From the website: https://www.smore.com/3p790-the-4th-dc-feldenkrais-festival You can experience an entire day of Awareness Through Movement on Saturday, June 6, 10am - 4pm at the Chevy Chase Community Center. I hope you'll invite friends and family to come with you and consider spending the whole day at the 4th DC Feldenkrais Festival! Hear what some of participants at previous festivals had to say: “I really noticed a difference, even now, three days later. I like the meditative style . . . Thanks for giving this to the community — it was great!” "After the Festival, I got the best night of sleep I've had in a long time!" “Great Experience. Having sessions with four different instructors in one day helped me vary and intensify my practice. Thanks for the experience and for your time and effort in making the Festival happen.”
Contact Pat Simpich at pat.simpich@verizon.net for more information
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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Metropolitan & Community News
June AARP Luncheon Monday, June 15, noon Please join us on Monday, June 15 at noon in the Vestry for our spring luncheon. The cost is $10.00 per person. Please contact Bobby Turnbull, bobbyturnbull@comcast.net for reservations.
…and that means no newsletter until September. Have a great summer! ~ Alex
Circles 2
Circle 2 will not have any formal meetings until September. Contact Jane Cunningham, jtc3rd@aol.com or Charlotte Carter, char.carter@cox.net.
6
Ann and I invite you to a Summer Celebration lunch at Chef Geoff's on New Mexico Ave NW at 12:30 June 28. We will discuss plans for the next year, share stories and laugh! Please RSVP to Mary Jo by June 24 so reservations can be made for 12:30, June 28. Come with ideas, suggestions and creativity to help our circle grow and flourish!! (Inbetween laughter and good food we will plan for next year!). Questions or suggestions, Mary Jo Marchant, mjmarchant@verizon.net or Ann Michel, amichel@wesleyseminary.edu.
8
Circle 8 will meet at Alison's on June 2nd at 6:30 pm for a potluck salad supper. Everyone is welcome. Contact Eugenia Evans, setevens@comcast.net
9
Circle 9 will meet for a potluck luncheon on Wednesday, June 3 at 11:30 a.m. in the Choir Room. Please contact Bobby Turnbull bobbyturnbull@comcast.net.
10
Circle 10 - Will have our annual pool party at Palisades Pool in Cabin John on Thursday evening, June 18. Details to come. Contact Caralee Adams caralee.adams@verizon.net or Suzanne Vieth msvieth@verizon.net
The next UMW Board Meeting will be held in August. Newsletter prepared by Alexandra McPherron, email alexmcph@gmail.com
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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Appendix
Greater Washington District UMW Prayer Breakfast at Metropolitan, May 23, 2015
Photo courtesy of Jeanie Mah
Waiting for the crowd: Pam Rogers (left) & Mary Jo Marchant (right)
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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Appendix
Invocation: Pastor Kate Payton
& Greater Washington District UMW President Geraldine Whitley thanking some of the Prayer Breakfast volunteers: L to R: Helene Lilly, Ann Michel, Joyce Shields, Carol Schleicher
Metropolitan UMW Newsletter : June 2015
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Appendix
Thanking more of the Prayer Breakfast volunteers: L to R: Andrea Banyasz, Barbara Gaskill (hidden), Susan Roach, Connie Sommers, Mary Jo Marchant, Jeanie Mah; Eppie Marecheau (District Spiritual Growth Coordinator, foreground)
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