Weekly News Bulletin from the Diocese of Washington
June 13, 2013
Fear of Falling
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' 2He called a child, whom he put among them, 3and said, 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.4Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4)
My family gave me a new bicycle for Mother's Day. It is beautiful bike, and it came with a custom "bike fitting" session at the bike shop. It also came with a set of fancy bike pedals, the kind that require special shoes that clip into them. While I was thrilled to have such a great gift, I was also very nervous about riding my new bike. This bike is more technical than any bike I've ever ridden, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to figure out my new pedals. As a result, I spent weeks riding my new bike in a trainer.... in the house....clipping in and clipping out. Read more...
Bishop's Blog: Overcoming Obstacles to Growth: Small Steps
Note: This is the last in Bishop Mariann's series, "Overcoming Obstacles to Growth."
For 10 years, I led clergy conferences that focused on wellness, vocational renewal, and life goals through the organization CREDO. At the end of each conference, clergy participants would write a comprehensive plan, with specific goals they hoped to accomplish. Some were in fulfillment of long-forgotten dreams; others were focused on restoring life balance or facing health issues they had been avoiding; still others sought to reclaim the sense of call that drew them into ministry in the first place. Read more...
Diocesan News
Church House seeks Wednesday Volunteer Receptionist
This person offers hospitality to visitors, answers incoming calls, and assists with mail processing and distribution. Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Word helpful. Hours are flexible but we seek coverage from at least 9:30 - 2:30 daily. Please contact Kathleen Hall if interested.
LGBT Blog Series
The Saturday blog series in honor of LGBT Pride Month in June started last weekend. Miss last week's blog? Read it now and watch for this week's blog on Facebook.
People of the Way
Have you started your summer reading?
Join your Diocesan community to explore what it means to be People of the Way. This season we'll feature three books. Select one that inspires you and watch for weekly blogs in July and August on each. Each of the books is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, iTunes, and local bookstores.
"What We Talk about When We Talk about God" by Rob Bell
"Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life" by Karen Armstrong
"Baseball as a Road to God" by John Sexton
We are still looking for volunteer bloggers to reflect on the Armstrong and Sexton books. Please contact Rachel Tjornehoj if you are interested.
Year Long Bible Study Beginning in September
In a comprehensive study of spiritual growth, based on research in over 1,000 congregations across denominations, one finding is particularly noteworthy: nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. And yet reading the Bible can be a less than satisfying experience when undertaken alone, or without enough overall knowledge to fruitfully engage a particular text.
As a way to introduce the over-arching narrative that runs through our sacred texts, People of the Way, our diocesan book group, will engage the Bible from beginning to end starting in September. The Bishop and others will write weekly reflections on Bible themes and include reading outlines for each week. She is currently exploring a curriculum called "The Story," which divides the Bible into 31 sections and emphasizes the overarching narrative of the Bible. There are rich resources for parish-based study, including offerings for adults, teenagers, and children. There is also a version in Spanish. A large Episcopal Church in Illinois once based its Sunday morning education program for all ages on "The Story" with great success. If you are interested in exploring this possibility for your congregation and being part of a diocesan-wide pilot program this fall, please let me know by contacting my assistant, Keely Thrall, by August 1.
Upcoming Diocesan Events
Nelson Mandela Day
EDOW's Southern Africa Partnership Committee is sponsoring volunteer conservation activities at Kingman Island on July 20th to honor Nelson Mandela Day, an international day of public service to celebrate Nelson Mandela's birthday (July 18). Kingman Island is located at 575 Oklahoma Avenue, N.E., near RFK Stadium. From 9:00am-12:00pm volunteers will be supporting the Living Classroom Garden Project and working with District Department of the Environment to remove invasive plants. Training and equipment will be provided. From Noon-1:00pm, participants can enjoy a low-cost South African Braai (BBQ) hosted by the Southern Africa Partnership Committee. Sign up now for this event.
Save the Date- Ordination
Elizabeth Gardner, Kristen Hawley, Timothy Johnson, Rebecca Myers and Lisa Zaina will be ordained to the Priesthood on Saturday, July 27, 2013, 10am at Washington National Cathedral. More details to come.
