[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

DECEMBER 11, 2008

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

VISIT OUR ADVENT CALENDAR!
The diocese's online Advent Calendar, edow.org/advent, this year offers
windows to a meditation, the daily office and a videotaped interview
with one of the many young people who have benefited from the Bokamoso
Youth Program of Winterveld, South Africa. The program provides training
in life skills, scholarships for college-level education and emotional
support for at-risk youth. Students perform in their own community and
in the United States, spending a month in residence at St. Andrew's
Episcopal School, Potomac. To learn more about Bokamoso, visit
bokamosoyouth.org

DIOCESE NAMES INTERIM YOUTH MISSIONER
The Rev. Jessica Hitchcock, currently assistant rector at Ascension,
Gaithersburg, has been named as the Interim Diocesan Youth Missioner, a
half-time position. She will begin her work in mid to late January and
will continue through the Spring Semester. "She will do a great job and
it will be delightful to have her in our midst," said canon to the
ordinary Paul Cooney. 

HUNGER FUND'S LENTEN PROGRAM 
The diocesan Hunger Fund is putting together a Lenten study package of
readings and reflections for each Sunday in Lent, as well as Palm
Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Materials will be
available at the 2009 Diocesan Convention on Jan. 30-31. For more
information, contact Lee Mericle at lmericle at acm.org.

EPISCOPAL DIVINITY SCHOOL VISITOR'S DAY                        
Prospective students are invited to a Visiting Day at Episcopal Divinity
School in Cambridge, Mass., on March 5. Explore the curriculum, meet the
faculty, and experience the daily life and worship within the EDS
Community. The informational day includes a campus tour, presentations
by faculty and students, Eucharist, and the opportunity to observe a
class. Admissions interviews can also be scheduled during the visit.
Contact admissions at eds.edu or 617/682-1507, or go to www.eds.edu and
click on Admissions. One night of accommodation is offered to
prospective students, based on availability. 

AN EVENING OF ANTONIO VIVALDI'S GLORIA
Ascension, Silver Spring's Chancel Choir presents "An evening of Antonio
Vivaldi's Gloria," at 6 p.m. Dec. 14. The performance will feature
selections of the Mass with full choir, soloists, and instrumentalists.
www.ascensionsilverspring.org Refreshments will be served afterward in
the Parish Hall. Free admission and open to all.

LESSONS AND CAROLS AT ST. THOMAS', CROOM
A service of Lessons and Carols is set for 4 p.m. Dec. 21 at St.
Thomas', Croom. A reception in Willes Church House will follow the
service. Donations to the Community Support Systems food bank of either
non-perishable foodstuffs or check will be accepted. All are welcome.

PALISADES COMMUNITY SINGALONG; ADVENT CRAFT WORKSHOP
St. David's, D.C., is hosting two community events: The Palisades
Community Singalong at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at St. David's, followed by a
reception with light refreshments; and an Advent Craft Workshop and
Greening of the Church beginning at 3 p.m. Dec. 21. Neighbors are
invited to string popcorn, make peanut butter pinecones for the birds
and paint ornaments. Supplies provided. Seasonal drinks and favorite
carols. www.stdavidsdc.org

JOBS:

EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN SOUGHT
Christian Communities Group Homes is looking for a trustworthy, reliable
and experienced part-time handyman to perform home repairs and
maintenance for a new program that provides home repair services to
senior citizens living in Washington, D.C. To apply, send resume and
professional references to Leah Penner, CCGH Assistant Director. 2501
18th Street, NE. Washington, DC 20018 or to LPenner at esm.org  For more
information, contact Ernest Crosby at 202/635-9384, ext 106. CCGH and
Age-In-Place are services of Episcopal Senior Ministries.

PARISH SECRETARY, ST. ALBAN'S, D.C. 
St. Alban's, D.C., is seeking a parish secretary to work with the rector
and staff to provide a Christian welcome to all who call, write, e-mail
or arrive in person. Additional qualifications: a high comfort level
with Microsoft Office Suite, website content updating and basic graphics
editing; strong proofing/editing skills. Contact Eric Gustafson at
ericg at st-albans-parish.org

ORGANIST AND CHOIR DIRECTOR
St. John's, Olney is in search of an organist and choir director to
begin Jan. 1. Music is provided for 9 and 11 a.m. services with an adult
choir at 11 a.m. Duties include Sunday and seasonal services, and the
possibility of weddings and funerals. 15-18 hours/week. Compensation
will depend on educational background and experience. Contact the Rev.
Carol Cole Flanagan at 301/774-6999 or accolef at stjohnsolney.org.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your
prayers this week:
* Charles Hoffacker - wife's health (Cindy Guthrie)
* Michael Marrett - personal health
* Sarah Duggin - personal health
* Travers Koerner - personal health 
* Claudia Tielking - son's health (Josh)
* Cheryl Daves Wilburn - husband's health (Victor)
* Diane Ney - (Cathedral archivist) upcoming surgery (Jan. 5)

>>> REMINDERS:

2008 CHILDREN TO CHILDREN ADVENT APPEAL
This year's Children to Children Advent Appeal is raising money for
anti-malaria bed nets for children in Mozambique. Please encourage
Sunday school classes in your parish to participate! Materials have been
mailed to every parish  and also are available on the Southern Africa
Partnership Committee web page, www.edow.org/sapc The SAPC also has a
limited number of mosquito bed nets that can be loaned to parishes. If
interested, contact Cheryl Daves Wilburn at cwilburn at edow.org or
202/537-6543.

