[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

MARCH 12, 2009

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

EVANGELISM SERIES: "TRANSFORMING EVANGELISM" AUTHOR
The diocese's Thursday night evangelism series continues at 7 p.m. March 19 with the Rev. David Gortner, director of the doctorate of ministry program at Virginia Theological Seminary. Gortner will discuss his book, "Transforming Evangelism," at the National Cathedral School's Hearst Hall, on the southeast corner of Woodley Road and Wisconsin Avenue NW. On May 7, also at 7 p.m., 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.

STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE 2009 
Nathan Dugan, author, speaker, national expert on family finances and founder of Save Share Spend LLC, will be the keynote speaker at the 2009 Stewardship Conference, set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 9 at Washington National Cathedral. Dugan also will offer a workshop at the conference, which is titled, "Navigating the Great Recession: Financial Leadership in Communities of Faith." Other workshops include: Laura Bachmann on Christian Formation in a New World Economy; Cheryl Meyer on Fundraising Beyond the Annual Appeal: Funding for Special Projects and Events; and Canon Paul E. Cooney, who will lead a roundtable discussion and open Q&A. Cost of $30 includes lunch. Sign up at www.edow.org/events Contact jsamilio at edow.org for more information. 

ATTENTION CLERGY: RENEWAL OF VOWS LUNCHEON
Clergy are invited to a light luncheon in the Pilgrim Observation Gallery of the Washington National Cathedral following the Holy Eucharist with Renewal of Vows and Blessing of Chrism at noon on April 9. There is no charge for the luncheon, but if you plan to attend, please register at  http://www.edow.org/news/calendar/events.html  "Maundy Thursday Clergy Luncheon"
 
SPRING CLERGY CONFERENCE: SAVE THE DATE    
This year's Spring Clergy Conference is set for May 12-14 at Shrine Mont. Keynote speaker will be Phyllis Tickle, an authority on religion in America and author of more than two dozen books on religion and spirituality. Tickle is currently a senior fellow of the Cathedral College and is a founding member of The Canterbury Roundtable. She is frequently quoted in USA Today, Christian Science Monitor, the New York Times, as well as on PBS, NPR and The Hallmark Channel. Registration will open soon. 

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

11TH ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS
The 11th Annual Showcase of Episcopal Schools is set for 4 p.m. April 19 at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church and Day School (doors open at 3 p.m.). Master of Ceremonies is D.C. council member Jack Evans. Music selections will be performed by Christ Episcopal School, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, National Cathedral School, St. John's Episcopal School, St. Albans School, St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School and Washington Episcopal School. Reception for students and parents in Upper School Common Room; patrons reception in the church library following the concert. Free parking. Tickets: $10; patrons, $25; patrons reception, seating and program listing, $100 and above. Proceeds benefit the Episcopal Center for Children, www.eccofdc.org Call Mary Brown, 202/882-7968 or Sharon Whitehouse, 301/229-3203, with questions.
 
HOW IN THE WORLD DID THEY BUILD THE CATHEDRAL?
Washington National Cathedral was built with the creativity, energy, skill and generosity of generations of artisans, donors and workers. Learn how it was built on Thursdays, 2:30 p.m., March through June in the Perry Auditorium, 7th floor of the Cathedral. The 30 minute presentation is free, and no reservations are necessary. 

THE LIFE AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Explore Abraham Lincoln's knowledge of the Bible as skeptic and believer using art in Washington National Cathedral. The docent-led tour is titled "Abraham Lincoln: Whose Lonely Soul God Kindled," and is set for 2:30 p.m. April 15. Free. No reservations required. The tour is offered as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial, www.lincoln.indc.com
 
TWO CONCERTS AT ST. MARK'S, CAPITOL HILL
St. Mark's, Capitol Hill (3rd & A Street, SE) will hold an Organ and Flute Concert featuring Keith Reas and Linda Marianello at 4 p.m. March 14. An offering will be taken; reception will follow. At 4 p.m. March 21, Erik Lipscomb will give a Saxophone Concert. For additional information visit www.stmarks.net

LUTHERAN WITNESS IN PALESTINE: GRACE UNDER PRESSURE
The Metropolitan Washington DC Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will host a symposium, "Lutheran Witness in Palestine: Grace Under Pressure," from 2 to 8 p.m. March 29 at Reformation Lutheran Church (212 E. Capitol Street NE). Primary speakers are the Rev. Susan Wilder, director of Middle East Policy at the ELCA's Washington office; the Rev. Mark Brown, Lutheran World Federation representative in Jerusalem; and Bishop Richard Graham. Though speaking directly from the Lutheran experience, this symposium will address issues and themes that speak to the complex issues facing people of all faiths living in and concerned about the Middle East. Visit http://www.metrodcelca.org/middle_east_event.htm  No charge, but please register.
 
BOOK FAIR TO BENEFIT THE BISHOP WALKER SCHOOL (*note date change)
A book fair to benefit the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys is set for 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 9 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.

 PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your prayers this week:
* Mary Haines (widow of Bishop Ronald Haines) - condolences to her family at the time of her death (March 5 in NC)
* Vidal Rivas - personal health
*  Rose Duncan - personal health
*  Elizabeth Carpenter - upcoming hip surgery
*  Susan Blue - personal health
*  Donna Brown - personal health
*  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:

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. Register at http://www.edow.org/news/calendar/events.html Space is limited to 20 participants.
 
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 here: www.edow.org/MDGs Parishes are encouraged to add their stories. 
 
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.

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
A film 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 16. The event is free, but reservations are required since a light supper is served. RSVP to cflett at cathedral.org or Rumiforum.org The film is: "Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet." 

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.

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. 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

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:
* 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

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: 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
  
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

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


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.