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| Renewal Sunday on September 11th |
On Sunday, September 11, join us in renewing our faith, our commitment, and our spirit as we embark on a new program year. This promises to be a year filled with interesting and thought-provoking speakers and events which will help take us to the next phase in our Vision as a church. We also look forward to exploring new ways to connect and to grow in our generosity. Don't miss this time of community and renewal! Following the 10 am combined service, join us for a BBQ lunch and festivities -- including a photo booth and a bounce house for the kids. Don't forget to wear green, and come celebrate Renewal Sunday!
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| Teaching a Community to Fish |
By Sari Ateek, Rector
This week, in attempting to explain to my son the importance of having patience with his younger sister as she learns new things, I was reminded of the ancient and well known quote (often attributed to the philosopher Maimonides): "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." The central concept artfully conveyed in these words is that imparting skill and knowledge is more beneficial to the long-term health and wholeness of the recipient than straight-forward charity. I find this truth to be particularly applicable to us as a church as we prepare to take the next step in discerning our role in serving the broader community of Bethesda Chevy-Chase as a part of our vision. All too often, churches are tempted to approach their work in the community with a mentality of "charity," while the Gospel has always called the Church to be "witnesses" to the Kingdom of God. The true gift that the church can bring to its local community is not simply to do acts of charity for the community, but to witness to the power of charity, and to teach the community the transformational art of charity. This will ensure a lasting legacy of the Kingdom of God that will live on long past our time. This fall season, we will be learning and growing together as a part of this crucial phase in St. John's movement toward making a greater impact in our local community. Beginning on Sunday, September 18, and for the following 12 weeks, all the Sunday sermons and adult forums will focus on our vision. For those of you who will not be able to join us in person, please know that we will provide on our website recordings of both the sermons (audio) and the adult forums (video) so that you can share in the experience. I have every confidence that you will find this next season in our life together to be personally and spiritually rewarding, and I look forward to sharing this exciting time with you.
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| Visioning Together Through Music |
By Anne Timpane, Music Director
This fall we'll be exploring the issues surrounding the "pillars" of St. John's vision statement. We'll be hearing sermons, attending forums, watching movies, and participating in workshops to help us engage and become literate in our vision's mission of cultivating "a spirit of kindness and altruism within our local community." In addition, the hymns that we'll be singing during this period will further reflect and amplify these themes through the experience of communal music making.
We'll be singing songs that share messages of community, social justice, Christian mission, gathering, hope, and service. While the Hymnal 1982 will still be very present, it will not be the only source for our songs. Thanks to our copyright reprint licenses, we will be able to enrich our worship with songs from other hymnals. Music from other Episcopal resources such as Lift Every Voice and Sing II, Wonder, Love and Praise, and My Heart Sings Out, will be part of the repertoire, as will songs from The Methodist Hymnal, The Presbyterian Hymnal, Gather, Singing Our Faith, The Faith We Sing, and the newly released Presbyterian resource, Glory to God. Some of these hymns have both texts and tunes that will be new to us, but I've been especially drawn to hymns with tunes we already know that have been given new life by adding different texts.
I look forward to our work of visioning together through music.
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This past Wednesday night a group of dedicated volunteers gathered for the annual fall meeting of St. John's ministry & committee leaders. It was inspiring to see this group of servants come together to re-group and plan for the coming year.
Many thanks to all who give so generously of their time and creativity to St. John's. You truly are the hands and feet, heart and soul of the church.
If you are interested in volunteering at St. John's, there are many opportunities, and we'd love to help get you connected. Please contact Anne Derse: aderse[A]stjohnsnorwood.org. |
| Making a Difference in Bethesda-Chevy Chase |
St. John's has a vision: to make a difference in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, the community where we live, work and worship. We are reaching out to make our community a better place by building relationships that are healthy and holistic, that bring generations together, and that cross the socio-economic spectrum.
To do this, St. John's is inviting parishioners and community members to attend a series of community forums this fall -- workshops, conversations, and film screenings -- with some of the region's top leaders and thinkers. Learn more:
Read details about the Community Forum Series on our website.
Can you help us spread the word about these events? Here are some simple ways:
- Invite at least one person to attend with you
- Print the flyer - and post it in your neighborhood store, community center, etc. You'll find a printable copy of the flyer here.
