[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

MARCH 23, 2009

 

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

 

PASTORAL LETTER FROM BISHOPS OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

At the conclusion of its spring meeting in Kanuga, N.C., March 13-18, the House of Bishops issued this pastoral letter: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_106036_ENG_HTM.htm

Bishop John B. Chane served on the writing team.

 

ECVA CHESAPEAKE CHAPTER FORMING

Attention all artists and art lovers: A new chapter of the Episcopal Church and the Visual Arts is forming. This national network (see www.ecva.org) exists to support people interested in the intersection of art and spirituality. An organizing meeting is set for 7 p.m. April 28 at the UMD Episcopal Student Center, 4508 College Avenue, College Park (next to St. Andrew's Church). RSVP to the Rev. Peter Antoci: pantoci at umd.edu

 

FACILITATING FILM-BASED COMMUNITY DIALOGUES

Unity Productions Foundation and the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs  

will offer an interactive workshop on facilitating dialogue using award-winning PBS films about Islam and Muslims from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 8 at Georgetown University Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs, 3307 M St NW, Suite 200 Washington, D.C. Presentations on applying UPF's films to dialogue will be delivered by experienced facilitators, scholars and filmmakers. The training is meant for activists, clergy, students, community organizers, educators, and those who are interested in new approaches to creating interfaith and cross cultural dialogue. For further information, please visit www.20000dialogues.org 

 

"U2-CHARIST" TO BENEFIT HAITIAN CHILDREN

Young people and clergy from St. Timothy's, D.C., St. Paul's Episcopal Church of King George County, Va., and Virginia Theological Seminary will join together for a special worship service featuring songs by U2 from 5 to 6 p.m. March 29. Young people will perform most of the liturgy, which will focus on global reconciliation and justice for the poor and the oppressed. Proceeds from the offering will benefit the Haiti Micah Project, a Christian nonprofit organization that is committed to addressing the basic needs of impoverished and uneducated street children in Mirebalais, located in the central plateau of Haiti. A reception will follow the service. All are welcome to attend.

 

MEET RECTOR OF SOUTH AFRICA'S COLLEGE OF THE TRANSFIGURATION

The Rev. Bill Domeris, rector of the College of the Transfiguration in Grahamstown, South Africa, will be in Washington from April 18-27. Join him at 7:30 p.m. April 22 at St. Dunstan's, Bethesda for an evening of discussion about biblical perspectives on poverty and the work that CoTT is doing to train priests to work in the context of present day poverty, HIV/AIDS and great social change. Domeris hopes to meet with the College's friends and others who are working on projects in South Africa while he is here. CoTT is the only residential seminary for the Anglican Church in Southern Africa. It draws students from at least six countries and many ethnic and language groups. Contact Ray Donnelly at 301/320-6146 or 43raydon at gmail.com for further information. St. Dunstan's is located at 5450 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda.

 

HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT DEADLINE

Registration packets for the Diocesan High School Retreat are due to Church House on April 3.  Further information is available at http://www.edow.org/youth/whatshappening.htm  Contact Jessica Hitchcock for more information at jhitchcock at edow.org or 202/352-2108.  

 

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMEMORATION AT VTS

On April 2 and 3, Virginia Theological Seminary will host its third annual day of remembrance in celebration of the life and ministry of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. The commemoration will begin on April 2 with a panel discussion on "What is the Role of the Black Church in American Society Today?" led by Alton B. Pollard, III, dean and professor, Howard University School of Divinity. April 3 panelists include Judy Fentress-Williams,VTS associate professor of Old Testament and Rosemary Gooden, VTS visiting professor of Church History. The Rev. Bernard Richardson will preach at the midday service with Bishop Eugene Sutton celebrating. The Howard Gospel Choir will perform at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. Register at www.vts.edu or through Joy Warburton 703/461-1735.

 

ORGAN RESTORATION INFORMATION

St. Mary's Foggy Bottom is considering an organ restoration/replacement project and is interested in hearing from parishes who have recently undertaken similar projects to get a better sense of what is involved. If you have information to share, please contact Lionel Gloster at 202/333-3985.

 

MUSIC THAT MAKES COMMUNITY

Learn how to lead music without the use of hymnals or other printed materials during a May 21-23 course at Trinity Copley Square in Boston, Mass. "Paperless" music is taught and sung by memory. Making use of elements like repetition, round and call-and response, it is accessible to the widest range of singers in any size congregation. These songs allow congregations to focus on listening to one another, being attentive to the Holy Spirit and singing from their hearts. Participants will learn how to select and lead music, and will have the opportunity to practice these skills. Cost: $290. Register at http://www.allsaintscompany.org/events/view/mmc_boston/

Contact info at allsaintscompany.org or 415/558-6958 for further information.

 

JAZZ VESPERS AT CHRIST CHURCH, ROCKVILLE

At 5 p.m. March 29, Christ, Rockville will hold Jazz Vespers. The Rev. John McDuffie and Jim Levy will lead a quintet in the performance of swinging jazz standards in the liturgy of evening prayer. A free-will offering will benefit the Diocesan Hunger Fund.  For further information call 301/762-2191, or email jmcduffie at cecrockville.org.

 

GIRLS CHAMBER CHOIR OFFERS LENTEN CONCERT

Schola Cantorum, the Chamber Choir of St. Mary's School for Girls in Calne, England will offer "Salvator Mundi," a concert for the season of Lent, at 7:30 p.m. March 25 at St. David's, D.C. (5150 Macomb Street, N.W.) A freewill offering will be accepted. Contact 202/966-2093 or www.stdavidsdc.org for further information.

 

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

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

*  Tom Andrews - upcoming surgery (ear implant)

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

*  Vidal Rivas - personal health

*  Rose Duncan - personal health

*  Elizabeth Carpenter - personal health

*  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:

 

EVANGELISM SERIES: TERRY MARTIN

The diocese's Thursday night evangelism series continues at 7 p.m. May 7 with the Rev. Terry Martin, the new evangelism officer for the Episcopal Church, also known as "Father Jake." Martin will speak in Washington National Cathedral's Perry Auditorium. For further information, contact Jim Naughton at jnaughton at edow.org.

 

STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE 2009 

Nathan Dungan, 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. Dungan 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. 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

 

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.

 

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. 

  

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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