[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

JULY 23, 2009

 

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

 

EDOW'S WEB USABILITY TEST: UPDATE

A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the usability test for the diocesan Web site. The first phase of testing is now closed. We are currently reviewing the responses we received and making adjustments. We'll open the usability test again on July 30.

 

FALL PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND

There's still time to join Bishop John Bryson Chane and members of the Diocese of Washington on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from Oct. 22 to Nov. 4. The itinerary includes Jerusalem, Galilee, Jordan, Ramallah and Nazareth. The trip costs $3,425, which includes roundtrip airfare from Dulles, all accommodation, meals and transportation, tour guide and entrance fees. Travelers must have a passport that is valid until at least May 4, 2010 and must obtain a visa to Jordan before leaving the United States. Deposit of $350 is due by July 29. Please contact Tracy Dieter at tdieter at edow.org or 202/537-6545 to reserve a place or for further information.

 

VOCATIONAL MINISTRY RETREAT - SEPT. 18-19

The next Vocational Ministry Retreat sponsored by the Commission on Ministry is set for Sept. 18-19 at the St. Mary Seminary Continuing Education Center in Baltimore. The retreat will be led by Marjory Zoet Bankson, writer, teacher and former executive director of Faith at Work. This retreat is designed for all those seeking to discern God's call in their lives, as well as those considering a call to ordained ministry. The cost is $120. Registration for this retreat is now open at www.edow.org/events

 

TRANSITION MINISTRY CONFERENCE - SEPT. 20-23

The next Transition Ministry Conference is set for Sept. 20-23 at the Tutu Center, General Theological Seminary, New York City. Clergy interested in being presented for the openings in congregations in the 38 participating dioceses should contact the Rev. Mary Sulerud, canon for deployment and vocational ministry, at msulerud at edow.org regarding the information and forms needed. The deadline for materials from clergy is Sept. 10.

 

DISCUSSION OF THE DISCERNMENT PROCESS 

On Sept.17, members of the Commission on Ministry, EDOW staff and the president of the Standing Committee will be available to talk to clergy about the discernment process for ordination. The meeting is set for 4-6 p.m. at Trenbath Hall at St. Alban's, D.C. For further information, contact the Rev. Mary Sulerud at msulerud at edow.org

 

AIDS COMMUNITY RESEARCH INITIATIVE OF AMERICA: TRAINING

Aids Community Research Initiative Of America will hold a free, two-day training for aging service organizations, HIV/AIDS organizations serving adults over age 50 and community members. The training, set for Aug. 10-11, will be held at the Hall of States, 444 North Capitol St. NW. It will present an overview of issues specific to those aged 50-plus who are living with HIV. CNE credits will be available. For more information, contact Hanna Tessema at htessema at acria.org or Lisa Frederick at lfrederick at acria.org

 

ST. AUGUSTINE'S GAME NIGHT

Community members and families are invited to bring their favorite games and enjoy a fun evening of fellowship from 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at St. Augustine's, D.C. (600 M St., SW). This free will include a potluck supper. Contact 202/554-3222 or rector at staugustinesdc.org for further information.

 

'THE SPIRIT OF THE PEARL'

David W. Smith, Sr., executive director of The Pearl Coalition, will talk about the escape of 77 slaves from Washington and Alexandria, Va., from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 30 at St. Augustine's, D.C. The escapees boarded the Pearl schooner, docked at the Southwest waterfront,  just yards from St. Augustine's present location, on April 15, 1848 - the largest such escape attempt in the U.S. The Pearl Coalition's mission is to educate others about slaves, slavery and escapes from slavery, along with the role of abolitionists and the Underground Railway. The Aug. 30 event begins with light refreshments and ends with a facilitated audience Q&A.

 

ART & SPIRIT COFFEEHOUSE AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S, D.C.

Pianist Steve Baddour will perform "Latin Passions," musical selections from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Spain and Venezuela at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at St. Augustine's, D.C., followed by a question and answer session facilitated by artist Michael Mack. Coffee and desserts will be served. Donations accepted for artist's honorarium. Contact rector at staugustinesdc.org, 202/554-3222 or visit www.staugustinesdc.org for further information.

 

ICON PAINTING WORKSHOP (*please note corrected dates: this is a 3-day event)

The Rev. Peter Pearson will lead a three-day icon writing (painting) retreat/workshop on Labor Day weekend at Trinity, St. Mary's. Classes are set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 5 and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7. Participants will receive step-by-step instructions to start and complete an icon. All materials will be provided. The cost is $225. For more information or to register, call the Rev. John Ball at 301/862-4597 or e-mail trinitysmcmd at olg.com

 

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your prayers this week:              

* Nathan Humphrey and Anne - thanksgiving for the birth of Andrew Biddlecombe Humphrey on July15

* Jered Weber-Johnson and Erin - thanksgiving for the birth of Jude Graham Weber-Johnson on July 14

* Nathan Humphrey - sympathy at time of his mother's death (Lois)

* John Lawrence - wife's health (Jerri)

* Kwasi Thornell - personal health

* Margaret Guenther - personal health

* Mark Lewis - personal health

* Claudia Tielking - son's health (Josh)

* Vienna Anderson - personal health

* Jake Beck - personal health 

* Noreen Seiler-Dubay - personal health

* Bishop Ted Eastman - granddaughter's health (Shannon)

*  Susan Blue - personal health

*  Edward Brightman - personal health

*  Olivia Hilton  - personal health

*  John Ball - granddaughter's health (Alana)

 

>>> REMINDERS:

 

FISH FRY AT TRINITY, UPPER MARLBORO

Trinity, Upper Marlboro will hold a Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. July 24. Menu: Fried Whiting, green beans, coleslaw, bread, beverage and dessert. Price: $10 adults/$8 seniors with dessert; $9 and $7 without dessert and $5 for children age 11 and under. For information, call 301/627-2636.

