[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

MARCH 11, 2010

 

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

 

BISHOP SEARCH, TRANSITION COMMITTEE APPLICATIONS INVITED

Following Bishop John Bryson Chane's Jan. 30 announcement of his plans
to retire, the diocese's Standing Committee has started the process
leading to the election and consecration of the ninth Bishop of
Washington. The committee's first task is to select a Search Committee
and Transition Committee, and applicants interested in serving on either
committee are invited to apply. Job descriptions for both committees and
an application form are available at http://search.edow.org The deadline
for applications is MARCH 26, and parishes are asked to communicate this
news as widely as possible. 

 

BISHOP ISSUES SAME SEX MARRIAGE GUIDELINES

Bishop John Bryson Chane has released guidelines for clergy in the
Diocese of Washington now that the District of Columbia's Marriage
Equality Act, which permits the civil marriage of same-sex couples, has
become law. The guidelines have been sent to all clergy in the diocese,
and also are available here: http://www.edow.org/marriage/index.html

 

BISHOP WALKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PRAYER BREAKFAST

The annual scholarship fundraiser in memory of Bishop John T. Walker is
set for 9 a.m. March 27 at St. Timothy's, D.C. This year's theme is
"Builder of Bridges Among Peoples of the World" and the Rev. Canon
William B. Lewis, rector of St. Philip the Evangelist, will speak.
Tickets are $20. Call 202/582-7740 for further information.

 

ABSALOM JONES SCHOLARSHIPS: APPLICANTS INVITED

St. Philip's, Laurel will be awarding two scholarships in June in honor
of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the
Episcopal Church. Individuals who have demonstrated the qualities such
as compassion, leadership, service and interest in education are invited
to apply by April 2. Applicants must reside, work, attend school or be a
member of a parish in this diocese. The scholarships are intended for
students who will be attending an institution of higher education and
are in need of financial assistance. For further information and an
application form, contact the Absalom Jones Scholarship Fund Committee
at 301/776-5151, ext. 15, absalomjonesfund at stphilipslaurel.org or visit
www.stphilipslaurel.org

 

GRISWOLD TO LEAD MAUNDY THURSDAY MEDITATION FOR CLERGY

Former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold will lead a Maundy Thursday
meditation for clergy from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 1 in Washington
National Cathedral's Perry Auditorium. All clergy are invited to stay
for the noon Eucharist with reaffirmation of ministry vows and blessing
of chrism. A light luncheon will follow the service ("to-go" boxes will
be available for those who cannot stay for lunch). There is no charge
for the lunch, but please register at www.edow.org/events  "Maundy
Thursday - Meditation with Bishop Griswold." Clergy wishing to process
should vest in white alb and red stole.

 

"FOR TOMORROW"

"For Tomorrow," the story of Holocaust survivor Hilda Stern Cohen, is a
multimedia program that is part theater, part storytelling, part music,
part prayers and part poetry. During the program, set for 8 p.m. March
27 at St. Mark's, Capitol Hill, Cohen's biographer Gail Rosen will
provide a series of vignettes of her courageous life, punctuated by the
poems she wrote, set to music and sung by singer and rabbi Elizabeth
Bolton. A discussion and reception will follow the program. Tickets
$20/adult; $15 youth are available at www.stmarksplayers.org For more
information about Hilda Stern Cohen and this production, visit
www.hildastory.org (Note: Not appropriate for young children. Young High
school or middle school students who have studied the Holocaust are
encouraged to attend.)

 

BOOK SIGNING WITH THE REV. MPHO TUTU

Join the Rev. Mpho Tutu as she reads excerpts from her book "Made for
Goodness" and shares a video conversation with her father, Archbishop
Desmond Tutu at St. Mary's, Foggy Bottom at 6:30 p.m. March 25. The
book's theme is: What difference does goodness make? Father and daughter
argue that it changes everything. Visit www.stmarysfoggybottom for
directions.

