The Messenger - Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church

The Messenger
June 9, 2014
Volume XXIV, No. 6
Nationalchurch.org
Reflections on the Past and Moving Forward by Kerm Towler
This past year or so has been a banner year on the issue of LGBTQ issues. Not all good but
not all bad.
AND
THE
Rev. Chris Holmes
Begins June 15!
Join Rev. Chris Holmes
(son of former Senior
Pastor Rev. Dr. William
Holmes) as he leads a
preaching series on Spirituality and the Arts.
On Wednesday evenings,
join us for hands-on programs that will reflect the
theme of the previous
Sunday’s sermon. These
are intended to be intergenerational and interactive, and will include the
creation of a mural of creation on moveable panels. No artistic skills are
required. All are welcome!
June 15
Spirituality and the Arts
June 22
Art and Sacred Design
June 29
The Art of Movement
July 6
The Art of Pottery
The political side has seen great strides. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was repealed and the many tax and other benefits laws at the federal level were made to a whole
bunch of people who went without previously. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) was struck down
which allows military members to be themselves. On the other side, states are enacting legislation legalizing discrimination based on religious freedom.
On the religious front, it is even more of a mixed bag. It seems like not a week goes by on
my Reconciling Ministries Network Face Book feed that some church or other group is declaring itself to be a reconciling ministry. Our “legal beagle” team of Don Crane, Ned Bachman
and Nate Kline produced a very good primer on the issue of clergy trials, which was given to
the Reconciling Ministries Network for their use. Copies are available at nationalchurch.org/
stop or at the Reconciling table Sunday mornings. I am grateful to them for their fine work.
The other side is that clergy were/are being prosecuted and formal complaints have been
filed for others. Frank Schaffer’s trial in Pennsylvania put a national face on the issue. Tom
Ogletree’s trial in New York resulted in a decision not to hold a trial but, instead, to hold a
holy conversation around the matter, with Rev. Ogletree providing perspective. And proof
that God has a sense of humor, a plucky young “self-avowed” lesbian was twice removed
from the ordination track in Texas and twice appealed her case to the Judicial Council to
be restored to the process. The Judicial Council agreed with her, despite being a bastion of
conservative thought, on grounds that the local conference violated the Book of Discipline
procedures. There are two more trials on the docket. One is a bishop-who authored the “incompatible with Christianity” clause of the book of Discipline-and now has become the face
of the Biblical Obedience campaign after performing the marriage ceremony of two men. Another is in Texas involving a United Methodist Minister who married two men. In other parts of
the country, UM clergy are working on the issue as part of a network but have to do so “under
the radar” due to local and ecclesiastical hostility.
On a more local level, our Reconciling committee introduced legislation to the Annual Conference imploring them to stop the trials and it was affirmed. Other congregations are introducing legislation as well. Read more about the results below.
Clearly, we have come a long ways on the journey and have a long ways to go. What can
you do?
• Become a Reconciling United Methodist. Numbers count. Go to rmn.org for more information or contact Suzanne Forsyth, [email protected], Ellen Bachman, [email protected] or Kerm Towler, [email protected].
• Write the Bishops to support the full inclusion of LGBTQ folks in the life and ministries of
the Conference. Go to nationalchurch.org/stop to find a list of Bishops and their addresses.
• Join us in October for a concert under the direction of international organist, Dr. Eileen
Guenther. More information to follow.
Report on 2014 Annual Conference: 5 Resolutions in Favor of LGBTQ Inclusion Passed
The Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church (BWCUMC) met in Baltimore, Maryland for its 230th
annual session May 29 to 31. More than 1500 delegates from 640 congregations in Maryland, District of Columbia and
West Virginia gathered for worship, prayer, and support of the local and global work of the United Methodist Church. The
delegation from The Metropolitan Church included Kate Murphey Payton, Janet Craswell, Phil Potter, Jim Pollock, Donald
Crane, Julian Blair and Ellen Bachman. The conference theme, Building Bridges of Love, was undergirded by Bishop Matthew’s inspiring sermon in the opening worship service, and by reflections on the story of the Good Samaritan, as we sought
greater understanding of how we may serve as neighbors. (Continued on page 5)
Life at the Metropolitan Church
New Members
We welcome our new members Janet Burkhart, Laura Harper, Julia King and Linda Mallon, who joined our congregation
on Sunday, June 8.
