 The Vital Importance of Prayer
Dear Friends,
What are your New Year's prayers? Most of us are fairly intentional about coming up with New Year's resolutions. The first day of the new year offers hope for a fresh start and opportunities to embark on healthier habits and a more fulfilling way of life: exercise, diet, a wiser balance of time, to name a few.
But do we spend much time on January 1st reflecting on our intentions to deepen our prayer life. Our most profound prayers reflect the yearnings of our soul. As we begin to recognize the important things in life over which we have no control (life, death, health, peace, hope, love, joy) we begin to realize our dependency on a God who promises us all of these things if we will only ask. While this God never promises happiness or "the good life" that is the promise made by Madison Avenue advertisers, this God of love promises to be present in the midst of our deepest needs. Prayer is a gift of God's Spirit to bring us into touch with God's presence in us. But most of the time we are hesitant or unable to allow the healing power of prayer to bubble up from our souls and flow through our lips, allowing our words to connect us with the Word - that Word that became flesh and dwelt among us that is so powerfully described in the first chapter of John.
Wendell Berry captures the struggle of prayer in his poem, "An Embarrassment":
"Do you want to ask the blessing?"
"No. If you do, go ahead"
He went ahead:
his prayer dressed up
in Sunday clothes
rose a few feet
and dropped with a soft thump.
If a lonely soul
did ever cry out
in company its true
outcry to God,
it would be as though at a sedate party
a man suddenly removed his clothes
and took his wife
passionately into his arms."
LEAVINGS, p. 16
Do our prayers lack passion? Do our lonely souls ever cry out our true outcry to God?
Episcopalians are not in the habit of removing our clothes in polite company. We have been brought up to know better - that's simply not done!
Are we in the habit, however, of removing our clothes in front of our Creator who delights in our naked, honest, true selves? 0r are we still covering ourselves with fig leaves out of shame as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden?
If your spirit longs to enjoy the freedom, passion and unbridled joy of feeling God's presence through prayer please join us at one of our four opportunities to pray on Sunday and/or our three midweek services on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Grab the time to refresh your soul and rediscover our center and our foundation in a God who longs to welcome us home with open arms. And if you find that your prayers with us and at home are not releasing your "true outcry to God" come see Gini or me and we will explore the depth and breadth and height of prayer together.
What are your New Year's prayers? Good question! Ask your soul.
And may the Peace of God which passes all understanding bless us and keep us in 2112 and forevermore.
Faithfully,
The Rev. Dr. William Hague
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 ADULT FORUMS IN JANUARY
ADULT FORUM IN JANUARY
SUNDAYS - 10:30 - 11:25
Starting in January our adult forum series during the Season of Epiphany will be entitled:
OTHER RELIGIONS - RESPECTING DIFFERENCES, EMBRACING COMMONALITY
We will be hearing from guest lecturers from the Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu communities as we explore our common bonds as well as those beliefs and customs that make us unique. Topics will include prayer, compassion, community worship, moral obligations, charity, and stewardship of the planet.
This should be an excellent background for our forum series in Lent which will examine the spiritual practices from our own Christian tradition.
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 Feast of Lights and 12th Night Party
On Sunday January 8th at our 5:00 service, Christ Church will celebrate our much beloved Feast of Lights service. This service of candlelight begins in the dark and progresses with a candle lighting ceremony as the history of Christ's light is retold during this season of light in Epiphany. We will experience a very visible and moving journey through time as we are reminded that we are bearers of Christ's Light in the world today.
We will take our lights out into the world and to the undercroft where we will celebrate our TWELFTH NIGHT PARTY with a feast, carols and the crowning of our Epiphany kings and queens as determined by the coins found in our treasured King Cake.
This is a great way to celebrate the end of Christmas and the New Year as a parish family!
