[edow] Church House News

[Church House News]

FEBRUARY 19, 2009

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

EVANGELISM PRESENTATIONS
The diocese will offer three Thursday night presentations on evangelism. All presentations will begin at 7 p.m. 
* On Feb. 26 the Very Rev. Ian Markham, dean of Virginia Theological Seminary, will speak on his book, "Why Liberal Churches Are Growing," in the National Cathedral School's Hearst Hall Auditorium. 
* On March 19, the Rev. David Gortner of VTS, author of "Transforming Evangelism," will speak in Hearst Hall. 
* On May 7, the Rev. Terry Martin, the new evangelism officer for the Episcopal Church, also known as "Father Jake" of the blog "Father Jake Stops the World," will speak in Washington National Cathedral's Perry Auditorium. 
For further information, contact Jim Naughton at jnaughton at edow.org

GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING FOR THE HOLY LAND
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has asked Episcopalians to continue to pray for the Holy Land and to support the Good Friday Offering, a special offering sent to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East. The diocese operates hospitals, schools and orphanages for the benefit of people of all faiths. Offering materials, including a poster, bulletin shell and offering envelopes are available online, in English and Spanish, at www.episcopalchurch.org/gfo Good Friday Offering materials also are available through Episcopal Books and Resources by calling 800/903-5544.

BISHOP WALKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PRAYER BREAKFAST
The annual Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Scholarship Prayer Breakfast, celebrating the life and ministry of the sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, is set for 9 to 11 a.m. March 28 at St. Timothy's, D.C. (3601 Alabama Avenue SE). Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Kortright Davis, rector of Holy Comforter, D.C. Tickets ($20) may be held in advance by calling 202/582-7740. Tickets are NOT available at the door. 

2009 HONDURAS MISSION
Members of the diocese are invited to join a summer trip to Honduras to learn Spanish and to work and worship with members of the local Episcopal community. Travelers will spend July 26-31 in Copan, near the Guatemalan border, learning or improving their Spanish at one of the top language schools in Honduras. Home stays with local families will reinforce language, and in the afternoons immersion in Spanish continues while the group works and visits with rural church families. The group will visit the Mayan ruins in Copan and on Aug. 1 will divide and travel to different rural communities in central Honduras, returning to Washington on about Aug. 5. Plan to attend an organizational meeting in March. For more details contact trip leader Tom Cooke at 202/686-0261 or thomasmcooke at hotmail.com. Act quickly, as the trip has about a dozen places. 

SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN: CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TRAINING 
New dates for Safeguarding God's Children, child abuse prevention training for paid full-time staff and all who work with children and youth, have been set for: 
* Feb. 28: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's, College Park (Region 5)
* March 7: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Margaret's, D.C. (Region 2)
* April 18: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Our Saviour, Hillandale (Region 4) 
* May 9: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Mark's, D.C. (Region 1)
* June 6: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. George's, Valley Lee (Region 6)
* June 27: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John's, Norwood (Region 3)
Register online at www.edow.org/prevention

HUNGER FUND'S LENTEN PROGRAM 
The diocesan Hunger Fund has put 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 can be downloaded at http://www.hungerfund.net  For more information, contact Lee Mericle at lmericle at acm.org. 

BRIAN MCLAREN'S CONVENTION PRESENTATION
Video of Brain McLaren's keynote presentation to the Diocesan Convention, "The Episcopal Moment," is now available at http://convention.edow.org/article.php?id=50

LENTEN PROGRAM FEATURING ESTHER DE WAAL
The Falls Church (Episcopal) and the Falls Church Presbyterian Church will co-host a special Lenten program featuring Esther De Waal, author, historian and Celtic and Benedictine scholar at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Fellowship Hall of The Falls Church Presbyterian, 225 E. Broad Street, Falls Church, Va. De Waal will speak and participate in a beginning service of Evening Prayer and a concluding quiet service of Compline. Participants are also invited to join De Waal and the Associates of the Order of Holy Cross in a "quiet morning" Eucharist, Morning Prayer and conversation at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 21 in Washington National Cathedral's Bethlehem Chapel. For more information, contact Kurt Aschermann at kaschermann at hotmail.com or 617/962-6220.

