[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

AUGUST 16, 2007
 
*** The weekly bulletin for clergy, wardens, diocesan committee members, convention delegates and church administrators in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington ***

REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES
For information on schedule of elections, and submission of nominations and resolutions, go to www.edow.org/regionals.

PARISH LEADERSHIP DINNER REGISTRATION
Registration is now open for the Parish Leadership Dinner at www.edow.org/events  The registration deadline is Sept. 20. The Oct. 2 dinner with Bishop John Bryson Chane costs $20, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Hearst Hall and is open to rectors, interim rectors, priests-in-charge, junior and senior wardens, regional conveners and members of the Diocesan Council. Free parking will be available.

ATTENTION PARISHES: CATHEDRAL DAY 2007
Washington National Cathedral's Centennial Office invites parishes and parish groups to participate in Cathedral Day (formerly called Open House) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29. Cathedral Day will kick off a year's celebration of the Cathedral's Centennial. A special area will be designated for diocesan representation. Parishes are invited to highlight some of their mission work at an information table, offer items for sale, recruit program volunteers or other activities. For more information, contact Elizabeth Stafford at 202/537-6397 or estafford at cathedral.org

CLERGY ID BADGES
Photo-ID badges are available from Church House for Diocese of Washington clergy.  While these ID badges will not get you through airport security, they are useful identification for hospital or prison visitations or other venues where (non-governmental) photo ID is required. The first badge is free, replacement badges are $5. Contact Sheryl Wilcox at swilcox at edow.org or 202/537-6557 if you need to have your photo taken for the badge. Alternately, if you have a good, clear head-shot (wearing clerical collar) send it in, along with your name. Please allow two weeks for processing.
 
IN SEARCH OF DONORS
The fourth annual Bishop's Appeal, which supports the programs and services of the Diocese of Washington, is currently under way. If you have not done so already, please make your personal contribution, and urge members of your congregations to do likewise. It is easy to donate online at http://www.edow.org/diocese/giving/index.html 

HANDICAP RAMP TO GIVE AWAY
Washington National Cathedral has a handicap ramp to give away (the temporary one at the West front). Interested parties should contact Marc Yesberger at Marc_Yesberger at cathedral.org or 202/537-6226. Taker will be responsible for arranging transport and assembly.

LEAD CASEWORKER 
Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington is seeking a Lead Caseworker for its Next Step program at its Arlington, Va., office, to assist homeless individuals and others in need to set goals and help themselves to better lives. Requires BA/BS degree and 2 years social/human services or related experience, or six years of social/human services experience demonstrating progressive responsibility. Must have excellent interpersonal, analytical, listening, organizational and team skills, plus ability to do research and maintain computer records. Public speaking and leadership skills highly desirable. Must have own car. Cover letter and resume to kdoxsee at samaritanministry.org

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT SAMARITAN MINISTRY
Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington is looking for Front Office Coordinators and Meal Program Volunteers for its offices in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. Training and mentoring will be provided. To learn more about becoming a front Office Coordinator, contact Dianne Lewis at 202-722-2280 or dlewis at samaritanministry.org. For more information about Meal Program Volunteering and Support Group Dinners, contact Catherine Rodman at crodman at samaritanministry.org or 202/722-2280.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your prayers this week:
*  David Pollock - recovery from surgery
*  Myles Edwards - personal health
*  Dick Hewlett (retired historiographer) - recovery from surgery 
*  Kathy Jordan - husband's health (Bob) 
*  Tom Logan - personal health 
*  Craig Eder - personal health
*  Harrison West - personal health 
*  Jim Naughton - brother's personal health (Tim)
*  Simon Bautista - mother's health (Maria) 
*  Luis Leon - mother's health (Mary) 
*  Velma Brock - personal health 
*  Martha Bonwitt - husband's health (Bill) 
*  Bill Truitt - personal health 
*  Charles Daugherty - personal health

>>> REMINDERS:

PLANNED GIVING WORKSHOP
The diocese will hold a Planned Giving Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 25 at St. Barnabas, Temple Hills (5203 St. Barnabas Road, Temple Hills). The three-hour workshop will be led by David Lewis, who will cover options from the Episcopal Church Foundation and other sources to give a more complete picture of what can be done with a planned giving program. Useful whether you are just starting out or are looking for new ideas. Light refreshments will be served. Online registration only at www.edow.org/events.

