The season of Lent teaches us that the way of Jesus is a demanding way. As the war unfolds we pray for the safety of the American and British forces in Iraq. But because we are Christian, we must also pray just as fiercely for the safety of the Iraqi soldiers. Pray for your enemy, Jesus tells us. Our faith requires that we move beyond our own perspective, and that we seek always to move ever closer toward the unimaginably wide perspective of God.
“Have no fear,” says the Letter of John, even as we have had such powerful reasons to fear in the past eighteen months: towers falling, planes crashing, anthrax, snipers, orange alerts, and war. Because we are Christian, we are called to live in confidence and trust even in the most fearful times, safe in the knowledge that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Our congregation met last Sunday afternoon to begin to live into the extraordinary financial reversal of the corner property sale. This is for us both great opportunity and a great challenge. Because we are Christians, we are called to exercise stewardship as well as vision, both to insure the long-term financial health of the church and to remember that our financial health is not an end in itself, but a means toward the greater purpose of embodying Gods healing love in a world in need of repair.
I feel a kinship with George Otchere because our mothers died within a few days of each other. Mary Aidoo was a nurse-midwife who taught hundreds of midwives in Ghana throughout her career and delivered untold numbers of babies. My mother, Anale Yarbrough, devoted much of her life to the cause of international peace and understanding through her work with a student exchange program, American Field Service. Mary and Anale had much in common. They were tough, faithful, and joyful, and they each made the world a better place.
Christianity does require of us a certain toughness: the ability to move beyond our own perspective, a confidence thats tempered with humility and a generosity of spirit that springs from our assurance of Gods abiding nearness. Our faith expects a great deal of us. Its something we relearn every Lent, as we walk with Jesus toward the utter defeat of the cross and the utter victory of the resurrection.
April Schedule of Events
March 30 One Great Hour of Sharing
Grate Patrol meal making during coffee hour
1 Grate Patrol>
Study Group 7:30-8:30 pm
2 Evening Prayer 7:30-7:45 pm
6 Holy Communion
New member Sunday
Grate Patrol>
8 Study group 7:30-8:30
9 Evening Prayer 7:30-7:45 pm chapel
13 Palm Sunday
15 Study Group 7:30-8:30 pm
16 Evening Prayer 7:30-7:45 pm
17 Holy Thursday supper 7:00 pm
worship 8:00 pm
18 Good Friday Holy Communion 7:30 pm
19 Sanctuary preparation 10-12
20 Easter
community Easter Egg Hunt after church
our turn with Shelter dinner 6:45 pm
21 Easter Monday Office Closed
22 Study group 7:30-8:30 pm
23 Evening Prayer 7:30-7:45 chapel
24 church council 7 pm
26 Afternoon Spring Retreat
29 Tuesday evening group 7:30-8:30
30 Evening prayer 7:30-7:45 chapel
And coming up in May
18 Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration
New Member Sunday on Easter
We will receive new members during church on Easter, April 20th. Becoming a member of St. Lukes helps to undergird your own relationship with the church; and its also a significant way to encourage and strengthen the church community. If you are considering becoming a member of St. Lukes, please talk with Anne about it. There will be an orientation for new members after coffee hour on April 6th.
Grate Patrol Offering on April 6
Once a month we make and deliver 150 bag suppers for people living on the street. Please plan to stay after church on March 30 to help make the meals. Our next Grate Patrol night is Tuesday, April 1. Sign up in the Wesley Room or email the church to be part of that night’s Grate Patrol team ( 7-9 pm; meet at the church).
Marchs Grate Patrol offering was $172.00
Easter Lily Orders March 30 April 13
If you would like to order Easter lilies for the Easter service, please call Cynthia Price at the church office, 202-333-4949. Order forms will be available through April 13. The price of a lily is $8.00. You may place a lily or lilies on the altar in honor or in memory of loved ones. Please indicate on your order form if you would like your lily to be delivered to a homebound member of the congregation after the Easter service.