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY AT THE PENNYWORTH SHOP
In celebration of Earth Day, The Pennyworth Thrift Shop in downtown Silver Spring (955 Bonifant Street) will be open on two Sundays in April: from 1 to 5 p.m. April 19 and April 26. Thrift shops provide a great opportunity to REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE. Regular shop hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit http://www.graceepiscopalchurch.org/article.php?id=48 or contact Lisa Summers at 301/587-0880 or Summers-Ryder at starpower.net
 
CATHEDRAL DOCENT INFORMATION SESSION
A Cathedral Docent Information Session is set for 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 3. Requirements include a friendly, welcoming manner, strong speaking voice, energy and a desire to train to lead tours. For more information or to RSVP, contact Anne Harman at 202/537-5628 or at aharman at cathedral.org

CENTERING PRAYER WORKSHOP
The Rev. Tom Ward, an Episcopal priest and former chaplain at the University of the South, will speak at a Forum on Centering Prayer at 10 a.m. March 1 at St. John's, Lafayette Square. Ward also will preach at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. For further information, contact the Rev. Jessica Hitchcock at Jessica.hitchcock at stjohns-dc.org

SAINTS: A CALL TO ENGAGEMENT 
St. Alban's, D.C., will present a five-part Lenten Forum series entitled "Saints: A Call to Engagement," to explore the lives of some remarkable Christian disciples. All programs begin at 10:30 a.m. in Satterlee Hall with a 40-minute presentation followed by a question-and-answer period and discussion: 
* March 1: Gordon Cosby: Catalyst of Radical Discipleship. The Rev. Fred Taylor of For Love of Children explores the life and ministry of the founder of Church of the Savior. 
* March 8: Verna Dozier: Preacher, Teacher, Prophet. Bishop Jane Holmes Dixon speaks about this much-beloved Episcopal lay leader and author. 
* March 15: Jonathan Daniels: Martyr in the Cause of Social Justice. Ruby Sales, who ministers among the very poor in the Deep South honors his memory. 
* March 22: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Voice of Conscience. Wayne Floyd of The Alban Institute speaks to Bonhoeffer's message three generations after his death. 
* March 29: Teresa of Avila: Prayer-Centered Reformer. Carmelite Sister Mary Eileen McNamara honors this 16th-century giant. 

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep the following clergy and members of the diocese in your prayers this week:
*  Edward Brightman - personal health
*  George Timberlake - wife's health (Patricia)
*  Olivia Hilton - personal health
*  Sarah Duggin - personal health
*  John Ball - granddaughter's health (Alana)
 
>>> REMINDERS:

EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT SUNDAY 
The Diocesan Convention has designated March 1, the first Sunday of Lent, as Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday. Congregations are encouraged to have a special offering to benefit the Millennium Development Goals Inspiration Fund, which implements programs to fight malaria and other preventable diseases in Africa and Asia and provides basic health care, health education and sanitation systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. Contact EDOW ERD coordinator Martha Jenkins (mjenkins108 at aol.com) who can assist with bulletin inserts and ideas about how to celebrate ERD Sunday.  

IMMIGRATION REFORM PRAYER VIGIL
A prayer vigil to call on the new administration and members of Congress to show moral courage on immigration reform is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at St. Matthew's, Hyattsville. The vigil is being organized by the diocesan Latino Ministry, and other faith and community organizations will take part. The vigil is part of a nationwide movement, Prayer, Renewal and Action on Immigration, in more than 100 cities to highlight the growing work of faith communities to bring humanity and compassion into the public dialogue on immigration. Contact Simón Bautista at sbautista at edow.org or 202/537-6441 for information or if you wish to organize a vigil at your own church.

