[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

MARCH 29, 2007
 
*** The weekly bulletin for clergy, wardens, diocesan committee members, convention delegates and church administrators in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington ***
 
2007 STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE 
The 2007 Stewardship Conference, "Back to Basics" is set for April 21 at Washington National Cathedral. Keynote speaker will be John Oaks. Sessions and speakers include: Planned Giving - Glenn Holliman; Christian Formation and Stewardship - Dontie Fuller; Marketing Your Parish to Your Community - Jim Naughton; The Stewardship Committee and the Annual Appeal - David Lewis. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; conference sessions will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $25 per person and includes a boxed lunch. Register at www.edow.org/events
 
PRESIDING BISHOP'S EASTER MESSAGE
The full text of the Presiding Bishop's message for Easter 2007 is online at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_84357_ENG_HTM.htm.
 
GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING
This Good Friday, as for the past 85 years, the Episcopal Church will take up an offering for the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, symbolizing unity with and concern for those who witness to Christ throughout that region. Funds received through the Good Friday Offering are used to run hospitals, schools, orphanages and many other programs for the benefit of people of all faiths. The witness of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East is highlighted in a bulletin shell, offering envelopes and a poster that are available from the Episcopal Books and Resource Center at www.episcopalchurch.org/agr/friday or 800/903-5544.  
 
MAUNDY THURSDAY RENEWAL OF VOWS
Clergy are invited to attend the Maundy Thursday Renewal of Vows and Blessing of Oils at noon April 5 at Washington National Cathedral. Following the Eucharist, there will be a light luncheon at the Cathedral College for any clergy who wish to attend. If you would like to attend the luncheon, please register at www.edow.org/events  "Maundy Thursday - Clergy Luncheon - April 5, 2007."
 
OPENINGS ON THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH
Applications are available for any young person interested in serving on the Committee on Youth for the Diocese of Washington. We have one opening in Region 1 and Region 4, two openings in Region 3 and one at-large position. Visit www.edow.org/youth to download the application and recommendation forms. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Canady, Deputy for Youth Ministry at 202/537-6524 or PCanady at EDOW.org. The application deadline is May 4th.
 
SPRING CLERGY CONFERENCE - SAVE THE DATE
The diocese's Spring Clergy Conference is set for May 22-24 at Shrine Mont, Va. Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Margaret B. Guenther. Early registration and program information is now available at www.edow.org/clergyconf 
 
CHURCH FOR THE 21ST CENTURY CONFERENCE
May 10-12, 2007, at Washington National Cathedral. Speakers include: Diana Butler Bass, Michael Battle, Marcus Borg, Barbara Brown Taylor, Fred Burnham, Carmen Guerrero, Tony Jones, Phyllis Tickle and Cathedral dean Sam Lloyd. Participants will share what is working in their congregations in hopes of creating networks of religious leaders across the traditional divides of mainline and emergent, evangelical and progressive churches to foster renewal and revitalization. Conversations on Best Practices in Latino/Hispanic and African-American ministries and Emergent Communities are also scheduled. $250 registration fee includes Thursday dinner, Friday lunch and Eucharist "feast", and Friday evening reception. Sponsored by the Cathedral College. Register online now at www.cathedralcollege.org/21stcenturychurch

CENTERING PRAYER RETREAT IN REHOBOTH BEACH: JUNE 1-3
Introduction to Centering Prayer, a retreat led by the Rev. J. Carlyle Gill, will be held at duPont Memorial House in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware from June 1-3.  For details and registration information email LaceyAGude at aol.com or call Lacey at 202/833-3614.

ORGAN FOR SALE
St. John's Norwood in Chevy Chase has a lovely 1859 August Pomplitz and Henry Rodewald one manual tracker action instrument with pipe work and action restored by Richard Howell that is for sale. This 5 rank organ represents the typical country pipe organ of its time as built by Pomplitz. Please contact Anne Timpane, Director of Music Ministries at St. John's (atimpane at stjohnsnorwood.org or 301/654-7767) if you would like more information about the instrument.

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR - ALL SOULS, DC
All Souls, DC (2300 Cathedral Avenue, NW) is seeking a parish administrator to manage the day-to-day business operations of the parish and supervise the non-clerical staff and volunteer office assistants. Applicants should have experience in office administration of non-profits, Episcopal churches preferred, managing a staff of 5 to 8 and recruiting and guiding volunteer office assistants. Experience with Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel are required. Experience with Adobe PageMaker and PhotoShop is highly desired. Fluency in Spanish is desirable. Send resume and cover letter to personnel at allsoulsdc.org.