- Share St. John's postings on Facebook. We've posted an announcement on Facebook about the Community Forum Series, as well as separate postings on each event. Please share them on your Facebook accounts as well as other social media accounts.
Thanks for your help, and watch for updates on more events to come!
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| Chief of Police to Speak at September 18th Sunday Forum |
At 10:00 am on Sunday, September 18, the Chief of Police for Montgomery County, Chief J. Thomas Manger, will speak to the parish at a forum called What Hurts? "Policing in the 21st Century."
The recent violence involving police officers around our nation calls for healing and understanding. Responding to the tragic events in Ferguson, Baltimore, Cleveland, and elsewhere, Chief Manger is a leading voice of law enforcement both locally and nationally. This summer, he was one of five police representatives to consult with President Obama and Vice President Biden following the killing of five officers in Dallas, and he is president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association. Chief Manger will discuss approaches to policing in this era of distrust and polarization and will explain the work his department has done to build strong community relations, which has led police chiefs around the country to consult him and his department. Chief Manger will be joined by local police officer (and St. John's parishioner) Sergeant Tony Galladora. There will be an opportunity for Q&A, and Anne Derse will moderate the discussion. - Vision Pillar Team #1
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| Wednesday Bible Study: Back by Popular Demand! |
Occasionally during the Eucharist, we receive the host wafer with the words: "The body of Christ...food for your journey." There's no doubt that we, the church body, need spiritual nourishment to continue to grow in faith and service.
Join the curious and hungry group of seeker/sojourners eager to explore the Bible readings for the week on Wednesdays, beginning September 14 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am in the lounge. You're welcome to drop in for coffee and conversation anytime when you need a little refreshment "for your faith journey." The group is lay-led by a graduate of the Education for Ministry (EfM) program from the University of the South (Sewanee).
For more information on Wednesday Bible Study contact Toni Hartman (tonihartman[A]verizon.net) For more in-depth study join the EfM Wednesday evening group. Contact Barbara Ordway (bordway[A]aaas.org) to learn more about EfM.
- Toni Hartman |
| Continuing Education in Stephen Ministry: Learning an Ancient Prayer Practice |
Early in Stephen Ministry Training, trainees adopt a four-point compass to illustrate that Christ is central to the development of character traits that assist the minister to provide quality, confidential caring to anyone asking for help with life challenges.
What are the 4 points? A Stephen Minister is 1) skilled, 2) compassionate, 3) trustworthy and 4) full of faith. Monthly educational offerings continue to build on these four areas. Recently we explored a "new" take on an old faith practice: praying with prayer beads.
Most of us are familiar with the Roman Catholic Rosary, but prayer beads are a part of most major religions as a way to focus your body, mind and spirit in contemplative prayer. In the 1980's, "Anglican Prayer Beads" were developed in the Episcopal church as part of a project to re-engage with an ancient practice.
 Check out the Stephen Ministry bulletin board in the West Avenue Hall to discover more about prayer beads. You may take one to use in your prayer practice if you like. You can also find out more at the following website:
Or borrow A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner's Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads from the Norwood Parish library.
For more information on Stephen Ministry training or to request a Stephen Minister, contact Stephen Leaders Toni Hartman (301-657-2784), John Mertens, (301-718-2073) or Penny Winder (301-309-6599).
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St. John's members will be receiving an email with a password and instructions on how to login and register. Once registered, members will be able to edit their information and to upload a photo. Have fun with this! You can use a photo from your summer vacation, a selfie, an official family portrait - anything goes as long as we can see your face and identify who you are. Or, if you need a new picture, a photo booth will be set up during the Renewal Sunday lunch. (Printed copies of the updated directory will also be available on Renewal Sunday.) Watch for more information to come!
- Karen Berry, Parish Administrator
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The next meeting of the Women's Book Group will be held on Monday, September 12, 2016 at the home of Pat Cascio, 8601 Burdette Road, Bethesda, MD 20817. Pat can be reached at 301-469-8148 for directions or any other questions you may have.