 

MARYLAND EMPLOYERS

Please note that the minimum wage for the State of Maryland increases to $7.25 per hour effective July 24, and adjust payrolls accordingly. For further information, please contact Kathleen Hall at 202/537-6522 or khall at edow.org

 

UPCOMING DIOCESAN EVENTS - ADVANCE PLANNING

Please check out this list of upcoming diocesan events through May 2010 and mark your calendars accordingly:  http://www.edow.org/news/calendar/upcoming.html

 

USED BOOKS AND BAKE SALE AT EPIPHANY, D.C.

Epiphany, D.C., is having a used book and bake sale on Aug. 16-18 in its Parish Hall. Hours are 12:15 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 16 (Sunday) and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 17-18. Epiphany is located at 1317 G St, NW (Metro Center, 13th and G Sts. Exit). Call 202/347-2635 or visit www.epiphanydc.org for further information. All proceeds go to support Epiphany's ministries to the poor and workers in downtown Washington.

 

SURVEY OF PARISH YOUTH PROGRAMS 

The diocese invites you to take part in a short survey on youth ministry to help better support parish youth ministry. The survey can be found at:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1o4nJ_2bUdjQcx5TKknlhiJA_3d_3d

Contact Jessica Hitchcock at 202/537-6524 or jhitchcock at edow.org for further information.

 

SUMMER EVENINGS OF PRAYER

If you desire time for silence and prayer, but a busy life puts obstacles in the way, then come to Summer Evenings of Prayer. Learn ways to pray that can be incorporated into your daily routine. Each evening, learn a contemplative prayer, practice it, and review the experience. You may attend any, or all sessions. Meet Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Epiphany, D.C. (1317 G St, NW) through Aug. 5. RSVP to swalker at epiphanydc.org, or call 202/347-2635 ext 20.

 

ACOLYTE FESTIVAL

The 13th annual Acolyte Festival is set for  10 a.m. Oct. 10 at Washington National Cathedral and acolytes at parishes around the diocese are invited to take part. The event, which draws acolytes from around the nation, will include worship and workshops. Acolytes are invited to bring processional crosses, banners, torches, thuribles, flags and streamers for a festive procession. Liturgical dance groups are also welcome. Further information can be found at www.nationalcathedral.org or by calling 202/537-2228. Deadline for registration is Sept. 25. 

 

REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES 2009:

Clergy, wardens, convention delegates and vestry members should plan to attend the fall Regional Assemblies. The Rev. Bob Gallagher will make a presentation and lead discussion on issues concerning Congregational Growth. Gallagher is the founder of the Church Development Institute, which conducts intensive training programs on congregational leadership and development. 

* Regions 1, 2, 3 & 4: Oct. 17, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Washington Episcopal School, Bethesda

* Regions 5 & 6:  Nov. 21, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Queen Anne School, Upper Marlboro

 

FRIENDS OF SABEEL CONFERENCE - SAVE THE DATE

A Friends of Sabeel Conference is set for Oct. 1-3, at Shiloh Baptist Church, Washington, D.C.

The conference theme is, "Pursue Justice, Seek Peace! Framing the Discourse - Mobilizing for Action."  Confirmed speakers include the Rev. Naim Ateek (Director of Sabeel), Jeff Halper (Founder and Coordinator, Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions), Bernard Lafayette (Civil Rights activist, co-founder of Student Nonviolence Coordinating Committee, currently Distinguished Senior Scholar at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.), Phyllis Bennis (fellow of the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C., and member of the steering committee of the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation), Nadia Hijab (Senior Fellow at the Institute of Palestine Studies) and George Rishmawi (Coordinator for Siraj, Center for Holy Land Studies).  For information, contact Grace.Said at verizon.net

 

NEW GRANT AVAILABLE TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN IN NEED

The Pitts Emergency Grant was recently created by the Saint Anna's Home of the Diocese of Washington. The one-time grant of up to $1,500 is designed to offer emergency assistance to women of at least 70 years old of African descent who are members of the Diocese of Washington when there is a critical, unexpected event which requires an immediate response. Funds will be paid directly to an entity, not an individual. The request must come from or be endorsed by a clergy member in the diocese. The process is confidential, and requests can be submitted at any time to: Pitts Emergency Grant of Saint Anna's Home, Episcopal Diocese of  Washington, Episcopal Church House, Mt. Saint Alban, Washington, D.C. 20016. For further information, contact Irene V. Jackson-Brown at ivjb at aol.com 

 

DIOCESAN YOUTH MINISTRY - TENTATIVE DATES FOR 2009/2010

The following dates have been put forward for Youth Ministry activities in 2009/2010. 

* Youth Lock In at the Cathedral: Nov.13, 2009

* High School Retreat: Feb. 19-21, 2010

* Middle School Retreat: March 19-21, 2010

For further information about any of these events, please contact Jessica Hitchcock, interim youth missioner, at 202/537-6524 or jhitchcock at edow.org.

 

LATINO MINISTRY CELEBRATION -  SAVE THE DATE

The annual Latino Ministry Celebration is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Washington National Cathedral. Bishop Chane will preside at the Eucharist. Bishop Julio Cesar Holguín, bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Dominican Republic, will be the preacher. A fiesta and dinner will follow. More details to come. For more information, contact the Rev. Simón Bautista, diocesan Latino Missioner, at  202/537-6441 or sbautista at edow.org

 

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

 

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