[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

NOVEMBER 8, 2007

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

DIOCESAN CONVENTION 2007
The 113th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington is set for Jan. 25-26 at Washington National Cathedral. The preacher at the Friday night Eucharist is the Rev. Ian Douglas, Professor of Mission and World Christianity at Episcopal Divinity School. Keynoter this year will be Peter Steinke, author of "Healthy Congregations" and "Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times." Deadline for exhibit requests is Dec. 14; online registration requests can be made at www.edow.org/events "EDOW Convention Exhibit Space Request." Please note that not all requests for exhibit space can be accommodated. Resolutions must be signed by a member of Convention and received by close of business on Nov. 26. For assistance and standard format, call Ann Talty, governance officer, at 202/537-6548 or visit www.convention.edow.org  Submit resolutions to: Secretary of the Convention, Episcopal Church House, Mount St. Alban, Washington, D.C., 20016.

2007 CHILDREN'S ADVENT PROJECT
Information on this year's Advent project - Beauty Bala and the Siyaphila crèche and pre-school - has been sent electronically to parish clergy and hard copies to parish administrators. Further information on the project is available at www.edow.org/ministries/southernafrica/sapc_index.html

TREASURERS' WORKSHOP 
A Treasurers' Workshop is set for 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at St. George's, Glenn Dale. All treasurers, senior wardens and others involved in parish finances are encouraged to attend. Meet your colleagues from other parishes, members of the diocesan Finance Committee and Church House staff. Topics will include: annual reporting cycle, fund and cash management, loans, compensation and benefits and diocesan resources.
Register online at www.edow.org/events "Treasurers' Workshop"

VOCATIONAL MINISTRY RETREAT
The next vocational ministry retreat is set for Jan. 4-5 at Bon Secours retreat center in Marriettsville. This retreat is sponsored quarterly by the Commission on Ministry and once again features Marjorie Z. Bankson as the retreat leader. Register for the event at www.edow.org/events and click on the "vocational ministry retreat" listing. Cost is $120; scholarship assistance is available. The cost includes all meals and lodging. 

MANUAL OF BUSINESS METHODS IN CHURCH AFFAIRS
The Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs is now available online at www.episcopalchurch.org/finance_58218_ENG_HTM.htm  Rectors, wardens, treasurers and parish administrators will want to be familiar with this valuable resource.

MEETING ROOM AVAILABLE
St. Stephen and the Incarnation (1525 Newton Street NW ) has a conference room available for use by community groups and organizations. The room is large enough to comfortably fit 15 people and contains chairs and tables, an easel with newsprint and markers, a sink and a small fridge. The room is on the 3rd floor of the building and is accessible only by stairs. It rents on a sliding scale of $25-$50 per hour. The church is easily accessible by public transportation. For more information, contact Brian Best at 202/232-0900 or brian.best at saintstephensdc.org.  
 
CENTERING PRAYER AT ST. FRANCIS, POTOMAC
Contemplative Outreach of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., presents an evening of prayer and discussion with the Rev. William Sheehan from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at St. Francis, Potomac. If you are drawn to but have never experienced what some call Prayer of the Heart, Prayer of Presence, or Centering Prayer, you will have an opportunity to join others in this prayer. There will be a short introduction with guidelines for newcomers. A free will offering will be taken. Call Guy or Dana Semmes at 301/983-1857 for more information, or to register, call Maura at 301/365-2055.
 
COME AND SEE SAMARITAN MINISTRY  
Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington invites you to a "Next Step Experience." Learn about the organization's programs and services and hear how lives have been changed. Event is set for Nov. 27 with welcome/refreshments at 7:45 a.m. and program from 8 to 9 a.m. at the SE D.C. office, 1345 U St, SE. RSVP to Diane Aten at daten at samaritanministry.org or 202/722-2280, ext. 304.
 