REMEMBERING BETHLEHEM THIS CHRISTMAS
The second annual Joint Simulcast Worship Service with the People of
Bethlehem is set for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 20 in Washington National
Cathedral's Bethlehem Chapel. Stand in solidarity with Bethlehem's
suffering Christians. The service is sponsored by the Ad Hoc Committee
for Bethlehem, the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, Sharing
Jerusalem and Washington Interfaith Alliance for Middle East Peace. For
further information, contact Grace Said at gsaid at comcast.net or
301/951-5270.

"BECOMING AGENTS OF GOD'S FUTURE" WITH MARTIN SMITH
The Rev. Martin Smith offers "Becoming Agents of God's Future" at St.
Columba's, D.C. from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 10. Registration is $50
in advance (includes lunch); deadline to sign up is Dec. 15. For further
information e-mail SCHC-DC at innernet.net or call Pat Preston at
301/345-2302. Send name, address, telephone, e-mail and any dietary
restrictions with a check made out to SCHC Washington Area Chapter and
mailed to Annette van Hilst, 22 Van Cleavesville Road, Kearneysville, WV
25430. Contact the Rev. Harriette Sturges at 202/363-8286, extension 203
or hsturges at st-albans-parish.org for further information. (Sponsored by
the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross).

ADVENT RETREATS AT DAYSPRING SILENT RETREAT CENTER
* Dec. 12-14: Join Potters House Church for an Advent retreat that will
not have a leader.
* Dec. 18: Day Retreat (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Visit www.dayspringretreat.org for details on these and other retreats.

CHORAL EVENSONG SERIES AT CHRIST, GEORGETOWN
Christ, Georgetown continues its Choral Evensong series at 5 p.m. Jan. 4
with the music of Herbert W. Sumsion, William H. Harris, and Peter
Warlock sung by the professional Choir of Christ Church. At 5 p.m. Jan.
11, the series will feature the music of Richard Ayleward, C.H. Lloyd
and Edward C. Bairstow. No charge. Call 202/333-6677.

BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAYS FOR THOSE IN REAL NEED
Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington is asking for donations of food
and gift cards to make the holidays brighter for program participants.
Children's gifts, refreshments and volunteers also are needed to help
with Christmas parties. For a list of needed items, visit
www.samaritanministry.org To volunteer for the Christmas party contact
Catherine Rodman at 202/722-2280 x 324.

CROSSING THE THRESHOLD
"Crossing the Threshold: A Contemplative New Year Retreat," is set for
Dec. 30 through Jan. 1 at the cathedral College. Guided reflections
about the passing year and time to reflect on the future. $350. For
information and registration, visit www.nationalcathedral.org

ECF FELLOWSHIP PARTNERS PROGRAM CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Apply now for the Episcopal Church Foundation's Fellowship Partners
Program. Deadline is March 15. The program awards both academic and
transformational ministry fellowships. Lay and clergy applications
welcome. Awards range from $3,000 to $15,000. Recipients will be
announced in May. Visit www.EpiscopalFoundation.org or call 800/697-2858
for further information.

LEARN ABOUT SAMARITAN MINISTRY'S NEXT STEP PROGRAM
How do homeless people and others make changes in their lives through
Samaritan Ministry's Next Step Program? Attend a Next Step Experience
from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Dec. 16 at 1345 U St., SE, Washington, D.C.,  20011
and find out. Contact Mary Belknap at 202-722-2280 ext. 327 or at
mbelknap at samaritanministry.org for further information/reservations.

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST IN COMMUNITY CLASS
A Disciples Of Christ In Community winter-spring class is set for
Tuesdays Jan.27 through April 28 and Saturday Feb. 7 at Washington
National Cathedral. DOCC is a Christian formation program for adults
that builds community while encouraging individual spiritual growth.
$100 fee includes materials. Contact Linda Terrell at
lterrell at cathedral.org or 202/537-5240 for more information; register at
https://tickets.cathedral.org/public/

MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION: SAVE THE DATE 
The second annual Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington Mardi Gras
Celebration is set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 6 at the NRECA Conference
Center, 4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Va. For more information, contact
Mary Belknap, 202-722-2280 x 327 or mbelknap at samaritanministry.org

ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION SET FOR JAN. 30-31
* The 114th Diocesan Convention is set for Jan. 30- 31 at Washington
National Cathedral. Preacher at Friday night's Eucharist is the Rt. Rev.
Musonda Trevor Mwamba, Bishop of Botswana. Evangelist and author Brian
McLaren will give the keynote address.  
* Exhibit requests must be received no later than Dec. 17 and can be
made at  www.edow.org/convention "EDOW Convention Exhibit Space
Request." Please note: not all requests for exhibit space can be
accommodated. 
* Resolutions or canonical change requests must be signed by a member of
the convention and received no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 1. For assistance
and format, call Ann Talty at 202/537-6548 or visit
www.edow.org/convention  Submit resolutions to:  Secretary of the
Convention, Episcopal Church House, Mount St. Alban, Washington, D.C.,
20016.
  
MDG MINISTRIES IN THE DIOCESE  
The Millennium Development Goals Committee is compiling a storybook of
MDG ministries within the diocese. If your parish or organization has
one or more MDG ministries, please provide the following information:
Title of ministry; implementing parish or organization; name of MDG
contact, e-mail and phone; description of ministry and intended
beneficiaries; materials on the ministry; source of funding. Please
complete a separate list for each ministry.  Submit stories, comments
and queries to Janeschubert at aol.com  
    
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

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