TRAINING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MINISTRY
The Interfaith Community Against Domestic Violence and Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church will offer Training for Domestic Violence Ministry, a two-session seminar, on Feb. 21 and 28 for those interested in starting a domestic violence ministry in their congregation. Both sessions will take place at Mt. Jezreel (Silver Spring) and aim to help participants broaden their knowledge of domestic violence and build a domestic abuse ministry. Cost is $30, lunch included. For more information or to register, visit www.mtjezreel.com or contact Maud Clarke at 301/681-0939 or maudeclarke at verizon.net.

INFORMATION AND RESOURCE FAIR FOR OLDER ADULTS
A free Information and Resource Fair for older adults and their families is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 28 at Friendship Terrace Retirement Community (4201 Butterworth Place, NW). Representatives will discuss geriatric care management, home care, retirement living, home maintenance and repair, money management, grocery delivery,  emergency response system, move management and transportation services, and ESM Cares will offer an educational presentation. The fair is sponsored by Episcopal Senior Ministries and its service programs. For more information, contact Mary Ann Buckley at 202/364-0020 or MBuckley at esm.org or visit www.ESM.org

SAMARITAN MINISTRY NEEDS MEAL PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS
Loaves and Fishes, Charlie's Place and Epiphany's Street Church offer meals to people in need. Samaritan Ministry recruits and trains meal program volunteers to get to know meal guests and help them connect with local resources and programs. Volunteers will be asked to commit to at least one visit per month at one of the above-mentioned locations. Training is set for 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 28 at St. Stephen and the Incarnation (1525 Newton Street NW). To register, contact Catherine Rodman at crodman at samaritanministry.org or 202/722-2280.  

OPEN HOUSE FOR PROSPECTIVE BOY CHORISTERS
St. Paul's, K Street will host an Open House for prospective boy choristers for its Choir of Men and Boys from 4:45 to 7:15 p.m. March 1. The choir sings Choral Evensong each Sunday evening from September to June, and offers its choristers a musical education similar to that which children receive as choristers of Westminster Abbey or St. Paul's Cathedral, London. For further information about the choir or to RSVP, contact Robert McCormick at 202/337-2020, ext. 14, or McCormick at stpauls-kst.com.  

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT TRINITY, D.C.
"Unbought and Unbossed," a documentary film that tells the story of Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to be elected to Congress and to run for president, will be shown at 10 a.m. Feb. 27 at Trinity, D.C. Light lunch and discussion will follow. Reservations appreciated. Contact Diane Robinson at DLR814 at aol.com.

SLAVERY, SEXUALITY AND THE FUTURE OF THE COMMUNION
Virginia Theological Seminary will host a free public lecture on Slavery, Sexuality and the Anglican Communion at 7 p.m. Feb. 26. Guest speaker Richard A. Burridge, dean of King's College London, will discuss the current debates within the Anglican Communion about sexuality, and will make the case that similar arguments took place in the debates about slavery in the 19th century and apartheid in the 20th century. For further information, contact Susan Shillinglaw at sshillinglaw at vts.edu

ATTENTION CLERGY: TRANSITION MINISTRY CONFERENCE 
The next Transition Ministry Conference is set for March 9-13 in Del Ray Beach, Fla. Clergy interested in being considered for openings in the 40 dioceses represented by TMC should contact Mary Sulerud, msulerud at edow.org , by March 4. Send your current resume via e-mail attachment and request a Personal Information Sheet to complete your packet of materials. The Deployment and Vocational Ministries office staff will be presenting congregations in the diocese that have openings and clergy seeking new calls.

LENTEN SILENT DAY OF PRAYER  
St Stephen and the Incarnation will offer a Lenten Silent Day of Prayer with the theme seeking renewal from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 7. Yoga sequences to song, meditation, and Taizé chant led by Carolyn Bluemle; Eucharist celebrated by the Rev. Frank Dunn, and vegetarian lunch catered by Chef Rachel Merga. No previous yoga experience necessary. $45 includes lunch. Scholarships available. Contact Carolyn Bluemle at carolyn at cmagicisafoot.com or 301/588-2925.  
  