TFCC SEMINAR: AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY IN THE 21st CENTURY
The Trinity Foundation for Christianity and Culture invites you or interested members of your parish to attend a three-hour seminar introducing the principles of TFCC and its formation program, the Awareness Course. This seminar, presented by the Rev. Nadim Nassar, director of TFCC and the only Syrian priest in the Anglican Church, will take place twice: From 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 7; and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 8. Both seminars will be held at St. Paul's, K Street. Free registration. Contact Linda Wilkinson at ljwilkinson at cox.net to register or for more information. TFCC aims to equip Christians in differing cultures to live in a world of religious difference and diversity, countering the conflicts which are born of ignorance and fueled by fear. Visit www.tfccinternational.com to learn more.

ATTENTION CLERGY: TRANSITION MINISTRY CONFERENCE
The next Transition Ministry Conference is set for Sept. 24-27 at Trinity Conference Center in Connecticut. Clergy interested in being considered for openings in the congregations of the 36 dioceses represented by TMC should contact George McConnell, gmcconnell at edow.org or Mary Sulerud, msulerud at edow.org, no later than Sept. 10 for more information. The Deployment and Vocational Ministries office staff will be presenting congregations in the diocese that have openings and clergy seeking new calls. 

SPANISH PREACHING COURSE AT THE CATHEDRAL COLLEGE
The Cathedral College is offering a conference for Spanish speaking preachers, "Biblical Preaching: A Hispanic Approach," from Oct. 22-26. The conference, entirely in Spanish, will explore how to preach some of the most common biblical forms, such as Hebrew narrative, Psalms and Proverbs, prophetic oracles, miracles, parables, epistles and apocalyptic texts. It will be led by Pablo A. Jiménez, an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), who directs www.predicar.org, a bilingual Web site, and is editor of Chalice Press, a line of academic and pastoral books. Fee is $750. For more information or to register, contact the Rev. Dean McDonald at 202/537-6384.

'BEYOND SUNDAY' CONFERENCE IN RICHMOND, VA
"Beyond Sunday: On being a Christian in the world" is set for Nov. 9-10 at the Virginia Diocesan Center at Roslyn in Richmond, Va. Sponsored by the Diocese of Virginia's Commission on Congregational Development and facilitated by the Rev. Canon Fletcher Lowe and a team of parishioners from St. Paul's, Richmond, the conference is designed for those working to enhance the connection between worship and work. Individual conference fee is $75; discount for teams from the same congregation. Register by Oct 20. Contact: Nancy McLaughlin at 240/450-0198 or nmclaughlin2k at yahoo.com or Carolyn Chilton at 800-346-2373, ext. 29 or cchilton at thediocese.net.

WOMEN'S INDIA PILGRIMAGE
The Tutu Institute for Prayer & Pilgrimage is offering a Women's India Pilgrimage, "The Journey to India: Contemplation in Action," from Jan. 11-25. The nonviolent protests that shaped the social change in South Africa and United States carried the legacy of Gandhi's satyagraha. Pilgrims will deepen and renew their relationships with themselves and with God in India, a country rich in ancient traditions of meditation and contemplation. The pilgrimage will be led by the Rev. Mpho A. Tutu and the Reverend Katherine Stiles. Application deadline is Oct. 1. For more information, visit www.tutuinstitute.org, e-mail info at tutuinstitute.org or call 703/677-5642. Cost per person is approximately $6,000. 

REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES 2007:  
Clergy, wardens and convention delegates are entitled to vote and should plan to come to the 2007 Regional Assemblies. Other members of the vestry are encouraged to come as well to participate in discussions. Dates, times and locations are as follows:
* Regions 1 and 2: 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 20, at Epiphany, D.C.
* Regions 3 and 4:  8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 13 at St. John's, Olney
* Region 5: 1:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at St. John's, Beltsville
* Region 6: 1:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at St. Barnabas', Leeland

LATE SUMMER/FALL SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN TRAININGS:
New dates for Safeguarding God's Children training sessions are as follows:
* Aug. 27: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Alban's, D.C. (Monday)
** Aug. 28: 1 to 4 p.m. at Washington Episcopal School (Tuesday). * For staffs of Episcopal Schools only.*
* Sept. 15: 9:30 a.m. to noon at Ascension, Lexington Park (Saturday)
* Sept. 29: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at All Saints', Chevy Chase (Saturday)
* Oct. 27: 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m., location TBA in Region 1 (Saturday)
* Nov. 10: 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. at St. Mark's, Silver Spring (Saturday)
* Dec. 8: 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. at St. Paul's, Rock Creek (Saturday)
Online registration required by going to www.edow.org/prevention Refresher courses for those whose three-year certification is expiring will hopefully be scheduled in October.  More information to come.

