From Anne...
Advent, the church year’s briefest season, is about to begin. It isn’t Christmas yet, but this little four-week season is shot through with hints and anticipation of Christmas. It has a certain subtle beauty all its own. Traditionally Advent is a quiet and reflective time. I blessed Sonia and Kaou’s apartment not long ago. We are also in the midst of the Muslim season of Ramadan, and Kaou was fasting. Every faith has seasons that help its followers focus on the inner realities of repentance and reflection and prayer. For Christians, Advent is one of those seasons. Of course in our culture the commercialized version of Christmas has pretty much overshadowed the quieter weeks of Advent. But for the church, Advent continues to be a time of waiting, a time of reflection, a time for us to prepare our hearts and souls for the presence of God.
If you are searching for some ways to deepen your Advent season, you can find them in this newsletter. Going out on the Grate Patrol, helping with the Shelter dinner, going caroling, supporting the Volunteers in Mission trip to Cuba, coming to Wednesday evening prayer or Tuesday night study group or the Sunday morning adult Sunday School class or the choir would all be ways – although simple and modest – of cultivating within yourself an Advent sense of openness and expectancy. In these seemingly ordinary events, God is transforming us during this brief season: stretching our outer layers and softening our inner structure so that we grow to accommodate the holy presence. Our role is to allow ourselves to be transformed. Which sounds easier than it really is. Like the pregnant Mary and the perplexed Joseph, we move slowly on toward Bethlehem, not fully understanding what God is doing, but looking for a sign.
December Schedule of Events
2 Grate Patrol 7-9 pm
7 Second Sunday of Advent
Holy Communion
Grate Patrol offering
Baby shower for Kim Pyle
Children’s choir meets
10 Shelter Steering Committee 7:00 pm
14 Third Sunday of Advent
Christmas pageant
Christmas feast to benefit the VIM Cuba trip
21 Fourth Sunday of Advent
community caroling
Our turn with Shelter dinner
24 Christmas Eve service 5 pm
and coming up in January…
4 Epiphany Observed
Holy Communion
Grate Patrol Offering and Meal Making
11 Baptism of the Lord
Music Notes
For the St. Luke's music program, November saw the start of the much anticipated Children's Choir. The turn out and participation has been really terrific thus far and we await their first performance in Worship! This July, we will have our first annual Children's Music and Ministry week too! Look forward to singing, Sunday school style lessons, crafts and other activities.
Also, 2004 will bring our St. Luke's concert series, featuring five 30 minute Sunday afternoon concerts. Our adult choir continues to grow in strength and musicianship.
--Deke Polifka
From the Church Office
With the season of Advent upon us, preparations for the new-year can be seen all around. Renovation plans are taking shape, ideas for the guest-house are percolating and many “behind the scenes” changes are being implemented. Rayna, our bookkeeper, created and trained our offering counters on a new “cleaner” system for counting Sunday’s collection. (Thank you to all who attended). We’ve begun entering member and giving information into our new software database, which will make it possible to provide monthly giving statements. Look for yours in the mail (or email) starting in January.
More about 2004 pledges…
If you’re electing to participate in the electronic contributions program, please fill out and return the authorization form by December 14th. If you would like to participate in the symbolic act of placing your offering in the collection plate on Sundays, we have special cards you may use that note that your pledge is received electronically. For those who are not using the electronic contributions program we have monthly pledge envelopes available. Please contact the church office if you would like a set of cards or envelopes.
--Shalom Mulkey
Grate Patrol Offering on December 7
Our monthly Grate Patrol Offering supports the purchase of groceries and supplies to make 150 bag suppers for people living on the street.
