[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

AUGUST 23, 2008

*** The weekly bulletin for clergy, wardens, diocesan committee members, convention delegates and church administrators in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington ***

CHURCH HOUSE NEWS
Please send items for Church House News to Jim Naughton at jnaughton at edow.org through Sept. 10. Do not reply to this message.

A DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING FOR THE MDGS
The Provinces of the Anglican Communion have called for a day of prayer, fasting and witness on Sept. 25, when there is a special session of the United Nations to discuss the Millennium Development Goals. The EDOW Committee on the Millennium Development Goals invites and encourages all members and parishes in this diocese to respond to this call. Visit Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation at http://www.e4gr.org/sept25.html to commit to say prayers with special intention for the extreme poor throughout the world on that day; skip at least one meal in solidarity with the nearly 1 billion people who go to bed hungry each night (depending on health; consult your doctor if in doubt); and participate in an online advocacy action.

GLOBAL WARMING AS A PEACE AND JUSTICE ISSUE 
St. Alban's, D.C., will conclude its summer forum series with an illustrated lecture by Peter Hildebrand at 11:45 a.m. Aug. 24, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Eucharist.   
Hildebrand, an award-winning NASA meteorologist who also serves as co-convener of the diocesan Episcopal Peace Fellowship chapter and on the vestry of St. Columba's, will adapt his recent presentation at the Library of Congress, focusing on how Earth's water cycle can be affected by a warming climate, what we might expect for the future, and how this relates to issues from world hunger to environmental stewardship. 

VOCATIONAL MINISTRY RETREAT
The Commission on Ministry is sponsoring a Vocational Ministry Retreat, "What's my life's work?" Sept. 12-13 at St. Mary's Seminary & University Center for Continuing Formation: http://www.stmarys.edu/center/cntr_tour.htm The retreat is designed to help participants begin to discern where and to what God is calling them at this time, and to guide them in getting support from their immediate faith community as they continue to clarify their life's work. The fee for the retreat is $120. Financial assistance is available and space is limited to 20 people. Register at http://www.edow.org/events

MUSIC THAT MAKES COMMUNITY
An All Saints Company conference: Music that Makes Community, is set for Oct. 8-10 in Los Angeles, with an optional Saturday liturgy workshop to follow on Oct. 11. Spaces are still available. Sign up at http://www.allsaintscompany.org/events/view/mmc_west/
For more information, contact the Rev. Daniel Simons at daniel at allsaintscompany.org
or 415/558-6958.

CAN YOU OFFER HOSPITALITY TO A YOUNG WELSH ORDINAND?
Adrian Morgan, a young PhD student from Wales who is an ordinand of the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon, a diocese of the Anglican Church in Wales, has the opportunity to visit New York and Washington following a trip to Harvard in October. He writes: "As a student, it would be impossible for me to pay the rate of many New York or Washington hotels. I know that many of our Church institutions or Clergy offer hospitality to guests, young ordinands in particular. Would your diocese be able to offer a similar arrangement in the area of Washington? As I am traveling alone, I am keen to take advice from others to insure a safe and convenient location during my stay. Depending on the Internet alone for such information can sometimes be misleading. I would appreciate any suggestions or advice that you may be able to offer." If you can offer hospitality or advice to Adrian, please contact him directly at ebost.adrian at googlemail.com

REPORTING BACK ON THE LAMBETH CONFERENCE (*additional date added)
Bishop John Bryson Chane, Karen Chane and Canon Jim Naughton will share their experiences at the recently concluded Lambeth Conference during several forums in September. The first is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 13 (Saturday) at St. James, Indian Head, 7 Potomac Ave, Indian Head, Md. The second is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 25 (Thursday) at Christ, Kensington,  4001 Franklin St., Kensington, Md. The Episcopal Church Women are co-sponsoring the forums. * Naughton will offer an additional "Report on Lambeth" at 10 a.m. Sept. 21 at St. Alban's, D.C, as part of the parish's Sunday Forum series.  

