[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

FEBRUARY 29, 2008

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

ATTENTION CLERGY: RENEWAL OF VOWS LUNCHEON
Clergy are invited to a light luncheon at the Cathedral College
following the noon Holy Eucharist with Renewal of Vows and Blessing of
Chrism on March 20 at Washington National Cathedral. There is no charge
for the luncheon, but, if you plan to attend, please register at
www.edow.org/events  "Maundy Thursday Clergy Luncheon" 

ELECTRIC UTILITY SAVINGS
Direct Energy Services, through a new agreement with the diocese, can
now offer electricity to parishes through its discounted fixed price
program. DES is a leading energy retailer and can offer customers highly
competitive rates and adjustable contract durations (as short as 3
months). Most parishes in the diocese buy electricity from Pepco, which
recently has seen elevated rate increases, with another rate hike
anticipated in May. Buying electricity through an energy supplier gives
parishes control over the decision to convert to a fixed price whenever
market conditions are right. (For example: If your parish is currently a
Pepco customer and decides to switch to DES, your savings would be more
than 30 percent at today's rate.) Visit directenergy.com for more
information, or call our DES Account Manager, Jeff Hammer, at
301/634-5403. Diocesan Property Manager Robert Tomlinson also is
available to discuss this - he can be reached at 202/537-6523 or
rtomlinson at edow.org

CHOIR ROBES NEEDED
Epiphany, D.C., is in need of 18 adult choir robes for use by The
Welcome Table Choir, an ensemble composed of church members and
visitors, some of whom are homeless, that sings during the 8 a.m.
Welcome Table Eucharist. Please contact Christian Clough, director of
music ministries, at cclough at epiphanydc.org if you have robes you would
be willing to donate. 
 
THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER: BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT 
Join the Rev. Mpho Tutu, of The Tutu Institute for Prayer & Pilgrimage,
and certified Yoga instructor Erin Callahan for a weekend retreat
designed to enrich your prayer life, May 16-18 in Richmond, Va.
Registration deadline is April 25. Price is $300 for double occupancy;
$350 single. Includes meals and materials. For registration form and
more information, visit www.tutuinstitute.org or call 703/677-5642. 

SEEING LITURGICALLY: THE ARTS IN CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
Patrick Ellis, Washington Theological Union professor, will give a
presentation on "Seeing Liturgically: The Arts in Christian Worship,"
from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Epiphany, D.C. (1317 G St, NW) Call
202/347-2635 or www.epiphanydc.org for more information. This is a free
event.  
 
DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE, BISHOP WALKER SCHOOL
The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys is seeking a Development
Associate to support the school's resource development and
communications goals, including the execution and development of
fundraising initiatives, and the development and publication of the
school's written materials. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience,
at least one year of experience in a professional development
environment, excellent writing, research and administrative skills and
proficiency with MS Office. Experience working in a nonprofit setting
preferable. The Walker School, which is scheduled to open in the fall,
is a tuition-free, pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school serving
students from low-income families in underserved communities east of the
Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. Send resumes to:
development at bishopwalkerschool.org.	

PRE-KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, BISHOP WALKER SCHOOL
The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys is seeking a founding teacher
for its Pre-Kindergarten program for the 2008-2009 school year.
Responsibilities include: developing and implementing developmentally
appropriate curricula and extracurricular programming; working
collaboratively with team members in early childhood education to
support individualized education through assessment and planning and
supporting families in meeting the educational goals of their young
boys. As the school is new, teachers should possess considerable
creativity and initiative to meet the needs of a developing program, as
well as the willingness to take on a variety of tasks. Candidates must
have a degree in early childhood education, elementary or special
education; a strong knowledge of early childhood curricula and
instruction methods; experience and expertise in working with students
from low-income households; the ability to work in a team teaching
environment; effective communication skills; a collaborative spirit and
resourceful, organized, flexible and self-directed work methods. Please
send resumes to: teachers at bishopwalkerschool.org

JOURNEY TO ADULTHOOD COORDINATOR
St. John's, Lafayette Square is seeking an organized person with a call
to youth ministry to serve as part-time coordinator for its Journey to
Adulthood program (10-15 hours/week). The ideal candidate will be
familiar with the Journey to Adulthood Curriculum. This person will be
organized, creative and flexible; a skilled communicator and
professional team player with a sense of humor, who enjoys working and
being with youth, and who desires to engage youth and families in
Christian formation, fellowship, outreach and worship. Contact the Rev.
Cathy Quinn at cathy.quinn at stjohns-dc.org or 202/347-8766 ext. 307 for
more information.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your
prayers this week:
* Rona Harding - condolences on the death of her father (Talbot)
-memorial service 2/29 
* Rip Coffin - condolences on the death of his daughter (Cindy) -
memorial service 3/1 
* Ken Howard - personal health 
* Allan Johnson-Taylor - mother's health (Mary) 
* Susan Blue - personal health   
* Joy Rose - personal health 
* Martha Wallace - personal health 
* Rich Kukowski - personal health 
* Connie Reinhardt - personal health 
* Bill Underhill - personal health 
* Ron Haines - personal health 
* Anne Gilson - personal health 
* Betsy Hague - personal health and husband's (Ralph) 
* Tom Logan - personal health 
* Martha Bonwitt - husband's health (Bill)   

