[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

JANUARY 16, 2008

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

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 will hold three public hearings on
these guidelines: 
* 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 19 at Epiphany Forestville Parish Hall (Parish Hall
address is different from the church address), 3125 Ritchie Rd,
Forestville, 301/735-7717 http://epiphany.edow.org; 
* 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 23 at St. John's, Broadcreek, 9801 Livingston
Rd, Fort Washington. 301/248-4290 http://stjohnsbroadcreek.org; 
* and 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 26 at Good Shepherd, 818 University Blvd. W,
Silver Spring. 301/593-3282  http://www.gsecmd.org 
Written public comment also is welcome, and 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 or mailed to their attention at Episcopal Church
House, Mount St. Alban, Washington, D.C., 20016. Comments should be
submitted by March 3.  

RACIAL RECONCILIATION TRAINING  (*note updated contact information)
The diocese's Committee on Racial Reconciliation will conduct Racial
Reconciliation Training programs on Feb. 8-9 and May 16-17, 2008. The
February training is set for 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 8 and from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. Feb. 9 at St. Alban's, D.C. (Nourse Hall). * 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

AFRICAN-AMERICAN GENERATIONS CONCERT  
The renowned Gospel quartet, The Sensational Nightingales, will perfom a
special concert celebrating Black History Month at 4 p.m. Jan. 27 at
Grace, Silver Spring (1607 Grace Church Road). Speakers from several
generations will share experiences followed by music covering more than
100 years of Gospel Music. No charge. 301/585-3515.

RELIGION & VIOLENCE: UNTANGLING THE ROOTS OF CONFLICT
This live webcast from the Trinity Institute is set for 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. Jan. 23 in Washington National Cathedral's Perry Auditorium
(7th floor). James Carroll, James H. Cone, Susannah Heschel and Tariq
Ramadan will address the paradox of prayers being raised for peace while
stories of  religiously-fueled violence fill the news. Participate in
on-site discussions led by interfaith facilitators. Fee is $15 for one
day, $30 for two days, and includes a catered, kosher lunch. Register at
www.nationalcathedral.org/register

FINDING GOD THROUGH BEAUTY: ESTHER DE WAAL
Join de Waal at the Cathedral College from 7 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 23 and 30
and Feb. 6 and 13, as she illustrates the power beauty has to transform
the material world into divine expressions throughout history. Sessions
incorporate illuminating images and invite participants into discussion,
discovery and revelation. Fee is $65 regular, $45 senior 65+/student.
Register at www.nationalcathedral.org/register

WEEKEND RETREAT WITH ESTHER DE WAAL & MARTIN SMITH
Esther de Waal and Martin Smith present, "Fire & Water: Meeting The
Spirit, Renewing Baptism" from 4:30 p.m. Feb. 1 through 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at
the Cathedral College. Trace the paths of imagination, poetry, prayer
and theology to renew your experience of the Holy Spirit and play a role
in deepening the sacramental life and prayer of our churches. Fee is
$295 and includes room, board and tuition. Register at
www.nationalcathedral.org/register

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your
prayers this week:
* Susan Keller - brother-in-law's death (Steven)
* Martha Wallace - personal health (successful heart surgery 1/15)
* Connie Reinhardt - personal health 
* Richard Hewlett (retired historiographer) - personal health 
* Todd Kissam - wife's health (Heather) 
* John Ball - wife's health (Linda) 
* Bill Underhill - personal health 
* Anne Gilson - personal health 
* David Pollock - personal health 
* Margot Critchfield - mother's health (Maggie) 
* Betsy Hague - husband's health (Ralph) 
* Martha Bonwitt - husband's health (Bill) 
* Tom Logan - personal health 
* Bishop Ronald Haines - personal health 
 
>>> REMINDERS:

113TH DIOCESAN CONVENTION
For complete convention information, visit http://convention.edow.org 
> REGISTRATION & PAYMENT: Parish offices (on behalf of whole
delegation), ex officio members of convention and non-parochial or
retired clergy need to go to the "Registration & Payment" section of the
Web site and register by Jan. 17. Pay online by credit card, or send in
a check.
> VOLUNTEERS: Convention volunteers are still needed. Encourage your
friends and families to sign up under the "Volunteers" section of the
Web site.
> WORKSHOPS: You are encouraged to attend one of the two workshops at
1:45 p.m. Jan. 25. These also are open to non-delegates, so please
spread the word:  
* Forum on Affordable Housing - Discussion of affordable housing issues
within the diocese, and diocesan and other faith-based affordable
housing initiatives; or
* Leadership: Congregations As Emotional Systems - Offered by Convention
keynoter, the Rev. Peter Steinke, an author and therapist who writes on
congregational leadership.

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 

AFRO-ANGLICAN CLERGY AND UBE OFFER AN EPIPHANY SERIES
The Afro-Anglican Clergy Association and the Union of Black
Episcopalians present "Wednesdays during Epiphany." Presentations will
take place in January; each topic will give participants points to
consider when reviewing or developing their church's plan for growth and
community outreach. A light supper will be served at 6:30 p.m. before
the presentation at 7:15 p.m. Topics for discussion are:
* Jan. 16 (TONIGHT): "Who are they?" Presenter: The Rev. Ann Marie
Jeffery; Location: St. Timothy's, D.C., (3601 Alabama Avenue, S.E.)
* Jan. 23: "Caring Friendship?" Presenter: The Rev. Jocelyn Irving;
Location: Trinity, D.C. (7005 Piney Branch Road N.W.)
* Jan. 30: "Give It Up, Turn It Loose!" Presenter: The Rev. Virginia
Brown-Nolan; Location: Atonement, D.C. (5073 E. Capital Street S.E.)

