[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

JULY 13, 2006
 
*** The weekly bulletin for clergy, wardens, diocesan committee members, convention delegates and church administrators in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington ***
 
ANNUAL APPEAL THINK TANK - STEWARDSHIP WORKSHOPS
A two-hour workshop on annual appeals with the Rev. Carol Cole Flanagan, canon for congregational development, is set for Aug. 2. Bring 10 copies of your letters, ideas, or any materials you are working on for your annual appeal. There will be an information exchange and an opportunity to find out what is working/not working in other parishes. An additional two-hour workshop with Flanagan (open Q&A format) will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 7. Light refreshments will be served at both workshops. There is no charge to attend, but sign up early, as space is limited. Visit www.edow.org/events to register.

LARGE PRINT MINISTRY OFFERS TWO NEW CDS
The Large-Print Ministry is offering two CDs that can help people who are blind or visually-impaired. "Prayers & Psalms for Today" includes selections from Prayers and Thanksgivings, Prayers for the Sick and the entire Book of Psalms from the Book of Common Prayer (1979). "The LARGE-PRINT Book of Common Prayer" CD includes the entire BCP. Material on this CD is mainly in 18-point type and is laid out for 8.5 x 11-inch pages. It can be used to help prepare worship materials, and the material can be loaded into a notetaker device and re-edited into a form of Braille. For more information, e-mail Ann at anndahlen3 at aol.com or largeprinthelp at aol.com.

LABOR DAY OPEN HOUSE, PICNIC AND U2 MASS
The University of Maryland Episcopal Student Center (4508 College Avenue, College Park) invites you to take part in a Labor Day open house and picnic at 4 p.m. Sept. 4 followed by a U2 Mass at 5:30 p.m. Bring your picnic items. A freewill donation will be taken for the ONE Campaign to end extreme global poverty. For more information, call 301/405-8453, e-mail eaterps at umd.edu or visit www.edow.org/eacm  

ROBINSON TO SPEAK AT ST. THOMAS', D.C.
Bishop Gene Robinson will take part in a post-General Convention conversation,
followed by Compline and a reception and book signing at 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY (July 14) at St. Thomas', D.C. (1772 Church Street NW). Because of limited space, RSVPs will be necessary. Please respond to Leigh Carter, parish administrator, at 202/332-0607 or to info at stthomasdc.org.

LABOR IN THE PULPITS - IMMIGRANT, LOW WAGE WORKERS
Interfaith Worker Justice of Greater Washington will hold a Labor in the Pulpits program on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-4. This year's program focuses on immigrant workers and low-wage service workers. Resources include a speakers' bureau and resource packets that include Scripture, statements from the Episcopal Church on worker justice, sample presentations, prayers and bulletin/newsletter inserts. For more information, contact Mackenzie Baris at 202/756-4174 or mbaris at dclabor.org, or the Rev. Kay Johnson at kjohnson at stthomasdc.org.

BISHOP'S APPEAL - IT'S NOT TOO LATE
We are still accepting donations for the 2006 Bishop's Appeal for mission and ministry.  Donate online at: http://www.edow.org/giving

BISHOP SEARCH UNDER WAY
The national church's Bishop Search Committee has announced that profile and application/nomination forms are now available on the Bishop Search Web site, www.bishopsearcholympia.org The committee hopes some fine candidates will consider and discern their participation in this important ministry.

CLERGY TRAINING FUNDS AVAILABLE
The interest from the Roanridge Foundation is designated for the "training of town and country clergy and rural Christian workers" of the Episcopal Church. See http://www.episcopalchurch.org/smallchurch_51593_ENG_HTM.htm?menupage=51387 for information and ideas on how to make use of this opportunity for small churches. The deadline for applications is Sept. 1 for the 2007 fiscal year.

PART-TIME SECRETARY/BOOKKEEPER - ST. MICHAEL'S
St. Michael & All Angels (8501 New Hampshire Avenue, Adelphi, MD, 20783) is seeking a part-time secretary/bookkeeper for its church office. Minimum 10 hours/week Monday through Friday. Strong secretarial/administrative skills required, as well as the aptitude and willingness to learn and carry out bookkeeping duties. Bilingual language skills a plus. Reports directly to the rector and supports the treasurer, pledge clerk and lay leaders of the parish. Apply to St. Michael's by July 22. Call 301/434-4646; Fax 301/434-3646; E-mail: stmichaeladelphi at netscape.com Web site: www.stmichaeladelphi.org
FIELD EDUCATION COORDINATOR - VTS
The Field Education Department at Virginia Theological Seminary seeks a coordinator to work with the director to provide services to students and clergy. Excellent communication skills required, as is experienced judgment and the ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality. The coordinator works both independently and in response to the director to carry out the mission of the department and seminary. Salary in mid-30s with full benefits. E-mail or fax resume (no phone calls) to FEJobSearch at vts.edu or fax 703/751-3047.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR - TRANSITIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION
Transitional Housing Corporation is seeking an experienced full time volunteer coordinator. Responsibilities include: recruiting and managing volunteers; coordinating volunteer-driven programs such as evening youth enrichment activities and an Adopt-an-Apartment program; organizing special events and fundraisers; supervising newsletter publication and Web site maintenance. Requires strong communication skills and a valid drivers license and car. Experience organizing activities in a faith-based community a plus. Send resume, cover letter and writing sample to jobs at thcdc.org.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your prayers this week:
*  Amy Elliott - in thanksgiving for the birth of Emmett James on July 4 
*  Velma Brock - recovery from recent hospitalization 
*  Cindy Baskin - recovery from surgery 
*  Mitzi Noble - personal health
*  Jim Donald - at the time of the death of his mother (Marion) on July 7 
*  The family of Judith (Judi) Greene - at the time of her death June 23 
*  Robert Stephenson - at the time of the death of his wife (Sally) 
*  Jocelyn Irving - at the time of the death of her brother (Richard Miller)	
*  Rita Steadman - for the health of her new son (Cuthbert Cammett)  
*  John and Mary Miers - personal health
*  Jim Hunter - wife's (Jeannine) personal health 
*  Bishop Ronald Haines - personal health
*  Sanford Garner - personal health
*  Rip Coffin - personal health 
*  Tom Logan - personal health 
*  Rich Kukowski  - father's (George) health
*  Stuart Kenworthy - serving as an Army Chaplain in Iraq