Our next Grate Patrol night is Tuesday, December 2nd. 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). November’s Grate Patrol offering was $186.00
Good News from the Grate Patrol
I have the good fortune (no pun intended) to announce that recently the Grate Patrol collections have exceeded the cost of supplies. In other words, we have surplus Grate Patrol funds! And, thanks to the suggestions of several of you, it was decided to use the funds to purchase winter gear (hats, gloves, scarves, long underwear, socks, sleeping bags, etc.) that we can distribute to our friends on the street.??Although it hasn't felt like it lately, the winter season is just around the corner. In Washington, DC, hypothermia season is November 1 through March 31. This is the season where the city must provide shelter to all who choose when the temperature dips below 32 degrees. Unfortunately, there are many folks on the street who still choose to stay outside. Part of the Grate Patrol's mission during this time is to distribute cold weather gear to help people on the streets prepare for extreme weather. As long as a person does not appear to be a danger to him or herself, the best we can do if people choose to stay out is ensure they have the right supplies.??Thanks to St. Luke's, the Grate Patrol will have extra winter supplies for when the snow finally flies!
–Leslye Wooley
St. Luke’s Pledges for 2004
We have had a strong response to our pledge campaign for 2004. At this point we have 33 pledges and regular contributors totaling $41,574 for next year. If you have not yet made a pledge for 2004 and would like to do so, please call or email Shalom Mulkey at the church office.
Christmas Gifts Sent to Benin, Africa
I would like to thank everyone so much for all of their support and donations for an Orphanage in Benin, Africa. 13 boxes of gifts were sent this week to the children! We think that there is a good chance that the boxes will arrive on time for Christmas.
The orphanage is named Carrefour d'Ecoute et d'Orientation and it is located in Cotonou, Benin. This orphanage was originally started by Mother Teresa, herself. My friend Tracey Lundsford was stationed by the State Department in Cotonou, Benin and while working there has become acquainted with this orphanage. The children are aged 6-10; there are 60 boys and 20 girls. They are cared for by nuns. There are practically no resources available to the children, and since they can not afford to go to school, most of them are unable to read and write.
I put no effort into this collection. I did not do anything more than send out a few emails, and I found that I am very honored to know very generous people -- the response has been incredible! I was hoping to gather together 2 boxes to send to the children -- collecting 13 boxes of gifts has been a wonderful gift for me and a wonderful gift for all of the children. My co-workers and I wrapped almost all of the gifts, so that the kids would have something to open on Christmas.
I'll be taking photographs of everyone who donated gifts to send to Tracey so that she may share our pictures with the Children. In addition, Tracey will send us photographs of the children that she will take on Christmas that I will share with all of you.
Again, thank you, everyone so much.
–Janelle Rynes
This is what we sent:
7 Soccer Balls 3 Kickballs
2 basketballs 1 Volleyball
1 Small Ball 1 Air Pump for the
1 Yoyo Balls
15 Coloring Books 48 Gel Pens
15 boxes of Crayons 20 Markers
12 Glue Sticks 5 Boxed Puzzles
2 Sets of 12 Paints and Paint Brushes
300 Sheets Construction Paper
6 Sets of Twin Sheets 2 Pillows
8 Towels and washcloths 43 Sponges
48 Combs 12 Hair Brushes
71 Toothbrushes 31 Tubes Toothpaste
4 Small Boxes Detergent 98 Bars of Soap
3 Large Boxes Laundry Detergent
Advent at St. Luke’s
Preparation for Advent Saturday November 29th at 5:00 pm. We will meet in the sanctuary to prepare it for the Advent season. There will be refreshments. All are invited
Adult Sunday School for Advent begins Sunday, November 30th, at 9:45 am in the Wesley Room. We will use a 4 session study, Mary Had a Baby: An Advent Study based on African-American Spirituals
Poinsettia Orders Begin November 30th
Beginning November 30th, order forms for poinsettias will be available each Sunday. Cost for the poinsettias is $9.50. Please indicate a preference for red or white. Poinsettias may be purchased in honor or in memory of loved ones. They will be used to decorate the church on Sunday, December 21st, and may be picked up following the service; or please indicate if you would like it delivered to someone unable to attend church.
Christmas at St. Luke’s Shelter
On both Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Shelter remains open all day. The residents, who must leave by 7 am every other day of the year, can sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast and relaxing day. The Thanksgiving meal, with all the trimmings, is generously provided each year by our local Fresh Fields/Whole Foods. Christmas dinner is prepared by June Kress and Dennis Soiberman.