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your prayers this week: 
* Mary Sulerud - mother-in-law's death (Melva)
* Michael Marrett - personal health
* Chuck Daugherty - personal health
* Barbara Allen - personal health
* Kathy Corbett -Welch - personal health
* Louise Lusignan - personal health
* Sarah Duggin - personal health
* Jack Chamblin - personal health
* Rip Coffin - personal health
* Lynn Lundelius - personal health
* Travers Koerner - personal health
* Susan Keller - father's health (Thomas)
* Karen Johnson - daughter's health (Susan)
* Claudia Tielking - son's health (Josh)

>>> REMINDERS:

ATTENTION CLERGY: TRANSITION MINISTRY CONFERENCE 
The next Transition Ministry Conference is set for Sept. 22-25 in St. Louis, Missouri. Clergy interested in being considered for openings in the congregations of the 40 dioceses represented by TMC should contact George McConnell, gmcconnell at edow.org or Mary Sulerud, msulerud at edow.org, no later than Sept. 18 for more information. The Deployment and Vocational Ministries office staff will be presenting congregations in the diocese that have openings and clergy seeking new calls.

EPISCOPAL CAMPUS MINISTRY AT PENN STATE
The Episcopal Campus Ministry at Penn State needs help to identify Episcopalian students. Due to university privacy policies the chaplaincy is no longer able to obtain contact information for Episcopalians who are enrolled at Penn State. This is even true for students who identified themselves as Episcopalians during the admission process. If any of your congregants are, or will be, attending any of the Penn State campuses, please e-mail their name and contact information to the Rev. Jim Zmyslo, Chaplain, Episcopal Campus Ministry at Penn State at jaz9 at psu.edu or call 814/883-2390.

MCLAREN'S PRESENTATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Evangelist and author Brian McLaren's keynote presentation from the diocesan Evangelism Conference is now available at www.edow.org 

SPANISH CLASS AT ST. PAUL'S, K STREET IS FULL
The Spanish class at St. Paul's, K Street is now full. Thanks to all who responded.

STARTING A GRIEF RECOVERY WORKSHOP
All Saints Episcopal Church in Frederick, Maryland will be hosting a training on how to start a grief recovery workshop entitled, "Mourner's Path." This three day workshop is set for Sept. 18-20. The cost is $350. Registration for two or more people from the same parish is $250. Registration deadline is Sept. 2. Tuition includes program instruction, textbooks, lunch each day, and all program materials. The Rev. Joanna Seibert, a deacon at Trinity Cathedral in Little Rock, Ark., and a professor of Radiology and Pediatrics at Arkansas Children's Hospital will be the facilitator. If you're interested or would like more information, please contact the Rev. Tommy Rogers at rev.thomas.rogers at gmail.com or 301/663-5625 ext.106

REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES 2008
Clergy, wardens and convention delegates are entitled to vote and should plan to come to this year's Regional Assemblies. Other members of the vestry are encouraged to come as well to participate in discussions. For information on how to submit nominations, etc., visit www.edow.org/regionals
* Region 1: 8:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 (Saturday) at St. Patrick's, D.C.
* Region 2: 8:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 (Saturday) at St. Patrick's, D.C.
* Region 3: 1:15 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18 (Saturday) at St. Luke's, Bethesda
* Region 4: 1:15 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18 (Saturday) at St. Luke's, Bethesda
* Region 5:  6:15 to 9:15 p.m. Oct. 22 (Wednesday) at Holy Trinity, Bowie
* Region 6:  8:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 25 (Saturday) at St. Paul's, Waldorf

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE WINDOW
* Mailing list updates: Washington Window, the newspaper of the diocese, is mailed free of charge to parishioners in all churches of the diocese. In order to ensure your parishioners are receiving this publication, please send an updated mailing list (in any format, but Excel is preferred) to newspaper at edow.org
* Ads: Information about ad rates and sizes for the Window can be found at http://www.edow.org/news/window/advertising.html Please note that new ad sizes are now in effect, due to a slight change of format.

EPISCOPAL HEALTH MINISTRY & PARISH NURSING 
National Episcopal Health Ministries will hold an intensive 5-day course that emphasizes Episcopal traditions in the theology of health and healing, liturgy, polity and prayer from Oct. 5-10 at the Bishop Claggett Center, Buckeystown, Md. Practical aspects of developing Health Ministry in a local congregation are addressed. Further information is available at: http://www.episcopalhealthministries.org/prep_course.html or call the NEHM office at 317/253-1277 ext. 34. Registration is limited to the first 20 participants. Health professionals other than nurses are welcome to enroll, as well as other non-professionals interested in learning more about general health ministry as a lay vocation. CEU credits are available.