 

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. REMEMBRANCE AT VTS

Virginia Theological Seminary will host its annual celebration of the
life and ministry of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 15-16. The
Rev. Howard John-Wesley, pastor, and the choir from Alfred Street
Baptist Church will lead the commemoration, which begins on April 15
with dinner followed by a time of prayer, worship and praise in the
Lettie Pate Evans Auditorium and continues on April 16 with a mid-day
Service of Holy Eucharist. Judy Fentress-Williams, associate professor
of Old Testament will preach and the Rev. Lloyd A. Lewis, professor of
New Testament will celebrate. Register online at www.vts.edu  Please
contact Rev. Joseph M. Constant at703/ 461-1765 or jconstant at vts.edu
with any questions.

 

SAVE THE DATE: STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE 2010

The 2010 Stewardship Conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
April 24 at St. Mary Magdalene, Wheaton. A second conference will be
held in Southern Maryland in mid May, date and location TBA. Contact
jsamilio at edow for further information.

 

CELEBRATING FACES: IMAGES IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE

Celebrating Faces: Images in African American Culture, featuring soprano
Jessica Rawls, is set for 7 p.m. April 17 at Trinity, Piney Branch.
(7005 Piney Branch Road, Washington, D.C., 20012).  

 

CLERGY UPDATE:

Bishop John Bryson Chane will ordain Hoyt Paul Canady III, the diocese's
former deputy for youth ministry, to the Sacred Order of Priests during
a 7 p.m. April 19 service at Christ Church, 320 Pollock Street, New
Bern, N.C. Clergy: Red Stole. Reception following  

 

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

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

* Elton Smith - personal health 

* Meg Ingalls - personal health 

* Pegram Johnson - personal health

* David and Beth Black - personal health of both 

* Erica Wood - personal health

* Mary Sulerud -  sister's (Chris) personal health 

* Jake Beck - personal health

* Susan Blue - personal health 

 

>>> REMINDERS:

 

ESM CHANGES ITS NAME

Episcopal Senior Ministries has changed its name to Seabury Resources
for Aging. ESM Cares geriatric care management service is now known as
Seabury Care Management and Ward 5 Lead Agency Services is named Seabury
Ward 5 Aging Services. Annie Shaw is now the Director of Congregational
Resources (formerly Parish Volunteer Services) and will continue to work
with parishes. Contact Shaw at 202/414-6313 or
AShaw at seaburyresources.org with any questions or visit the new Web site
at seaburyresources.org 

 

LENTEN QUIET DAY

Marjory Zoet Bankson - author, artist, spiritual leader and teacher -
will facilitate "Watch With Me," a Lenten quiet day set for 9 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. March 27 at Epiphany, D.C. When Jesus asked his disciples to
stay awake with him, they fell asleep. "Watch with me," he said. This
Lenten Quiet Day will offer some suggestions for how we might do that.
Cost is $20, which includes lunch. Reservations required by March 24.
Contact Susan Walker at 202/347-2635 ext. 20 or swalker at epiphanydc.org.


 

POETRY AND THE JOURNEY TOWARD GOD

Poetry and the Journey Toward God, a conference with Kathleen Henderson
Staudt and Michael Glaser, is set for June 1-5 at St. Mary's College of
Maryland. The conference will explore ways that poetry, metaphor and
reflection can open a more profound experience of the sacred.
Participants will experience how poetry can inform and enhance the work
of leadership and proclamation. Fee is $525 and includes tuition,
accommodation and meals; $400 commuter fee includes tuition, lunch and
dinner. Contact Glaser at msglaser at smcm.edu or Staudt  at
kathleen.staudt at gmail.com for more information or to register.  

