[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

AUGUST 30, 2007
 
*** The weekly bulletin for clergy, wardens, diocesan committee members, convention delegates and church administrators in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington ***

PEACE VIGIL
The Washington Chapter of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship will hold "A vigil for peace in Iraq" at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at St. Columba's, D.C. Call 202/364-0546 for more information.

12-STEP EUCHARIST
St. Alban's, D.C., and its Hope for Recovery ministry team will offer a 12-Step Eucharist at 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month beginning Sept. 5. It's not necessary to be in a 12-step program to attend. For those interested, there are a number of 12-step meetings in the church's Satterlee Hall afterward, including an open AA speaker's meeting, to which all are invited. Please contact Sally Craig at sallycraig at aol.com or the Rev. Margot Critchfield at margotc at st-albans-parish.org with questions.

HONDURAS COORDINATING COMMITTEE EVENT
The Honduras Coordinating Committee invites all members of the diocese to a special event that will highlight the continuing relationship with the Diocese of Honduras. This gathering is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 8 at Ascension, Silver Spring (633 Sligo Avenue). Bishop Lloyd Allen, of Honduras, will speak and there will be a presentation on current mission projects, as well as a discussion about ways parishes can become involved in this ministry. Latin American food and music. RVSPs not necessary but helpful. For further information, call the Ascension parish office at 301/587-3272. 
 
PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE US AND IRAN 
A panel discussion: "The US and Iran: a Difficult History" is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 29 in the nave of Washington National Cathedral. Panelists include former Iran hostage and State Department official Bruce Laingen, Stephen Kinzer, former New York Times bureau chief and author of "All the Shah's Men" and Professor Abbas Amanat, an Iranian scholar and professor of history at Yale University. Contact Evan Anderson, deputy director of International Reconciliation and Peacemaking at the Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation at 202/537-2357 for more information.

EPISCOPAL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE
The Church Pension Group is sponsoring its third annual Episcopal Business Administration Conference for Parishes and Institutions Oct. 18-19 in New York City and Nov. 1-2 in Orlando, Fla. The conference is a short course in "Everything you ever wanted to know about the Church Pension Group." Administrators, office managers, treasurers, and other persons charged with the financial and administrative functions of a parish or institution will find this conference beneficial. Conference information is available at www.cpg.org/ebacparish. For additional information, contact Linda Puckett at the Church Pension Group at lpuckett at cpg.org or 800/223-6602, ext. 6260. 

WOMEN'S RETREAT
The Rev. Barbara Crafton will lead a Women's Retreat, sponsored by Christ, Chaptico, from Sept. 21-23 at Camp Maria, Leonardtown. (Friday 6:30 p.m. through Sunday 1:30 p.m.) The theme will be "Keeping that Sunday Feeling The Rest of the Week." The cost is $185 for non-Christ Church members. For additional information go to "Women's Retreat" at http://www.christepiscopalchaptico.org ; or contact Shelby Oppermann at shelbyalbe at aol.com or 301/904-2532. 
 
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR - GOVERNMENT RELATIONS OFFICE
 The Episcopal Church Government Relations Office, on Capitol Hill, seeks an Office Administrator who is highly organized and can efficiently manage varied responsibilities including: administrative duties and project-related tasks; oversight of office budget and interns; assist with grassroots network; and other duties. Salary negotiable and includes a generous benefits package. To apply, e-mail resume with cover letter including salary requirements to: mshea at episcopalchurch.org  No phone calls please.
 
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your prayers this week:
*  Myles Edwards - at the time of his death (Aug. 21) and Memorial Service (11 a.m. Sept. 5 at the Cathedral's Bethlehem Chapel) 
*  David Pollock - personal health 
*  Dick Hewlett (retired historiographer) - personal health 
*  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
* William Truitt at the time of his death and funeral (Aug. 29) 

>>> REMINDERS:

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 

TFCC SEMINAR: AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY IN THE 21st CENTURY
The Trinity Foundation for Christianity and Culture will hold a three-hour seminar introducing the principles of TFCC and its formation program, the Awareness Course. TFCC aims to equip Christians in differing cultures to live in a world of religious difference and diversity. This seminar 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 sessions will be at St. Paul's, K Street. Free registration. Contact Linda Wilkinson at ljwilkinson at cox.net to register or for more information. 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 pilgrimage will be led by the Rev. Mpho A. Tutu and the Rev. 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

FALL SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN TRAININGS:
New dates for Safeguarding God's Children training sessions are as follows:
* 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.  

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
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. Questions 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.

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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