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 The Women of Christ Church
The Women of Christ Church will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 16, in the church parking lot. We will regroup and drive to the home of Barbara Dorsett to see her Christmas Village. About noon we will meet at the China Gourmet for a Christmas/New Year's celebratory luncheon. Please put the date on your calendar and join us. |
 Other Groups Meeting at Christ Church
WHOW Women Helping Other Women Tuesday 7:30pm -Room 3 AA and AL-ANON MEETINGS Women's Al-Anon- Monday 7:00 pm-Youth Room Women's Al-Anon Tuesday 9:30am-Youth Room Women's Al-Anon Tuesday 10:30 am-Undercroft Women's Al-Anon Tuesday 11:45 am-Youth Room Liberty AA Tuesday 8:30 pm-Youth Room & Room 2 Terrapin AA Thursday 10:30 am-Undercroft
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Dear Deacon
Ok Dog, why are we serving kids wine in church? Isn't that illegal?
Aren't we contributing to the delinquency of minors?
Signed,
Temperance Tommy
Dear Tommy,
There are multiple reasons why it is ok for kids to take communion.
The theological reason is that all baptized people are welcome to receive the sacrament. Notice that I did not say "wine" I said "the sacrament".
Legally speaking, we don't serve wine. We serve the sacrament. Though I know dozens of lawyers will have dozens of different opinions; however, you asked a Westie and that's what I have come up with. For expert legal and sacramental advice I suggest you speak with Mother Gini who is a priest as well as a lawyer.
Communion and children is one of those fuzzy grey areas, legally and theologically. Officially, the church's position is that it is the parent's decision as to when a kid can start receiving communion. Although again, all who are baptized are welcome to partake.
Know also that receiving the "bread" is the spiritual equivalent of receiving the "wine" as well, and vice versa. There are many folks who receive only the "bread" for one reason or another and that is just fine.
Love and licks,
Deacon
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 Vestry Notes
Precis September 28, 2011 Vestry Meeting At its September, 2011 meeting, the Vestry took the following actions: The Vestry received with grateful thanks the gift of nine paper towel dispensers from Sue Mitchell. The Vestry acknowledged the vacant seat left by Sara Timlin and will wait until the next annual meeting and election to fill the vacancy. |
 An Advent Candlelight Vigil at The National Cathedral
By Anne Wakefield The Advent Candlelight Pilgrimage that is held one evening each year in early December at the Washington National Cathedral is a wonderful and powerful spiritual opportunity to experience deep prayer during Advent. This year the pilgrimage lasted two hours and was led by the chaplain of the Cathedral's Center of Prayer and Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage begins in the beautiful Bethlehem Chapel with prayer, meditation, and a psalm reading. The participants, led by the chaplain and a cantor, then ascend into the darkened nave of the Cathedral, each holding a candle. It is a deeply moving and amazing experience to be in the darkened nave with only candlelight as different stops are made by the group for more prayers. Then, for about half an hour, each participant is told to find their own place in the nave for personal prayer and reflection. The pilgrimage ends in St. Mary's Chapel with more prayers, led by the chaplain, and a viewing of the spectacular panels above the alter depicting scenes from Mary's life. This Advent pilgrimage is a unique spiritual, peaceful, and awe-inspiring event and a way to experience prayer and meditation in the exquisite beauty of the Cathedral's nave encompassed in darkness.
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 Library News
The Parish library is now open and welcomes you! Happy New Year! Try a different New Year's Resolution this year! Borrow a book from the new parish library located in room 4 of the Education wing. The mission of the library is to support the mission of the church in the following ways: 1. Serve all those who seek to deepen their understanding of their faith; 2. Encourage responses to life situations and experiences according to their faith; 3. Offer opportunities for spiritual nourishment and growth; 4. Support the programs of the parish. In January the Adult Forums will be presenting speakers on Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam. Consider checking out the book, "What I wish my Christian friends knew about Judaism". Come and look at the Qur'an in the reference section of the library. Books about the Bible, Spirituality, Theology, Other religions, and Christian fiction may be borrowed for one month. The library also has childrens' books and a reference section. Reference books may not be checked out. Magazines, Christian Century and Biblical Archeology Review may be borrowed and returned one month later. Borrowing procedures are as follows: 1) Please complete a patron card which includes the names of family members, your telephone number, and an email address the first time you borrow a book, and put it in the patron card box. 2. To check out a book, please remove the book card from the pocket in the back of the book. 3. Write your name and the date you take the book out on the book card and put it in the book card box. 4. Books will be due in one month. Books checked out on 5 January will be due on or before 5 February. 5. Please fill out a book mark and put it in the pocket of the book as a remainder to return the book on time. 6. When you return a book, please put it on top of the desk in the Library. The library will be open with volunteers available: Sunday from 8:30 to 9:20 a.m., and from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.. Tuesday from 11:45 to 1:30 Wednesday from 9:30- - 11:30 a.m., and from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. The library needs volunteers to staff the library. Please contact Sharon Bartram (301-946-0632) or Sylvia Eliot (301-949-4639) or Anabel Kaufman (301-933-6577) . Almost all of the books in this library have been generously donated. The library would be pleased to accept donations of books that reflect our mission statement. Please leave donated books in the library on the shelves next to the door. Thank you and hope to see you there!