 

ST. JAMES' PRISON AFTER CARE MINISTRY 

Spring 2010 Training Classes for St. James' Prison After Care Ministry
are set for March 20 through April 26. Classes will take place on
Saturdays at Pre- Release and Reentry Services, 11651 Nebel Street,
Rockville. Sessions are as follows:

* March 20: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Introduction to Prison After Care Ministry,
Tour of PRRS    

* March 27: 9 to 11 a.m. Listening Skills - Part 1

* April 10:  9 to 11 a.m. Listening Skills - Part 2

* April 17:  9 to 11 a.m. Drug and Alcohol Addiction - Part 1

* April 24: 9 to 11 a.m. Drug and Alcohol Addiction - Part 2

* April 26: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Peer Counseling: What to do in the first
meeting Q&A.

Tour of Montgomery County Correctional Facility, Clarksburg can be
arranged for those who have not done that.  For more information about
the class contact Jim Finch at 301/340-1376 or machina1 at comcast.net, Joe
Doane at joedoane at verizon.net or Mary Wasik at 301/351-0614 or
marywasik2000 at yahoo.com

 

CELTIC MUSIC CONCERT

A concert of Celtic music, benefitting Epiphany's Tuesday Concert
Series, is set for 12:10 to 1 p.m. March 16 at Epiphany, D.C., 1317 G
ST. NW (Metro Center). Alexander Mitchell, violin, and Dave Wiesler,
piano, will perform Celtic tunes and original compositions. Celebrate
St. Patrick's Day and support this weekly, free musical offering to
downtown workers, visitors, and residents. 

 

USING PRAYER BEADS - CONNECTING WITH GOD

Learn to pray with Anglican prayer beads and string some of your own
during a March 20 Lenten program at St. Luke's, Bethesda. (6030
Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814). Come at 10 a.m. and bring a
sandwich lunch (beverages supplied). All ages and stages are welcome.
For more information or to sign up, contact 703/734-1978 or
Info at onbeadsofprayer.org. 

 

JAZZ VESPERS AT CHRIST, ROCKVILLE

A service of evening prayer accompanied by jazz music and spirituals
played by the Rev. John McDuffie and the Jim Levy Trio is set for 5 p.m.
March 14 at Christ, Rockville (107 South Washington Street). A free-will
offering will benefit the new Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic in
Rockville, serving the needs of uninsured and low-income individuals and
families.

 

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR - GRACE, SILVER SPRING (F/T)

Grace, Silver Spring is looking for a Parish Administrator.  This is a
30 hour/week position with full benefits. Salary is commensurate with
experience. Please contact the Rev. Bruce McPherson, 301/585-3515 or
bmcpherson at graceepiscopalchurch.org.

 

SPRING CLERGY CONFERENCE

The Diocese of Washington's Spring Clergy Conference is set for May
11-13. Keynote speaker will be the Rev. William Tully of St.
Bartholomew's, NYC. Tully will speak on "Reinventing Church" and
"Faithful Leadership." Register at www.edow.org/events "Clergy 

Conference"

 

COMMITTEE ON YOUTH APPLICATION FOR 2010-2011

The Committee on Youth is looking for some new members. The COY is made
up of two representatives from each region in the diocese, and four at
large positions. There will be one opening in Region 2, two in Region 4,
and one in Region 6. Three at large positions also will be open. A
personal invitation/encouragement to apply goes a long way, so if you
know someone suitable, please tell them so! Applications are due March
30. The committee will meet to select new members May 8. Candidates will
be notified of the results by May 11. Visit www.edow.org/youth for
further information. 

 

SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN TRAININGS:

Spring sessions for Safeguarding God's Children, the child abuse
prevention training course required for all paid full time parish/school
staff, and all who work with children and youth are as follows (all
sessions are from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday unless otherwise
noted):

* March 13: St. James', Potomac (Region 3)

* April 10: St. Paul's, K Street (Region 2)

* April 17: St. Philip's, Baden (Region 6)

* May 15: St. Mark's, D.C. (Region 1)

* May 22: St. Philip's, Laurel  (Region 5)

* June 12: Holy Comforter (Region 4)

Registration is required at www.edow.org/prevention For parishes that
indicated an interest in the online Refresher Course, training will be
offered in April for designated persons who will be administering this
program in each congregation.  

