We celebrate with Samantha Nerove as her retirement from the U.S. Army is recognized in a ceremony at the Pentagon, Monday, June 10. Sam has served as a commissioned officer since 1988, and retires as a lieutenant colonel.

Progressive ... Inclusive ... Diverse

    

Earlier this spring we held a series of conversations that were convened around this observation:

 

In an era of steeply declining membership in North American churches, mosques and synagogues across the theological spectrum, it's worth pausing to ask ourselves what it means in this time to belong to a faith community.

 

We had a lively, spirited and faithful conversation that led our friend Jessica Tate (director of  NextChurch) to observe, "basically y'all were writing a confession of faith."

 

Well, we're not the first to do so! We are, in fact, a "confessional church." That is to say, we are a denomination (Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)) in a tradition (Reformed) that values clear articulation of the faith. We are guided in our life as church by a Book of Confessions that includes nine historic statements of faith, written down at various times in the history of Christianity.

 

As we consider what it means to proclaim the faith in our time and place, it's worth pausing to reflect on this rich confessional heritage. So beginning this Sunday, we spend time in worship over the summer reflecting on the creeds and confession and catechisms that comprise our Book of Confessions.

This Sunday we'll take the "way back" machine to the 300s and visit the  Nicene Creed and the  Apostles' Creed. Think of it as a theological episode of Dr. Who, and I promise there will be no cybermen!

 

As always, come and see! Come and worship!

 

Grace and peace,

 

Join us this Friday, June 7, at 7:00 p.m. for CPC's first "open mic" talent night. In the casual comfort of Wilson Hall's coffee shop set up, come and share a story, poem, song, instrumental, one-act play, magic or whatever else you'd like to share. Or, just show up to be a good audience!

 

Bring something to share in a big salad, too.

 

Headlining the talent part of the evening will be singer-songwriter Noah Budin. Noah, who hails from Cleveland, is a recording artist, actor, storyteller and comedian who has toured nationally as a solo artist and, during the 1980s and 90s, as a member of the Chicago-based a capella music and comedy group "Four Guys Standing Around Singing." The Four Guys captured "Entertainer of the Year" awards for three years running from the National Association of Campus Activities. Noah has released two CDs of original music, Hallelujah Land: Songs of Faith and Freedom (1998) and Metaphor (2006).

At its May meeting, session voted to adjust staff hours for the summer months such that church administrator Mary Lynn Hickey will be in the office 10 hours per week and director of Christian formation Susan Graceson will continue here for an additional eight weeks from mid-June through August. The changes in hours reflect the decreased administrative workload during summer months and the desire to continue providing high quality programming for our young people. The summer adjustment also reflects the fact that Susan can bring her musical gifts to bear on the several Sundays this summer when our music staff will be on vacation, and her worship leadership on the several Sundays when David is away.

 

Session is confident that these minor adjustments will enable Clarendon to continue to be a vibrant congregation even during the traditionally less busy months of summer.

 

In other session-related news:  the personnel team will meet this Sunday, June 9, 5:00 p.m., to talk about staff reviews and staffing pattern options for the future.

 

Join the Open Doors chapter of More Light Presbyterians to march in the annual DC Pride Parade, Saturday, June 8.  

 

MLP will gather on the front steps of the Church of the Pilgrims (2201 P St. NW) at 4:30 p.m. The parade winds its way through the DuPont Circle neighborhood, and the route is lined with joyous supporters. If you walk the route you'll receive the longest standing ovation you've ever experienced!

If you have a line on a good and reliable used vehicle, please contact Ellen Moreno. Ellen's stately minivan has been pronounced dead by the mechanics.

The Summer Mission Team Trip will be July 27 to August 2, volunteers to be housed at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township in Chatham, NJ. 

Church of the Covenant is taking the lead in rounding up people from several congregations who want to travel to the Northeast for SuperStorm Sandy relief.  Talk to Pastor Beth (if you have not already) to indicate your interest.  Adults and youth together!  Ages 12 and up. Information and planning meeting at Church of the Covenant, Sunday April 28 at 1:00 p.m.