Needed Easter Lily Deliverers
Please sign up in the Wesley Room to deliver Easter lilies to our home-bound members after church on Easter Sunday, April 20. You will receive a card with the persons name, address and phone number to whom the lily needs to be delivered. wonderful opportunity to meet or renew friendship with St. Luke’s members who are unable to attend worship because of their health. You can also
sign up by emailing Cynthia Price at st.lukesumcdc@verizon.net
Open Minds by Jon Kaldan in the Narthex Gallery through April 26
Jon is a correspondent with Danish Broadcasting and has been assigned to Washington since September, 2001. Jon is married to Lisa Kaldan and they live in Glover Park and attend St. Lukes. Lisa is on the St. Luke Shelter steering committee and is very active with fundraisers for the Shelter. Jons paintings reflect explorations into different cultures, religions, landscapes and color. The exhibit will be on display in the Narthex Gallery from March 29th-April 26th. Call Cynthia in the Church office for Gallery times.
April Birthdays
April 6 Julie James
April 10 Al Crosby
April 13 Morgan Gunn
April 19 Likando Kumoyo
April 25 Gabriel Silliman
April 26 Lucille Dade
April 29 Russell Belanger
April 30 Helen Harper
Happy birthday to all! Please let the Church Office know if we dont have your birthday.
Evening Prayer Every Wednesday
Evening Prayer is a brief service of scripture, silence, and prayer, held each Wednesday in the chapel at 7:30 pm. Please enter through the chapel doors that open into the garden.
Community Easter Egg Hunt on April 20th
Ah, how could we properly celebrate springtime in all her glory without the annual St. Lukes Easter Egg Hunt? This event will be celebrated in St. Lukes courtyard (barring spring tornadoes) on Easter Sunday, April 20th, directly after the Easter Sunday Service at approximately 12:15 p.m. We are collecting prizes, candy, coins and plastic eggs now through Easter. Please drop them in the basket in the Wesley Room. Cynthia Price, the Church Administrator, is organizing the event this year. Call her if you have any suggestions or questions.
Letters
Dear Pastor Anne,
On behalf of the entire Christ Pentecostal Mission Sierra Leone Conference; I hereby express my profound thanks to you in particular and to your congregation in general for the communion vessels donated to the mission. This is a manifestation of Christian Charity and extension of Gods Love to the Brotherhood of mankind.
We shall continue to acquaint you of our developmental plans as and when challenged by our circumstances. I pray that your church will grow and that we will be able to keep in touch and exchange experience over the coming year.
Please receive this stole as a token of our appreciation. Enclosed also are a couple of photographs of the vessel on our altar.
Yours in His service,
Rt. Rev. T.K Davies
Bishop and Head Mission
Sierra Leone
Dear St. Lukes,
I used to be a member of St Lukes Church a number of years ago. My husband Gale and I moved out of the area in the late 1970"s thru the late 1980's and returned to the Washington, D.C. area in late 1980. We are now living in Alexandria, Virginia . My mother, Virginia Lindberg, used to be the secretary there at the Church when it first opened back in the middle 1950's until her death in February of 1964.
I was wondering if the Church still published a monthly newsletter (it used to be called the St Lukes Messenger)? If so, I was wondering if I could possibly be added to the mailing list as I would like to keep informed on the Church's activities and possibly see if any former friends that I knew from years ago still attend there and possibly get back in touch with them.
Shirley Warner
Hello readers and potential volunteers:
Spring begins within the next 24 hours and I am excited! My father-in-law and I spent the last two days manicuring the shrubbery, repairing the lawn mower, pulling weeds from the herb and flower garden, and tracking the grubs which pose a problem every year in most gardens. This year, you will hear me talk a lot about nematodes and how they can benefit your garden. There's so much to discuss and share with you. I encourage you to read the weekly church bulletin for up to date news. I have planted three new roses, Chicago Peace, Oregola, and a Chrysler Imperial, and an array of pansies that will outline the border wall on Calvert Street.
Finally, There's Jazz in the Garden for the 2003 summer season that begins on May 30th (a Friday) at 6:30 pm featuring a Jazz trio from Baltimore. The entire schedule featuring six performances will be posted on-line at saintlukesmethodist.org. I'm looking for a few dedicated volunteers for the gardening season from March to October. I can be reached at rdeanie1@msn.com. I hope everyone made it well through this past winter! See you in the garden! Curt Canada
Mary Day thanked the congregation for their prayers during her daughters recovery from surgery
Jon shared the joy of Lisas return from Denmark
The joy of guests in worship today
Prayers for Jenns friend Daniels grandfather, who suffered a third stroke
For those who are demonstrating for peace
That voices for peace will be heard
For Ramzy Azar, deployed to the mid-east
Nedi shared his joy at being back in church after having been sick
For Penny Smiths daughter recovering from surgery for breast cancer
For George Otchere on the unexpected death of his mother, Mary Aidoo, in Ghana on February 15th.
