[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

JANUARY 8, 2009

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

CONVENTION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers for the annual Diocesan Convention (Jan. 30-31 at Washington
National Cathedral) are asked to register at http://convention.edow.org
by Jan.16. Volunteers are needed to help with registration packet and
ballet collation, hospitality and to serve as election and floor
tellers, registration assistants, cashier, marshals and pages. Contact
Ann Talty at atalty at edow.org or 202/537-6548 for further information.
Please also help spread the word by advertising the need for volunteers
in church bulletins.

WINNING GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MINISTRY    
The Alban Institute is hosting a "webinar" to offer guidance to churches
exploring grant funding as a possible source of support to ministries.
The online event, set for Jan. 28, costs $39, lasts for an hour and is
taught by veteran grant-writer Joy Skjegstad, author of "Winning Grants
to Strengthen Your Ministry." During the session, Skjegstad will discuss
how to decide if grant funding is right for your ministry; how funders
evaluate proposals; steps to developing a proposal that is both
compelling and effective; and strategies to use in communicating with
"secular" funders. Register at
http://www.alban.org/learningdetail.aspx?id=6830

CONTINUING THE DREAM OF DR. KING
>From 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 19, Washington National Cathedral and young people
throughout the area will honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. while
considering the future of the country under the leadership of
President-elect Barack Obama. Local poet, performer and educator Bomani
Armah will lead the multi-sensory musical celebration along with young
people as they create their own messages to the new president. Violinist
Daniel Davis, whose performances at Obama presidential rallies are
favorites on YouTube, will perform. For more information, please visit
www.nationalcathedral.org

MLK LIVES ON: YOUTH IN PALESTINE/ISRAEL
Tarek Abuata, of the Bethesda-based organization Love Thy Neighbor will
speak at a Sunday Forum in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. at 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 18 at St. Alban's, D.C. Abuata grew up in Bethlehem and moved to
the U.S. with his family after the 1987 Intifada. Since receiving his
J.D. with a focus in International Law from the University of Texas Law
School in 2002, he has worked to support peace and nonviolence between
the U.S. and the Middle East. He has been involved in many nonviolence
workshops, including a 2008 session in Bethlehem.

INAUGURAL EVENT - INVITATION 
Members of the diocese are invited to an inaugural event co-hosted by
the Community Healing Network, Inc. and the Smithsonian National Museum
of African Art. The event, set for 7 to 11 p.m. Jan. 19 (Martin Luther
King Jr. Day) at the Museum, aims to bring people together in joyful
celebration as the nation looks back at the long struggle for civil
rights and forward to the swearing in of the first American president of
African descent. Museum galleries will be open; there will be music,
dance and hors d'oeuvres. Space is limited; purchase tickets at
www.communityhealingnet.org The Community Healing Network, launched in
2006 by St. Luke's Episcopal Church in New Haven, Conn., is a grassroots
movement promote emotional healing and renewal in the black community.

ALPHA COURSE AT ASCENSION AND ST. AGNES
Ascension & St. Agnes, D.C., is holding an Alpha Course at 7 p.m. on
Thursdays beginning Jan. 22. Alpha is an introduction for those
exploring Christianity for the first time, as well as those looking to
refresh and reinvigorate their faith. Each week the group will meet for
a meal, followed by a video and small group discussion. The course also
includes a weekend focused on the role of the Holy Spirit, and is being
offered at no charge. To register, or for more information, contact
Daniel Handel at danielhandel at gmail.com or Michael Vreeland at
202/347-8161.  

BISHOP, CARTER TO BE HONORED BY SAMARITAN MINISTRY 
Bishop John Bryson Chane and Christiana Carter, a member of St. Paul's,
Rock Creek, will be honored for their contributions to Samaritan
Ministry of Greater Washington at a Mardi Gras Celebration on Feb. 6.
The fundraiser, featuring a Dixieland Jazz band, New Orleans-style food,
beer and wine and a live auction of vacation getaways, is set for 6:30
to 9 p.m. at the NRECA Conference Center in Arlington, Va., near the
Ballston Metro. Contact Mary Belknap at 202/722-2280 x 327 for tickets
to the or to make donations in honor of Chane and Carter. Visit
www.samaritanministry.org for further information.

NEW ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
A new support group for those caring with someone with Alzheimer's
Disease led by ESM Cares' director of operations, Mary Ann Buckley
LICSW, began meeting in January. Meetings are set for 6 to 7 p.m. on the
first Wednesday of each month at Arden Courts, 10718 Potomac Tennis
Lane, Potomac, MD 20854. Call 301/983-3620 or e-mail
Potomac at arden-courts.com for more information or to register.

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUP
The Alzheimer's Association sponsors a monthly support group at St.
James', Potomac (11815 Seven Locks Road) for those caring for someone
with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Meetings take
place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall on the third Thursday of
each month. All support givers are welcome. Facilitators trained by the
Alzheimer's Association will lead the group. For further information,
contact John Miers at 301/656-3359 or Johngmiers at comcast.net

JOBS:

BOOKKEEPER - P/T
Transitional Housing Corp., a faith-based organization providing interim
housing for families from homeless shelters, requires a part-time
bookkeeper (up to 20 hours/week) to assist in the execution of general
accounting tasks such as accounts payable, payroll processing and
monthly government invoice preparation. Familiarity with grant or
project accounting is helpful but not required. Hourly rate $20-25
depending on experience or negotiable with some combination of health
benefits. THC is located at the corner of Colorado Ave. and 16th Street.
Applicants may send a cover letter, resume and references to
jobs at thcdc.org  