 

SAMARITAN MINISTRY'S SPRING CELEBRATION 

Samaritan Ministry's Spring Celebration is set for March 20 - the first
day of spring. Hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music, live and silent auctions,
and a brief program honoring those who made it possible to buy the N.W.
Washington, D.C. house that serves as Samaritan Ministry's main office.
Tickets purchased for the Jan. 30 or Feb. 13 events will be honored. For
more information, visit http://www.samaritanministry.org/2006/index.htm
or contact Mary Belknap at 202/722-2280 ext. 305 or
marybelknap at samaritanministry.org.

 

"COAL COUNTRY" FILM SCREENING

Come to a free screening of the film "Coal Country" at 7:30 p.m. March
23 at St. Columba's, D.C., presented by St. Columba's Environment
Committee, Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light, and the D.C.
Environmental Film Festival, followed by discussion with the director.
Suggested donation $5 adults, $2 children. St. Columba's is located at
4201 Albemarle St., NW (Metro: Tenleytown/American University) The
screening is part of the D.C. Environmental Film Festival. Visit
http://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/films/show/511 for a review of
the film. 

 

HAITI LENT PROGRAMS FROM LEADERRESOURCES

LeaderResources has produced several Lenten (or anytime) study guides to
help adults and young people process what happened in Haiti. The guides
address questions such as: Does God cause disasters? Why doesn't God
prevent them? Where is God when disaster strikes? What is our Christian
response? Find the guides at http://leaderresources.org/

 

LENTEN STUDY PROGRAM AT EPIPHANY, D.C.

Following Jesus and still feeling lost? The "lost and found" journey of
Lent - A Lenten offering of study and formation, is set for 6 to 7:30
p.m. Wednesdays through March 24 in the Willard Room in Epiphany, D.C.'s
Parish House. Each session is self-contained, and will be led by the
Rev. Randolph Charles. RSVP to rcharles at epiphanydc.org or 202/347-2635.
Epiphany is located at 1317 G St, NW (Metro Center, 13th and G Sts.
exit).

 

LENT: MULTIMEDIA STUDY SERIES ON GENDER VIOLENCE 

The World Council of Churches has prepared a series of online Lenten
study resources on the struggle to end violence against women, titled,
"Cries of Anguish; Stories of Hope." Visit http://tinyurl.com/ydlfryr
for more information. 

 

VOCATIONAL MINISTRY RETREAT


The first vocational ministry retreat for 2010 is set for May 7-8 at Bon
Secours retreat center in Marriottsville. The retreat will be led by
Marjory Zoet Bankson, a frequent speaker and retreat leader in the area
of discernment of vocation. Registration is open at
http://www.edow.org/news/calendar/events.html The retreat is limited to
20 participants. This Commission on Ministry retreat is offered twice a
year and is designed for anyone seeking to discern God's call in his or
her life for any ministry, in or out of the church.

 

QUILT: ART TO MEND THE WORLD

Quilt: Art to Mend the World is a work artist Kate Ransohoff created in
response to global cultural misunderstanding and conflict. During Lent,
the quilt will be on display at St. George's. Visit www.krquilt.com for
further information, or contact Karen Rowe at ksrowe at mindspring.com or
Ben Keseley at bkeseley at saintgeorgeschurch.org. 

 

ST. LUKE'S PARISH SINGERS 

St. Luke's Parish Singers present "The Passion and Resurrection of
Christ:" J.S. Bach Sacred Cantata No. 4, J.S Bach Cantata No. 82 and
Joseph Haydn Mass in B Flat at 5:30 p.m. March 28 at St. Luke's,
Bladensburg (4002 53rd Street, Bladensburg, MD 20710, Tel.
301/927-6466). Annual Lenten reception to follow. There is no charge,
but donations will be accepted

to aid children in need.