Janet Burkhart, a widow, is retired, having worked as a
Director of Christian Education, as well as an office manager for her husband's business. She received training from
Shalem, and leads spiritual retreats. She moved to DC this
last September to be closer to her daughter and her family
which includes 4 year old twins. Her hobbies include quilting,
reading, and skiing.
Laura Harper works as a lawyer in the financial services
industry. In her personal time, Laura enjoys music, dance
and the arts. Laura sings in Wesley’s choir. She also loves
to exercise and participate in sports, especially skiing and
swimming. She enjoys international travel and the opportunity to appreciate different cultures.
Julia King, originally from Virginia, considers Washington,
DC her adopted home. Other than living in Chicago while
she was a teacher through Teach For America, she has
lived in the area since 2004, when she started as an undergrad at GW. She was introduced to Metropolitan Memorial
through her brother Ben, sister-in-law Alena and sweet niece
Allegra. This fall she will become the principal of Democracy
Prep, a new public charter school in SE. When not working,
Julia enjoys yoga, catching up with friends and family, and
writing letters to stay in touch.
Linda Mallon has lived in DC for nearly 35 years. She and
her husband, John Mueller, have three grown children:
Christian, 31; Peter, 27; and Lucy, 25. By trade a writer and
editor, Linda now works as assistant director of communications for the American Academy of Actuaries and as senior
editor of its magazine, Contingencies. In her spare time, she
likes to be active outdoors—hiking, biking, swimming—or
contemplative indoors, reading, reading, reading. She and
John celebrated their 32nd anniversary a few years back by
hiking up hill and down dale across the north of England,
from St. Bee’s on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood Bay on the
North Sea.
Nursery School Entrance Redevelopment Project
Jesus loved the little children and we at Metropolitan do, too.
Not only do we love them, “We believe that investing in our
children shapes the future of the church, and continues a
faithful witness to Jesus Christ.”
With that in mind, Metropolitan Nursery School was founded
in 1966 by the church for its own parishioners and as an
outreach to the community. The Nursery School now enrolls
about 80 children—ages two, three and four—employs 14
teachers and staff members and serves as a magical place
for young children.
Likewise, the Nursery School entrance should be a magical place—for children and adults alike. Headed by Mary
Rollefson and Courtney Leatherman, as a part of the continuing efforts of the Board of Trustees, we believe the new
design will engage children and encourage activities that are
respectful of the new space. We also believe this space can
offer adults a quiet, meditative retreat.
Moreover, the new design is a better extension of Metropolitan’s radical hospitality, one that joyfully invites people
of all ages into our church home. So, when you come to the
church, take time to walk the stepping stones, rest on the
new butterfly bench and just enjoy the garden.
Rev. E. Maynard Moore Receives “God’s Foolish One” Award
Rev. E. Maynard Moore was given the "God's Foolish One" award by the local chapter of the Methodist
Federation for Social Action at the 2014 Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference meeting. The award
goes annually to a deserving individual who has stepped out boldly on issues of faith and justice.
Although retired since 1985, he has continued volunteering his time and support to a number of United
Methodist related organizations working for social justice. These organizations include: The Wesley
Nexus, which he organized and serves as convener; The Inter-Faith Conference of Washington for
which he voluntarily raises funds; the Class on Science and Religion which he organized and teaches
each Sunday at Metropolitan Memorial UMC; and the two-day symposium at Wesley Seminary which he
organized and raised funds to support establishing the Seminary's archives to preserve the papers and
books of Dean Joseph Wesley Mathews and Bishop James K. Mathews. In addition, he was involved
with the "Occupy" movement in Washington, DC. During part of the time "Occupy" tents were erected at Freedom Plaza,
Maynard, at his own expense, was one of their principal providers of bottled water. When one of the occupiers, an older
woman from New York, was found sleeping out of doors affecting her health, Maynard and his wife, Paula, took her into
their home for the night. The next day, at her request, they placed her on a bus to return home. This is typical of the many
unseen, unsung acts he often performs on behalf of human welfare and social justice.