>>> REMINDERS:

BULLETIN INSERT ON THE NEW PRESIDING BISHOP ELECT
A bulletin insert which highlights the election of Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori as the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church is available to download here: 
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_15654_ENG_HTM.htm 
The bulletin is part of the "Grow in Understanding" series about the church's General Convention and is designed to be a teaching tool. The insert lists resources for further study and reflection, and is also available in Spanish.

URBAN MINISTRY TRAINING SERIES DATES SET
The Urban Ministry Commission will offer an Urban Ministry Training Series from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on five Saturdays in 2006-2007. The first will be on Sept. 16 at Epiphany, D.C., with a keynote speaker (to be announced); remarks from Bishop John B. Chane; and introductions to the four areas of urban ministry defined by the commission: congregational development, community connection, service and advocacy. The four subsequent sessions (Feb. 24, April 21, June 16 and Sept. 15, 2007) will each focus on one of these areas. Clergy in charge of parishes will receive a more detailed invitation in July. Each parish is asked to bring a group of 6-8 clergy, laity and non-parochial community members (e.g. residents, business owners or workers).

EPISCOPAL-AFFILIATED SENIOR HOUSING - FALL OPEN HOUSE DAY
A simultaneous open house at the Episcopal-affiliated senior housing communities in the diocese is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 12.  Each community will offer activities and tours so seniors and their families can check out the services and programs available. Participating communities are Collington, Cedar Lane, St. Philip's House, Friendship Terrace and St. Mary's Court. For more information, contact Kate Lewis at 202/414-6312 or klewis at esm.org
 
SAVE THE DATE: SOUTHERN AFRICA PARTNERSHIP MEETING
A diocesan meeting on the Southern Africa Partnership with Bishop John B. Chane and the Southern Africa Partnership Committee is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at St. Alban's, D.C. Details to come.

SMALL RURAL CHURCH SUMMIT
Bishop Ed Leidel of Eastern Michigan and Rob Voyle of the Clergy Leadership Institute are inviting clergy and lay leaders of small, rural churches to participate in an Appreciative Inquiry training. The goal is to help participants re-imagine their churches, to create new models that are sustainable in their communities and have integrity, and to equip the leadership with strategies they can use. The training costs $250. The summit is set for July 27-30 at Huron College, Ontario. For information and/or registration go to www.clergyleadership.com or contact Rob Voyle at rob at voyle.com or 503/647-2382.

DIOCESAN REVIVAL - SAVE THE DATE
The diocese's first annual Fall Revival will take place on the evenings of Oct.19-20 at Washington National Cathedral. The Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago will preach.

MARRIAGE GUIDELINES AVAILABLE ONLINE
A copy of the "Bishop's Guidelines for Marriage and Remarriage" is available online at www.edow.org/marriage

CYCLE OF PRAYER
The Cycle of Prayer through Nov. 26 is online at: 
http://www.edow.org/parish/congregation/liturgy/cycleofprayer/index.html

LATINO MINISTRIES CELEBRATION - SAVE THE DATE
This year's Latino Ministries celebration will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 16 at Our Savior, Silver Spring. Bishop John B. Chane will preside at the Eucharist; a meal will be served afterward. For more information, contact the Rev. Simón Bautista, the Latino Missioner for the Diocese of Washington at sbautista at edow.org or 202/294-4256.
 
TO GROW OR NOT TO GROW TRAINING
Is your congregation interested in growing? This fall, the Diocesan Office of Congregational Ministries will sponsor "To Grow or Not To Grow" training, designed to help parishes assess the barriers to and readiness for growth. Training will be given by members of the Diocesan Consultants Network, who also will provide individual consultation to participating parishes. Parishes must commit to attending all eight sessions and engaging their congregation in discussions throughout the year. For further information or to sign up, contact the Rev. Canon Carol Cole Flanagan at 202-/37-6556.
 
REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES: SAVE THE DATE
Clergy, wardens and lay delegates are asked to attend and vote at their respective Regional Assemblies this fall. If you can't attend your own regional meeting, you can still attend (but not vote at) another one for the plenary session. 
* Regions 1 and 5:  9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 28
* Regions 2 and 3:  9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21
* Region 4: 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 21
* Region 6: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14

ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP AT ST. JAMES', POTOMAC 
The Alzheimer's Association is sponsoring a monthly support group at St. James', Potomac (11815 Seven Locks Road) for those caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Meetings take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall on the third Thursday of each month. All support givers are welcome to come. Two facilitators trained by the Alzheimer's Association lead the group. For further information, contact Linda Pallett at 301/349-5011 or John Miers at 301/656-3359 or Johngmiers at comcast.net 

GIVE A 'PARTNERING HEART'
Give a "Partnering Heart" by supporting a ministry in the Church of the Province of Southern Africa. Visit http://www.edow.org/diocese/outreach/sapc/hearts.html  
to find several options as well as more details and follow-up instructions.



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