 

IMAGO RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION SEMINARS

Professional instructors from the Imago Center of Washington, D.C.,
which helps couples heal and grow in their relationships, are available
to teach three Imago Relationship Education Seminars in area Episcopal
churches. Contact Shelly Webb, relationship education seminar
coordinator,  at 410/409-9423 or shelly.webb at imagocenterdc.com for
further information.

 

A LENTEN STUDY PLAN FOR CHURCH SCHOOL

The Southern Africa Partnership Committee has Swazi Bears available for
Lent. A study guide and storybook about the bears helps children
understand the lives of children in Swaziland. The knitted bears sell
for $25 ($30 with the storybook) and sales support the families of the
sewing ministry. Contact Cheryl Daves Wilburn at cwilburn at edow.org or
202/537-6543 or visit www.edow.org/sapc/creation to learn more.

 

CELEBRATE THE ENVIRONMENT

The "Season of Creation" is a six Sunday liturgy that focuses on
protecting God's creation. The liturgy, a gift from the Anglican Church
of Southern Africa, is approved for use by Bishop John Bryson Chane and
includes a study guide. The Southern Africa Partnership Committee has
purchased a copy for each parish. Visit www.edow.org/sapc/creation

 

PALM CROSSES

African Palms USA, an outreach  ministry of St. John's, Olney is now
accepting orders for palm crosses woven by families in nine villages in
Tanzania. Earnings are used to purchase food, medicine, clothing and pay
school fees, and net proceeds from the sale of crosses and all other
donations are returned to Africa in the form of self-help grants. To
place an order, visit www.africanpalmsusa.org or call 301/774-2832.

 

GRANTS PROGRAM TARGETS PEOPLE IN NEED

Saint Anna's Home, Inc. a charitable program of the Diocese of
Washington, offers an emergency grants program to assist older women of
African descent with housing related and other emergencies that threaten
their quality of life. At-risk recipients must be at least 70 years old
and sponsored by a priest or deacon in the diocese. For more
information, write to the Grants Committee, Saint Anna's Home, Inc.,
Church House, Mt. Saint Alban, Washington, D.C. 20016.

 

KELLOGG LECTURES AT EDS

Episcopal Divinity School will hold its annual Kellogg Lectures on May 6
with the Rev. Barbara K. Lundblad, Joe R. Engle Professor of Preaching
at Union Theological Seminary. Lundblad will deliver two lectures:
"Preaching Across the Divides in the Midst of Controversy" and
"Preaching Particularity in the Midst of Pluralism." Pre-registration is
required. Registration material will be available in March at
www.eds.edu. Contact events at eds.edu or 617/682-1506.

 

JUNE COURSES AT EPISCOPAL DIVINITY SCHOOL 

Episcopal Divinity School is offering five of its popular courses in
intensive formats this June. Full course descriptions are available at
www.eds.edu; click on Academics. To register, contact Penny Kohn,
registrar, at 617/682-1525, or at registrar at eds.edu. For short-term
housing, contact Samaria Wilson at swilson at eds.edu or 617/682-1508 to
reserve, as housing is limited.

 

CHANGE IN 2010 CATHEDRAL CONFIRMATION DATES

Please note the Cathedral Confirmation dates are: May 1 (*new date),
June 26 and November 6. All services are at 10 a.m. For more information
go to www.edow.org/confirmation

 

EPISCOPAL DIVINITY SCHOOL VISITING DAY

Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., will hold a visiting day
on March 18 for anyone who is seeking more information about theological
education. A Visiting Day form and other information about is available
at http://www.eds.edu/sec.asp?pageID=42

 

UPCOMING RETREATS AT DAYSPRING

The Dayspring Center in Germantown, Md. has two upcoming open weekend
retreats: A Pilgrimage of Peace, set for March 19-21; and The Mystery of
Christ In Us, May 21-23. To register or to get more information, visit
www.dayspringretreat.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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