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Life at the Metropolitan Church
Exciting Summer Plans
Learn about Charlie Parker’s sabbatical
and our exciting summer here at Metropolitan at nationalchurch.org/sabbatical.
Happy Birthday to Yeiichi “Kelly”
Kuwayama, who turned 96 on
June 1!
Summer Office Hours
Metropolitan Memorial
M-Th 9am - 5pm/Fri 9am - Noon
Wesley - Wednesdays, 10am - 2pm
Please note our new summer office hours.
Regular office hours return in September.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Sunday, June 15, 12:30pm
Tuesday, June 17, 1:30pm
Enjoy a time of knitting, crocheting, ministry and fun in the
Parlor! Contact: Barbara Tate, [email protected].
AARP Luncheon
Monday, June 16, Noon, Vestry
Please join us for our spring luncheon. The cost is $10 per
person. Please contact Bobby Turnbull, 301-320-4154 or
[email protected] for reservations.
A Message from Charlie
I am on Sabbatical from May 5 - September 3. During this time, my personal email account is not receiving any e-mails.
If you receive emails from this address,
it is because I am cleaning out old messages, so that I can start with a clean slate on my return; for
good or ill, you will not be able to respond to them. If you
have a time-sensitive issue that requires attention before I
return, Please contact my colleagues for help in the following areas:
• Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson, Minister of Congregational
Care, for pastoral issues, [email protected].
• Bill Potts, Executive Director of Operations, for building,
finance, or calendar issues, [email protected].
• Helen Simon, my Executive Assistant, for general information or referrals to other staff members, pastorsoffice@
nationalchurch.org.
• Rev. Ianther Mills, Vice Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, for anything related to BOOM, imills@asburyumcdc.
org.
I look forward to returning in the fall and hope that you have
a restful and restorative time this summer.
Blessings, Charlie
Imagine No Malaria
Sunday, June 22
12:30pm, Great Hall
Hear a speaker from the Baltimore-Washington Conference Team on the “Imagine
No Malaria” campaign. This is an extraordinary effort of the people of The United
Methodist Church, putting our faith into
action to end preventable deaths by malaria in Africa. All are invited and encouraged to attend this
event, which is sponsored by the United Methodist Women. The UMW will provide a light, potluck-style lunch. If you
would like to sign-up to bring something, please contact Suzanne Vieth, [email protected]. To learn more go to
imaginenomalaria.org.
So far this summer, our Sunday school children have
made dog and cat toys to donate to the Montgomery
County Humane Society, along with cards to thank staff
for caring for homeless animals and wrote to US Troops
in Afghanistan.
VBS: Workshop of Wonders:
Imagine & Build with God
June 29 through July 3 - Register Now!
This Summer, join us as we become the hands of Christ,
working on service projects to help others and expressing our creativity through art.
Metropolitan’s vacation bible school is geared toward kids
age 4 to rising 6th graders and features a half day filled with
music, arts and crafts, games and storytelling. This year’s
VBS kicks off on Sunday evening at 5:30pm and the whole
family is invited for dinner and activities. Monday through
Thursdays sessions will run 9am - noon. Register at nationalchurch.org/vbs! If you would like to volunteer to help,
please contact Courtney Leatherman, c_leatherman@
ix.netcom.com.
Summer Sundays of Service and Art
Adults are needed to make our Summer Sunday school
work. Those who cannot commit to teaching during the
school year are especially welcome. Give our regular
Sunday school teachers a chance to rest while you get
to know our wonderful children! To volunteer to lead a
service project or assist with any of the art programs sign
up at nationalchurch.org/children_service. For more information, contact Janet Craswell, [email protected] or 202-363-4900, ext. 115.