P/T PARISH ASSISTANT - GRACE CHURCH, SILVER SPRING
Grace Episcopal Church, located at 1607 Grace Church Rd., in Silver Spring, MD, seeks a part-time Parish Assistant to work 16 hours a week assisting the Clergy, Parish Administrator, and staff with a variety of daily tasks. Candidates must possess a solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office 2003 programs and be familiar with database software management programs. In addition, must know how to operate standard office equipment, including multi-line telephone system; copier, fax machine, folding machine, etc. Good communications skills are essential. Grace Episcopal Church has an active cadre of ministries, and is home to a diverse and active congregation of approximately 350 members. It is centrally located between downtown Silver Spring and the beltway. Interested parties should fax a resume with cover letter to Parish Administrator Tracy Holmes at 301/585-4309.

P/T PARISH ADMINISTRATOR - ST. PHILIP'S, LAUREL
St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Laurel, MD, seeks a Parish Administrator to work at least 18 hours per week beginning mid-to-late April. Duties require greeting skills; MS Word, Excel, Publisher, and Outlook; and managing a church database. Primary tasks include bulletin preparation, parish mailings, payroll prep, creating mailing labels, and copying. Please phone 301-776-5151 ext. 12, and/or email resumé to clergy at stphilipslaurel.org.

P/T PARISH SECRETARY - CHRIST CHURCH, LA PLATA
Christ Church, Port Tobacco Parish, La Plata, Maryland, is looking for a part-time parish secretary, 20 hours per week. Must be familiar with computer software, be discreet, and enjoy interacting with people. Please call 301/392-1051 if interested.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your prayers this week:
*  Anne Monahan - hospitalization
*  Noreen Seiler-Dubay - at time of her mother's death (Regis)
*  Dr. Henry Work - at the time of his death (3/21) and his funeral (3/29 - 10 am at Washington Cathedral)  
*  David Pollock - personal health
*  David Black - recovery from surgery
*  Doris Attridge - personal health
*  Caroline Fairless - mother's health (Caroline)
*  Simon Bautista - mother's health (Maria)
*  Kathy Jordan - husband's health (Bob)
*  Luis Leon - mother's health (Mary)
*  Mariann Babnis - personal health 
*  Charles Daugherty - personal health
*  Velma Brock - personal health
*  Tom Logan - personal health
*  Bishop Ronald Haines - personal health
*  Martha Bonwitt - husband's health (Bill)


>>> REMINDERS: 

HEARINGS ON LAY LICENSING, VOCATIONAL DISCERNMENT
The Commission on Ministry will be conducting public hearings on its new standards for lay licensing and vocational discernment for those examining lay ministry and ministry to the priesthood. (The vocational diaconate proposal will follow later this spring.) The final hearing for lay licensing standards is set for 9:30 to 11 a.m. March 31 at Christ Church, Chaptico. Lay licensing standards are posted on the diocesan Web site:
http://www.edow.org/diocese/governance/licensing/proposedlaystandards.html and public comment will be received until April 15. Public hearings on the proposed process for lay vocations and vocations to the priesthood will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon April 14 at Holy Trinity, Bowie and from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 24 at St. Luke's, Bethesda. The proposed discernment process is posted on the Web site at:  http://www.edow.org/discernment and comments will be received until May 4. Public comments should be sent to the attention of the Rev. Mary Sulerud at Church House or by e-mail to msulerud at edow.org.

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT WORKSHOP
Participants from every parish in the Diocese of Washington are invited to attend a special half-day workshop with the Committee on the Environment on April 28. The workshop will focus on actions that parishes can take in their buildings, grounds and beyond to become better environmental stewards and reduce their negative impact on the environment. The meeting will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Perry Auditorium of the National Cathedral. Doors will open for coffee at 9 a.m. Speakers include Mike Tidwell from the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Glen O'Gilvie from the Earth Conservation Corps and Religious Partnership for the Anacostia River, Allison Fisher from Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light, and parish representatives who will offer practical examples of actions they have taken. For questions, contact Jane Osborne: jane at environmentalacademy.us or 202/716-6248. RSVPs are helpful but not necessary. 
 
SAMARITAN MINISTRY SEEKS MEAL PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS
Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington and the Loaves and Fishes program of St. Stephen and the Incarnation Church in D.C., are seeking Meal Program Volunteers to get to know noon-day guests at meals each Saturday and Sunday, as well as Monday holidays. This is an opportunity to help meal program attendees connect with the appropriate local resources and programs like Samaritan Ministry. Volunteers will receive specialized training and will be asked to commit to at least one visit to Loaves and Fishes per month. Volunteers should have good interpersonal skills and a desire to work with individuals who are homeless, hungry and poor. Training will be held on from 9:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. March 31 at St. Stephen's (1525 Newton Street NW). To register for the training, contact Catherine Rodman at rodman at samaritanministry.org or 202/722-2280. **Space is limited so advanced registration is required.**

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." Please let your congregation, friends, relatives and neighbors know that this option is now available.   