LENTEN QUIET RETREAT AT GRACE, SILVER SPRING
Grace, Silver Spring will host a Lenten Season Quiet Retreat on Feb. 28, with guest speaker and retreat facilitator Mary Ann Ryan. Ryan has led retreats on spiritual discernment for Listening Hearts Ministries and her own parish, St. Columba's, and is active in the healing prayer and pastoral care ministries. There is no charge for this retreat. Bring your own brown bag lunch; light refreshments provided. Attire is casual, and there will be the opportunity to participate in a meditative walk. RSVP to Theresa Wheeler, Adult Christian Formation Coordinator, at 301/585-3515 or theresa at graceepiscopalchurch.org  

LATINO MINISTRY CELEBRATION -  SAVE THE DATE
The annual Latino Ministry Celebration is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Washington National Cathedral. Bishop Chane will preside at the Eucharist. Bishop Julio Cesar Holguín, bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Dominican Republic, will be the preacher. A fiesta and dinner will follow. More details to come. For more information, contact the Rev. Simón Bautista, diocesan Latino Missioner, at  202/537-6441 or sbautista at edow.org
 
SENIORCISE FOR ADULTS
The Senior Ministry at Trinity, D.C., invites you to join the "Seniorcise for Adults" class from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Friday mornings. Patricia Smith is a certified fitness instructor, teaches at several recreation and senior centers and can tailor the exercise routine to individual needs. Classes are $5 per session; walk-ins are welcome. Bring a small bottle of water. Contact Diane Robinson at DLR814 at aol.com. 

SEWANEE CHURCH MUSIC CONFERENCE
The 59th annual Sewanee Church Music Conference is set for July 13-19 at The University of the South and the DuBose Conference Center. The conference will include instruction on psalm singing, hymn playing, anthem accompaniment, liturgical planning as well as reading sessions and presentation of materials useful to parish musicians. Two full-tuition scholarships are available for first-time attendees. Application deadline is May 1. For further information, visit SewaneeConf.com or contact Janet Perkins, registrar, at janet at wingnwing.com

NAIM ATEEK TO PREACH AT ST. MARK'S, CAPITOL HILL
The Rev. Naim Ateek, an Anglican priest who founded the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem, will be the guest preacher on Feb. 22 at St. Mark's, Capitol Hill. Ateek will give a sermon seminar at 10 a.m. and will preach at the 11:15 a.m. service. St. Mark's is located at 118 3rd Street, SE.

SAVE THE DATE - EDOW STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE
The Diocese of Washington will hold a Stewardship Conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 9 at Washington National Cathedral. Session information and speakers will be announced soon; registration will open in March.  

BENEDICTINE RETREAT
A Benedictine retreat is set for March 26-29 at The Roslyn Center in Richmond, Va. All are all welcome. The presenter will be Br. Bede Thomas Mudge, Prior of Holy Cross Monastry in West Park, NY. For registration, fees and lodging information, contact saintbenedict at prospect-tech.com or 202/363-8061 or visit www.benedictfriend.org.

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
A support group for those caring with someone with Alzheimer's Disease led by ESM Cares' director of operations, Mary Ann Buckley, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Arden Courts in Potomac. Call 301/983-3620 or e-mail Potomac at arden-courts.com for more information or to register.

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUP
The Alzheimer's Association sponsors a monthly support group at St. James', Potomac for those caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Meetings take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall on the third Thursday of each month. Contact John Miers at 301/656-3359 or Johngmiers at comcast.net

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

EPISCOPAL DIVINITY SCHOOL VISITOR'S DAY                        
Prospective students are invited to a Visiting Day at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., on March 5. 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. 

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 to lay and clergy. Awards range from $3,000 to $15,000. Recipients will be announced in May. Visit www.EpiscopalFoundation.org or call 800/697-2858.

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