For the joy of having Victorias parents visiting from Texas, and other guests
Shirley shared the joy of being here after a long absence
Likando shared the joy of her friends birthday
For wisdom for the worlds leaders, that peace may prevail, and for the people of Iraq.
For Derek Willis grandmother recovering from a medical procedure, that she have patience during her recovery
Cherise shared the joy of having completed her mid-term exams, and asked for prayers for her uncle Paul.
For the 2003 Church Council: Penny Andrews, Curt Canada, Karen Cox, Allen Hengst, Sara Horton, Julie james, Dorothy Pearson, Sonia Peters, Kim Pyle, Richard Pyle, Kate Ransom-Silliman, Leslye Wooley and Sylvia Zulu.
For Curt and for Leslye, preparing for their licensing exams in clinical social work
Prayers for Matthew Scruggs, son of Joyce and Derrick Wagner, about to be deployed to the Middle East
Situations of danger and violence throughout the world
For the homeless and those who are hungry
For the nation of Zambia and the people of Southern Africa in a difficult time
For the children of Afghanistan
For Muslims in this country
For the street people in downtown DC who gather to receive Grate Patrol>
For the community of St. Lukes Shelter
For Wings of Hope Orphanage in Haiti
For those living with HIV/AIDS
For our members who are unable to attend because of their health: Margaret Roberts, Donnie Lyon, Jeanne Goss, and Vernon Thomas.
Sermon copies for the hard of hearing can be picked up every Sunday in the narthex. Each weeks sermon is also available on the web.
One Great Hour of Sharing March 30
One Great Hour of Sharing is one of the six designated special offerings taken each year by United Methodist congregations throughout the denomination. One Great Hour of Sharing funds the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), which provides services and supplies in response to war, famine, and natural disasters both in the US and around the world. UMCOR is an excellent means for channeling funds to places where immediate need abounds. For more information, go to www.umc.org/benevol/
6 5th Sunday in Lent: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51: 1-12, John 12: 20-33
13 Palm Sunday: Mark 11:1-11, Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29;, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14: 1-15
17 Holy Thursday: Exodus 12: 1-14, Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19; John 13: 1-17, 31b-35
18 Good Friday: Isaiah 52: 13-53:12, Psalm 22, Hebrews 10: 16-25, John 18:1-19:42
20 Easter Acts 10: 34-43, Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11, Mark 16:1-8
27 2nd Sunday of Easter: Acts 4: 32-35, John 20: 19-31
Holy Week and Passover share the same time again this year, as they usually do. Holy Week reaches deep into our Judaic roots. Both Jews and Christians reflect on the meaning of freedom from slavery and oppression during this time. For Jews, the primary image of deliverance is the Exodus from Egypt commemorated in the Passover meal. For Christians, the primary image of deliverance is the death and resurrection of Christ, commemorated in the Lords Supper, or Holy Communion. Part of the resonance and depth of this image for us is its intimate connection with the Exodus story. What God has done in the Exodus, God also is doing in the Resurrection turning death into new life. And Holy Week is not only a commemoration and a remembrance. Like the Jews celebrating Passover, as Christians we enter into the sacred dimension which overpowers the ordinary categories of time and space. What God has done in the past, for our spiritual ancestors, God also is doing right now, for each of us, and for us as a congregation, and for the whole people of faith.
At St. Lukes Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on April 13, when we remember the joy of welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem and acclaiming him as king. We will shout hosanna! and wave the palm branches, but on that day we also begin our walk with Jesus to the cross. With all its scripture (more scripture than any other worship service) and its stark shift from joy to sorrow, Palm Sunday is easily the most dramatic service of the church year.
