From Anne …
The church council recently held a day-long retreat, the first of several times this summer when the council will focus on our common future. It’s an exciting time for our church, and also a challenging time. The retreat aimed to define the crucial areas of ministry in the life of the church, based on the visioning workshop the entire congregation participated in last March
Three areas emerged as the pillars on which all else stood: worship, outreach to people in need, and Christian education. The council is now in the process of developing an action plan for each of these areas, which will be brought back to the congregation for further discussion.
A guiding concept also emerged from the retreat: each one of the three ministry areas needs to be full of vitality. Each one has the potential to become the gateway for church members to enter the wider life of the congregation. For instance, one person spoke very movingly about how Christian education becomes for her the way to enter more fully into both worship and ministry to people in need. For a surprising number of council members, ministry to those in need was the primary way they had experienced entry into the fuller life of the church. And for some, the area of worship and music offered that entry point.
What we realized as we talked was that each of these areas holds the potential to deepen our faith experience and to open the way into the other dimensions of our life together; and if any one area dominates the life of the church, the congregation ultimately becomes weaker. One person talked about her experience with a church that devoted so much of its energy and resources to providing immediate services to the poor that it neglected the worship needs of the congregation. Another person described having been a part of a congregation that poured its energy and resources into worship but failed to make the connection between worship and caring for those in need. It was a beautiful show, she said, but empty. Both these stories were like morality tales for us, holding up clear examples of how essential it is for us to embrace the fullness of our life in Christian community so that as a congregation we may continue to grow in faith.
So this is just an interim report to you about the council’s work this summer. There’s more to come – stay tuned!
July Schedule of Events
1 Grate Patrol 7-9 pm
Study Group 7:30-8:30 pm
2 Evening Prayer 7:30-7:45 pm
4 Independence Day - Office Closed
6 Holy Communion
Grate Patrol offering
8 Study group 7:30-8:30
9 Evening Prayer 7:30-7:45 pm chapel
10 Jazz in the Garden 6:30-8:30 pm
13 Ramzy Azar to Speak at Coffee Hour
14 Group to Explore Sanctuary 7:30 pm
15 Study Group 7:30-8:30 pm
16 Evening Prayer 7:30-7:45 pm
20 our turn with Shelter dinner 6:45 pm
22 Study group 7:30-8:30 pm
23 Evening Prayer 7:30-7:45 chapel
24 Jazz in the Garden 6:30-8:30 pm
27 Robert Hyman Exhibit Opening 12:15-2pm
29 Study Group 7:30-8:30 pm
30 Evening prayer 7:30-7:45 chapel
Next Step Kitchen’s Executive Director
Susan Keenan begins on July 14th as Executive Director of Next Step Kitchen, the job-training program for homeless men and women now taking shape as a program of St. Luke’s Shelter.
The Selection Committee is unanimous in its enthusiasm for Susan’s gifts and experience. Susan brings a wealth of organizational and management experience in working with the needs of homeless people. Most recently, at New Hope Housing in Alexandria, she has been Director of Post Shelter Housing, Program Director of the Falls Church (VA)Winter Shelter, and Program Coordinator for Max’s Place in Northern Virginia.
Susan will spend the first few months preparing for Next Step Kitchen’s opening in early 2004. If you would like to get involved with this great new ministry from the ground up, you can contact her at St. Luke’s Shelter (202-337-4275) to offer your help.
Grate Patrol Offering on July 6
Once a month we make and deliver 150 bag suppers for people living on the street. Please plan to stay after church on June29 to help make the meals. Our next Grate Patrol night is Tuesday, July 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). June’s Grate Patrol offering was $120.00
Shelter Dinner Opportunity on July 20
A group of church members and friends provides dinner for the Shelter residents on the third Sunday of every month. This month that’s July 20! If you’d like to be a part of this enjoyable and rewarding experience, contact Shalom Mulkey at st.lukesumcdc@verizon.net.
Combined Federal Campaign
St. Luke's Shelter/Next Step Kitchen has been approved for the 2003 Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area. The Shelter's designation number is 7940 and will be listed under "Local Agencies" in the campaign catalogue.
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS….
Julie James and David Workman are engaged to be married. They're planning a wedding for next spring in Julie's home state of South Dakota.
I will be heading to Pretoria, South Africa July 7th for a workshop on agricultural science and technology. It should be a wonderful experience, and I am really looking forward to visiting Africa for the first time (but I am dreading the 18 hour flight that is involved in getting there). I will miss you all Sunday the 12th, but the congregation will be in my thoughts and prayers.
-Adam Briddell
Ramzy Azar to Speak July 13th
Ramzy Azar, a friend of St. Luke's who recently completed a tour of duty on the USS Comfort, will speak after church on July 13th about his experience. Please plan to stay for coffee hour and an opportunity to hear from Ramzy.
2nd Annual Jazz Concert Series in the Garden at St. Luke’s
The 2nd Annual Jazz in the Garden Concert Series at St. Luke's 2003 Summer Season continues Thursday, July 10th, with the Greg Jenkins Trio. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket to sit on (no alcohol, please; children and dogs welcome). Free and open to all. All concerts start at 6:30 pm. Cancelled in the event of rain.
Group to Explore Sanctuary
The church council would like a group to explore how the sanctuary can better serve St. Luke's worship needs. This exploration will involve our thinking together about our common worship, and about how physical arrangements can support worship. We will hold an initial meeting on Monday evening, July 14th, at 7:30 pm. in the sanctuary. Please let Kim Pyle or Anne know if you are planning to participate.
VIM Newsflash!
You may have already heard the news that there will be no trip this summer but did you hear the even bigger news? We are going to Cuba in August 2004!