TASTE AND SEE...AN EXPERIENTIAL PRAYER CLASS
The Tutu Institute for Prayer & Pilgrimage is offering, "Taste and See...an Experiential Prayer Class," on April 28 with the Rev. Mpho Tutu. Participants will explore new ways of prayer, in classes designed to enrich your prayer life. Classes will begin at 10 a.m. (registration at 9:30 a.m.) at Christ Church, Alexandria, Va., and will last two hours with time for prayerful preparation, learning, experience and discussion. Pre-registration price is $12; pre-registration deadline is April 20. Price at the door is $15. Visit www.tutuinstitute.org for additional registration information or contact 703/677-5642 or info at tutuinstitute.org. 

RADICAL LOVE 
The Wellspring Retreat and Conference Center (11411 Neelsville Church Rd., Germantown, MD 20876-4145) will host a conference titled "Radical Love" from May 3-6. Participants will seek hope in today's world of violence, rage, deception and systemic failures. Cost, $300, including housing and meals. Scholarship available. Contact 301/428-3373, missionwel at aol.com or visit Wellspringministry.org 

SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN TRAINING
New dates and locations for Safeguarding God's Children training sessions (prevention of child abuse training required by all paid church employees and those working with children and youth - paid or volunteer) are as follows:
* April 14 at St. Mary, Magdalene
* May 5 at St. John's, Broad Creek
* May 16 at Redeemer, Bethesda 
* June 16 at St. Anne's, Damascus.
Register online at www.edow.org/prevention. Registration is required for attendance.

FAITH IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE
The Cathedral College is offering "Faith in the Public Square," a course with staff members of the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays from April 10 to May 1. For more information, go to www.nationalcathedral.org/register or call 202/537.2221. The course will explore the ministry of justice through the Episcopal Church's work on public policy. Registration is $95 regular admission, $83 for members of the NCA, and $70 for seniors, students and those with limited income. 

MISSIONARY TO SUDAN AVAILABLE TO SPEAK
The Rev. Lauren R. Stanley, missionary, theologian and journalist, is the Episcopal Church's only full-time missionary living and working in Sudan. Stanley is currently available to visit your parish or group to discuss her mission experiences as well as the current situation in Sudan. Contact her at laurenrenk at gmail.com or at 703/678-3892.

EPISCOPAL SENIOR MINISTRIES SUNDAY
Bishop John B. Chane has designated May 6 as Episcopal Senior Ministries Sunday to increase awareness of and support for the 10 Episcopal services for older adults in the Diocese of Washington. Information about these services for newsletters and bulletins, contact information for speakers for rector's forums on that Sunday, and liturgies on aging are available for each congregation. Please plan to set aside that Sunday to recognize all the Episcopal Senior Ministries in the diocese. For more information, contact Marcy Hunter at 202/414-6314 or Mhunter at esm.org.  

PRE-MOTHER'S DAY GOSPEL LUNCHEON CRUISE
The Episcopal Church Women of St. Timothy's, D.C., invite all mothers to join them for a pre-Mother's Day Gospel Luncheon Cruise aboard the Spirit of Washington. The ECW will set sail at 11 a.m. May 12 (Saturday). Boarding begins at 10:30 a.m. at Pier 4, 6th & Water Streets, SW, Washington, D.C. The cost is $55 per person and is due by April 1.  Payment is transferable but non-refundable. For more information, contact Gloria Clanton at 202/582-1985 or Prattsie Artis at 301/390-3939.

APPLICATIONS FOR ABSALOM JONES SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications for the annual Absalom Jones Scholarships are now being accepted by St. Philip's, Laurel. Individuals who will be attending an institution of higher education and are in need of financial assistance are invited to apply by March 31. Applicants must reside, work, attend school or be a member of an Episcopal parish in the Diocese of Washington. For more information, contact the Absalom Jones Scholarship Fund Committee at 301/776-5151, ext. 15 or at absalomjonesfund at stphilips.org. Information also may be obtained at www.stphilipslaurel.org.

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

START UP! START OVER! 
Clergy and laity will gather in Phoenix, Arizona, for a Start Up! Start Over! seminar May 7-11. Start Up! Start Over! is a national training event that provides basic congregational development theory and skills. Registration materials are available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/4519_26440_ENG_HTM.htm. 
     
CYCLE OF PRAYER
The Cycle of Prayer through Nov. 25, 2007 is online at: 
http://www.edow.org/parish/congregation/liturgy/cycleofprayer/index.html