Heeding the Gospel of Our Lives
Give yourself the gift of silence and enjoy a reunion with old friends as we celebrate our sapphire (45th) anniversary of silent retreats. Refresh your spirit under the guidance of the Right Reverend Marian Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington, as we reflect on the theme "Heeding the Gospel of our Lives."
The retreat will be held September 27-29 at Bon Secours Retreat Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD. For further information please contact Margaret Bennett by emailor 202-337-3415. All are welcome, regardless of diocese or denomination.
Parish Highlights
June 14 and 15
St. Paul's Church, Rock Creek Parish- Arts and Strawberry Festival Weekend 2013. On Friday, from 6-10 pm St. Paul's will host courtyard café and music concert. On Saturday, the Strawberry Festival from 4-8 pm will include food by Red, Hot and Blue and free children's entertainment.
June 15
9:30am-3:30pm: The annual Day of Quiet in honor of twentieth century spiritual writer Evelyn Underhill will be held at Sayre House, on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral. Join us for a day of prayer and reflection in a beautiful setting. Merrill Carrington will lead our reflections on the practice of spiritual direction, "Becoming the Parent of New Life."
7pm: Christ Church in Accokeek presents the Oakland Girls Choir of Pittsburgh School for the Choral Arts. The OGC has been singing since 2005 and includes members who are grades 6 to 12. Gathering songs from great American traditions, the choir will be performing "An American Portrait" which includes hymn tunes, African American spirituals and songs that explore the American landscape and spirit.
June 24
Play golf and do good! Anglican Microfinance organization, Five Talents USA, is sponsoring a charity golf tournament at International Country Club in Fairfax, VA. Five Talents fights poverty, creates jobs, and transforms lives - in twelve countries.
July 2
6pm: The Union of Black Episcopalians will honor Rev. Dr. Kortright Davis, rector of Holy Comforter, at its Legendary Tribute & Gala at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida.
August 5-9
10am-2:30pm:Redeemer Summer Music Camp for children and youth ages 7-15, staffed by Director of Music Tom Smith and music educators John Barnes & Laura Petersen. Includes study of rhythm, choral singing, drum circle, nature walk, arts and crafts and much much more. Lunch provided. Tuition is $375 for the week; scholarships are available.
Cycle of Prayer: All Fathers and those who have fathered us; St. Alban's Church, Washington, Deborah Meister, Rector; Matthew Hanisian, James Quigley, Assistants; Church of the Holy Comforter, Washington (St. Andrew's Parish), D. H. Kortright Davis, Rector; Kelly Brown Douglas, Assistant Rector
Prayer List
Susan Astarita, husband and daughter (Bruce & Alice) - personal health after auto accident, Deirdre Eckian's personal health, Joe Clark's personal health, Nancy Lee Jose's personal health, Doris Turner's personal health, Ann Moczydlowski's personal health, John Harmon's mother-in-law's health (Grace), Vaughan Booker's personal health, Deborah Kirk's (seminarian) father's health (Chip), John Lawrence's wife's health (Jerri), Robert (Bob) Gillespie's personal health, Michael Marrett's personal health, Arnold Taylor's personal health
June 22, 12-3pm at St. John's, Norwood- Vocabulary for Evangelism and Telling Our Faith Story
Young Adult Google+ Hangout
On June 19 at noon, we've invited Randall Curtis from the Diocese of Arkansas and the Rev. Kyle Oliver from VTS to share with us their insights regarding young adults, the Church and social media. A limited number of spots are available to participate in the webcast live. Contact Jason Evans if you'd like to be a part of the conversation. You can also watch, during or afterwards, at the Diocesan YouTube channel. To submit questions for Curtis and Oliver e-mail Jason or tweet with the hashtag #edowyoungadult.
Does Your Church Employ a Christian Formation Leader?
In a comprehensive study of spiritual growth, based on research in over 1,000 congregations across denominations, one finding is particularly noteworthy: nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. And yet reading the Bible can be a less than satisfying experience when undertaken alone, or without enough overall knowledge to fruitfully engage a particular text.