>>> REMINDERS:

ABSALOM JONES SCHOLARSHIPS 
St. Philip's, Laurel, is offering two $1,000 scholarships honoring the
Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the Episcopal
Church. Scholarships will be awarded in June for the 2008/2009 academic
year to individuals who have demonstrated qualities exemplified by Jones
such as compassion, leadership, service and interest in education. One
of the scholarships will be awarded in honor and memory of Ellen D.
Washington, the driving force behind the Scholarship Fund. The other
will be awarded in honor and memory of James Whitney, long-time St.
Philip's leader and community volunteer. 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 a parish in the Diocese of
Washington. For more information or to apply, contact 301/776-5151, ext.
15 or  absalomjonesfund at stphilipslaurel.org or visit
www.stphilipslaurel.org 
 
SAVE THE DATE: SPRING CLERGY CONFERENCE
The Spring Clergy Conference is set for May 20-22 at Shrine Mont. The
conference will be centered on promoting self-care and clergy wellness -
emotional, physical and spiritual. Program and registration information
will be posted soon.
 
AFRICAN PALMS FOR PALM SUNDAY
Remember African Palms USA, a ministry of St. John's, Olney, when you
purchase palms for Palm Sunday. Crosses are woven by families in
villages near Masasi, Tanzania, and earnings are used to purchase food,
medicine and clothing and to pay school fees. In addition, the net
proceeds from the sale of these crosses return to Africa in the form of
self-help grants for disaster and refugee relief, medical and public
health programs, agriculture and other projects. Order at
http://www.africanpalmsusa.org/ or call 301/774-2832. Orders ship within
five business days.

EPISCOPAL SENIOR MINISTRIES SUNDAY
May 4 has been designated as Episcopal Senior Ministries Sunday.
Parishes are asked to pray for all seniors and their ministries in the
church, including Cedar Lane Apartments, Christian Communities Group
Homes, Collington Life Care Community, Episcopal Senior Ministries, ESM
Cares Geriatric Care Management Service, The Fellowship of St. John,
Friendship Terrace Retirement Community, St. Anna's Fund, St. Mary's
Court, and St. Philip's House and Senior Van. Speakers from these
ministries are available to parishes as are brochures describing the
ministries. For more information, contact 202/414-6314 or
MHunter at esm.org.

SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN - NEW DATES
New dates for Safeguarding God's Children training sessions are as
follows:
* Feb. 23: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John's, Mt. Rainier
* March 1: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ascension, Gaithersburg
* April 5: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. David's, D.C.
* May 10: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Trinity, Newport 
* June 4: 6:30  to 9:30 p.m. at Ascension, Silver Spring
Online registration required by going to www.edow.org/prevention 

WINGSPREAD CONFERENCE
Wingspread Conference, a practical, intensive seminar for faith
communities and individuals working with older adults, will be offered
from 2 to 5 p.m. March 26 at St. Columba's, D.C.  The seminar will
include a keynote address by Rabbi Richard Address on "Sacred Aging" and
a panel on models that work. Pre-seminar Open House and Tours will be
held at IONA Senior Services and Friendship Terrace Retirement
Communities from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Members of Washington Faith Communities
can attend free. For more information, contact dkoepke at frontporch.net or
rita.chow at ncoa.org or 202/479-1200, ext 6655.
 
CONSTANTINE'S SWORD
James Carroll, author, columnist and filmmaker hosts a screening and
discussion 
of his new film, Constantine's Sword, at 7 p.m. March 10 at Washington
National Cathedral. Tickets are $16 regular, $9 senior 65+/student/
limited income, and may be purchased at www.nationalcathedral.org or at
the door.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: FACTS, FICTION AND FAQS
Mary Ann Buckley, MSW, LICSW and director of ESM Cares and Thomas
Obisesan, MD and chief of the Howard University Hospital Geriatrics
Division will answer questions on the signs, treatments and the latest
news about Alzheimer's Disease during a 10:30 a.m. March 6 presentation
at Trinity, D.C. (7005 Piney Branch Rd) Coffee at 10 a.m. RSVP to Diane
Robinson at 202/291-0696 or dlr814 at aol.com.This program is sponsored by
Episcopal Senior Ministries.