ANGUS DUN FUND APPLICATIONS DUE
Canonically resident clergy are invited to apply for a grant of up to $1,000 for continuing education from the Angus Dun Fund. Applicants must demonstrate the benefit of the program to the parish and/or the Diocese of Washington. Applications are due by  Nov. 12 and should be sent to Sharonda Myers, Assistant to the Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Mount Saint Alban, Washington, D.C., 20016 or to smyers at edow.org 
Application forms are available online at http://www.edow.org/parish/congregation/grants/angusdunapp.htm

COMING HOME: RE-INTEGRATING THE EX-OFFENDER
Grace, Georgetown will host a series on "Coming Home: Re-integrating the Ex-offender" on Wednesday evenings through Dec.5. There is no charge for the sessions, set for 7 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 14, 21, 28 and Dec. 5, and free parking is available in the Georgetown Park Mall, with validation. There will be a light supper and evening worship before the program at 6:15 and 6:45 p.m. respectively. During the next session, Nov. 14, the
Rev. Steven Tucker of New Commandment Baptist Church and its ex-offender program speaks on the spiritual component of re-integration.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - ST. COLUMBA'S
St. Columba's, D.C., is accepting inquiries for the full time position of Chief Operating Officer, which will become open in January. Oversight responsibilities in the areas of finance, building maintenance, human resources and information technology. Candidates must have significant background in administration; previous church experience would be a plus. Salary and benefits are competitive. Please send resume and cover letter to afowler at columba.org or mail to the attention of Anona Fowler, St. Columba's Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016.
 
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your prayers this week:
* David Pollock - recovery from successful hip surgery 
* Margot Critchfield - mother's health (Maggie) 
* Betsy Hague - husband's health (Ralph) 
* Martha Bonwitt - husband's health (Bill) 
* Charles and Jessie Daugherty - personal health 
* Tom Logan - personal health 
* Velma Brock - personal health 
* Bishop Ronald Haines - personal health

>>> REMINDERS:

NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH WEEKEND
In 1982, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church passed a resolution recognizing the life-giving benefits of organ, blood and tissue donation, encouraging members to become donors "as part of their ministry to others in the name of Christ, who gave His life that we may have life in its fullness." Churches in the diocese are encouraged to raise this issue on National Donor Sabbath, Nov. 9-11. To register to be a donor or to learn more, visit www.BeADonor.org For additional information or educational materials, contact Jacinta Marshall at 301/262-0246 or 410/218-0964 or visit http://www.wrtc.org/

HANDICAP ACCESS FEASIBILITY COMMITTEE SEEKS INPUT
St. Bartholomew's, Laytonsville has formed a Handicap Access Feasibility Committee to explore ways to provide easier access to the church. The committee is interested in talking with any parish that has recently redesigned its entrance, added a ramp or wheelchair lift or made other adjustments to their facilities that are compliant with the ADA. Please contact the Rev. Carol Flett at revflett at yahoo.com

AFFORDABLE HOUSING WORKSHOP
Enterprise Community Partners is offering affordable housing workshops for  faith-based institutions. The next session, "Accessing Public Money: the RFP Process in Local Jurisdictions" is set for 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 29 at the Edgewood Senior facility (635 Edgewood Street N.E. in Crawford Hall, 9th Floor). The session will give an overview of the public money available for financing development projects and participants will be able to talk with local government officials from the District of Columbia, Fairfax and Prince Georges County about the application process. There is no charge for the workshop, but RSVP to Urica Lewis at 202/842-9190 ext. 10 or ulewis at enterprisecommunity.org.  

AED (AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS) PROGRAM 
The Diocese of Washington is encouraging its churches and schools to learn more about Automated External Defibrillators. If you are interested in setting up a program, contact Robert Tomlinson at rtomlinson at edow.org or 202/537-6523. He is attempting to gauge interest so the diocese can negotiate a better pricing structure. Those interested in learning more about AEDs also can visit www.rescue-one.com 

2008 HEALTH PLAN RATES AVAILABLE
The Diocese of Washington is pleased to announce a 6 percent premium increase with no plan changes for the 2008 calendar year. It continues to offer the BlueChoice Opt-Out Plus plan which includes dental, prescription drug and discount vision care. If you have questions, contact Kathleen Hall at 202/537-6522 or khall at edow.org.

2008 COLA 
The diocese's 2008 COLA will be announced in November, after it has been approved by the Diocesan Council. It is anticipated that it will be a 3.0 to 3.5 percent increase to base salary, based on third quarter CPI and other regional cost of living data. 

PILGRIMAGE TO ENGLAND
St. Dunstan's, Bethesda is planning a pilgrimage to England from April 17-28, led by the Rev. Jeffrey MacKnight in conjunction with Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries. A full itinerary is available at www.stdunstansbethesda.org  Cost is approximately $3,500. Contact Christina Barton at 301/229-2960, ext. 10 or stdunstans at verizon.net.