We have asked each resident to name something ($30 and under) he would like for Christmas. The list will be posted on the bulletin board in the Wesley Room. Two or three people could go together to make one of these purchases. Please wrap and tag your gift and bring it to the church office by December 21st.
Christmas Pageant on December 14
With the special help of our children and the choir, we will hear the Christmas story told in scripture and in music on Sunday December 14th.
Christmas Pot-Luck Feast for Cuba
After church on the 14th we’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall for a Christmas pot-luck feast to benefit the upcoming Volunteers in Mission trip to Cuba. Sign up on the bulletin board in the Wesley Room and bring a dish to share. Suggested donation for the Volunteers in Mission trip will be $5, and more will be gratefully accepted. For more information contact Sylvia Zulu, sylzulu@yahoo.com.
Christmas Caroling on December 21st
Look for more information about this fun community event in the Weekly Messenger.
Looking for a Christmas Gift with a Special Message?
Jazz in the Garden T-Shirts are available today! Shirts are $14. If you’re interested in purchasing one, please contact Curt Canada, rdeanie@starpower.net.
Shelter Dinner Opportunity December 21
A group of church members and friends provides dinner for the Shelter residents on the third Sunday of every month. If you’d like to be a part of this enjoyable and rewarding experience, contact Nikki Parker or Cory Scott at nicoleparker555@hotmail.com and scott@urbanretail.com
New members to be received January 25th
New members will be received into the congregation during worship on January 25th. On the Sunday before, January 18th, there will be an orientation after coffee hour for those who plan to become members. If you are thinking of becoming a member, please let Anne know.
News from the Kitchen
Thanks to everyone who came out for the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon on the mall last weekend. This event is one of the best tools we have to raise awareness and of course, money for the programs that help people experiencing homelessness in our neighborhood and beyond. Thank you for participating! Did you know that the Next Step Kitchen now has a regular newsletter? That’s right, we will be sending out news about the Kitchen via e-mail to anyone who is interested. If you would like to receive the newsletter send me your e-mail address at susan@nextstepkitchen.org. Finally, are you constantly changing your printer cartridge? Please consider recycling that cartridge by dropping it off in the drop box in the Wesley Room. The Kitchen is working with a recycling company that will donate anywhere up to several dollars per cartridge. This money could end up making a real difference if you all do as much work as I think you do!!
--Susan Keenan
Shelter Notes
As the year-end approaches, St. Luke's Shelter is focused on ways to harness the generosity of the surrounding community which has supported the program for so many years. We had a good turn-out for the first meeting of the Shelter Development Taskforce with lots of ideas expressed, such as having a "house party" early next year for donors, friends, and special guests. The Taskforce will meet again on Dec. 15th at 7 pm in the Wesley Room and all are welcome. Other year-end activities include our annual donor mailing on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd, 7 pm, Wesley Room. If you can handle "stuffing, sealing, and stamping" (but no licking!), please join us for a productive, fun evening. The Shelter Steering Committee will meet a week later (12/10), also at 7 pm, to hear about the Walkathon turnout, Shelter holiday plans, and lots of other activities.
Combined Federal Campaign Includes St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen
Federal employees take note – St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen has been accepted by the Combined Federal Campaign! Our number is 7940. Please tell your co-workers about St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen and encourage them to make it a part of their annual payroll deduction for charitable contributions. If your workplace is sponsoring an informational fair during the Campaign, please try to have St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen included in fair. Call or email Next Step Kitchen’s Executive Director, Susan Keenan, at 202-337-4275 and susan@nextstepkitchen.org.
December Birthdays
Dorothy Preston Dec. 2
Paul Burgess Dec. 11
Arthur Henderson Dec. 11
Beth Sworobuk Dec. 17
Joel Rynes Dec. 19
Martha Wagner Dec. 19
Derek Willis Dec. 19
Tuesday night study group. This small informal group offers spiritual focus and support during the Advent season. Meets 7:30-8:30 in Anne’s office (enter by the office door).