Please watch this space, in future bulletins, for more information about the specific travel dates, fund raising events, etc. We have a year to plan the trip and there’s room for everyone to participate in one way or another. Even if you don’t plan on traveling as part of the VIM team, you can help with planning, organization and fundraising activities.
So take the dust off those “teach yourself Spanish” tapes/CDs or enroll in a language class. Spanish is not mandatory for team members but the trip certainly provides a good incentive to learn or polish up on some Spanish.
¡ Hasta luego! Sylvia
Photographs of Mountaineer/Explorer Robert Hyman; Exhibit Opens Sunday, July 27
Come discover the world of exploration through the images of photographer/mountaineer/explorer Robert Hyman. His work will be on view in the upcoming Narthex exhibit starting Sunday, July 27. Invite your friends and neighbors to the exhibit opening, which will take place during coffee hour on Sunday, July 27. The exhibit will remain open that day until 2 p.m. The Glover Park resident has mountaineered and photographed extensively in North and South America and in other locales such as the Himalayas and Albania.
Hyman’s South American travels include Argentina, to climb the Western Hemisphere’s tallest peak (22,834 feet); Bolivia, to kayak on the world’s highest navigable lake (13,000 feet); and Panama-Colombia, to hike 125 miles through the Darien rain forest.
His more recent adventures include serving as a photographer on a medical research expedition to Mount Everest. The objectives of “The Everest Extreme ’99 Expedition” were to gather data on the human body’s adaptation to high altitudes and low oxygen and to test telemedicine equipment in this hostile environment.
In 2000, Hyman traveled to Guatemala where he studied the conservation and agricultural practices of the rural indigenous population and climbed the San Pedro Volcano (9,900 feet).
Closer to home, Hyman is president of the Glover Park Citizens Association. As always, the exhibit will be available for viewing before and after church on Sundays; it will be on display through Sunday, October 26. For more information, contact: Susan, 202/298-8688; e-mail: sciccotti@aam-us.org.
July Birthdays
July 6 Vernon Thomas
July 9 Nancy Smrynas
July 10 Margaret Roberts
July 21 Gladys Manuel
July 23 Dorothy Bowers
July 24 Derrick Wagner
July 29 June Smiles
Happy Birthday to All!
Summer in the Garden
It's hard to believe that it rained so much especially with the sunny dry weather that graced the beginning of summer. There's so much to share with you so let's get started!
In April, two medium-sized crape myrtles were added just outside the garden along Calvert Street. The crape myrtles are accompanied by an abundant array of pansies along the fence.
I'm extremely excited about this years' floral and herb additions. You will find nasturtiums which are said to have a peppery taste, borage which I discovered requires a lot of space, basil of all sorts, dill, rosemary, sage, and yes, back by popular demand tomatoes! Finally, you will find a very young black currant bush!
During April, May, and June if you stopped by, there were irises and then peonies in full bloom. I noticed just the other day that the dahlias, begonias in pots, and the assortment of daisies are somewhat ready for blooming. In addition, the container plants are a must-see.
I can simply tell you that this year's garden is something you must experience. Also, don't forget the annual jazz concert series here in the garden at St. Luke’s. Until next time, maybe I'll see you in the garden. – Curt Canada
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.
Joys and Concerns…
For Andrea’s friend Sara undergoing surgery
Eliot and Theo shared the joy of being out of school for the summer
For Derek Willis’ mother, retiring after many years of public school teaching
For the birth of Sophia Elaine, daughter of Heather’s friends
Joy that post-op tests indicate all clear for Michael Veltri
The joy of shared leadership: for Craig’s preaching, and the support work of many on Sunday mornings
The joy of Clint sharing his guitar talent in worship
Sylvia Cacciato and Dan Nabors shared the joy of their engagement
For guests and visitors worshipping with St. Luke’s
Carmen’s joy of sharing her grandfather’s 80th birthday
Susan Ciccotti asked for prayers for her husband Pete Hind’s family on the death of Pete’s grandmother, Mary. Thanks to God for holding Mary in abiding care.
Ben Tyree asked for prayers for his mother, Hazel.
God’s comfort for Paige Trevor’s grandmother as she grieves the death of Paige’s grandfather, and thanks to God for receiving Paige’s grandfather into eternal love.
For Victoria as she begins her internship at Children’s Hospital this week, and for Victoria’s mother teaching at a new school.
For Paula and Paul, awaiting the birth of their first child
For Lucille Dade, recovering from surgery
For Dorothy Pearson’s sister Eliza and for Dorothy.
For the 2003 Church Council: Penny Andrews, Curt Canada, Karen Cox, Allen Hengst, Julie James, Dorothy Pearson, Sonia Peters, Kim Pyle, Richard Pyle, Kate Ransom-Silliman, Leslye Wooley and Sylvia Zulu.
Situations of danger and violence throughout the world
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 meals each night.
For the community of St. Luke’s Shelter
For the 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.
Sunday Scripture Readings for July
6 Mark 6:1-13
13 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
20 2 Samuel 7:1-14a
27 2 Samuel 11:1-15
Coffee Hour Hosts for July
6 Open
13 Heather Burns and Ramsey Azar
20 Open
27 Susan Ciccotti
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.
Yoga Classes Every Monday and Wednesday
A practice of breath and posture that helps body 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.
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. Luke’s Directory includes friends as well as members, so if you’ve been attending and would like to be listed, please let us know.
Directory Updates
Paula Akompong and Paul Burgess
520 West Fern Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
(909) 793-8039
paburgess@earthlink.net
akosua_fosua@yahoo.com
Sara Horton
8183 Curving Creek Court
Springfield, VA 22153
(703) 370-6070
Julie James
223 Dale Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 587-7124
Penny Smith
3620 Edmunds Street
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 338-8936
Kenneth Steward
600 Maplewood Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Sylvia Zulu
Cell phone: (202) 460-9340