LARGE PRINT CDS FOR VISUALLY IMPARED
The Large-Print Ministry offers three CDs that can help the blind, visually-impaired and others with special needs more fully participate in worship. They are:
* The Large-Print Book Of Common Prayer  * Sing Praise to Our God (from the 1982 Hymnal) * Prayers & Psalms For Today. For ordering information, please contact Ann Dahlen at a.dahlen at att.net

INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS ON DIOCESAN HEALTH INSURANCE
In the coming weeks, there will be six informational sessions around the diocese to address possible changes in the structure of health benefits available through the diocese. 
The Diocesan Human Resources Committee and Diocesan Council strongly urge you to attend one of these sessions to learn more about the Medical Trust proposal. In the meantime, please contact Kathleen Hall, Human Resources Administrator at 202/537-6522 or khall at edow.org with any questions. Further information is available at: 
http://www.edow.org/parish/benefits/2008-health-forums.html
Informational sessions are as follows:
* 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at All Soul's (2300 Cathedral Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.)
* 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at St. Paul's, Piney (4535 Piney Church Rd.,Waldorf)
* 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at St. Paul's, Baden (13500 Baden Westwood Rd., Brandywine) 
* 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at St. John's, Olney [church library] (3427 Olney Laytonsville Rd., Olney) 

RENEWAL OF MARRIAGE VOWS - SERVICE AND RECEPTION
Episcopal Senior Ministries will hold a special Eucharist and renewal of vows ceremony for couples throughout the diocese who have been married 25 years or more. The service is set for 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Washington National Cathedral, with a reception immediately following at Satterlee Hall, St. Alban's. Registration fee for couples is $50. Additional guests are welcomed to the reception for an additional cost of $25 per person. A flyer, registration form and fact sheet are available at www.esm.org or by calling 202/414-6314. Registration by Sept. 10 is essential to ensure the certificate of the Renewal of Marriage Vows is prepared and for catering arrangements. Administrators and others should call 202/414-6314 for additional information. 

FALL 2008 SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN TRAININGS
Trainings for Safeguarding God's Children (prevention of child abuse) will resume in September. This training is required for all paid full-time staff and any volunteers who work with children and youth, including Christian Education leaders and Sunday School teachers. All training sessions are on Saturday unless otherwise indicated. 
* Sept. 13 (9:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m.); St. Andrew's, Leonardtown
* Sept. 27 (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.); St. John's, Beltsville
* Oct. 4 (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.); St. Stephen and the Incarnation, D.C. 
* Oct. 25 (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.); St. Peter's, Poolesville
* Nov. 8 (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.); Transfiguration, Silver Spring
* Dec. 2 (Tuesday: 6 to 10 p.m., with dinner); St. Columba's, D.C.
* Dec. 13 (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.); St. Mary's, D.C. 
Registration will be available soon at www.edow.org/prevention 
 
BLACK MINISTRIES 8TH TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE
The Black Ministries 8th Triennial Conference, set for Oct. 19-23 at the Intercontinental New Orleans Hotel, will bring diverse groups together to explore both the challenges and best practices in black and multicultural congregations, and for blacks in predominantly white congregations. This year, participation has been expanded to include the voices of lay leaders, young adults, women, Anglicans from other provinces and ecumenical colleagues. Conference fee is $650; registration is limited to 150 people. To register, visit http://www.conference.com/eventmanager/OnlineRegistration.asp?eventcode=H1S
 
THE 2009 JOHN HINES PREACHING AWARD
All preachers - bishops, priests, deacons and laypersons - are invited to submit one sermon for Virginia Theological Seminary's John Hines Preaching Award. Sermons should reflect the prophetic voice that characterized the sermons of John Hines, Presiding Bishop 1965-1974. The sermon must have been delivered in the Episcopal Church to a congregation between I Advent 2007 and the last Sunday after Pentecost 2008. The sermon must be received by the John Hines Preaching Award Committee by Dec. 15. The recipient of the John Hines preaching Award will receive $2,000. For further information, contact the Rev. Pamela Webb at pwebb at vts.edu or 800/941-0083.