FOLK MUSICIAN JOHN MCCUTCHEON IN CONCERT
Acclaimed singer-songwriter John McCutcheon will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at St. Alban's, D.C. Concert will benefit the church's Crossroads Shelter. Tickets $25; purchase tickets for will-call at www.albansdc.org. Tickets also available at the door for cash or check, but space is limited. Questions? Call 301/996-3848.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH SEEKS NOMINEES FOR CHURCH OFFICES
The Joint Standing Nominating Committee of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church is seeking applications from persons willing to be nominated to serve on the Court for the Trial of a Bishop, as board members of The Church Pension Fund, members of Executive Council and the General Board of Examining Chaplains and as trustees of General Theological Seminary. Elections will take place at the 2009 General Convention. Applications must be received on or before Feb.1. To learn more and to apply, visit http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/nomcomGC2009/. 

UTO GRANT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
UTO Grant Applications are now available. To receive an application, call the Episcopal Church Women's Office at 202/537-6530. Applications also are available at www.episcopalchurch.org/UTO. Please do not submit the application online, send it to the Office of Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Washington, Church House, Mount Saint Alban, Washington, D.C. 20016 by Dec. 21.

TASTE AND SEE - AN EXPERIENTIAL PRAYER CLASS 
Join the Rev. Mpho Tutu of The Tutu Institute for Prayer & Pilgrimage on Nov. 17 for Taste and See, An Experiential Prayer Class. The two-hour classes will be at Christ Church, Alexandria (9:30 a.m. registration). Pre-registration/$12; door/$15. Visit tutuinstitute.org or contact 703/677-5642 or info at tutuinstitute.org. 

HEALING MINISTRY TRAINING
The Healing Prayers Ministry of Our Saviour, Hillandale is hosting the Institute of Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy's course "Sent to Heal and Anoint" on the use of essential oils in a ministry of healing. The course is set for Nov. 30 through Dec. 2; cost is $400 (early bird, senior, and student rates available). CEUs are available for nurses, chaplains and massage therapists. Contact Anne Harvey at 301/439-0635 or atwharvey at verizon.net, or visit www.ishahealing.com

COMPUTER SUPPLIES AND HARDWARE
The diocese has partnered with CDW Computer Centers to offer a joint purchasing program with competitive prices for hardware, software and electronics products. CDW offers telephone and online purchasing, free custom configurations, next day shipping, free 24-hour lifetime technical support. Further information is available at http://technology.edow.org/article.php?id=41
 
DIOCESAN GROUPS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
Three diocesan groups are in need of new members: the new Task Force on Alcohol and Substance Abuse; the Diocesan Retreat Committee; and the Committee on the Environment. For descriptions of the groups and talents needed, visit www.edow.org/committees or contact Ann Talty at 202/537-6548 or atalty at edow.org.

RACIAL RECONCILIATION TRAINING REGISTRATION OPENS 
The diocese's Committee on Racial Reconciliation will conduct a Racial Reconciliation Training program on Feb. 8-9 and May 16-17, 2008. Locations TBA.

FALL SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN TRAININGS:
Fall dates for Safeguarding God's Children training sessions are as follows:
* Nov. 10: 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. at St. Mark's, Silver Spring (Saturday)
* Nov. 27: 6:30 to 10 p.m. at St. Columba's (Dinner included)
* 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 is yet to be scheduled.  
 
APPLY NOW FOR THE 2008 SUMMER COLLEGIUM
The Summer Collegium, a project that supports small congregations, is accepting applications for next year's event, set for June 25-July 3. This all-expenses-paid conference is open to clergy who pastor small congregations and their spouses or partners. Applications at www.vts.edu/education/collegium or contact Marilyn Johns at mjohns at vts.edu or 703/461-1760. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 15.

12-STEP EUCHARIST
St. Alban's, D.C., and its Hope for Recovery ministry team offers a 12-Step Eucharist at 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. It's not necessary to be in a 12-step program to attend. Please contact Sally Craig at sallycraig at aol.com or the Rev. Margot Critchfield at margotc at st-albans-parish.org with questions.
 
AFFORDABLE HOUSING SITES SOUGHT
Episcopal Senior Ministries and THC Affordable Housing are looking for 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
The Commission on Ministry has approved new guidelines for those discerning a call to ministry. The guidelines can be found at www.edow.org/diocese/clergy/index.html. 
 
BISHOP'S APPEAL
If you have not done so already, please make your contribution to the fourth annual Bishop's Appeal at http://www.edow.org/diocese/giving/index.html 

CONTRIBUTING TO THE BISHOP JOHN T. WALKER SCHOOL
Contributions for the planned 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
     
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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