[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

MARCH 5, 2009

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

DIOCESAN HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT
Registration packets have been mailed to parishes for the Diocesan High School Retreat, "Truth or Dare: Be a Legend," set for April 17-19. If your church has not received a packet, please contact the Rev. Jessica Hitchcock, interim youth missioner, at jhitchcock at edow.org or 202/537-6524.

VOCATIONAL MINISTRY RETREAT
"Discerning God's Call In Your Life," the next vocational ministry retreat, is set for April 24-25 at Priestfield Pastoral Center in Kearneysville, WV, just outside Charles Town. The retreat will be led by Marjory Bankson, author of "The Call to the Soul" and recent workshop leader at the Diocesan Convention. The retreat will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday and conclude at 4 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $120. Space is limited to 20 participants. Register at http://www.edow.org/news/calendar/events.html 

BOOK FAIR TO BENEFIT THE BISHOP WALKER SCHOOL 
A book fair to benefit the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys is set for 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 4 at the Politics & Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Avenue, NW. The school will receive 20 percent of all purchases made that day, and there also will be a "wish list" of books that can be purchased as a donation to the school library. For further information, call 202/299-6521.

MESSAGE FROM THE MDG COMMITTEE 
* The MDG committee is accepting applications for funds to launch or expand parish ministries that reflect one or more of the Millennium Development Goals. Visit www.edow.org/MDGs or contact Elton King eking0734 at yahoo.com or Janeschubert at aol.com for further information. * Stories of existing MDG ministries in the diocese are posted on www.edow.org/MDGs and other parishes encouraged to add their stories. * The 2009 Diocesan Convention passed a resolution identifying March 1 as ERD Sunday, with special offerings for the MDGs. Any Sunday appropriate to a parish's mission and ministry may be designated for this purpose. Any committee member (listed on the web page) is available to respond to questions about the MDGs.  
 
WEDNESDAYS IN LENT AT TRINITY, D.C.
Trinity, D.C., is offering a Lenten Series entitled "A Clearing Season," by Sarah Parsons. The program is offered twice each Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the church, located at 7005 Piney Branch Road, NW. The series begins with the Eucharist followed by sacrificial soup and study. For more information, call 202/726-7036.
 
ATTENTION CLERGY: DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE CORPORATION?
Clergy canonically resident in the Dioceses of Washington are eligible for membership in The Corporation for the Relief of the Widows and Children of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Maryland. For $50 a year, clergy are assured their spouses, partners and dependent children will be eligible for a $10,000 death benefit, a $1,500 yearly annuity and additional financial assistance. To learn more, call 800/443-1399. The Revs. Vincent Harris, Anne Monahan and Richard Kukowski represent this diocese on the board.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your prayers this week:
*  Tom Purdy - thanksgiving for the birth of his second daughter - Calleigh McCullough (March 2)
*  Betsy Hague - thanksgiving for the birth of a granddaughter - Adelaide (Feb. 24)
*  Donna Brown - thanksgiving for successful knee surgery
*  Kathy Corbett-Welch - sympathy at the death of her mother (Ellen)
*  Edward Brightman - personal health
*  Olivia Hilton - personal health
*  Sarah Duggin - personal health
*  John Ball - granddaughter's health (Alana)

>>> REMINDERS:

LIVING WITH FEAR AND GOOD NEWS IN A TIME OF CRISIS
Join the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, dean of Virginia Theological Seminary, and the Rev. J. Barney Hawkins IV, vice president of Institutional Advancement, for a presentation and roundtable discussion on the current economic crisis from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 13 at VTS. Conversation will focus on what it means for churches and non-profit institutions, and what spiritual resources are available. Cost: $40 (includes lunch). Register at www.vts.edu/icfl/welcome Contact 703/461-1752 or icfl at vts.edu for details.

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE SERIES AT THE RUMI FORUM
Two films, followed by interfaith dialogue moderated by the Rev. Carol Flett, interfaith programs coordinator at Washington National Cathedral College, will be shown at the Rumi Forum (1150 17th St. NW, Suite 408; near Farragut North metro) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on March 9 and 16. The events are free, but reservations are required since a light supper is served. RSVP to cflett at cathedral.org or Rumiforum.org The films are: "City of Lights - The rise and fall of Islamic Spain," March 9; and "Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet," March 16. 