We will be discussing "Our Souls at Night" by Kent Haruf . Addie Moore pays an unexpected visit to her neighbor, Louis Waters. Her husband died years ago, as did his wife, and in such a small town they naturally have long been aware of each other, if not exactly friends; in fact Addie was quite fond of Louis's wife. His daughter, Holly, lives hours away in Colorado Springs; her son Gene, even farther away in Grand Junction. What Addie has come to ask -- since she and Louis have been living alone for so long in houses now empty of family, and the nights so terribly lonely -- is whether he might be willing to spend them with her, in her bed, so they can have someone to talk with. For those wishing to read ahead, following are upcoming selections:
10/3/2016 " The Obituary Writer" by Ann Hood 11/7/2016 " A Tale for the Time Being" by Ruth Ozeki Please join us for our discussions. We love having some new points of view.
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The books that members of St. John's book club have read over the years have generally focused on a particular individual or geographic area. Two notable exceptions in this pattern were Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond and Vermeer's Hat by Timothy Brook. The book we have chosen to read for our September meeting continues this occasional foray into books that are global in scope.
In his award-winning book Empire of Cotton, Harvard professor Sven Beckert describes the evolution of the humble cotton plant that had been cultivated by peasants among their food crops for millennia in order to provide a source for making clothing for household consumption. He traces the development of cotton through its seminal role in the Industrial Revolution and its vital importance in the slave trade, to the significant component of international manufacturing and consumption that it has become today. It is hard to imagine how any of us could live comfortably without cotton cloth covering our bare skin. In its review of this book, The Washington Post wrote "the writing is elegant, and the use of both primary and secondary sources is impressive and varied. Overviews on international trends alternate with illuminating, memorable anecdotes. . . ." Please join us for a discussion of this fascinating tale at our September 14 meeting at Kirk Davidson's home at 7:30 p.m.. - Joe Winder
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| Beautification Day on September 10th |
Come help put a final shine on St. John's ahead of Renewal Sunday by helping with projects including brighter, more efficient lighting in the Parish Hall.
Click here to sign up. We will meet in the Parish Hall at 9:00 am. Coffee and bagels will be provided. Thanks for your help! - The Property Committee |
Share the Gift of Hospitality - Support Parish Life!
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Did you know that St. John's offers 27 well-loved events throughout the year for parishioners to share fun and fellowship? They include the Renewal Sunday BBQ, Oktoberfest, Advent Wreath-making, Pentecost Cakes, the Strawberry Festival and many more. Click here to see the 2016-2017 Parish Life Event Calendar!
How do we do it? All events are hosted by our dedicated Parish Life Event Coordinators, Parish Life helpers and other St. John's volunteers. We share the labor, and the fun, of hosting - publicity, shopping, set-up, cooking, serving, and clean up. Each helper for an event signs up for what they love to do best and have the time to do. Each team of helpers and the preparations for an event are organized by an Event Coordinator (or two, who work together), and that's where we need you!
We are still seeking Event Coordinators for 6 upcoming events: Oktoberfest, Secret Santa Shopping at the Op Shop on December 11, Christmas Day Cookie Reception on December 25, Epiphany Cakes on January 8 and Third Sunday Suppers on January 15 and March 25.
Will you help support fellowship at St. John's by serving as a Coordinator for an event? It's a great way to use your organizational and hosting skills, meet new people, be creative, and share the gift of hospitality, with a relatively small commitment of time. And we are always happy to welcome new Parish Life helpers if that's how you your prefer to participate - join our Parish Life helpers email list to be notified of volunteer needs for upcoming events. All are welcome to support St. John's longstanding tradition of great hospitality - we can't do it without you!
Contact incoming Parish Life Chair Amy Beaupre at amybeaupre[A]gmail.com or Community Life Coordinator Anne Derse at aderse[A]stjohnsnorwood.org for more information or to volunteer.
- Anne Derse, Community Life Coordinator
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Welcome Our New Parish Life Chair, Amy Beaupre
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We are delighted that Amy Beaupre has volunteered to lead our Parish Life Committee and oversee our active schedule of Parish Life activities this year!
Amy is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisana, but spent most of her life in Middlebury, Vermont. She moved to Takoma Park, Maryland with her family - husband Dan, children Nick (15) and Louisa (13) - and their two pugs, Pickles and Abigail, in 2014. The Beaupres have been attending St. John's for two years. Amy has her own interior design business and also works as an associate designer for bossy color|Annie Elliott Interiors in Woodley Park. Amy replaces Katie Chekola-Thomas, whom we congratulate on the birth of a new baby and imminent assumption of new professional responsibilities. Our sincere thanks to Katie and Amy for supporting hospitality and fellowship at St. John's!