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Life at the Metropolitan Church
JAZZ@Wesley and East River JazzFest Present
A Weekend of Jazz
Olayimika Cole’s L’IFE Suite
Friday, June 27
6:30pm, Wesley*
Olayimika Cole’s L’IFE Suite is
the premier public performance
of selections from the new L’IFE
album project, featuring new
compositions by Olayimika Cole.
Artists to perform include vocalists Sharon Clark, Kiyem Ade
and Myrna Clayton; Sam Prather, pianist; Herman Burney,
bassist and J. S. Williams, trumpeter. Tickets available at
instantseats.com. $10/entry l $7/Senior I 12 and under free.
*5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
DC Triple Play:
Past+Present+Future
Saturday June 28, 4pm - 8pm
Enjoy the sounds of Clearwater
Duo (Kush Abadey, percussionist and Donald Malloy, trumpet),
the Ron Sutton Jr. Quintet (Ron
Sutton, sax; Alan Palmer, piano;
Cheney Thomas, bass; Joseph
Palmer, drums; and Joshua
Phuse, spoken word) and Corcoran Holt Quartet (Corcoran Holt,
bass; Benito Gonzalez, piano; Stacy Dillard, saxophones;
McClenty Douglas Hunter, Jr., percussionist). Tickets available at instantseats.com. $10/entry l $7/Senior I 12 and under free. *5312 Connecticut Ave., NW.
SAVE THE DATE
Three Lilly Grant Programs Coming in July and August!
The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
with Sharon Salzberg
Friday, July 11, 7:30pm
Saturday, July 12, 10am - 4pm
Join Sharon Salzberg as she teaches us in
developing greater mindfulness of body and
the nature of our mind and our experiences.
We will explore how to enjoy pleasant experiences without clinging or grasping, to undergo unpleasant
experiences without adding extra suffering to what is already
difficult, and to balance our response to the range of experiences in-between. Although the roots of mindfulness lie in
Buddhist meditation, these techniques and meditation practices do not in any way demand a belief system. All participants can benefit from these non-denominational practices.
Sharon Salzberg is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation
Society (IMS) in Barre, MA with Joseph Goldstein and Jack
Kornfield. Her work centers on the ancient Buddhist practices of vipassana (mindfulness) and metta (loving kindness).
Her numerous books include Real Happines at Work; Real
Happiness: The Power of Meditation; Faith: Trusting Your
Own Deepest Experience; A Heart as Wide as the World;
and The Kindness Handbook: a Practical Companion. Sharon resides in Barre, MA, and New York City. Learn more at
sharonsalzberg.com.
Freeing the Heart with Tara Brach
Saturday August 9, 2pm - 5pm
Can you imagine moving through the world
with a fearless, open heart? Even a glimmer puts us in touch with our deepest most
beautiful potential. Metropolitan offers an afternoon workshop with Tara Brach to investigate the ways we habitually cut ourselves off from feeling
connected, compassionate and at home with ourselves and
others. This acclaimed meditation teacher, and psychologist
and author explores powerful techniques of meditation and
mindfulness that, when practiced regularly, enable us to decondition our old patterns to live from the fullness of loving
presence. Her approach emphasizes compassion for oneself and others, mindful presence, and the direct realization
and embodiment of natural awareness.
Tara Brach is a clinical psychologist and leading western
teacher of Buddhist meditation, emotional healing and spiritual awakening. She has practiced and taught meditation
for over 35 years, with an emphasis on vipassana (mindfulness or insight) meditation. Her writings include, Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha
and True Refuge--Finding Peace and Freedom in Your Own
Awakened Heart. Tara will be available to sign her books
after the program.