CONSIDER BECOMING AN ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR 
This Lent, register to become an organ and tissue donor at www.beadonor.org and help end the wait for thousands of area citizens in need of an organ transplant. In 1982, the Episcopal Church passed a resolution that recognizes the life-giving benefits of organ, blood and tissue donation. All Christians are encouraged to register to become donors. 

SHOPPING NIGHT AND WINE & CHEESE PARTY
All Hallows Guild will hold a shopping night and wine & cheese party to benefit the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys from 5 to 7 p.m. March 31 at the Herb Cottage shop on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral. RSVP: 202/299-6521.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FAIR
Virginia Theological Seminary is holding a Vacation Bible School Fair through March 7 at the Center for the Ministry of Teaching, Key Hall Resource Room, 3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria Va. For further information: 703/461-1885 or cmt at vts.edu

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR POSTULANTS
Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, Pa., is offering a 10-week summer internship to a postulant or candidate for holy orders at an accredited Episcopal seminary. Hands-on parish ministry experience, preaching and theological reflection with clergy and staff. A stipend plus housing is available. Apply by March 15. For more information, visit  www.calvarypgh.org or contact the Rev. Harold T. Lewis at hlewis at calvarypgh.org 
 
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR DC SENIOR GOLDEN OLYMPICS
DC Senior Golden Olympics is a week-long annual competition, May 4-8, which is hosted by the Department of Parks and Recreation and the DC Office on Aging. The Department's Senior Services Division is seeking volunteer help for tasks that include signing in attendees, giving directions and distributing T-shirts and programs. For further information contact Vanecia Davis at 202/576-9541.

FRIDAYS IN NARNIA AT ST. PAUL'S K STREET
St. Paul's, K Street is offering a Lenten program on "Prince Caspian," by C.S. Lewis on Friday evenings in Lent. Program begins at 6:30 p.m. with a meatless pot luck followed by an interactive presentation suitable for children and adults. Reading chapters 1-3 in advance of the first session is helpful but not necessary. For more information, visit www.stpauls-kst.com or call 202/337-2020.  

LENTEN SERIES AT ST. MARY'S, FOGGY BOTTOM
St. Mary's, Foggy Bottom, is offering a four-part experiential Lenten series from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays through April 1 (No class March 18) in partnership with the Tutu Institute for Prayer and Pilgrimage. Light supper will be provided, and there will be an adult class and a session for children from Pre-K to eighth grade. Please RSVP to 202/333-3985 with the names and ages. Sessions are "The Prayerful Imagination," March 4; "Lectio Divina," March 11; "Art As Prayer," March 25.  

LENTEN RETREAT AT ST. PAUL'S, ROCK CREEK
St. Paul's, Rock Creek is offering a Lenten retreat from 1 to 4 p.m. March 22. The retreat will be a meal with prayerful reflection on three movements within the Christian spiritual life; God's hospitality towards creation; Christ's life as an outpouring of abundant love; and the call to live out our belovedness in community and solidarity. Participants will watch the movie, "Babette's Feast" and share a four-course meal together. Cost is $45, a portion of which will benefit the church's outreach ministries. RSVP by March 18 at 202/726-2080.

LENTEN RETREAT: IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY
"Finding God in All Things, Ignatian Spirituality in Practice," is the theme of Epiphany's Lenten Retreat, set for March 20-21 at the Cathedral College. Retreat leader is Edward McCormack, chair of pastoral studies and associate professor of Christian spirituality at Washington Theological Union. Register by March 16 as an overnight ($145 single, $125 shared) or commuter ($50) participant at 202/347-2635, or write to Susan Walker at swalker at epiphanydc.org

EVANGELISM PRESENTATIONS
The diocese's series of evangelism presentations continues with the following events, both of which begin at 7 p.m.: 
* March 19: The Rev. David Gortner of VTS, author of "Transforming Evangelism," will speak in NCS's Hearst Hall. 
* May 7: The Rev. Terry Martin, the new evangelism officer for the Episcopal Church, also known as "Father Jake," will speak in Washington National Cathedral's Perry Auditorium. For further information, contact Jim Naughton at jnaughton at edow.org

GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING FOR THE HOLY LAND
Bishop John Bryson Chane urges all congregations in the diocese to support the Good Friday Offering, a special offering sent to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East. The diocese operates hospitals, schools and orphanages for the benefit of people of all faiths. Offering materials, including a poster, bulletin shell and offering envelopes are available at www.episcopalchurch.org/gfo or by calling 800/903-5544.