- Anne E. Derse, Community Life Coordinator
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"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
Please join us in prayers of condolence for the families of those who have recently passed away:
- Emily Watson, mother of George Watson
- Shirley Kennard, former parishioner
- COL Hugh Shoults, friend of Sooz Mitchell
- Ruth Still, Tanory Ateek's grandmother
- John Bradberry, father-in-law of Denise Galbo
Please join us in prayers of thanksgiving for the safe return of Lewis Scott V (grandson of Dutch Scott)
Please contact the Office if you have a prayer request or thanksgiving to share with the Parish. Send us an email request
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Renewal Sunday 10am combined service followed by BBQ lunch and festivities.
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'Policing in the 21st Century' 10am in the Parish Hall. The fall Community Forum series kicks off with Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger, discussing "Policing in the 21st Century." Click here for more information on the series.
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Church School & Regular Sunday Schedule Resumes Services at 8am, 9am, 11:15am, & 5pm. Church School from 10-11am.
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Youth Group Resumes 5:30-7:30pm in the Youth Room. Students in grades 7-12 are invited to participate.
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'Work-Life Balance' 10am in the Parish Hall. Jim Bird of worklifebalance.com on "Work-life Balance and Healthy Relationships" followed by an afternoon workshop
from 1-3pm.
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Sunday, September 11, 2016
Renewal Sunday
8:00 am
| Holy Eucharist with sermon - St. Mary's Chapel
| | 10:00 am | Combined Service: Holy Eucharist and sermon - Nave | | 10-10:30 am | Children's Chapel - Hines Hall | | 11am-Noon | Lunch & Festivities - Parish Hall & Blacktop | 4:45-6:30 pm
| Parish Library Open
| 5:00-6:00 pm
| 'Come As You Are' Holy Eucharist |
Monday, September 12, 2016
Parish Office Hours: M-F, 9am-4pm
| 7-8:00 pm | Knorwood Knitters - Parish Office | | 7-8:30 pm | Property Committee Meeting - Lounge | | 7:30-9pm | Women's Book Group - Offsite |
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
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4-4:45 pm
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Primary Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room
| | 5-5:45 pm | Children's Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room | | 7-8:00 pm | Alleluia Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room | | 7:30-9pm | Finance Committee Meeting - Lounge |
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
| 10:30-11:30 am | Bible Study - Lounge | | 12:00 pm | Holy Eucharist and Healing - St. Mary's Chapel | | 6-10:00 pm | EfM Class - Lounge | | 7:30-9pm | DCC Meeting - Library | | 7:30-9pm | Men's Book Club - Offsite |
Thursday, September 15, 2016
| 6-7:15 pm | Norwood Ringers Rehearsal - Choir Room | |
7-9:00 pm
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Stephen Ministers - Library & Lounge
| | 7:30-9pm | St. John's Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room |
Saturday, September 17, 2016
| 9am-Noon | Vestry Budget Workday - Lounge |
Sunday, September 18, 2016
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8:00 am
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Holy Eucharist with sermon - St. Mary's Chapel
| | 9am-1pm | Parish Library Open | |
9:00 am
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Holy Eucharist and sermon with music led by the Alleluia Choir
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9-9:30 am
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Children's Chapel - Hines Hall
| | 10-11:00 am | Church School - Classrooms | | 10-11:00 am | Community Forum - Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger | |
11:15 am
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Holy Eucharist and sermon with music led by the St. John's Choir
| | 12:15-1:15 pm | Hospitality Hour - Lounge | | 12:30-2pm | Holy Land Committee Brunch - Parish Hall | |
4:45-6:30 pm
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Parish Library Open
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5:00-6:00 pm
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'Come As You Are' Holy Eucharist
| | 5:30-7:30 pm | Youth Group - Youth Room |
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Submitting Articles to This Newsletter
- When: Articles are due the Sunday prior to the Friday publication date.
- How: Insert the text of the article in the body an email and send the email Karen Berry, our church administrator.
The church staff reserves the right to determine the content of this newsletter and edit for grammar or length requirements.
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