One Day Training in Buddhist Psychology for Westerners with Jack Kornfield, PhD
Saturday, August 16, 9:30am - 5pm
Join Dr. Jack Kornfield, renowned clinical psychologist, teacher and author, for teachings and mindful meditations on love, consciousness, healing and the nature of mind, based on the fundamental principles of Buddhist psychology. Discover inner capacities for mindfulness, joy, dignity, confidence and compassion as you
awaken to your truest nature.
Jack Kornfield has taught meditation internationally since 1974 as one of first American teachers to introduce
Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. In 1967, Jack served in the Peace Corps in northeast Thailand
where he studied under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma. He eventually trained as a Buddhist monk at monasteries in Thailand, India and Burma. After his return to the United States, Jack
co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, with fellow teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein. He is
also a founding teacher of the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, CA, where he lives and teaches. Tickets can be purchased
at brownpapertickets.com/event/631163.
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United Methodist Women
UMW Make it Happen!
United Methodist Women
Recognition Luncheon
Nominations Needed
Although our next Recognition Luncheon
will not be until December, it is time to think
about prospective honorees. At that time,
we will honor and recognize four outstanding UMW ladies who have made significant
contributions to our church, community
and nation. We need your help in nominating these candidates. To see the names of people who
have already received this award, please see Page 8
of your 2012-2013 UMW Directory. We would prefer to
honor women who have not been previously recognized.
To nominate someone, please contact Carol Schleicher,
301-229-2385 or [email protected] or Sandy Yeager,
301-320-3951 or [email protected].
“Make It Happen!” was the official theme of the 2014 quadrennial Assembly of United
Methodist Women at the
Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.
Metropolitan was represented
L to R: Jeanie Mah, Barba- by Rachel Ternes, Rebekah
ra Gaskill, Rebekah Clare Clare Smith, Barbara Gaskill
Smith and Rachel Ternes and Jeanie Mah, who took in
rallied against economic in- amazing worship experiences
led by an all-female praise
equality in Louisville, KY.
band and participated in workshops on topics like “Letting
Young Women Lead”; “Standing Up to Racial Injustice”; and
“Class, Race and Wealth in the US” with women from across
the country and around the globe. Rebekah and Rachel are
active in the AU Campus Ministry and their traveling and
registration expenses were covered by Metropolitan Memorial’s Campus Ministry and the UMW.
Service and Advocacy
(Cont. from pg. 1) Our delegation’s primary
interest was our Stop Clergy Trials resolution, which was one of five resolutions related to the UMC’s response to Human
Sexuality and LGBTQ inclusion submitted
by Reconciling Congregations in the BWC.
All five of these resolutions were passed by
the Annual Conference!
These votes mean that the Conference has now expressed
its hope that Bishops in our Jurisdiction will avoid the use of
trials around matters of conscience where clergy are seeking to fulfill their faithful understanding of their ministerial obligations to all parishioners. We have also called for an end
to discrimination against LGBTQ persons in West Virginia,
declared that we Agree to Disagree on Issues Pertaining to
Gender and Sexual Minorities, affirmed that we wish to be
an Inclusive Conference, working to overcome discrimination in society and within the denomination, and supported a
call to remove discriminatory language in the Book of Discipline. See bwcumc.org/resolutions (Resolutions. 6,7,10,11
and 14).
The Conference implemented an innovative Holy Conferencing procedure which allowed all delegates to discuss the
resolutions in small “Circles of Grace.” This required suspension of the usual procedural rules, which permit very limited response to proposed resolutions. Delegates were able
to vote on the five resolutions at the conclusion of the Holy
Conferencing. The process was affirmed in evaluations, with
many delegates expressing gratitude for the opportunity to
listen and to be heard, and recommending the process for
use in the future. See bwcumc.org/news/bwc_does_holy_
conferencing_new_way.
We are grateful to Bishop Matthews and his staff for his call
to be a Church that reaches out with compassion to all, and
who created a way to discuss and vote on issues in a way
that all could be heard.
For more information about the Annual Conference Session,
visit bwcumc.org/news/2014_annual_conference_overview.