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 Church Humor
GOOD SAMARITAN
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan.
She asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and
bleeding, what would you do?"
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up."
DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when
he was on the Ark ?" "No," replied Johnny.
"How could he, with just two worms."
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most
quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23 .
She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter.
Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm.
After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation,
Ricky was so nervous.
When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly,
"The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."
UNANSWERED PRAYER
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his
head for a moment before starting his sermon.
One day, she asked him why. "Well, Honey," he began, proud that his daughter was so
observant of his messages. "I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon."
"How come He doesn't answer it?" she asked.
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 Hebrews Cafe
(In the back of the Undercroft after the 9:30 service)
Not one for sitting still for the forum? Want to catch up with a friend? No time for coffee at home? Come relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation after the 9:30 service on Sundays. Enjoy our cozy couches and a bit of free time while our children, youth, and adult forum meet. It's cheaper than Starbucks, and you don't have to leave the building!
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 A Tour of Manifold Greatness
There will be a special tour of "MANIFOLD GREATNESS: The CREATION AND AFTERLIFE OF the KING JAMES BIBLE "at the Folger Shakespeare Library on Saturday January 7, 2012.
The King James Bible is four hundred years old this year.
It is known as the King James Bible because It was published in 1611 during his reign.
Before the bible was in English it was Armenian, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. In the 4Th century St. Jerome translated some of the stories, into olde English. In 1308 Wycliffe translated it, but he was considered a 'dangerous' reformer and it was not accepted. In 1525 William Tyndale, a Greek and Latin scholar studied Hebrew and translated it from the original text while hiding from the authorities in Germany.
Between the 4Th and the17th century many important events took place: the printing press was invented, England became Protestant, Henry the 8th had six wives, Elizabeth, a woman ruled England, and Shakespeare wrote his plays!
After the King James Bible was published in 1611 strange things happened. Come see the 'He Bible' and 'The Wicked Bible' !! See what happened to this incredible book: how it was created and 'the afterlife'. Since it was published It has influenced literature, poetry and music and it is read all over the world today.
Contact: Helen Urquhart or Sharon Bartrum
202-686-0522 301-946-0632
Our tour will be on Saturday, January 7, 20012
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 Stewardship News
The Holy Spirit is among us! Due to a positive response to our stewardship campaign, we are within $27,000 dollars of our pledging goal to achieve a balanced budget for 2012. This is wonderful news that puts us in better shape at this time of the budgeting cycle than we have been in years. Pledging history trends reflect that some parishioners who have not yet pledged will do so in the coming weeks. As a result, the Vestry was able to pass a balanced budget of $666,443 at our December 21 meeting. This is the first balanced budget passed on schedule in December in five years! It is conservative in terms of both expenses and income and projects receiving the $27,000 in pledges. Most important, it preserves our clergy, staffing, and salaries at current levels (although without any cost of living increases for the fourth consecutive year). Christ Church is truly blessed, despite difficult times. And this spirit of stewardship is present in many ways beyond financial giving: In the loving ministry of our clergy and caring staff In the ministry of parishioners who volunteer in the office, dress our altar, give us music, shepherd our children and youth, guide our finances, create fun and fellowship, and organize support for others; and In the joyful presence of providing food for 135 families at Arcola during the Christmas break, the bagging and distributing 50,000 lbs of potatoes to local food pantries, and the many ongoing efforts to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and care for the sick, elderly and lonely. We look forward to seeing how the Holy Spirit will work through us and among us next year! Your Vestry
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Vestry Vibes
KENSINGTON, MARYLAND
Precis November 16, 2011 Vestry Meeting
Following its November, 2011 meeting, the Vestry took the following actions:
The Vestry authorized the expenditure of up to $4,500 to install a new grease trap and to remove the existing garbage disposal under the rise sink in the kitchen in order to comply with the 2009 WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code.
