Weekly News Bulletin from the Diocese of Washington
May 16, 2013
Of Bishops and Books
I am not a cradle Episcopalian and was told at the time of my reception into the Church in 1987 that much of our stabilizing "new blood" as a denomination consisted of refugees from other traditions. I could list hundreds of people and reasons why I became and remain a committed part of this church. But if forced to choose just two, they would be the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, that was still both new and controversial - and certainly not yet fully embraced - when I was received, and our then-Presiding Bishop Ed Browning and his promise that there would be "No outcasts!" so long as he led us. Read more...
Bishop's Blog: Overcoming Obstacles to Growth: Dwelling in the Word of God
At the Diocesan Clergy Conference this week, our speaker reminded us that we live in a culture in which, for increasing numbers of people, there is a Christian memory, but that memory no longer affects how they make meaning in their lives. Last week, I observed that in many of our congregations, we find it easier to speak about ourselves and what we want than it is for us to speak of God and what God might be doing among and around us. National research supports what we already know: many, if not most people who attend church for the first or the hundredth time have little understanding of the Christian story. See the work of The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Barna Group. Read more...
Diocesan News
Youth Missioner- Search Reopened
EDOW has re-opened the search for the Youth Missioner position. The diocese is committed to nurturing the faith of our young people and strengthening their identity as Episcopalians. The Youth Missioner's primary function is to equip youth leaders and Christian educators in their work, using strategies appropriate to today's church world. Read the full job description...
Camp EDOW
There is still time to sign up for Camp EDOW 2013! Registration has been extended through June 1. Camp EDOW is a sleep-away camp for rising 4th-8th graders in beautiful Nanjemoy, MD. Running July 28-August 2, campers will be able to grow in their faith as they have fun! More information is available on www.edow.org/camp.
Ministry Among Millenials Blog Series
The Ministry Among Millenials blog series continues on Facebook this Saturday morning. In the series, a variety of leaders address the data recently published by organization such as the Pew Research Center and Gallup concerning millennials.
Bishop John Bryson Chane Scholarship for Social Justice
The scholarship application is now available for graduating seniors throughout the Diocese of Washington. One high school senior in each region of the diocese will be awarded the scholarship for social justice. Applications are due by June 15.
Hunger Walk T-shirt Contest
Artists of all ages are needed to dream up exciting designs for the 2013 Hunger Walk T-shirt Contest. The contest winner will receive $100 and the joy of seeing his or her original artwork displayed on the shirts of hundreds of walkers at the annual Hunger Walks this October. Contest deadline is July 31. Submission details are available online.
Upcoming Diocesan Events
Bishop's Bike Rides 2013
May 18 is the Strawberry Festival Bishop's Bike Ride in St. Mary's County. The ride will include four options ranging from 11 to 63 miles. All the options converge on Christ Church in Chaptico for its annual Strawberry Festival. (No fee, but bring money to buy lunch or luscious treats!) More details and registration available online.
Equipping the Saints Workshops
Workshop dates and times are now available for a number of the Equipping the Saints workshops. RSVP now for the upcoming workshops in May and June or let us know you are interested in another workshop.
Overcoming Obstacles for Congregational Growth (Sunday attendance 150-300)
June 22, 12-3pm at St. John's, Norwood- Vocabulary for Evangelism and Telling Our Faith Story
May 29, 6:30-9:30pm at St. Columba's (Room 212)- Young Adult Ministry and Evangelism
Spring Cathedral Confirmation
The last spring Cathedral Confirmation is on June 15. If your parish is participating and has not notified us, please contact cathedralconfirmations@edow.org by May 31.
Save the Date!
On June 13 at 7pm, Rev. Caron Gwynn will be installed as the rector of St. Timothy's, Washington, DC.
Possible 2014 Trip to Southern Africa
The Southern Africa Partnership Committee is seeking your input in planning a 2014 trip to Southern Africa. Please complete the online form if you are interested in traveling.
Parish Highlights
May 17
11am-7pm:St. Columba's will hold a combined yard, bake and book sale. We accept cash only, and we encourage you to bring your own bags.
May 18
8am-2pm:St. Columba's combined yard, bake, and book sale
8:30am-1pm: All Saints Church, Chevy Chase hosts Release! The Healing Power of Forgiveness with Rev. Dr. Michael Barry, Director of Pastoral Care at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Healing prayer; free childcare (request in advance).
2-3:30pm: Ascension, Gaithersburg hosts Juggling the Demands for Caring with Someone with Dementia Workshop. Join the discussion lead by an expert panel on issues related to caregiving, and learn effective methods and local resources to help you cope with dementia-related behaviors.
May 19
10am: St. George's, Washington, DC will celebrate its 11th Annual International Sunday. The theme is "Unity in the Body of Christ." The speaker will be Rev. Dr. J. Carleton Hayden. Luncheon will be served following the service.
11am:Wear red and join Ascension, Gaithersburg for the bi-lingual mariachi mass in celebration of Pentecost.
5pm:"Vienna Redux III" Inscape concludes Redeemer's concert season with a performance of Mahler's Fourth Symphony in a chamber orchestra version. Reception to follow.
May 30
7pm:St. Monica and St. James, Capitol Hill will celebrate Corpus Christi, the feast of Christ's Body and Blood, with a High Mass. The liturgy will include an outdoor procession of the Blessed Sacrament.
Cycle of Prayer: St. Dunstan's Church, Bethesda, Jeffrey B. MacKnight, Rector
Prayer List
Betsy Hague - condolences on the occasion of her husband's death (Ralph Wadeson)
Mary Dail - condolences on the occasion of her husband's death (Rodney)
John Harmon's mother-in-law's health (Grace), Vaughan Booker's personal health, Deborah Kirk (seminarian) father's health (Chip), John Lawrence's wife's health (Jerri), Robert (Bob) Gillespie's personal health, Michael Marrett's personal health, Geoff Price's personal health, Arnold Taylor's personal health
For Clergy & Leaders
Faith Formation for a Connected, Digital World
Join the Virginia Theological Seminary from May 31-June 2, 2013 for a three-day immersion into the latest thinking, approaches, and tools for creating faith formation in a connected, digital world. Registration closes May 23 for the Friday bootcamp or for the weekend conference. Register now...
Flourish in Faith
The Episcopal Network for Stewardship will host the 2013 Stewardship Conference from July 11-13. More information about the workshops, speakers, and registration options (including an option to register for the webcast) are available online.
There is still time to sign up for Camp EDOW 2013! Registration has been extended through June 1. Camp EDOW is a sleep-away camp for rising 4th-8th graders in beautiful Nanjemoy, MD. Running July 28-August 2, campers will be able to grow in their faith as they have fun! More information is available on 
May 18 is the Strawberry Festival Bishop's Bike Ride in St. Mary's County. The ride will include four options ranging from 11 to 63 miles. All the options converge on Christ Church in Chaptico for its annual Strawberry Festival. (No fee, but bring money to buy lunch or luscious treats!) 
Betsy Hague - condolences on the occasion of her husband's death (Ralph Wadeson)