ORGANIST AND CHOIR DIRECTOR
St. John's, Olney is in search of an organist and choir director to
begin March 1. Music is provided for 9 and 11 a.m. services with an
adult choir at 11 a.m. Duties include Sunday and seasonal services, and
the possibility of weddings and funerals. 15-18 hours/week. Compensation
will depend on educational background and experience. Contact the Rev.
Carol Cole Flanagan at 301/774-6999 or ccolef at stjohnsolney.org

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your
prayers this week:
* Charles Hoffacker - condolences to he and his daughter at the time of
his wife's death on Dec. 21 (Cindy Guthrie) 
* Elizabeth Carl - mother's health - in hospice care (Margaret)
* Vienna Cobb Anderson - personal health
* Olivia Hilton - personal health
* Sara Duggin - personal health
* Travers Koerner - personal health

>>> REMINDERS:

BISHOP WALKER SCHOOL BALL AND BENEFIT
Join the Friends of the Bishop Walker School in celebrating Barack
Obama's inauguration at the "T-shirt and Tails Ball" on Jan. 17 at the
Darlington House. Proceeds will benefit the Bishop Walker School.
Details and tickets available at www.bishopwalkerschool.org

DEATH PENALTY FORUM (* note: corrected time)
Ascension, Silver Spring (633 Sligo Avenue) will host Amnesty
International for a public forum on the Death Penalty in Maryland at * 7
p.m. Jan. 15. Parking is available in the circle in front of the church,
on side streets, and in the school parking lot behind the church on
Silver Spring Avenue. Light refreshments will be served. For more
information, contact Chris Llewellyn at 301/585-7321 or
Llewellyn414 at starpower.net.

THE JONES FAMILY AND FRIENDS BENEFIT CONCERT 
The critically acclaimed folk ensemble The Jones Family will make its
first concert appearance in four years at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 in the
parish hall of St. Andrew's, College Park. Proceeds will benefit Help by
Phone of Prince George's County, which provides food and other
assistance to needy families and individuals. Admission: $12 adults; $10
students/seniors. Refreshments available for purchase. 

MLK & OUR CENTURY: A MULTIFACETED TRIBUTE
MLK & Our Century, set for 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 24 at St. Augustine's, D.C.,
is a tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring
actor-filmmaker Michael Mack (of "Star Trek: The Next Generation") and a
panel of well-known artists, activists, politicians and educators. The
event, presented in two acts, will begin with a live documentary about
the last year of King's life. A panel discussion of current events with
the wisdom of Dr. King fresh in mind will follow. The event is free;
donations will be accepted.

LENTEN SILENT RETREAT
The Diocesan Retreat Committee will hold its 2009 Lenten Silent Retreat
at the Bon Secours Spiritual Center (www.bonsecours.org/BSSC) in
Marriottsville on March 6- 8.  The theme will be "The Generosity of
God," based on the Gospel of St. Luke. The director of the retreat will
be the Rev. Canon Ralph Godsall, a retired Anglican priest with an
extensive ministry as a preacher, retreat conductor and spiritual
director. Cost is $195; scholarships available. Applications and a
deposit of $100 must be received by Jan. 30. Visit www.edow.org/retreat
for information and application instructions, or contact Joan Shelton at
202/232-1667 or joanshelton at verizon.net.

CONTRIBUTING TO THE BISHOP JOHN T. WALKER SCHOOL
Contributions for the 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

HUNGER FUND'S LENTEN PROGRAM 
The diocesan Hunger Fund is putting together a Lenten study package of
readings and reflections for each Sunday in Lent, as well as Palm
Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Materials will be
available at the 2009 Diocesan Convention on Jan. 30-31. For more
information, contact Lee Mericle at lmericle at acm.org.

EPISCOPAL DIVINITY SCHOOL VISITOR'S DAY                        
Prospective students are invited to a Visiting Day at Episcopal Divinity
School in Cambridge, Mass., on March 5. Explore the curriculum, meet the
faculty, and experience the daily life and worship within the EDS
Community. Contact admissions at eds.edu or 617/682-1507, or go to
www.eds.edu and click on Admissions. One night of accommodation is
offered to prospective students, based on availability. 

ECF FELLOWSHIP PARTNERS PROGRAM CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Apply now for the Episcopal Church Foundation's Fellowship Partners
Program. Deadline is March 15. The program awards both academic and
transformational ministry fellowships. Lay and clergy applications
welcome. Awards range from $3,000 to $15,000. Recipients will be
announced in May. Visit www.EpiscopalFoundation.org or call 800/697-2858
for further information.

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST IN COMMUNITY CLASS
A Disciples Of Christ In Community winter-spring class is set for
Tuesdays Jan.27 through April 28 and Saturday Feb. 7 at Washington
National Cathedral. DOCC is a Christian formation program for adults
that builds community while encouraging individual spiritual growth.
$100 fee includes materials. Contact Linda Terrell at
lterrell at cathedral.org or 202/537-5240 for more information; register at
https://tickets.cathedral.org/public/

To unsubscribe from CHURCH HOUSE NEWS, do NOT reply to this message.
Instead send an e-mail to newslist-request at edowmail.org and type
Unsubscribe in the subject line. Leave the body of the message blank. Or
go to http://lists.edowmail.org/mailman/listinfo/newslist scroll to the
bottom of the page, type your e-mail address in the last field and click
"Unsubscribe or edit options." On the following page, under unsubscribe,
click the "unsubscribe" button. Either way, the system will send you a
confirmation e-mail. Follow the link in the e-mail to confirm.