ABSALOM JONES CELEBRATION WEEKEND
The Washington Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians presents the
30th Annual Absalom Jones Service and Celebration for the benefit of the
three historically black Episcopal college's scholarship and endowment
funds and the Howard University Episcopal Chaplaincy. The
Crummell-Cooper Leadership Initiative (a workshop for emerging church
leaders) is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 9 at St. Luke's, D.C., (1514 -
15th Street, NW), and a service of celebration and award is set for 3
p.m. Feb. 10, also at St. Luke's. For more information, contact
202/829-6445 or managedforyou at aol.com

FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO - MOVIE SCREENING
There will be a special screening of the award-winning documentary, "For
the Bible Tells Me So," at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at St. Alban's, D.C. (Nourse
Hall). The film, which St. Albans' assistant rector, the Rev. Timothy
Boggs, has been deeply involved in producing, has been short listed for
an Oscar. It tells the story of five Christian families and the
intersection of their faith with the fact that a family member is gay or
lesbian. The film is appropriate for teenagers. No reservation required.
 
A PILGRIMAGE TO ENGLAND
St. Dunstan's, Bethesda, is organizing a pilgrimage to England April
17-28, led by the Rev. Jeffrey MacKnight in conjunction with Worldwide
Pilgrimage Ministries. Pilgrims will follow the path of St. Dunstan
through southern England and London, exploring  cathedrals and sacred
sites. Full itinerary available at www.stdunstansbethesda.org  Consider
joining the current group of 18 people! Deadline is approaching; cost is
approximately $3,500. Contact Christina Barton at 301/229-2960, ext. 10
or stdunstans at verizon.net for further information or to sign up.

SAMARITAN MINISTRY'S MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION 
Samaritan Ministry will hold its 2008 Mardi Gras Celebration from 6 to
8:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at the American Institute of Architects. The event will
feature drinks, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment, plus a live auction
and a raffle. During the evening, Samaritan Ministry past Presidents
Gary Franklin and Melissa Barrett also will be honored. See
www.samaritanministry.org for auction, raffle and other information. For
tickets, contact A Moment's Notice Events at 202/667-2224 or
events at amomentsnotice.biz

LENTEN SILENT RETREAT
The Diocesan Retreat Committee will hold its 2008 Lenten Silent Retreat
from March 7-9 at the Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville.
The theme will be "Praying our Goodbyes," inspired by the writings of
Joyce Rupp, Servite sister, writer, retreat leader and international
speaker, who describes herself as a "spiritual midwife." The Rev. Joan
Beilstein, rector of Ascension, Silver Spring, will lead the retreat.
The fee is $195 and scholarships are available. Applications and $100
deposit must be received by Feb. 9. Visit www.edow.org/retreat for
information and application, or call Margaret Bennett at 202/337-3415.

YOUTH MINISTRY LISTSERV
Is your parish on the youth ministry listserv? The youth ministry
listserv is the primary means of communication from the youth office at
Church House. There are several parishes that are not represented on the
listserv. If your church is missing, please contact Paul Canady at
pcanady at EDOW.org or 202/537-6524 to be added. 
 
NEW CDS FROM THE LARGE-PRINT MINISTRY
The Large-Print Ministry is offering two CDs that can help the blind and
visually-impaired participate in worship more fully. "The Large-Print
Book of Common Prayer" and "Prayers & Psalms For Today." To order one
CD, send a self-addressed, stamped 6x9-inch envelope with four 41-cent
stamps attached (five on a padded envelope) to Ann Dahlen, 1900 6th
Ave., Apt. 513, Rock Island, IL 61201. Add more postage when ordering
more than one CD. A donation to help cover costs is always appreciated.
Make checks out to Ann Dahlen. For more information, contact
largeprinthelp at att.net
 
DAY OF RECOGNITION FOR HISTORICALLY BLACK EPISCOPAL COLLEGES
The Episcopal Church Office of Black Ministries and the Association of
Episcopal Colleges will present A Day of Recognition in Honor of The
Historically Black Episcopal Colleges - St. Augustine's, St. Paul's and
Voorhees - from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at Howard University's Rankin
Chapel (2400 Sixth Street, NW). Metro area high school students and high
school college counselors, current students of the colleges, alumni and
interested persons should plan to attend. Contact 202/421-4119 for more
information, or visit http://www.dcmetrostaugalumni.com
 
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.

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

DIANA BUTLER BASS TO SPEAK ON FEB. 23
Author Diana Butler Bass will speak on Christian practices and
congregational vitality at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke,
Va., on Feb. 23. Full brochure with schedule, cost, and registration
information available in early January. For more information, visit
www.good-shepherd.net and click on "conferences." Contact the Rev. Megan
Stewart-Sicking at 703/323-5400 or bassconference at good-shepherd.net with
questions.

BECOMING THE GOSPEL (Feb. 7-10)
What do we need to live our God-given passion daily? This is an
experiential event rich with silence, small group sharing and practical
application. Feb. 7-10 at the Wellspring Retreat and Conference Center
in Germantown. For more information: www.wellspringministry.org;
301/428-3373 or missionwel at aol.com

CYCLE OF PRAYER THRU FEBRUARY 3, 2008
The cycle of prayer through February 3, 2008 is available at
http://www.edow.org/parish/congregation/liturgy/cycleofprayer/index.html

AN ECUMENICAL CELEBRATION OF THE WORD OF GOD
Congregations from 10 denominations in the Silver Spring area will come
together for an Ecumenical Celebration of the Word of God at 3 p.m. Jan.
20 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 14411 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville.
The service is part of the area's observance of the 100th annual Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity, and the theme this year is "Pray without
ceasing." The public is cordially invited!    

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.  
 
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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