The Vestry appointed the following members to serve on the 2012 Nominating Committee for the purpose of nominating persons for election to the Vestry and to serve as Lay Delegates and Alternates to the Convention of the Diocese of Washington: Father Hague, Kathy Cowan, Lew Price, Calvin Smith, Sharon Bartram, Marcia Coe, Bob Quinn, and Doug Smith.
The Vestry allocated the collection at the December 2011 service of lessons and carols 50 percent to fund choral scholars and 50 percent donated to the Washington (National) Cathedral fund (for restoration).
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 January Birthdays
Amanda Barr 01/01 MaryBeth Etherton 01/01 John Holbrooke 01/01 Madison Waechter 01/01 Jill Goubeaux 01/02 Erin Kean 01/02 Caroline Leung 01/02 Spencer Conley 01/03 Hal Slack Jr. 01/03 Leslie Everheart 01/05 Louise Gorman 01/06 Mary Gray 01/06 Mary Frances Weidlich 01/06 Eric Smith 01/07 Mara Barry 01/08 George Edler Jr. 01/08 Ann Gagarin 01/08 James Tyckoski 01/08 Joyce Holcombe 01/09 Rachel Gergen 01/10 Penny Winslow 01/10 Christina Doyle 01/11 Anne Meyers 01/11 Graham Eckert 01/12 Nan Birch 01/13 Thomas Goubeaux 01/15 Claire M. Goubeaux 01/15 Lorrie Ledesma 01/15 Ryan Niemczuk 01/15 Kara Wilson 01/15 Caroline Albright 01/16 Nathan Howard 01/16 Spence Witten II 01/16 Claire Atkinson 01/17 Eddie DeLeon 01/17 William Hague 01/19 John Barnes 01/20 Gus Gill 01/20 John Neave II 01/20 Susan St. George 01/21 Anna Peterson 01/23 Michael Colella 01/24 Robert Durbin 01/24 Pauline Monroe 01/24 Janice Butler 01/26 William Payton 01/26 Devon Wolcott 01/26 Barbara Bissell 01/27 Sarah Colvin 01/27 Raymond Colvin 01/27 Joellen E. Mallard 01/27 Hollis Robertson 01/27 Elizabeth Whisman 01/27 Colin Donovan 01/28 Ethan Donovan 01/28 John Barnes 01/30 James Johnston 01/30 Geneva W. Lester 01/31 Annie Seale 01/31 Rukmani Willis-Lara 01/31
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January Anniversaries
Dorcas and Michael Rusoke 1-3-11
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Christ Church Parish, Kensington Maryland
Lenord Hawkins
Head Verger
Assistant Vergers Anthony Coe Susan Catlette Office Hours Monday-Thursday 9:00 am-5:00 pm;
Friday 9:00 am-1:00 pm
E-mail:administrator@ccpk.org
Telephone: 301.942.4673
Service Schedule
Sunday:
8:00am 9:15am &11:15am
Wednesday: 6:30 pm
Summer Service Schedule 8:00am & 10:00am VESTRY Rector-The Rev. Dr. William Hague Sr. Warden-Lew Price Jr. Warden-Kathy Cowan Treasurer-Bonnie Douglas Clerk- Bonnie Muheim Phil Padgett (Outreach) Ben Haskell (Finance) Calvin Smith (Property) Caroline Turner (Communication) Pam Prindle (Parish Life) Julianne Clarke (Stewardship) Diane Jung (At Large) Sharon Bartram (Education) Diane Mand (Inreach)
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