Wednesday evening prayer. A quiet time of sharing and prayer during Advent. Every Wednesday in the Chapel at 7:30 pm.
News from our church family
My father just started his new job, thanks to everyone for prayers. My job at the hospital in Georgetown is busy and fun. My nephew Jackson's first birthday was November 16th and I went to Georgia to celebrate it with him. –Nikki Parker
Joys and concerns…
For Dorothy Preston’s friends, the Nunby and Lacey families, suffering the sudden death of loved ones
For Sonia’s friend Jeremiah Knight’s brother who passed away
For the family of Katie Arnold’s colleague Tom who died in a car accident
For the joy of participating in Mayor William’s Summit Meeting
For The Washington International Church as they await approval of proposal to buy a nearby church building
For Ian Zulu, brother of Sylvia, Rosalyn and Kirsty, recovering from a car accident in Zambia
For Molly’s brother Michael
The joy of Emily’s mother visiting and in worship
Rob shared the sense of connection he and Annette have felt at St. Luke’s and asked for our prayers as they leave for Norway (Annette and the children) and Baghdad (Rob)
For the family of Leslye’s co-worker Deidre, who died unexpectedly
For Nikki’s father traveling internationally
For homeless people as the weather turns cold
Dorothy Preston asked for continued prayer for those in military service and for her in her work of helping them during such a stressful time
For Dorothy Bowers, continuing to recover from surgery
Joyce shared the joy of the Wagner’s son Matthew Scruggs return from military service in Kuwait and Iraq
For Michael Veltri, recovering from additional surgery
For Beth and DJ, whose baby is due in early March
For Kim and Robbie, whose baby is due in January
For our Volunteers in Mission team as it prepares for the trip to Cuba in August 2004
For the military in Iraq and for the people of Iraq
For situations of danger and violence in the world
For the community of St. Luke’s Shelter.
For Wings of Hope Orphanage in Haiti
For our members who are unable to attend because of their health: Margaret Roberts, Jeanne Goss, Vernon Thomas, Lucille Dade, and Dorothy Bowers.
Yoga on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at church. Contact Beth (bethsworobuk@aol.com) for more information.
Coffee Hour Hosts for December
7
14 Christmas Pot-luck Feast for Cuba
21
28
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 you’d like to host next month. If you’ve never hosted and want guidance, contact Joyce Wagner at joyce.f.wagner@att.net or 703-836-8064.
Scripture Texts for December
7 Malachi 3: 1-4, Philippians 1: 3-11, Luke 3:1-6
14 Zephaniah 3: 14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3: 7-18
21 Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10: 5-10, Luke 1:39-45
24 Isaiah 9: 2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2: 11-14, Luke 2:1-20
28 Luke 2:41-52
The scripture texts for Advent lead us from the vast to the particular: from cosmic signs and wonders to the wonder of God dwelling with us. The brief season of Advent begins a new church year. Christmas lasts for the twelve days until Epiphany on January 6th.
New church directories are available. Pick one up in the Wesley Room after church.
Put yourself on the map. We now have a map on the wall in the Wesley Room so that we can see where everyone is from and also the places we all keep in our hearts. Please add your places during coffee hour today.
Many November thanks to...
Likando Kumoyo and Sylvia Zulu for cleaning up the sanctuary pews after each Sunday worship service … Derrick and Joyce Wagner for always making sure we have the basic coffee hour supplies …our hard-working council members whose three-year terms of office come to an end this month: Curt Canada, Karen Cox, Julie James, Kate Ransom-Silliman, and Sylvia Zulu … Karen Cox and Sonia Peters-Kassambara who are taking a break from being worship leaders on Sunday morning… Nancy Smyrnas for coming early every Sunday to make the coffee… our team of counters: … if you’d like to thank somebody for doing something big or small next month, email to shalom@saintlukesmethodist.org or call the church office 202-333-4949.