On Holy Thursday (also called Maundy Thursday), April 17, we remember the last supper Jesus ate with his friends. We will gather in the Wesley Room at 6:45 to begin supper at 7:00. If you plan to attend, and would like to bring a dish, please contact Cynthia Price in the church office. After our meal, well move into the sanctuary for a service of tenebrae (shadows), beginning at 8:00 pm.
On Good Friday, we will worship at 7:30 pm. On Good Friday we not only recall Christs crucifixion, but also, as Christ did on the cross, we lift up prayers on behalf of the world.
On Holy Saturday, we will prepare the sanctuary for Easter. Well meet in the sanctuary at 10:00 am. and complete our preparations by noon.
Holy Week is the most intense time in the church year. Please come be a part of as much as you can this year as we prepare our hearts for Easter joy.
Shelter Dinner Opportunity for Easter Day
A group of church members and friends provides dinner for the Shelter residents on the third Sunday of every month. This month thats April 20! If youd like to be a part of this enjoyable and rewarding experience, contact Julie James at juliejamesemail@yahoo.com.
Yoga Classes Every Monday and Wednesday
A practice of breath and posture that helps ody and soul. Beth Sworobuk leads yoga Mondays and Wednesdays in the sanctuary balcony, 9:30-11:00 am. Classes are half-price for church members and friends.
6 The Zulus
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Thanks to all who have signed up to host coffee hour this month. The sign-up sheet is posted in the Wesley Room, or you can just contact the church office if youd like to host next month. If youve never hosted and want guidance, contact Joyce Wagner at joyce.f.wagner@att.net or 703-836-8064.
Tuesday Night Group Meeting Weekly
Every Tuesday night we gather in Annes office for pizza and discussion. Currently we are reading a book about John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and exploring United Methodism: whats unique about it, and what does it have in common with the larger Christian tradition. New topics will arise as we continue to meet. Dont worry if you havent been before or arent sure if you can attend all the time. Its a come-when-you-can kind of group. 7:30-8:30 pm.
New Directories Now Available
Be sure to pick up a 2003 Church Directory. Please let the church office know of the need for any corrections or updates (202-333-4949 or st.lukesumcdc@verizon.net)
The St. Lukes Directory includes friends as well as members, so if youve been attending and would like to be listed, please let us know.
Directory Updates Already!
Heather Burns
1432 Shepherd St. NW
Washington, DC 20011
202-251-3658
Heatherleighburns@yahoo.com
Alexandra Stroud
3901 Connecticut Ave. NW #106
Washington, DC 20008
astroud@rcn.com
Inne Kim new e-mail Inne_Kim@yahoo.com
Amy and Stephen Ponzillo
1918-B Calvert St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
H-202-265-7220
W Amy 202-966-7300 x130
W Stephen 202-667-8831 x232
Missed Church On Sunday?
You can still keep up with the latest prayer concerns and church events by checking the church web site, www.saintlukesmethodist.org. The Weekly Messenger appears there each week to help you stay in touch with your church family.
Spring Afternoon Retreat April 26
The Spring Afternoon Retreat will be on Saturday, April 26, from 2- 5 pm. Well meet in the Chapel. The retreat will include guided meditation and prayer, silence, movement, conversation and journal writing around the theme of Gods presence in a winter season. Please call or email ahead to sign up so well know how many to plan for, and bring a notebook. Anne will lead.
Next Step Kitchen News
Work continues on funding for Next Step Kitchen. So far we have collected $100,000.00 from foundations, community organizations, and neighbors. With the encouragement of our mentors at DC Central Kitchen, we have begun to advertise for the position of Executive Director. If you know of anyone who could be a candidate for the position, please make the connection.
Executive Director , Next Step Kitchen salary: $45,000 + benefits
The Executive Director of Next Step Kitchen will take an idea and make it a reality. The Executive Director will be fully responsible for all elements of start-up: consulting on the kitchen renovation; hiring staff; designing initial procedures; building on Next Step Kitchens several partnerships with local community businesses, schools and other organizations and creating new partnerships to strengthen the programs community outreach; and developing further sources of funding. St. Lukes Shelter/Next Step Kitchen will work closely with The Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place in the recruitment, counseling, retention and placement of its trainees. The Director will be a confident decision maker who enjoys collaborative work and embraces the opportunity to build a significant and exciting program from the ground up.