MENTAL HEALTH MAINTENANCE FOR 50-PLUS
Join Mary Ann Buckley, director of ESM Cares, for a discussion about
maintaining and improving mental health after the age of 50 at 10:30
a.m. March 8 at Grace, Silver Spring (1607 Grace Church Rd.) Topics
include depression, making social connections, exercise and mental
health, and seasonal affective disorder. RSVP to Marcy Hunter at
202/414-6314 or mhunter at esm.org. This program is sponsored by Episcopal
Senior Ministries.

FRIENDSHIP TERRACE HEALTH DISCUSSIONS
Join nurse practitioner Gail Bashore at 1 p.m. March 13 at Friendship
Terrace Retirement Community, 4201 Butterworth Place, NW, Washington
D.C.  for a health discussion on chronic pancreatitis. Call
202/244-7400, ext 10 for more information.

FRIENDSHIP TERRACE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES
Open Houses at Friendship Terrace Retirement Community (4201 Butterworth
Place, NW) are set for 1 to 3 p.m. March 8 and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. March
20. No reservations necessary. Contact 202/244-7400, ext. 18 or
FTAdmissions at esm.org for more information or directions.

DOES YOUR PARISH RUN A THRIFT SHOP?
If so, please send details - name of shop, location, hours and contact
information - to Lucy Chumbley at lchumbley at edow.org 

CYCLE OF PRAYER THRU MARCH 16, 2008
The cycle of prayer through March 16, 2008 is available at
http://www.edow.org/parish/congregation/liturgy/cycleofprayer/index.html

113th DIOCESAN CONVENTION
The 113th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington took place
Jan. 25-26 at Washington National Cathedral. For election results, text
and audio of the Bishop's Address and the sermon given by the Rev. Ian
Douglas, slides of the 2008 budget presentation, audio of the keynote
address by the Rev. Peter Steinke, photos and more, visit
http://convention.edow.org 

2008 MISSION TRIP TO HONDURAS
The diocese is coordinating a one-week mission trip to Honduras this
summer. To find out more, attend an orientation meeting at 5 p.m. March
2 in Ascension, Silver Spring's Parish Hall (630 Silver Spring Avenue)
or contact Dick Marks at 301/589-4927 or richardpmarks at aol.com.

PRE-MOTHER'S DAY LUNCHEON CRUISE
St. Timothy's ECW is sponsoring a Pre-Mother's Day Luncheon Cruise for
the mothers of the diocese aboard the Spirit of Washington from 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. May 10. Cost is $66 and is due by March 30. Checks are payable
to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church (write "Luncheon Cruise" on the memo
line). For more information, contact Kellie Robinson, at 202/543-9171 or
Stephanie Robinson, 301/552-1643.

DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR THE VOCATIONAL DIACONATE 
The Commission on Ministry has approved an initial draft of guidelines
for the discernment of a call to the diaconate. These are available at
www.edow.org/diocese/clergy The COM has held public hearings on the new
guidelines, and will accept written public comment until March 3. 
This may be e-mailed to Mary Sulerud, canon for deployment and
vocational ministry, at msulerud at edow.org or George McConnell, assistant
for deployment, at gmcconnell at edow.org 

RACIAL RECONCILIATION TRAINING  
The diocese's Committee on Racial Reconciliation will conduct a Racial
Reconciliation Training program on May 16-17. For further information,
please contact Marie Zackrie-Hall, Racial Reconciliation Coordinator, at
202/423-4300.

GWU SCHOLARSHIPS
St. Mary's, Foggy Bottom and George Washington University are offering a
scholarship of up to $20,000 to a degree candidate or candidates on the
undergraduate level entering GWU for the fall 2008 semester.
Applications must be submitted on or before March 30. For more
information, contact Rhoda McLeese Smith at 202/832-5809 or call the
church office at 202/333-3985. Applications are available at
www.Stmarysfoggybottom.org

12-STEP EUCHARIST
St. Alban's, D.C., and its Hope for Recovery ministry team offer 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 

SAVE THE DATE
The 2008 Stewardship Conference is set for April 19 at St. Paul's, Rock
Creek.

MEETING ROOM AVAILABLE
St. Stephen and the Incarnation (1525 Newton Street NW ) has a
conference room available for use by community groups and organizations.
For more information, contact Brian Best at 202/232-0900 or
brian.best at saintstephensdc.org.  

MEETING SPACE AVAILABLE
Redeemer, Bethesda's parish hall and individual classrooms are available
for use by community groups and organizations during weekdays and on
Saturday mornings and possibly some evenings. For more information,
contact Angela Beckman, 301/229-3770 or office.redeemer at verizon.net. The
church is located at 6201 Dunrobbin Drive.
 
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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