News from the Green Team
Our Green Team will soon be able to track how much energy we use as a church. Green Team chair Jane Ward has
gotten "EPA Portfolio Manager" software from the Environmental Protection Agency. This software will allow tracking
of energy, water use and more at all our campuses and our
parsonage. As we benefit from the campus improvements
being made under the leadership of Bill Potts, we'll be able
to track easily the energy, water and dollar savings. Eventually we will be able to have our accounts download monthly
data automatically.
During the spring, Jane met with the 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School class and with the 5th and 6th grade class to talk
about questions of sustainability. She found the children full
of ideas and ready to stop wasting time and get on with it.
A number of ecoprojects are being planned for our annual
Vacation Bible School June 30-July 3.
The cup into which you pour your Sunday church coffee may
have a slightly different feel than it used to have. The church
has switched to all compostable cups, dishes and utensils,
when we use disposables.
Campus Kitchen Project
Volunteers Needed!
Fridays and Saturdays
11:30am - 3:30pm
St. Luke’s Mission Center*
Volunteers are needed for our Friday and
Saturday shifts to help plan, prep, cook and deliver meals
for those in need. To volunteer, register at nationalchurch.
org/servenow. *3655 Calvert St., NW.
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Our Mission
Building an inclusive, caring Christian community that invites all into a deepening
challenges all of us to grow as disciples, seeking justice and joy for the transformation of the world.
relationship
with
God
and
Our Vision
Extending radical hospitality, transforming lives, and pursuing justice.
Reconciling Statement
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church affirms that all individuals are of sacred worth without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, marital circumstances, economic status, physical and mental condition,
or criminal history. We declare ourselves in support of the reconciling movement and welcome the full participation in the church of
gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons and their families, as a reflection of God’s unconditional love. At the same time, we
recognize differences of opinion on issues of sexuality and seek to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual
respect.
Pastoral and Administrative Staff - 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, DC - 202.363.4900
www.nationalchurch.org - Pastoral Emergency Number - 202.510.8555
Rev. Dr. Charles Parker –– Senior Pastor, ext. 108, [email protected]
Rev. Kate Murphey Payton — Associate Pastor, Sharing, Lead Pastor at Wesley UMC, ext. 110, [email protected]
Rev. Dottie Yunger –– Associate Pastor, Service/Advocacy, Lead Pastor at Crossroads, ext. 111, [email protected]
Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson — Minister of Congregational Care, ext. 104, [email protected]
Rev. Janet Craswell—Director of Christian Education, ext. 115, [email protected]
Rev. Barbara Green – Minister of Life Transitions, [email protected], ext. 105
David Hosey - Campus Ministry Coordinator, [email protected]
Princess Bethea — Office Coordinator, ext. 102, [email protected]
Bruce Caviness — 11a.m. Organist-Choirmaster, ext. 152, [email protected]
Jeff Clouser — Director of Communications and Outreach, ext. 113, [email protected]
Dona Collary — Pastoral Care Assistant/Wedding and Funeral Coordinator, ext. 106, [email protected]
Casey Elliott — Dayspring Choir Director/9am Worship Leader/Youth Choir Director, ext. 151, [email protected]
Patrisha House — Director of Worship, Music and Arts, ext. 114, [email protected]
Patrick Landau — Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 112, [email protected]
Bill Potts –– Executive Director of Operations, ext. 101, [email protected]
Rafael Reyes — Director of Building and Grounds, ext. 116, [email protected]
Helen Simon — Executive Assistant to Dr. Parker, ext. 109, [email protected]
Linda Smith — Director of Nursery School, 202.362.8746, [email protected]
The Messenger is published by The Metropolitan Church - A Multi-site United Methodist Community
Metropolitan Memorial - 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20016 Tel: 202.363.4900
St. Luke’s Mission Center (3655 Calvert St., NW)/Wesley UMC (5312 Conn. Ave., NW)
Fax: 202.686.2056 E-Mail: [email protected]
website: nationalchurch.org
NEXT ISSUE: July 7, 2014
NEXT DEADLINE: Noon on July 1, 2014