BISHOP WALKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PRAYER BREAKFAST
The annual Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Scholarship Prayer Breakfast, celebrating the life and ministry of the sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, is set for 9 to 11 a.m. March 28 at St. Timothy's, D.C. (3601 Alabama Avenue SE). Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Kortright Davis, rector of Holy Comforter, D.C. Tickets ($20) may be held in advance by calling 202/582-7740. Tickets are NOT available at the door. 

2009 HONDURAS MISSION
Members of the diocese are invited to join a summer trip to Honduras (July 26-31) to learn Spanish and to work and worship with members of the local Episcopal community. Plan to attend an organizational meeting in March. For more details contact trip leader Tom Cooke at 202/686-0261 or thomasmcooke at hotmail.com. Act quickly, as the trip has about a dozen places. 

SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN: CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TRAINING 
New dates for Safeguarding God's Children, child abuse prevention training for paid full-time staff and all who work with children and youth, have been set for:
* March 7: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Margaret's, D.C. (Region 2)
* April 18: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Our Saviour, Hillandale (Region 4) 
* May 9: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Mark's, D.C. (Region 1)
* June 6: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. George's, Valley Lee (Region 6)
* June 27: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John's, Norwood (Region 3)
Register online at www.edow.org/prevention

HUNGER FUND'S LENTEN PROGRAM 
The diocesan Hunger Fund has put 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 can be downloaded at http://www.hungerfund.net  For more information, contact Lee Mericle at lmericle at acm.org. 

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY AT THE PENNYWORTH SHOP
In celebration of Earth Day, The Pennyworth Thrift Shop in downtown Silver Spring (955 Bonifant Street) will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. April 19 and April 26. For more information contact Lisa Summers at 301/587-0880 or Summers-Ryder at starpower.net
 
SAINTS: A CALL TO ENGAGEMENT 
St. Alban's, D.C., presents a Lenten Forum series entitled "Saints: A Call to Engagement," to explore the lives of some remarkable Christian disciples. Programs begin at 10:30 a.m. in Satterlee Hall and are followed by a question-and-answer period and discussion: Featured disciples are: Verna Dozier, March 8; Jonathan Daniels, March 15; Dietrich Bonhoeffer, March 22; Teresa of Avila, March 29. 

INFORMATION AND RESOURCE FAIR FOR OLDER ADULTS
A free Information and Resource Fair for older adults and their families is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 28 at Friendship Terrace Retirement Community (4201 Butterworth Place, NW). For more information, contact Mary Ann Buckley at 202/364-0020 or MBuckley at esm.org or visit www.ESM.org

LENTEN SILENT DAY OF PRAYER  
St Stephen and the Incarnation will offer a Lenten Silent Day of Prayer with the theme seeking renewal from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 7. Yoga sequences to song, meditation, and Taizé chant, Eucharist and vegetarian lunch. No previous yoga experience necessary. $45 includes lunch. Scholarships available. Contact Carolyn Bluemle at carolyn at cmagicisafoot.com or 301/588-2925.  
  
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
 
SEWANEE CHURCH MUSIC CONFERENCE
The 59th annual Sewanee Church Music Conference is set for July 13-19 at The University of the South and the DuBose Conference Center. Application deadline is May 1. For further information, visit SewaneeConf.com or contact Janet Perkins, registrar, at janet at wingnwing.com

SAVE THE DATE - EDOW STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE
The Diocese of Washington will hold a Stewardship Conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 9 at Washington National Cathedral. Session information and speakers will be announced soon; registration will open in March.  

BENEDICTINE RETREAT
A Benedictine retreat is set for March 26-29 at The Roslyn Center in Richmond, Va. All are all welcome. The presenter will be Br. Bede Thomas Mudge, Prior of Holy Cross Monastry in West Park, NY. For registration, fees and lodging information, contact saintbenedict at prospect-tech.com or 202/363-8061 or visit www.benedictfriend.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

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 to lay and clergy. Awards range from $3,000 to $15,000. Recipients will be announced in May. Visit www.EpiscopalFoundation.org or call 800/697-2858.

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