[edow] Church House News

Thu Mar 25 11:03:52 EDT 2010

MARCH 25, 2010

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

*** DEADLINE FOR BISHOP SEARCH COMMITTEE APPLICATIONS ***

The diocese's Standing Committee is appointing a Search Committee to begin the search for the 9th Bishop of Washington. Applicants interested in serving on the Search Committee or the Transition Committee are invited to apply BY TOMORROW (March 26). Job descriptions for both committees and an application form are available at http://search.edow.org Parishes are asked to communicate this news as widely as possible. 

SIERRA LEONEAN COMMUNITY TO HOLD SPECIAL SERVICE

The Sierra Leone Episcopal/Anglican Community Ministry of the Diocese of Washington will hold a worship service in celebration of the 49th anniversary of Sierra Leone's independence at 4 p.m. April 18 at the Church of Our Saviour (1700 Powder Mill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20903). All are invited to come and experience Sierra Leonean culture and music. For further information, contact the Rev. Canon Prince Decker at 202/546-8011 or 301/379-8951 (cell).

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. 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). There is no charge for 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.

SPRING CLERGY CONFERENCE - REGISTRATION DEADLINE 

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"   

*** Please note: Registration will close at 10 a.m. April 19.  

STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE 2010

The 2010 Stewardship Conference, "Vision, Mission, Commitment," is set for 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 24 at St. Mary Magdalene, Wheaton. The importance of asking and answering the right questions is the focus of this conference. Participants will come away with a clear idea how they can move forward and better understand how vision, mission, and commitment are key to a successful and sustainable stewardship program and a vibrant parish life. Contact Jamie Samilio at jsamilio at edow.org with questions. Directions to the church are at: http://www.stmarymagdalene-md.org/  Register now at http://www.edow.org/events -- $25, students $15. Includes pizza lunch. A second conference will be held in Southern Maryland in mid May, date and location TBA.

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE: ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL, OLNEY

St. John's Episcopal School (3427 Olney-Laytonsville Road Olney, MD 20832) will host an Admissions Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. April 13 for families seeking an award-winning, K-8 school with small class sizes and accelerated academics. Visit stjes.com to RSVP.

OFFICE ASSISTANT (P/T)

St. Barnabas' Church of the Deaf  is seeking a part-time Office Assistant, for approximately 8 hours per week. Scheduling is somewhat flexible during weekdays. The office is located at St. John's, Norwood on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda/Chevy Chase and is accessible by bus and rail. Duties will include answering calls and e-mail, assisting with written correspondence, weekly publications, maintenance of files and other records, maintaining membership and giving records and working to ensure reports are filed on time. For additional information or to express interest, contact the Rev. Barbara Allen at revbaallen at aol.com

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

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

* Bishop Jane Dixon - husband's health (David -"Dixie")

* Mary Sulerud -  condolences at the time of her sister's (Chris) death (March 12)

* Tom Clay - personal health 

* Elton Smith - personal health 

* Meg Ingalls - personal health 

* David and Beth Black - personal health of both 

* Erica Wood - personal health

* Susan Blue - personal health 

>>> REMINDERS:

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. TONIGHT (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.

BISHOP WALKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PRAYER BREAKFAST

The annual scholarship fundraiser in memory of Bishop John T. Walker is set for 9 a.m. SATURDAY (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.

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. 

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.

DISCOVERING EINSTEIN'S GOD 

WAMU 88.5 presents "Discovering Einstein's God: A Public Conversation about Science and the Human Spirit" with public radio hosts Krista Tippett and Michel Martin at 7 p.m. April 5 at Sidney Harman Hall in Washington D.C. Tickets are $33 for reserved seats. Call 202/547-1122 or visit www.shakespearetheatre.org Tippett, who hosts the radio show "Speaking of Faith," will discuss her New York Times bestseller, Einstein's God. Martin will facilitate an audience Q&A.

MARCH FOR DARFUR

The Cathedral congregation is participating in two events in May intended to call attention to the ongoing genocide in Darfur, an embattled region of Sudan. On May 9, Alex de Waal, a prolific writer about Africa and a renowned expert on conditions in Darfur and Sudan will be the guest of Cathedral Dean Samuel Lloyd at the Sunday forum in the Cathedral. On May 23, the Darfur Interfaith Network, an ecumenical group that includes the Cathedral Congregation, will sponsor a march from the U.S. Holocaust Museum to Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House to urge the U.S. government to make the plight of Darfur refugees a top priority. Both events are open to the public. To register for the march, visit www.hope4darfurmarch.org

THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST

"The Seven Last Words of Christ," a sacred cantata by Théodore DuBois, will be sung by the choir at Transfiguration, Silver Spring at 7:30 p.m. April 2, during the Good Friday service. For more information, contact 301/384-6264 or church at transfig.org Transfiguration is located at 13925 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20905.

PALM SUNDAY BULLETIN INSERT FEATURES JERUSALEM DIOCESE

Episcopal Life has developed a full page bulletin insert for Palm Sunday which features the  Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The bulletin is available here: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/ENSW_insert_032810_eng_color_lettersize.pdf

CLERGY CHILDREN SCHOLARSHIPS  

Clergy who are canonically resident in the Diocese of Washington are invited to apply for scholarship assistance for their children in private school or college. The diocese tries to make grants in an equitable way and assist as many applicants as possible. Please visit  http://www.edow.org/parish/congregation/grants/index.html#children 

to print out an application. Mail the completed form to: Bishop's Office/Episcopal Church House/Mt. St. Alban/Washington, D.C.  20016 by April 30.

OPEN HOUSE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS AND YOUTH LEADERS

There will be an open house at Virginia Theological Seminary's Center for the Ministry of Teaching on April 24 for Christian educators and youth leaders in the Diocese of Washington.  A guided tour will begin at 10:30 a.m. Participants will learn about various curriculum that are available and other resources that the CMT offers to support this ministry. There will be a chance to wander through the Cokesbury bookstore and Bishop Payne library, and then enjoy brunch and conversation in the VTS refectory. RSVP to jhitchcock at edow.org by April 19.

PROSTATE SEMINAR AT CALVARY, D.C.

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew of Calvary, D.C. will host a Prostate Education Seminar at 9 a.m. May 1. The speaker is Dr. Jonathan J. Hwang, associate professor of urology at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Calvary is located at 820 6th St. NE, Washington, D.C. Donation $5. Continental breakfast will be provided. Call 202/546-8011 to RSVP or for further information.

ENSEMBLE SOLAIRE AT ST. MARK'S, FAIRLAND

The St. Mark's, Fairland Concert Series will present Ensemble Solaire at 4 p.m. April 25. A $10 donation is suggested. A reception will follow the concert. St. Mark's is located at 12621 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring MD 20904.

MUSICAL SHOWCASE OF EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS

The 2010 Showcase of Episcopal Schools to benefit the Episcopal Center for Children is set for 4 p.m. April 25 at Christ Episcopal School, 109 S. Washington St., Rockville, MD 20850. This year's MC is Tucker Echols, business reporter for WTOP Radio. For further information, please contact Sharon B. Whitehouse at 301/229-3203.

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

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

"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. Tickets $20/adult; $15 youth are available at www.stmarksplayers.org For more information, 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.)

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.

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).  

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 

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. 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, dinner. Contact Glaser at msglaser at smcm.edu or Staudt  at kathleen.staudt at gmail.com for more information or to register.  

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):

* 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.  

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. 

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.

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

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

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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