EFM GROUPS FORMING FOR FALL
Several new Education for Ministry groups are forming for September 2007 throughout the diocese. EFM is a program of theological study, prayer and reflection from the School of Theology of the University of the South. The Diocese of Washington is a sponsoring diocese for the program. For more information on EFM, and for the location and contact people for groups, go to www.edowefm.org.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING SITES SOUGHT
Episcopal Senior Ministries and THC Affordable Housing have agreed to pool their expertise to develop more senior housing in the Washington metropolitan area. They are looking for development sites on church property, public land or private property for the development of 50-100 units of independent senior living with services. For more information, contact Joe Resch at 202/414-6310 or Suzanne Welch at 202/291-5535.

NEW VOCATIONAL GUIDELINES ISSUED
After a two month period of public comment, the Commission on Ministry has approved new guidelines for those discerning a call to ministry. These guidelines address vocation for those seeking to serve the church as priests and those seeking a call to serve the world and in the church as laity. Draft guidelines for a vocational diaconate are being completed by the COM and will be available for public comment in the fall, along with guidelines for those seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church who have been ordained in other traditions. The guidelines can be found at www.edow.org/diocese/clergy/index.html. 

ATTENTION PARISH ADMINISTRATORS
All parish administrators and administrative assistants in the Diocese of Washington are invited to monthly luncheon meetings of the Administrators Group. Topics of interest are discussed and useful information is shared. New administrators will find these particularly valuable.  Meetings are the third Tuesday of the month at All Souls, on Cathedral Avenue. It is metro-accessible and parking is available. You also are invited to join our listserv which provides a means to exchange information between meetings. Next meeting is set for 12:30 to 2 p.m. Sept. 18. Contact the group at: http://www.edow.org/parish/administration/resources/index.html

CATHEDRAL'S PARKING GARAGE OPEN
Washington National Cathedral's underground parking garage is now open. Visitors to Church House should enter the garage from the main entrance off Wisconsin Avenue just south of Woodley Road. The parking ticket received upon entrance can be validated for the diocese's invited guests and committee members. Surface parking restrictions after 3:30 p.m. are lifted, so parking for evening meetings can be done at street level and validation will not be needed. Please park legally at all times; enforcement activities are in effect. Questions about parking on the close may be directed to ParkingInfo at cathedral.org

FALL MINISTRY CONFERENCE AT VIRGINIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
On Oct. 15, the Virginia Theological Seminary will hold a one-day Fall Ministry Conference at its campus in Alexandria, Va. Learn about the seminary's programs, talk to faculty and students, go to classes, have lunch and tour the campus. To register for the conference or for further information, visit www.vts.edu, or email Admissions at vts.edu.  Space is limited, so register now if you are interested in attending.

PARISH NURSE/HEALTH MINISTRY TRAINING COURSE
The National Episcopal Health Ministries will hold a parish nurse/health ministry training course from Aug. 27 to Sept. 1 at the Virden Center in Lewes, DE. The NEHM course is endorsed by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center, offers RN continuing education credit, is taught from the Episcopalian viewpoint, and also is open to those doing health ministry who are not RNs. Tuition for this five day residential program is $400; fee for double room and meals at the Virden Center is $400, with private rooms available for $200 additional. For more information or to register, visit www.episcopalhealthministries.org or contact Carol Sullivan at 410/827-6907 or songofjoy at dmv.com

RACIAL RECONCILIATION TRAINING DATES SET
The diocese's Committee on Racial Reconciliation will conduct an expanded and re-formatted Racial Reconciliation Training program on  * Nov. 2-3 * Feb. 8-9, 2008 * May 16-17, 2008 * Nov. 14-15, 2008. Advance registration is required, and will be announced when locations are known.
 
HUNGER FUND INTRODUCES ONLINE GIVING
The Hunger Fund is pleased to announce that it is now able to accept online contributions. Visit the Hunger Fund's Web page - http://www.hungerfund.net - and click on "Donate Now Online." 

CONTRIBUTING TO THE BISHOP JOHN T. WALKER SCHOOL
The planned Bishop John T. Walker Episcopal School will serve the boys of Wards 7 and 8 in southeast Washington, D.C., and hopes to provide collaborative education, with the boys and their families, in a Christian setting. Your generous contribution will enable the diocese to continue the planning phase which is a crucial first step toward establishing the school. Contributions 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
     
CYCLE OF PRAYER
The Cycle of Prayer through Nov. 25, 2007 is online at: 
http://www.edow.org/parish/congregation/liturgy/cycleofprayer/index.html

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