SABBATICAL GRANT OPPORTUNITIES 
The Louisville Institute is holding its 15th annual competition for sabbatical grants for pastoral leaders. Awards are made for either eight or 12-week sabbaticals, to be taken in a continuous single period. Applicants choose whether to apply for an eight-week sabbatical, with a $10,000 award, or for a 12-week sabbatical; $15,000 award. Applications are due no later than Sept. 15. Award announcements will be made by Dec. 15, and sabbaticals must be taken between March 1, 2009 and August 31, 2010. Full program information and application materials are available at 
www.louisville-institute.org 

EMPLOYMENT POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR LAY EMPLOYEES
Employment Policies and Guidelines for Lay Employees have been updated by the Committee on Human Resources, approved by the Diocesan Council and are now available at www.edow.org. For additional information contact Kathleen Hall, khall at edow.org or 202-537-6522.

'LAND AND PROMISE' CONFERENCE SET FOR SEPT. 7
"Land and Promise" a conference co-sponsored by the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, Metro DC Synod ELCA and the Washington Chapter of the American Jewish Committee is set for 2 to 8 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Cafritz Conference Center, Marvin Center, George Washington University. Register at jewishlutheranconference at gmail.com.

WOMEN'S PRAYERS FOR ANGLICAN ANTHOLOGY
Anglican women and girls are invited to submit a prayer for possible inclusion in "Lifting Women's Voices: Ending Poverty through Prayer and Action," a new book from Morehouse Publishing. Submissions should be sent to ecw at edow.org no later than Sept. 8 to be considered for the ECW-EDOW submission to Morehouse. For more information, contact Sarah S. Shapley at ssshap at rcn.com.

NEW EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY GROUPS FORMING FOR THE FALL
New Education for Ministry groups are forming for September 2008. EfM is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Its intent is to teach lay people to think theologically in order to better relate and interpret the richness of our Christian heritage to the world and carry out the ministry of the baptized more effectively. EDOW is a sponsoring diocese for this program. For more information, and to locate and contact groups that are forming, visit EfM in the Diocese of Washington at www.edowefm.org or contact barbaramiles07 at comcast.net.

WALKER SCHOOL IN NEED OF VOLUNTEER HELP
The Bishop John T. Walker School, set to open its doors in September, is in need of some volunteer administrative assistance. Particularly needed are people who can answer the telephone, assist with assembling informational packets and performing a variety of tasks around the office. If you are able to offer some time to this endeavor, please contact Project Director James Woody at 202/257-9020 or jwoody at edow.org.
  
PILGRIMAGE TO ETHIOPIA
All Saints Company offers a pilgrimage to Ethiopia from January 16-29. Details are available at http://www.allsaintscompany.org/index.php/events/view/liturgical_ethiopia/ For further information, contact Daniel Simons at info at allsaintscompany.org

PILGRIMAGE TO CHINA 
>From April 14-30, 2009, All Saints Company will lead a pilgrimage to China. To learn more about this pilgrimage, visit: http://www.allsaintscompany.org/events/view/china/ For further information, contact Daniel Simons at info at allsaintscompany.org
 
12-STEP EUCHARIST
The Hope for Recovery ministry team at St. Alban's, D.C., will not be having its 12-Step Eucharist in July, August and September. Please contact Sally Craig at sallybcraig at aol.com with any questions.
 
DAY-RETREAT SPACE
If your vestry, committee, parish or community group needs space (10-30 people) for a day retreat or meeting this summer, please consider the University of Maryland Episcopal Student Center, College Park. The center is Metro accessible. For further information and to reserve space, please contact the chaplain, the Rev.  Peter Antoci, at pantoci at umd.edu
  
CONTRIBUTING TO THE BISHOP JOHN T. WALKER SCHOOL
Contributions for the planned Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys can be sent to: The Bishop John T. Walker School, Episcopal Church House, Mount St. Alban Washington, D.C. 20016 or visit www.bishopwalkerschool.org

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